Doggy dementia, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is a common, age related disorder that affects the brain and is similar to Alzheimer’s Disease in people.
Degeneration of the support cells and neurons in the brain leads to a slowly progressive deterioration of nerve function. In addition to this the build-up beta-amyloid protein also creates unhealthy conditions for the neurons leading to further physical and behavioural changes.
Sadly cognitive dysfunction can be seen from 9 years of age and like in people there are treatments that can help but not cure the condition.
Signs that can be seen include:
- Disorientation, with an inability to remember familiar places or people
- Staring into space or standing in corners
- Behaviour changes such as becoming more clingy, being restless at night and sleeping more during the day
- Loss of house training
- Not enjoying their usual games or play behaviours
- Becoming more anxious or scared of new things and forgetting commands
These changes tend to come on slowly and are often attributed to getting older.
Diagnosis is made in older patients with compatible clinical signs although a full physical examination and often blood and urine tests are recommended to rule out other conditions that have similar signs.
You may notice treatments that can help are quite similar to some of those suggested for people. These include a diet rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, nutritional supplements to further aid brain function, regular exercise and interactive toys games to help brain function and in some cases medications to help with sleep and anxious behaviour may also be prescribed. Dogs that are soiling indoors can sometimes be helped to relearn their toilet training by following very similar methods to puppy training.
Other conditions that may be adding to your dog’s discomfort such as arthritis, obesity, heart disease, liver or kidney disease or an under active thyroid gland are also treated to improve their overall quality of life as much as possible.
If you feel you older dog may be starting to show some of these signs our vet and nursing team would be happy to help you. Give us a call, send a WhatsApp or book an appointment online.