What can cause muscle wasting in cats?
In cats, common metabolic causes for muscle wasting include hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, the two most common endocrine diseases of the cat. 6,8,9,37 Since many of these hyperthyroid and diabetic cats are older, sarcopenia also likely plays a role in the loss of muscle mass in these cats.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in a cat?
The most common signs are:
- Excessive drinking (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria)
- Increased appetite.
- Enlargement of the abdomen (a pot-bellied appearance)
- Lethargy.
- Muscle wasting and weakness.
- Poor coat condition.
- Hair loss.
- Curling of the ear tips.
What is the most common cause of Cushing syndrome?
The most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is the long-term, high-dose use of the cortisol-like glucocorticoids. These medicines are used to treat other medical conditions, such as asthma link, rheumatoid arthritis link, and lupus link. Glucocorticoids are often injected into a joint to treat pain.
Is it normal for cats to lose fur on their belly?
Cat losing fur on belly. Over the past month my eldest cat has lost a lot of her fur on her belly and back legs. The skin is in perfect condition, no scales, dryness or rash. She is not grooming herself more than normal. She seems completely unfazed by the condition, is in no distress at all.
What causes muscle loss in a senior cat?
I had two cats who experienced significant muscle wasting. One passed at the age of 14, (which was good considering he was not a healthy cat) his wasting was due to hyperthyroid. And it was evenly dispersed all over his body, and even damaged his heart.
What causes a cat to lose its back legs?
Acquired heart disease develops later in life, and is more common in older cats. It can be triggered by an injury, infection, or wear and tear on the heart muscle. Heart disease can cause a gradual weakening of a cat’s back legs, if inadequate blood flow reaches the legs. It can also lead to sudden paralysis of the hind limbs.
What should I do if my cat’s back legs are weak?
A vet should see a cat with weak, wobbly, or stiff back legs. This is especially important if the symptoms have come on suddenly, or are severe. As there are many causes of back leg problems in cats, getting a diagnosis is vital. Your vet may need to run a blood test or a scan, such as an x-ray.
Why does my cat have a pot belly?
Apparently purebred cats such as this Sphynx are more prone to suffer from this disease than non-purebred. It is caused by liver, heart or kidney disease. Therefore the appearance of a pot belly is cause for a veterinarian visit asap.
Why is my cat losing fur on her belly?
There are other conditions that can cause hair loss such as a parasite called demodex, allergies and more. As always, if concerned it’s best to have your vet take a look. But, likely this is nothing to be worried about.
How to tell if your cat is losing weight?
Weight loss caused by chronic disease in cats can result in additional symptoms: 1 Diarrhea 2 Vomiting 3 Muscle wasting 4 Hair loss 5 Lack of appetite 6 Abdominal pain 7 Fever 8 Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes) 9 Lack of energy 10 Increased thirst (polydipsia)
What causes a female cat’s belly to expand?
Benign or malignant tumor growths on organs or glands can also lead to an expanded belly. Older cats or unwell cats can lose muscle mass which can make the abdomen look enlarged. During pregnancy, a female cat’s uterus will expand rapidly.