Geriatric and Hospice Flashcards
Geriatric
Branch of medicine dealing with problems and diseases of old age
Senior Cat Age
11-14 yrs
Geriatric Cat Age
15 yrs and older
Senior Dog Age
9-12 yrs
6-9 yrs for large/giant
Geriatric Dog Age
12 years and older
9 yrs and older for large/giant
T/F
Chronic diseases can change as a patient ages and becomes senior/geriatric
True
Many diseases will follow a standard process for young patients, but as they age it can differ from patient to patient
Why biannual exams for senior patients?
If a patient already has a disease, that should be monitored more closely because it can change quickly.
Or
Prevention and early detection for any potential disease and to easy the aging process
What age are patients monitored twice yearly and started on a preventative program and screening?
7 yrs.
Senior Labwork
Blood count
Chemistry screen
Urinalysis
+/- Chest radiograph
+/-Blood pressure
General symptoms of discomfort due to age
Inappetence, lethargy, weight loss
Signs of cardiac disease
Fatigue
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Cough
Respiratory disease
Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Breathing rate/effort
One of the most common
debilitating diseases in older animals
Orthopedic disease
1 organ to watch in aging cats
kidneys
Endocrine conditions in aging animals
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperadrenocorticism
