(Goldston, 1995)

Geriatric pets undergo normal age related changes which may affect their behavior, appearance and general health. They often experience an increased incidence of disease, most notably cancer, kidney and heart disease. Behavior problems may develop in the previously well behaved older pet for a wide variety of reasons. Handouts are available to help guide you in understanding and identifying these changes so that you can notify your veterinarian early, before problems get out of hand.

As the owner of a geriatric pet you should be aware of a newly identified syndrome that can be controlled with early intervention. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is important to understand because it can mimic behavioral problems or disease states. It is often ignored and attributed to "old age" or "senility". We now know that canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a physical disorder. It is not a part of normal aging and not a component of any disease commonly seen in the older dog. CDS is very similar to human Alzheimer Disease. The brain undergoes changes in structure, and plaques of beta-amyloid (a substance not found in healthy animals) are formed within brain tissue. Alterations in neurotransmitter and enzyme function and quantity are noted within the brain and free radicals are formed in greater quantities. These alterations in normal brain structure and function can result in profound changes in behavior. These changes most frequently include disorientation, changes in interactions with family members, inappropriate elimination or changes in your dog's activity level or sleep patterns.

There is no cure for CDS. Fortunately, treatments are available that can potentially slow these processes and alleviate the symptoms commonly seen in this syndrome. Early intervention is necessary to protect from the continuing damage of neurotoxins while your pet's quality of life is still good. It is therefore imperative that you, the pet owner, are able to identify early signs consistent with CDS and report them to your veterinarian. Not every old dog will develop CDS but only a trained professional, such as your veterinarian, can make the diagnosis.

The following checklist includes behavioral changes that could represent early symptoms of CDS or a new behavior problem. It should be posted in your home and completed each month so that any progression of symptoms or new behavioral changes can be identified. Talk to your veterinarian and let him or her determine guidelines for communication and checkups.

POST THIS HANDY CHECKLIST IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD
AND RECORD ANY CHANGES IN YOUR PET'S BEHAVIOR EACH MONTH.
Bring this list with you on your next visit to your veterinarian. It may be helpful in differentiating between a true behavior problem and canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Keeping a diary of your pet's behavior is helpful.

Pet Name:______________________ Owner:_____________________________

Veterinarian:_______________________________________