The effects of Novifit on cognitive function in aged beagle dogs.

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a diag- nosis based on age-related behavioral changes likely related to alterations in brain function. In the laboratory, both age- and pathology-related changes in cognitive function can be identified using neuropsychological tests. The current study sought to evaluate the efficacy of NovifitÒ (S-Adenosyl-L- Methionine-Tosylate Disulfate), a novel supplement for the management of CDS, on improving cognitive function in laboratory dogs. Fourteen aged (9.2 to 12.8 years) Beagle dogs were assessed on tests of memory, executive function, and selective attention using the delayed non-matching to position task (DNMP), an object learning and reversal task (ODR), and a variable object discrimination test (VOD), respectively. The dogs were divided into placebo and treatment groups equivalent on baseline DNMP perfor- mance. No effect of treatment was found on the DNMP. On the ODR, the control group committed more errors on the reversal compared to the learning phase. By contrast, the increase in errors between the two phases was reduced in the treatment group, which suggested an enhancement of executive function. On the 2-choice subcomponent of the VOD, the placebo group showed reduced performance when the distracter object was changed. The treatment group showed an improvement consistent with improved executive function. The current study indicated Novifit may improve executive function, which was supported by the results of both the ODR and VOD. Overall, the results suggest that Novifit may be effective in CDS by improving a dog’s ability to cope with change. Key words: cognitive dysfunction syndrome; dog; laboratory model; learning; memory; supplement