Visit the Pfizer Animal Health website for much more about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
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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. |
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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 |
Disorientation
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 |
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 |
Loss of Housetraining
Uninates/defecates indoors
Signals less to go outdoors |