dementia treatments for cats

[Gillian Harvey]

I thought that was what they put in cat food such as Science Plan and is used to speed up metabolism for weight loss?

I assume it is an EFA?

I know several pet food manufacturers are adding it to pet foods now. L-Carnitine is an amino acid - I think one of the essentials for cats, like taurine, arginine etc. Its found in meats, but I'm guessing manufacturers are just cottoning on to the fact that, like taurine, its essential, and like taurine, its pretty much destroyed by processing, therefore the need to add it back in.

[JackSpratt]

It is, Gill. Sometimes I look at her and she looks back and actually looks confused. It's so awful. Actually, I just can't face dwelling on it anymore today - I discussed it with my Mum earlier and mentioned she doesn't groom anymore I do it for her, and we both agreed that wasn't the best sign.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

This is the thing I was trying to remember JS, cos knew had sen it somewhere.

Even if it was only given for mild, I am sure it would help severe cases a bit and its sounds like worth a try.

Its so very very hard when cats are at Carries stage 

[JackSpratt]

I'll look it up - thanks Kate. To be honest, Old Mog's suffered from it for three (long ) years so it's probably not classed as mild now. The thing about dementia is you might be able to "slow it down" a little, but at the end of the day it's a deteriorating illness and that's the fact.

Still, passed on the specialists number so my vet can have a chat with her. I'll see what happens.

[Mark]

L-Carnitine

I thought that was what they put in cat food such as Science Plan and is used to speed up metabolism for weight loss?

I assume it is an EFA?

[swampmaxmum]

Swampy's been given Vivitonin for (mild) dementia. It increases the flow of blood to the brain. The chem name is what the vet has written on the packet ie Propentofylline. He has 1/4 tab a day. Might be worth a try?

[JackSpratt]

Old Mog is still bad.  She's actually so demanding my partner is worried his sister and boyfriend will be driven a bit bonkers when they come to stay for a few days in a couple of weeks.

I got an email back from the specialist and have just called my vets and passed on her number. Hopefully a plan can set in place. I love Old Mog dearly but currently she is driving me to distraction.

[Gillian Harvey]

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/elderly/senility.html

Eugh, just found this. Which states:

there are no drugs licensed for the treatment of CDS in cats

There are dietary supplements that are worth considering though, preferable to drugs anyway I would have thought - that article lists several supplements that are in some cat foods now, but are readily available from health food shops and online etc, such as antioxidants. fish oils, co-enzyme Q10 etc.

I wonder also if Conval S, which is a veterinary (not prescription) supplement might help Mog? it contains L-Carnitine, which is one of the ingredients in Aktivait. http://www.vetscriptions.co.uk/LCARN.html

[JackSpratt]

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/elderly/senility.html

Eugh, just found this. Which states:

there are no drugs licensed for the treatment of CDS in cats

[Maddiesmum]

My dog had Vivitonin - don't know if you can use it with cats though - might be worth a google

[JackSpratt]

Does anyone know of anything? I know Aktivait has been used fairly successfully for dogs, but there's no real guarantees with cats.

We've tried RR and feliway diffusers, but they don't make a lot of difference. It's so awful listening to Old Mog cry because she's confused - and we aren't getting much sleep either!