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Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) / Senility in Dogs
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a disease associated with aging in animals. It generally occurs in animals eight years of age and older. Scientists believe that CDS in pets is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. Pet owners often liken the signs of CDS to senility. There are currently over 28 million pets in the US displaying symptoms of CDS.
The symptoms seen with CDS include: disorientation, defecating or urinating inappropriately in the house, pacing or wandering, vocalizing, head pressing, panting, a change in sleep patterns with the affected dog staying up most of the night, and changes in relationships between the pet and family members, including lack of interaction or possible aggression.
What causes CDS? Like Alzheimer’s disease, plaques of protein accumulate in brain cells, leading to cell death. In addition, the process of aging causes an increase in free radicals. Free radicals cause brain cell damage and death. A loss of brain cells leads to the signs of CDS. Animals suffering from CDS also experience a change in chemical levels (e.g., dopamine) in the brain. A decrease in active dopamine levels leads to disorientation, and inappropriate sleeping, eating, and elimination patterns.
It is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out other possible disease processes that might cause symptoms similar to CDS. For instance, a dog with a urinary tract infection might pace, have changes in sleeping patterns, and urinate frequently in the house. A dog with severe liver disease may become disoriented, wander aimlessly, and have a change in eating and sleeping patterns. A dog with a brain tumor or one experiencing sudden blindness may exhibit symptoms similar to CDS. A pet with low grade, chronic pain may begin pacing at night. It is essential that you consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog suffers from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Blood testing and radiographs are often required to definitively diagnose the problem.
What can be done to treat CDS? Generally, this condition is best addressed with a multi-modal approach. Medications, nutraceuticals, diets, and environmental enhancements have all been shown in research to help animals with CDS. A drug known as Anipryl (selegiline), which prolongs the action of dopamine, improves the lives of many dogs affected by CDS. For those dogs amenable to Anipryl therapy, symptoms improve by at least 50% within the first two months of therapy.
Anti-oxidants decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative disease such as CDS, and decrease oxidative damage, which leads to cognitive impairment in the brain. Hills® Veterinary Diets makes a diet called B/D, which contains multiple anti-oxidants, fatty acids, and a recommended senior diet formulation. SAM-e (s-adenosylmethionine) is a supplement traditionally used for used for liver disease, which has been shown to have anti-depressant effects, help with blood flow to the brain, and increase awareness in patients. Melatonin supplements can help to re-set the biological clock so that a pet can rest more peacefully at night. Neutrick (apoaequorin) is a protein derived from jellyfish which addresses the calcium imbalances thought to be related to neurodegenerative conditions such as CDS; research shows it can help brain cells live longer.
DAP (dog-appeasing pheromone) diffusers, collars, or sprays contain a synthetic substance which mimics a hormone released from female dogs when nursing their puppies, which has a calming effect and decreases anxiety. Lastly, researchers believe that mental stimulation of CDS patients with training games, puzzles toys, seeking out hidden treats, etc. will help to decrease the symptoms of CDS as it does in human patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Please do not hesitate to speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of CDS in your elderly pet. Medications, diet changes, supplements, and environmental changes may help to significantly improve its quality of life.