Weight loss and, more importantly, muscle loss are common in dogs and cats in association with common diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer. Weight and muscle loss also are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This talk will describe the mechanisms, methods for detecting muscle loss at an earlier stage, and nutritional and medical interventions to optimize the care of patients with chronic diseases.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the mechanisms of cachexia and sarcopenia.
List methods for diagnosing cachexia and sarcopenia.
List possible approaches to preventing and treating cachexia and sarcopenia.