Chronic Diseases in Animals: A Comprehensive Guide

As with humans, many of our pets suffer from chronic illnesses .
Dogs and cats, but also many pets, are now part of the family and are cared for accordingly.
For animals and humans, chronic illnesses and their necessary treatments mean worry, stress, frustration and often a significant financial burden. The term "acute illness" is intended to make it clear that an illness only occurs temporarily (e.g. due to bacteria) and is completely healed after treatment. Unfortunately, any acute illness can develop into a chronic illness.

I would like a few examples :

• Recurring inflammation of the ears in dogs (on one or both sides), whereby the time interval between healthy and sick is often significantly reduced.
• Renal function impairments in cats are often discovered purely by chance and, above all, much too late.

Of course, there are many other chronic diseases: allergies, arthrosis, insufficient detoxification capacity of the liver, pancreatitis, tumors, etc.

Unfortunately, conventional medicine often only knows symptomatic treatments that, in the long run, are often affected with significant side effects.

Experiences from human medicine and veterinary medicine have shown that additional treatment with alternative treatment methods can improve the quality of life of many patients.

By additionally using alternative treatment methods, the dose of conventional medicine can often be reduced or even a medication can be saved.

By the way, "alternative medicine" is not just homeopathy, there are many alternative treatment methods: acupuncture, autologous blood treatments, BioResonance, Horvi therapy, etc. Speak to
your veterinarian or look for a veterinarian who can save your animal's life through additional treatment and can make your own life easier.

Basic information about chronic diseases in animals

Chronic diseases in animals are long-lasting and often progressive conditions that can impact the lives and well-being of our animal companions. It is important to detect these diseases early and treat them appropriately in order to maintain the quality of life of the affected animals and increase their life expectancy. In this article, we will examine the most common chronic diseases in animals, their causes and symptoms, and possible treatment options.

Chronic diseases : Arthritis in animals

Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. It often occurs in older animals, but can also affect younger animals. The symptoms of arthritis can cause the animal to have difficulty moving and jumping, especially after a period of rest.

Causes of Arthritis

• Injuries or trauma
• Genetic predisposition
• Immune diseases
• Wear and tear on joints over time

Treatment options for arthritis

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Weight management and exercise
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Joint protection and supports

Chronic diseases : Diabetes mellitus in animals

Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as "diabetes," is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to transport glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells. This causes blood sugar levels to rise and can have serious health consequences.

Causes of diabetes in animals

• Insulin resistance
• Insufficient insulin production
• Genetic factors
• Hormonal disorders

Symptoms and treatment of diabetes

• Frequent urination and thirst
• Weight loss despite normal food intake
• Weakness and tiredness
• Treatment with insulin injections, diet management and regular blood sugar monitoring

Chronic kidney disease in animals

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slowly progressive disease in which the kidneys gradually lose function. This results in their inability to remove waste products and excess water from the body, leading to a buildup of toxins in the blood.

Causes of chronic kidney disease

• Congenital kidney malformations
• Infections and inflammations
• Toxic substances
• Long-term medication

Symptoms and treatment of chronic kidney disease

• Increased urination and thirst
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Treatment with diet management, fluid therapy, and medications to support kidney function

Chronic diseases : Heart diseases in animals

Heart disease in animals can occur in various forms, such as: B. congenital heart defects, acquired heart valve diseases or heart muscle diseases. They can significantly impact the animal's quality of life and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Causes of Heart Disease in Animals

• Genetic predisposition
• Infections
• Aging process
• Diet-related factors

Symptoms and treatment of heart disease

• Shortness of breath and cough
• Limited performance
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Treatment with medications to support heart function, diet management, and regular heart examinations

Chronic diseases : allergies in animals

Allergies in animals are immunological reactions to certain substances that are usually harmless. They can cause skin irritation, digestive problems and respiratory problems.

Causes of allergies in animals

• Environmental allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites
• Feed allergens
• Insect bites
• Contact allergens such as cleaning products or textiles

Symptoms and treatment of allergies

• Itching, skin redness and hair loss
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Sneezing and coughing
• Treat with allergy management, including avoidance of allergens, medications to relieve symptoms, and immunotherapy

Chronic diseases : prevention and management in animals

The prevention and management of chronic diseases in animals are crucial to maintain the quality of life of our animal companions. Some measures that animal owners can take are:

• Regular visits to veterinarian for the early detection of diseases
• A balanced diet and sufficient movement
• A stress -free home and social interactions
• Vaccinations and parasite controls

Chronic diseases : News from research on chronic diseases in animals

Research on chronic diseases in animals continues to develop in order to improve the understanding of the causes, the diagnosis and the treatment options for our animal companions. In the following, some current developments and progress in research on chronic animal diseases are presented.

Stem cell therapy for arthritis

Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment method for arthritis in animals. It uses the regenerative properties of stem cells to repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that stem cell therapy in dogs and horses can successfully relieve pain with arthritis and improve mobility.

New diagnostic methods for chronic kidney disease

Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for the successful treatment of chronic kidney diseases. Current research results focus on the development of new biomarkers that enable kidney diseases to recognize in an earlier stage. This can help veterinarians to take preventive measures before the disease progresses and causes irreparable damage.

Genomics research in heart disease

Genomic research helps to better understand the genetic causes of heart diseases in animals. Due to the identification of specific genes and mutations that are connected to certain heart disease, researchers may develop targeted therapy approaches in the future and identify affected animals at an early stage.

Immunotherapy for allergies

Immunotherapy is a promising approach to the treatment of allergies in animals. The animal's immune system is gradually used to the allergen to reduce the overreaction of the immune system. Current studies examine the effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapies (SLIT) , in which the allergen is administered in the form of drops or tablets. This method has the potential to offer a safer and more convenient alternative to conventional injections.

Conclusion

Research on chronic diseases in animals is a dynamic and constantly developing area. Through continuous progress in diagnostic and treatment methods, veterinarians and pet owners can better respond to the needs of their animal companions and improve their quality of life. It is important to stay up to date and to put the latest knowledge into practice in order to ensure the best possible care for our animals.

Authors to Chronic Diseases : Dr.Hd.Krause & Sven Jan Arndt