Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Loss of appetite in dogs and cats with cancer and treatment options
By Chad M Johannes & Margaret L. Musser·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2019·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Anorexia and the Cancer Patient.
Plain-English summary
A dog with cancer may stop eating, which can seriously affect their quality of life. This loss of appetite, known as cancer-related anorexia, often leads to weight loss and muscle wasting. Managing this condition is crucial, as improving a pet's appetite can help them feel better and possibly live longer. Recently approved medications to stimulate appetite in dogs could provide new options for treatment, helping to improve their overall well-being during this difficult time.
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Abstract
Appetite influences perceived quality of life for a dog or cat with cancer. Inappetence often is multifactorial, complicating treatment. Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome is a metabolic, paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by decreased food intake, involuntary weight loss, and loss of fat and muscle. If weight loss/cachexia has an impact on canine and feline cancer patients as in humans, management may improve survival times and quality of life. The challenge is having effective, proved therapies available for clinical use. Recent Food and Drug Administration approvals for appetite stimulation have renewed interest and discussion and has the potential to alter the course of case management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/31176457