by Toni Murphy

Created on: July 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 22, 2009

It's Saturday, finally! You're looking forward to a good game of backyard Frisbee with the kids and Maggie, your twelve year old, Golden Retriever. Suddenly, you hear one of the kids scream. You run to see what has happened. You are shocked to discover that your old family friend has nipped at one of the kids. This is so out of character for Maggie. She loves kids and would never hurt them. Next, you look around and notice that she seems confused and disoriented. When you think back you remember some of the other odd changes in her behavior. She has been sleeping less at night and at times it was almost like she didn't know her way around the house anymore. If you are noticing any of these signs in your older pet, then you should take her to your veterinarian for a checkup.

Many dogs once they reach the latter third of their lifespan began to demonstrate one or more of the above mentioned symptoms. These symptoms plus several others are signs of what is commonly known as old dog syndrome. This syndrome known professionally as CCDS or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is characterized by a change in your pet's usual behavior. He may show a change in temperament or even a change in bathroom habits. A pet that has been housebroken for years may suddenly start to have accidents in the house. CDS is not something that your vet will be able to first recognize in an office visit. You need to keep a log of your dog's behavior to share with the vet, then your vet can look it over and decide what type of blood tests or possible CAT scans your dog may need. He can evaluate your pet and decide if CDS is what she is experiencing.

Dogs, like humans, are living longer lives and with these longer lives comes more health problems. Pets experience many of the same health problems as their older owners. CDS in dogs is much like senility or Alzheimer's in older human adults. Like Alzheimer's, the exact cause of CDS is not known but it is believed that it is brought on by degenerative brain lesions. Deposits of, the nerve damaging protein, Beta Amyloid can keep the signals that go from the brain to the body from being transmitted properly, thus, causing the confusion and disorientation that you may see in your pet.

Larger breeds of dogs may show signs of CDS before smaller breeds. Approximately two thirds of dogs between the ages of 11 and 16 will demonstrate symptoms of canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Even one of the above mentioned signs could be a warning that your pet has CDS. As your pet ages be sure to keep these signs in mind and get her to the vet as soon as these changes become apparent. An acronym that may help you to remember what to look for is: DISH disorientation, interaction changes, sleep changes, house soiling.

If your vet does decide that your pet has canine CDS, there is not a cure but they can give her a medication that will help make the rest of her life easier and slow down the progression of CDS. The medication is called L-deprenyl and it helps to enhance your pet's dopamine level, thus, improving your dog's ability to think. There is also prescription dog food that the vet can recommend. The food is fortified with antioxidants that counteract the aging of your pet's brain. Studies have shown that many dogs experienced a decrease in CDS symptoms while on the special brand of food.

The bottom line is, if you want to have many quality years with your best friend, take her for regular visits to your veterinarian and inform the vet immediately when you notice any behavioral changes in your pet.

For more information on canine CDS visit: www.bellaonline.com/articles/art25417.asp or www.animalhospitals-usa.com/dogs/cognitive_dysfuncti on_senility.html

Learn more about this author, Toni Murphy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.