Caquexia e sarcopenia na doença renal crônica de cães e gatos: revisão de literatura

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs and cats is frequently found in the routine of veterinarians and has a multifactorial cause, such as congenital anomalies, kidney damage caused by conditions throughout life and even the natural aging process itself. Regardless of the cause that generated CKD, it is progressive and irreversible and treatment aims to improve quality of life and delay its progression. Cachexia and sarcopenia are i mportant consequences of more advanced stages of the disease, which culminate in a decrease in the body condition score and muscle mass index and directly influence the survival of affected dogs and cats. To clarify the mechanisms involved in the process of sarcopenia and cachexia in CKD and how these changes can be identified and treated, a literature review was carried out. The work identified several factors that determine the emergence of both processes, whether related to hypercatabolism or low nutrient intake, in addition to the persistent inflammatory state. Adequate nutrition, with medium protein value and low phosphorus, and ideal amounts of sodium and potassium, maintaining satisfactory energy intake, is one of the therapeutic measures for CKD, which, together with supplementation with antioxidants and physical exercise, can help slow the progression of CKD. disease and its consequences. As for the assessment of muscle mass index in veterinary medicine, it still presents many challenges, given the low precision and lack of standardization of results. Among the challenges encountered, the difference between species and the numerous numbers of breeds, in which each animal has a different body shape, stand out. In medicine, potential adjuvant therapies for sarcopenia and cachexia have been presented, which instigate the development of studies also in the veterinary field capable of identifying therapies that can prevent the progression of the disease and its conditions, and contribute to a better quality of life for patients.