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Colitis, Acute 189

a benzodiazepine (alprazolam, clonazepam) treated. In other species, there is some evidence Prevention
before bed if needed. that treatment with antianxiety medications • Diets rich in antioxidants/polyunsaturated
VetBooks.ir • The monoamine oxidase inhibitor selegiline [SSRI], tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs]) and • Mental and physical activity is essential Diseases and Disorders
fatty acids (1200-1500 mg/day) may decrease
• Protect the pet from accidents (e.g., falling
(e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
into the swimming pool, falling down stairs).
risk.
antiinflammatories may help delay cognitive
(Anipryl) 0.5 mg/kg PO q 24h (may double
than originally thought. For cats and dogs,
dose after 1 month if ineffective) is the drug aging. and may have a much larger role to play
of choice and is licensed for use for the Recommended Monitoring olfactory stimulation is likely coupled with
treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction • Examination, CBC, serum chemistry profile, cognition, and some mental stimulation
in the United States. urinalysis, ± thyroid profile as needed and should involve work for food, food puzzles,
• Memantine 0.3-0.5 mg/kg PO q 12h, an at least q 6-12 months if medications food games, or some mental exercise that
NMDA receptor antagonist, may help some • Any ongoing medical condition could worsen involves olfaction (e.g., nosework).
dogs. an older animal’s anxiety and make the signs • Asking cats and dogs for responses through-
• Vasodilators may be helpful. of cognitive dysfunction appear to worsen. out the day (e.g., come with, up, down, left,
• All concomitant anxiety-related conditions right, high fives) and coupling find-it games
must be treated with relevant medications. PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME with aerobic scope can benefit most dogs
and cats.
Nutrition/Diet • The course is inexorable, but with diet,
• Dietary supplements may slow progression range-of-motion and aerobic exercise, and Technician Tips
(e.g., Senilife, Novifit [SAM-e], omega-3 fatty appropriate cognitive stimulation, patients These patients may require extra care/handling,
acids). in the early stages can have years of quality especially when known to the hospital staff
• Diets using ketones as energy sources life. for many years. It is a common mistake of
(medium-chain triglycerides: Purina EN, • Prognosis is improved by early diagnosis; veterinarians and technicians to assume a pet
Purina Neurocare) may protect and/or comprehensive treatment, including pre- can behave the same as always when he/she
improve neurologic/cognitive function, and ventive treatment with antioxidants and ages, and being aware of such potential changes
those containing antioxidants or compounds cognitive stimulation in middle age; and can help prevent injury.
constituent for neuronal membrane main- client compliance.
tenance and mitochondrial cofactors may Client Education
decrease the rate of cognitive dysfunction PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS • Clients must understand that problematic
progression, improve behavioral function, behaviors attendant with cognitive dysfunc-
and have a protective effect or improve Comments tion are not willful acts of disobedience.
cognitive function (Hill’s B/D [Brain Diet], • If the clients videotape the animal early in • Treatment of this condition is an ongoing
Royal Canin’s CALM Diet). the development of the condition, they will process and will continue for the life of the
• In the United Kingdom, nutraceutical food be better able to monitor changes, assess pet. Relapses may occur with treatment
additives are available and have been shown treatment, and make quality-of-life decisions. discontinuation or added stressors.
to improve function in dogs with cognitive • Clients often are made the saddest by the
changes (e.g., Aktivait). feeling that they are losing their emotional SUGGESTED READING
and intellectual connection with their pet. Bellows J, et al: Common physical and functional
Possible Complications Treatment must acknowledge this concern changes associated with aging in dogs. J Am Vet
Any concurrent, untreated anxiety-related or and address it when possible. Med Assoc 246:67-75, 2015.
behavioral conditions generally worsen with age • Other cats or dogs in the household can often AUTHOR & EDITOR: Karen L. Overall, VMD, MA, PhD,
and render the signs of cognitive dysfunction help calm these patients and help them with DACVB
worse. These anxiety conditions should be activities they may now find challenging.

Colitis, Acute Client Education
Sheet

BASIC INFORMATION Epidemiology CONTAGION AND ZOONOSIS
Definition SPECIES, AGE, SEX Helminth parasites (Trichuris spp), protozoa
A common disorder characterized by sudden Predominantly seen in young dogs and cats (Giardia spp, Tritrichomonas spp), and
onset (<72 hours) of colonic inflammation (<1 year old) as a consequence of parasit- bacteria (Campylobacter spp, Clostridium spp,
(large-bowel diarrhea and straining to defecate), ism, bacterial enteropathogens, or dietary enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp)
manifesting with diarrhea that is typically mild, indiscretion have potential for contagion, common-source
of small volume, and contains mucus and/or infection, and/or zoonosis.
fresh blood (p. 257). Systemic signs of illness RISK FACTORS Clinical Presentation
are generally absent. Age (predominantly young animals), recently
kenneled animals, dietary factors, free-roaming HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT
Synonym pets, gastrointestinal tract parasitism Large-bowel diarrhea, which is characterized
Stress colitis by tenesmus (straining), increased frequency

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