Generalized changes associated with aging:

• Tissue dehydration
• Tissue hypoxia
• Cellular membrane changes
• Decreased enzyme systems
• Decreased immunocompetence
• Tumor growth
• Dryness of all tissues
• Progressive degeneration of organ function
• Lack of organ reserve
• Definite personality alterations
• Easily stressed
• Less adaptable

Older cats and dogs face increasing health risks year by year. One condition seen more and more in both is muscle weakness and the loss of muscle mass. These conditions are easily treated with medication, and if you see your pet(s) beginning to diminish in either strength or muscle mass, you should know about your options.

Muscle wasting, and the associated weakness resulting in older dogs, can be reversed by giving the appropriate dosage of a compound routinely used in human and veterinary medicine to build muscle. New drugs are effectively helping to eliminate pain from arthritis and joint deterioration.In cats, weakness itself may be a sign of a potassium deficiency. A dietary supplement can be used to restore the potassium level and in turn do away with the weakness. Loss of muscle mass may be treated with the same medication and bring the same results as mentioned above for dogs.

Watch for signs of these conditions and call if you feel your pet could benefit from the described medication.