Dementia in dogs exists. Dogs can lose their minds as they age, which can manifest as cognitive impairment. While a puppy or kitten will never forget where they left their keys, they may withdraw from their family, feel lost in their own home, cry for no reason, or have trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease, and the symptoms only worsen over time. Some medications can be given to dogs, but none are yet approved for cats.
Dementia in dogs
Most people are familiar with Alzheimer's disease and senility. So it should come as no surprise that older dogs and cats can develop a condition called cognitive impairment, which closely resembles Alzheimer's disease (CD).
Studies have shown that beta-amyloid protein deposits play a role in the development of CD in dogs and cats. However, researchers are still trying to determine what causes the abnormalities in the brains of affected animals. These deposits prevent the brain from functioning as well as it should. Intriguingly, research into Alzheimer's disease in humans has yielded similar results to animal studies.
There is a lack of knowledge about the exact prevalence of CD in dogs and cats. On the other hand, there are indications that the incidence of the disease increases with the pet's age. According to one study, CD affected 47 percent of dogs aged 11 to 12 years and 86 percent of dogs aged 15 to 16 years.
Identifying Dementia in Dogs
In some cases, it can be challenging to distinguish some of the subtle clinical signs of CD from the common markers of aging. These include slowing down and reduced activity. On the other hand, canines and cats affected by CD exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including the following:
- “Forgetting” how to use the litter box or “taking it out of the box” are both examples of what is called “housekeeping” in cats.
- reduced activity levels
- a weakening of concentration
- disorientation
- Pacing
- Voice-overs (often for no reason)
- Observe (sometimes against walls)
- Variations in sleep cycle (wandering at night)
- the act of withdrawing from interactions with members of one's own family
- Anxiety
Some pets can give the impression they don't know the family members. They can even behave aggressively toward other pets or people in the household, as if they were outsiders.
Dementia or something else?
When diagnosing CD, the most crucial step is ruling out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of CD. For example, an older cat who begins defecating outside the litter box may be suffering from a bladder infection, diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease. Other possible causes include kidney disease and thyroid disease. It's possible that increased urination is a result of all of these factors. Similarly, a cat with arthritis may have difficulty entering and exiting the litter box, making it less likely to use the box.
Older dogs' vision and hearing can sometimes decline, which can affect how they interact with and respond to family members. It can also often lead to a sense of uncertainty. Your veterinarian may need to perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to rule out other medical conditions before diagnosing CD.
It is possible to perform the following preliminary tests:
- Several blood tests are available, including a chemistry panel and a complete blood count (CBC)
- Urinalysis and urine culture tests are used to evaluate kidney function and look for evidence of infection in the kidneys
- X-rays are used to check for symptoms of arthritis, as well as cancer and other abnormalities that may be present
- Abdominal ultrasound was performed
- Blood tests of a specific type are used to evaluate thyroid function and the status of other medical conditions.
Neurologists are often contacted when people want to know if they have brain tumors or other problems affecting the central nervous system.
Treatment of dementia in dogs
While dementia cannot be cured, some medications can help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Depending on the severity of the clinical signs, medications are available, but there is currently no approved medication. Diets can be beneficial, as can nutritional supplements that can help cats and dogs manage the disease. Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are beneficial for dogs experiencing cognitive decline.
No medication can completely reverse the effects of CD in all dogs. On the other hand, research has shown that regular physical activity and mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of developing CD. To keep their minds sharp as they age, dogs can exercise regularly. Some animals, such as cats and dogs, may feel less stressed if they had a regular schedule.
Let's say the disease becomes too severe and causes problems such as anger and inability to move that affect the quality of life. In that case, euthanasia may be a possible solution. Veterinarians may be able to help families resolve these issues and come to terms with the fact that their loved one is dying.
Prevention
There is no known method to prevent this other than keeping pets in good physical condition throughout their older years by providing them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
