Immune system and ageing in the dog: Possible consequences and control strategies

摘要

In recent years, interest in the field of gerontology has been increasing, since the proportion of older patients is significant. This discipline has been defined as 'the scientific study of ageing and the aged through the integration of disciplines involving both biological and behavioural sciences'. The ageing process is dynamic and is a series of stages that begins with conception, continues with maturation, adulthood and senescence and ends with death (Hayek, 1998).