Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats and dogs
It’s a fact of life that our pets will age, and as they age, they are prone to many of the conditions that we see in older people. One very common condition that we see in older cats and dogs is cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which is very similar to dementia that sadly affects many elderly people. In simple terms CDS describes a group of signs that are caused by a gradual deterioration in a pet’s brain function. Many of the changes in their early stages will be put down to normal ageing but, sadly, will often progress until they are impacting on both the pet’s and their owner’s quality of life.
Signs of Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is seen in both cats and dogs, but, partly due to their different natures, the signs we see are slightly different.
In dogs, owners may notice changes in their dog’s behaviour and routines. These changes can be summarised by the abbreviation DISHAA;
Disorientation
Change in social Interactions
Sleep / wake cycle alterations
Loss of Housetraining
Changes in Activity levels
Increased Anxiety
Dogs with CDS can appear confused and may get “lost” in familiar surroundings, even getting stuck in corners and unable to figure out how to get out. Change in temperament can mean they are less tolerant and more reactive to people and other dogs. If this reduced tolerance is not noticed or dealt with appropriately it can sometimes lead to aggression and bites. They may be less willing to seek out interactions with their owners. Sleep changes are also really common. Many dogs will start to sleep more during the day and in turn become restless in the evenings and wake their owners overnight for no obvious reason. This can be one of the hardest aspects physically, impacting heavily on their owners’ quality of life. Another distressing issue is the loss of toilet training that can lead to accidents around the house. They may become less keen to go out on walks and play but more restless generally, sometimes pacing or fidgeting constantly. Anxiety is very common, especially separation anxiety which can make it difficult for pets to be left alone, even for short periods.
In cats one of the most common reasons that owners may be concerned is aimless wandering and crying or yowling, which can be very loud and distressing. Cats with dementia, like dogs, may become disorientated, and get lost or even trapped in their regular surroundings. Some may even sit and stare blankly at walls or into space. They may also lose their litter training and have accidents around the house. Cats may also become more withdrawn and less likely to seek attention or fuss from their owners, conversely others may become more “needy”, wanting frequent reassurance. Their appetites may increase, or more commonly reduce, and they may stop grooming properly.
Conditions with similar signs
There are lots of other medical issues that can cause these signs in dogs and cats, and if you are concerned it’s vital to seek veterinary attention. In dogs, your vet will want to rule out problems such as arthritis, hearing and sight loss, hormonal problems such as Cushing’s disease, and urinary tract infections.
Cats can also show similar signs to CDS if they are in pain, due to conditions such as arthritis. High blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or kidney problems can also be responsible for some of these signs. The diagnosis of CDS is further complicated by the fact that many older animals will be suffering from medical issues as well as CDS, so it can be difficult to untangle the effects of each.
How is CDS treated?
Sadly, there is no cure for CDS but there are things that can be done, in conjunction with your vet, to slow its progress and alleviate some of the symptoms. There are supplements available that may help brain health and these often include things like omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). There are even some veterinary prescription diets that have been specifically designed to support brain function in dogs with CDS.
Medications may be helpful for some animals, and these may include medication that help with anxiety and sleep. It is also important that other conditions that an older pet may be suffering from are detected and treated appropriately, especially if they are causing pain.
How can we help pets with CDS?
The good news is that there are also things that you as an owner can do to help. Enriching and modifying their home environment and how you look after them might include ideas such as:
- Spending extra time interacting and playing with them, but in shorter sessions.
- Making resources such as food, water and litter trays easier to access.
- Puzzle feeders and toys to keep their brains active, especially if they are walking or going outside less.
- Several comfy beds in different areas of the house.
- Give them areas where they can find peace and quiet, especially in busy households.
- Stick to regular routines and avoid sudden changes where possible.
- Retraining dogs with modified cues, especially if they are suffering hearing or sight loss.
Remember that whilst ageing is inevitable and cognitive decline is common, there are plenty of things owners can do, working alongside our vets, to keep pets healthier and happier in their senior years. If you are at all concerned that your pet may have CDS, book an appointment to see one of our vets and we can talk it through.
