Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
DEGENERATIVE ENCEPHALOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH SENILITY IN AN ELDERLY DOG
- Journal:
- Journal of Interdisciplinary Debates
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Ayla Pessoa Rodrigues et al.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This case discusses an elderly mixed-breed dog, around 16 years old, that showed signs of confusion, trouble walking, seizures, and changes in behavior. These symptoms are often linked to age-related brain issues, similar to what humans experience with dementia. Unfortunately, the dog's condition worsened, and the decision was made to gently end his suffering through euthanasia. A thorough examination after his passing revealed significant brain changes typical of advanced aging. This case highlights the importance of understanding brain degeneration in older dogs and the value of post-mortem studies for improving veterinary care.
Abstract
Aging in dogs is associated with morphofunctional changes in the central nervous system (CNS), including cortical atrophy, neuronal loss, and the accumulation of pigments such as lipofuscin, similar to those observed in human neurodegenerative diseases. Among these conditions, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) and senile brain degeneration stand out as frequent causes of neurological disorders in geriatric dogs. This paper reports the case of a male, mixed-breed dog, approximately 16 years old, that presented with progressive disorientation, ataxia, seizures, and behavioral changes. Given the clinical deterioration and lack of a favorable prognosis, humane euthanasia was chosen, followed by necropsy for diagnostic confirmation. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluation revealed diffuse cortical atrophy, white matter rarefaction, and reactive gliosis, consistent with advanced senile brain degeneration. This case reinforces the importance of necropsy as an essential tool for the differential diagnosis between degenerative, neoplastic, and vascular processes, especially in older dogs with chronic neurological manifestations. Furthermore, it highlights the educational and scientific role of post-mortem examination in veterinary practice, contributing to the improvement of knowledge about degenerative encephalopathies and to ethical decision-making based on animal welfare.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/468ff734881617f0023c4dbe5e5208b079bae9d4