2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Two thousand one hundred and fourteen valid questionnaires were obtained. More than 28% of the dogs were 8-years-old or older (n = 605). The overall prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in that population was 19.7%. No severe cases of cognitive dysfunction were detected below 7 years of age. However, global functioning score increased until the age of 7 and then declined, with the lowest scores being seen in dogs aged 14 and above. The reported prevalence of cognitive dysfunction by the owners was just 2.3%, being ranked last in a list of 10 health conditions reported by the owner, including arthritis, tumours, hair loss, deafness and breathing problems. When owners were asked to rate the seriousness of each of a list of 5 health conditions, cognitive dysfunction ranked third, behind cancer and heart disease but above arthritis. Older owners ranked cognitive dysfunction as more serious than younger owners.