Feline cognitive dysfunction

Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) is a cognitive disease prevalent in cats. It is also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Alzheimer's disease and dementia in humans are diseases with comparable symptoms and pathology.[1][2][3]

Prevalence

Older cats display more symptoms of the disease than younger cats.[4][5] Behavioural symptoms usually become apparent in cats older than 10 years.[3]

Symptoms

Symptoms may include disorientation, restlessness, changes in behaviour with owners, disturbed sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling, and inappropriate vocalizations. The related vocalizations are often nocturnal.[2][5][6] Decreased playfulness or activity, and increased aggression may also be signs of the disease.[7] Diagnosis is made by ruling out other possible causes such as brain tumors.[5][7]

The acronym DISH (for disorientation, interaction, sleep and housetraining) is used for the symptoms of the disease.[8]

Treatment

The disease is incurable, but its symptoms can be managed with treatment.[5] Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs is an established diagnosis, but there has been limited research for cats and treatment options are limited.[9] Drugs used for treatment of the disease have been approved for use in dogs. However, they are used off-label in treatment of cats.[1] Early diagnosis improves results of long-term treatment.[4]

Improving home environment may help in managing the disease.[2][8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ilona Rodan; Sarah Heath (24 August 2015). Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 351. ISBN 978-1-4557-7401-2.
  2. 1 2 3 "Feline Cognitive Dysfunction - Cat Behavior Associates". Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats". Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 Irene Rochlitz (17 April 2007). The Welfare of Cats. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 113–114. ISBN 978-1-4020-3227-1.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Susan Little (1 September 2015). August's Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 977–978. ISBN 978-0-323-22652-3.
  6. ↑ "Older Cats with Behavior Problems". Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats". PetPlace.com. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  8. 1 2 "Is Your Kitty Confused? 4 Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome". www.vetstreet.com. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  9. ↑ Issues in Veterinary Research and Medicine: 2011 Edition. ScholarlyEditions. 9 January 2012. p. 936. ISBN 978-1-4649-6435-0.

Further reading

  • Curtis W. Dewey; Ronaldo C. da Costa (8 September 2015). Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-06204-2.
  • Karen Overall (4 June 2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 432–439. ISBN 978-0-323-24065-9.


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