Incorporation of exercise, using an underwater treadmill, and active client education into a weight management program for obese dogs

Physical activity improves outcome of weight loss in obese humans, but limited information exists for dogs. Eight obese dogs (body condition score 5/5), of various breeds and genders, undertook a 3-month weight-loss program which included exercise using lead walks and underwater treadmill exercise. The median number of treadmill exercise sessions per dog was 13 (range: 5 to 17). Median distance walked per session was 0.97 km (range: 0.05 to 2.7 km) (0.6 miles; range: 0.03 to 1.70 miles) and this increased sequentially over the course of the study (P < 0.001). Mean [± standard deviation (s)] percentage of starting weight loss over the 3 mo was 18.9 ± 5.44%, equivalent to a rate of weight loss of 1.5 ± 0.43% per week. Thoracic and abdominal girth also declined significantly during the program (P < 0.0001 for both). This study demonstrates the potential benefit of including an organized exercise regimen, utilizing an underwater treadmill, in conventional canine weight management programs.     

Evaluation of owner education as a component of obesity treatment programs for dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of a conventional obesity treatment program with those of an obesity treatment program that included education of owners of obese dogs. DESIGN: Nonblinded prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 60 obese dogs with a body condition score (BCS) of 8/9 or 9/9. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to control or owner education (EDU) treatment groups. A 6-month weight loss period was followed by an 18-month weight maintenance period. Daily caloric intake to induce loss of 1% of body weight/wk was calculated for each dog after assessment of prior diet history. The daily caloric intake for weight maintenance was estimated to be 20% greater than that calculated for weight loss with adjustments of +/- 5% as required. Weight and BCS were recorded monthly for each dog. Owners of dogs in the EDU group were required to attend monthly classes that addressed nutrition-related topics during the 6-month weight loss period. RESULTS: Dogs in both treatment groups had significantly lower weight at the end of the weight loss period, compared with initial weight. Mean weight loss at 6 months was 14.7% in the control group and 15% in the EDU group; this difference was not significant. During the weight maintenance period, percentage weight loss was maintained in both treatment groups. Mean changes in BCS at 6 months (relative to time 0) were -1.5 in the control group and -1.7 in the EDU group. At 24 months, mean changes in BCS (relative to time 0) were -2.1 in the control group and -2.2 in the EDU group. No significant differences in BCS were identified between treatment groups at either 6 or 24 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mean decrease in BCS of 2 and mean weight loss of 15% were achieved and maintained in all dogs. An obesity treatment program that included dietary changes and monthly weight checks during the weight loss and weight maintenance periods was sufficient to achieve these results.     

A prospective investigation of the prevalence and prognostic significance of weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients

The objectives of this study were to prospectively identify and characterize weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients and to investigate the prognostic significance of these findings. Fifty-seven cats with neoplasia were evaluated. Body condition was assessed with a nine-point scoring system (BCS) and multiple sites were assessed for muscle and fat mass using four-point scoring systems. Feline cancer patients had a mean BCS of 4.4+/-2.1 kg (1=cachectic, 5=optimal, 9=obese). Fat mass was reduced in both sites assessed in 60% of the patients. Muscle mass was reduced at all three sites assessed in 91% of the patients. Feline cancer patients having a BCS <5 had a median survival time (MST) of 3.3 months compared to that of 16.7 months for cats with a BCS of > or = 5 (P=0.008).     

The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis

This paper describes the effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Fourteen obese client-owned dogs with clinical and radiographic signs of OA participated in an open prospective clinical trial. After a screening visit and a visit for collection of baseline data, the dogs were fed a restricted-calorie diet over a study period of 16 weeks that incorporated six follow-up visits. At each visit, body weight and pelvic circumference were measured and severity of lameness was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS), a visual analogue scale (VAS) and kinetic gait analysis. This is the first study to assess both subjectively and objectively, the effect of weight loss alone on lameness in obese dogs with OA. The results indicate that body weight reduction causes a significant decrease in lameness from a weight loss of 6.10% onwards. Kinetic gait analysis supported the results from a body weight reduction of 8.85% onwards. These results confirm that weight loss should be presented as an important treatment modality to owners of obese dogs with OA and that noticeable improvement may be seen after modest weight loss in the region of 6.10 – 8.85% body weight.     

