Border Terrier Mum Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and am hoping for some help, advice, or just empathy in regard to my almost 14 year old Border Terrier. In recent months his personality has changed significantly and I now suspect he has some form of canine cognitive dysfunction. From being an affectionate, very sociable and friendly little dog, he has become quite antisocial, disinterested (for the most part) in interacting with me, his toys, other people and also at times appears disorientated, vague, anxious, agitated and unwilling to come inside the house or go for walks. After an initial consultation, the vet I took him to has prescribed Vivitonin tablets (2 per day) which he's been taking for about 3 weeks now. I haven't noticed any improvement in him, although his behaviour does tend to fluctuate a bit in that at some times he seems more alert and engaged than at others. Physically he checks out ok, he's eating well and has no signs or symptoms of physical illness. I believe there are stronger medications than the one he's on, (I think Anapryl?) and wondered whether anyone has any experience of dealing with a similar situation and trying one or other or both of these two medications. The vet also recommended that we try and encourage him to participate in normal life and activities even when he seems reluctant but I'm a bit concerned that doing this will only make him more agitated. Quite often when I approach him now, he runs away which makes it difficult to do things like give him medication and take him for walks. Any advice or help would be very much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjosa Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Maybe he has dementia, those symptoms sound a bit like it could be that, I had one of my boys suffer from dementia for a short time before it was time to let him go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 The University of Sydney is doing research on this condition in dogs & has had success with an elderly cocker spaniel..I think they're still recruiting suitable dogs for their trials. But I understand you're not in NSW. However, you might find it interesting to read their description of the condition: http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2015/12/04/world-first--university-of-sydney-scientists-cure-dog-of-dementi.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 The University of Sydney is doing research on this condition in dogs & has had success with an elderly cocker spaniel..I think they're still recruiting suitable dogs for their trials. But I understand you're not in NSW. However, you might find it interesting to read their description of the condition: http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2015/12/04/world-first--university-of-sydney-scientists-cure-dog-of-dementi.html fantastic read - thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 I just came across this book online and wondered if you might find it helpful: Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Disfunction The author has some videos on her website of her dog, Cricket, displaying symptoms: What Does Canine Cognitive Disfunction Look Like?. Hope this helps. x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now