Uso do potencial visual evocado por flashes de luz e eletrorretinograma de campo total em cães idosos

Abstract

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is characterized by neurodegenerative changes and usually begins to appear with age. This canine dysfunction shares similarities with human dementia - Alzheimer's disease. The changes related to aging are usually progressive and irreversible. The diagnosis of CCD is made mainly by questionnaires based on clinical assessment scales on behavioral changes; by measuring β-amyloid biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and computed tomography. The use of VEP-F as an aid to the diagnosis of CCD is still scarce. The most current limiting factor in terms of research in dogs with CCD is the absence of an evidence-based tool for the assessment and accurate monitoring of clinical evolution or response to therapy. Objective: to standardize this test as a promising tool for the diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in elderly dogs. Material and Methods: For the development of the study 14 dogs were used in total. These animals were divided into 3 groups: CCD Group (6 animals> 8 years old), Control Group 1 (4 animals> 8 years old) and Control Group 2 (4 animals <8 years old). Retinal assessment was performed using the full-field and post-retinal ERG by examining the Evoked Visual Potential by flashes of light. Results: The mean P2 peak latency in the CCD groups, Control Group 1 and Control Group 2 was 31.8ms (p = 4.5), 34.7ms (p = 3.0) and 50.4ms (p = 30.6) respectively. The mean for peak P3 latency in the CCD groups, Control Group 1 and Control Group 2 was 141.5 (p = 58.7), 125.5 (p = 55.3) and 105.9 (p = 25.5) respectively. Conclusion: The use of VEP-F should be considered as a useful tool to assess and monitor the progression of CCD.