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Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
(Senility)
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Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Visit the Pfizer Animal Health website for
much more about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
This information is from Pfizer Animal Health, a world leader in animal
health care development, and was printed in the September, 1998 Issue
of DVM Newsmagazine.
A
New Look at "Old Dog Syndrome"
Does any of this sound
familiar...?
The senile miniature poodle that wanders the house and gets "lost" in
corners...
The terrier that ignores his owner when his name is called--
but isn't deaf...
The previously well-trained schnauzer who has started having
accidents in the house--right after he comes inside...
The cocker spaniel who gets "stuck" in corners or behind furniture...
The old collie who wanders aimlessly through the neighborhood...
These dogs are showing typical behaviors associated with a disorder
called canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CDS. The
following questions and answers will give you a brief introduction to
the incidence, pathogenesis and diagnosis of CDS.
What Is CDS ? How Common Is CDS ?
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is the age related deterioration of
cognitive abilities characterized by behavioral changes in dogs that
cannot be wholly attributed to general medical conditions such as
neoplasia (cancer), infection or organ failure. CDS is often
referred to
ads "old dog syndrome" or "senility", and is manifested by one or more
of the signs listed in Table #1.
CDS is not "normal aging". A number of pathophysiological changes
are suspected to play a role in its development. These
include:
* deposition of amyloid plaques in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal
part of the brain
* alterations in neurotransmitters, including dopamine
* increased levels of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) in the brain
* increased levels of free radicals
The progressive, degenerative course of canine CDS involves a gradual
decline of cognitive abilities sufficient to produce functional
disability in the home and/or as a family member.
A 1998 market research study indicated that 48% of dogs 8 years
of age and older exhibited at least one clinical sign associated with
CDS. Meanwhile, in an ongoing prevalence study being conducted at
the University of California at Davis, 62% of 11 to 16 year old dogs
scored positively for one or more behavioral categories indicative of
CDS.
How is CDS Diagnosed ?
The first step in diagnosing CDS is recognition of signs, frequently
observed first by the pet owner. Next the veterinarian should
conduct a thorough behavioral and medical history, followed by a
complete
physical and neurological examination. These can be supplemented,
as appropriate, with diagnostic laboratory tests to identify other
unrelated
medical conditions that may be contributing to clinical signs.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is a common, recognizable condition in
senior dogs. Understanding the syndrome and the behavioral
changes associated with it can help veterinarians diagnose cases of
CDS and better educate pet owners to look for the signs.
Signs of
CDS
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Disorientation
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Wanders aimlessly
Appears lost of confused in the yard or house
Gets "stuck" in corners or behind furniture
Stares into space or at walls
Has difficulty find the door
Does not recognize familiar people
Does not respond to verbal cues or name
Appears to forget reason for going outdoors
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Decreased
or Altered Response to Family Members
Solicits attention less
No longer stands for petting (walks away)
Less enthusiastic greeting
No longer greets owners
Abnormal Sleep/Wake Patterns
Sleeps more in a 24 hour day
Sleeps less during the night
Decrease in activity
Increase in wandering or pacing
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Loss
of Housetraining
Uninates/defecates indoors
Signals less to go outdoors
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CANINE
COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
In dogs as in people, the
medical implications of true aging are progressive and
irreversible. Dogs reaching the final one-third of their life
span undergo a variety of physical and metabolic changes that may cause
them discomfort and/or
change their behavior. For example, the acuity of the
senses-sight,
hearing, taste and smell-are reduced. Metabolism slows,
immunocompetence
decreases and tissues become dehydrated. Muscle and bone mass
decline,
and arthritis may affect the joints. There is an increased risk
of
cardiovascular disease, cancer and endocrine, renal and hepatic
disorders.
And the brain undergoes a series of changes that result in cognitive
decline. It is generally believed-and studies have shown-that a
dog’s cognitive ability tends to decline with age.
Cognitive dysfunction in dogs includes spatial orientation,
housetraining, and recognizing and reacting to human family
members. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is the age-related
deterioration of cognitive abilities characterized by behavioral
changes in dogs that cannot wholly attributed to general medical
conditions such as neoplasia, infection or organ failure. More
simply put, CDS is caused by physical and chemical changes that affect
the brain function in older dogs. CDS often is referred to simply
as “old dog syndrome” or “senility” and is manifested by one or more
of the following four signs in the absence of any physical cause:
Disorientation—wanders aimlessly; appears lost or confused
in house or yard; get’s “stuck” in corners or under/behind
furniture; stares into space or walls; has difficulty finding the
door; stands at hinge side of door; does not recognize
familiar people; does not respond to verbal cues or names;
appears to forget reason for going outdoors
Interaction with family members—seeks attention less
often; less likely to stand for petting; walks away while
being petted; less enthusiasm upon greeting; no longer greets
family members
Activity and sleep—sleeps more during the day; sleeps less
during the night; decrease in purposeful activity; increase in
wandering or pacing; barks at night for no reason
Housetraining—Urinates indoors; has accidents indoors soon
after being outside; does not ask to go outside
In a pet owner study, nearly half of all dogs aged 8 years and older
showed at least one sign of Cognitive Dysfuntion Syndrome.
Because older dogs may also develop other multiple health problems,
diagnosis of CDS can only be reached after other medical conditions
that have behavioral components have been ruled out. A thorough
history, physical and neurological exam, and laboratory tests are
necessary to make a diagnosis of CDS.
Recapturing the good times between you and your senior dog is
now an exciting possibility thanks to Anipryl, the first and only drug
cleared by the FDA to control clinical signs associated with canine
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Anipryl comes in a convenient
tablet
form for easy dosing. Most dogs are prescribed one tablet per
day. In clinical studies, owners reported that 69-75% of dogs
improved in at least one clinical sign after one month of Anipryl
therapy. Some dogs continued to show improvement for up to 3
months.
The most common side effects of this medication were vomiting,
diarrhea, or changes in behavior (such as hyperactivity or
restlessness). Do not use this drug in combination with
phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, other tricyclic antidepressants
(Clomicalm), amitraz (Mitaban dips or Preventic Collars), or
fluoxetine. This drug is not recommended for treatment of
behavior problems such as aggression.
Anipryl works by increasing the amount of dopamine (a neurotransmitter)
available in the brain and decreasing toxic free radical
production. This, in turn, helps with cognitive abilities.
The confusion that dogs with CDS experience can lead to a life of
lonely isolation; separation from family members who have come to
cherish their older dog’s companionship. Anipryl can give you the
chance to brighten your
dog’s “golden years”. With a little extra care and attention, you
and your veterinarian can help your dog live a fuller, happier
life. Your dog has found a place in your family and a place in
your heart. Anipryl can help return your dog to that special
place.
Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws
Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.
reprinted with kind permission from William J. Wickel
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The above information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a
veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet.
Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any
diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
