a case study of EMACIATION(LOSS OF WEIGHT) IN doGS

Bingo  a 6 year old Boerboel gradually lost weight from 38kgs to 21kgs in 2months despite him having a normal appetite.

OWNER; – Bingo did not show any abnormalities within the 2months of weight loss, he was lively and did everything like a normal dog.

I have tried to increase the amount of food, give him multivitamins, change the type and feeding time but all were in Vain no change has been seen but he is steadily losing weight.

VET DOCTOR; – we shall start with physical examination if a definitive diagnosis is got no blood samples will be picked. However if the clinical signs are not pathognomonic blood samples will be picked to assist in further diagnosis.

RESULTS FROM PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Rectal temperature 38.6°c, respiratory rate 24bpm, heart rate 85bpm, pale mucous membranes, body condition score 2/5, rough hair coat, dry muzzle.

Blood samples for total blood picture, kidney and liver function tests were picked and run.

Lab results indicated liver damage.

Bingo was put liver tonics, anti-inflammatories and broad spectrum antibiotics.

HOW DO I TELL THAT A DOG HAS LOST WEIGHT?

Depending on the breed, sex, age and physiological state, dogs are supposed to have attained particular body weight, failure to attain that weight is an indicator of an abnormality in the environment or in the body of the dog.

TECHINQUES OF MONITORING THE BODY WEIGHT OF A DOG;-

Regular weighing of the dog; – pets can be weighed on a regular basis (weekly or monthly) to assess their body condition.

Observation; – involves keenly looking at the lateral and dorsal view of a dog at a close distance to examine the prominence of the bones.

Lateral view; – the contours of the ribs are easily seen in dogs that have lost weight.

Dorsal view; – the prominence of pelvic bones, backbones and the waist, are obvious in dogs that have lost weight.

Palpation; – in dogs that have lost weight, the bones are easily left on touch. In dogs with the correct weight the bones are not obvious due to a layer of muscles and adipose tissues under the skin.

BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) OF DOGS; SCALE OF 1-5

B.C.S 1; – ribs and backbone are visible from a distance and no body fat.

B.C.S 2; – ribs may be visible and easily felt. Obvious waist markings when viewed from above.

B.C.S 3; – ribs can be felt without excess fat layer.

B.C.S 4;- ribs can be felt with difficult under heavy fat layer. Fat visible near base of the tail and on backbone.

B.C.S 5; – fat deposits over the neck, limbs and backbone with obvious abdominal distention.