Brain Dog Disease
Thanks to CBS3.com for this article.
Dog Brain Disease
Reporting Ukee WashingtonPHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Could your dog get Alzheimer’s? No, but there is a canine condition that’s similar. Dog owners should know what to look for, because there are ways to help.
Renee Payne dotes on her shepherd husky Wray. So when Wray starting acting strangely, Payne knew something wasn’t right.
“She started peeing in the house, and she’s always been very well house-trained,” said Payne.That was just the beginning.
“I would be sitting at my desk, and she would stand right next to me and stare at nothing or stare at the wall,” said Payne.
It turned out the problem was in Wray’s brain. The dog had cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
Veterinarian Dr. William Ridgeway explained, “Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a complex chemical and physical change in the brain in dogs. It parallels Alzheimer’s in many, many ways.”
Symptoms of CDS include barking, whining, anxiety and restlessness. Some dogs may become aggressive when they’re confused or scared. There also can be memory loss and diminished thinking and learning skills in the brain.
“Dogs will get these globs of beta-amyloid plaques, which is very similar to Alzheimer’s, in a portion of the brain,” said Dr. Ridgeway.
While medications can’t fix the damage, they can alleviate the symptoms. Owners can help by keeping a simple routine. Keep “the same time schedule for them — eating, drinking, walks. And keep the commands short and simple,” said Dr. Ridgeway.
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OMD!!! My pug Spike was diagnosed more than a year ago, your artticle is right on. The barking, the whining and the “accidents”. It is so sad at times because he seems so confused and then at other times he is his old self. Our vet gave us the optiona of medication, but because of other health issues we have decided against at this point.
Our 13 3/4 yr old Golden, Remo, started exhibiting this last year. We also decided against medication, as he has liver and kidney problems. It’s like a switch turned on and off… one minute he’s our happy boy, the next he’s looking around like he has no idea where he is or who we are… so heartbreaking.
My heart goes out to both of you and your furbabies.
I have had 2 elderly dogs exhibit these symptoms. At the time I figured it was senility, except that they would seem normal at times, too.