Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nutrition and muscle loss issues in dogs and cats with cancer
By Saker, Korinn E·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2021·Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Nutritional Concerns for Cancer, Cachexia, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Canine and Feline Pets.
Plain-English summary
Aging dogs and cats with cancer or other serious illnesses often experience weight loss and muscle loss, known as cachexia and frailty. These conditions can make pets weaker and less active, which is concerning for pet owners. Adjusting their diet to include more protein, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain vitamins can help support their health and improve their quality of life. While these dietary changes show promise, more research is needed to fully understand the best approaches for managing these issues in pets.
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Abstract
Cachexia and frailty can be described as independent entities yet are interrelated as constituents of malnutrition and the aging process. The unifying aspect is lean muscle loss, ultimately driven by inflammation and the adverse ramifications to pets with chronic, debilitating, or terminal disease states, including cancer. Modification to intake of dietary protein, fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and selected vitamins has shown benefit in management protocols as preventative and palliative care, but further investigation is imperative.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773650/