Geriatric Cat Research Articles

Surgical tooth extraction in cats and dogs. Part 1: basics of dental extractions

Background: Dental extractions in their various forms (collectively known as exodontics) are exceedingly common treatments in first‐opinion practice. Despite being something even the most seasoned colleagues often dread performing, it is a skill all veterinary surgeons, including new graduates, are expected to be confident in. However, veterinary dentistry is commonly undertaught in universities and so many of us end up being taught these skills in practice by our colleagues, who, in most cases, haven't had a significant level of formal training themselves and feel less than positive about the task. Therefore, it is no wonder that many vets begin to sweat at the idea of a geriatric cat with tooth resorption that's been booked in for extractions just before evening consultations. Fortunately, with but a small amount of knowledge and a modicum of practice, dental extractions can quickly become hugely rewarding and potentially transformative for patient welfare.Aim of the article: The intention of this two‐part series is to provide readers with the comprehensive knowledge needed to successfully perform dental extractions. This first part focuses on clinical anatomy, dental instrumentation and the basic principles of extractions. Part two, to be published in a subsequent issue, will focus on closed and open extractions, from initial flap design to closure.

Long-term effect of neutering on plasma luteinising hormone concentration in cats.

The objectives of this study were to validate a commercially available luteinising hormone (LH) cat ELISA, to determine whether the increases in plasma LH concentration that occur after neutering are maintained throughout cats' lives and if other factors such as calendar seasons in both intact and neutered cats, and neutering age in neutered cats, influence plasma LH concentrations. Stored plasma samples from client-owned cats were used for the measurement of LH concentrations. Clinical data, including age, sex, age at neutering and medical history, were reviewed. Two populations were included in this study: (1) a senior and geriatric cat population (⩾9 years old), including 18 intact and 18 neutered cats matched for age, sex and month of sample collection; and (2) an adult cat population (2-8 years old), including 45 neutered cats. LH concentrations were measured using a commercially available feline ELISA. Senior and geriatric neutered cats had higher plasma LH concentrations than age-matched intact cats (P <0.001). Calendar season did not influence plasma LH concentrations in the adult (P = 0.727) or senior/geriatric (P = 0.745) cats included in this study. No influence of age at neutering was observed on plasma LH concentrations (P = 0.296). Neutering causes a significant long-term increase in LH concentrations in cats and further studies are required to determine the consequences on feline health.

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in an geriatric Persian cat

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) is a rare condition that is caused by defective diaphragm and pericardium development. It occurs in dogs and cats and is most prevalent in Weimaraner and Persian breeds. This study presents the first report of a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a geriatric cat in Espírito Santo in Brazil. A 12-year old male Persian cat was referred to the veterinary hospital. Clinical examination revealed hyporexia, cachexia, alopecia, dyspnea, and an adherent and irregularly shaped nodule in the left caudal breast. Cytopathological examination of the abdominal nodulation revealed a mammary carcinoma. Thoracic radiography revealed PPDH. The animal was euthanized. On necropsy, the abdominal cavity revealed a part of the liver inside the diaphragm, and the thoracic view revealed the heart and liver inside the pericardial sac. Histopathological analysis confirmed mammary carcinoma and revealed dermatophytic pseudomycetoma. This is the first report of PPDH, which was incidentally detected, in a geriatric Persian cat that had survived for several years without diagnosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil. From the observations made, we conclude that comprehensive clinical examination, involving imaging, is important in detecting congenital abnormalities such as PPDH.

SAT-444 Long-Term Effect of Neutering on Plasma Luteinizing Hormone Concentrations in Cats: A Potential Role in the Pathogenesis of Feline Hyperthyroidism

Feline hyperthyroidism remains a major area of interest within the veterinary field given its high prevalence, affecting nearly 10% of geriatric cats, and that causal factors leading to this disease are not completely understood.1,2 Feline hyperthyroidism shares clinical and histopathological similarities with Toxic Multinodular Goitre in humans and therefore the discovery of driving cellular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of this feline disease may bring translational insight into the pathogenesis of the later.3,4 Gonadotropin hormones such as LH are structurally related to other glycoproteins including TSH and cross-reactivity between these and their receptors has been demonstrated.5 It is hypothesized that increased concentrations of gonadotropins in neutered cats might be implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism. This study aimed to determine the long-term effect of neutering on plasma LH concentrations in cats. Stored plasma samples from client-owned cats were used for measurement of LH and TSH concentrations. Clinical data, including age, sex, neutering age and medical history were reviewed. Two study populations were included in this study: (1) a geriatric cat population (≥ 9 years old): 18 entire and 18 neutered cats matched for age, sex and date of sample collection; (2) an adult cat population (2-8 years old): 45 neutered cats. LH concentrations were measured using a feline ELISA and TSH concentrations were measured by the Immulite canine TSH assay. Geriatric neutered cats have higher plasma LH concentrations (median, 0.25 ng/ml [25th percentile, 0.25; 75th percentile, 2.1]) than age matched entire cats (0.25 ng/ml [0.25, 0.25], P < 0 .001). Cats neutered between 6-9 months of age have higher LH concentrations than cats neutered before or after that period (P = 0.004). No correlation was found between plasma LH and TSH concentrations (P = 0.422). In conclusion, neutering causes significant long-term increase in LH concentrations in cats. Further research to determine whether this results in activation of the TSH receptor and ultimately in thyrocyte hyperplasia and/or hyperfunction is warranted.

