Doggie Alzheimer’s
By Dr. Christina Britto
©iStockphoto.com/sleddogtwo
Is your older dog suddenly staring off into space? Does he ignore you when you call his name or piddle on the floor when he should be asking to go out? Does he suddenly back himself into a corner he can’t get out of or bark excessively during the night? If so, he could be exhibiting symptoms of a condition called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).
CAUSES & SYMPTOMS
CCD is a fairly common disease process where pathological changes in the brain cause behavioral changes in our senior pets.
Cognition refers to mental processes including awareness, memory, learning and perception. In dogs that have CCD, protein deposits in the brain kill the neurons responsible for these processes. There is also a decrease in the level of dopamine, which is responsible for nerve impulse transmission, in the brain. These degenerative changes promote the signs of dementia or “Doggie Alzheimer’s” disease.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is made up of four main categories of symptoms:
1. Disorientation: They can feel confused and bewildered, can get stuck in small spaces, or be caught staring into space.
2. Less interactive with the family: The affected can stop responding to the guardian’s calls and be less interested in usually enjoyable interactions like head rubs and belly scratches.
3. Altered sleep cycles: A dog with CCD will usually pace during the night, bark excessively, and/or is unable to get comfortable.
4. Breakdown in house-training: A well-trained dog can begin to have an assortment of accidents in the house.
The symptoms can be related to other senior ailments, like deafness, blindness, and arthritis. Even more serious issues, like gastroenteritis, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, kidney disease and urinary tract infections can mimic the symptoms of CCD. This makes a thorough examination from a veterinarian very important in reaching an accurate diagnosis. Your vet will recommend a complete physical and neurological examination, blood work, urinalysis and, in some extreme cases, imaging of the brain.
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
Treating CCD involves a tri-modal approach, consisting of nutrition, behavior modification and medications. Early research is proving that antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in a senior diet will help maintain healthy neuron function. Hill’s makes a specific prescription diet for the CCD patient and most over-the-counter senior diet formulas are higher in these substances. There are also nutraceutical supplements found at your veterinary office, including Novifit and melatonin that are showing a positive response.
In addition to a healthy diet, affected dogs must be retrained and given moderate exercise. Who said you can’t re-teach an old dog new tricks? An understanding guardian must go back over basic commands with a CCD patient and offer rewards of affection and treats. It is also important that the patient get moderate bursts of exercise, and some guardians feel a walk before bed will help him sleep better.
The main medication available for off-label treatment of CCD is called Anipryl, or selegiline hydrochloride. It works by increasing the dopamine concentrations in the brain, which in turn protects the nerve cells and promotes neuron growth. It can take up to six weeks of treatment to see a change, so be patient. Side effects can be vomiting or diarrhea, and your vet will recommend frequent follow-up visits to assess progress.
Canine cognitive dysfunction can put a negative strain on the pet-guardian bond when a beloved pooch is having accidents in the house, not responding to commands, and showing signs of dementia. Guardians should remember to maintain a sense of compassion, patience and love when their dogs show symptoms.
A senior dog should visit the vet every six months for early detection and intervention. With early discovery and focus on lifestyle, nutrition and medication, we can give our dogs a good quality of life throughout their elderly years.
Symptoms to Watch
» Accidents in the house
» Non-responsive
» Pacing at night
» Excessive panting
» Wanting to go outside for no reason
» Disoriented
» Irritability
» Increased fears or phobias (loud noises and light)
Dr. Christina Britto practices at the Brentwood Pet Clinic in West Los Angeles and has an interest in surgery and pediatrics. She shares her home with a mini Poodle named Sophie.
