Preventive healthcare of the older cat. What is recommended and why?

Presented by Sarah M. A. Caney, BVSc, PhD, DSAM (feline), MRCV

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

AssignedWebcast

Name

First name *

Last name *

License number *

Province where you practise *

Email *

Questions

1. When is a cat considered old? *

Cannot generalize as it is breed-specific

Considered senior when > 11 yrs and geriatric when 15+ yrs

Cats are defined as having reached old age at 7 years

Irrelevant as wellness is managed the same regardless of age

2. Of the following common conditions in older cats, which has the highest incidence based on published incidence data? *

Osteoarthritis

Chronic renal failure

Cognitive dysfunction

Hyperthyroidism

3. Owner input during wellness examinations is critical to assessing for subtle signs of age-related illness. Of the following, what method facilitates accurate assessment of the cat’s behavior? *

Thorough history focusing on changes in attitude, appetite, thirst, mobility, and other behavior changes

A survey or questionnaire filled out by the owner in advance of veterinary patient assessment

Video of cat’s movement/mobility

All of the above

4. According to iCatCare, what is the ideal wellness screening in an 11-year-old cat? *

Annual history, physical examination, and weight

A + blood pressure measurement and urine specific gravity (USG) and dipstick

B at 6 to 12 month intervals + an annual full urinalysis and CBC with biochemical profile

C + annual echocardiography

5. Based on data presented in the webinar, what percentage of apparently healthy older cats had health issues identified on routine screening that would benefit from therapeutic intervention? *

None – all cats that were asymptomatic had screening assessments within reference ranges

10%

25%

33%

6. Which of the following statements is false? *

Finding a 10% weight loss when no dietary weight loss program has been implemented is significant and should prompt further assessment

A USG of < 1035 without diuresis therapy (dietary or pharmaceutical) should prompt further assessment

Finding evidence of urinary tract inflammation/infection should be treated with antibiotics even if no clinical signs exist

Palpation of a mass in the thyroid region should prompt further assessment SUBMIT