Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

548 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Often, interactions with family members become much less intense. The
dog seeks less attention, often walks away when being petted, shows less
enthusiasm when greeted, and may no longer greet his family. Other dogs
seem to need human contact 24 hours a day.
Some of these symptoms may be due to age-related physical changes and
not to cognitive dysfunction. A medical condition such as cancer, infection,
organ failure, or drug side effects could be the sole cause of the behavioral
changes or could be aggravating the problem. Thus, medical problems must
be tested for and eliminated before senile symptoms are attributed to cognitive
dysfunction syndrome.
Research on the aging canine brain reveals a number of pathogenic
processes that could account for many of the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction
syndrome. A protein called B-amyloid is deposited in the white and gray
matter of the brain and forms plaques that result in cell death and brain
shrinkage. Alterations in various neurotransmitter chemicals, including serotonin,
norepinephrine, and dopamine, have been described. Oxygen levels in
the brains of senile dogs are decreased.
There is no specific test for cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The number
of symptoms the dog exhibits and the severity of the senile behavior are
important considerations in making the diagnosis. An MRI may show some
degree of brain shrinkage, but the test is not likely to be done unless a brain
tumor is suspected. Awareness of the diagnosis makes it easier to understand
the dog’s behavior.
Treatment: The drug Anipryl (selegiline), used by humans to treat
Parkinson’s disease, has been found to dramatically improve symptoms and
the quality of life for many dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The
drug is given once daily as a pill. Because medical treatment is now available,
it is even more important to seek veterinary consultation for behavior
changes in elderly dogs.
An additional benefit can come from feeding the therapeutic diet Hill’s
b/d. This diet is specifically formulated with extra antioxidants for older dogs.
Older dogs may also benefit from treatment with acupuncture and Chinese
herbs.
Physical Changes
The life cycle of the dog can be divided into three stages: puppyhood, adulthood,
and old age. Puppyhood and old age are relatively short when compared
to the length of adulthood. After puberty, a dog’s physique changes very little
until quite close to the end of his life.
Periodic physical examinations may reveal an age-related condition that
can be improved by modifying the dog’s care or daily routine. Although aging
is inevitable and irreversible, some of the infirmities attributed to old age may,