New Tool for Assessing Frailty in Elderly Canines at North Carolina State University

Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:19

Elderly canine frailty is now being assessed with a groundbreaking tool developed by North Carolina State University researchers. This tool helps veterinarians evaluate the condition of older dogs, predicting the likelihood of short-term mortality. By integrating simple assessments, this innovation empowers pet owners to make informed decisions regarding their furry companions' treatment and quality of life.
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New Tool for Assessing Frailty in Elderly Canines at North Carolina State University

Elderly Canine Frailty: A New Assessment Tool

North Carolina (NC) State University researchers have developed an innovative tool to assist veterinarians and pet owners in evaluating elderly canines' frailty. Coupled with simple assessments of body and muscle condition, this tool can predict short-term mortality probabilities (within six months) and assist owners in making vital treatment decisions.

Understanding Canine Frailty

In humans, frailty is characterized by a physical or physiological condition associated with loss of strength and energy. Natasha Olby, Vet MB, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology), the Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson distinguished chair in Gerontology at NC State, explains that similar symptoms occur in aging dogs.

The Screening Process

The researchers created a frailty screening questionnaire for pet owners. This questionnaire assesses several domains, including:

  • Overall body condition
  • Appetite
  • Energy level
  • Mobility
  • Muscle condition
  • Social activity

This approach mirrors human frailty assessments and has been validated against two distinct dog populations.

Validation Results

Among 39 dogs involved in a neuro-aging study, 12 expired due to various causes during the evaluation. Those classified as frail were often twice as likely to die within six months compared to non-frail dogs.

Clinical Implications of the Tool

As stated by Olby, while the lifespan of a dog remains uncertain, this questionnaire combined with body and muscle condition ratings efficiently estimates six-month mortality risks. This screening tool is straightforward, requiring no laboratory tests—veterinarians can assess with basic palpation methods.

A Valuable Resource

This study establishes a frailty phenotype that serves as an essential resource for early detection and intervention in veterinary practices. The researchers adjusted for crucial covariates such as age, breed, sex, and weight, discovering that breed significantly impacted mortality rates.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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