It is common for pet parents to see their older dogs becoming thinner as they age. Although this may seem about, it is actually a normal change that happens as dogs get older.
While most pet parents believe that their older dog's new appearance is due to weight loss, it is actually a result of muscle loss or sarcopenia.
Below is everything you need to know about sarcopenia in dogs and how you handle the condition.
Key dealers
- Sarcopenia is the age -related loss of muscle mass in dogs, not caused by an underlying disease.
- Older dogs with muscle mass loss seem thinner, especially in the hind legs.
- Diagnosis of sarcopenia in dogs means first excluding other conditions such as cancer or kidney disease.
- Sarcopenia in dogs cannot be treated or cured, but it can be handled with a high protein diet, low impact, supplements and supportive mobility aids.
What is sarcopenia in dogs?
Sarcopenia in dogs refers to the progressive loss of lean muscle mass due to aging. It is a medical condition that is common among the elderly, but it is not caused by an underlying health problem.
When dogs aging, proteins (which build muscle) are not made as effectively or effectively. The body continues to break proteins for normal body processes such as digestion, but not enough proteins are made to counteract this. This results in total protein loss, which leads to muscle loss.
What does muscle mass loss look like in dogs?
Dogs with sarcopenia have an overall thinner appearance. They have reduced the muscle mass most noticeably in the hind legs. A dog's head and face may seem submerged, with their legs prominent. Their ribs and spine are usually displayed through the skin, but they still have full weight in the front legs. They tend to maintain their muscle mass at their front end, while the muscle mass is lost at their rear end.
Dogs with sarcopenia can sometimes look like they are starving. However, there are several differences between a starving dog and one with sarcopenia.
A starving dog has to break down fat and muscle to use as energy because they do not get enough nutrition. This results in loss of both fat and muscle, which makes them appear to be thin and malnourished. But dogs with sarcopenia or muscle atrophy simply lose muscle mass because they age.
Starved dogs generally act thin throughout the body with prominent bones in the hips, shoulders, head and ribs. However, dogs with sarcopenia are usually fuller in the front half of the body but lack in the back.
Starved the dogs' bodies return to normally fairly quickly after getting sufficient nutrition. However, dogs with sarcopenia will not regain all the lost muscle mass even with proper handling.
Causes of sarcopenia in dogs
Aging is the main cause of sarcopenia in dogs. Lack of activity can also trigger this condition, as muscles are not exercised enough to maintain their mass.
Several health conditions can also aggravate muscular atrophy in dogs, including:
These conditions usually cause muscle atrophy on their own, so having them together with sarcopenia can improve the total muscle loss of older dogs.
How veterinarians diagnose sarcopenia in dogs
To diagnose sarcopenia, a veterinarian must first exclude other possible causes of your dog's weight loss, such as cancer or diabetes.
This can be done through a complete physical examination and diagnostic testing, such as blood work or imaging. If all tests are normal and no other health condition can explain your dog's muscle loss, sarcopenia can be diagnosed.
Handling of sarcopenia in dogs
Sarcopenia cannot be treated or cured, but it can be handled.
The earlier sarcopenia is diagnosed, the better the chance of further muscle atrophy being delayed.
To support and maintain muscle mass, veterinarians recommend dietary changes, such as feeding your dog a high protein diet.
They can also recommend daily training, such as swimming or walking.
Since older dogs cannot handle as much exercise as they once did, it is important to take walks and swim at a rate that works for their health. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best training plan depending on your dog's general health.
Supples, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can also benefit dogs with sarcopenia by supporting healthy muscles. They do this by supporting the production of proteins and helping to prevent the breakdown of existing muscle.
Dogs with sarcopenia may have other health problems, such as arthritis or loss of mobility because of their age. To help them get around and to facilitate pain, you can chat with your veterinarian about adding the following products to your dog's care:
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Anti -inflammers such as Meloxicam reduce inflammation of the dog's joints, which improves their mobility and ability to exercise to maintain muscle mass.
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Common supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, support healthy joints so that dogs can exercise, which supports healthy muscles.
Sarcopenia in a hundred questions
How can I help my dog ​​if they have sarcopenia?
To help your dog with sarcopenia, veterinarians recommend feeding them a high quality, high protein diet to support healthy muscle mass and encourage regular exercise such as swimming or walking.
How do you treat sarcopenia in dogs?
Although sarcopenia cannot be treated, it can be handled through diet changes, supplements and daily training. Managing all underlying health conditions that can aggravate muscle atrophy, such as cancer or diabetes, is also advantageous.
What is the difference between sarcopenia and cachexia?
Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass due to aging, while cachexia is the loss of muscles due to underlying diseases such as cancer. Sarcopenia only affects the muscle, while cachexia can also lead to fat loss. Simply put, sarcopenia is related to aging, while cachexia is related to a specific underlying disease.
Can an older dog regain muscle mass?
It is possible for dogs to regain a certain muscle mass. This can be achieved through supplements, regular exercise and dietary changes.
