Efficacy of Stable Same Tosylate Tablets to Reduce Signs of Age Related Behavior Problems in Dogs
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether oral stable S-adenosylmethionine tosylate (NoviSAMeTM) supplementation (Novifit® tablets, Virbac) could be useful in the management of age-related mental decline in dogs. Thirty-six dogs over 8 years that had displayed for at least 1 month signs of cognitive dysfunction were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were incapacitating disease, hypothyroidism, and recent administration of psychotropic drugs. The dogs were administered NoviSAMeTM 18 mg/kg (n=17) or identical placebo tablets (n=19) for 2 months. Concurrent behavioural treatment was forbidden. Examinations were performed on D0, D30 and D60. A codified grid with 12 items evaluated disorientation, learning deficits, decreased awareness or activity, social interactions, altered sleep-wake cycle, inappropriate toileting and anxiety. The scores were added together to give a Standardised Geriatric Behaviour Score (SGBS). Ability of the dogs to perform 4 observable daily activities selected by owners was rated every 2 weeks to give a Case-Specific Disability Score (CSDS). Decreased purposeful activity (75% of dogs), diminished reaction upon verbal command (77.8%) and increase of the period of sleep over 24h (83.3%) were the most frequent signs on D0.Greater SGBS reduction was recorded with NoviSAMeTM than with the placebo (P=0.016 on D30, P=0.037 on D60).
| Figure 1. | 
Reduction of the geriatric behavior score. |
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Eleven (64.7%) and 7 dogs (36.8%) responded favourably to NoviSAMeTM and placebo therapy respectively. NoviSAMeTM supplementation produced clinically meaningful improvement in the level of activity (57.1%), awareness (59.5%) and elimination disorders (57.1%). NoviSAMeTM proved more effective than placebo to reduce the CSDS as scored by owners (P=0.004 on D30, P=0.013 on D60.
| Figure 2. | 
Case-specific disability score over time |
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Tolerance to the supplementation was recorded as good in 16/17 dogs. One dog exhibited transient diarrhoea. Novifit® tablets proved safe and effective to improve signs of age-related mental decline in dogs.