Are springer spaniels prone to brittle bones in old age?

jcf

My fathers dog, is a springer spaniel (8) and he used to swim a lot
untill he broke his leg over the summer and had to have it amputated,

Someone said to me because of all the swimming and him being cold,
it leads to brittle bones and this is why he broke his leg,
he was only running up a hill when he broke it .

Nala

I doubt it was the swimming or the cold. If anything, the swimming will keep him fit. It's more likely his age. He is 8, the life expectancy for a Springer is 10-15 years so he is at least middle-aged. Dogs' bones naturally become more brittle as they get older, the very same as ours. That's why it's considered a lot more serious if an old person has a fall, because their bones break/fracture easier.

junkyard

It might have something to do with his diet, I'm not saying your feeding him the wrong food but he may need more vitamins or more meat in his diet. It would be worth asking your vet.

ApeXaviour

Brittle bones I'm not aware of. Springers are prone to arthritus in the hips, incontinance and their kidneys go in later life. I've one that's over 14 now..

Personally I'd go with the diet advice

jcf

Thank you people, you have been very helpful.

Dan