Anipryl (Selegiline or L-deprenyl) for Senile Dementia in dogs - Page 1

My 13 year old GSD has been on anipryl for 5 months now and it seems to do alot more than assist with dementia.  She is really enjoying life and is feisty with a great sense of humor.  She has almost entirely recovered from her bout with vestibular disease (she was on anipryl at the time).  I don't know about the drug being available in the UK but it comes from human medicine for Parkinson patients.  I believe in the US it is also available as a generic brand but that is more expensive than buying the drug through your vet.  One thing is for sure, it is quite an expensive drug.  Here in the US it runs $106/month.  I feel the quality of my dog's life has improved substantially on the drug.  

This is a picture I took early this a.m. of Eischa.  Next week she will have completed 13 years of age and start her 14th year.  

sunshine, what a gorgeous picture of your beloved Eischa! Glad to hear that the Anipryl is allowing her to continue getting the joy out of life, and giving you the joy of continuing to have her in your life :)  An early 14th Happy Birthday wish for Eischa, from me, Suess and Rykkah!

Abby Normal, it appears that the product should be available in the UK, based on this press release:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030728005411/en/DRAXIS-Receives-U.K.-Approval-Anipryl-Tablets

It would probably be best if your friend consulted their veterinarian to determine the status of the availability of this or a similar product in the UK at the present time.

[errp--edited for double post]

May I suggest you take a look at the over the counter supplement Cholodin
http://www.mvplabs.com/products--supplements.html#cholodin 

Very reasonable to get. Some vets carry it at close to cost others want to get their pound of flesh so then you just get it from the web - several reliable sources offer it quite reasonably.

Useful for a number of age related issues since it is contains "contains sources of choline and phosphatidylcholine, two of the most common phospholipids. When present in sufficient dietary quantities, these components act as neurotransmitter precursors, which are chemicals manufactured and released by nerve cells that initiate the sending of "messages" from those cells"

These are some of the conditions it is recommended for:

1. Lethargy and reduced awareness of surroundings
2. Poor coat; excessive shedding or thin, dry coat
3. Chronic constipation or fecal incontinence
4. Inappropriate urination
5. Poor appetite; animal eats too little to maintain an adequate body weight
6. Poor mental acuity

Also helps

1. Significant dietary factor in preventing fatty liver syndrome in diabetic dogs
2. Can ‘donate’ methyl groups (CH3) needed to synthesize other metabolic compounds
3. Necessary for acetylcholine formation
4. Component of the phospolipid, lecithin along with being a constituent of plasmalogens, which are abundant in mitochondria and sphingomyelin, bound particularly in the brain

Other key ingredients include: lecithin, methionine, inositol, vitamin B12, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, selenium, vitamin E, zinc.

If used correctly falls pretty much into the won't hurt might help category. Over the decades I have used it succesfully for a number of older dogs. Surprisingly a lot of vets either don't know about it or maybe it's that they prefer not to recommend it because it's such a cheap solution. Thank God i've had some great vets who not only knew about it but promoted it and provided basically at cost.

Here is an interesting discussion of Selegiline : http://selegiline.com/

Because I have a dear friend who smokes like a chimney, I find this quote from the above to be particularly interesting:

. zi  "  Other prescribing indications for selegiline are in prospect. In November 2004, Yale University researchers launched a study of selegiline for smokers who want to quit tobacco. "

Because Eischa has been my favorite GSD "old lady" for a number of years, I want to wish her a belated happy 14th birthday (which, to the best of my recollection, was on July 27th). It is very heartwarming to read how well she is conquering the challenges of an aging canine and to see a recent photo to her. She looks better than she did in the still photos and videos I took of her in her back yard 12/2008 and again in12/2009. I see no evidence of the discoid lupus she experienced on her nasal planum during 2010. I want to congratulate her "mom" for her courage and dedication in caring for Eischa. The 3 digit weather in the DFW area is enough to "fry" the brain of anyone.

I can think of a few "demented" humans (not old enough to be senile) out of touch with reality who would do well to consider taking Eischa's medication.

For sure, those of us with our senior dogs invariably encounter additional veterinary expenses for their aging canines. My oldest GSD male will be 13 in January and shows no signs of slowing down or of neurological aging. My youngest male is somewhat over 10 and is in robustly good health. I have had more elective veterinary expenses during the past year than I had during his entire lifetime. Up until his senior wellness panels ( CBC, chemistry panel. and urinalysis) he had never had any lab work. Last year I had a couple of benign neoplstic masses  surgically removed since then. He suffered an auricular hematoma in January and paralysis of his left facial nerve which was damaged when he shook his rigid, heavy ear wrap against his face. The facial paralysis was corrected with electro-accupuncture.

After reading of Ravi's loss of his beloved Juneau, I had another surgery on my Nimo only two days ago for what appears to be another benign mass ( a large fluctuant  mass that felt like a soft-boiled egg) located dorsal and somewhat lateral to his right ischium. Because the mass was fluid filled, I imagine that it was a hydroma instead of a lipoma.

We are very blessed to have our old-timers with strong constitutional vigor, and genetic longevity.. Because Nimo is a very social dog and loves to travel and to schmooze with people, I showed him succcessfully as a Veteran at the USA Sieger Show in Irving, Texas ,in 4/2011. In June, he won another Veteran Males class at the North Western Regional breed show under Frank Goldlust. His next show as a Veteran will be in the 2011 North American Sieger Show in October in Northern Virginia. Thus far, he has been undefeated as a Veteran in regional and national competition

I hope that, during the coming years, he does not experience any malignant neoplasias, old dog vestibular disease, nor senile dementia (cognitive dysfunction). He has several close relatives who have lived past the age of 14

Asked vet about it for older dog.  Said no that dog is ok mentally.  It is for dogs no longer home mentally, as a dog who comes into a room and just stands there not knowing who or what.  Not sure if am explaining myself well.

Louise, thanks for that, it is really interesting, the bit about giving up smoking too, as I know quite a few smokers who would love to give it up but can't..

K9me - Yes, I understand what you mean. it is only prescribed for dogs showing classic signs of dementia, standing in a corner, going to the wrong door to be let out, pacing, whining, inexplicable barking etc.

My friend in the States' dog showed all the classic symptoms, and on a quarter of a recommended dose, in less than 2 weeks, ALL the signs had gone and the dog was back to normal.

Anyhow, my friend is taking all the info I could muster to her vet, and we will see how she gets on.

Thanks again.