Skinny Old Cats: Sarcopenia and Cachexia

When is weight loss a normal age-related change and when does it call for investigation? If we intervene before a certain point, can we turn weight and muscle decline around? Sarcopenic muscle loss is normal as cats age. But muscle loss isn’t always due to sarcopenia. Often illness or digestive changes play a role. Nutritional recommendations may contribute. Research has shown that loss of condition precedes diagnosis of chronic illness and is associated with earlier death. Muscle condition scoring and following trends in body weight and condition score is important. By intervening early, there is a chance to turn weight and muscle decline around._x000D_
Objectives: _x000D_
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Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to Look for and identify sarcopenia_x000D_
Determine whether it is due to normal healthy aging, illness or nutrition_x000D_
Come up with a strategy to best address the muscle and weight loss