This review examines the effects of oxidative stress on the aging process in canines, focusing on the role of antioxidants in the prevention of age-related diseases. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defenses, resulting in damage to cell structures. Dogs, especially older animals, are particularly susceptible to such damage, which contributes to the development of cognitive impairment, chronic disease and a reduced quality of life. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q₁₀ and polyphenols play an important role in neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative damage. Various studies confirm that these antioxidants can improve overall health, slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis, cancer and heart disease. The results suggest that an appropriate diet supplemented with antioxidants can significantly contribute to a better quality of life for dogs. However, given that some studies report limited or no effects, additional long-term clinical trials are warranted to validate the reproducibility and degree of presented benefits.

We aimed to evaluate whether the use of a custom prosthesis improves static stability and gait symmetry in a dog with a forelimb amputation. This study involved two therapy dogs owned by the same individual, both mixed breeds with similar physical characteristics. Dog with amputation had a full forelimb amputation and had been successfully using a prosthesis since 2022. Healthy dog served as a control in three different assessment methods evaluating prosthetic effectiveness. For static measurements, a four-scale method and a force plate were used; dynamic data were collected using a pressure-sensor mat. Dog with amputation distributed 21 % of its body weight onto the prosthesis, reducing the load on the contralateral limb from 49 % to 35 %. The total forelimb load increased from 49 % to 56 % with the prosthesis. Stabilometric analysis indicated improved stability with the prosthesis: significant reduction in sway path length, while changes in directional sway components and sway area were not statistically conclusive. Sensor-mat measurements on GAITRite showed that forelimb amputation substantially reduced step length (21.1 cm) and stride length (42.4 cm) on the amputated side, and increased traversal time to 2.4 s, reflecting pronounced gait asymmetry and impaired limb function. The use of a prosthesis improved step length (35.0 and 30.1 cm) and stride length (64.1 and 63.0 cm), and decreased traversal time to 2.2 s, indicating enhanced gait efficiency, although values did not fully reach those of the healthy dog (step length 46.8/44.6 cm; stride length 93.5/87.7 cm; time 1.5 s). These results demonstrate the functional benefits of prosthetic use in canine forelimb amputation.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most prevalent orthopedic injuries in veterinary medicine, significantly impacting canine stifle joint stability and biomechanics, and subsequently, the animal’s quality of life. This study investigates the effectiveness of custom-made knee orthoses as a conservative treatment for recent cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs. Two dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries were fitted with individualized orthoses, and their rehabilitation progress was monitored over 32 days. This study employed a four-scale method to measure body weight distribution across limbs and utilized owner questionnaires to evaluate lameness, gait, mobility, and physical activity. The results indicated substantial improvements in both dogs when they wore orthoses. Weight-bearing measurements demonstrated increased load on the injured limb by 0.97 kg and 2.23 kg for Dog 1 and Dog 2, respectively. Dog 2 achieved nearly symmetrical weight distribution by the end of the observation period. Shifts in body weight distribution between forelimbs and hindlimbs highlighted improved functionality; for instance, Dog 1 adjusted from 70% forelimb loading on day 1 to 62% on day 32, while Dog 2 improved from 60% to 55%. Similarly, shifts in lateral weight distribution showed notable reductions in asymmetry, especially in Dog 2, where contralateral load decreased from 59% to 52%. Owner-reported outcomes corroborated these findings, showing enhanced lameness scores, gait quality, and overall mobility. These results underline the potential of custom-manufactured orthoses as a valuable non-surgical approach for cranial cruciate ligament rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for further research in veterinary orthotics to optimize treatment strategies.