Pets can lose weight for a variety of health reasons. Dietary inadequacy and/or dietary allergies may be involved in some cases. Intestinal parasites are also possible. Any sort of chronic metabolic disease, including inflammation of the liver, kidney or pancreas may also cause weight loss. Hormonal conditions including Addison’s disease and diabetes also may result in weight loss. Infectious or inflammatory disease, including inflammatory bowel disease, as well as cancer anywhere in the body are other possible conditions.
Any pet with chronic weight loss should have a full medical evaluation and workup, including a CBC/chemistry blood profile, urine analysis, as well as several stool checks for parasites. X-rays and/or ultrasound also may be needed. After an extensive workup the cause of chronic weight loss can often be detected. Prognosis will vary depending upon the specific cause of the weight loss, as well as early detection through these appropriate diagnostic tests.
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