p.1

Why is Obesity Bad?
• Obesity is now the most common medical disorder of companion animals and a major welfare concern
• German A. 2010. Obesity in companion animals. In Practice; 32 Pgs. 42–50.

p.2

Does Fat cause Inflammation?
Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease, but it also worsens arthritis inflammation.
Urban H, Little CB. The role of fat and inflammation in the pathogenesis and management of osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018 May 1;57(suppl_4):iv10-iv21. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex399.

p.3

BAD
• The mechanical effects of fat accumulation certainly account for some obesity-related morbidity
• Increased wear and tear on joints cause or worsen osteoarthritis
• Raffan E. 2013. The big problem: battling companion animal obesity. Veterinary Record. 173: 287-291

p.4

Bad
• Fat deposits around the respiratory tract mechanically impede ventilation
• Increased pressure due to visceral fat worsens incontinence
• The presence of skin folds predisposes to dermatitis

p.5

The most common dog obesity-related conditions are:
• Arthritis
• Bladder/urinary tract disease
• Liver disease
• Low thyroid hormone
• Torn knee ligaments
• Diseased disc in the spine
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure

p.6

The most common cat obesity-related conditions are:
• Bladder/urinary tract disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Liver disease
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Gall bladder disorder
• Immobility of spine

p.7

Watch the Gait and Movement

p.8

The Science of Obesity

p.9

Why Pet gets Fat
• They are consuming more energy than they are expending
• Excessive dietary intake of calories (food and treats)
• Reduction in energy expenditure (reduced activity, illness or injury resulting in less exercise, etc.)
• Zoran DL. 2008. Fat, Crunchy Dogs: Managing Obesity and Osteoarthritis. Proceedings 80th Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas, NV, Feb. 17-21

p.10

Thank you VetScope