title: Reduction of behavioural disturbances in elderly dogs supplemented with a standardised Ginkgo leaf extract.
abstract: In this open clinical trial conducted in 10 veterinary practices, Ginkgo leaf extract was administered as a dietary supplement to 42 elderly dogs (mean age 11.4 years) at a daily dose of 40 mg/ 10 kg body weight for 8 weeks. The "severity of the geriatric condition" in dogs with a history of geriatric behavioural disturbances (mean duration 12 months), was significantly reduced after 8 weeks of treatment (P = 0.0002). The positive effect was already apparent after 4 weeks. Thirty-six % of the dogs were completely free of clinical signs at study end. Overall efficacy of treatment as judged by the investigator was good or very good in 79% of the dogs. Five of six clinical sign scores (disorientation, sleep/activity changes, behavioural changes, general behaviour and general physical condition/vitality) also showed a significant decrease over the treatment period. In conclusion, these findings provide promising results that could increase the quality of life in the elderly dog and, as a consequence, that of the pet owner. The Ginkgo leaf extract appears to be an efficacious agent that provides a safe dietary supplement for the elderly dog with age-related behavioural disturbances.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biology, Department Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany. juergen.reichling@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reichling
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frater-Schröder
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Herzog
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bucher
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saller
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts