Cats & Dogs: Senior Wellness

The ability of a caregiver to obtain appropriate veterinary services for a pet.

Beginning suddenly and usually lasting for a short period of time.

An added treatment used to support or enhance the main treatment.

Unwanted or harmful effects that occur after a medication or treatment.

Pain caused by a stimulus that does not normally cause pain.

Relating to conventional medical treatment, especially drug-based or surgery-based care.

The chief components of proteins, synthesized by living cells or provided through the diet. Of the 22 amino acids, 10 are essential for cats. These essential amino acids are not produced by the cat's body and must be provided in the diet.

Relief from pain.

Medications or treatments that reduce pain.

A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

A controlled loss of sensation or awareness used to prevent pain during procedures.

Medications that reduce or block sensation, pain, or awareness during procedures.

An abnormal bulging or widening of a blood vessel wall.

Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.

Loss or reduction of the sense of smell.

Grief experienced before an expected loss occurs.

A substance that helps limit cell damage caused by free radicals.

A medication or substance used to reduce anxiety.

Loss of normal coordination or balance.

Shrinkage or wasting of tissue, muscle, or an organ.

Conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Increased nitrogen-containing waste products in the blood, often associated with reduced kidney function.

Used to describe a tumor that is not malignant (cancerous). The names of these tumors usually end in the suffix -oma; for instance, lipoma. Even if a tumor is benign, its location or size can cause problems. For instance, a small benign tumor in the brain could be trouble, or a benign tumor could grow so large that it disrupts the function of other organs.

A community of microorganisms attached to a surface and protected by a self-produced coating.

Measurable biological signs used to assess health, disease, or response to treatment.

A shortened head and muzzle shape, commonly seen in flat-faced breeds.

Disease-related weight and muscle loss that is not fully corrected by eating more food.

Hardened mineralized plaque that forms on teeth.

A substance that causes cancer.

Smooth connective tissue that cushions joints and supports body structures.

Clouding of the eye’s lens that can interfere with vision.

The use of chemicals or drugs to treat disease, usually cancer.

Long-lasting or recurring over time.

The tissue that produces the eye's fluid.

A decline in mental function that may affect memory, learning, awareness, sleep, or behavior.

Reduced ability to think, learn, remember, or respond normally.

A state of unconsciousness in which the patient cannot be awakened.

Care focused on relieving discomfort and maintaining quality of life.

Occurring at the same time as another disease or medical condition.

A disease influenced by multiple factors rather than a single clear cause.

Intense or prolonged grief that interferes with normal daily life.

Retinal cells that support color vision and detailed vision in brighter light.

A condition that exists at birth, but is not necessarily hereditary.

The pink mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the front part of the eyeball.

Veterinary care adapted to the pet’s needs and the caregiver’s goals, resources, and circumstances.

The transparent anterior portion of the outer fibrous coat of the eye.

An abnormal change or deposit in the cornea, often inherited and usually not caused by inflammation.

A painful defect or wound on the surface of the cornea.

A prepared set of emergency medications or supplies used during an urgent medical situation.

The use of controlled freezing to remove or destroy diseased tissue.

Pain arising from deeper tissues such as muscles, joints, bones, or connective tissue.

A sudden, fluctuating change in awareness, attention, or mental function.

A progressive decline in memory, learning, awareness, or other cognitive abilities.

A state of reduced mood, energy, interest, or responsiveness.

Inflammation of the skin.

A condition in which the body is unable to metabolize carbohydrates; indicated by excessive thirst and urination, excessive amounts of sugar in the blood, and excessive hunger and loss of weight.

A drug derived from the foxglove plant; used to improve function of the heart muscle.

A disorder or abnormal condition that affects normal body function.

The expected course or pattern of a disease over time.

Grief that is not fully recognized, understood, or supported by others.

A substance that causes increased production of urine.

Reduced tear production or poor tear quality that can irritate or damage the eye surface.

Reduced saliva production that can make the mouth dry and uncomfortable.

A state of agitation, unease, or abnormal distress.

Any gland, such as the thyroid or pituitary, that secretes hormones.

Relating to the inside of the tooth, especially the pulp and root canal.

Surgical removal of an entire tumor or organ, such as the eye from its socket.

A large, three-dimensional molecule/ complex protein that initiates chemical changes in the body.

An estimate of biological age based on chemical changes that affect gene activity.

Fluid that leaks from tissue or a wound during inflammation.

Connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and separates muscles and organs.

An upper respiratory virus against which cats are vaccinated.

An infectious disease that cannot be prevented and is transmitted between cats via bite wounds.

A virus against which cats are vaccinated that can be highly contagious to other cats.

A virus whose symptoms resemble parvovirus in dogs, and against which cats are vaccinated.

An upper respiratory disease against which cats are vaccinated.

Reduced physical reserve that makes an older patient more vulnerable to illness, injury, or stress.

Highly reactive molecules that can damage cells through oxidative stress.

Factors or exposures that may accelerate ageing or age-related decline.

Inflammation of the gums.

Increased pressure within the eye.

An anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive corticoid, such as hydrocortisone, that affects the metabolism of glucose.

An end-of-life experience with minimal fear, pain, and distress.

The emotional process of responding to loss.

A decreased response to a repeated stimulus over time.

The portion of life spent in good health and functional ability.

The formation of blood cells.

Brain injury caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

A condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver and interferes with liver function.

Inflammation of the liver.

A condition that is transmitted from parent to offspring.

End-of-life care focused on comfort and quality of life rather than cure.

A naturally occurring substance in joint fluid and connective tissue that helps lubricate and cushion tissues.

Increased sensitivity to a stimulus that is normally painful.

Increased sensitivity to touch or stimulation.

Persistently high blood pressure.

Reduced production of stomach acid.

