As our pets get older it is not just their bodies that are affected, their minds also start to age. In some animals it has been recognised that a progressive deterioration of the brain can occur during the ageing process.
This disease has been called cognitive disorder and the changes in the brain seen are similar to what is found in human brains in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Owners with elderly pets suffering from this process start to see personality changes and behavioural problems emerge in their old companions.
These changes are persistent and progressive behavioural abnormalities and can manifest in a number of different ways.
Owners may notice a loss or learned behaviours, reduced recognition of family members and disturbed sleep and restlessness.
They may also see increased aggression, irritation, house soiling and disorientation in their pets. Animals may also undergo repetitive activities and exhibit increased vocalisation.
If your animal is suffering from cognitive disorder they may only show one of the symptoms above or may have a mixture of them.
However these signs are not exclusive to cognitive disorder and many other diseases which occur as animals age can present with these symptoms.
For instance an animal in pain with arthritis may show increased aggression and restlessness. Many of the symptoms can also be caused by metabolic disorders and liver, kidney or heart disease.
Animals with brain tumours can also show these signs. However, if there is no underlying cause of the behavioural changes seen then it is likely that they have cognitive disorder.
If you are worried that your animal may be showing signs of this disease please do have a chat with your vet as there are things that can help.
Sometimes just the act of talking about the process and recognising the changes that you are noticing can help you come to terms with what is happening.
It has been suggested that mental stimulation may help and there are plenty of puzzle games and activities available for dogs and cats.
Diets rich in antioxidants may also help.
If you and your elderly pet are struggling please let us know as there are certain antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications we can use that can really cause a difference and help to improve your loved ones quality of life as they age.
Claire Turner is a Veterinary Surgeon at St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham
