Síndrome da disfunção cognitiva canina: revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) is a neurodegenerative pathology related to the gradual loss of cognitive functions and progressive behavioral changes in dogs. It generally affects dogs over 7 years of age, but not all elderly animals are affected by the disease. Animals with this syndrome present clinically with learning difficulties, memory deficits, anxiety, changes in sleep, disorientation and difficulty interacting with other animals and humans. The exact neuropathogenesis of this disease is not yet known, but beta-amyloid is the largest constituent of senile plaques, one of the markers of cognitive dysfunction found in the brain of a sick animal. Clinical suspicion is based on the identification of clinical signs, the exclusion of other extra and intracranial causes that may cause or contribute to the appearance of these signs and mainly based on a complete anamnesis, in addition to examinations. laboratory and cognitive tests. For treatment, drugs are currently used that delay the evolution of the pathology, adequate environmental management and a diet aimed at reducing compounds oxidants. The prognosis will depend on the time the animal was diagnosed, age, clinical signs and response to treatment, being considered reserved in most cases. Like this occurs with other canine behavioral problems, canine cognitive dysfunction is a diagnostic challenge. The objective of this review is to report on the disease, in order to allow the Veterinarian to provide quality of life for the affected dog.