Unexpected Weight Changes
Any unexpected weight changes, be it a loss or gain, should be of concern. Our clinic offers a free weight check for all pets - simply swing by the clinic during our opening hours, and pop your dog on our scales! For cats, it will be preferable that you phone ahead to let us know that you are coming by - this is to ensure that we minimise the waiting times in order for us to weigh your cat on our consult rooms' weighing scales.
Causes of Weight Loss
Weight loss in pets usually occurs when the body is not receiving sufficient calories to maintain a healthy bodyweight. Below is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that may result in weight loss:
- Decreased caloric intake e.g. reduced appetite from underlying disease, dental disease
- Reduced or altered caloric absorption e.g. gastrointestinal, liver or pancreatic disease, cancer states
- Altered ability to utilise calories e.g. diabetes mellitus, pancreatic or liver disease, cancer states
- Increased caloric loss e.g. fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney disease
- Increased caloric requirement e.g. fever, post-surgery healing, hyperthyroidism, infection, inflammation, cancer states
There are several reasons why a pet may unintentionally lose weight, and some of these conditions are more serious than others. It is important that you have your pet checked over by a veterinarian if you have noticed any loss in weight. Continue reading below to find out what tests can be performed to investigate unexplained weight loss.
Causes of Weight Gain
Not all weight gains are due to a pet eating too much or not exercising enough. Below is a non-exhaustive list of conditions that may cause your pet to put on weight unintentionally:
- Too much food
- Too little activity or exercise
- Pregnancy or pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy)
- Enlargement of abdominal organs e.g. tumours in the spleen, liver enlargement, kidney cysts
- Fluid accumulation e.g. fluid accumulation in chest or abdomen secondary to heart failure, feline infectious peritonitis
- Endocrinal (hormonal) diseases e.g. Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism
- Prescription medications e.g. Steroids, thyroid medications
There are several reasons why a pet may unintentionally gain weight, and some of these conditions are more serious than others. It is important that you have your pet checked over by a veterinarian if you have noticed any increase in their weight. Continue reading below to find out what tests can be performed to investigate unexplained weight gain
How Weight Changes may be Investigated
After a thorough history collection from the pet parent & a physical examination of your pet, your veterinarian may recommend one or a combination of the following diagnostics below to investigate unexplained weight loss or gain in your pet. Because every pet is different, our veterinarians will tailor a specific diagnostic workup plan specific to your pet following an in-depth discussion with you.
- Blood tests e.g. complete blood count, biochemistry (organ function tests)
- Urine tests e.g. full urinalysis, urine culture/sensitivity, urine protein:creatinine ratio
- Faecal tests e.g. parasite/protozoa identification, faecal PCR tests, faecal culture
- Radiographs (x-rays) of the affected area
- Ultrasound of affected area (to assess internal architecture of the organs)
- Advanced diagnostics e.g. endoscopy, biopsies, sampling of joint/chest/abdominal fluid
- Referral to a specialist
The above information is provided for educational purposes only and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; and should not be relied on solely as veterinary advice. If you are worried your pet may be experiencing unintentional weight changes, please phone us on (06) 3588675 to book them in for a check over.