Geriatric and Hospice Care

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to geriatric and hospice care for pets.

Geriatrics

Study of health and disease in later life.

Gerontology

Study of the aging process and individuals as they advance from middle age through later life.

Senescence

Condition or process of deterioration with age.

Aging process

Decline in reserves and strength, increasing the likelihood of disease development.

Hospice care

Designed to support individuals during the final phase of a terminal illness, focusing on comfort and quality of life.

Palliative care

Focuses on relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness to improve quality of life.

Senior cats age range

9 to 13 years.

Senior dogs age range

7 to 11 years (small and medium), 9 years (large), and 5 to 7 years (giant).

Life stage of kitten

Birth to 1 month old.

Human equivalent of 1 year for dogs

15 years.

Human age equivalent for 3-year old cat

28 years.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of muscle mass.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS)

Neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual cognitive decline.

DISHA signs

Disorientation, altered interactions, sleep pattern changes, house soiling, activity changes.

Behavioral changes in aging pets

Changes in recognition, responses, and social interactions.

Effects of aging on cardiopulmonary system

Decline in cardiac output, decreased endurance, and increased cardiovascular disease.

Common cardiovascular disease in cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Common cardiovascular disease in dogs

Mitral valve degeneration.

Integumentary changes with aging

Loss of skin elasticity, tumor development, and changes in coat quality.

Immune changes with aging

Decreased ability to fight infection and longer healing times.

Gastrointestinal changes in aging dogs

Reduced colonic and rectal elasticity, decreased intestinal motility.

Renal changes in aging

Gradual decline in renal function and urinary incontinence.

Cognitive impairment effects

Slower reaction time, loss of fine motor control.

Risk for periodontal disease in oral cavity

Accumulation of plaque and tartar.

Management of cognitive impairment

Includes pain treatment, dietary therapy, and anxiety-reduction.

Nursing care key components

Comfort, hydration, and hygiene maintenance.

Nursing care for geriatric pets

Fluid therapy and feeding assistance.

Environmental stability for geriatric pets

No new pets and routine maintenance.

Geriatric wellness visits frequency

Every 6 months during the last 25% of expected lifespan.

Body condition score (BCS)

Assessment of obesity in pets.

Maintenance energy requirements (MER)

Energy needed for maintaining body weight and condition.

Palliative care goal

Improving quality of life for patient and family.

Quality of life indicators

Pain management and multi-modal care.

Advance directives in pet care

Plans for end-of-life decisions.

Companion animal death considerations

Maximizing comfort and dignity during the dying process.

Effects of aging on the nervous system

Decreased sensory abilities and cognitive processing.

Importance of client education

To empower owners in managing geriatric care.

Changes in canine aging process

Decreased activity and mobility.

Clinical signs of cognitive decline

Disorientation and changes in sleep patterns.

Behavioral interventions for aging pets

Routine and stimulation to reduce anxiety.

Hydration needs in elder pets

Assured fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Support for caregivers

Addressing anticipatory grief during pet aging.

Nutritional needs of geriatric pets

Balanced diet and caloric intake adjustment.

Importance of multi-modal pain management

To enhance quality of life in aging animals.

Veterinary advocacy role

Educate and support clients in pet health.

Facility for hospice care

Design providing comfort in terminal illness phases.

Treatment trials for aging pets

Evaluate medications and therapies for symptoms.

Environmental adaptations for aging pets

Creating safe spaces and easy access.

Mobility assistance devices

Tools such as slings and carts for aging animals.

Common diseases in older cats

Chronic renal failure and fatty liver disease.

Age-related behavior issues in pets

Reduced interactions and increased irritability.

Behavioral assessment tools

Helpful for identifying cognitive decline.

Supportive resources needed for aging pets

Comfortable resting areas and routine.

Communication changes in aging pets

Altered responsiveness to verbal cues.

Crisis intervention in pet health

Immediate care for deteriorating conditions.

Nutrition management in geriatric pets

Balanced nutrition is critical to health.

Response to pain in aging pets

Recognition of discomfort and adjustment of care.

End-of-life care considerations

Planning and discussions regarding final days.

Surgical considerations in geriatric anesthetics

Reversible and minimal duration of action.

Importance of pet pain assessment

To ensure adequate management of discomfort.

Integrated care approach

Combining medical and behavioral interventions.