Posts

Senile Moments in Felines

/in , , , , , , , /by

Image: Pixabay

What is CDS in Cats?
As your kitty ages, you may unknowingly accept symptoms of senility as par for the course of aging, however feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome is now classified as a medical condition. A sad but true statistic is that 50% of cats older than 15 years of age tend to suffer from some degree of dementia, otherwise known as CDS.

Feline CDS is caused by the production of a wax-like protein sediment (beta amyloid) in the brain. The syndrome is associated to Alzheimer’s disease in humans as they both display similar physical and behavioural characteristics.

Symptoms:

Disorientation

  • appears confused and lost
  • doesn’t remember people or places that were once familiar to them
  • roams mindlessly
  • becomes trapped in corners
  • gets lost in their once familiar home

Changes in Social Interactions

  • withdraws from attention
  • social relations with other animals change
  • doesn’t greet family members like they once did
  • disregard for meal times/appetite loss
  • no longer grooms themselves

Changes in Sleep Cycles

  • sleep cycles are either reversed or interrupted

House Soiling

  • unable to recall litter box training
  • unable to recall where the litter box is located
  • unable to recall what to do once in the litter box

Compulsive Behaviour

  • wails for no apparent reason
  • paces continuously
  • mindlessly licks objects
  • experiences tremors
  • restlessness and/or anxiety

Diagnosing CDS
Diagnosing CDS is more challenging than one would expect. CDS takes on symptoms similar to that of other diseases such as arthritis, kidney disease, deafness, blindness, brain tumors or hyperthyroidism, therefore these conditions must first be ruled out before CDS can be accurately diagnosed.

Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CDS. However, your veterinarian may prescribe certain medications and behavioural therapy to increase your cat’s cognitive function and slow down any associated decline.

Feed your kitty a wholesome diet enriched with antioxidants, vitamin E, beta carotene and essential fatty acids.

Rearrange your home environment to better accommodate your cat’s condition, such as:

  • placing numerous food and water bowls as well as litter boxes around the home so they are more accessible to your kitty
  • adhering to regular feeding times so your kitty’s expectations to a certain routine are met
  • replacing old litter trays with wider, more shallow rims so your kitty can access them easily. Using sand-like litter is also gentler on their sensitive aging paw pads
  • ensuring any changes to their environment are done incrementally so to avoid your kitty from developing unnecessary anxiety and stress
  • preparing soft and cosy resting spots throughout the home, preferably with a ramp or stairs so your kitty can easily access their numerous safe havens
  • imparting as much love that your cat desires but don’t smother them as this may agitate or stress them out

Prevention
Studies have proven that by physically and mentally stimulating your cat from an early age, you are able to prevent or even offset the negative effects of dementia by keeping their brain young and active. Try some of the following to stimulate your kitty:

  • Provide your cat with mentally-engaging entertainment such as placing bird feeders and bird baths outside your windows for your cat’s amusement.
  • Cat trees are a great source for climbing, discovering and resting.
  • By teaching your cat to walk on a leash, you’re able to expose them to an array of new opportunities, places and discoveries.
  • Food-incentive treats are a terrific way to teach your cat new tricks that stimulate both their mind and body.
  • Disperse limited amounts of cat food around the home in bowls so your kitty is encouraged to seek the food.
  • Puzzle toys reward the cat for their interest by releasing treats. This behaviour imitates that of felines’ natural hunting tendencies and will keep your kitty stimulated both mentally and physically.

Feline senility can be a very traumatic experience, not only for you, but your cat too. Remember to continuously invigorate and entertain your kitty throughout their life so their bodies remain agile and able and their minds sharp. When your cat reaches their “geriatric” years, it’s essential to realise that undesired actions are unintentional on their part and they too, are undergoing stress and frustrations, if not more, than what you are, so acceptance, patience and compassion are key.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

——————————————————————————————

Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Doggie Dementia

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Doggie Dementia

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD) is a heart-breaking condition where a dog’s brain undergoes the process of ageing which may bring about a decline in their level of awareness, learning and memory capacity as well as their reaction to stimuli. The onset of symptoms is generally minor, but over time, they get progressively worse. Unfortunately, 50% of dogs older than 11 years of age display clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction. By the age of 15 years, 68% of dogs show at least one sign.