A high protein high fibre diet improves weight loss in obese dogs

A newly-formulated, high protein high fibre (HPHF) diet has recently been shown to improve satiety in dogs. The current study examined its performance during weight loss in client-owned dogs with naturally-occurring obesity. Fifteen dogs were fed the HPHF diet, whilst a matched ‘control’ group of 27 dogs, received a high protein medium fibre diet (HPMF), with an equivalent caloric density. Baseline characteristics (signalment, percentage overweight, and body fat percentage) were not significantly different between groups. However, percentage weight loss was greater (median [range] 31.8% [12.0–41.2%] vs. 20.0% [5.9–45.0%], P = 0.016) and mean rate of weight loss faster (median [range] 1.0%/week [0.3–1.6%] vs. 0.7%/week [0.3–1.5%], P = 0.028) on HPHF compared with HPMF. Percentage body fat mass decrease (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) was also greater in dogs fed the HPHF diet (median (range] 58% [32–85%) vs. 37% [15–72%), P = 0.002). Thus, a diet formulated to include high levels of both protein and fibre, improves outcome during weight loss in obese dogs.     

The impact of weight loss on circulating cytokines in Beagle dogs

Chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity is characterized by an increased production of pro-inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines that are contributing to insulin resistance and related co-morbidities. Cytokines act in networks and exhibit pleiotropic effects so we investigated the circulating levels of a wide array of cytokines (pro and anti-inflammatory, chemotactic and growth factors) in a canine model of weight loss. The dogs served as their own control in order to study the impact of weight loss independent of potential confounding factors, such as history of excess weight or gender. While low-grade inflammation had been previously investigated in obese dogs by measuring changes in adipokines, acute phase proteins and key pro-inflammatory cytokines, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study to evaluate how weight loss impacts a wide array of circulating cytokines.Eighteen overweight Beagle dogs were recruited (six spayed females and 12 neutered males), and none of them were grossly obese according to the body condition score (BCS). All the dogs reached an ideal weight by the end of the program. Parameters were assessed before (baseline), at mid-point (month 3) and at end-point (month 6). Plasma GM-CSF, IL-2, Il-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IFNγ, IP-10, TNFα, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), keratinocyte chemokine (KC) were measured with canine multiplex immunoassays. Fat mass was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorption (DEXA).Several cytokines decreased throughout the weight loss program (p < 0.01) and were correlated with the percentage of fat measured by DEXA (p < 0.05): chemotactic (MCP-1), growth factors (GM-CSF, IL-7 and IL-2), and pro-inflammatory (KC and IL-18). We could not show trends for several cytokines, possibly because their level may be lower than the assay sensitivity: anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10), and pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and TNFα).In conclusion, while our findings for several pro-inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines are in accordance with human and rodent studies, we may have identified additional cytokines, such as growth factors, related to obesity-induced low-grade inflammation. Considering the weight loss was enabled by an adjusted diet, the role of this association of cytokines in insulin resistance and related co-morbidities needs to be clarified. Our results could help better understand the cytokine biology in dogs, and as such are relevant for further elucidating the relationship between immune function and metabolism/nutrition.     

Dietary energy restriction and successful weight loss in obese client-owned dogs

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs. Although weight loss by dietary caloric energy restriction is successful in experimental studies, there is limited information on success of such programs in client-owned dogs who are obese. Further, no information currently exists on the changes in body composition during weight loss in clinical cases. HYPOTHESIS: Key determinants of outcome of weight loss, including energy allocation and body composition, are influenced by both individual and weight program factors. ANIMALS: Nineteen client-owned dogs with naturally occurring obesity. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, body composition was quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before and after weight loss on an individually tailored program that incorporated a high-protein and moderate-fiber diet. RESULTS: Mean percentage weight loss was 18% (range, 6-29%), and mean rate of weight loss was 0.85% per week (range, 0.35-1.56%). Mean energy allocation required to achieve weight loss was 60% of maintenance energy requirement at target weight (MERTW) (range, 50-82%). Significant dietary noncompliance was reported (mean, 1.0% MERTW; range, 0.0-9.5%). The mean composition of tissue lost was 84: 15:1 (fat : lean : bone mineral content [BMC]). Lean tissue loss was positively associated with overall percentage of weight loss (Pearson correlation coefficient [Rp] = 0.591, P = .008), whereas BMC loss was greater in retrievers compared with other breeds (1.9% +/- 1.16% versus 0.8% +/- 0.44%; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This clinical study demonstrated body composition changes during weight loss in dogs. Conventional programs produced safe weight loss, but marked energy restriction was required and the rate of loss was slower than in experimental studies.     

