A simple primer on muscle atrophy in dogs.
Atrophy of muscles in dogs is commonly seen in an aging pet or one that has a medical condition. Since maintaining muscle health throughout a dog’s life dog owners need to become aware of atrophy of muscles in dogs for the effect it has on the longevity and quality of life of all dogs. Muscle atrophy in dogs is a degeneration of their muscle cells that results in a rapid decrease of muscle mass which leads to reduced mobility and frailty. Muscle atrophy in dogs can be confined to one specific muscle group or be generalized to all the muscles in a dog. Its onset usually comes on slowly and unnoticeable due to age but can also occur rapidly due to recurrent illnesses that a dog may suffer. Muscle atrophy in dogs can occur for several reasons including the doge's age, disuse of the muscles caused by lack of exercise, obesity, lack of nourishment, and recurrent illnesses such as canine diabetes and cancer. Muscle atrophy in dogs can also occur following bone fractures or s...