Retrospective analysis of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry data demonstrates body composition changes with age in dogs and cats

Objective: Use 18 years of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan data to characterize how body composition changes with age in dogs and cats.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using data obtained from DEXA scans performed between 2006 and 2023. A total of 6,973 observations from 1,273 colony-housed dogs ≤ 1 to 16.1 years old and 6,593 observations from 1,096 colony-housed cats ≤ 1 to 16.9 years old were obtained. Animal ages were rounded to the nearest 1/10-year intervals. Means for each interval were calculated and quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomial models were fit to assess trends over age.

Results: Age had an effect on all DEXA measurements. In dogs, lean mass increased early in life before slowing to a peak at age 6.3 and then declined gradually. Fat mass also increased until slowing to a peak at age 9.3 and then decreased. In cats, lean mass increased before slowing to a peak at age 4.5, decreased gradually until age 12.5, and then sharply declined. Fat mass increased until slowing to a peak at age 7.5 and then decreased gradually.

Conclusions: This retrospective study provides a baseline for how body composition changes with age. Results suggest that lean mass loss may begin earlier than previously reported in dogs and cats.

Clinical relevance: Sarcopenia and obesity are common conditions in aging pets. Results can be used to improve body composition assessment of patients and investigate the efficacy of nutritional interventions.