HOW TO ASSESS MENTAL ACUITY IN AGING PET
With significant advances in diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries pets are living longer lives. One of the most common presentations in our practice is an older dog that has some form of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).
The presence of CDS increases with age:
8-10 years 3.4%
10-12 years 5%
12-14 years 23.3 %
>14 years 41%
Assessment of CDS can be done by observing the DISHAA symptoms:
Disorientation:
- Staring blankly at walls, floor or into space
- Getting stuck or having difficulty getting around objects
- Not recognizing familiar people
Interaction with people or pets altered:
- Decreased interest or time spent in petting
- Spending more time alone
- More clingy or fearful
Sleep/wake cycle altered:
- Restless or waking at night
- Nighttime vocalization
- Sleeps noticeably more during the day
House soiling:
- Decrease or loss of signaling to go out
- Decreased response to learned commands
Altered Activity:
- Decreased exploration or play with toys
- Deceased interest in playing with family members
- Repetitive behaviors like licking, circling, chewing
Anxiety:
- Increased anxiety when separated from owners
- More reactive/ fearful to auditory stimuli
- Increased fear of places/locations/going outside
Recent studies have shown that MCT ( medium chain triglycerides) can protect the brain cells from deterioration and slow down the progression of CDS. Recently launched by Purina, NeuroCare diet has increased quantity of MCTs and can be useful in reduction of the symptoms. It is available by prescription only
If you notice that your older dog is showing the symptoms of CDS please have him/her evaluated by our Veterinarians.