Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

I've known for sometime now that Mollie my old girl has Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and it is currently being treated with Selgian tablets, which have worked really well she's still fairly healthy only problem is now she has actually started to snap at people whom shes been familiar with since we took her in as a rescue dog 7 years ago. She has not yet snapped at me, nor Jess although I feel now it is only a matter of time and this does leave me worried..I know what you are all going to say..better a day to soon and all that. But I was wondering if it is worth giving her one last shot with any alternative therapies any of you could possibly recommend? Taking her to our vet again to see what they suggest, or really have to now decide wether or not to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to my old girl which really would be last resort

Vivitonin !!!
If your vet has`nt already suggested Vivitonin, give him a good prod in the ribs and ask why not
Ask him also about Skullcap and Valerian tabs, [ to give her peace of mind / calm outlook ], or if your vet is not open to alternative therapies as additional help, find a vet who does understand the value of them - do get vet recommendation for them specific to your girl to ensure they dont have contraindications to the meds she is on now.

Also, I would have her hearing and sight checked by a specialist, If those have dipped recently thats likely to be a large part of the answer and helping her adapt if either are fading can be much easier than you might think :smt001

We had our old collie on vivitonin years ago (not the same old collie we have now..our old old collie!!!!) Anyway, they did seem to pick him up...apparently (so our vet told us) they give them to Japanese OAP's!!!!!
It's worth going to your vet to check out if she is in any pain or is suffering form her sight or hearing failing, as Patch said. I personally, would do that sooner rather than later, the vet can also have a good old prod around and see if there is anything else going on. It could be her cognitive dysfunction has got worse...but only your vet will be able to tell you for sure.
Whilst Vivitonin certainly perked our old boy up, I don't think it necessarily gave him more quality time...but his was a different scenario, he had a major stroke and a few smaller ones (we think at night at least) and so he was a walking disaster anyway!
Big hugs!

Thanks for the replies, I've got an appointment for her in the morning to see the vet again so I'll ask about the Vivitonin, Skullcap and Valerian. Mentioning the Skullcap and Valerian, can't you buy this online?
I'm sure I have seen it on an 'alternative therapy' site that I frequently order from, would it be safe just to order some of these up and give them to her or will I need to speak to the vet about these first being as shes currently on medication that hes prescribing for her? I will get her eyes and hearing checked out, it does just seem to be 'forgetfullness' with her as this morning she was wondering around looking for her bed, took her almost an hour to find it, then she was just sitting in it staring at the wall. It's really been breaking my heart watching her like this because shes always been such a good girl, such a mild mannered little lady with people and always been salt of the earth with all other dogs
I'll let you know how she gets on tomorrow, and what the vet has said. Thanks for the advice, I'm not about to give up on her yet, she means such a lot to us. x

if you ant to try other ways of treating her go for it you have nothing to loose.
at least your'll know deep down you tried if it doesn't work out.
my old lad had this but it never affected his behaviour but the sad thing is they can't help it and its not really them being aggressive if you know what i mean.
good luck i hope it helps you both.

just caught up with this thread do let us know how you get on,and good luckxx hugs xx

Hope it goes well this morning. Hugs

Hi Nicci I can't see how old Mollie is , only that you took her in 7 years ago.
A change in medication can have a huge effect on CCD, so it is well worth following that up.

In addition to CCD it should also be remembered that elderly dogs may develop aches and pains, their hearing and sight can deteriorate and this can have the effect of making things that once posed no threat seem scary, this can make elderly dogs quite fearful and less tolerant.

I think family members and children in particular should be made aware of this, have you seen this article by Shadowboxer?


http://www.dogsey.com/dog-articles.php?t=13176

Thanks for all the replies, Mollies eye sight is starting to fail, the vet at the referal clinic has confirmed this
He also said her hearing may be starting to fail also which had a feeling might be the case as she's always been a very loyal, responsive kind of little dog.
I'm waiting on some blood test results to come back, I've had some Vivitonin from the vet for her and some Skullcap & Valerian just got to wait and see now if there is somesort of improvement, I hope so

Minihaha I'm not totally sure how old Mollie is, the rescue we had her from only estimated her age at around two or three years old when we had her, even I back then had a feeling she may have been a little older at around 4/5 years old which would now make her around 11 or 12 now.

It's sad watching my oldest baby go through this to the point it's been breaking mine and Jess's heart the only thing that gives me comfort at this time is that while shes been with us, she's had the best life that we could give her. I don't think she will be with us much longer, as we had a Lab x Collie with Dementia and he seemed to go downhill rapidly So extra special cuddles for Mollie now everyday she's with us.

Sending big hugs, hope the different meds help. She looks lovely.