Circumstances, Descriptive Characteristics, and Pathologic Findings in Dogs Suspected of Starving

Abstract

The authors reviewed the case circumstances, population characteristics, gross, and histopathologic findings in 40 cases of emaciated dogs with a suspected diagnosis of starvation. The dogs' estimated age ranged from 3 months to geriatric. Nineteen breeds were represented, including small-breed (n ¼ 11), large-breed (n ¼ 13), and pit bull-type (n ¼ 16) dogs. The median body condition score was 1 out of 9 (Purina scale). Various diseases were identified as the cause of death in 7 dogs, while the cause of death in the other 33 dogs was starvation due to exogenous causes (SEC). Circumstances associated exclusively with SEC included being found in a vacated residence and death during temperature extremes or severe weather. Dogs with SEC did not differ significantly from diseased dogs in body condition score, sex, neuter status, or breed category (small, large, or pit bull type). Gross findings associated exclusively with SEC included severe hair matting and traumatic injuries. Diseased dogs had an empty stomach significantly more often than SEC dogs, which frequently had food and/or foreign material in the stomach. In 5 of the 7 cases where disease was the cause of death, disease involved the gastrointestinal tract. Gross and histopathologic changes commonly found in SEC and diseased dogs included the following: gross loss of muscle mass and absence of subcuticular fat; serous atrophy of omental, perirenal, epicardial, and bone marrow fat; atrophy of the liver, skin, thyroid gland, and testicle; gastric mucosal petechiae and ecchymoses; melena; and splenic hemosiderophages.

Pup mortality in New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) at Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, 2013-18

“…This is certainly the case for several adult females that are confirmed to have died from Mycobacterium pinnipedii infection at Sandy Bay and were known to have had a pup (unpublished data). The pathologic findings in these cases were consistent with those reported for northern fur seal and California sea lion pups diagnosed with starvation and cases of canine starvation by exogenous causes [27, 31, 52].…”

Eternally Vulnerable: The Pathology of Abuse in Domestic Animals

“…Poor body condition (thin or emaciated), matted or dirty hair coat, overgrown nails/claws/hooves, dental disease, parasitism, and embedded collars/halters may occur alone or in any combination in animals neglected due to poor physical care (18, 21, 48, 49). A matted hair coat and traumatic injuries were the distinguishing features identified in dogs emaciated due to starvation compared to those with intercurrent endogenous diseases (50). The general physical condition of the animal is documented, noting the condition of the hair and nails, muscle mass, adipose tissue, and teeth and oral cavity and if intercurrent disease is present that could account for emaciation.…”

“…Internally, loss of muscle mass; serous atrophy of pericardial, perirenal, subcutaneous, and bone marrow fat (Image 12) ; and atrophy of the liver, thyroid gland, testes, and follicules are characteristic in emaciated animals (21, 50, 52, 53). Frequently, the stomach contains foreign objects, indicating that the animal was capable and willing to eat.…”

Nutritional Wasting Disorders in Sheep

“…Emaciation in animals may be the result of two different mechanisms: cachexia, which is cytokine-mediated and associated with endogenous disease; and starvation, which is due to a reduction in the caloric intake and generally related to exogenous circumstances (e.g., food deprivation and/or scarcity, adverse environmental or management conditions, etc.) [11,12]. Unfortunately, there is no definitive parameter available to differentiate emaciation due to exogenous circumstances (starvation) from cachexia, and a good history focused on the dietary and health management of the flock should be the first diagnostic approach to take.…”

“…Unfortunately, there is no definitive parameter available to differentiate emaciation due to exogenous circumstances (starvation) from cachexia, and a good history focused on the dietary and health management of the flock should be the first diagnostic approach to take. Then, if deemed necessary, multiple diagnostic tests that rule out endogenous disease may be applied [12].…”