Improvement in insulin resistance and reduction in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss in obese dogs

Obesity is now a major disease of dogs, predisposing to numerous disorders including diabetes mellitus. Adipocytes are active endocrine cells, and human obesity is characterized by derangements in inflammatory adipokine production. However, it is unclear as to whether similar changes occur in dogs. The purpose of the current study was to assess insulin sensitivity and inflammatory adipokine profiles in dogs with naturally occurring obesity and to investigate the effect of subsequent weight loss. Twenty-six overweight dogs were studied, representing a range of breeds and both sexes. All dogs underwent a weight loss program involving diet and exercise. Body fat mass was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, and a panel of inflammatory adipokines (including acute-phase proteins, cytokines, and chemokines) were also analyzed. Body fat mass before weight loss was positively correlated with both plasma insulin concentrations (Kendall τ = 0.30, P = 0.044) and insulin:glucose ratio (Kendall τ = 0.36, P = 0.022), and both decreased after weight loss (P = 0.0037 and 0.0063, respectively). Weight loss also led to notable decreases in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein concentrations (P < 0.05 for all), suggesting improvement of a subclinical inflammatory state associated with obesity. This study has demonstrated that in obese dogs, insulin resistance correlates with degree of adiposity, and weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. Concurrent decreases in TNF-α and adipose tissue mass suggest that in dogs, as in humans, this adipokine may be implicated in the insulin resistance of obesity.     

An evaluation of dirlotapide to reduce body weight of client-owned dogs in two placebo-controlled clinical studies in Europe

The clinical efficacy for weight loss and safety of dirlotapide in dogs were evaluated in two multi-centre studies with parallel designs. Overweight, adult dogs ( n  = 245) of various breeds were randomized to treatment with dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day commencing on day 0 and doubled after 14 days. Every 28 days, dogs were examined, weighed, body condition scores (BCS) were recorded, and dose was adjusted to meet weight loss targets. Each study comprised three consecutive phases: weight-loss (up to day 196); weight-stabilization (84 days); and post-treatment (28 days). pre-treatment feeding and exercise regimens were continued during treatment. Dirlotapide-treated dogs showed mean weight loss of 15.9% (study A) and 14.0% (study B) by the end of weight loss phase (up to day 196). Percentage weekly weight losses for dirlotapide were significantly greater than for placebo ( P  ≤ 0.0002). Emesis and diarrhoea were experienced in both treatments but were more frequent with dirlotapide; resolution was spontaneous. BCS improved for 75.7–82.5% of dogs on dirlotapide treatment compared with 15.4–41.4% for placebo. Mean dirlotapide dosage at end of weight-loss phase was 0.38 (study A) and 0.29 (study B) mg/kg initial body weight/day. Dirlotapide was found to be clinically safe and effective in the reduction of body weight in overweight dogs.     

Male and female cats have different regional body compositions and energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance

Body composition and energy requirements are different between males and females in several species, and both interfere with weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare the total and regional body composition and energy requirements in obese male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) cats, during weight loss and weight maintenance over 17 subsequent weeks after regimen. The total and regional (thoracic and pelvic limbs, and trunk) body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Females exhibited a higher fat mass (FM) than males (p < 0.05), and the trunk was the site with greater fat accumulation regardless of gender. A 23.0 ± 2.8% reduction in body weight was followed by a 50.3 ± 9.4% and a 37.0 ± 8.9% reduction in fat in the trunk region in males and females respectively. Lean mass (LM) mobilization was also increased in the trunk (p < 0.05), and the loss of LM was associated with a reduction in bone mass. The energy intake to achieve the same rate of weight loss was 12.9 ± 3.4% higher in males (p < 0.05). The cats exhibited a gradual increase in energy requirements to maintain their body weight after weight loss (p < 0.05). It was concluded that obese cats mainly accumulate fat in the trunk. The reduction in lean mass after the regimen also occurred in the trunk, with no modifications in the skeletal muscle mass of the limbs. Neutered male cats have higher energy requirements than neutered females, and gender should be considered during obesity management in cats.     

