DEMENTIA IN DOGS: WHEN AN OLD DOG CAN’T REMEMBER OLD TRICKS
Jay McDonnell, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
DEMENTIA IN DOGS: WHEN AN OLD DOG CAN’T REMEMBER OLD TRICKS
Dementia—a clinical state in which cognitive function declines—is well-known as a disease that afflicts aging humans. There’s less awareness that dementia is a disease seen in companion animals, especially dogs. In fact, dementia, also known as senility or cognitive dysfunction, may be a normal aging change in older pets. There does appear to be a substantially accelerated form of dementia seen in some dogs.
The diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in companion animals generally requires the presence of two or more of the following behavioral changes in the absence of any physical causes:
Decreased interaction with the pet’s owners. The dog may appear confused or distant, or have increased irritability.
Slowness in obeying commands, even those learned at a young age and practiced frequently.
Alterations in sleep-wake cycle. The dog sleeps more during the day and less at night.
Decreased responsiveness to sensory input.
Problems performing previously-learned behaviors such as how to negotiate stairs or finding and using doors.
While the two most common complaints of owners of senile dogs are loss of housetraining and wandering during normal sleep time, other behaviors that may cause alarm or disrupt the family’s routine include vocalization, pacing or wandering aimlessly, trembling or shaking, and hesitancy in eating or drinking.
It’s important to note that cognitive dysfunction is not associated with seizure activity or other neurologic problems. It is seen in male and female dogs of all breeds that are at least 10 years old or older. The problem is progressive and the cause is unknown.
Diagnosis of Dementia in Companion Animals
Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize dementia and differentiate it from other diseases that may cause similar signs. Other diseases that may have symptoms of dementia or decreased cognitive ability include brain and spinal cord tumors, hydrocephalus, encephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, hypertension, heart failure, renal failure/urethral incompetence, urinary infections, lumbosacral disease and endocrine dysfunctions (most commonly, hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism).
In addition to obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough general physical examination, we utilize some or all of the following tests:
Neurological examination
CBC (hemogram or complete blood count)
Serum chemistry analysis
Urinalysis
Urine culture and sensitivity
Blood pressure
Endocrine testing including thyroid and adrenocortical testing
Brain imaging utilizing MRI or CT scans
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
Chest radiographs
Veterinary Treatment of Dementia
Treatment of dementia may include one or more of the following:
Specific treatment of any concurrent illness.
Behavior modification exercise.
Specific exercise, mental stimulation and diet recommendations. Some studies have found that regular, moderate physical activity, mental stimulation with play or toys, and a diet rich in antioxidants may help maintain an older dog’s mental health.
Drug therapy, which may require one to two months before improvement is noted.
The pet owner should be encouraged to follow treatment recommendations for the initial treatment period. I also encourage owners to keep a log of the abnormal behavior that the dog shows and notify their veterinarian immediately if any deterioration in the pet’s condition is noticed. They should also take steps to keep the dog from wandering by either keeping him in a fenced-in area or always walking him on a lead. A bell on his collar can be helpful locating him, should he wander.
©2018 Veterinary Neurology & Imaging of the Chesapeake