Nutritional support of dogs with cognitive disease

Presented by Sarah Wilson, BScH, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (nutrition)

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

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Name

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Questions

1. Based on clinical signs alone, cognitive dysfunction syndrome is traditionally diagnosed in dogs 11 years and older but can show impairment in cognitive function as early as _______of age. *

4 to 6 years

5 to 7 years

6 to 8 years

7 to 9 years

2. True or False. There are considerable similarities between canine and human cognitive decline, such as physical atrophy of the brain, oxidative damage and alterations in the energy metabolism of the brain. *

True

False

3. True or False. Meeting energy needs in dogs with cognitive dysfunction is easy, and never needs to be re-evaluated unless the owner mentions difficulty eating or notices weight loss. *

True

False

4. Antioxidants found in high quantities in fruits and vegetables that can help decrease the risk of cognitive decline include vitamins ______, as well as other phytonutrients. *

A and B

B and C

C and E

E and K

5. True or False. Senior dogs with cognitive disease should be fed lower protein diets since they probably also have kidney disease. *

True

False

6. True or False. Changes in food-related activity, such as increase or decrease in appetite are behaviours that can be associated in dogs with cognitive decline. *

True

False

7. The following are behavioural signs associated with cognitive decline except: *

Disorientation, such as difficulty getting around objects

Social interactions; remaining engaged and/or increased desire to interact with others

Sleeping less or vocalizing more at night

House soiling with no warning occurring in a potty-trained dogs

Actively repeating aimless behaviours

8. Nutritional support of a dog with cognitive disease can be supported by which nutrients: *

Ketones, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and B vitamins

Only fat-soluble vitamins, as they can cross the blood-brain barrier

High-carbohydrate diets to provide more glucose to the brain

Many nutrients likely help, but it is unclear if any specific nutrients can slow cognitive decline

9. When should you start screening canine patients for cognitive decline? *

If the client mentions one of the behavioural signs of cognitive decline

As soon as they turn 7 years old, no matter the breed

Once they turn 11 years old, if the client hasn’t mentioned any behavioural signs sooner

Screening with a questionnaire while in adulthood will help catch early signs which may occur as early as 6 years old

10. Feeding strategies to support cognitive health include the following recommendations except: *

Maintaining a regular feeding schedule, if possible, at least twice-daily meals

Ensuring dogs are eating appropriate amounts of a complete and balanced diet, ideally fortified with nutrients supporting cognitive health

Consider offering the newest supplements found with a google search and one review that promises to cure the dog’s cognitive impairment

Consider enrichment activities in combination with nutritional support such as training, play, exercise and new toys