Reduced sensitivity to touch or stimulation.

An abnormally low concentration of glucose in the blood; low blood sugar.

Reduced appetite.

Caused unintentionally by medical treatment or intervention.

Occurring without a known cause.

A drug or chemical that can suppress an immune response.

The stimulation or suppression of immune response; i.e., vaccines to stimulate immunity or corticosteroids to suppress immune response.

Inability to control urination; passive urination at rest or during sleep.

A scale, score, or measurement used to summarize a condition or level of risk.

Pain caused by inflammation and the chemical signals released during tissue injury or disease.

Supplied by nerves.

Combining conventional medical care with complementary therapies when appropriate.

Thinning or weakening of the iris, often associated with ageing.

Brain injury caused by reduced or blocked blood flow.

Yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes caused by excess bilirubin.

Displacement of the eye’s lens from its normal position.

Age-related hardening or cloudiness of the lens that usually causes a bluish haze.

Reduced energy, alertness, or activity.

The total length of time an individual lives.

Strong connective tissues that connect bones to other bones.

A medication that blocks sensation in a specific area of the body.

Cancer of the lymph nodes; the most common type of cancer in cats.

In people, deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

A condition that is resistant to treatment and frequently fatal, i.e. malignant tumors. A malignant condition is one that exhibits uncontrollable growth with invasiveness or dissemination to other organs. Malignant skin tumors usually end with the suffix -carcinoma or -sarcoma.

A type of connective tissue cell that plays a role in the formation and storage of certain active substances. Mast cells are found in higher concentrations in areas that are inflamed.

A crescent-shaped pad of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes a joint.

All biochemical processes in the body; the process by which cells assimilate food and create energy. Occurs through chemical changes in body tissues.

The spreading of a disease or tumor from one part of the body to another.

Abnormally small head size, often associated with abnormal brain development.

Constriction of the pupil.

The process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells.

Using more than one type of treatment or approach at the same time.

Relating to the muscles and bones.

Dilation of the pupil.

Death of cells or tissue.

Inflammation of the kidney.

Pain that follows the path of a nerve.

Pain caused by disease or injury of the somatosensory nervous system.

Disease, damage, or dysfunction of nerves.

Pain caused by the activation of pain receptors in response to actual or threatened tissue injury.

Pain caused by altered pain processing without clear evidence of tissue injury or nerve damage.

Brain injury caused by illness or internal events rather than external force.

Age-related hardening of the central portion of the lens.

Involuntary, repetitive eye movements.

Animals that can eat both plant-based and animal-based foods.

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus; called a spay.

Ingredients added to food to improve smell, taste, or appeal.

Care focused on relieving symptoms and improving comfort during serious illness.

To examine by feeling and pressing with the palms of the hands and the fingers.

Inflammation of the pancreas.

An abnormal sensation such as tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles.”

The kneecap.

Pain that persists beyond its protective purpose and becomes harmful or self-sustaining.

Hospice-style care for pets near the end of life.

Relating to the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

Inflammation and damage of the tissues supporting the teeth, often following untreated gingivitis.

Damage or disease affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

A cataract surgery technique that uses ultrasound to break up and remove the lens.

Pain felt in a body part that is no longer present.

The study of how genetic differences affect response to medications.

The observable traits or characteristics of an individual.

Chemical signals released by animals that can influence behavior or communication within the same species.

Walking with the full sole or bottom of the foot touching the ground.

A soft film of bacteria and debris that forms on teeth.

Increased frequency and amount of water consumption stimulated by excessive thirst.

The use of multiple medications at the same time, especially when this increases complexity or risk.

Increased frequency and amount of urination.

Pain that occurs after a surgical procedure.

Age-related hearing loss.

The foretelling of the probable course of a disease.

Medications that affect mood, behavior, perception, or mental function.

An excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

A measure of overall comfort, well-being, and ability to enjoy normal activities.

Pain that spreads from one area of the body to another.

The machine used to produce an image (a radiogram) on X ray film. The image is created by exposure to X rays. Commonly but incorrectly referred to as an X ray.

Pain felt in an area different from the actual source of injury or disease.

Retinal cells that support vision in dim light.

An inflammatory disease in which clusters of immune cells form in one or more organs.

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, or function.

A dense, fibrous, opaque, white covering that encloses the eyeball, except for the cornea.

A calm, drowsy state caused by medication or illness.

The biological process of ageing; in cells, a state in which cells stop dividing but remain active.

The physical and mental infirmity caused by old age.

Substances intended to selectively remove senescent cells.

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus; also called an ovariohysterectomy

The level of care expected from a reasonably competent veterinarian in similar circumstances.

The accepted methods, procedures, or routines commonly used within a profession.

Anti-inflammatory medications that mimic corticosteroid hormones and affect inflammation or immune activity.

Abnormal alignment of the eyes.

A state of greatly reduced responsiveness in which strong stimulation is needed to produce a response.

Beneath the skin.

Pain arising from surface tissues such as the skin or mucous membranes.

A noticeable change that signals a shift in health, disease progression, or care needs.

A group of signs or symptoms that commonly occur together.

The lining of a joint that produces lubricating synovial fluid.

A hard yellow coating on the teeth consisting of food residue, saliva and salts such as calcium carbonate.

Strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones.

The production of heat by the body.

Poisonous.

Physical injury caused by an external force.

Means "urine in the blood." This accumulation of waste products, such as urea nitrogen, in the blood is due to kidney failure and causes toxicity and death.

The canal through which urine is expressed from the bladder.

Inflammation of the urethral lining.

Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.

Loss of coordination or balance caused by dysfunction of the vestibular system.

Pain arising from the internal organs.

Gentle, routine hands-on checking of a pet’s body to notice changes in comfort, condition, or health.

A disease that can be transmitted between humans and animals.