Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Can medication treat dementia in pets?

Senior pets, like people, can suffer mental decline that is not considered a normal part of aging. Last time we wrote about how one form of dementia -- cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS -- can be treated with diet and supplements. This week we're looking at a commonly prescribed medication for treating CDS. (Read all our CDS posts.)

There are not yet many medications to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome in pets. Anipryl, the brand name for a drug also known as selegiline hydrochloride or L-deprenyl, is currently the only FDA-approved treatment for CDS in dogs.

(There is no drug approved for treatment of CDS in cats, although some veterinarians report promising results using L-deprenyl in cats.)

Anipryl increases the dopamine levels in dogs' brains to improve memory and help dogs think more clearly, but it has a varying success rate.

In one study by manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health, 69% of pet parents who treated their dogs with Anipryl for one month reported improvement in at least one symptom of CDS, compared to 52% of those who gave their dogs a placebo.

Like all drugs, Anipryl comes with a risk of side effects, including -- but not limited to -- diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness or hyperactivity, loss of appetite, seizures, staggering and lethargy.

If your dog has CDS, ask your vet about prescription medications in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes -- and be sure to mention any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, including flea and tick products, which may cause negative interactions.

Though CDS has no cure, using a mix of cognitive enrichment, routine, diet and medication can slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for your whole family.

Tell us: Does your dog or cat show signs of CDS? What did your vet recommend?