Info - C

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a degenerative condition of the brain present to some degree in most senior dogs (up to 60-70% of dogs over 6 years of age). This deterioration is progressive, and although treatable, it has no cure.

What Causes Cognitive Dysfunction?

The exact cause is still under study. We have found that low levels or imbalances of vital nervous system compounds contribute to the problem (acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Monoamine oxidase (enzyme that helps break down dopamine) is found in higher than normal levels.

What Are its Symptoms?

The symptoms will vary from dog to dog—in both the signs that are present and in their prominence. Here are some of the more common signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome:

1. Disorientation: Pet wanders aimlessly, appears lost or confused in house or yard, gets stuck in corners or underneath and behind furniture, stares into space or at walls, has difficulty finding the doors, does not recognize familiar people, does not respond to verbal cues or its name, appears to forget the reason for going outdoors.

2. Less interaction with family members: solicits less attention, is less likely to allow owners to pet it (walks away), displays less enthusiasm when greeted by family members, does not greet owners on their arrival.

3. Change in activity and sleep: displays repetitivebehavior (e.g., excessive licking), appears lethargic, is unwilling to perform tricks, is disinterested in taking walks, sleeps more overall in a 24-hour day, sleeps less during the night, engages in less purposeful activity in a 24-hour day, pursues more aimless activity in a 24-hour day.

4. Failure of house training: urinates or defecates indoors, urinates or defecates indoors in view of owners, urinates or defecates indoors soon after being outdoors, signals less often the need to go outdoors.

5. Repetitive or compulsive disorders, such as excessive grooming or chewing on furniture or carpet, can also be present.

How is it Diagnosed?

The history is very suggestive. A physical exam can help eliminate other possibilities. Blood tests may be indicated also to eliminate other disease entities and to establish a health baseline. There is no definitive test that can be used, rather the diagnosis is made by a process of elimination.

The behavior chart on the next page can be useful in defining abnormal behavior patterns and can be used to compare responses to treatment.

How is Cognitive Dysfunction Treated?

The affected dog can benefit from the administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor called Selegiline (also called L-deprenyl or Anipryl). It is given for the rest of the dog’s life on a daily basis. If started early in the disease, selegiline may delay the progression of the disease. It can substantially strengthen an affected dog’s quality of life.

The percent of patients that respond to the medicine is quite high (some studies suggest almost a 100% response, though most indicate about 75% respond). The response can come early (as early as two weeks), but typically takes a month or so. After 4 weeks, if a response isn’t forthcoming, the dose may be doubled. If the dog doesn’t respond after a month on the higher dose, the medication is stopped. Maximum benefit will be seen after three months of medication.

What is the Long-term Outlook?

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a quality of life issue. Without medication an affected dog will sadly lie on the floor, totally disinterested in the family, or confused and disoriented about its surroundings. Even though the clinical signs are behavioral, the syndrome progressively destroys the brain and thus can be devastating to the pet and its human family.

Selegiline can favorably alter that grim outlook and add valuable time (even years) to the health and well being of the pet. After several months of treatment, you will be able to judge for yourself if your pet is happier and is once again an active member of your household.

CANINE DISTEMPER

Canine Distemper is a very serious and often fatal canine disease. It is caused by a highly contagious virus spread through the air from one dog to another. The virus can be shed in all body secretions (urine, stool, saliva, cough aerosol, etc.). It can occur in any age dog, but is seen most often in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies from four to eight months old.

The signs can vary from animal to animal and in the same animal from time to time. The signs can include any combination of: loss of appetite; vomiting; diarrhea; fever; deep cough; discharges from the eyes and nose; depression. In the later stages the nervous system may become involved and we’ll see signs of this too (muscle twitching or rhythmic jerking in the face or legs; “chewing gum fits,” lameness especially in the rear legs; and full or grand mal seizures). The skin may show pustules and the foot-pads may become hard and rocklike.

No, not from your dog. Cat distemper is a different disease from dog distemper. It is caused by a virus related to dog parvo disease.

Since it is caused by a virus, there is no specific treatment that will rid your dog of the virus. Treatment is aimed at the various symptoms we may see. It is largely supportive care while the dog gets rid of the virus. We use antibiotics for the bacterial infections that arise in the weakened dog. Good nutrition is important too—a puppy diet is best. Other medicines may be indicated to treat the eyes, skin or digestive tract.

The dog’s odds of survival drop to about 50% with the first signs of brain or spinal cord infection. If “clonus” or “chorea” (rhythmic muscle contractions) show in the face or front legs, the dog may survive with these movements becoming permanent (though some leave with time). However, if progressively more frequent and severe seizures or progressive paralysis of the rear legs occurs, the dog has less than a 10% chance of survival.

Giving a vaccination (even intravenously) has been tried on these sick dogs with little or no indication of benefit. Some research indicates that it may even accelerate the brain and spinal cord injuries if they are brewing.

The length of time needed for you to give medicine will vary according the signs your dog shows. As long as distemper is apparent, we will want you to give medicine. We will need to reexamine your dog weekly to determine the state of its health and adjust the treatment as needed. Since the disease changes with time and with the organ systems infected, we will modify the treatment to meet each challenge. If at any point you have questions, please call rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Maybe. We doctors have seen dogs with distemper that should have lived and didn’t and dogs that should have died that lived. There is no certainty when it comes to distemper. One rule of thumb is that if the nervous system does not become involved, your dog will probably live. We will advise you at each weekly examination on the long term prognosis of your pet. Meanwhile, keep your dog isolated from other dogs that may catch the disease until we declare it “cured.”

Dogs that are well vaccinated (boostered annually or recently finished the “puppy shots”) should be protected. They may do some sneezing or mild coughing, but rarely require treatment. If they develop a greenish nasal discharge, they will need some antibiotics too. Unvaccinated dogs or those needing a booster should be vaccinated at once. The virus does not live long off the dog—a week at the most. Most disinfectants are effective against it, but especially a 1:30 solution of chlorox in water.

Desert Hills

ANIMAL CLINIC