Growing old is a natural process and a fact of life for all of us, including our four-legged family members. Although dogs age faster than humanoids do, their life expectancy is continually increasing. As a result, we sometimes see a disease called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), the canine and feline version of senility.
Pets with CDS may show signs of confusion, forgetfulness, less responsiveness or other various behavioral changes that are not a normal part of aging. Cats may yowl for no reason and not use their litter box. Dogs may seem disoriented and bark for no reason. It is easy to just assume that your pet is getting older, and that’s just the way it is. These subtle signs may not be exhibited in the examination room, so we might not see them during an examination. By being observant at home, you can alert us to the potential of this disease.
Fortunately, we now have medication that can make a dramatic impact in returning your pet to a more normal behavior. The drug is called Anipryl, and your vet may also recommend a special diet.
Remember, it’s important to treat other diseases that commonly occur in geriatric pets. The more frequent ones are dental disease and arthritis.
Details of regarding CDS can be found on our website.