MUSCLE LOSS / WASTING (SARCOPENIA) IN SENIOR PETS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Muscle loss — especially over the spine, hips, head, and shoulders — is a leading marker of aging, inflammation, endocrine disease, and frailty. It is also one of the strongest predictors of reduced lifespan in both humans and pets.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Normal aging (slow, gradual)
MEDICAL
• Arthritis pain → reduced activity
• Chronic inflammation
• Endocrine disease (Cushing’s, hypothyroidism)
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Malabsorption (IBD)
EMERGENCY
• Sudden muscle loss
• Muscle loss + rapid weight loss
• Muscle loss + severe pain
RED FLAGS
• Spine becoming more visible
• Hind leg weakness
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• High-protein senior diet
• Omega-3 supplementation
• Structured, gentle exercise
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Orthopedic exam
• Bloodwork
• Endocrine testing
• Kidney/liver evaluation
• GI absorption tests
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Sarcopenia
• Endocrine disease
• Chronic inflammation
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging. Loss of muscle accelerates frailty.