Diagnostic workup for weight loss in the geriatric horse

Abstract

In the absence of debilitating medical problems, the geriatric horse can maintain a normal body condition when provided with an appropriate diet, adequate shelter, and preventive health care that includes regular dental care and deworming. Failures in management can lead to inadequate nutritional support, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, advanced dental disease, parasitism, and failure to detect developing medical problems. All these circumstances can lead to loss of condition and debilitation in the aged horse. Weight loss in the aged horse should be approached with an understanding of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of weight loss and the factors that can predispose older horses to weight loss. As always, a thorough history and physical examination are critical in reaching a diagnosis.