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COGNITIVE DISORDER IN PETS
There are many of us who are fortunate in
life to be able to see our pets make it to their senior years. As we watch our
two older dogs—Taz, our malamute, who is pushing 16 and Molaki our Husky, who is
15, I see the undeniable signs of aging. Recently, Mo was diagnosed with
Cognitive Disorder. We have also had cats who have lived into their 20’s.
Cognitive Disorder most commonly affects
dogs 11 years of age and older, but symptoms can start as early as 8 years of
age. The condition appears to occur in cats as well, but is not as well defined
or researched. Symptoms can begin to appear in cats around 11 or 12 years of
age.
Symptoms can include: Disorientation,
Interaction with family members, activity and sleep, housetraining.
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Disorientation—wanders aimlessly; appears lost or
confused in house or yard; get’s “stuck” in corners or under/behind furniture;
stares into space or walls; has difficulty finding the door; stands at hinge
side of door; does not recognize familiar people; does not respond to verbal
cues or names; appears to forget reason for going outdoors
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Interaction with family members—seeks attention
less often; less likely to stand for petting; walks away while being petted;
less enthusiasm upon greeting; no longer greets family members
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Activity and sleep—sleeps more during the day;
sleeps less during the night; decrease in purposeful activity; increase in
wandering or pacing; barks at night for no reason. May experience repetitive
motion.
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Housetraining—Urinates indoors; has accidents
indoors soon after being outside; does not ask to go outside
Cognitive Disorder is caused by physical and
chemical changes that affect the brain function in older dogs. The changes
occur as a result of physical and chemical changes within the cerebrum of the
dog, including deposition of beta amyloid protein (similar to Alzheimer’s
patients), atrophy from nerve cell death, myelin degeneration, intraneuronal
lipofuscin accumulation, decreased neurotransmitter activity, or increased
activity of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B, an enzyme that breaks down the
neurotransmitters dopamine.
There is no diagnostic test for this
disease. You vet may diagnose it by your description of the symptoms and ruling
out other diseases that can also alter your pet’s mental state.
If you are finding symptoms of cognitive
disorder in your pet, it is best to see your vet to rule out any other
diseases. In the meantime, you can make things more comfortable and safe for
you pet.
There are both natural treatments and
conventional therapy for dogs (there is no approved conventional treatment for
feline cognitive disorder) which we will be the topic of my next article.
For our husky, he has to wear a belly band
and we have had to section off parts of the garage as he will get in there and
knock things down. We also try to keep him in the house as much as possible
where he is more comfortable and make we make sure he gets out for walks during
the week.
COGNITIVE DISORDER – TREATMENTS
PART II
Several weeks ago, I talked about cognitive
disorder in our older pets. If you missed this or did not get it, please check
out our webpage (beastieboutique.com). This week, I’ll discuss some treatments
for your pets. We’ll look at some natural treatments and conventional
treatments that are being prescribed.
Choline/Lecithin
Lecithin contains a substance called
phosphatidylcholine (PS) that is alleged to be responsible for its medicinal
effects. Phosphatidylcholine is a major part of the membranes surrounding your
pet’s cells. However, when broken down into choline rather thean being carried
directly to cell membranes. Choline acts like folic acid, TMG (trimethylglycine,
and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to promote methylation. It is also used to make
acetylcholine, a nerve chemical essential for proper brain function.
For use as a supplement or food additive,
lecithin is often manufactured from soy.
Studies have shown effectiveness in
improving neurological function in pets with cognitive disorder. For those pets
who respond favorably, Cholodin give at 1 to 2 pills daily for small dog or cat,
and 2 to 4 pills given daily for a large dog, can be used in place of the drug
Anipryl (selegiline).
Lecithin is believed to be generally safe.
However, some people taking high doses, experience minor buy annoying side
effects, such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
Other Natural Treatments
Other therapies you may consider for your
pets are a natural diet, antioxidants (specifically vitamin E), SAMe, Omega-3
fatty acids, alfalfa, astragalus, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, gotu kola, horsetail,
glandulars, Coenzyme Q10, and plant enzymes. These therapies can be
used in conjunction with conventional therapies as needed. The Natural
treatments have been widely used with variable success and remember, they have
not all been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time.
Conventional Therapy
Anipryl – also called I-deprenyl. Anipryl
appears to work by increasing dopamine neurotransmitter levels in the brain via
its inhibition to the enzyme monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B). It should not be used
with the common drug amitraz (Mitaban, a commonly used dip for pets with mange),
or other antidepressants such as Prozac, and ephedrine.
Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea,
lack of appetite, restlessness, lethargy, salivation, and trembling. Dogs must
be on the product for at leat 30 – 60 days to assess the effectiveness of
Anipryl in treating CDS. The drug is not yet approved for cats.
Improving Quality of Life
- Provide mental
stimulation - Play with your pets - Go for short walks - Talk to them - Pet
them - hug them!
- Prevent
wandering away by keeping your pet on a leash or for dogs keep in a fenced
area.
- Attach a bell
to the pet’s collar to help keep track of him indoors.
- Minimize
stress and change - Don't rearrange furniture or change familiar
surroundings. Stick with a daily routine.
- Take more
frequent potty breaks. When taking dogs outside encourage them to go potty
(just like when they were puppies).
- Provide raised
food and water bowls so large dogs won't have to reach down uncomfortably to
eat and drink.
- Provide a
soft, comfortable bed, away from drafts and at a height your pet can easily
get in and out of. You might want to place pet beds or cushions in several
rooms of the house to provide comfortable, convenient places to sleep and
relax - always near you.
- For a pet who
has always been allowed on furniture but can no longer jump up, place a ramp
or a small set of steps near the bed, sofa, or chair your senior pet is
unable to reach.
With Molaki, my senior dog, we have used
some herbal therapy products and found to have some improvement. I have to
remember to be patient with him as he can not move as fast and I have to be
there to remind him to go out more frequently to avoid accidents. During this
cold weather we have made arrangements to keep the older dogs inside where they
are more comfortable and remain calmer.
If you suspect your pet may have Cognitive
disorder, please see your vet. If you desire a more holistic approach, we can
recommend a holistic vet in the Portland area.
If you have any feedback or would like to
share your stories about your pet, please e-mail me at
kristina@beastieboutique.com
Kristina
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