Trusted Friend Animal Clinic - Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Assessment

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is an irreversible degeneration of the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, characterized by progressive cognitive impairment beyond that expected to occur with aging. CDS has a slow onset, can be difficult to manage and affects an estimated 14% of dogs 8 years and older.

What is DISHAA?
D – Disorientation
I – Social Interactions
S – Sleep/Wake Cycles
H – Housesoiling, Learning, and Memory
A – Activity
A – Anxiety

DISHAA is a tool to help you and your veterinarian assess the mental acuity of your dog and for your veterinarian to potentially diagnose Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Pet's name
Breed
Sex

MaleMale (neutered)FemaleFemale (spayed)
Age/Date of Birth
Current Diet
Body Condition Score (on a scale of 1-9)
Behavioral Signs

Identify signs that have arisen or progressed since eight years of age and older. Score as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe
Disorientation
Gets stuck, difficulty getting around objects, goes to hinge side of door

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Stares blankly at walls, floor, or into space

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Does not recognize familiar people/familiar pets

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Gets lost in home or yard

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Less reactive to visual (sights) or auditory (sounds) stimuli

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Social Interactions
More irritable/fearful/aggressive with visitors, family or other animals

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Decreased interest in approaching, greeting or affection/petting

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Sleep/Wake Cycles
Pacing/restless/sleeps less/waking at night

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Vocalization at night

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Housesoiling, Learning, & Memory
Less able to learn new tasks or respond to previously learned commands/name/work

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Indoor soiling of urine or stool/decreased signaling to go out

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Difficulty getting dog’s attention/increased distraction/decreased focus

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Activity
Decrease in exploration or play with toys, family members, other pets

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Increased activity including aimless pacing or wandering

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Repetitive behaviors, e.g., circling chewing licking stargazing

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Anxiety
Increased anxiety when separated from owners

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
More reactive/fearful to visual (sights) or auditory (sounds) stimuli

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Increased fear of places/locations (e.g., new environments/going outdoors)

0 - None1 - Mild2 - Moderate3 - Severe
Should be Empty:

Behavioral Signs

Disorientation

Social Interactions

Sleep/Wake Cycles

Housesoiling, Learning, & Memory

Activity

Anxiety