{"id":1435432,"date":"2017-01-10T12:00:06","date_gmt":"2017-01-10T11:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-wp-int.laboklin.com\/the-geriatric-patient-check-up-exams-for-elderly-dogs-and-cats\/"},"modified":"2024-07-24T12:51:16","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T10:51:16","slug":"the-geriatric-patient-check-up-exams-for-elderly-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/the-geriatric-patient-check-up-exams-for-elderly-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"The geriatric patient: check-up exams for elderly dogs and cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=»2\/3″][vc_column_text]With the change in relationships from working dogs to companion dogs and cats, the expectation of owners to keep their pets for as long and as healthy as possible has increased<\/p>\n

After their active period of life, dogs or cats should be able to grow old without impairments.<\/p>\n

It is rare to have healthy elderly patients in a practice. Starting a prophylactic program in a timely manner can help increase the number of animals that do remain healthy.<\/p>\n

The aim of prophylactic check-ups in elderly dogs and cats is to recognize risk factors for diseases such as obesity, inadequate dental hygiene, and stress, as well as to recognize hidden problems and to initiate the appropriate preventive or therapeutic treatment. This can lead to a longer symptom-free life with a good quality of life. In addition, early recognition of disease and initiation of therapy is often less expensive and more effective.<\/p>\n

Regular check-ups that begin when an animal is still healthy have the advantage that individual physiological parameters like laboratory values can be collected and changes can be observed over time. That way, changes can be detected even if a value is theoretically still within a given reference range.<\/p>\n

Laboratory testing is an integral part, but not the main focus, of check-up exams. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) have published recommendations:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.aahanet.org\/Library\/SeniorCare.aspx<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

and<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.catvets.com\/guidelines\/practiceguidelines\/senior-care-guidelines<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Practice analyses in the USA have shown that approximately 40% of the prophylactic examinations lead to additional diagnostic testing or t herapies.<\/p>\n

Because preparing the patient as well as adequate history taking and consultation can be time consuming, it is advisable to make an appointment for a check-up. This can be combined with a targeted invitation to the patient. When starting a check-up program, this can also be combined with the timing of vaccinations. Later, extra appointments should be included.<\/p>\n

How old is a senior?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dogs are generally considered elderly when they have reached 75% of the typical life expectancy for their breed. As a rule of thumb, >9 years of age, 2 years earlier for large breeds, can be used for dogs. Prophylaxis programs should begin 2 years earlier.<\/p>\n

Cats are divided into mature at 7-10 years, seniors at 11-14 years, and geriatric at >15 years.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=»1\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t