Lecture 9: Behavior Problems of Geriatric Pets Flashcards
CNS changes
decreased white/grey matter, neurotransmitters and O2 levels
physical changes in senior pet
arthritic joints spondyltic changes decreased muscle mass organ changes (GIT, UT, resp, cardiac)
cognitive decline
brains of older dogs/cats have beenfound to have neuropathic lesions similar to dimentia patients
physiologic changes =
behavioral changes :(
musculoskeletal changes leading to behavioral changes:
arthritis –> pain –> irritability –> aggression
inappropriate elimination
less tolerant of walks/exercise –> increased anxiety
digestive/urinary changes leading to behavioral changes
house soiling
medical issues: diarrhea, constipation, renal disease, urinary incontinence
special senses affecting behavioral changes
visual/hearing loss: more easily startled –> aggression
loss smell/taste: decrease intrest in food
CNS changes leading to behavioral changes
neurotransmitters: less social interactive, slower to obey commands, less alert/aware
top 3 VIN database survey of behavioral complaints in cats
excessive vocalizing
inappropriate elimination
disorientation
when does 50% of house soiling begin and what are the reasons?
after 10 years old
reasons: renal disease, diabetes mellitus, loss of sight/olfaction, “status issues”, cognitive dysfunction, no reason
when does inter-cat aggression occur?
new cat, younger cat, fear-induced, redirected, pain-elicited
hyperactivity and vocalization may be caused by
hyperthryoidisim, sensory decline, cognitive dysfunction, pain/discomfort, neurologic, “contact calling” owner
top 3 behavior complaints in VIN database survey on geriatric dogs
multiple signs of anxiety
separation anxiety
wandering
anxiety
secondary to discomfort, pain, sensory decline
will see: increased vigilance, trembling, tail tucked/ears back, panting, pacing, hiding
reasons for urination house soiling
renal disease, arthritis (unable to get up fast enough), fear/anxiety (storm phobia, SA), cognitive decline
reasons for defection house soiling
neurologic (loss of control), arthritis (inability to posture), changes in diet, GI disease, anxiety, cognitive decline
separation anxiety definition
when is it most commonly seen?
sensitive to changes in routine
bi-modal age groups: young and very old
noise phobias
increased anxiety and increased sensitivity
nocturnal restlessness
sleep disturbance due to medical issues
its the #1 thing seen with cognitive effects
decreased REM sleep, increased elimination needs, physical discomfort,anxiety, cognitive decline
excessive vocalization
distress vocal
attention seeking
separation anxiety
cognitive dysfunction syndrome
human directed aggression causes
defensivefear, secondary to anxiety, pain, sensory decline
signs: increased vigilance, trembling, tail tucked, panting
inter-dog aggression: reasons
hierarchy issues, communication issues most common
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
recently recognized age related disorder associated with physical and chemical changes in brain