William D. Fortney, DVM

Average puppy and kitten deaths during the first 12 weeks of life approach? 11%-34%. Still births or death within the first 24 hours account for 5% of the losses; an additional 5% loss occurs during the neonatal period; and 0%-5% loss in transitional & socialization periods. Infectious diseases are not the most common cause of neonatal or transitional period mortality.

The neonatal period is the first 4 week of life. During this critical period, the puppy or kitten has a different physiology and rate of development and than during the rest of the pediatric period. Once the puppy or kitten is 6- 8 weeks of age, then all of the development is complete and the youngster can be considered a "growing" adult.

Aging in dogs and cats is associated with gradual and progressive deterioration in the delicate body systems that eventually results in anatomical changes and decreased physiological functions. At some stage in the progressive decline, a "tipping point" is reached, where all of the physiological reserves are exhausted resulting in altered biochemical parameters; overt changes in diagnostic screening tests; and/or the onset of clinical symptoms of age-related disease occurs.

An animal's life can be divided into four stages; pediatric, adult, senior (middle age), and geriatric (senior / super senior). The senior / middle age years represents the transition period between the usually uneventful "healthy" adult years and the traditional "geriatric" age period where serious age related diseases are much more prevalent.

In the most recent AVMA pet owner survey, more than 39 % of the owned dog population were 7 years of age or older and these percentages continue to grow. This change in pet population demographics is due to in part due to several inter-connected factors. The slowly changing attitudes owners have toward their pets has significantly contributed to increases in their pet's life expectancy.

The goal of orphan puppy and kitten care is to maximize their health, well being, and socialization until they can be placed on a foster mother or adopted. The needs of the healthy young are very simple, water, nutrition and the proper environment. Obviously these husbandry issues are more critical in the newborn and the sick than the healthy 8 week old.

"Old age" in not a disease but is the sum of the deleterious effects of time upon the cellular function, microanatomy and physiology of each body system. These biological aging changes manifest in progressive deteriorations in physical condition, organ function, mental function, and immune response, but not necessarily correlating with the patient's actual chronological age.

To the owner, integument changes are the most obvious sign of aging. Aging of the skin and adenexa is a complex subject influenced by a combination of interrelated causative factors including wear and tear, cumulative cell damage from ionizing irradiation, and genetically preprogrammed cell changes.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, non-infectious, progressive disorder of any synovial joint. OA is characterized by deterioration of the articular cartilage, synovitis, with secondary bony changes. Osteoarthritis is classified as being primary or secondary in nature.

In the last AVMA pet owner survey, more than 39 % of the owned dog population were 7 years of age or older and these percentages continue to grow. This change in pet population demographics is due to in part due to several inter-connected causes.

Companion pets are happier, healthier and living longer today than ever before for several inter-connected reasons. Changing owner attitudes toward their pets, has significantly contributed to increases in life expectancy.

Definite personality changes and behavioral problems can be extremely challenging to the practitioner and extremely frustrating to the client. Some problems are mild and acceptable, while others are major concerns initiating euthanasia discussions. General behavioral changes are elderly patient's desire more attention, are more jealous, are more irritable, are less mentally alert, and have altered sleep cycles.

Dr. William Fortney describes why feeding senior diets to healthy older animals is beneficial.

The neonatal development can be divide into specific time periods; the neonatal period (birth - 2 weeks); the transitional period (2-4 weeks); the socialization period (4 -12 weeks), and the juvenile period (12 weeks - puberty).

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, non-infectious, progressive disorder of any synovial joint.

Definite personality changes and behavioral problems can be extremely challenging to the practitioner and extremely frustrating to the client.

The goal of neonatal care is to maximize the health and well being of the newborn puppy and kitten.

In the last AVMA pet owner survey, more than 39% of the owned pet population were 7 years of age or older and these percentages continue to grow.

A Senior Care Program provides a proactive comprehensive health care platform that addresses the older patient's special needs in a marketable package.

The neonatal development can be divide into specific time periods; the neonatal period (birth - 2 weeks); the transitional period (2-4 weeks); the socialization period (4 -12 weeks), and the juvenile period (12 weeks - puberty).

The goal of neonatal care is to maximize the health and well being of the newborn puppy and kitten.

The goal of orphan puppy and kitten care is to maximize the health, well being, and socialization of the puppy or kitten until they can be adopted.

In the last AVMA pet owner survey, more than 39% of the owned pet population were 7 years of age or older and these percentages continue to grow.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, non-infectious, progressive disorder of any synovial joint.

Definite personality changes and behavioral problems can be extremely challenging to the practitioner and extremely frustrating to the client.