N14 - The Relationship Between Activity Patterns and Cognition, Pain, and Motivation in Senior Dogs

Abstract: Background- Senior dogs undergo cognitive decline and suffer increasing pain, potentially altering activity. Additionally, this decline in quality of life could alter motivation to exercise. Changes in activity and sleep-wake cycle have health consequences and influence the human-animal bond but data on this topic are scarce.

Objective – Determine the relationship between activity patterns and cognition, pain, and motivation in senior dogs.

Animals – 32 senior dogs (12.48 ± 1.50 years old) participating in the Longitudinal Study of Neuro-Aging in Dogs were included in this study.

Methods – Weekday activity was evaluated over a 2-week period using accelerometers. Cognitive status was assessed with the CAnine DEmentia Scale (CADES). Total pain (joint + spinal pain) was scored by physical examination. A motivation score was generated using a ratio of on-leash/off-leash gait speed moving towards a treat. The interaction between these parameters and activity was evaluated using functional linear modeling.

Results – Median (range) CADES and pain scores were 10 (0-70) and 8 (1-19) respectively; mean ± SD motivation score was 1.72 ± 0.64. Dogs with lower CADES scores were more active between 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Greater pain was associated with higher activity during sleep time (1:30 - 3:00am), and with lower activity in the early-morning (4:00 - 5:30am). Finally, motivated dogs were more active between 10:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm. (Figure 1)

Conclusion - Strategies to reduce cognitive dysfunction and pain and increase motivation could improve activity patterns including quieter rest at night and greater diurnal activity.