Helping owners to support the emotional and behavioural needs of the socially mature cat

This article forms part of a series that considers the behavioural and emotional needs of the domestic feline — from kitten to geriatric cat — and how the veterinary practice team can support the cat's owners in maintaining its emotional welfare. The articles are based on a series delivered on behalf of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association. This article is based on the material presented by Vicky Halls (RVN Dip Couns, Reg MBACP) at the London Vet Show (November 2017). The article considers the respective needs of the cat at various life stages post kittenhood, as well as feline stress and its effect on the domestic cat, the cat's behavioural and emotional needs, and how owners can make appropriate provisions. In addition, the article considers the issues that can arise when owners wish to maintain a multi-cat household, and how best to go about attempting to integrate a new kitten or cat into an existing feline group. A future article will pay specific attention to the needs of the senior and geriatric cat.

Comments on the dilemma in the September issue: Pleural effusion in a geriatric cat

In the dilemma discussed in the September issue of In Practice, Elizabeth Hele described a scenario where you were presented with Ralph, a geriatric cat with a palpable mass and...

Pleural effusion in a geriatric cat

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is...

Eye examination in the cat: Step-by-step approach and common findings.

The ability to perform a complete eye examination in the cat is critically important for patients with an ocular disorder or a systemic disease, as well as for the geriatric cat. Cats may need short breaks between portions of the eye exam in order to minimize stress. For the clinician, use of ophthalmic equipment and interpretation of normal vs abnormal findings may take some practice in order to develop proficiency. This review is aimed at veterinary practitioners and outlines all the steps and equipment necessary to perform a complete ophthalmic examination in the cat. Although some specialized equipment is required, a complete eye exam can be performed with a modest investment in equipment and supplies. This article draws on published references for normal parameters measured in the feline eye exam, as well as the experience of the authors.

Geriatric cats: care within the veterinary practice

Understanding the needs of the geriatric cat is paramount to ensure correct management of these patients within the veterinary practice. It is important to recognise those conditions which can affect the ageing cat as well as the environmental modifications which are applicable to its wellbeing and normal functionality within the veterinary environment. Client education should be at the forefront of the veterinary practice to aid in the management of the geriatric patient and also help with the detection of early disease onset.

Approach to analgesia in the feline geriatric patient

The appropriate provision of analgesia is essential in all species. Pain causes intensification of the stress response, activates the sympathetic nervous system, affects food intake and metabolism, modifies behaviour and can adversely affect the immune response. If excessive pain is improperly managed, the sequelae can contribute to morbidity and mortality, particularly in already debilitated patients. In order to effectively manage pain, it is important to be able to recognize pain, utilize a multimodal approach and select appropriate analgesic drugs. Detection of pain, particularly chronic pain, can be difficult in cats and there are relatively few analgesic products licensed for long-term use in this species. Provision of effective analgesia in the geriatric cat can be challenging. This review aims to summarize how to first recognize the presence of pain in older cats and consider the pharmacological effects of ageing, and second how to adopt a multifaceted approach using the different classes of analgesics available.

Cerebral vascular hamartoma in a geriatric cat

An 11-year-old castrated male domestic medium hair cat was presented with neurological signs consistent with a right thalamocortical lesion. Computed tomography (CT) images revealed a heterogeneously, hyperattenuating, poorly contrast enhancing intra-axial mass within the right lateral ventricle. The histological diagnosis at post-mortem examination was vascular hamartoma with hemorrhage and necrosis. This is the first report of a vascular hamartoma affecting the thalamocortex in a geriatric cat. Also, this is the first time that CT images of a feline cerebral vascular hamartoma have been reported.

