Alzheimer’s in Pets
In humans, the signs of Alzheimer's are forgetfulness
and a general lack of awareness. In pets, it shows up in changes with
eating and sleeping habits. According to one veterinarian, a natural supplement
appears to help.
At age 12, Sepp is showing signs of old age.
“He will get up from sitting for a while and he will take a few steps
and then he just stops and stands there, kind of looks around,” says Sepp’s
owner, Laurane Schnorbus.
Veterinarian Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M., says one out of four dogs and
cats over age 7 has a cognitive disorder like Alzheimer's.
“In
general, owners will tell us that their pets just seem senile. Maybe they’re
sleeping a little bit too much, maybe the cat’s not using the litter box
as well, or the dog’s having some house training issues going on,” says
Dr. Messonnier, of Paws and Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Texas.
There’s one prescription medication for Alzheimer's available for dogs
-- none for cats. But Dr. Messonnier says a natural choline supplement
called cholodin may be better. He tested it on 42 dogs and cats. “About
75 percent of them showed positive results when we used the cholodin.
In my own practice, I actually get closer to 100 percent because I’m starting
earlier than some of these pets were started,” he says.
Molly
Jones says her dog, Gershwin, developed seizures last year. Dr. Messonnier
put him on the supplement.
Jones says, “They put him on cholodin, along with other neurological
vitamins and he has never had another seizure since -- not one.”
Dr. Messonnier says, “Choline works with seizures as well, but a nice
side effect of that is any signs of cognitive disorder that the pet is
exhibiting will also go away as their seizures come under control.”
It
looks like Gershwin is feeling the benefits.
Some pets experiencing cognitive disorders will begin barking or meowing
at the wall. If you notice any changes in your pet, it’s important to
have them checked out. Blood work can determine if they are suffering
from any other physical diseases.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by
e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.
Paws and Claws Animal Hospital
2145 West Park Boulevard
Plano, TX 75075
naturalvet@juno.com
http://www.petcarenaturally.com
