Chronic diseases no longer need to be lethal

The increased level of care – combined with good nutrition – means that pets are living longer, making chronic diseases more likely. ‘Chronic disease’ is a catch-all term for any condition or illness that lasts for at least a year, but really it refers to diseases that are likely to last for the remainder of a pet’s life. These include heart conditions, kidney failure, epilepsy, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hormonal conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.

Prevalence of the pathology

In view of such a wide range of diseases, it perhaps isn’t surprising that there is no clear picture of just how many dogs and cats are affected by chronic disease, nor which species is most affected.

In 2013, North Carolina State University identified kidney disease as probably the most common chronic disease in pets, affecting as many as 1 in 2 cats. Some other studies suggest that the prevalence of kidney disease is higher in cats than in dogs.

Early diagnosis

For many of these conditions, early diagnosis is key to ensuring the pet lives a long and happy life despite the chronic disease. Modern medicine has allowed these chronic diseases to be named and classified; whereas once every dog with a skin condition was dismissed as having ‘mange’, many cases are now in fact identified as atopic dermatitis (allergies). Regular check-ups are essential in order to spot developing problems before symptoms become apparent, but it is even more important to keep up with regular medication.

Medication

For almost all chronic diseases, medication needs to be given regularly to keep the animal stable. Whether it concerns a dog with arthritis or a cat with high blood pressure, maintaining the drugs at the right dose for the pet is imperative. This means that drug development – especially using novel formulations – is one of the most important areas in chronic disease science. Liquid hyperthyroid medication and once-a-month injectable arthritis treatments have made a huge difference to the health and welfare of pets in the UK, for example.

Novel treatments

Work to develop new medicines is ongoing. As science continues to advance the knowledge of chronic diseases in pets, novel treatments could be announced at any moment that make certain diseases a thing of the past. It is important to remember, though, that there’s often a big difference between what is happening at the forefront of research and what is available as treatment.

Several studies need to confirm the same findings before drug and food development companies start working on providing a solution for pets in the real world. It is too soon to say whether choline will one day be prescribed to help feline obesity, for example. But based on the lessons learned from previous treatments for chronic disease, it is unlikely to be a magic bullet, even if it does one day become a recognized treatment option. It is more likely that, as with injections for canine atopy, it will become just one more weapon in the arsenal.

The role of telemedicine

No matter how brilliant the drug is, good medical control also requires regular monitoring, allowing doses to be tweaked as necessary to provide the best result.

Owners can use apps to log dose and response in order to monitor their pet’s health if they have a chronic disease, and this can provide essential information for the vet. Teleconsults are also useful for monitoring chronic diseases without needing to see an in-person vet, and they are likely to become increasingly commonplace in the future. This is a positive development, as repeated visits to the vet can be stressful and expensive, especially if travel to a referral- level specialist is necessary.

While chronic diseases are presenting more of a challenge than ever, advances in medicine mean that such diseases are no longer a life sentence and many pets can live long, happy lives without symptoms.