Serum antibody responses to vaccinal antigens in lean and obese geriatric dogs

The immune responses in control dogs [1 to 4 years of age, body condition score (BCS): 4 to 5 out of 9] were compared to those of aging dogs (based on breed and body size) either categorized as lean (BCS: 4 to 5 out of 9) or obese (BCS: 8 to 9 out of 9). Of interest were the serum titers to the following common agents found in vaccines, canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), and Bordetella bronchiseptica. There were no statistical differences in the antibodies to CPIV, B. bronchispetica, and CRCoV, among the age/weight categories, nor among the age/weight categories and the time, in days, between the date of sample collection and the date of the last recorded vaccination for CPIV, B. bronchiseptica, CPV, and CDV. For CPV, the control dogs had significantly (P < 0.002) higher serum neutralization (SN) titers than the lean geriatric dogs and the obese geriatric dogs. For CDV SN titers, the only statistically significant (P = 0.01) difference was that the control dogs had higher SN titers than the lean geriatric dogs.     

Changes in body composition during weight loss in obese client-owned cats: loss of lean tissue mass correlates with overall percentage of weight lost

Obesity is one of the most common medical diseases in cats, but there remains little information on success of weight loss regimes in obese client-owned cats. No information currently exists on body composition changes during weight loss in clinical cases. Twelve obese client-owned cats undertook a weight loss programme incorporating a high-protein low fat diet. Body composition was quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, before and after weight loss. Mean (+/-standard deviation) weight loss was 27+/-6.8% of starting weight, and mean rate of weight loss was 0.8+/-0.32% per week. Mean energy allocation during weight loss was 32+/-7.0 kcal/kg target weight. Mean composition of tissue lost was 86:13:1 (fat:lean:bone mineral). The proportion of lean tissue loss was positively associated with overall percentage of weight loss (simple linear regression, r(2)=44.2%, P=0.026). Conventional weight loss programmes produce safe weight loss, but lean tissue loss is an inevitable consequence in cats that lose significant proportions of their starting body weight.     

Efficacy and safety of dirlotapide in the management of obese dogs evaluated in two placebo-controlled, masked clinical studies in North America

Dirlotapide was evaluated in the management of obesity in dogs in two multicenter, clinical studies in North America. A total of 335 obese dogs of various breeds were randomized to dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg, increased after 14 days to 0.1 (study B, label dose) or 0.2 mg/kg (study A) and then adjusted according to individual weight loss at 28-day intervals. Dogs were examined and weighed, and body condition scores (BCSs) were recorded every 28 days. Study A had three consecutive phases: weight loss (16 weeks, day 0–112); weight management (12 weeks); and post-treatment (8 weeks). Study B had a weight loss phase only. For dirlotapide-treated dogs, mean weight loss by day 112 was 11.8–14.0% compared with 3.0–3.9% for placebo ( P  = 0.0001). In study A, weight losses for dirlotapide were 19.3% after 12 weeks of weight management and 16.7% (regain of 3.4%) by 8 weeks after dirlotapide was discontinued. In both studies, dogs in both treatments had emesis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and mildly elevated hepatic transaminase activity, that resolved spontaneously with time. These were experienced more frequently with dirlotapide. Improved activity levels and BCS for >50% dogs were reported with dirlotapide. Dirlotapide was safe and effective in the reduction and management of body weight in obese dogs.     

Association of body weight and body condition with survival in dogs with heart failure

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people, but overweight and obese human heart failure patients have improved survival compared with normal--or underweight controls--the obesity paradox. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association of body weight and body condition with survival in dogs with heart failure. HYPOTHESIS: That body condition and changes in body weight are predictors of survival in dogs with heart failure. ANIMALS: One hundred and eight dogs with heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council stages 2, 3a, or 3b) secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy or chronic valvular disease. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed, and data regarding initial body weight and body condition score (BCS), subsequent changes in body weight, and treatment were collected. Survival times were determined for dogs that were discharged from the hospital and lived >24 hours. RESULTS: Survival was significantly different between dogs that gained, lost, or maintained body weight over the course of their disease (P= .04), with dogs that gained weight surviving the longest. BCS and medications were not significantly associated with survival time; however, n-3 fatty acid intake was associated with longer survival time (P= .009). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results suggest that changes in body weight might be an important consideration in the survival of dogs with heart failure.     

