Why is my senior dog's spine prominent? Is it old age or diet?

Hi there. Being able to see the spine and hip bones more than you used to is a common sign of weight loss in dogs. There are lots of things that could cause this in an older dog like Dempsey, including chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal absorption issues, heart disease, or even cancer. Because of this, I would recommend taking him to the vet for a check-up when you're able to. He/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help determine what is causing the weight loss and get him started on appropriate treatment if a problem is found.

You should be able to feel the bones with gentle pressure over the ribs and spine. Without a photo, I can't say by looking what kind of body condition she has, but from the description above twelve pounds is a good-size Chihuahua. This chart may help you visualize if she is underweight or not. https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/professional/guidelines/weightmgmt_bodyconditionscoring.pdf

Dogs can get thin as they get senior or geriatric. I recommend giving a good quality senior diet and you may try adding in another small meal during the day or before bed. Giving additional healthy dog treats will increase the calories he’s eating to prevent continued weight loss. If he starts not eating well, or the weight loss continues I do recommend a veterinary exam and tests to determine the reason so you can start any treatment if needed before he gets too debilitated. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Oban.

Chronic diseases and cancer can cause a condition known as cachexia where they get very skinny; but they would also have other signs of disease. The hallmark of cachexia is muscle wasting; so if Val seems to have a lack of muscle on the upper legs and spine, then I would be worried that there is some chronic condition. If the legs look like they have good muscle and the spine is not obviously jutting out, then this is not cachexia and would not be a concern. I'm assuming the veterinarian had already ruled this out, so that's why they would not be too worried. If it's not cachexia, then it is probably a good thing that she is thin, because skinny dogs, on average, are healthier and live longer. If it is cachcexia, then I would have the bloodwork checked for any signs of disease or organ failure. I would also check for parasites, as this can cause weight loss over time. I hope that helps and all is well with Val.

Probably the spine is as well quite sensitive to any manipulation. Often older boxers are presented with quite severe vertebral osteoarthrosis and arthritis leading to the fusion of the different vertebras. This problem can make them very sensitive and slight painful as well. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Make sure you are feeding a good quality food and giving her as much as she wants to eat. Then I would check a stool sample for intestinal parasites. If she continues to lose weight a veterinary exam and lab tests to diagnose the reason are indicated. She is a senior dog and could have a heart problem or organ failure, or possibly cancer. These symptoms are general so an exam and testing are needed for a diagnosis. Once they know the reason then they can start the appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Georgina.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, cancer is not uncommon in older dogs and can cause weight loss. Weight loss can also be caused by conditions such as IBD, diabetes, or be a normal part of the aging process. I recommend having Milo seen by a vet for blood work and x-rays to check if he has any masses and make sure his organs are functioning normally. I hope all is well with Milo!