Our pets are living longer than ever before, due to advanced veterinary medicine and the improved quality care of pet owners. With that comes an increased incidence of geriatric-related illnesses and diseases. One 'senior pet' condition is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). This is similar to Alzheimer's in humans. Though we only see this in older pets, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome causes behavioral changes that are not a normal part of the aging process.
There are some basic categories of clinical signs associated with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. These must be differentiated from what a pet owner may interpret as their pet 'just getting old'. These categories are disorientation, interaction changes, changes with sleep patterns, and urinating and/or defecating in the house. Obvious disorientation may be exhibited as your pet looking 'lost' in familiar places like becoming stuck behind furniture or in corners. They may walk in circles, pace, or stare off aimlessly at walls and objects. Your pet may fail to recognize common commands, not respond to their name or not recognize familiar people. These behaviors should be differentiated from hearing/vision loss and neurologic conditions by your veterinarian.
Interaction changes can be seen as the pet no longer seeking attention or enjoying being petted. They may not be as excited to greet family members and visitors. Typical sleeping changes seen are less sleep during the night and more during the daytime. They may also stay up at night vocalizing or pacing. Pets with CDS, that were perfectly house-trained, may begin to have accidents in the house even if they have recently been outside. Simply, they forget to ask to be let outside and when they are outdoors, they will often forget why they are there. These changes should also be differentiated from common medical conditions by your veterinarian before treatment for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is begun.
The key to diagnosis is based mainly on the pet owner's observation and description/onset of clinical signs. There is no diagnostic test for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Therefore, if your pet exhibits any behavioral changes, keep a journal of what, when and where the behaviors are exhibited.
These changes are not part of the normal aging process. They can be very disruptive and upsetting for pet and the household. Unfortunately a specific cause is unknown but there are treatment options.
As with humans, there is no cure for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome but there are treatment options that may help reduce clinical signs and improve your pet's quality of life. One treatment option is medication that is specifically approved for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. To learn more about this product and disease, visit www.cdsindogs.com. There are several supplements that have been shown to be helpful, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. There are also prescription diet options that incorporate these supplements.
Other ways to improve your geriatric pet's quality of life is to keep them mentally stimulated with playing, walks, petting and interaction. Minimize stress by sticking to a daily routine and rearranging furniture as little as possible. These basics will help improve the quality of life for all senior pets, and will especially have an impact on the happiness of pets suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
Dr. Matthew Krupnick is the owner of the Pequannock Animal Hospital . He grew up in Kinnelon and is happy to be home, with his wife, three cats and two dogs, to provide quality and compassionate care for your pets in the community. The Pequannock Animal Hospital is located at 591 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. You may reach them by calling (973) 616-0400.
