Canine cognitive dysfunction: what happens when your dog develops Alzheimer's

Canine cognitive dysfunction: what happens when your dog develops Alzheimer's - Did you know that there is an illness very similar to Alzheimer's disease that can affect dogs?

It is known as canine cognitive dysfunction and is very difficult to diagnose. Fortunately, there are some treatments available to improve the quality of life for a dog suffering from this disease.

If you think your dog has been acting strange lately, check out the following gallery outlining the symptoms of the syndrome.

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Understanding the illness - Canine cognitive dysfunction is a degenerative disease that affects dogs, especially in older age.

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Alzheimer's for dogs - As dogs exhibit symptoms very similar to Alzheimer's, it became known as the canine version of the disease, as stated in an article on PET MD.

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Causes of the illness - According to Dog Advertiser, canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia (as the illness is also known) can have a genetic component.

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Causes of the illness - PET MED indicates that another cause of the illness is an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain that form deposits called plaques and cause serious damage to nerves.

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Symptoms: behavior - The symptoms of the disease can begin with a change in behavior.

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Symptoms: disorientation - If your dog appears disoriented or has a tendency to get stuck in certain places, it can be a sign of cognitive confusion.

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Symptoms: nocturnal habits - Something might be wrong if your dog begins confusing night with day or shows a drastic change in their sleep routine.

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Symptoms: appetite - Stay alert to extreme differences in eating habits. If your dog completely loses their appetite or can't stop eating, it can be a sign of the dysfunction.

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Symptoms: forgetfulness - If your dog suddenly starts having accidents in the house, it could be a sign of the illness.

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Symptoms: apathy - Another sign of the illness is if your dog suddenly loses the ability or desire to play or follow orders.

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Symptoms: attention deficit - If your dog becomes very spacey or appears to be contemplating something very hard, it might be worth a visit to the vet. Canine cognitive dysfunction is just one of many possible neurological disorders that can affect dogs.

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Symptoms: memory loss - This is one of the most common symptoms of the illness and the one most related to Alzheimer's in humans.

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Symptoms: memory loss - If your dog acts like they don't know you or someone else familiar, it could be a sign of the illness.

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Symptoms: impatient - It seems contradictory but the same animal that can appear contemplative one moment can suddenly become anxious and irritable the next.

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Diagnosis - As shown in the Daily Treat, the diagnosis of the illness can be quite difficult as many other diseases present similar symptoms.

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Diagnosis - According to the same publication, dog specialist Hindy Pearson confirms that there is no specific test for the illness, but that veterinarians arrive at a diagnosis by performing a series of exams designed to rule out other illnesses.

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Diagnosis - Once your dog is diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction, a series of treatments and changes in daily routine can help improve their quality of life.

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Treatment: physical exercise - In general, activities that contribute to brain stimulation can help improve quality of life.

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Treatment: physical exercise - One of these activities is physical exercise, as long as it is guided and recommended by the vet.

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Treatment: physical exercise - One important aspect of physical treatment is patience. The dog should not be forced to perform any activity that he doesn't want to do.

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Treatment: diet - A full, nutritious diet can also help treat symptoms, according to the Daily Treat. Food should be rich in antioxidants and omega 3 (good for memory).

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Treatment: affection - Your dog needs love and care more than ever, even if they can no longer recognize you.

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Treatment: routine - Making small and gradual changes in daily routines can help keep your dog calm.

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Treatment: medication - Aside from treatments related to behavior, there are medications that can help alleviate symptoms. Make sure to ask your veterinarian which are best for your dog.

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Treatment: psychological - In more progressive stages of the illness, some veterinarians recommend psychological care to help keep your dog calm.

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Statistics - Studies show that around 28% of dogs between the ages of 11 and 12 and 68% of dogs between the ages of 15 and 16 present one or more symptoms of the illness.

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Statistics - This data was taken from the veterinary department at the University of Ohio, and refers to a study performed by the Behavior Clinic at the University of California.

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Recovery - Just like with Alzheimer's, there is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, but it is possible to improve your dog's quality of life if treatments are followed closely and accompanied by a specialist.

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Recovery - The best remedy is to overcome the limitations of the illness and use it as motivation to give more love and affection to your dog.

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