Geriatric Pets

Exam 3

Ages of senior cat

10 years or greater

Ages for a senior small breed (<20 lbs)

8-11 years

Ages for a senior medium breed (20-50 lbs)

8-10 years

Ages for a senior large breed (50-90 lbs)

8-9 years

Ages for a senior giant breed (>90 lbs)

6-7 years

When can dogs be considered a senior

when they reach the last 25% of their breeds expected life span

Common Health Concerns for Senior Pets

Dental disease

Cardiovascular changes

Osteoarthritis

Kidney Decline

Liver decline

Obesity

Vision/Hearing loss

Endocrine

Dental disease concerns

source of pain

leads to bacteremia and seeding of internal organs

Cardiovascular changes concerns

Mitral Valve Dysplasia is most common

more common in smaller breeds

valve between left atrium and ventricle becomes weak and will either backflow or not close completely

Osteoarthritis

degeneration of joints, associated with behavioral changes, loss of mobility

Kidney Decline

Kidneys can function with function as little as 25% capacity

Below 25% cant concentrate enough waste into urine and get it out of the bloodstream

Liver decline

Liver is regenerative but can still be damaged

signs of jaundice, and fluid in abdomen

lepto can cause liver failure

Obesity

May be more difficult on their joints

diabetes in cats

High blood pressure

difficulty breathing

Vision and Hearing loss

Cataracts

lenticular sclerosis

Endocrine

hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus

loss of weight, unkempt coat, increased HR, increased BP

Behavior Changes

Cognitive Dysfunction

Activity

Cognitive Dysfunction

loss of knowing how to do normal functions

aka getting stuck in places