Web-Vet TM Neurology Specialists
Cognitive Dysfunction
Nutritional Intervention for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
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Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects older dogs and cats which typically show chronic progressive behavioural abnormalities. Cognitive performance follows similar age-related trajectories across dog breeds, despite remarkable variation in developmental rates and lifespan. The prevalence of CDS in dogs 11 to 12 years old is estimated to be approximately 28%, and is 68% in dogs 15 to 16 years of age. In a 2-year prospective longitudinal study of dogs more than 8 years of age, 33% of dogs with normal cognitive status progressed to mild cognitive impairment, and 22% of dogs with mild cognitive impairment progressed to CDS.
Recent work suggests that simple preventive measures against CDS may be generally advisable in pet dogs and cats as they near middle age rather than waiting until obvious clinical signs are present. Environmental enrichment can have positive effects on behavioural health and quality of life in pets and is likely to improve cognitive function. The role of nutrition for the therapy of this disorder is ongoing - this review article helps explain what nutritional intervention can help these pets.
Investigating Owner Use of Dietary Supplements in Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
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The aim of this study was to investigate owner use of dietary supplements (DSs) in dogs with age-related behavioral changes. An observational study based on an online questionnaire for owners of dogs with age-related behavioral changes was performed. Out of a total of 394 owners who completed the survey, over half of the dogs received DSs (54%), whereas only 8% reported changing their dog's base diet. The most used DS was fish oil (48%). The use of DSs should be discussed with and monitored by veterinary surgeons since many geriatric patients have multi-morbidities.
Age-Related Brain Atrophy and the Positive Effects of Behavioral Enrichment in Middle-Aged Beagles
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This study examined the effects of chronic treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) tacrolimus or the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-inhibiting compound Q134R on age-related canine brain atrophy from a longitudinal study in middle-aged beagles (36 females, 7 males) undergoing behavioral enrichment. Annual MRI was analyzed using modern, automated techniques for region-of-interest-based and voxel-based volumetric assessments. The study found that the frontal lobe showed accelerated atrophy with age, while the caudate nucleus remained relatively stable. Remarkably, the hippocampus increased in volume in all dogs. None of these changes were influenced by tacrolimus or Q134R treatment. The results suggest that behavioral enrichment can prevent atrophy and increase the volume of the hippocampus but does not prevent aging-associated prefrontal cortex atrophy.
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This study aimed to examine changes in the BBB permeability using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs with CCD compared to a control group. It was hypothesized that changes in BBB permeability would be detected and quantified using MRI-based subtraction enhancement analysis. However, mean BBB dysfunction scores did not differ significantly between the study and control groups. BBB dysfunction was present in a few cases of CCD, but not in all so it may be that BBB dysfunction occurs only in a subpopulation of CCD patients.