Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

[lonewolf07]

The vet told us that our  13 1/2 yr old Akita has Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.  She does have some of the signs - can't relax, keeps walking around and is panting a lot.  The dog is taking meds but one takes about four weeks to work so she is taking something that will work more quickly.  I don't remember the name of these meds but wonder if they can work together.  The Akita has high BP which the vet said was due to her Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome because every test she had turned out well.

Is there anything we can do to help our dog?  Can this Syndrome be slowed down or controlled?  We are thinking of taking her to another vet to get another opinion or possibly to an animal neurologist.  I want to do everything I can for NumberNine (our Akita).  Any suggestions?  PLEASE?

[lonewolf07]

NumberNine IS a distinguished dog  = )  I'll ask the vet about the b/d diet.  She's presently on j/d and t/d.

Thank you for your advice - I'll post in the geriatric forum.  NumberNine can type it herself.  Akitas are intelligent dogs  = )

[ginger899]

Yeah, sorry, dog.......poor Distinguished NumberNine! ;-)

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Just another thought for you...some "distinguised" canines have done well on Hill's Prescription Diet b/d.  The higher level of antioxidants is supposed to reverse some of the damage in the brain that causes the cognitive dysfunction.

You might also think about asking our veterinarians for their thoughts on this.  You can post a question over in the Ask A Vet Expert forums.   We have a Geriatric forum especially for these kind of issues.  (SHHHH...I won't tell NumberNine that you are thinking about posting in a geriatric forum...tell her that its a forum for distinguished and excellent dogs!!)

:-)

[lonewolf07]

The anti-anxiety meds she was taking were, according to the "head vet" causing an allergic reaction.  I don't remember the name of it but will post again to see if anyone has used it and how it worked.

The vet said it would take about two weeks before it became effective and I am going to try to find out if they can be taken together.

Ginger - NumberNine wants to inform you that she is not "old"; she distinguished  = )

Thank you for your response.

[ginger899]

Oh poor old NumberNine!
I do wish I could help here, but haven't the experience with this. I just took a look at things about this online, and it seems the medication will work to slow these changes down, but you may have to be patient and wait for it to work, as it will take up to 4 weeks to really notice any benefits, like you said.
From what I can make out these meds will raise dopamine levels, (low in cases of cognitive disfunction/dementia) -which will help.

I hope you get some more replies which are helpful.
In the meantime hugs to NumberNine....and to you.