Prevalence and risk factors of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in South Korea

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively worsens with age and is similar to Alzheimer's disease in human. This study aimed to investigate the possible risk factors and prevalence of CCD in South Korea. The Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) was used to identify dogs with CCD. Dogs (>= 5 years of age, n = 1828) were classified into three groups (normal, at-risk, and CCD) based on CCDR score. The prevalence of CCD in this study was relatively high at 25.9% (358/1382) among aged dogs (>9 years of age) compared to that in previous studies. Age was positively correlated with CCDR score (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001). The specific breeds with the highest prevalence of CCD in South Korea were Miniature Schnauzer (42.50%, 17/40), mixed breed (26.01%, 58/223), and Yorkshire Terrier (25.83%, 31/120). Although further studies involving an even age distribution among breeds or body sizes are required, the present study revealed a high prevalence of CCD in South Korea, as in Western countries, and reminds both veterinarians and owners of the importance of diagnosis and management/treatment of CCD.