It’s hard to imagine but dogs can suffer from a form of Alzheimer’s just like we do. It is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or CCD for short.
Dog dementia affects older dogs and can be distressing for not just the dog but the owners as well.
As our dogs get older we may notice signs of aging – a bit of grey round the muzzle, the eyes are more opaque and not as clear at they used to be. Sometimes they find it harder to get up from their bed and may not hear you as well as they used to. This aging process sneaks up on us as we have been spending a lot of time getting the dog to be “good” that we don’t notice that they have slowed down. All of the above are normal signs of getting older. However, you may suddenly notice that your dog is getting confused and this may be the onset of CCD.
CCD is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease and is caused by physical changes in the brain and chemicals. Some studies have shown that some dogs have lesions in the brain similar to the ones found in humans.
Consequently your dog is going to have trouble thinking, remembering and learning which will cause behavioural changes, which will impact upon family life.
So what are the signs of CCD?
Disorientation-
No longer responds to his name, forgets familiar tricks and possibly stops responding to basic commands
Familiar routines may get forgotten
A reluctance to play or go outside for walks and seems to be withdrawn
Gets stuck in corners or behind furniture and not being able to work out how to get round it and stares in to space
Possibly engaging in repetitive and compulsive behaviours e.g walking in circles or pacing or wandering aimlessly from room to room
Getting lost in familiar places e.g the park or even the garden at home
Has a problem finding doors and getting through them and walking up and down stairs
Gets agitated easily and may bark more for no apparent reason
Dogs may exhibit decreased interaction with people -
No longer greets visitors or even family members
Doesn’t ask for attention or petting any more
They may even walk away when being petted
Sleep patterns may alter-
Sleeps more during the day
Sleeps less at night
Possibly wandering aimlessly around instead of sleeping
Dogs with CCD may forget housetraining-
House soiling or incontinence – accidents happen
They can stop asking to go out
When they get outside they can forget why they have gone out there for
Large breeds tend to show more signs of CCD than small dogs. Some giant breeds are technically senior citizens as early as 5 or 6,while some of the smaller breeds show few signs of aging till around age 10.
At age 7,one in five dogs show some sings of CCD. By age 11 about one in three are showing signs. Almost two – thirds of dogs aged 11 to 16 have CDD symptoms.
It is heartbreaking to watch a dog that you love become confused and forgetful. If your dog is displaying any unusual symptoms go to your vet for a full assessment explaining what you have observed as CDD will not show up during a routine physical examination.
Many owners tolerate a variety of senile changes and don’t go to the vet till bladder and bowel control is lost. Sadly there is no cure for CDD but drug treatment can provide a better quality of life and slow the progression of symptoms.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is defined as the occurrence of one or more geriatric onset behaviour problems, which are not sufficiently accounted for by medical conditions. A diagnosis of CDD can only be made after any physical reason for such changes have been ruled out. There is no blood test or scan to diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction. Your veterinarian will probably want to perform a thorough physical exam with blood tests and a urinalysis. Other diagnostic tests might be ordered, and depending on the symptoms.... a neurological exam, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, or possibly a CAT scan.
Dementia and incontinence can be caused by other health problems, from treatable conditions like urinary infections and thyroid disorders, to heart failure, kidney failure, brain tumours and other life-threatening illness. A dog with painful arthritis will no longer be able to run down the stairs to greet you at the door or jump up on your bed at night. An elderly dogwho's lost his hearing may not hear you call his name or know when someone's at the door. Your aging dog might seem disoriented due to loss of vision.
Treatment for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
Your vet will discuss various possible drugs to administer and any foods that can help support CDD.
Some veterinarians treat affected dogs with a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids.
New pet foods are being formulated for dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
Pet owners who participated in a study using a prescription diet reported that 74% of older dogs with a history of house soiling accidents experienced a reduction in accidents after 30 days. Enthusiasism in greeting family members increased by 61%.
The following solutions can help senior dogs feel better and enjoy a better quality of life whether they are suffering from canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or not.
Provide mental stimulation....
Play with your dogs - Go for short walks - Talk to them - Pet them - hug them!
Prevent wandering away by keeping the dog on a leash or in a fenced area when outdoors.
Attach a bell to the dog's collar to help keep track of him indoors.
Minimize stress and change...
Don't rearrange furniture or change familiar surroundings.
Stick with a daily routine.
Take more frequent potty breaks.
Watch your dog. Remind her why she's outside and tell her what she must do.
Praise good behaviour.
Feed a senior formula pet food that's designed to combat signs of aging.
Provide raised food and water bowls so large dogs won't have to reach down uncomfortably to eat and drink.
Provide a soft, comfortable bed; away from drafts and at a height your dog can easily get in and out of. You might want to place doggy beds or cushions in several rooms of the house to provide comfortable, convenient places to sleep and relax - always near you.
For a dog who has always been allowed on furniture but can no longer jump up, place a ramp or a small set of steps near the bed, sofa, or chair your senior dog is unable to reach.
Some old dogs like some old people, age successfully and continue to function well. They remain bright and mentally alert throughout their natural life span, while there is an accelerated form of dementia in others. This devastating, progressive disease causes behavioural changes that disrupt the lives of dogs and of the people who love them and yearn for their companionship. Timely veterinary treatment plus love and patience, can give an aging dog extra quality time and a fuller, happier life.
Most importantly, keep your patience and compassion. Your dog's world has changed, but every effort should be made to show him that your love, respect, and pride of him past and present abilities has not changed and never will.
http://www.hoppity.co.uk/Homes_gardens/canine_cognitive_dysfunction.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25417.asp
