Canine and Feline Senior Health Care

Canine and Feline Clinical Management - Senior Health Care

• Goals: Maintain pet health over a longer lifespan, minimize problems through preventive health care and early diagnosis, manage chronic diseases to maintain high quality of life, help owners prepare for and deal with pet's death.

Life Stages (Younger Years)

• Puppy & Kitten (up to 1 year): Large breeds — up to 18mos, vaccinations, parasite control, nutrition, behavior (OHE, neuter)
• Adult (1–6 years): Large breeds — 18 months – 4 years, vaccinations, annual exam, dental care, exercise, care as needed for illness/injury

Life Stages (Getting Older)

• Mature Adult (7–10 years): 5–8 years for large breeds, client education, manage nutrition, exercise, environment, grooming, dental care, regular check-ups, diagnostic profile (CBC, Chem Panel, UA, ECG, BP)

Life Stages (Senior Years)

• Senior (11+ years): 9+ for large breeds, client education, manage nutrition, exercise, environment, grooming, dental care, May need to adjust lifestyle, regular check-ups, diagnostic profile (CBC, Chem Panel, UA, ECG, BP, x-rays)

Metabolic and Physiologic Changes of Senior Pets

• Basal metabolic rate slows
• Cardiac output and lung capacity reduced
• Digestion may be impaired
• Diminished kidney & liver function
• Diminished immune function; bone marrow less active
• Nerve conduction slows
• Muscle mass reduced, less joint flexibility

An Ounce of Prevention

• Feed diet formulated for senior dogs/cats: fewer calories, reduce obesity, higher digestibility, increase available nutrients, less protein but higher quality, less strain on kidneys, nutritional supplements for joint health/coat conditions
• Regular, moderate exercise: maintain joint health, flexibility, strengthen bones, muscles, improve cardiopulmonary capacity

"Senior Friendly" Environments

• Less tolerance of temperature extremes
• Soft, warm bedding
• "Steps" (ramps) for access to furniture/platforms
• Low walls for litter boxes
• Elevate food & water bowls for large dogs
• Keep food for cats on floor (not high counters)
• Use mats/runners for slippery floors
• Blind dogs/cats — do not move furniture!
• Use hand signals for deaf dogs
• Younger dog may become dominant; do not fight!

Hygiene

• Grooming: Trim nails regularly, regular brushing for dogs/cats, hypoallergenic shampoo/coat conditioner
• Dental Care: Calculus accumulates over time, bacteria in oral cavity, dental cleaning requires anesthesia

At Home Assessments

• Owner observations: check monthly for lumps/bumps, check mouth, ears, eyes monthly, note stiffness/muscle weakness, note changes in exercise tolerance/coughing, changes in appetite/increased water consumption, change in urination/straining, diarrhea/constipation

Veterinary Care

• Annual or semi-annual veterinary exams, vaccinations, parasite control
• Diagnostic Screening: Fecal test, Heartworm test, CBC, Chem Panel, UA, ECG, BP, X-rays

Disease Onset

• Chronic: Long duration, recurring episodes, often progressive, conditions slowing symptoms can be managed for many months to years.
• Acute: Rapid onset, usually short disease course, many resolve with treatment.
• Peracute: Sudden onset, severe rapid progression, often not enough time to treat.

Managing Chronic Disease

• Slow the progress of disease
• Improve symptoms of disease
• Closely monitor response to therapy, modify as needed
• May include medication, nutrition, physical therapy, home nursing care, and diagnostic monitoring

Osteoarthritis

• More common in dogs, especially large breeds
• Stiff/sore, hard to stand up
• Worsens after intense activity/cold weather
• May improve with regular/moderate exercise
• May respond to nutritional supplements (e.g., Cosequin) and/or joint diets
• Pain management options include NSAIDs (e.g., Rimadyl, Metacam, do not give if pet not eating/drinking or has V/D) and opioids (e.g., Tramadol).

Chronic Renal Failure

• Older cats often affected
• Kidneys lose ability to concentrate urine
• Earliest signs are polyuria and polydipsia
• BUN, Crea elevated
• No clinical signs until at least 75% renal function is lost
• Progressive, ultimately fatal, but condition can be managed for months to years.

Managing Chronic Renal Failure

• Dietary management (kidney diet): low protein, low phosphorus, moderately low sodium
• Fluid management: owners may give SQ fluids
• Regular check-ups and diagnostic work are vital

Congestive Heart Failure

• Common in older dogs
• Cardiac output is not adequate to perfuse tissues and deliver oxygen
• Causes: valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias
• Symptoms: tachycardia, hypertension, fluid retention, cardiac hypertrophy and dilation
• Compensatory mechanisms

CHF

• Early signs: exercise intolerance, coughing
• Diagnosis: exam, radiographs, ECG, ultrasound, bloodwork, UA
• DO NOT stress CHF patients: may need to postpone procedures, be prepared to provide oxygen.

Neoplasia

• Very common with aging
• Symptoms depend on involved tissues (skin mass, limping, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, ascites, blindness)
• Neoplastic mass may be benign or malignant
• Benign: Normal morphology, slow growth, no metastasis
• Malignant: Abnormal morphology, rapid growth, metastasis to other tissues

Diagnosing Neoplasia

• MUST have cytology or biopsy
• Cytology: aspirate cells from mass
• Biopsy: excise tissue, preserve in formalin, submit for histopathology
• CBC, Chem Panel, UA, radiographs, ultrasound

Treating Neoplasia

• Benign: surgical excision
• Malignant (early stages): surgical excision, followed by chemotherapy or radiation
• Debulking: improve quality of life, extend lifespan

Caring for Cancer Patients

• Nutritional support: a/d, force feeding, omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Anorexia/nausea: Pepcid AC, Cerenia
• Immunosuppressed: no MLV vaccines
• Anemia: patient may be weak, easily stressed, be careful with procedures

Explore the vital aspects of clinical management for senior pets in this quiz. It covers preventive health care, early diagnosis, and chronic disease management to ensure a high quality of life for dogs and cats. Understand the different life stages and their specific health needs to improve pet longevity.