Abstract
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a neurodegenerative progressive disorder of an old aged dog. There are behavioral changes in the old dogs which can be due to diminished sensory capacities, decline in cognition power related to age or may be due to some underlying medical issues. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) causes decline in cognitive abilities in dogs like awareness, perception, memory and learning. All these functions allow dogs to decide and act according to the situation.
Introduction
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is characterized by the aging of the brain of the dog that causes decrease in awareness, abnormalities in the memory and learning abilities of the dog along with declined responses to stimuli. There occurs cognitive decline which means worsening of the signs and symptoms over the time. The symptoms of CCD in dogs are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in humans. Pathological changes are created in the brain in case of CCD where the brain's functioning becomes slow. Beta-amyloid accumulates in the brain of the dog leading to formation of plaques (type of protein). As the dog grows old their nerve cells die and the space left by dead cells is filled by cerebrospinal fluid. Dogs above the age of 10 years are affected by CCD. Genetic factors are known to play a role in the causation of the disease.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
As per the Ayurvedic concept, there are tridoshas which govern the life, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha. Nervous system diseases like Canine cognitive dysfunction are caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha. This vitiation or imbalance of Vata dosha is caused due to the improper diet and other lifestyle issues. Also the old age is considered to be the time of Vata aggravation, hence the atrophy of the brain is common in old age be it in humans or dogs.
Symptoms
As per the Ayurvedic concept, there are tridoshas which govern the life, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha. Nervous system diseases like Canine cognitive dysfunction are caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha. This vitiation or imbalance of Vata dosha is caused due to the improper diet and other lifestyle issues. Also the old age is considered to be the time of Vata aggravation, hence the atrophy of the brain is common in old age be it in humans or dogs.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
Most common signs and symptoms of CCD in dogs are
- Desire to play decreases
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Too much irritability
- Keep of licking
- Decreased ability to learn new things
- Dog barks a lot
- Disregard for previously learned house rules or tasks
- Incapacity to follow previously known routes
- Declined self grooming
- Anorexia, i.e. loss of appetite
- Incontinence of urine and stool
- Disturbed sleep routine like sleeping during day or night waking
CAUSES OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
With the growing age of dogs, when they pass around 10 years of age their brain cells start to die, i.e. brain atrophy. This causes decline in brain functions. However the exact cause of Canine Cognitive dysfunction is not known but the reasons are almost similar to those in humans which causes atrophies in them.
DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
A detailed history of the health of your dog to the veterinarian will help in the diagnosis of the disease. History will include nature and onset of symptoms along with any complications or unusual behavior. After history, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate the cognitive functions and overall health status of your dog.
TREATMENT OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
Traditional treatment for CCD includes lifelong support and therapy. This treatment includes medications, new toys, exercises, and making them learn new commands. All these things will help in improving your dog's memory. Diet also plays a major role in the improvement of cell membrane health and memory. The main conventional drug used in the treatment of CCD is Anipryl, it is the same drug which is used to treat Parkinson's disease in humans.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
Ayurvedic treatment for CCD is as per the Vata vyadhi which includes nourishing the body with oily substances (Snigdha dravya), herbs and Panchkarma (Therapeutic cleaning of body). There are many herbs and natural compounds that possess potency to balance the vitiated Vata dosha and slows down the progression of the brain atrophy. These herbal remedies also help in improving the functioning of the brain.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
Planet Ayurveda is a very well known herbal pharmaceutical company that deals in the production of herbal remedies and products. These products and herbal medicines are further prescribed by experienced Ayurveda doctors of Planet Ayurveda to the patients as per the ailments. All these herbal products are purely authentic, herbal and vegetarian. They are free from chemicals, dye, preservatives, fillers, additives, colors and yeast which make them safe and effective then similar other brands products available in market. For CCD Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that pacify the Vata dosha and help in slowing down the progression of disease along with improving the life quality of your dog.
Products List
- Neuroplan syrup
- Brahmi capsules
- Ashwagandha capsule
- Vrihat vatchintamani ras
Products Description
1. Neuroplan syrup
This amazing herbal syrup helps in treating the nervous system disorder and here in CCD it helps to treat any underlying nervous system issue causing atrophy of brain cells. Neuroplan syrup is prepared from various herbs like Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri), Bhojpatra ( Betula utilis), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi ( Convolvulus pluricaulis), Mandukaparni ( Centella asiatica), Jyotishmati ( Celastrus paniculatus) etc.
Dosage- Give 10 ml of the syrup twice daily
2. Brahmi capsule
It is produced using standardized extract of Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi capsules possess many medicinal properties which helps in slowing down the progression of CCD. These capsules help in enhancing memory and learning, treating CCD and improving functioning of the brain.
Dosage- Give 2 capsules twice daily with or after meals
3. Ashwagandha capsule
Withania somnifera ( Ashwagandha) is used in standardized form to prepare these herbal capsules. Ashwagandha capsules help in fighting against the general debility caused in disease, improves sleep pattern, and gives internal strength to the dog's body.
Dosage- Give 1 capsule twice daily with or after meals
4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras
Neurological disorders like CCD are caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha and vrihat vatchintamani ras tablets help in balancing the dosha and slows down the progression of this nervous system disorder. These tablets are prepared using Abhrak bhasma (Calx of mica), swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), pravala bhasma (Calx of coral), rajata bhasma (Calx of silver), suta bhasma (Compound of purified and processed sulfur and mercury), loha bhasma(Calx of iron) and mukta bhasma (Calx of pearl).
Dosage- Give 1 tablet twice daily for chewing after meals.
Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - [email protected] or call at +91-172-5214040
CONCLUSION
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a nervous system disorder which can be managed and progression of the disease can be slowed down with the help of herbal remedies mentioned above. Also these herbal remedies can help in improving the brain functions of your dog naturally.
