The Trials & Tribulations of Geriatric Medicine

The past few weeks have been heartbreaking as I’ve had to say goodbye to many of my beloved elderly patients. While I know it was the right time and the best decision for each of them, it never gets any easier. As I reflect on these difficult yet rewarding cases, I am reminded of the incredible journey we go through together—me and my wonderful, crotchety old “bitties.” The emotional investment is staggering. 

From the joy of meeting them and getting to know their unique personalities, to the sorrow of uncovering their pain during a physical exam, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Alongside the challenges, there’s hope too. The medical advancements we’ve made in treating age-related conditions like arthritis and senility offer so much promise. I’ve experienced sheer jubilation seeing my older patients thrive after receiving the right treatments—watching them act like puppies again, running around, getting into mischief, and sometimes acting sassy. It’s nothing short of magical.

I can’t express enough how much I appreciate the hours of care you, the devoted owners, put into helping your senior pets. From orthopedic beds and toe grips for traction, to administering medications twice a day and even providing tailored diet plans, it truly makes a world of difference. The effort you invest doesn’t go unnoticed, and I am grateful for your commitment to your pet’s well-being.

But there is one part of geriatric care that breaks me, every time. It’s when I find clear signs of pain in a pet—pain that I know I can manage, or at the very least alleviate—and the owner tells me, “They aren’t in pain.” Please know that I’m only advocating for your pet, giving them a voice when they can no longer speak for themselves. In our older pets, many suffer from physical ailments like arthritis, disk disease, heart disease, and chronic kidney failure, as well as mental struggles such as dementia and the anxiety that often accompanies it. I urge you to trust that I’m doing everything I can to help improve their quality of life, and to consider their pain and discomfort with the seriousness it deserves.

Geriatric care is not just about pain management or monitoring lab results. It’s about providing the best quality of life for your fuzzy best friend in their later years. These pets have unique needs. For example, tools like Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips or Paw Friction can help improve traction on slippery surfaces, reducing their risk of falls and the fear that comes with it. As pets age, their nutritional requirements also change. There is no universal diet that fits every senior pet; their nutrition must be tailored to their specific needs and health issues. Supplements, when obtained from trusted sources, can be incredibly beneficial, and alternative therapies like laser therapy and acupuncture can provide great relief to many older pets.Though the end of life is never easy, it’s comforting to know that we’ve done everything we could to help them live their lives to the fullest. Humane euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions anyone will ever make, but it’s also an incredibly selfless gift to take away their suffering. It’s not a decision to be made lightly, but there are resources available to help guide you through this process. One such resource is The Ohio State University Veterinary College’s “How Will I Know?” document, which can be found here.

Life after saying goodbye is often a rollercoaster of emotions. The pain and sorrow of losing your best friend and family member can feel overwhelming. Survivors’ guilt is real. I too ask myself, “What more could I have done?” Some owners may even feel relief from the physical and emotional burden of caregiving, and I want to remind you that this is completely normal. Taking care of an elderly pet—just like taking care of a human—requires immense energy, both physical and emotional. Feeling relief doesn’t mean you didn’t love your pet, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing them. Your pet loves you, and if they could talk, I’m sure they’d say they want you to be happy, knowing they’ll be waiting for you on the other side.

As I reflect on the ups and downs of my work, I can truly say that every single one of your pets is 100% worth it. Thank you for sharing these journeys with me and for your furry companions. You are never alone in this process.