Abstract
Background:
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a common age-related neurodegenerative condition in elderly dogs with limited effective treatment options. Equine placental extract (eqPE) has gained traction as a potential nutraceutical intervention to improve cognitive function.

Case Description:
Six client-owned dogs aged ≥10 years with a Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) score of ≥50 received eqPE orally for 4 weeks (2 ml/day for dogs <10 kg; 4 ml/day for dogs ≥10 kg and <20 kg). Cognitive function was evaluated using CCDR at baseline and on day 49. Secondary assessments included vital signs, veterinarian- and owner-reported clinical scores, and laboratory parameters at predefined time points. Five of the 6 dogs exhibited a reduction in CCDR scores on day 49 compared with baseline. The vital signs and laboratory parameters remained stable throughout the study, and no serious adverse events were reported. Minor fluctuations were noted in the owner- and veterinarian-reported clinical scores.

Conclusion:
In this descriptive case series of 6 elderly dogs with cognitive dysfunction, eqPE supplementation was associated with lower CCDR scores in most dogs and was well tolerated. However, causal relationships cannot be established due to the uncontrolled study design. These preliminary findings suggest that eqPE supplementation may represent a potentially feasible supportive approach, although further controlled studies are required to clarify its effects.

Key words: Canine cognitive dysfunction; Case series; Cognitive function; Elderly dogs; Equine placental extract; Nutraceutical.