Your old friend doesn't greet you at the door anymore. He wanders aimlessly, disoriented. Your beloved pet doesn't even seem to recognize his own name. Just getting old? Not necessarily. Your senior dog may actually be suffering from canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CDS.
Researchers believe CDS is caused by physical and chemical changes that affect brain function in older dogs. The signs of CDS can be described with the acronym DISH: Disorientation, Interaction changes with owners, Sleep or activity changes, and Housetraining is forgotten.
These behavioral changes can be as hard on family members as they are on the dog. However, most pet owners attribute them to normal aging and do not seek medical care. But these changes do not represent normal aging and, in fact, may be treatable.
"If pet owners see changes in their older dogs' behavior and habits, they should bring them to the attention of their veterinarian," says Dr. Trish Daly, area veterinary manager, Pfizer Animal Health. "If their pet has CDS, the veterinarian can prescribe the medication Anipryl (selegiline hydrochloride), which could help them overcome clinical signs of the condition."
CDS is not an uncommon condition in older dogs. According to a study by leading animal behaviorists, nearly one in five dogs over the age of seven shows signs of CDS. At 11 years of age, the number jumps to one in three.
Your senior dog has given you loyal, lifelong companionship. With a little extra care and attention, you and your veterinarian can help your dog enjoy his golden years, and live a happier, fuller life.
In studies, the most common side effects of Anipryl were vomiting, diarrhea or changes in behavior, such as hyperactivity and restlessness. Most were mild to moderate. In the placebo-controlled study, most of the adverse events in dogs treated with Anipryl were also observed in placebo-treated dogs, although the rates in placebo-treated dogs were lower. Concurrent use of Anipryl with ephedrine or MAO inhibitors is not recommended.
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