Helping cats and dogs withCOGNITIVE DYSFUNCTICfeel better and act younger

摘要

Pets are living longer: As a consequence, the population of dogs and cats developing signs of senility is growing. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a disease of age-related degenerative changes in the brain similar to that seen in people experiencing Alzheimer's disease. The clinical signs of CDS involve age-related development of behavioral changes unrelated to other medical or behavioral conditions. The most common signs associated with CDS in cats are disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, housesoiling, and changes in activity. In dogs, the changes in behavior may be more overt (Table I). CDS is a diagnosis of exclusion. Once systemic illnesses, organic brain disease, and true behavioral problems have been ruled out, cognitive dysfunction should be considered in older dogs and cats exhibiting signs of decreased mental acuity or dementia.