Changes in a senior dog's gait, specifically shorter strides with their front legs, may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, according to a new study.
The research, conducted by a team at North Carolina State University, followed 88 senior and geriatric dogs over a period of time. Participants underwent regular tests assessing both their cognition and their gait. Analysis revealed that as the dogs' cognitive function declined, their front leg stride length decreased.
This finding is similar to observations in humans, where changes in gait, such as shorter, slower, or shuffling steps, can precede memory loss and are linked to deterioration in brain regions responsible for movement control. Researchers believe a comparable process is occurring in dogs, with cognitive impairment impacting stride length more significantly than age alone.
"If owners notice that their dog's front leg stride is becoming shorter they should visit their vet, for there are possible alternative causes such as arthritic pain or neck issues that can be treated," stated lead author Dr. Natasha Olby. "If a diagnosis of cognitive decline is made, there are likewise several lifestyle interventions that can be made, even if there is currently no cure."
As part of the study, owners completed questionnaires, including the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), to assess cognitive impairment. This scale measures issues such as navigational difficulties, behavioral changes, and disrupted sleep patterns. Front leg stride length was measured over a five-meter walkway. While stride length naturally decreased with age, the study specifically linked worsening CADES scores to this reduction.
Interestingly, the dogs' hind legs did not show a similar change. Dr. Olby noted, "It is fascinating to see that cognitive decline affects front legs and hind legs differently. In dogs, the hind legs are important for moving forwards, while the front legs also change direction and initiate braking."
The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, suggests that thoracic limb stride length could serve as an objective measure for monitoring functional mobility changes associated with cognitive decline in dogs. The researchers propose that incorporating stride-length assessments into routine geriatric check-ups could improve the early detection and monitoring of decline in older dogs, aiding in discussions about quality of life and management strategies.