Geriatric Weight Loss & Muscle Wasting (Sarcopenia)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

The focus is on veterinary investigation of the cause — dental check, blood count, ACTH if PPID is suspected, fecal exam and a pain check — not simply feeding more. On this basis follow a needs-based, well-digestible (often soaked) ration, a separate quiet feeding place and regular weight monitoring (BCS, weight tape). Complementary feeds are only adjunctive.

Possible causes

• · dental problems with poor grinding (tooth wear, gaps, EOTRH, sharp edges)
• · PPID (Cushing) and age-related hormonal/metabolic changes
• · declining digestive and protein utilisation as well as increased maintenance/protein demand in old age
• · chronic pain (e.g. osteoarthritis), parasite burden or a low-ranking position at the feeding place

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Regular senior checks (teeth, weight/BCS, ACTH if suspected) and adapted feeding/housing management detect beginning decline early, before it determines the general condition.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna understands geriatric weight loss as a leading symptom, not a diagnosis: behind it there are almost always several causes at the same time. The first step is the veterinary work-up — feeding follows the diagnosis, not the other way round.