Researchers at North Carolina State University have unveiled an innovative tool aimed at helping dog owners and veterinarians assess the frailty of older dogs.
This new resource, when used alongside simple evaluations of a dog’s body and muscle condition, aims to predict the likelihood of short-term mortality within a six-month timeframe.
This insight is vital for pet owners as they grapple with treatment choices and overall quality of life for their aging companions.
Understanding Canine Frailty
Natasha Olby, who holds the distinguished Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Chair in Gerontology at NC State, highlighted similarities between frailty in humans and dogs.
In people, frailty is often linked to a decline in physical strength, slower movement, weight loss, fatigue, and a decrease in overall activity levels—all common signs of aging.
While we have various tools to evaluate human frailty, comparable resources for dogs are still in the works.
Olby is the director of NC State’s canine neuro-aging program, which delves into the biological processes associated with dog aging.
The impetus for creating this frailty assessment tool stemmed from observations made during clinical trials, where researchers suspected that frailty could significantly impact outcomes.
Additionally, seeing a considerable number of frail dogs in practice underscored the necessity for a clearer definition and thorough assessment of this condition.
Assessing Frailty in Older Dogs
One of the most pressing questions pet owners often ask their veterinarians is about their dog’s life expectancy, particularly when considering possible treatments.
The goal of developing a predictive phenotype for frailty is to equip owners with critical information to help them make informed decisions regarding their pets’ futures.
The research team designed a screening questionnaire that explores five important areas: nutritional health, energy levels, mobility, muscle condition, and social interaction.
These categories mirror those used in assessments of human frailty.
To ensure the tool’s effectiveness, they tested it on two separate groups: 39 dogs involved in Olby’s neuro-aging study and 198 additional dogs aged 10 years or older who were not part of the study.
The results indicated that dogs identified as frail—those showing impairments in at least three of the five domains—were twice as likely to pass away within six months compared to their non-frail counterparts.
Implications for Pet Owners
While predicting the exact lifespan of any individual dog remains challenging, this screening tool, paired with body and muscle assessments, proves useful in estimating short-term mortality.
The best part? No specialized lab tests are necessary; veterinarians can perform the required evaluations through simple palpation techniques.
The research team is optimistic that this tool will usher in a new era of more refined classifications of canine frailty.
Though still under development, Olby regards it as a valuable asset for starting conversations about care options for older dogs.
The findings from this important study have been published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, with support from the Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology.
Katharine Russell, a former postdoctoral researcher at NC State, is the lead author of the paper.
Numerous contributors, including Gilad Fefer, Alejandra Mondino, along with professors Emily Griffith, Korinn Saker, and Margaret Gruen, have played significant roles in this research initiative.
Source: Science daily