Digby, My Shrinking Violet

[raineth]

Over the last month or so, Digby has lost muscle tone. The bone on the top of his head is more prominent, and he no longer has definition in his rear end (he used to!).

He is a 'giant' and 6 years old, so I wonder if it's just part and parcel of becoming a bit older. Although he seems very healthy.

I haven't weighed him, but when I had him in really nice condition he weighed about 58 kgs. He was so muscly and fit. I think he must only weigh a little over 50 kgs as a guess now.

He is still on the same diet and exercise.

I haven't had a giant reach this age as my previous giant died young, so I'm not sure what to expect in regards to them being middle aged?

[Guest Ams]

Raineth has he had a vet check up and some bloods taken to make sure nothing untoward is going on? As dogs get older a yearly health check up can be useful to mark their health so you can quickly pick up on a decline. With a giant breed you may wish 6 monthly check ups.

[raineth]

Raineth has he had a vet check up and some bloods taken to make sure nothing untoward is going on? As dogs get older a yearly health check up can be useful to mark their health so you can quickly pick up on a decline. With a giant breed you may wish 6 monthly check ups.

Yes I think I'll do that Ams. He hasn't been to the vet in a very long time as he's been a healthy boy. At least then I will be able to put my mind at ease as its been niggling at me since I noticed it a few weeks ago.

[Cleo's Corgwyn]

Any signs of reluctance to eat or chew? My girl lost a lot of muscle tone around her head and face with Masticular Muscle Myositis, and lost weight generally because she didn't want to chew.

A good vet check up will hopefully find a simple solution.

[sas]

Leila didn't start that until she was about 12 so I think a vet check up would be a good idea.

[raineth]

Thanks guys, I'll let you all know how we get on at the vet :)