Should you notice your dog having any of the symptoms noted above, or if he appears to be acting different than usual, it is best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Upon arriving for your appointment, your veterinarian will ask you for information regarding the symptoms and behavioral changes you have observed in your dog and when you first noticed them. Your veterinarian will conduct a full physical (including neurological) evaluation.
Depending upon what is seen during the evaluation, along with the symptoms that you have described, your veterinarian may choose to conduct additional testing to help with diagnosis. This can include X-rays, MRI and CT scan, along with blood testing; in some cases, spinal fluid may be taken for analysis. Based on the test results, physical examination and the information you provide, your veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis.
In some cases, it may be recommended that you bring your dog to a neurologist, who will have had specialized training in diagnosing and treating brain aging. As there are treatments that can help alleviate the condition, the sooner your dog is diagnosed, the easier it will be to obtain effective treatment for him.