In this issue of Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, guest editor Dr. Mary Gardner brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Geriatrics. As the pet population ages—with research showing that 43% of patients are now considered senior—it is alarming that nearly 50% never see their vet before the end. In this issue, top experts cover key issues such as managing chronic pain, mobility challenges, sensory decline, and co-morbidities while also addressing the importance of client education and support for stressed caregivers. Drawing on insights from our experiences and research, this issue offers real-world strategies to ensure that every geriatric case is met with effective, compassionate care for both the pet and their families.
1. Cover image - p. i 2. Title page - p. i 3. Table of Contents - p. i 4. Copyright - p. ii 5. Contributors - p. iii 6. Forthcoming Issues - p. x 7. Erratum - p. xi 8. Preface - p. xiii 9. Senior Versus Geriatric: Unpacking the Frailty of Aging - p. 331 10. Chronic Pain: Effective Relief Strategies for Geriatric Pets - p. 345 11. Movement Is Medicine: How Rehabilitation Revitalizes Aging Pets - p. 361 12. Sensory Decline: Real-World Tactics for Managing Vision and Hearing Loss - p. 375 13. Dental Care in the Golden Years - p. 391 14. Addressing Cognitive Dysfunction: Education, Diagnosis, and Practical Care - p. 405 15. Managing Comorbidity: Coordinating Care for Complex Geriatric Cases - p. 419 16. Client Education: Empowering Pet Owners Through the Geriatric Journey - p. 431 17. Goals of Care: Prioritizing What Truly Matters at Life’s End - p. 445 18. Veterinary Hospice—Enhancing Quality Without Prolonging Suffering - p. 455 19. Guiding End-of-Life Decisions and Quality of Life Assessments - p. 475 20. Just as Loved: Unique Species Considerations at End-of-life - p. 491 21. Supporting Caregivers: Overcoming Stress, Burnout, and Burden - p. 507 22. Euthanasia: The Ending Matters Most - p. 521 23. Post-euthanasia: How to Provide Continued Support - p. 535 24. Appendix: Resources - p. 545
In this issue of Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, guest editor Dr. Mary Gardner brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Geriatrics. As the pet population ages—with research showing that 43% of patients are now considered senior—it is alarming that nearly 50% never see their vet before the end. In this issue, top experts cover key issues such as managing chronic pain, mobility challenges, sensory decline, and co-morbidities while also addressing the importance of client education and support for stressed caregivers. Drawing on insights from our experiences and research, this issue offers real-world strategies to ensure that every geriatric case is met with effective, compassionate care for both the pet and their families.
1. Cover image - p. i 2. Title page - p. i 3. Table of Contents - p. i 4. Copyright - p. ii 5. Contributors - p. iii 6. Forthcoming Issues - p. x 7. Erratum - p. xi 8. Preface - p. xiii 9. Senior Versus Geriatric: Unpacking the Frailty of Aging - p. 331 10. Chronic Pain: Effective Relief Strategies for Geriatric Pets - p. 345 11. Movement Is Medicine: How Rehabilitation Revitalizes Aging Pets - p. 361 12. Sensory Decline: Real-World Tactics for Managing Vision and Hearing Loss - p. 375 13. Dental Care in the Golden Years - p. 391 14. Addressing Cognitive Dysfunction: Education, Diagnosis, and Practical Care - p. 405 15. Managing Comorbidity: Coordinating Care for Complex Geriatric Cases - p. 419 16. Client Education: Empowering Pet Owners Through the Geriatric Journey - p. 431 17. Goals of Care: Prioritizing What Truly Matters at Life’s End - p. 445 18. Veterinary Hospice—Enhancing Quality Without Prolonging Suffering - p. 455 19. Guiding End-of-Life Decisions and Quality of Life Assessments - p. 475 20. Just as Loved: Unique Species Considerations at End-of-life - p. 491 21. Supporting Caregivers: Overcoming Stress, Burnout, and Burden - p. 507 22. Euthanasia: The Ending Matters Most - p. 521 23. Post-euthanasia: How to Provide Continued Support - p. 535 24. Appendix: Resources - p. 545