Post by muskyhusky on Oct 17, 2008 0:20:28 GMT -6
Graying hair. A creak in the hips. These signs can come with aging-in humans and canines alike. Not only do we show signs of aging that can be similar to those in our canine counterparts, we also are prone to developing some of the same illnesses.
"Dogs get some of the same diseases people do; however, because dogs age faster-seven years for every human year-their age-related health conditions may develop sooner than their owners expect," says Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, Laguna Hills, CA. "And because our organs operate similarly, dogs and people also show similar symptoms of diseases."
Some of these illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney disease, and cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cancer is the number one killer of dogs; the disease is the second leading cause of death in people.
"Cancer is just as common in dogs as it is in people," says Cruz. "Also, one in six people have arthritis and, similarly, an estimated one in five dogs suffers from the same disease."
And while age-related dementia plagues millions of people across the country, according to their owners, 18 percent of senior dogs (age 7 and older) may show similar signs.
These signs could indicate a newly recognized medical condition called canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Dogs with CDS may exhibit the following signs:
• Disorientation. Wanders aimlessly, appears lost or confused; may not recognize family members or other familiar people.
• Decreased interaction. No longer greets family members or asks for attention; no longer stands or lies for petting.
• Sleep or activity changes. Sleeps more during the day and less at night; wanders or paces.
• Loss of housetraining. Forgets to "ask" to go outside; may have accidents in the house.
Many dog owners do not know that the signs of CDS may indicate a medical problem that now can be controlled. Anipryl® (selegiline hydrochloride), from Pfizer Animal Health, is the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to control the clinical signs associated with canine CDS. It has helped thousands of dogs since its introduction last year, restoring the bond between senior dogs and their families. Anipryl is available only by prescription from licensed veterinarians.
"Dog owners often view signs of CDS as normal aging-like getting lost, not interacting with their families, and loss of housetraining. But CDS is not normal aging. It is a medical condition," says Dr. Cruz.
As dogs age, their brains undergo physical and metabolic changes that can result in the signs associated with CDS. But the increased breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain-chemical substances that act as messengers between nerve cells-may be altered in dogs with CDS.
Because dogs age so quickly, it's important to notice changes, and act immediately if your dog shows signs of CDS. When your dog hits 7-what would be considered middle age-make sure to bring him to the veterinarian twice yearly for regular checkups, or any time you notice signs of CDS or other possible illnesses. Early recognition of CDS may save Fido the agony of forgetting his best tricks. He may even learn some new ones.
Anipryl is available by prescription only from licensed veterinarians. In studies, the common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea or changes in behavior. Most side effects were mild to moderate. In a placebo-controlled study, most of the adverse events in dogs treated with Anipryl were also observed in placebo-treated dogs, although the rates in placebo-treated dogs were lower. As dogs grow older, they are likely to experience more health problems.
Senior dogs should be observed more closely because changes in normal appearance, activity and behavior all can be signs that veterinary attention may be needed. Consult your veterinarian before using Anipryl with other medications or with tick collars.
For more information on CDS visit ~ www.anipryl.com/
"Dogs get some of the same diseases people do; however, because dogs age faster-seven years for every human year-their age-related health conditions may develop sooner than their owners expect," says Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, Laguna Hills, CA. "And because our organs operate similarly, dogs and people also show similar symptoms of diseases."
Some of these illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney disease, and cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cancer is the number one killer of dogs; the disease is the second leading cause of death in people.
"Cancer is just as common in dogs as it is in people," says Cruz. "Also, one in six people have arthritis and, similarly, an estimated one in five dogs suffers from the same disease."
And while age-related dementia plagues millions of people across the country, according to their owners, 18 percent of senior dogs (age 7 and older) may show similar signs.
These signs could indicate a newly recognized medical condition called canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Dogs with CDS may exhibit the following signs:
• Disorientation. Wanders aimlessly, appears lost or confused; may not recognize family members or other familiar people.
• Decreased interaction. No longer greets family members or asks for attention; no longer stands or lies for petting.
• Sleep or activity changes. Sleeps more during the day and less at night; wanders or paces.
• Loss of housetraining. Forgets to "ask" to go outside; may have accidents in the house.
Many dog owners do not know that the signs of CDS may indicate a medical problem that now can be controlled. Anipryl® (selegiline hydrochloride), from Pfizer Animal Health, is the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to control the clinical signs associated with canine CDS. It has helped thousands of dogs since its introduction last year, restoring the bond between senior dogs and their families. Anipryl is available only by prescription from licensed veterinarians.
"Dog owners often view signs of CDS as normal aging-like getting lost, not interacting with their families, and loss of housetraining. But CDS is not normal aging. It is a medical condition," says Dr. Cruz.
As dogs age, their brains undergo physical and metabolic changes that can result in the signs associated with CDS. But the increased breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain-chemical substances that act as messengers between nerve cells-may be altered in dogs with CDS.
Because dogs age so quickly, it's important to notice changes, and act immediately if your dog shows signs of CDS. When your dog hits 7-what would be considered middle age-make sure to bring him to the veterinarian twice yearly for regular checkups, or any time you notice signs of CDS or other possible illnesses. Early recognition of CDS may save Fido the agony of forgetting his best tricks. He may even learn some new ones.
Anipryl is available by prescription only from licensed veterinarians. In studies, the common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea or changes in behavior. Most side effects were mild to moderate. In a placebo-controlled study, most of the adverse events in dogs treated with Anipryl were also observed in placebo-treated dogs, although the rates in placebo-treated dogs were lower. As dogs grow older, they are likely to experience more health problems.
Senior dogs should be observed more closely because changes in normal appearance, activity and behavior all can be signs that veterinary attention may be needed. Consult your veterinarian before using Anipryl with other medications or with tick collars.
For more information on CDS visit ~ www.anipryl.com/
