Senior and Geriatric Veterinary Patient Wellness Examination Checklist
Senior pets require more frequent wellness examinations and targeted screening for age-related conditions. This checklist ensures comprehensive geriatric assessment and proactive management of senior health issues.
- Industry: Veterinary
- Frequency: Semi-Annual for Senior Patients
- Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
- Role: Veterinarian
- Total Items: 36
Comprehensive Physical Examination
Complete thorough senior physical examination.
- Weight and body condition score documented and compared to previous visit?
- Muscle condition score (MCS) assessed for sarcopenia?
- Peripheral lymph nodes palpated for enlargement?
- Oral exam including tooth count, periodontal disease staging, oral masses?
- Thyroid palpation for enlargement (cats)?
- Mammary chain examination for masses in intact or previously intact females?
Pain and Mobility Assessment
Assess for osteoarthritis and pain.
- Gait and mobility assessed during examination?
- All joints palpated for pain, effusion, and range of motion?
- Validated pain score documented?
- Owner questionnaire on mobility and activity completed?
- Orthopedic radiographs considered for patients with mobility changes?
- Multimodal osteoarthritis management plan discussed?
Diagnostic Screening
Perform age-appropriate screening diagnostics.
- CBC, chemistry panel, and urinalysis performed semi-annually?
- Total T4 measured in cats over age 8 semi-annually?
- Blood pressure measured using validated technique?
- Urine protein:creatinine ratio assessed for proteinuria?
- SDMA measured for early detection of chronic kidney disease?
- Abdominal palpation for organomegaly, masses, or urinary bladder abnormalities?
Cognitive Dysfunction Screening
Screen for cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome questionnaire administered to owner?
- Disorientation, vocalization, sleep-wake cycle changes assessed?
- House training regression or indoor elimination changes assessed?
- CDS treatment options discussed if signs present: diet, selegiline, environmental enrichment?
- Medical causes of behavioral changes ruled out (hypertension, hyperthyroidism, pain)?
- Caregiver support resources provided for managing dementia patients?
Nutrition and Weight Management
Assess nutritional needs of senior patients.
- Current diet assessed for age-appropriateness?
- Caloric needs calculated based on current BCS and activity?
- Senior or prescription diet recommended where appropriate?
- Supplements reviewed: omega-3, joint support, antioxidants for aging?
- Weight loss program initiated if BCS over 6?
- Feeding assistance needs assessed for patients with mobility or dental issues?
Documentation and Client Communication
Document findings and communicate with client.
- Active and inactive problem list updated?
- Monitoring plan for each identified condition documented?
- Age-appropriate client education materials provided?
- Quality of life discussion initiated for patients with significant chronic disease?
- 6-month recheck appointment scheduled?
- All preventive care updated: vaccines, parasite prevention, dental evaluation?
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Why Use This Senior and Geriatric Veterinary Patient Wellness Examination Checklist?
This senior and geriatric veterinary patient wellness examination checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: semi-annual for senior patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Senior and Geriatric Veterinary Patient Wellness Examination Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Comprehensive Physical Examination, Pain and Mobility Assessment, Diagnostic Screening, Cognitive Dysfunction Screening, Nutrition and Weight Management, Documentation and Client Communication. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed semi-annual for senior patients. Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Who should use this Senior and Geriatric Veterinary Patient Wellness Examination Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Veterinarian professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.