Dementia or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, like geriatric neuropathy, is a common and major health problem in the aging dog. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or canine dementia, affects up to 60% of older dogs over 11 years of age. Fitting into this group, I see around 50% to 60% of dogs with rear leg weakness have some degree of cognitive dysfunction, and this closely parallels what is seen in people with peripheral neuropathy. Studies have further indicated that CCD is more common in smaller breed dogs because of their longer lifespan. 

CCD is a behavioral syndrome with disturbances related to disorientation, sleep-wake cycle reversal, house soiling, vocalization (crying, moaning, yelping and barking) and changes in activity, either increased or decreased. Interactions with people can be affected. In some instances, the dog needs to be with one person constantly, or, in other cases, wants to have minimal contact. Aggression can also be seen, either with other pets in the household, or with people. Getting caught in a corner or under furniture often occurs and the animal can’t figure out how to return to a normal state. 

It’s important to know that vocalization is seldom a sign of pain, but is often associated with anxiety and/or disorientation. The dog is a conditioned creature and their existence is based around what they have been conditioned to do and how to act. When they are unable to function in their normal routines, they can become anxious and vocalize. 

Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments, although Anipryl-Selegiline has shown some promise in early stages of dementia in the dog. Hill’s has a prescription diet that their research indicates can be beneficial. Studies have also shown that supplementing with antioxidants can help to maintain routine behavioral traits. Gabapentin can be helpful in improving the night time sleep schedule and to help relieve anxiety in about 85% of dogs (See: https://www.apeacefulendingathome.com/gabapentin/ for more information on how to use this medication). Anti-anxiety medications such as Trazodone may also be used to diminish that symptom in some patients. Medical grade CBD oil (not the CBD oil from the hemp plant), seems to also diminish anxiety. However, none of these will actually treat cognitive dysfunction, but they can be valuable assets to relieve some of the worse symptoms. Assisi Animal Health has developed collars, beds and specifically placed units that use targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Through their research, they have found that this therapeutic approach can relieve both pain and anxiety in dogs (cats, too). See link below.

Because of the similarity with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in people, the dog is being studied extensively in hopes of developing an effective treatment, and I’m hopeful that this will lead to new veterinary diagnostic procedures/markers and medicines for dealing with this disease in dogs.

The most important aspect of CCD is to understand what is going on and how common it is. Please call to discuss. Below are several links that may help your understanding of this canine health problem.

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/cognitive-decline-in-aging-dogs/

For an extremely technical discussion and how canine dementia relates to Alzheimer’s in humans: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00604/full

https://vetcbd.com/

https://assisianimalhealth.com/calmer-canine/