You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

There is mounting evidence about the importance of growth hormone in ageing in mammals

Many age-related changes in body composition resemble those associated with growth hormone deficiency. With advancing age the circulating concentration of Growth Hormone (GH) decreases in the body. Numerous studies in humans, dogs and rats have demonstrated that decreased Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) or increased somatostatinergic activity are the main events underlying the age-related decrease in GH secretion. 

The decrease in GH concentrations reduces the rate of cellular synthesis of protein which is thought to play a major role in the observed age-related decline in tissue function. In addition, moderate dietary restriction has been shown to increase lifespan and it  increases both growth hormone secretion and tissue protein synthesis.

In older people the administration of recombinant GH is currently being used to modify hormonal axes, such as the parathyroid-vitamin D axis, and to alter body mass composition. Treated individuals also benefit from  increased concentrations of circulating insulin-like growth factors. 

Potential veterinary clinical applications for GH in the future will include the management of renal failure and the treatment of animals with miscellaneous catabolic disease and general age-related debility. It's potential use to counteract age-related phenomena will present ethical issues for the veterinary profession.

Updated October 2013