Signs and Symptoms

  • anxiety
  • increased irritability
  • reduced interest in playing
  • appetite loss
  • changes in sleeping patterns
  • disorientation and confusion
  • reduced learning capabilities
  • failure to recall learned house rules and training
  • urinary and faecal incontinence
  • reduced interest in self-grooming
  • unnecessary licking

Symptoms of CCD can coincide with age-related issues such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney conditions, cancer as well as sight and hearing loss so it’s important that you distinguish between the actual reasons your dog isn’t behaving as they used to. Perhaps they’ve stopped chasing their tail due to painful aches. On the other hand, it could be due to a progressive cognitive decline.

A very helpful acronym that helps pet parents decipher if there’s more than meets the eye to their pooch’s condition is DISHA. DISHA was created to assist owners in distinguishing the obvious CCD symptoms and changes.

  • Disorientation and Spacial Awareness Issues – One of the most common signs is when a dog gets confused in their familiar environment. They may crawl behind an object and be unable to get out from behind it; they may enter or exit through the wrong door or stare blankly at a wall instead of doing something they’d typically do at that time of day.
  • Interactions: Your pooch might usually be the social butterfly on the block, but you gradually notice that they begin snapping or growling at dogs or children they used to be friendly to. In order to discount any physical conditions that could potentially be causing them pain, such as diabetes or arthritis, your vet will need to take blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds. Your pooch may not show as much enthusiasm towards activities or treats that they once used to.
  • Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes A change in normal sleep patterns is a common symptom of CCD. Many pooches appear to interchange their daytime activities with their night time activities. If, for example, your dog used to sleep soundly but now paces most of the night, try leaving a light on for them or playing white noise for them. If this is unsuccessful in aiding their sleep issues, consult your vet for medication that may restore their sleep pattern.
  • House Soiling If your pooch is house-trained and suddenly begins “doing their business” indoors, this could be a vivid indication of CCD. Your dog has most probably lost the ability to control their elimination or forgotten where to eliminate entirely. If diabetes, bladder infections or kidney issues have been discounted from the equation, one can presume there’s been a cognitive decline.
  • Activity Level Although most dogs tend to become less active with age, those with CCD exhibit changes in how they respond to people, sounds and other stimuli in their environment. They may not find the enthusiasm to greet or play with you as they once did, they may display repetitive motions such as walking in circles, bobbing of the head or shaking of the legs. This behaviour is usually linked to deterioration of the brain and less likely to be confused with other conditions. Pet parents should also acknowledge that something isn’t right if their usually serene pooch begins barking unexpectedly and unnecessarily.

If you notice anything peculiar along these abovementioned lines, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Diagnosis 

Your veterinarian will require a thorough account of your dog’s medical history as well as when you initially noticed associated symptoms and the nature thereof. It’s also useful to mention any likely occurrences that may have triggered the abnormal behaviour or complications. Once a physical examination has been conducted by your vet to assess your pooch’s overall health and cognitive performance, ultrasounds, X-rays and blood tests will be carried out to discount other conditions that may be linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no way to stop cognitive deterioration, but it is possible to decelerate the process so that the number of problems that potentially arise can be minimised.

By feeding your pooch a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants, vitamin C and E, flavonoids, beta carotenoids, selenium and carnitine carotene as well as enhancing your furry loves one’s environment, you may increase their chance of cognitive improvement. Keeping your fur child mentally and physically stimulated with food puzzles, frequent scheduled play sessions, walks and socialising with other dogs, are vital to arouse their brain activity and enhance their learning and memory capabilities.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe psychoactive medication and dietary supplements to hinder your pooch’s cognitive decline. This will be introduced in accordance with your dog’s medical history and current health status.

Management

Your pooch should be regularly assessed by your veterinarian to evaluate how they are responding to treatment as well as if there have been any developments in their symptoms. You will need to update your vet immediately if any further changes in their behaviour arise. If, however, your dog’s behaviour appears stable, bi-annual check-ups will suffice unless further issues surface.  

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson