Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a common but often underdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease in aging dogs. Early diagnosis is crucial since interventions are most effective at slowing progression when started in the initial stages of decline. To address the need for reliable assessment, Haake and colleagues (2024) compared three standard screening questionnaires: the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), the Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS), and the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR).
The study analyzed survey data from 597 elderly dogs. Results revealed that while all three tools correlated well, the CADES questionnaire was more sensitive in detecting mild to moderate impairment. By contrast, the CCAS and CCDR more often categorized these dogs as showing normal aging, potentially delaying diagnosis and intervention. Across all tools, scores increased with age, with spatial disorientation emerging as a key early feature of CCD.
Associations between the questionnaires and behavioral traits were also evaluated using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Findings showed that trainability decreased and pain sensitivity increased with more severe CCD symptoms. Interestingly, fear and anxiety were most pronounced in dogs with mild CCD, but diminished in later stages. These associations were most clearly observed with CADES and CCDR compared to CCAS.
The authors concluded that the choice of screening tool strongly influences detection and classification of CCD. The greater sensitivity of CADES makes it particularly valuable for identifying dogs in the early stages, though longitudinal research is needed to confirm its predictive accuracy. The study emphasizes the importance of using the most effective questionnaire to guide timely diagnosis and care strategies for senior dogs.
Source: Haake, J., Meller, S., Meyerhoff, N., Twele, F., Charalambous, M., Talbot, S., & Volk, H. A. (2024). Comparing standard screening questionnaires of canine behavior for assessment of cognitive dysfunction. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, published May 21, 2024.
