Dogs, People Show Similar Signs of Aging

Some of these illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney disease, and cancer.

Jan. 15, 2001 -- Graying hair. A creak in the hips. These signs can come with aging -- in humans and canines alike. Not only do we show signs of aging that can be similar to those in our canine counterparts, we also are prone to develop some of the same illnesses.

``Dogs get some of the same diseases people do, however, because dogs age faster -- 7 years for every human year -- their age-related health conditions may develop sooner than their owners expect,'' says Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, Laguna Hills, Calif. ``And because our organs operate similarly, dogs and people also show similar symptoms of diseases.''

Some of these illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney disease, and cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cancer is the number one killer of dogs today(1). Cancer is the second leading cause of death in people(2). ``Cancer is just as common in dogs as it is in people,''(3) says Cruz. ``Also, one in six people has arthritis(4) and, similarly, an estimated one in five dogs suffers from the same disease.''(5)

And while age-related dementia plagues millions of people across the country,(6) according to their owners, 18 percent of senior dogs (age 7 and older) may show similar signs.(7) These signs could indicate a newly recognized medical condition called canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).(8)

Dogs with CDS may exhibit the following signs:

• Disorientation: Wanders aimlessly, appears lost or confused; may not recognize family members or other familiar people.

• Decreased interaction: No longer greets family members or asks for attention; no longer stands or lies for petting.

• Sleep or activity changes: Sleeps more during the day and less at night; wanders or paces.

• Loss of housetraining: Forgets to ``ask'' to go outside; may have accidents in the house.

Many dog owners do not know that the signs of CDS may indicate a medical problem that now can be controlled. AniprylŪ (selegiline hydrochloride), from Pfizer Animal Health, is the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to control the clinical signs associated with canine CDS. It has helped thousands of dogs since its introduction last year, restoring the bond between senior dogs and their families. Anipryl is available only by prescription from licensed veterinarians.

``Dog owners often view signs of CDS as normal signs of aging-things such as getting lost, not interacting with their families, loss of housetraining. But CDS is not normal aging. It is a medical condition,'' says Dr. Cruz.

As a dog ages, his brain undergoes physical and metabolic changes that can result in the signs associated with CDS. An increased breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain -- chemical substances that act as messengers between nerve cells -- may be altered in dogs with CDS.(9)

Improving the Lives of Dogs and Their Owners

Knowing the difference between CDS and old age can produce dramatic results. Findings from a recent field study confirm Anipryl can provide a new lease on life for senior dogs suffering from CDS.(10) To measure the real-world effectiveness of Anipryl, more than 200 veterinary practices participated and nearly 500 dogs (age 8 and older) were evaluated in the study. Eighty percent of dogs showed improvement in overall response after 30 days, and 77 percent of dogs showed overall improvement after 60 days. In some cases, owners didn't realize their dogs were showing signs of CDS until they noticed a remarkable improvement with Anipryl treatment.

Barbara Silverstein of Eagle, Idaho, and her 12-year-old cairn terrier, Alf, participated in the trial. ``Before Anipryl, he no longer wanted to do his favorite activities, like going for a walk. He also started having accidents in the house,'' Silverstein recalls. ``My little dog, who had been so perfect for 12 years, was turning into someone we didn't know.''

Alf's veterinarian soon ruled out other health concerns, diagnosed CDS and prescribed Anipryl therapy. ``Alf remembered when to go outside, and he was happier, peppier and more playful,'' says Silverstein. ``Before Alf began treatment with Anipryl, we were so concerned that we'd have to make some tough decisions about his quality of life. With people, 65 is no longer old, so why should 12 be the end of the line for a dog?''

Early Detection Is Key

Because dogs age so quickly -- 7 years for every 1 human year -- it's important to notice changes in your dog, and act immediately if he or she shows signs of CDS.

When your dog hits 7, or middle age for humans, make sure you take him to your veterinarian twice yearly for regular checkups, or any time you notice signs of CDS or other possible illnesses. Early recognition of CDS may save Fido the agony of forgetting his best tricks. He may even learn a new one.

Anipryl Information

Anipryl is available by prescription only from licensed veterinarians. In studies, the common side effects were vomiting, diarrhea or changes in behavior. Most side effects were mild to moderate. In a placebo-controlled study, most of the adverse events in dogs treated with Anipryl were also observed in placebo-treated dogs, although the rates in placebo-treated dogs were lower. As dogs grow older, they are likely to experience more health problems. Senior dogs should be observed more closely because changes in normal appearance, activity and behavior all can be signs that veterinary attention may be needed. Consult your veterinarian before using Anipryl with other medications or with tick collars. For more information on CDS, call 888-ANIPRYL or visit http://www.anipryl.com

About Pfizer Animal Health

Pfizer Animal Health is a world leader in animal health, committed to providing high-quality, innovative pharmaceuticals, vaccines and feed additives for livestock and companion animals.

Pfizer Animal Health is a business unit of Pfizer Inc, the world's largest pharmaceutical company. Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines and many of the world's best known over-the-counter brands. This year, Pfizer expects global sales of more than $31 billion and has a research and development budget of $4.7 billion.

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        Foundation News. http://www.avma.org .  April 4, 2000.
    (2) American Cancer Society. Statistics.  http://www.cancer.org .
        April 20, 2000.
    (3) American Veterinary Medical Foundation.  Animal Cancer.
        http://www.avma.org .  June 27, 2000.
    (4) Arthritis Website.  Arthritis Facts.  http://www.arthritiswebsite.com
        June 27, 2000.
    (5) Proprietary market research, 1996. Veterinary sample size: 200.  Data
        on file, Pfizer Animal Health.
    (6) Alzheimer's Association.  Frequently Asked Questions.  Alzheimer's
        Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.  http://www.alz.org .
        April 3, 2000.
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        Animal Health, 1999.
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        as a model for human age-related cognitive decline, dementia and
        Alzheimer's disease: Clinical presentation, cognitive testing,
        pathology and response to l-deprenyl therapy.  In: Progress in Brain
        Research, Vol 106 (Yu Peter M; Tipton Keith F; Boulton Alan A, eds.).
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    (10) Comprehensive post-approval field study, 1999. Data on file, Pfizer
         Animal Health.

SOURCE: Pfizer Animal Health