LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF NEURO-AGING IN DOGS

August 3, 2022 clinical trials 1-min. read

Principal Investigator

Description

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is an age-related neurobehavioral condition that shares similar features to Alzheimer’s disease observed in humans. The progression of this devastating disease ultimately leads to the decline in cognitive function, severely affecting comfort of life for dogs and their owners. The purpose of this study is to track changes in cognitive and sensory function, mobility, body composition and microbiome that occur with age in dogs and to correlate those changes with information on the dogs’ general health and lifestyle. We aim to improve our understanding of aging of the nervous system in pet dogs. Identifying the ways to slow the progression of changes and to treat aged dogs more effectively will lead to a healthier, longer life for dogs and could generate important information for their owners.

Testing Requirements

This is a long term study and the participation will require continued visits at NCSU CVM. We require to see your dog every 3-6 months for the appointments. The interval will be decided by the investigators and will be based on the health status of your dog.

Enrollment Start

02/25/2019

Enrollment Finish

01/01/2025

Eligibility

Elderly dogs of any breed. In general, small breed dogs should be older than 12 years, medium to large sized breeds should be older than 10 years and giant breeds should be older than 6 years.