Small Talk - Autumn 2016

7 / 12

smalltalk 07
l Disorientation (put down
to memory loss) - this could
result in anxiety or aimless
wandering.
l Decreased or increased
activity levels, or possibly
repetitive activities such
as pacing.
l Altered interaction with
owners and other pets,
perhaps reduced recognition.
l Excessive vocalising
(common in cats).
l Sleep pattern disturbance
(waking, vocalising at night,
wandering).
l Urinating and defecating
in inappropriate places.
l Reduced appetite
l Various other behaviours
from aggression to phobias
or separation anxiety.
Many conditions other than
cognitive dysfunction could
cause or contribute to the
above listed signs. Various
medical disorders in older
animals can affect brain
function or demeanour and
primary behavioural disorders
can occur at any age. For these
reasons, if you think your pet
is suffering from senility, it is
important to seek veterinary
advice; there may be a
condition present that when
treated may fully or partially
resolve the signs being
displayed.
Not all animals will show signs
of brain ageing but a large
proportion of pets over 10 years
of age will display at least one
sign. The changes are caused
by processes such as brain
tissue degeneration, blood
flow changes and free-radical
(oxidative) damage.
It is possible to
ward off or, once
present, reduce
the signs of senile
behaviour.
Diet plays a role. Many
substances have been shown
or suspected to improve brain
function, these include the
antioxidant vitamin E as well as
B vitamins and omega-3-fatty
acids; there are many others.
A special proprietary veterinary
diet can be considered which is
supplemented appropriately.
Environmental enrichment is
important. This means keeping
your pet's brain active and
stimulated. For both dogs and
cats this can involve getting out
and about, physical exercise,
interacting socially with other
animals or humans, playing
games, even deliberately
creating activities where
a pet is forced to
use its brain by
searching or
working for a
food reward.
It may be that
treating other old
age conditions
(such as arthritis)
will facilitate
these activities -
speak to your vet.
However, note that
for pets affected by
advanced dementia too much
change can cause anxiety, so
keep the surroundings, routines
and feeding times constant.
Medications: Environmental
pheromones can help reduce
anxiety. There are also some
medicines that can help
improve cognitive function but
these must be prescribed after
a veterinary examination and
assessment.
Animals may display one or
more of the following signs:
Sources:
April 21, 2014. Danièlle
Gunn-Moore ‘Dementia in Geriatric Cats’.
Veterinary Internal Medicine Seventh Ed.
Ettinger & Feldman. Chapter 60.