E-mail Story
Print Friendly
Send E-mail
Reprint story
Friday, February 11, 2011
Seeking cure for dementia
By Dr. Jeff Nichol
Of the Journal
Loss of healthy mental function in older dogs steadily drains the life out of their last good years. Aging is hard enough for any of us, but progressive dementia in a pet who had always been bright and full of love is really stressful. There is no cure, but we're working on it.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is the cause for most of the befuddled and sometimes erratic behaviors of many aging dogs. While not identical to Alzheimer's disease in humans, it's mighty close. It's so similar, in fact, that older dogs with senility are an important model for the study of this devastating and growing problem in elderly people.
CDS is common. About 28 percent of dogs ages 11 to 12 years and 68 percent of those older than 15 are losing control of their mental and physical functions. Symptoms include confusion and reduced interest in play and exercise. Some affected dogs become irritable or develop hyperactive, repetitive behaviors; others may turn apathetic and act depressed. Sleeping more during the day or restlessness at night are also common signs. A great many no longer follow simple directions from their owners. They may forget their house training and begin to urinate or defecate indoors.
This is hard on everybody. It's difficult to know when to humanely end the life of a beloved dog who seems otherwise healthy. There are ways of slowing the advancement of the dementia, but a working diagnosis is necessary before treatment can begin. To help rule out other disorders that can mimic CDS, all confused canine seniors should have a physical exam and lab profile.
A major cause of CDS is oxidative damage to the nerve cells in a dog's brain. The antioxidant-rich prescription diet, Hills b/d, can make a difference. Anipryl (selegiline) tablets are prescribed to increase the supply of dopamine in the brain. Supplements can also help. SAM-e and Senilife reduce oxidative brain damage.
Interactions with loved ones are important too. Brisk walks every day, play and simple reward-based obedience can help the canine senior feel more alive. It's never easy to watch the dog you love lose ground, but it is possible to make the most of his remaining time with you.
Investigations into early diagnosis are gathering steam. I am just now beginning a research study into the physical brain lesions of CDS. If you have a canine senior, I would like to hear from you. You and your dog may be able to help. Please visit my website, www.drjeffnichol.com, and click the Senior Dog Study icon on the home page. We want to recognize this problem much sooner in dogs. We hope to help with Alzheimer's research while we're at it.
Cat behavior help
Cats can be so cuddly and well-behaved, and then flip to the other side. I'll address aggression, house soiling, destructiveness and any other inappropriate behaviors that bedevil you and your cats in my seminar at the Animal Humane Adoption Center, 9132 Montgomery NE. The class will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21. Cost: $40. Visit www.drjeffnichol.com or call 792-5131 to register. Bring plenty of questions. I'll give individual help.
Dr. Jeff Nichol provides medical care for pets at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital in Albuquerque (898-8874). He treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe (505-792-5131). Contact Dr. Nichol on his Web site www.drjeffnichol.com (click Submit a Question?) or 6633 Caminito Coors NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Find me on Facebook.
You also can send comments via our comment form
|
|
