Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences (DVCAS), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UC), Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
J Vet Intern Med. 2013 Jul-Aug;27(4):822-9. doi: 10.1111/jvim.12109. Epub 2013 May 22.
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting geriatric dogs and sharing several characteristics with human Alzheimer's disease (AD). CCD manifests as alterations of behavioral patterns and daily routines. Clinical signs are associated with neurodegenerative changes (eg, cortical atrophy and amyloid-beta deposits).
To investigate clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors with CCD. Vitamin E was investigated as a potential marker of CCD.
Ninety-four dogs >8 years of age were investigated with a validated CCD questionnaire and allocated to CCD, borderline CCD (b-CCD) and non-CCD groups. The dogs were included in 2008-2009 and followed up in an observational study until follow-up in 2012.
Four key clinical signs dominated in dogs with CCD: sleeping during the day and restless at night, decreased interaction, disorientation at home, and anxiety. A number of borderline CCD cases developed into CCD over time indicating that a prodromal stage of CCD may exist. CCD did not influence survival negatively. Small breeds did not show better survival than large breeds (P = .055) and there was no difference between sexes (P = .99).
A few key questions addressing sleep-wake cycle, interaction, and signs of confusion and anxiety can be used as a clinical marker of CCD. Special attention should be paid to anxiety in dogs with CCD because it may be especially stressful to both dog and owner. Dogs with CCD seem to have a good chance of living a full lifespan if supported by the veterinarian and the owner.
犬认知功能障碍（CCD）是一种影响老年犬的神经退行性疾病，与人类阿尔茨海默病（AD）有几个共同特征。CCD 表现为行为模式和日常生活的改变。临床症状与神经退行性变化有关（例如，皮质萎缩和淀粉样β沉积）。
研究 CCD 的临床特征、生存率和危险因素。维生素 E 被作为 CCD 的一个潜在标志物进行了研究。
对 94 只年龄>8 岁的犬进行了一项经验证的 CCD 问卷调查，并将其分为 CCD、边界 CCD（b-CCD）和非 CCD 组。这些犬于 2008-2009 年被纳入研究，并在一项观察性研究中进行了随访，直至 2012 年的随访结束。
在 CCD 犬中，有四个主要的临床症状占主导地位：白天睡觉，晚上不安，互动减少，在家中迷失方向和焦虑。一些边界 CCD 病例随着时间的推移发展为 CCD，这表明可能存在 CCD 的前驱阶段。CCD 对生存率没有负面影响。小型犬的生存率并不优于大型犬（P=0.055），性别之间也没有差异（P=0.99）。
一些关键问题可以用来作为 CCD 的临床标志物，这些问题涉及到睡眠-觉醒周期、互动、以及混乱和焦虑的迹象。患有 CCD 的犬应特别注意焦虑，因为这可能对犬和主人都有很大的压力。如果得到兽医和主人的支持，患有 CCD 的犬似乎有很好的机会过上完整的寿命。
