Episode 61 - Canine cognitive dysfunktion - Kathy Murphy

In this episode, Hannah and Dr Kathy Murphy talk about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), how often it is missed or mislabelled as “just ageing” or pain-related changes, what the DISHAA signs look like, how CCD is actually diagnosed, and which management options exist. They also emphasise the role of simple questionnaires and observation forms to spot changes early and have clearer, more productive vet visits. Published March 2021 (https://youtube.com/live/pPdL8gcePrM)

Guest bio

Dr Kathy Murphy qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1999. After several years in mixed practice, she moved to the University of Oxford, where she completed two specialist clinical qualifications and a Wellcome Trust–funded PhD in behavioural neuroscience. She is now director of the Comparative Biology Centre and the founder of Barking Brains, where she turns complex neuroscience into practical guidance for trainers, behaviourists and dog guardians.

Key take-home messages (short)

1. ​ CCD is common in older dogs and often mistaken for “normal ageing”.
2. ​ Many medical problems and pain can cause temporary cognitive changes that look like dementia.
3. ​ DISHAA is a helpful checklist of typical signs, but these signs are not specific to CCD.
4. ​ Simple tools like the CCDR scale plus home videos and notes make vet assessments much more accurate.
5. ​ Good management of older dogs should always include looking for and treating chronic pain alongside any suspected CCD.

Relevant links

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) – owner questionnaire:

http://rng.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CCDR-scale-revised.pdf

Chronic pain and arthritis (CAM tools)

Suspicion of Chronic Pain – Observations Form (PDF):

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Suspicion-of-Chronic-Pain-Observations-Form.pdf

CAM downloads – charts, guides, printable tools:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

CAM Education – online learning platform:

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

Barking Brains (Dr Kathy Murphy) – Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/neuroscienceisawesome/

CAM Member Zone

If you want deeper support around arthritis, chronic pain and brain health in dogs, you can join the CAM Member Zone for extra videos, webinars, downloads and community support:

Become a CAM member / Member Zone:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-cam-member/

Overview:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [e-mail]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.