NUTRITION
Muscle Condition Score Muscle condition score is assessed by visualization of the spine , scapulea , skull and wings of the ilia . Muscle loss is typically first noted in the epaxial muscles on each side of the spine ; muscle loss at other sites can be more variable . Muscle condition score is graded as normal , mild loss , moderate loss , or severe loss . Note that animals can have significant muscle loss even if they are overweight ( body condition score > 5 / 9 ). Conversely , animals can have a low body condition score (> 4 / 9 ) but have minimal muscle loss . Therefore , assessing both body condition score and muscle condition score on every animal at every visit is important . Palpation is especially important with mild muscle loss and in animals that are overweight . An example of each score is shown below .
Muscle Condition Score Muscle condition score is assessed by visualization of the spine , scapulea , skull and wings of the ilia . Muscle loss is typically first noted in the epaxial muscles on each side of the spine ; muscle loss at other sites can be more variable . Muscle condition score is graded as normal , mild loss , moderate loss , or severe loss . Note that animals can have significant muscle loss even if they are overweight ( body condition score > 5 ). Conversely , animals can have a low body condition score (> 4 ) but have minimal muscle loss . Therefore , assessing both body condition score and muscle condition score on every animal at every visit is important . Palpation is especially important with mild muscle loss and in animals that are overweight . An example of each score is shown below .
Normal muscle mass Mild muscle loss
Moderate muscle loss
Severe muscle loss
Figure 4 & 5
THE VETERINARY LABORATORY DIAGNOSTIC TEAM AT YOUR SERVICE
Dr Maryke Henton , BVSc , MMedVet ( Bacteriology ) Dr Rick Last BVSc , MMed Vet ( Pathology ) Dr Johan Vorster BVSc , MMed Vet ( Pathology ) Dr Samantha Tompkins – BVSc ( Vet Anatomical Path )
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Vetdiagnostix Cape Town LABORATORY 1 Kontiki Way Glen Ive Bellville
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Issue 06 | FEBRUARY 2017 | 29