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Abstract(s)
Com o aumento da esperança de vida dos gatos, cresce a necessidade duma abordagem proativa em
relação à saúde geriátrica felina. O envelhecimento, um processo biológico natural, resulta na
progressiva perda da capacidade do corpo manter a homeostase e responder às agressões externas e
internas. Isso torna os gatos vulneráveis a doenças como osteoartrite, doenças dentárias, doença
renal, hipertiroidismo e hipertensão arterial felina.
A periodontite, destaca a importância da higiene oral e exames odontológicos regulares. A remoção
regular do tártaro e o uso de métodos de prevenção eficazes permitem intervenções bem-sucedidas e
limitam complicações graves. A doença renal crónica requer estratégias preventivas com medições
regulares dos marcadores da função renal como o SDMA, creatinina e ureia sérica, exames ecográficos
ou determinação da relação de proteína/creatinina na urina. A deteção precoce possibilita
intervenções oportunas para retardar sua progressão. O hipertiroidismo felino afeta até 11,4% dos
gatos idosos em todo o mundo, enquanto a hipertensão arterial é uma condição frequentemente subdiagnosticada.
Ambas essas doenças exigem diagnóstico precoce para prevenir danos irreversíveis.
Métodos diagnósticos fundamentais incluem palpação da glândula tireoide e medição da pressão
arterial, enquanto novas abordagens, como a medição de TSH-BAW para hipertiroidismo, representam
avanços promissores. A osteoartrite é uma doença inflamatória crónica que afeta muitos gatos,
especialmente os mais velhos. Esta condição causa dor e perda de mobilidade, reduzindo
significativamente a qualidade de vida. A deteção precoce é desafiadora devido à ausência de sinais
claros, tornando essencial a combinação de avaliações clínicas e exames de imagem. A prevenção
através do controlo do peso e da atividade física adaptada pode melhorar o bem-estar dos gatos
afetados. Embora medidas preventivas possam ser eficazes quando possíveis, é crucial reconhecer que
não existe garantia absoluta contra o desenvolvimento de doenças. Portanto, uma colaboração
estreita entre os proprietários e os profissionais veterinários é essencial para observar atentamente o
comportamento dos animais e implementar medidas preventivas eficazes e rastreios. Resumindo,
prevenir e diagnosticar precocemente são cruciais para melhorar a qualidade e prolongar a vida dos
gatos idosos. Investir em mais pesquisas para entender os mecanismos dessas condições é essencial
para desenvolver estratégias preventivas melhores e aprimorar o maneio clínico, garantindo uma vida
mais saudável e uma maior longevidade dos gatos idosos.
With the increasing life expectancy of cats, there is a growing need for a proactive approach to feline geriatric health. Aging, a natural biological process, results in the progressive loss of the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and respond to external and internal stressors. This makes cats vulnerable to diseases such as osteoarthritis, dental diseases, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and heart diseases. Periodontitis highlights the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental exams. The regular removal of tartar and the use of effective prevention methods allow for successful interventions and limit serious complications. Chronic kidney disease requires preventive strategies with regular measurements of renal function markers such as SDMA, creatinine, and serum urea, ultrasonographic imaging, or urinary/protein ratio. Early detection enables timely interventions to slow its progression. Feline hyperthyroidism and arterial hypertension require early diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage. Key diagnostic methods include palpation of the thyroid gland and measurement of blood pressure, while new approaches such as TSH-BAW measurement for hyperthyroidism represent promising advances. Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many cats, especially older ones. This condition causes pain and loss of mobility, significantly reducing quality of life. Early detection is challenging due to the absence of clear signs, making a combination of clinical assessments and imaging essential. Prevention through weight management and adapted physical activity can improve the well-being of affected cats. While preventive measures can be effective, when possible, it is crucial to recognize that there is no absolute guarantee against the development of diseases. Therefore, close collaboration between owners and veterinary professionals is essential to carefully observe animal behavior and implement effective preventive measures and screenings. In summary, early prevention and diagnosis are crucial for improving the quality and prolonging the lives of elderly cats. Investing in further research to understand the mechanisms of these conditions is essential for developing better preventive strategies and enhancing clinical management, ensuring a healthier and happier life for our feline friends.
With the increasing life expectancy of cats, there is a growing need for a proactive approach to feline geriatric health. Aging, a natural biological process, results in the progressive loss of the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and respond to external and internal stressors. This makes cats vulnerable to diseases such as osteoarthritis, dental diseases, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and heart diseases. Periodontitis highlights the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental exams. The regular removal of tartar and the use of effective prevention methods allow for successful interventions and limit serious complications. Chronic kidney disease requires preventive strategies with regular measurements of renal function markers such as SDMA, creatinine, and serum urea, ultrasonographic imaging, or urinary/protein ratio. Early detection enables timely interventions to slow its progression. Feline hyperthyroidism and arterial hypertension require early diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage. Key diagnostic methods include palpation of the thyroid gland and measurement of blood pressure, while new approaches such as TSH-BAW measurement for hyperthyroidism represent promising advances. Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many cats, especially older ones. This condition causes pain and loss of mobility, significantly reducing quality of life. Early detection is challenging due to the absence of clear signs, making a combination of clinical assessments and imaging essential. Prevention through weight management and adapted physical activity can improve the well-being of affected cats. While preventive measures can be effective, when possible, it is crucial to recognize that there is no absolute guarantee against the development of diseases. Therefore, close collaboration between owners and veterinary professionals is essential to carefully observe animal behavior and implement effective preventive measures and screenings. In summary, early prevention and diagnosis are crucial for improving the quality and prolonging the lives of elderly cats. Investing in further research to understand the mechanisms of these conditions is essential for developing better preventive strategies and enhancing clinical management, ensuring a healthier and happier life for our feline friends.
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Keywords
Diagnóstico Precoce Doença Renal Crónica Gato Hipertensão Arterial Hipertiroidismo Geriátrica Periodontite Prevenção Osteoartrite Cat Chronic Kidney Disease Early Diagnosis Geriatric High Blood Pressure Hyperthyroidism Osteoarthritis Periodontitis Prevention