Impact of Aging and Visual Input on Postural Stability in Dogs: Insights from Center-of-Pressure Analysis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Animal Biomechanics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Postural stability (PS) is crucial for canine mobility and quality of life.
• Aging is associated with sensory decline, potentially impacting PS.
• The role of visual input in PS across different age groups in dogs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of aging and visual input on canine postural stability.
• To compare PS parameters between adult and senior dogs under sighted and blindfolded conditions.
• To elucidate age-related changes in sensory reliance for maintaining balance.

Main Methods:

• Static posturography using a pressure measurement plate.
• Assessment of center-of-pressure (COP) parameters under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions.
• Inclusion of 20 adult and 20 senior dogs free from sensory or motor impairments.

Main Results:

• No significant PS differences between age groups with eyes open.
• Senior dogs showed increased craniocaudal displacement and support surface area when blindfolded compared to adults.
• Adult dogs reduced postural sway when blindfolded, indicating adaptation to somatosensory input.

Conclusions:

• Senior dogs exhibit diminished sensory integration and adaptability compared to adult dogs.
• Vision plays a critical role in maintaining sagittal stability, especially in aging canines.
• Interventions like balance training may enhance sensory integration and reduce fall risk in older dogs.