Spring 2000

Older dog health needs: New Treatment for Old Dogs 

Does your aging dog display any of the following behavioural patterns?

·         Loss of toilet training habits

·         Lethargy and disinterested in life in general

·         Staring vacantly into space

·         Barking for no reason

·         Sleeping all day and restless at night

·         Loss of appetite

·         Walking around in circles

·         Loss of hearing or failure to recognise you

If you have identified one or more of the above behavioural changes your dog may have a condition known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (commonly known as Alzheimers disease or senile dementia in humans).

As he is losing his memory his quality of life is substantially reduced and the relationship you have with your dog is dramatically affected. This decline in quality of life used to be considered an inevitable part of the ageing process and therefore untreatable. However better understanding of the underlying changes that occur in the ageing dog’s brain has recently led to the development of an innovative new treatment.

Consultation with one of our caring veterinarians at Gladesville Veterinary Hospital will assess the general health of your old dog. If Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is diagnosed then treatment can be commenced to help improve life for your old friend.