During my time as a veterinarian with special focus on senior pets and those at the end of their lives, I saw so much cancer, that by far, that is the No. 1 cause of death or premature euthanasia in our dogs. In addition, so many of our senior dogs showed mild to moderate signs of dementia or cognitive dysfunction. These signs vary from mild (only the owner notices them) to severe (obvious). So, what can we do to help slow the onset of dementia, or even prevent it?If your older dog is showing signs of confusion, forgetting its house training, or even strange things like getting stuck in a corner, or even barking at ìnothing,î then your sweet senior canine may be suffering from CDS or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. This is a fairly common condition related to the aging of a dog’s brain, which ultimately leads to changes in awareness, problems in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness.Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually get worse over time. In fact, signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are found in about half of all dogs over the age of 10 years. And by the age of 15, 68% of dogs display at least one sign. Some of these dogs become so severe that euthanasia is an appropriate option because it so severely affects their daily life. These age estimates vary depending on the breed of the dog.Typical symptoms that are seen may include
- Eliminating in the house (usually the first sign)
- Disorientation and or confusion
- Staring
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Extreme irritability
- Decreased desire to play
- Excessive sleeping
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Changes in sleep cycle (i.e., night waking, sleeping during the day)
Although the exact cause of cognitive dysfunction syndrome is currently unknown, genetic factors may be a predisposition. Recent studies show it is very similar to Alzheimerís Disease in humans. Our dogs seem to develop similar cellular changes in their brains. These are called plaques and tangles†and are from specific proteins (beta-amyloid) in the brain, which causes brain cells to malfunction and eventually die.If you notice these types of symptoms in your older dog, your veterinarian should perform a good neurological examination to evaluate the overall health status and cognitive functions of the dog. It is important as you must rule out other diseases that can also lead to behavioral problems. The most common example of this is brain cancer, which is not uncommon.The real challenge comes in treatment. Dogs with this cognitive dysfunction syndrome require therapy and support for the rest of their lives. Your help can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your dog’s cognitive functions. For example, giving them a stimulating environment will help slow the progression of cognitive decline. This typically involves a daily routine of exercise, play, and training. Be creative and invent some games you can play on a daily walk or inside the home.Keep their mind active. Reward any normal or good behaviors and interactions with you or the family. Encourage them to get up and move many times during the day. There should be absolutely no punishment, physical or verbal. Even smell stimulations are very useful in helping them out of the slow decline in mental function.More long term treatment involves both physically and mentally stimulating exercises, such as swimming, massage, range of motion exercises. But then after such exercise it is good to encourage relaxation. If they start ìgoing in the house,î make sure the dog is taken out more frequently than normal to minimize this issue, and be sure to reward them frequently just as you would for a young pup. Do everything you need to do to prevent accidents, both for your stress and theirs.Finally, medications have been developed for this syndrome, the problem is none work very well. One drug that is routinely used is Anipryl (Selegiline), in my experience, it does not seem to have the dramatic effect we are expecting.Specialized diets rich in antioxidants seem to slow progression, improve behavioral function, and may have a protective effect. This diet should also contain vitamin E and C, selenium, flavonoids, beta carotene, carotenoids, Omega-3 oils, and carnitine, all considered excellent for improving the dog’s cognitive functions.Dogs being treated for this syndrome should periodically be monitored to check their response to treatments and the progression of symptoms. Work closely with your veterinarian as this can mask symptoms of other diseases also.
Dr. Jim Humphries is a veterinarian and provides hospice and end-of-life care for pets in the Colorado Springs area. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He lives in Falcon with his wife, horses and Great Danes. https://www.HomeWithDignity.com
