Levantamento de casos de Disfunção Cognitiva Canina no Brasil

Abstract

CCD is a progressive neurobehavioral disorder affecting aged dogs characterized by behavioral problems related to decreased cognition. Since there is no data on the prevalence of this disease in Brazil, and difficulties in diagnosis and its effects on animal welfare and its relationship with its owner, this study aimed to survey CCD suggestive cases through a specific questionnaire (PANTOJA, 2010 modified) applied to owners of dogs aged eight years or more, in two forms: printed in Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of UFRRJ and online throughout Brazil during 2012. The questionnaire used consists of 28 behavioral changes grouped into five categories, providing a suggestive diagnosis of four groups: normal without impairment in cognitive function (ICF level 0), normal with ICF level I, patients with ICF level II (Mild CCD) and patients with ICF level III (Severe CCD). Of the 375 dogs evaluated (238 females and 137 males, aged between eight and 19 years - mean age 13 years) 40% were diagnosed with CCD. However, only 24,8% did not have other diseases whose behavioral sings could be similar to CCD. Only three dogs (0,8%) had been diagnosed. As expected, the mean age increased with ICF (117, 130, 141 and 166 months, respectively). The main predisposing factor for CCD was aging, followed by time the dog is home alone, early neutering in females and small breeds. The protective factors were current and during childhood physical activity with moderate intensity and cognitive activity also during childhood. As ICF increased owners bothered more with the behavioral changes of their dogs and were more willing to treat them. This study concluded that CCD is an important and underdiagnosed behavioral disease in Brazil, demonstrating the need for greater knowledge and improvement in diagnostic methods.