Pet owners are known to be proud of knowing all the quirks and glances of their pets, yet the subtlest changes in their pet’s health will typically go unnoticed until they reach a crisis situation. Recognizing the earliest warning signs, especially after surgery, can significantly impact outcomes for both dogs and cats.
Early Warning Signs Demanding a Veterinary Exam
Changes in Drinking Habits and Urination
If your dog is suddenly drinking excessively (polydipsia), or if your cat has had several indoor accidents, there is usually no reason for this behavior other than one of the following three underlying conditions: diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection. The sooner you get your veterinarian to perform a blood test and urinalysis, the better chance you have at finding and treating these problems early.
Behavioral Changes Covering Up Pain
If you find that your cat is hiding a lot, or grooming compulsively, she probably has some type of pain due to arthritis, dental disease, or a urinary obstruction. If your dog is being less active, or reluctant to jump, he could have anemia, hip dysplasia, or spinal problems. Document these behaviors over the next 48 hours before determining whether this behavior is normal.
Gastrointestinal Problems Indicating Danger
Vomiting can be dismissed by many owners as a result of something that was eaten wrong, however, persistent vomiting can indicate that your pet has inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or an intestinal obstruction. Weight loss without any changes in appetite indicates that your pet has hyperthyroidism, parasites, or cancer. Also, changes in stool consistency, diarrhea, or constipation should prompt you to bring your pet into the clinic for a fecal examination.
Skin, Eyes, & Respiratory Cues
Any new lump or mass found under your pet’s skin needs immediate veterinary attention. Many owners will simply tell you that the growth is a fatty tumor and do not realize that the growth can be malignant. Any labored breathing, coughing, or pale gums are indicative of heart disease, pneumonia, or another serious respiratory condition. Cloudy eyes, redness in the eyes, or squinting require an ophthalmic examination to save your pet’s vision.
Post-Surgical Recovery Warning Signs
Post-Surgical Changes
Female spay patients will commonly develop polyuria with urethral sphincter relaxation that occurs as a result of estrogen withdrawal. If urinary incontinence continues after an extended period (usually temporary), then it will require a hormone panel and possibly medication. Males that are neutered may drink more water because their testosterone has dropped off; this may cause the owner to believe the patient has a renal problem.
Monitoring Wounds
For the first three to five days, mild redness can be present at a surgical site, however, if you observe any swelling, discharge, or excessive licking beyond day ten, the patient has likely developed an infection. A complete loss of appetite for longer than 48 hours increases the risk of dehydration and hepatic lipidosis in cats. Fever above 102.5°F (39.2°C) requires immediate submission of blood panels.
Post-Operative Behavioral or Mobility Changes
A sudden onset of aggression or vocalization usually means the patient’s pain is inadequately controlled. Restlessness or panting suggests there could be internal bleeding or that the patient is experiencing some other medication side effect. Any lameness or limping by the pet after surgery that includes an orthopedic procedure such as TPLO, or fracture repair must have radiographs taken to evaluate for either implant failure or malalignment.
If you notice post-surgery changes that continue beyond the expected recovery time frame, please consult a veterinarian immediately for a systemic examination.
What Happens During a Veterinary Consultation
Comprehensive Health Assessment
A veterinarian will begin a complete medical timeline – when symptoms first developed, what dietary changes have been made, what medications have been prescribed, etc., to look at how these factors may relate to each other and cause symptoms that owners may have overlooked such as lawn chemical toxin exposure or stress due to new people in the house. This is the best way to guide veterinarians toward an accurate diagnosis so they can make timely recommendations.
Medical Diagnosis
The physical examination will include palpation of all lymph nodes, evaluation of all joint mobility and heart and lung auscultation. A variety of blood tests including BUN, creatine, liver enzymes and glucose levels will also provide information about the functioning of various organs. In addition to blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound or CT scans are used to identify masses, fluid, or other structural anomalies that could not be identified through physical examination.
Disease Management Programs
The use of pain assessment tools allows for determination of appropriate doses of analgesics (opioids for moderate to severe pain, NSAIDs for mild to moderate pain associated with inflammation). The type of antibiotic prescribed for bacterial infections is based upon results of cultures, while treatment for chronic diseases often includes prescription diets or nutritional supplements. Urinary incontinence that occurs post-spay surgery may require phenylpropanolamine or hormone replacement therapy. Learn more about why dogs pee more after spaying.
The owner receives specific guidelines for monitoring their pet’s health: record water intake/output daily, weigh your pet weekly, document any changes in your pet’s behavior and report them to your veterinarian.
Preventing Illness by Observing Your Pet
Pets have developed to hide illness and show no signs of weakness even when safe at home. Performing daily health evaluations become second nature: look at your pet’s gums (gums should be light pink, moist) check the quality of your pet’s coat, and evaluate the consistency and frequency of your pet’s stools. Apps for smartphones can also assist you with tracking slight changes for your veterinarian to evaluate.
Conclusion
The small, everyday behaviors of your pet are indicators of its health. Most of what seems to be unusual behavior increased water intake, hiding, or an odd limp can be an early sign of treatable medical conditions that will lead to emergency situations if left unaddressed.
The combination of consultation and evaluation by your veterinarian will turn your observations into actions which bridge the gap between your instincts and your veterinarian’s knowledge and experience. Do not wait until your pet is displaying severe symptoms, take proactive steps to ensure those many happy years with your pet continue. Listen to the small, quiet voices of your pet and your pet will thrive.
