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 surgery.

The signs and symptoms of atrophy of muscles in dogs generally are thinner than usual appearance in a dog's hind legs, hips, face, or neck. Limb weakness or a dog's inability to support their weight is also some of the symptoms of muscle atrophy in dogs. Dogs may also have an unsteady or abnormal gait, lack of energy, or fatigue on the onset of muscle atrophy in dogs. Changes in a dog's posture such as having dragging paws when walking or unintentionally crossing their legs when they walk is another sign of muscle atrophy in dogs.

But with the right nutrition and exercise plan, dog owners can help alleviate the muscle atrophy in dogs to reduce their risk of additional health complications such as recurring canine joint problems, and arthritis. After a veterinarian has determined the root cause of the muscle atrophy in dogs, they can determine specific treatment options for the specific extent of the muscle atrophy in dogs.

Dogs that suffer from muscle atrophy due to aging or disuse will generally have a good prognosis unlike those that suffer muscle atrophy in dogs due to recurring illness. If a dog is not suffering from a serious disease, the commonly prescribed exercise and nutrition regimen will generally alleviate the muscle atrophy in dogs to allow them to regain their mobility and pain-free movements.

With the diet and exercise regimens commonly used to treat muscle atrophy in dogs, it is still best to meet a dog’s proper nutritional needs, along with a variety of whole, natural foods, including nutrient-dense carbohydrates, fats, and quality protein to reduce and alleviate the onset of muscle atrophy in dogs. Since dogs generally lead an active lifestyle the importance of a dog's overall muscle health cannot be emphasized to ensure their longevity and enjoy active lifestyles. Keeping healthy and fit can help reduce the onset of muscle atrophy in dogs to increase their lifespan, improve their quality of life, and reduce frequent veterinarian visits as they age.