In the Literature
Mortier F, Daminet S, Marynissen S, Smets P, Paepe D. Value of repeated health screening in 259 apparently healthy mature adult and senior cats followed for 2 years. J Vet Intern Med. 2024;38(4):2089-2098. doi:10.1111/jvim.17138
The Research …
Understanding common abnormalities and subtle health changes is critical for supporting the health of aging cats.1,2
This study investigated the overall health of 259 mature (ie, 7-10 years of age) or senior (ie, >10 years of age) cats perceived as healthy by their owners. Study goals included identification of the most prevalent unnoticed abnormalities and subclinical conditions. Physical examination and laboratory testing were repeated every 6 months for 2 years in confirmed healthy cats to define the incidence and type of diseases that developed during that period.
To be considered healthy, cats were required to have no changes in general behavior, no clinical signs of illness, and stable BCS reported by their owner. Cats with previously noted metabolic or cardiovascular conditions were excluded. A detailed, standardized written history questionnaire and complete physical examination were performed at the beginning of the study, then every 6 months for 2 years. BCS and muscle condition score, dental calculus/gingivitis score, and thyroid palpation score were standardized and conducted during each examination. Blood samples were collected for CBC, serum chemistry profile, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), retrovirus screening, total thyroxine, and serum fructosamine, and urine was collected for dipstick analysis, specific gravity measurement, sediment examination, urine protein:creatinine ratio, and bacterial culture.
Prevalent abnormalities detected on physical examination included high BCS (40%), moderate to severe dental disease (35.5%), and abnormal cardiac auscultation (22%). Cats with abnormal baseline laboratory results (21%) were excluded from the remainder of the study. The most frequent laboratory abnormalities included International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage ≥2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism.
Of 204 cats confirmed to be healthy, 199 were available for follow-up for 2 years (or until death for cats that survived <2 years). During that period, 28% of mature and 54% of senior cats developed clinically relevant disease, most commonly IRIS stage ≥2 CKD (13.4%), hyperthyroidism (8.5%), triaditis (ie, chronic enteropathy, hepatopathy, pancreatitis; 7.5%), and neoplasia (7%).
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
Weight loss, dental disease, and potential cardiac disease are common physical examination findings in mature and senior cats. Preparedness to discuss and treat these conditions is important.
CKD and hyperthyroidism are common in mature and senior cats and may be diagnosed in cats considered healthy by their owners. Blood work and urinalysis are thus warranted with wellness examinations.
Approximately 25% of healthy mature cats and 50% of healthy senior cats developed new diseases during the 2-year study period, supporting the importance of active, long-term health screening with laboratory testing. Pet owner compliance with annual and semi-annual veterinary visits for mature or senior cats should be encouraged.
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