Anipryl is used to treat Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, a senility syndrome in dogs. It is primarily used to slow progression of disease, although initially it may help to improve symptoms somewhat. There is a human generic which is less expensive than the veterinary srug, it is called selegeline. The medication is not a wonder drug but can be somewhat helpful in patients who actually have CCD, as opposed to some other disease.
The symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction may be mimicked by other conditions- most notably a brain tumor, less commonly encephalitis, and metabolic disorders such as liver dysfunction and low blood sugar (usually caused by a tumor of the pancreas called an insulinoma). Chronic vascular comprise to the brain may be a cause of CCD and this in turn may be caused by hypertension or hypothyroidism (in dogs hypothyroidism is one of the few causes of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries).
The typical tests recommended prior to starting Anipryl and routine health screen (CBC, chem panel, urinalysis), thyroid testing, blood pressure screening, liver function testing (blood test called a bile acids). A brain MRI +/-CSF anaylsis are recommended, although some people elect not to pursue because of cost and the requirement for anesthesia.
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