Why repeated health checks matter for healthy older dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The clinical relevance of repeated health screenings in aging dogs remains unclear. Moreover, which physical or laboratory variables are associated with survival have not been thoroughly studied. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the health status of apparently healthy older dogs and determine which diseases are manifested in confirmed healthy dogs within 2 years, based on extensive health screening. Assess the predictive value for mortality of various clinicopathological variables at baseline in confirmed healthy older dogs. ANIMALS: A total of 122 apparently healthy senior and geriatric dogs. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal study. History, physical examination, blood testing, and urinalysis were performed at baseline and every 12 months for 2 years. RESULTS: At baseline, 20% of apparently healthy older dogs were diagnosed with ≥ 1 disease, resulting in 98 confirmed healthy dogs included in the follow-up study. The most common emerging disorders within 2 years were neoplasia (cumulative incidence, 12%), azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD, 8%), neurologic disease (11%), or orthopedic disorders (5%). Malignant neoplasia could be detected in 47% (8/17) of dogs on physical examination, including rectal, skin, and mammary gland palpation. Only age group was associated with survival in confirmed healthy dogs at baseline, with geriatric dogs being more likely to die compared with senior dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Routine health screening helps to detect unrecognized diseases in older dogs. Repeated screening for CKD, rectal palpation, and assessment of neurologic and orthopedic health seem most relevant.