I was recently asked to render an opinion on an elderly dog whose behavior had changed over the past several weeks. “Mike” is a ten-year-old collie who seemed active and exuberant when I first came into the owner’s kitchen. Mike was adopted as an adult from a shelter. His owner* told me he seemed to be enjoying life and had a normal appetite, and also had been lame on his left rear leg since he became a member of their family, apparently from a previous fracture that hadn’t healed properly.
Mike’s very devoted owner said that Mike had always been one of those dogs who craves constant attention and rarely left her or her husband’s side. Lately, he had exhibited some unusual behaviors that were of concern. Mike seemed confused and disoriented at times. He would go outside and frequently acted dazed, as if he forgot why he needed to go out, and seemed lost. In addition, at night he often seemed restless and would wander around the house aimlessly.
On physical examination, the only abnormality I could find was degenerative joint disease in both knees, probably secondary to the fracture on the left side and a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the right side.
The symptoms Mike was exhibiting suggest a disease in dogs called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Dogs with CCD may also have problems with sleeplessness and house training (urinating and defecating indoors). They may stare into space, continually pace around the house, and also exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior like excessive licking.
The symptoms of CCD are thought to be caused by changes in the brain that affect memory and comprehension, not unlike dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in people. An exact cause of CCD is still to be determined, but in dogs, brain function can be altered by both physical and chemical changes that are part of the aging process. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time just as with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fortunately, there are methods of treatment that may be helpful. A drug called Anipryl® can be beneficial. Anipryl, which is also prescribed for people with Parkinson’s disease, acts by prolonging dopamine activity. Anipryl does not work in all cases of CCD, but can help approximately 80 percent of affected dogs. Also, dietary changes can sometimes make a difference—specifically a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Hill’s Prescription Diet has formulated a ready-made dog food called b/d®, and CEVA® makes a diet called Senilife® that can be purchased from veterinarians.
Other things veterinarians recommend for dogs with CCD include:
- Develop a daily routine, maintaining consistency
- Don’t rearrange the furniture
- Exercise daily without overdoing it
- Provide patience and TLC
Mike was started on Anipryl June 12, and I will report on his response in the coming weeks.
* “Owner” is a term I have never been comfortable using when referring to the relationship of a pet with its family. It really doesn’t adequately describe the human/animal bond.
