Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Loss of appetite in dogs and cats with cancer and treatment options
By Johannes, Chad M & Musser, Margaret L·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Anorexia and the Cancer Patient.
Plain-English summary
A dog with cancer may stop eating, which can significantly affect their quality of life. This lack of appetite, known as cancer-related anorexia, can lead to weight loss and muscle wasting, making it harder for the dog to fight the disease. Recent advancements in treatments that stimulate appetite could help improve the situation for these pets. By encouraging them to eat, these therapies may enhance their overall well-being and potentially extend their survival 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 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31176457/