Cognitive Disfunctions in Aged Dogs and Cats
Advanced age in dogs and cats can be associated with a variety of behaviour changes, including an increase in or the onset of disorientation, increasing irritability, aggression, repetitive disorders, anxiety, night walking, vocalization, and house-soiling. Such signs are consistent with manifestations of pathologic brain ageing that can be attributable to underlying medical conditions (including other neurological disorders). Some can be due to primary behavior problems arising from changes in the household. In addition, bear in mind that senior pets can be more stressed and less able to adapt to change than younger ones.
Therefore, to determine whether such clinical signs are related to pathologic brain ageing, these other medical and behavioral causes first must be ruled out. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of senior dogs and cats that is characterized by behavioral changes in an array of domains, which are believed to be cognitively based and associated with the development of distinct patterns of brain lesions. CDS is not an inevitable consequence of ageing in dogs and cats, and individual differences are often more the rule than the exception.
Some aged animals show mild behavioral signs, while others develop severe or multiple signs, which can include a decline in awareness, altered response to stimuli, and deficits in learning and memory, all of which can disrupt normal function and dramatically reduce the quality of life. Clinical signs of CDS in dogs have been described by the acronym DISHA, which refers to Disorientation, altered Interactions with owners or other pets, Sleep-wake cycle alterations, House-soiling, and Activity changes (which might be increased, repetitive, or reduced). Additional signs also can include increasing agitation and anxiety; altered responsiveness to stimuli (heightened or reduced); altered interest in appetite and/or self-hygiene (increased or reduced); and decreased ability to perform previously trained commands or tasks. This same constellation of signs also applies to CDS in cats, although the prevalence of individual signs can differ.
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What can be done to help your pet? Early detection and intervention might slow further decline, prevent complications, increase longevity, and address the pet’s welfare. Diet, drugs or supplements all might be effective in improving signs and slowing the progress of CDS. Canine studies have demonstrated that mental stimulation in the form of training, play, exercise and use of manipulation toys can help to maintain quality of life as well as cognitive function, but are most effective together with appropriate nutritional bases which is consistent with studies in humans in which education, and brain and physical exercise, have been found to delay the onset of dementia.
Another therapeutic strategy for cognitive dysfunction in dogs, cats, and humans is diets and natural supplements that might reduce the risk factors that contribute to brain ageing and cognitive decline. An integrative approach is likely required to achieve and maintain brain health, such as diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants. They have been developed for the management of CDS which have been demonstrated in laboratory studies to improve learning and memory in dogs. A dietary supplement with antioxidants, (vitamins E and C, and selenium), arginine, B vitamins, and fish oil significantly improved learning and memory tasks in cats aged 5.5 to 8.7 years.
Do you have an ageing pet? Would you like to discuss his/her situation with me? Please feel free to contact me so we can together work out an effective approach to ensure the best quality of life and longevity for your pet’s own unique situation, you can reach me via alex@abvc.ae.
Written by Dr. Alexandra Gulinescu, ABVC veterinarian.
