The other day I saw Ms. G with her pet "Misty." "Misty" is a black, domestic, short hair cat that had just turned 19 years old.

I couldn't help but wonder at how far veterinary medicine has come in just the ten years since my graduation from veterinary school at the University of Florida. Pets are not only living longer these days, but the quality of those years has been vastly improved.

We are currently using medications that were initially used to treat joint injuries in racehorses to help rebuild the damaged cartilage in dogs with arthritis. Additionally, both the development of very specific pain medications for arthritis and the creation of drops for canine senility have greatly increased the quality of these later years.

Unfortunately, despite advances in other areas, kidney failure remains a significant cause of death in older pets. It is estimated that virtually all dogs older than eight years, and many older cats, suffer from some degree of kidney disease.

Field research suggests that a low protein diet may help to slow or even prevent kidney failure. Several research programs are currently testing this theory in the hopes of proving that special diets can prevent toxin buildup without protein-starving the pet.

Early detection is still the key to successful kidney disease management and I urge you to be alert for subtle symptoms in your dog or cat. Things to look for are increases in water consumption and frequency of urination, a coat that begins to look dry or unkempt, weight loss or lack of appetite, and a decline in your pet's activity level. Vomiting and dehydration are symptoms of more serious kidney failure.

If you suspect kidney disease in your pet, please call your veterinarian to arrange for an examination. Early detection and medical management are the best treatment if you wish to ensure your pet's good health and longevity.

Oh, and I almost forgot, as for "Misty", the 19 year old cat that started us on this interesting subject, she checked out just fine. She is on a special diet, sleeps a lot with punctuated periods of alert playfulness. Not bad for a cat that in human terms is over 100 years old!