15 – Quality-of-Life Assessment and End-of-Life Planning for Geriatric Zoo Animals
Publication Type: |
Book Section |
Year of Publication: |
2019 |
Authors: |
Larry Vogelnest, Jessica J. Talbot |
Publication/Journal: |
Fowler's Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy, Volume 9 |
Publisher: |
W.B. Saunders |
ISBN: |
978-0-323-55228-8 |
Abstract:
Advances in veterinary care, husbandry, and nutrition; lack of predators, trauma, and disease; combined with low stress
environments, means that zoo animals are living beyond the average age of their wild counterparts. This has resulted
in an increase in the number of animals in our care with age-related health conditions (Table 15.1 and Figs. 15.1 and
15.2). These conditions are often painful and incurable and present welfare concerns due to reduced quality of
life. Necropsies performed on euthanized aged zoo animals often show advanced musculoskeletal, dental, and organ
pathology, indicating that degenerative processes have commenced long before clinical signs become apparent
Recognition of these clinical signs in zoo animals is often difficult due to the cryptic behavior of some species and the
desire to mask signs of illness also known as the “preservation response.” It is therefore incumbent on those caring for
aging zoo animals to implement assessment processes that facilitate early detection of signs associated with age-related
degenerative processes. This will then guide appropriate care and direct end-of-life planning to ensure positive
welfare outcomes.