2- Geriatrics Flashcards
Define geriatrics
Study, examination, care, and/or treatment of the elderly
Age at which considered geriatric
Dogs
Cats
Dogs- age 7 yrs
Cats-age 7-8 yrs
Define neoplasia
Term for cancer
Define metabolism
Set of chemical reactions that happen in living organisms to maintain life
Categories of common geriatric diseases/ disorders
Neoplasia
Loss or function
Metabolic disorders
A change in perception, thinking, learning, and or reasoning ability cause by changes in the brain
Cognitive dysfunction
Examples of loss of function
Musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive dysfunction, incontinence
Cognitive dysfunction: what DISH stands for
D- disorientation
I- Interaction changes
S- Sleep patterns
H- house-soiling
Urinary incontinence most common in
Spayed female dogs
Causes of urinary incontinence
Spayed dog, decreased urethral sphincter tone, decreased mobility
Define incontinence
Loss of ability to hold urine or feces
Types of metabolic disorders
Hormonal imbalances
Electrolyte imbalances
Enzymatic deficiencies or imbalances
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a form of what disorder
Metabolic
Define diabetes mellitus
Insufficient insulin production by the pancreas, or the body’s cells become resistant to its effects
Hyperthyroidism is seen in (cats or dogs)
Hypothyroidism is seen in
Hyper - cats
Hypo - dogs
Cushings disease is what kind of disease
It’s also known as
Adrenal disease
Hyperadenocorticism
Cushings disease causes
Excessive production of glucocorticoid hormones by the adrenal glands
Liver disease may cause
Excessive production of liver enzymes
Signs of metabolic disorders
Polyuria/ polydipsia (frequently w dilute urine) , anorexia, weight loss or gain, alopecia, vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst
Alopecia refers to hair loss particularly
Bilaterally symmetrical hair loss
What part of treatment Theodore considers most important
History and PE
Age related changes in lens of eye
Nuclear sclerosis (haziness), doesn’t significantly impair vision. Increased opacity (cataract), May seriously impair vision.
Geriatric animals more susceptible to what other eyes issues
Glaucoma, eye infection (also lens problems)
Test glaucoma with a
Tonometer or tonopen
If hearing loss, caution owners not to
Startle, let animal loose
Common ear problems w geriatric patients
Susceptibility to rumors or infections.
Chronic ear infections of geriatric patients may suggest what
Hypothyroidism
Oral problems common in geriatric patients.
Periodontal disease very common (esp in small breed dogs)
Look for neoplasia of the mouth (black or red lesions)
Abnormal heart sounds may indicate
Rhythm disturbances, valvular problems, cardiomyopathy
When auscultating heart check for
Murmurs and irregular rhythms
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiac muscle disorders
Geriatric skin becomes a less effective barrier against _______, increasing susceptibility to ______
Pathogens/ infection
Muscle atrophy
Muscles waste away
Seborrhea or pyoderma May indicate
Hypothyroidism (over production of sebum and pus filled skin elevation)
Alopecia May be a sign of
Metabolic disorders
Skin nodules may be _____ or _____
Neoplastic or benign (lipoma)
Cysts of oil producing sebaceous glands cause
Common in
Sebaceous cysts
Common in small breed dogs
Why nails need to be trimmed often in older animals
Less activity therefore less wear
Assist walking
German shepherds prone to what skeletal problem
Hip dysplasia
Musculoskeletal PE, observe
Gait for lameness, range of motion (ROM) of joints, palpate for muscle atrophy, palate for symmetry, listen for crepitus
Spaying is for
Neutering is for
Spay, female
Neutered, male
