FUNNY OLD DOGS
Dr David Davies BSc BVMS(Hons), FACVSc (Canine Medicine)
Dr Robert Holmes (Animal Behaviour)
The aged dog's behaviour may be influenced to varying degrees by previous experiences, concurrent medical conditions and age-related degenerative changes of the neurocranium and can therefore be a particular challenge for practitioners to interpret and manage.
Under practical circumstances canine dementia (or cognitive dysfunction) is presently diagnosed by exclusion of numerous disease states - both intra-cranial and extra-cranial - and other behaviour disorders such as separation anxiety and phobias.
Case studies will be presented to illustrate the diagnostic criteria, exclusion process and treatment options for older dogs presenting with alterations from normal behaviour. |
