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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
A Síndrome da Disfunção Cognitiva Canina (SDCC) é uma condição
neurocomportamental subdiagnosticada que afeta cães geriátricos, comprometendo a
sua qualidade de vida e o vínculo com os tutores. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi
explorar o nível de conhecimento dos tutores sobre a SDCC e identificar fatores que
possam influenciar o diagnóstico e desenvolvimento desta patologia na região do
Alentejo. A investigação incluiu uma revisão bibliográfica aprofundada e a aplicação de
oitenta e seis questionários a tutores de cães com oito ou mais anos de idade. Foram
recolhidos dados sobre idade, porte, dieta, estado reprodutivo, nível de atividade física
e sinais comportamentais associados à SDCC. Os resultados indicaram que apenas 9,3%
dos cães foram diagnosticados clinicamente com SDCC, evidenciando uma diferença em
relação aos dados do questionário (46% com SDCC leve e 12% com SDCC severa).
Além disso, 29,1% dos tutores desconheciam a existência da doença. Observou-se maior
prevalência de diagnósticos entre cães de pequeno e médio porte e uma relação
exclusiva com animais esterilizados. A maioria dos participantes residia em áreas urbanas
(59,3%). Constatou-se também que fatores como a dieta e o nível de atividade física
podem desempenhar um papel importante, embora sejam necessários estudos mais
aprofundados e uma amostra superior para validar essas associações. Conclui-se que a
criação de protocolos de triagem e consultas de enfermagem veterinária geriátrica são
estratégias promissoras para reduzir o subdiagnóstico e promover o bem-estar de cães
geriátricos, assim como uma maior divulgação desta condição junto da comunidade. Este
estudo contribui para a valorização do diagnóstico precoce da SDCC, ao mesmo tempo
que reforça a importância da sensibilização dos tutores e do fortalecimento da relação
entre médicos veterinários, enfermeiros veterinários, tutores e seus animais.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is an underdiagnosed neurobehavioral condition that affects geriatric dogs, compromising their quality of life and the bond with their caregivers. The primary aim of this study was to explore caregivers' knowledge about CCDS and identify factors that may influence its diagnosis and development in the Alentejo region. The investigation included an in-depth literature review and the application of 86 questionnaires to caregivers of dogs aged eight years or older. Data were collected on age, size, diet, reproductive status, physical activity level, and behavioral signs associated with CCDS. The results indicated that only 9.3% of dogs were clinically diagnosed with CCDS, contrasting with questionnaire data showing 46% with mild CCDS and 12% with severe CCDS. Furthermore, 29.1% of caregivers were unaware of the condition. A higher prevalence of diagnoses was observed in small and medium-sized dogs, with an exclusive relationship to sterilized animals. Most participants resided in urban areas (59.3%). Factors such as diet and physical activity level were also noted as potentially influential, although further studies with larger samples are needed to validate these associations. The study concludes that implementing screening protocols and veterinary geriatric nursing consultations are promising strategies to reduce underdiagnosis and promote the well-being of geriatric dogs, alongside greater dissemination of information about this condition to the community. This study contributes to the recognition of the importance of early diagnosis of CCDS while emphasizing the need to raise caregiver awareness and strengthen the relationship between veterinarians, vet nurses, caregivers, and their animals.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is an underdiagnosed neurobehavioral condition that affects geriatric dogs, compromising their quality of life and the bond with their caregivers. The primary aim of this study was to explore caregivers' knowledge about CCDS and identify factors that may influence its diagnosis and development in the Alentejo region. The investigation included an in-depth literature review and the application of 86 questionnaires to caregivers of dogs aged eight years or older. Data were collected on age, size, diet, reproductive status, physical activity level, and behavioral signs associated with CCDS. The results indicated that only 9.3% of dogs were clinically diagnosed with CCDS, contrasting with questionnaire data showing 46% with mild CCDS and 12% with severe CCDS. Furthermore, 29.1% of caregivers were unaware of the condition. A higher prevalence of diagnoses was observed in small and medium-sized dogs, with an exclusive relationship to sterilized animals. Most participants resided in urban areas (59.3%). Factors such as diet and physical activity level were also noted as potentially influential, although further studies with larger samples are needed to validate these associations. The study concludes that implementing screening protocols and veterinary geriatric nursing consultations are promising strategies to reduce underdiagnosis and promote the well-being of geriatric dogs, alongside greater dissemination of information about this condition to the community. This study contributes to the recognition of the importance of early diagnosis of CCDS while emphasizing the need to raise caregiver awareness and strengthen the relationship between veterinarians, vet nurses, caregivers, and their animals.
Description
Keywords
Cão Demência Geriatria canina Síndrome da Disfunção Cognitiva Canina Dog Dementia Geriatric Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome