If your pet is losing weight without a change in diet or exercise, it’s time to dig deeper. Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of internal disease. At BluePearl Monterey, our internal medicine team specializes in diagnosing and treating the root causes behind subtle but serious symptoms.
When is weight loss a concern?
Some fluctuations are normal – especially in young or active pets. But you should talk to your vet if your pet:
- Is eating normally but still losing weight
- Has a decreased appetite or avoids food
- Is vomiting or has diarrhea
- Seems tired, weak, or withdrawn
- Has visible ribs or muscle loss
- Has unexplained behavior changes
If basic tests don’t reveal a cause, a veterinary internist may be the next step.
What are the possible causes of chronic weight loss?
At BluePearl Monterey, we help diagnose issues like:
- Gastrointestinal disease (IBD, cancer, parasites)
- Kidney or liver disease
- Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
- Cancer or systemic infections
- Malabsorption or chronic inflammation
Many of these conditions are manageable – once identified.
How does internal medicine help?
Internists are specialists in uncovering and managing complex diseases. At your visit, we may recommend:
- Advanced bloodwork or imaging
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Endoscopy or biopsy
- Nutritional planning and follow-up testing
- Coordinated care with your primary vet
We tailor diagnostics to your pet’s history, lifestyle, and evolving symptoms.
Unexplained weight loss in pets — FAQ.
While some weight fluctuations are normal, particularly in young or active pets, unexplained weight loss can be a cause for concern. It's important to consult your veterinarian if your pet is eating normally yet continues to lose weight. Other warning signs include a decreased appetite or avoidance of food, vomiting, diarrhea, and noticeable fatigue or weakness. If your pet appears withdrawn, has visible ribs or muscle loss, or exhibits unexplained behavior changes, these could be indicators of underlying health issues. When basic tests fail to identify the cause, seeking the expertise of a veterinary internist may be necessary to delve deeper into potential internal diseases.
At BluePearl Monterey, our internal medicine team is adept at diagnosing a range of conditions that can lead to chronic weight loss in pets. Potential causes include gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, or parasitic infections. Kidney or liver disease can also contribute to weight loss, as can endocrine disorders like diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Additionally, systemic infections, malabsorption issues, or chronic inflammation may be at play. While these conditions can be serious, many are manageable once accurately diagnosed, allowing for targeted treatment and improved quality of life for your pet.
Internal medicine specialists, or internists, focus on uncovering and managing complex diseases that may not be immediately apparent. During a visit to BluePearl Monterey, our team may recommend a variety of diagnostic tools tailored to your pet's specific needs. These can include advanced bloodwork or imaging techniques, abdominal ultrasounds, and procedures like endoscopy or biopsy to obtain a clearer picture of your pet's health. Nutritional planning and follow-up testing are also integral components of our approach, ensuring that treatment plans are comprehensive and effective. We work closely with your primary veterinarian to coordinate care, ensuring that all aspects of your pet's health are considered and addressed. Our goal is to provide a thorough and personalized diagnostic process based on your pet's history, lifestyle, and evolving symptoms.
Related articles.
