: The immediate physiological triggers, such as hormone levels (e.g., cortisol for stress) or neural activity. Ultimate Causes
Only a trained veterinary professional can distinguish between a simple training lapse and a neurodegenerative disease. For example, a senior dog who stares at walls and forgets its owner’s commands isn't "stubborn"—cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a physiological disease of the brain, and veterinary science can now manage it with medications like selegiline and specific diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides. : The immediate physiological triggers, such as hormone