When a pet loses a significant amount of weight for no apparent
reason, you need to go to your veterinarian as it may be an indication
of disease. There might be an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Overview - In the world today wherein more than 50 percent of cats and
dogs are considered obese or overweight, weight reduction is frequently a
desirable result for our sedentary, overfed pets. But when pets shed
weight despite little effort by the owners parts to effect this change,
its frequently an unwelcome symptom of disease. This is particularly
true in cases where weight reduction is rapid or pronounced.
Causes - Pets can sometimes shed weight for a wide range of
relatively numerous reasons! A change in diet can occasionally cause
weight reduction either since the pet finds the food less attractive or
because it's fewer calories. A move to a brand new home, a change in
schedule, or greater access to the outdoors might lead to weight
reduction if a pet becomes more active as a result. Geriatric pets can
occasionally lose small amounts of weight as part of the normal process
of aging.
Persistent, rapid, or dramatic weight reduction, however, can be
the sign of a serious condition, like! Periodontal disease in cats and
dogs - Thyroid disease in cats - Cancer - Chronic gastrointestinal
obstruction - Orthopedic or neuromuscular disease which leads to loss of
muscle mass - What To Do at Home - If you notice weight reduction in
your pet, ask yourself a few simple questions: Is the pet otherwise
feeling well If changes in diet or activity level
do not seem sufficient explanation for the degree of weight reduction, a
veterinary visit is absolutely in order.
What the vet will do - There are various steps a veterinarian might
undertake to discerning the origin of the weight reduction. Get a
history. When did you initially notice the weight reduction? How has it
changed? How has your pet been otherwise? How's her appetite? Do a
physical exam. What a pet looks and feels like can tell your
veterinarian a lot about weight reduction. What do her tooth look like?
Does she look otherwise healthful? Do some basic lab work. A CBC, blood chemistry panel, thyroid bodily
hormone test, heartworm test, urinalysis, and feces examination are
considered basic.
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