Loss of muscle mass in shorthair pointer;

Question
QUESTION: I have a 12 yr old German Shorthair that is recently losing muscle mass in her hind legs, Part of aging, I know. But is there anything I can do for her to help her before she disappears. Seems she is having a little trouble with her bowel movements too lately, finding the right place in the yard seems to takes longer.

ANSWER: Hello Julie, Sure, I would be glad to help you.  What brand and flavor are you feeding this kid?
Also, are you adding any ois or supplements to the diet?
Is there any hip or joint disease?

get back to me...
Marie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We feed both our dogs Nutro-Max different flavors (mainly beef or chicken). No supplements added, just a spoon of homemade meat & vegetables once a day with her food.
I cook meat and vegetables for them in the crock pot every other week and they get a good spoon ful every evening mixed in with their dinner.
No hip or joint disease, just noticing her little hind end getting smaller, but the rest of her is staying the same. Please keep in mind the little thing onlye weighs 50#.


Answer
Hi Julie , Well, the home-cooking crock pot meat sounds Wonderful!!!  How about you give this gal a bit more meat and less veggies.  Also, there is a very good food you can add called Barking at the Moon by Solid Gold - excellent to add to your Nutro-Max -  Just do a 50:50 mix of the Nutro Max and the Solid Gold food for a few months.
Also, Most of our low weight doggies take 1-2 NuVET wafers per day - helps in building muscle mass and brings back a healthy weight.
See here for ordering:  Holistic and not sold in stores:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
Tell the gals you want to start with 2 per day for the first 10 days and then go to just 1 NuVET wafer per day- long term.
1-800-474-7044   TELL them you are working with Pet Nurse Marie of  "Ask the Pet Nurse"
The NuVET will help with the arthritis she may have or gain over time.

For the bowel, the NuVET will help in that area, too.
You can also add 150 IU of Vitamin E to her diet every OTHER day.... Very safe dosage for her weight.

Keep me posted: This is my private e-mail
mtnmom@gci.net

Marie Peppers LPN MA