Could This Be Arthritis?

I have a male dachshund, age 14 1/2 years. He is diabetic and had
surgery for a ruptured disc a couple/few years ago. He recovered from
that quickly. He has always been active as I take him for long walks
daily as weather permits. He has been having symptoms of canine
dementia for the last year or so but I have gotten used to his
weirdness. He is also incontinent with his bowel movements.

A few months or so ago I noticed that when he was eating his meals in
the kitchen, which has a linoleum floor, he would stand with his front
legs splayed and seemed to have trouble navagating slick surfaces, and
would actually avoid walking on the hardwood floor if he could. It
has gotten worse the last month or so when I walk him he is very slow
(but can walk up to an hour) and he will now trip over himself and
kind of fall on his side until I pick him up and set him straight. He
does not seem to be in a lot of pain when this happens but it is
somewhat embarrasing and if anyone saw this they would probably think
I am abusing him or something, but the only thing that is probably
keeping him alive and healthy at this point are his walks.

I mentioned the leg splaying and the incontinence with my vet last
time I was in, but he did not seem too concerned. But the tripping
over himself and falling down was not happening so I have not yet
asked his opinion on this. He has been slowing down on his walks the
last couple years and that is undoubtedly due to age, but the whole
thing with him having trouble carrying himself has to have some other
causes. Any ideas?


thanks!
CTV
.