Aging is a progressive degenerative process tightly integrated with inflammation. Cause and effect are not clear. A number of theories have been developed that attempt to define the role of chronic inflammation in aging: redox stress, mitochondrial damage, ageing of the immune and endocrine systems, epigenetic modifications, and age-related diseases. However, no single theory explains all aspects of aging; instead, it is likely that multiple processes contribute and that all are intertwined with inflammatory responses.
In a study by the University Of Georgia College Of Veterinary Medicine, veterinarians examined data from the Veterinary Medical Database to determine the cause of death for nearly 75,000 dogs over the 20-year period of 1984 through 2004. They classified the deaths by organ system and disease process and further analyzed the data by breed, age and average body mass. Eighty-two breeds are represented in their study, from the Afghan hound to the Yorkshire terrier. The study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine -- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.0695.x/abstract , can be used to create breed-specific health maintenance programs and is a starting point for future studies that will explore the genetic underpinnings of disease in dogs.
While some of the findings corroborate smaller, breed-specific studies, the UGA researchers also found plenty of surprises. Toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Maltese, are known to have high rates of cardiovascular disease (19 and 21 percent of deaths within the breeds, respectively), for example, but the researchers found that Fox Terriers also have high rates of cardiovascular disease (16 percent of deaths). Golden retrievers and boxers are known to have high rates of cancer (50 and 44 percent of deaths, respectively).
The study is very important because anticipates how things can go wrong for dogs, thus guiding veterinarians to formulate wellness programs to help keep dogs as healthy as possible. Yet, that cannot be done unless clients understand the importance of regular veterinary check-ups. A wellness program is particularly important for “middle-aged” pets, (pets 6 or 7 years of age or older), when health begins to decline more rapidly. Since every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to five to seven human years, many aspects of your pet’s health can change in a short amount of time. Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s general health and become aware of any health problems before they become serious illnesses. Your veterinarian may also wish to perform routine blood testing, urinalysis (urine testing) and other tests are recommended for all pets in their “senior years.”
Make sure your pet does not miss his annual exams, particularly if your pet is “senior”. The AAHA recommends that healthy dogs and cats visit the veterinarian once a year for a complete exam and laboratory testing, if possible. Senior dogs and cats should receive a wellness exam and lab testing more consistently (often twice a year) in order to effectively prevent and treat illnesses that come with age such as cancer, kidney, heart, liver diseases, inflammatory or metabolic diseases, etc.
"He who cures a disease may be the skillfullest, but he that prevents it is the safest physician." [Thomas Fuller] ... think about it!
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