![]() The method of feeding (ad-libitum versus meal fed) The amount of diet that is fed each day (can versus cups of food) The name, manufacture and type (i.e., canned versus dry) of the current diet Information that should be gathered includes: Once this has been determined, a thorough dietary history should be obtained. The management of obesity requires clinical identification of either those dogs that are obese or, just as importantly, those dogs that are at risk of obesity. The technique of body condition scoring does depend on operator interpretation and does not provide any precise quantitative information. Different scoring systems have been described but the most common scoring system used is a 5-point system where a BCS of 3 is considered ideal or a 9-point system where a BCS of 5 is considered ideal. Likewise, massive tumor growth or organomegaly can mask loss in fat or lean tissues such as skeletal muscle.īody condition scoring (BCS) provides a quick and simple subjective assessment of body condition. However, edema and ascites may mask losses in body fat or muscle mass. It provides a rough measure of total body energy stores and changes in weight parallel energy and protein balance. Unfortunately, many of these techniques are not clinically applicable.īody weight is the simplest technique available and should be included in the examination of every patient. Techniques to assess the degree of body fat include morphometric measurements, dilutional techniques, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, densitometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, total body electrical conductivity, total body potassium, and neutron activation analysis. Obesity is defined by an excess accumulation of body fat. Drugs such as the progesterones, used for contraceptive management, have been associated with the development of obesity. Endocrine abnormalities associated with obesity such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Obesity is less likely to result from a disease process or drug. Additional risk factors for obesity include age (increased risk with aging), sex (females have higher risk), and neutering. Breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Cairn Terrie, Collie, and Basset hound seem to have an increased likelihood of obesity. Snacks and treats contribute to excess daily caloric intake. Ad-libitum feeding of highly palatable diets may predispose to overeating. These include decreased daily exercise as a result of confinement to the house and overfeeding of the pet by the client. Undoubtedly there are numerous environmental and social factors that contribute to the formation of obesity. Obesity develops when energy intake consistently exceeds daily energy expenditure. Obesity has been associated with an increased incidence of arthritis, cardiorespiratory problems, diabetes mellitus, constipation, dermatitis, anesthetic risk, and reduced life-expectancy. The significance of obesity pertains to its role in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and the ability to exacerbate pre-existing disease. It has been suggested that as many as 40% of pets are obese. Obesity is considered to be the most common form of malnutrition in small animal practice. Obesity is a clinical syndrome that refers to the excess accumulation of body fat. ![]()
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