Pets: Know the warning signs of devastating dementia

DEMENTIA is a devastating illness that can affect almost every family at some stage.

Life-altering, the syndrome involves the loss of brain function, including memory and attention, and can bring much heartache to those affected and their loved ones.

Although dementia, as well as Alzheimer's disease, is commonly associated with old age in humans, the conditions also affect pets, with around 50 per cent of cats over the age of 15 living with feline dementia. Dogs can also be similarly affected.

Experts estimate around a million cats have dementia - officially known as Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome - but fear their condition is not always picked up on because humans do not associate memory loss with elderly animals.

Signs that your pet may be suffering from dementia include confusion or disorientation, as well as loss of toilet training.

"If owners notice any of these signs in their pet they should take them to see their vet as soon as possible," explains PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Sean Wensley. "Similar signs can appear as a result of other conditions, such as liver disease, so early and accurate diagnosis is important."

Getting lost in familiar places or becoming "trapped" may be signs of the confusion commonly associated with dementia in animals. Forgetting where their litter tray is, or soiling indoors, are other indications that they may have the condition, along with a change in sleeping patterns.

"Other signs include a change in social interaction and relationships," says Sean. "Becoming more withdrawn, seeming depressed or forgetting members of the family or other pets."

Loss of memory - not responding to familiar commands, forgetting previously learnt behaviours and difficulty in learning new tasks; changes in activity - reduced levels of play or aimless pacing and staring into space; and a change in appetite, usually eating less, can all be other signs that your pet needs to go to their vet to be assessed.

"If your pet is diagnosed with dementia, your vet will try to identify the cause and may possibly prescribe medication, or recommend other ways of managing the condition," explains Sean.

"Although the condition cannot be cured, with their vet's help, many pets can have an improved quality of life for some time after the original onset of illness."

As with humans, veterinary experts suggest a good diet, regular mental stimulation (such as daily play) and companionship (particularly in social animals like dogs) can all help to reduce the risks of dementia in animals.

n For more information and advice about pet health visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth.

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