Senile Dementia in Dogs
Senile Dementia, often referred to as "Cognitive Dysfunction," can affect dogs and can produce several symptoms. These symptoms may be minor at first but "will evolve to a large-scale handicap," according to JoelDehasse, DVM.
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Causes
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Senile Dementia in dogs is caused by "pathological changes" in the brain, similar to those in Alzheimer's patients, according to Petplace.com. These changes in the brain are most likely influenced by inheritance and, to a smaller degree, genetics and environment.
Disorientation
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Dogs with senile dementia may appear confused or disoriented. They may also have difficulty recognizing family members or performing simple tasks, such as climbing up stairs.
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Reduced Activity
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Dogs with this condition may display reduced activity and increased sleeping. They may also show a lack of interest in situations that would normally excite them.
Treatment
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Although there is no cure for canine dementia, some veterinarians recommend the drug, Denapryl. This drug "turns back the aging clock," according to Petplace.com, and "symptomatically reverses" some symptoms.
TLC
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As there is no cure for canine dementia and Denapryl only helps to reverse some symptoms, Smalldogsparadise.com recommends providing the dog with "sympathy, tolerance, attention, touch and love."
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