As people learn how to care for their disabled pets and see everything that pets with disabilities can accomplish, they can begin to realize that the most unusual part of these animals is not their limitations, but rather their abilities. Less obvious needs Some of the most common problems animals live with are not immediately visible. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, seizures, cancer, and cognitive or developmental problems can impact the quality of an animal's life, though they are not commonly recognized as disabilities. All of these conditions can be managed however, by loving pet owners working together with veterinarians. Kidney failure, for example, can be life threatening if not treated, but it can be managed quite well with a prescription diet and drinking plenty of water.
Owners can compensate for their pets' lower kidney function by making sure they eat less protein.
Heart disease can be managed with medication to equalize the animal's fluid balance and proper, carefully monitored exercise. Diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise, weight control, and blood sugar monitoring. Seizures can often be reduced with prescription medication. Animals with any of these conditions can often live very well, when their human families and veterinarians work together to modify the pets' lifestyle, environment, diet, medication, or a combination of the four. Many animals with mental retardation or cognitive function problems can do quite well with a little extra attention from owners, though results can vary widely depending on the pet's condition.