Unintentional Weight Loss: Feline Dwindles

Senior cats are similar to geriatric humans. Unintentional weight loss in people is referred to as ‘the Dwindles;’ felines go through similar metabolic processes. In up to 25% of human cases a cause is never discovered, despite extensive, advanced testing. In feline patients many underlying issues may result in even higher numbers. In this lecture we’ll review common geriatric diseases that cause weight loss such as pancreatitis, renal disease, hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, and idiopathic weight loss. Finally, we will explore management of unintentional weight loss associated with these conditions.

Speaker Bio

Grant Gugisberg, DVM 

Dr. Gugisberg has owned Parkview Cat Clinic in Inver Grove Heights, MN since 2007, having worked there as a veterinarian since 1997. He received his BS (1989) and DVM (1991) degrees from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. He has lectured on feline health and wellness issues for American Humane, Petfinder Foundation, and the Minnesota State Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, he developed a RACE-approved Feline Pancreatitis course for IDEXX that was delivered regionally as well as nationally via interactive webinar. As a long time feline-only practitioner, he is versed in all aspects of feline health and wellness issues.


RACE Credits 

This program 249-44275 is approved by the AAVSB RACE to offer a total of 1.00 CE Credits (1.00 max) being available to any one veterinarian: and/or 1.00 Veterinary Technician CE Credits (1.00 max). This RACE approval is for the subject matter categorie(s) of: Medical using the delivery method(s) of: Non-Interactive Distance. This approval is valid in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE; however, participants are responsible for ascertaining each board’s CE requirements.