Feline systemic hypertension: Classification and pathogenesis

the increased availability of indirect blood pressure monitoring devices in clinical practice over the past decade has highlighted the significance of systemic hypertension in the feline population. Without routine monitoring and appropriate intervention, cats with undiagnosed systemic hypertension may first be presented with sudden-onset blindness as a consequence of either hyphaema or retinal detachment. the primary aim in the early diagnosis and treatment of systemic hypertension is prevention of hypertensive target organ damage (with respect to the eye, kidney, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, in particular). A prerequisite is a knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms and disease conditions that may contribute to the development of hypertension. This allows the clinician to determine those cases in which blood pressure assessment and longitudinal monitoring is essential and can assist in determining appropriate therapeutic strategies for control of blood pressure. Recent studies have also begun to explore the relationship that systemic hypertension may have with proteinuria and the progression of kidney disease. the geriatric cat appears most susceptible to the development of systemic hypertension, and monitoring of systolic blood pressure is often advocated as part of a routine health screen in cats over 9-12 years old. Consideration must also be given to cats suspected of having an underlying disease such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, or which are receiving therapeutic agents, irrespective of their age. much of our understanding of the pathogenesis of feline hypertension is extrapolated from studies performed in experimental animal models or in human patients, and interspecies differences are often poorly understood.

Anaesthesia for the geriatric dog and cat

In general terms, geriatric patients are defined as those that have completed 75-80% of their anticipated life span [7]. This is a more practical definition than assigning a particular age in years, as there is large variation in the life expectancy of the different canine breeds. For example, Great Danes and other giant breeds of dog could be considered geriatric at only six years and, alternatively, a toy Poodle or Jack Russell terrier may be older than 12 years before it is considered geriatric. Cats often live to 17 or 18 years, making them geriatric at about 14 years of age. Certain endocrine diseases, for example hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), may result in premature signs of ageing. In the light of this wide variation it is essential to evaluate each older patient individually. The ageing process affects many body systems and this article will outline the major changes that are relevant to anaesthesia. Many of these are interlinked. For example, the change in body composition may make the older animal more prone to hypothermia if it is thin, while the decrease in central nervous system activity makes the protective mechanisms which deal with hypothermia less effective. Similarly the age-related decrease in cardiac function will reduce perfusion pressures leaving organs with decreased reserve, such as the kidney, at increased risk from decreased blood supply and hypoxia.

AGE‐RELATED CHANGES IN THE ULTRASOUND APPEARANCE OF THE NORMAL FELINE PANCREAS

In humans, pancreatic hyperechogenicity and duct dilation are reported as normal aging changes. Similar changes have been reported with pancreatitis in the cat. We attempted to determine if aging changes occur in the ultrasound appearance of the normal feline pancreas. The pancreas of 84 normal (based on history, physical exam, biochemical profile, and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations) cats of varying ages was scanned. Pancreatic width at the left limb and body, pancreatic duct diameter at left limb and body, and pancreatic echogenicity compared with liver and surrounding fat were noted and compared with age and body weight. Lower and upper limits of the 95% reference intervals for pancreatic left limb width were 2.6 and 9.5 mm, and 3.5 and 8.5 mm for the pancreatic body width. There was no significant difference in pancreatic width between the left limb and body. Lower and upper limits of the 95% reference interval for the diameter of the pancreatic duct at the left limb and body were similar, and were 0.65 and 2.5 mm. There was a weak but significant linear correlation between pancreatic duct diameter and age, with increasing pancreatic duct diameter with increasing age. There was no correlation of pancreatic width with age, and no correlation of pancreatic echogenicity with age or body weight. Based on this study, feline pancreatic size and echogenicity do not change with age. Pancreatic duct diameter increases slightly with age and should not be used as a sole indicator of pancreatitis in the geriatric cat.

Management of Osteoarthritis in Cats

OA is a disease of the geriatric cat. Clinical signs include weight loss, anorexia, depression, urinating outside the litter box, poor grooming, and lameness. Radiographs, synovial fluid analysis, and synovial biopsy are used to distinguish this disease from the various forms of inflammatory arthritis that affect the cat. Management consists mainly of environmental manipulation. Aspirin, butorphanol, corticosteroids, and nutritional supplements are used for chronic treatment of painful OA in cats.

Cardiopulmonary Disease in the Geriatric Dog and Cat

The incidence of cardiopulmonary disease increases with age. Degenerative valvular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arrhythmias are common in the geriatric dog. Chronic bronchial disease, pulmonary neoplasia, and arrhythmias occur in the geriatric cat. Systemic diseases in both species often show cardiopulmonary manifestations. Medical management to treat the underlying disease and to control clinical signs is complicated by altered absorption, metabolism, and elimination of drugs.

The geriatric cat.

Journal of Small Animal PracticeVolume 9, Issue 7 p. 343-355 The Geriatric Cat* B. C. R. GRIFFITHS, B. C. R. GRIFFITHS 98, Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, 13Search for more papers by this author B. C. R. GRIFFITHS, B. C. R. GRIFFITHS 98, Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, 13Search for more papers by this author First published: July 1968 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1968.tb04654.xCitations: 4 † *Presented at the Eleventh Annual B.S.A.V.A. Congress, London, 1968. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume9, Issue7July 1968Pages 343-355 RelatedInformation