I. Gajanayake (2022), writing in Companion Animal, reviewed the issue of malnutrition in dogs and cats, describing it as the loss of body weight, fat, and muscle often linked to acute or chronic illness. While this syndrome is well defined in humans with established diagnostic criteria, in veterinary medicine it remains poorly recognized.
The review stresses the use of body condition scoring (BCS) and muscle condition scoring (MCS) as vital tools for early detection. These assessments help veterinarians differentiate between healthy weight fluctuations and clinical malnutrition requiring intervention.
Nutritional requirements, including appropriate calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients, are outlined as essential for both prevention and correction. In cases of illness, practical steps such as enteral and parenteral feeding techniques may be necessary to stabilize patients and support recovery.
Gajanayake emphasizes that raising awareness among veterinary practitioners is crucial. Improved recognition and treatment of malnutrition not only enhance animal welfare but also support better outcomes in managing underlying diseases.
Source: Gajanayake, I. (2022). Malnutrition in dogs and cats. Journal: Companion Animal. Publication Date: 2022-10-02. Author: I. Gajanayake.