Efficacy and safety of dirlotapide in the management of obese dogs evaluated in two placebo-controlled, masked clinical studies in North America

Dirlotapide was evaluated in the management of obesity in dogs in two multicenter, clinical studies in North America. A total of 335 obese dogs of various breeds were randomized to dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg, increased after 14 days to 0.1 (study B, label dose) or 0.2 mg/kg (study A) and then adjusted according to individual weight loss at 28-day intervals. Dogs were examined and weighed, and body condition scores (BCSs) were recorded every 28 days. Study A had three consecutive phases: weight loss (16 weeks, day 0-112); weight management (12 weeks); and post-treatment (8 weeks). Study B had a weight loss phase only. For dirlotapide-treated dogs, mean weight loss by day 112 was 11.8-14.0% compared with 3.0-3.9% for placebo (P = 0.0001). In study A, weight losses for dirlotapide were 19.3% after 12 weeks of weight management and 16.7% (regain of 3.4%) by 8 weeks after dirlotapide was discontinued. In both studies, dogs in both treatments had emesis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and mildly elevated hepatic transaminase activity, that resolved spontaneously with time. These were experienced more frequently with dirlotapide. Improved activity levels and BCS for >50% dogs were reported with dirlotapide. Dirlotapide was safe and effective in the reduction and management of body weight in obese dogs.     

Exploring relationships between body condition score,body fat,activity level and inflammatory biomarkers

Obesity is associated with inflammatory disorders in humans, including degenerative joint disease. While obesity is endemic in horses, its relationship to equine degenerative joint disease has not been explored. The current study sought to describe relationships between: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), lameness grade (AAEP), total body fat mass (kg; FM) and fat per cent (FP) [multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (mfBIA)], age, gender, activity level (AL), synovial fluid (SF) and plasma (PL) PGE₂ and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in horses. During this field investigation, the BCS (of nine) of 54 horses at multiple farms in southern Ontario, Canada, was determined. Horses were categorized as thin (BCS=3/9; n = 6), moderate (BCS=4 or 5/9; n = 18), overweight (BCS=6 or 7/9; n = 19) or obese (BCS=8 or 9/9; n = 11). Total fat mass (kg) and body fat% was measured using mfBIA, lameness was assessed (AAEP lameness scale) and synovial fluid was collected via aseptic arthrocentesis from the left intercarpal joint for assessment of inflammatory biomarkers (PGE₂, GAG). Means were compared with a one‐way ANOVA; correlation coefficients were calculated using a Spearman Rank Order Correlation to reveal correlations between variables. BCS was positively correlated with BW, FM, FP, AL and PL‐PGE₂. BW was also significantly positively correlated with PL‐PGE₂. It is concluded that BCS is significantly correlated with PL‐PGE₂, due in part to the combined effect of AL and body condition. Net inflammatory effects of body fat on risk for joint disease require further study.     

Connection between body condition score, chemical characteristics of body and reproductive traits of rabbit does

Body condition scoring (BCS) is widely used to evaluate the nutritional status of livestock (cows, ewes, sows). In intensive systems, rabbit does are generally inseminated 11 days post partum and, due to a hormonal antagonism and an energy deficit caused by concurrent lactation and pregnancy, they show low fertility. The aim of this investigation was to assess an in vivo method for scoring the body condition of does by verifying the association with the body fat depots, the chemical composition of body tissues, the ovarian status, the hormonal response and the reproductive performance. The evaluation of BCS, involving 66 multiparous lactating does inseminated at 11 days post partum, was based on the test of bone protrusions and fullness of muscle of the loin, rump and hind leg. The traits were subjectively scored using 0, 1 and 2 for poor, intermediate and good condition, respectively. For calculating an aggregate BCS, the hind leg score was omitted, because it is less correlated with the real body condition. Adding the respective score (0–2) of the loin and rump regions, 5 classes of BCS were obtained (0–4). This aggregate BCS was highly correlated with the body fat depots (r = 0.79), the ether extract content of muscle samples of Obliquus abdominis (r = 0.87) and Biceps femoris (r = 0.84), and the ether extract of the empty body (r = 0.84). There was a lower correlation with the body weight (r = 0.45). The increase of BCS corresponded to higher lipid content in the body parts considered, especially the Obliquus abdominis (from 2.0 to 10.0%) and fat depots (from 10.6 to 107.7 g/doe). BCS was not related to ovulation rate or embryo production, but was correlated with sexual receptivity and fertility.Plasma FSH and LH concentrations were determined by RIA, 48, 24, 0 h before and 1 h after GnRH administration and artificial insemination. Animals with extreme body condition scores (BCS ≤ 1 or BCS = 4) showed lower plasma FSH levels (20.0 vs. 34.5 ng/mL) than does with optimal body condition (2 ≤ BCS ≤ 3) and their preovulatory LH surge, released after GnRH administration, was less evident (16.9 vs. 20.3 ng/mL). The poor reproductive performance of does with extreme BCS could be explained by this pituitary activity. On day 11 post-partum, a high number of does (71.2%) had extreme BCS and showed a lower sexual receptivity (37.2% vs. 80.0%) and fertility rate (50.9% vs. 86.6%) than does in optimal condition. On these results, the possibility of applying an in vivo method for scoring the body condition of lactating rabbit does appears promising for use in on-farm reproductive management.     

