Muscle atrophy, or muscle loss, is a common issue for dogs as they age. It’s when muscle tissue weakens and wastes away, and it can seriously affect their ability to move around comfortably, impacting their overall well-being.
Spotting muscle loss in dogs early on is key. The sooner you notice it, the more you can do to manage it and improve your dog’s quality of life.
That’s why this article gives you a complete overview of muscle atrophy in dogs: what causes it, what the symptoms are, how vets diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it and keep it from happening in the first place.
What is muscle atrophy in dogs?
Muscle atrophy, sometimes called muscle wastage, is the loss of muscle mass. It can be general, affecting multiple muscle groups, or localized, affecting only specific muscles.
Understanding muscle inhibition
Muscle inhibition occurs when the nerves that control a muscle send a distorted or nonexistent signal. Muscle inhibition often goes hand-in-hand with muscle atrophy, especially after an injury or surgery.
Managing swelling, pain, and inflammation are critical for managing muscle inhibition.
Causes of muscle atrophy in dogs
There are a number of reasons your dog may be losing muscle mass. Here are a few of the most common:
Age and inactivity
As dogs get older, their bodies produce less growth hormone, and they’re not able to synthesize protein as efficiently. If your senior dog has slowed down quite a bit, the lack of exercise may also be contributing to muscle loss.
Injury, pain, and surgery
If your dog has been injured or is experiencing pain (from joint injuries or arthritis, for example), they may be moving less, which can cause the muscles to atrophy from disuse. Likewise, if your dog has had surgery and has been on crate rest during recovery, they may be losing muscle mass. ACL surgery is one of the most common causes of atrophy and inhibition, vets say.
Underlying medical conditions
Some breeds are more prone to myopathies, including German Shepherds, sighthounds, Labs, and Great Danes. Degenerative myelopathy, centronuclear myopathy, and masticatory myositis can also lead to muscle atrophy.
Stress
Stress can also play a role, since it can affect a dog’s activity level and overall muscle health.
How to spot muscle atrophy: Signs and symptoms
Muscle atrophy has many telltale signs. Here’s what to look for:
Visual Indicators
- Weight loss and a decrease in overall muscle mass
- Muscles that look soft or flabby, especially in the hind legs
- Noticeably thinner limbs, particularly the hind legs
Changes in Gait and Mobility
- Limping or an unbalanced gait
- Stiffness and decreased comfort when moving
- Difficulty walking or getting up
- Dragging paws or crossing legs
Behavioral Changes
- Decreased activity levels and reluctance to exercise
- Changes in posture
- Lack of energy and increased fatigue
Treating muscle atrophy: remedies and rehabilitation
If your vet diagnoses your dog with muscle atrophy, there are several things you can do to help your furry friend regain lost muscle mass and strength.
Exercise and activity
Regular, tailored exercise is essential to help your dog maintain and rebuild muscle. Start with short, gentle walks and gradually increase the duration as your dog gets stronger. Your vet can recommend the right amount of exercise for your dog’s specific condition.
Dog physical therapy is another important part of muscle recovery. A canine physical therapist can use manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to help rebuild muscle. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can also be beneficial.
Diet and nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for muscle health. Feed your dog a wholesome and nutritious diet that avoids high-protein, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate/filler foods.
Dog joint supplements may also be helpful, but talk to your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.
Advanced therapies
Techniques like soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help reactivate inhibited muscles.
It’s always best to seek professional guidance from your vet or a qualified canine physical therapist to develop an effective treatment plan for your dog.
Preventing Muscle Atrophy in Dogs
While muscle loss can be scary, there are things you can do to protect your pet:
- Regular Exercise: Keep your dog active with a routine that matches their age and breed.
- Proper Nutrition: Make sure they’re eating a balanced diet to support muscle health.
- Early Vet Care: Watch for early signs of muscle loss and talk to your vet right away if you notice anything.
- Pain Management: Treat any pain or swelling quickly to prevent disuse atrophy, which comes from lack of movement.
In Summary
Muscle atrophy is a health concern you can manage proactively. Early detection and intervention are key, so regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care are crucial for your dog’s muscle health.
If you have any concerns about muscle loss, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for personalized treatment and prevention strategies.