You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Sometimes apparently minor signs can be an indication of serious problems. Take for example reluctance or inability to exercise

It is not unusual for older animals to become reluctant or unable to exercise. Unfortunately, many owners think that this is a normal sign of  "old age"  due to an ageing problem such as "arthritis"  and they do not seek veterinary attention on the assumption that nothing can be done to help their pet.

There are many possible causes of a reduced ability to exercise and it is true that in some cases the cause might be chronic arthritic changes in the joints  - which are irreversible. But treatment is still worthwhile in these patients to reduce discomfort, and in the future new techniques such as gene therapy may offer a way of reversing the changes

In dogs one of the most common causes of a reluctance or inability to exercise is heart valve disease or endocardiosis . In this disorder - which is present in over 80% of dogs aged over 8 years of age -  the heart valve "leaks" resulting in poor cardiac output of blood and poor circulation. Other signs that may accompany endocardiosis  include :

• A cough
• Feinting
• Swelling of the abdomen with fluid (ascites)
• Weight loss
• Abnormal heart sounds - heard on a stethoscope

Nowadays modern drugs can help to improve cardiac output of blood and these animals can regain their ability to exercise. In the case of advanced endocardiosis, valves are even being surgically replaced in some specialist referral centres in the United States 

It is important to realise that, whatever the underlying cause of reduced ability to exercise, there is usually something that a veterinarian can do to improve the quality of life and reduce discomfort for the affected animal - so it is important that an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment is started as soon as possible. 

Updated October 2013