Blog Post

Case Report – The Geriatric Patient

  • by Dundas
  • 07 Feb, 2017
In Veterinary practice we have the privilege of seeing and treating all ages of pets.  Whilst there can be nothing cuter than the first puppy or kitten consult, we must not overlook the importance of the other end of the age range – our geriatric patients.  These pets have been part of our lives for many […] The post Case Report – The Geriatric Patient appeared first on Dundas Veterinary Group.
In Veterinary practice we have the privilege of seeing and treating all ages of pets.  Whilst there can be nothing cuter than the first puppy or kitten consult, we must not overlook the importance of the other end of the age range – our geriatric patients.  These pets have been part of our lives for many years, often accompanying us through major life events and we must ensure that they continue to receive the right level of care as they go through the inevitable ageing process.
A cat can start showing signs of old age from 11 years old and a dog at 8 years old although this can be very variable between breeds.  The signs can be both physical and / or behavioural.
One of the most common physical changes that we see is the development of osteoarthritis.
Cats can be subtle in their clinical signs so owners should look for these carefully.  Examples include:
  • A hesitation or reluctance to jump up to or down from surfaces
  • Toileting in inappropriate places – this can be due to discomfort / pain as well as cognitive (behavioural) changes.
Dogs are usually a little easier to read and so the perception of pain is quicker but signs include:
  • Stiffness after rest
  • Reluctance jumping into the car
  • Hesitation going up or down steps which can then lead to toileting issues as they are unable to access their usual area.
Cognitive changes are becoming more recognized now as our patients are living longer than ever before.  The situation can quickly become very difficult for owners to manage causing a breakdown in the close relationship they once had due to frustration and often a lack of sleep that they may cause.
Cats frequently become more vocal and show repetitive activity especially at night.
Dogs may show confusion with a loss of recognition and interest in their environment.  They may also experience increased anxiety for example when being left alone which can be perceived as neediness.
As mentioned previously, these behavioural changes can also cause inappropriate toileting issues, which can further disrupt the bond between owner and pet.
So what can we do to help?
Firstly clinical examination and a basic blood screen can rule out underlying diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats to name but a few.  All of these are common in our elderly patients and contribute to the signs that we have discussed.
Where appropriate, for example with osteoarthritis or thyroid disease, medication can be given to relieve the symptoms and very quickly improve the quality of life, which is the ultimate goal.
As an owner there are several things that you can adjust at home which can also make a big difference.  These include:
  • Raising food and water bowls a little off the ground to reduce the stretch of joints or the spine in arthritic pets.
  • Cats may benefit from a ramp to their favourite feeding and resting areas.
  • Laminate and wood flooring are great for modern lift but is a huge source of anxiety and creates difficulties for older pets who have less strength and awareness of limb placemen.  Non slip mats can make it easier for them to negotiate moving around the house.
  • Litter trays can be adapted by lowering the sides and placing larger trays to make it easier for a cat to get into it and move around.
  • Owners of dogs should increase the number of times their pet has access to the outside for toileting possibly using ramps to avoid steps.
  • Pheremone diffusers such as Adaptil or Feliway can be used to reduce anxiety especially at night or when left in the house alone.
  • Enhance the environment by using puzzle feeders.  This may help relieve frustration in animals with reduce mobility.
  • Research is on-going into dietary supplementation particularly looking at the role of Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants and there are indications that these can help prevent some of the changes noted.
In summary, with owners and the Veterinary practice working as a team we can greatly improve the quality of life of our geriatric pets and allow them to live the long happy life that they deserve.
Meet a few of our “oldies”
 
Barney is a handsome older gentleman at the age of 13.5 years.  He was struggling with stiffness and tremors but has a new lease of life after starting a combination of medication.
 
 
 
 
Harvey is one of our oldest patients at nearly 17 years old with numerous health concerns including diabetes, but with regular medication and assessments from us and changes made in the home from his very dedicated owner, he is still enjoying a good quality of life.
 
 
by EMMA SHARP 23 Feb, 2024

We are now delighted to offer our clients an online appointment booking service through Petsapp and our webpage.

For clients who have downloaded our Petsapp, this can be done directly from your smart phone or through your online log in. For clients without the app, online booking can be accessed through the web widget on Dundas Vets home page Vets in Edinburgh | Dundas Veterinary Group (dundasvetgroup.co.uk)

If your appointment is for urgent veterinary care then please contact the surgery by phone as we reserve on the day appointments, and our friendly receptionists can arrange a suitable time. We hope that the Petsapp will make it easier for our clients to communicate with us, and us with them, though all branches will continue to be contactable by phone and online through our website.

Best wishes

Dundas Vets

by EMMA SHARP 23 Feb, 2024
We are delighted to welcome back Veterinary Surgeon, Will Chadwick, to the practice.  Will joins us as Clinical Director as part of the Management Team.

He will primarily be working at the Dundas Street and Granton Road surgeries.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Will back to Dundas Vets!
by EMMA SHARP 07 Dec, 2023
Our closures over the festive period are as follows:

Monday 25th December - all branches closed
Tuesday 26th December - all branches closed

Monday 1st January - all branches closed
Tuesday 2nd January - all branches closed.

All other opening hours remain unchanged.
During the closures, if you have an emergency, please call our emergency care provider, e-vets, on 0131 662 1689.

Please ensure you have enough medication for your pet to cover the closures.

We would like to wish all our clients a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!
by EMMA SHARP 27 Nov, 2023
Jane Scott sadly retired last week after over 20 years at Dundas Vet Group.
We had a little staff get-together to wish her well with some familiar faces joining us!
by EMMA SHARP 02 Nov, 2023
by EMMA SHARP 06 Oct, 2023
Its time for nominations for the Petplan Veterinary Awards 2024!
If you would like to nominate Dundas Vet Group or a member of the team, please follow the link below.
by EMMA SHARP 06 Oct, 2023
PetsApp is now live!

You can now join PetsApp which allows you to request appointments, order prescriptions and receive reminders for your appointments and routine treatments.

Download the app or head over to www.petsapp.co.uk
by EMMA SHARP 21 Sept, 2023
We are very excited to announce the launch of PetsApp - a digital tool to enhance your experience at Dundas Vet Group.

With appointment reminders, prescription orders and app messages to contact our friendly team more easily and the ability to update you on your pets recovery direct to your phone.

These are just a few of the benefits of the app.

We will give you lots more details when we launch next week!
by EMMA SHARP 12 Sept, 2023
Our Granton, Lochend and Oxgangs surgeries will be closed on Monday 18th September.

Our Dundas Street surgery will be open from 8.30am to 12noon for emergencies only.

Please ensure you have enough medication for your pet to cover the closure.
by EMMA SHARP 01 Sept, 2023
The RCVS has updated their guidance for prescribing veterinary medicines which comes into effect today.

This updated guidance may result in more frequent appointments for some of our clients with the main changes being around the dispensing of flea and worm prevention and controlled drugs.

Please be patient and understanding while we implement these new changes.

For further information, please see the RCVS link below or speak to a member of staff.

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