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Aging is a series of progressive degenerative body changes associated with decreased physiological functionality and a decline in the ability to adapt to metabolic stress. Geroscience particularly focuses on understanding the mechanisms of aging and multiple genetic and pharmacological therapies which have been developed in order to modulate the pace of natural aging and to prevent the age-related disorders such as cancer, kidney diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and many others; these geroprotective and senolytic interventions have shown to be beneficial for extending the life span and delaying age-related functional declines in rodents. Recent developments in geroscience also contributed to the improvement of quality of life and the extension of expected life span of cats and dogs. Like in humans, the life expectancy of cats and dogs varies significantly based on racial disparities; breed is an important determinant of life expectancy in pets. Other factors such as gender, genetics, environment, and stressors also play an important role throughout the aging process. Use of geroprotective agents by veterinarians is becoming more common day by day, extending the life span of pets and contributing to the establishment of a more peaceful home environment by decreasing the disease burden. This chapter will focus on the use of these geroprotective and senolytic agents and their overall impact on the prevention of age-related degenerative changes and disorders in companion animals: cats and dogs. |
