I was perusing an article in the most recent issue of Veterinary Practice News when I came upon a quote that really surprised me.

The article discussed the growing issue of mobility problems in older pets. As they age many pets develop arthritis, muscle weakness and neurological problems that lead to decreased ability to walk and engage in normal activities. Many humans experience similar problems. People often use walkers or wheelchairs when mobility problems become disabling. Although wheelchair-like devices exist for dogs (and they generally work very well), sadly some pets are euthanized when they can no longer stand up or walk.

Several tactics can help to prevent mobility problems in pets. The article mentions weight management and muscle strengthening exercises. As well, physical therapy, range-of-motion exercises and certain dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine) may help pets to remain agile.

However, one paragraph of the article really caught my eye. It wasn’t related to animal mobility. Rather, it was related to animal life spans. Here is the paragraph:

According to the American Veterinary Medical Assn., pets are increasingly living longer. In 1987, 31.7 percent of owned U.S. dogs lived past the age of 6. In 2006, 44 percent of the surveyed population lived past age 6. The feline population experienced an increase as well, from 15.3 percent living past age 6 in 1986 to 31.9 percent in 2006.

I was aware that life expectancies of pets were increasing. But I was stunned to find out that only 32 percent of cats were living past the age of six in 2006! For cats and most breeds of dogs, six years represents middle age. The vast majority of well cared for pets can expect to live past six.

My hunch is that the key phrase in the sentence above is well cared for. If the article is not mistaken, then I am afraid that there may be a simple explanation for this surprising statistic. Too many cats and dogs are not well cared for.

About the photo: Patches, who appears in a canine wheelchair (photo courtesy of doggon.com) clearly is well cared for! Patches is proof that pets can lead long, happy lives despite mobility problems.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• What are the Treatments for Hip Dysplasia?
• Why Are my Dog’s Legs Giving Out?
• Las Vegas Enacts Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law
• New Registry May Help Relieve Microchip Confusion . . . Eventually
• DVM Newsmagazine: Rabies Rate in Cats Four Times That in Dogs

Hello, I have a Yellow Lab that is 13 years old.
In the past year his back legs have been acting
goofy. They will just give out on him once in a
while. He doesn’t go up stairs anymore either but
he can go down them. I understand that he is a
rather old dog but is there any way to boost his
legs back to normal? He has the heart of a puppy
and we would like him around for as long as
possible.

Dani
MN

Weak rear legs are common in older large dogs such as Labrador Retrievers. Dogs with weak rear legs may have trouble standing up. Their hind legs may suddenly give out, causing the hindquarters to collapse. Because the rear legs do most of the work when climbing stairs (the front legs exert more effort when descending), dogs with weak rear legs may have difficulty going up stairs but no problems going down.

In my experience, two factors play a role in causing the symptoms you describe.

First, all individuals become weaker and less agile as they grow older. Joints become less flexible. Muscle strength deteriorates. Neurological control of the limbs becomes less precise. Most people who make it to 80 are familiar with these issues.

Second, arthritis is extremely common in older pets. I discussed treatment of arthritis relatively extensively in a previous post.

You may be able to help your dog by managing his weight (if he is overweight), performing physical therapy (such as gentle range of motion exercises), and feeding dietary supplements including glucosamine and omega-3s.

Regularly walking your dog will help to build strength, maintain flexibility, and keep his weight down. And it’s fun! I recommend that he get as much mild or moderate exercise as possible. Avoid any activities that seem to make him sore the next day.

Finally, talk to your vet about trying a prescription arthritis medication. One of these medicines may make your dog feel dramatically better.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• Why do Dogs Limp Years After Hip Surgery?
• Why Does my Dog’s Leg Give Out?
• What are the Treatments for Hip Dysplasia?
• Article on Senior Mobility Contains Startling Fact
• Should my Dog’s Stomach be Tacked to Prevent Bloat?