Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Pets
Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Pets
Senior pets, much like their human counterparts, may face both physical and cognitive challenges as they grow older. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative condition that leads to a decline in brain function in aging pets, causing behavioral changes. On April 4th, 2024, behavior experts from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Kate Anderson, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, and Dr. Pamela Perry, behavior consultant, shared insights into how CDS affects dogs and cats and offered strategies to enhance the quality of life for senior pets. Although there is no cure for CDS, pet owners can work with their veterinarians to create a management plan to address behavioral changes and slow the progression of the disease.
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Speakers
Kate Anderson, DVM
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Anderson is a board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist and graduated from Cornell’s vet school in 2008. She has a diverse background, having worked with both large and small animals in private practice and industry. She is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Anderson is also a Fear Free Certified professional. She lives in Ithaca with her husband and their dog Ernie. She enjoys cycling, cooking, and baking in her free time.
Pamela Perry, DVM, PhD
Behavior Consultant for the Cornell Feline Health Center Camuti Consultation Service
Dr. Perry earned her DVM and PhD from Cornell University; her graduate research evaluated the effects of enrichment on the behavior, welfare, adoptability, and retention of shelter dogs. She has lectured extensively on animal behavior and welfare topics and has taught two courses on small animal behavioral medicine for veterinary students at Cornell University. She recently completed her Behavior Residency at Cornell and currently is a Behavior Consultant for the Cornell Feline Health Center Camuti Consultation Service. Dr. Perry also conducts behavior consultations at Peak Veterinary Referral Center in Williston, VT. She lives in central NY with her husband and their five cats, Skippity, Thomas, Goose, Dori, and Dove. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and observing nature in her spare time.
