My Pet Doesn’t Want to Eat (Anorexia – Inappetence, Reduced Appetite, Loss of Appetite)
Therapy
The most important aspect of treatment is to identify and address the underlying cause of the inappetence.
Assisted feeding is recommended if food intake is below the resting energy requirement for 3-5 days. Food intake in the natural way, i.e. via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract by feeding or by means of tubes, is always preferable, but presupposes that the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. function is not significantly impaired and that the food supplied is not vomited.
Artificial (parenteral) nutrition via infusions into the blood vessel system is necessary in patients with severe dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract and/or unmanageable Vomiting. Sometimes a combination of both forms of nutrition is useful, i.e. artificial nutrition by means of infusions is supplemented by food intake. In addition to cost savings for the owner, the advantage is that the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. environment and intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. function are largely maintained. Early enteral nutrition (via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract) in critically ill animals has been shown to improve survival.
Ensuring nutrition is a top priority in critically ill patients. ProteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. and calorie deficiencies lead to a weakening of the immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and delay healing, e.g. after surgery.
Cats have a higher proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. requirement than dogs. Overweight cats can quickly develop pathologicalPathological refers to anything related to diseases or their processes. Pathological changes are those that deviate from the normal structure or function and indicate a disease. fatty liver (lipidosis) in the event of anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors., which in turn leads to further problems.
In addition to treating the underlying disease, special treatment includes maintaining water and electrolyte balanceThe electrolyte balance refers to the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is essential for many physiological processes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance can lead to serious health problems., treating Pain if necessary, and using medications to combat Vomiting.
Drug-based stimulation of appetite is not recommended and is usually not successful.
SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures for loss of appetite can include offering particularly palatable food, warming the food, and creating a relaxed environment. An increased fat and proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. content contributes to the palatability of the food, provided that the underlying disease allows this. A sweet taste is also sometimes helpful, especially in dogs.
If animals cannot smell (anosmia), this can also contribute to anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.. In diseased animals, e.g. in cats with felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. cold, care of the nose is therefore particularly important.
Loss of appetite in animals is usually very stressful for the pet owner, but should not be a reason to have the animal euthanized prematurely.
TherapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.
The most important aspect of treatment is to identify and address the underlying cause of the inappetence.
Assisted feeding is recommended if food intake is below the resting energy requirement for 3-5 days. Food intake in the natural way, i.e. via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract by feeding or by means of tubes, is always preferable, but presupposes that the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. function is not significantly impaired and that the food supplied is not vomited.
Artificial (parenteral) nutrition via infusions into the blood vessel system is necessary in patients with severe dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract and/or unmanageable Vomiting. Sometimes a combination of both forms of nutrition is useful, i.e. artificial nutrition by means of infusions is supplemented by food intake. In addition to cost savings for the owner, the advantage is that the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. environment and intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. function are largely maintained. Early enteral nutrition (via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract) in critically ill animals has been shown to improve survival.
Ensuring nutrition is a top priority in critically ill patients. ProteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. and calorie deficiencies lead to a weakening of the immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and delay healing, e.g. after surgery.
Cats have a higher proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. requirement than dogs. Overweight cats can quickly develop pathologicalPathological refers to anything related to diseases or their processes. Pathological changes are those that deviate from the normal structure or function and indicate a disease. fatty liver (lipidosis) in the event of anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors., which in turn leads to further problems.
In addition to treating the underlying disease, special treatment includes maintaining water and electrolyte balanceThe electrolyte balance refers to the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is essential for many physiological processes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance can lead to serious health problems., treating Pain if necessary, and using medications to combat Vomiting.
Drug-based stimulation of appetite is not recommended and is usually not successful.
SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures for loss of appetite can include offering particularly palatable food, warming the food, and creating a relaxed environment. An increased fat and proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. content contributes to the palatability of the food, provided that the underlying disease allows this. A sweet taste is also sometimes helpful, especially in dogs.
If animals cannot smell (anosmia), this can also contribute to anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.. In diseased animals, e.g. in cats with felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. cold, care of the nose is therefore particularly important.
Loss of appetite in animals is usually very stressful for the pet owner, but should not be a reason to have the animal euthanized prematurely.
Not every loss of appetite (anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors., inappetence) means that your pet is sick. Perhaps there were too many treats or your pet would prefer something else. Cats, in particular, can be very picky.
If your pet doesn’t want to eat at all, it is called anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors. – a partial or total loss of appetite. This symptom can have harmless causes, but it also occurs with many diseases, especially with gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. diseases and infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. diseases. Then a visit to a veterinary practice is unavoidable.
Possible causes for loss of appetite (anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.)
- Change of food
- StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.
- High outside temperatures
- Pain and difficult to reach (joint diseases)
- Impairment by other, dominant animals
- Medications
- Diseases
If your pet always eats very willingly, a suddenly occurring reduced appetite is probably a serious sign of illness.
It is also important to distinguish whether your pet cannot eat or does not want to eat. Careful observation of your pet is often enough to distinguish this, and you can sometimes remedy the situation yourself.
Possible causes for not being able to eat (pseudo-anorexia)
- Pain in the mouth area (Inflammatory conditions of the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients., in the throat, foreign bodies, Tumors in the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity)
- Pain when chewing (dental diseases, jaw fractures, Inflammatory conditions of the masticatory muscles)
- Tumors in the eye socket
- Pain in the face area
- Diseases of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).
- Nerve disorders (nerve inflammations)
Diagnostics Pseudoanorexia
If clarification is not possible, the veterinarian can recognize the causes of pseudo-anorexia based on the preliminary report, the physical examination and possibly some laboratory diagnostic data or neurological examinations. For a truly thorough examination, general anesthesia and computed tomography examinations are sometimes necessary.
Diagnostics AnorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.
Many infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. diseases (e.g. felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. cold) and organ diseases (kidney and liver dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. or diseases of the pancreasThe pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. It plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.) as well as metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders (diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosisKetoacidosis is a severe metabolic disorder characterized by a high level of ketone bodies in the blood, leading to acidosis (acidification of the blood). It often occurs in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.) are associated with loss of appetite.
These diseases can usually be diagnosed well with the help of a general examination, laboratory diagnostic tests and imaging procedures (e.g. ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow.).
TherapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions.
The therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. depends on the cause of the loss of appetite.
Assisted feeding becomes necessary if food intake is below the resting energy requirement for 3–5 days. Nutrition via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract by feeding or by means of tubes is always preferable, provided that the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. function is not significantly impaired and there is no Vomiting.
In the case of a severe dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. of the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract and/or uncontrollable Vomiting, artificial (parenteral) nutrition via infusions into the blood vessel system is necessary. As soon as possible, additional feeding should be provided via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract in order to maintain the environment of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. and its function as much as possible. Medications that reduce the tendency to Vomiting are helpful in this regard. Experience has shown that survival of seriously ill animals is promoted simply by starting nutritional support early via the gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. tract.
A drug-based stimulation of the appetite is largely unsuccessful. Measures to increase the palatability of the food, such as warming the food, an increased fat and proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. content of the food, provided that the underlying disease does not speak against it, as well as creating a relaxed atmosphere, are more successful in the case of loss of appetite. Some dogs also like sweetened food.
If animals cannot smell (anosmia), this can also contribute to anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.. Care measures therefore serve not only hygiene, but also to ensure that the animals can smell the food. This applies in particular to the care of the nose in cats with felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. cold.
Loss of appetite in animals can be very stressful for the owner, but is not a reason to have the animal euthanized.