Prevalence of obese dogs in a population of dogs with cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine the body condition score (BCS) distribution for dogs examined at a teaching hospital and examine whether the BCS distribution for dogs with cancer differed significantly from the distribution for dogs without cancer. SAMPLE POPULATION: 1,777 dogs with cancer and 12,893 dogs without cancer. PROCEDURES: A retrospective prevalence case-control study was conducted that used medical records from 1999 to 2004. Information was collected on BCS (9-point system), age, breed, sex, neuter status, diagnosis, and corticosteroid administration. Body condition score at the time of examination for cancer (dogs with cancer) or first chronologic visit (dogs without cancer) was recorded. Logistic regression was used to compare BCS prevalence distributions between groups. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obese dogs (BCS >or= 7/9) was 14.8% (2,169/14,670), and the overall prevalence of overweight dogs (BCS >or= 6/9 to < 7/9) was 21.6% (3,174/14,670). There was a significant difference in the BCS distribution between dogs with and without cancer, with a slightly lower prevalence of being overweight and obese in dogs with cancer. The prevalence of obese and overweight dogs varied with specific cancer types when compared with the prevalence for dogs without cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differences in obesity prevalence among cancer types is suggestive of an incongruous effect of this variable on cancer expression or a differential effect of specific cancer types on weight status. Systematic use of BCSs will help elucidate the association between obesity and cancer development.     

Lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations associated with dog body condition score; effect of recommended fasting duration on sample concentrations in Japanese private clinics

The objectives of this study were to survey clinics’ guidance about recommended fasting duration (FD) prior to lipoprotein analysis, and to characterize lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in obese and overweight dogs categorized on the basis of the 5-point body condition score (BCS) scale. A dataset was created from lipoprotein analysis medical records of 1,538 dogs from 75 breeds in 354 clinics from 2012 to 2013. A phone survey was conducted to obtain the clinics’ FD. Two-level linear mixed-effects models were applied to the data. Over 50% of the clinics said they recommended fasting for 12 hr or more. Dogs in clinics with FD 12 hr or more had lower chylomicron triglyceride concentrations than those in clinics with FD less than 8 hr (P=0.05). Mean (± SEM) BCS at sampling was 3.7 ± 0.02. Obese and overweight dogs had higher very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations than ideal dogs (P<0.05), but no such difference was found for low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P≥0.07). Across all BCS, as dog age rose from 0 to 8 years old, HDL cholesterol concentrations decreased by 13.5 mg/dl, whereas VLDL triglyceride concentrations increased by 81.7 mg/dl (P<0.05). In conclusion, FD of 8 hr or less may affect lipoprotein lipid concentrations. Obese and overweight dogs were characterized as having high VLDL and HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.     

The effect of body condition on propofol requirement in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine if body condition score (BCS) influences the sedative effect of intramuscular (IM) premedication or the dose of intravenous (IV) propofol required to achieve endotracheal intubation in dogs.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsForty–six client–owned dogs undergoing general anaesthesia.MethodsDogs were allocated to groups according to their BCS (BCS, 1 [emaciated] to 9 [obese]): Normal–weight Group (NG, n = 25) if BCS 4–5 or Over–weight Group (OG, n = 21) if BCS over 6. Dogs were scored for sedation prior to IM injection of medetomidine (5 μg kg^?1) and butorphanol (0.2 mg kg^?1) and twenty minutes later anaesthesia was induced by a slow infusion of propofol at 1.5 mg kg^?1 minute^?1 until endotracheal intubation could be achieved. The total dose of propofol administered was recorded. Data were tested for normality then analyzed using Student t–tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, chi–square tests or linear regression as appropriate.ResultsMean ( ± SD) propofol requirement in NG was 2.24 ± 0.53 mg kg^?1 and in OG was 1.83 ± 0.36 mg kg^?1. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.005). The degree of sedation was not different between the groups (p = 0.7). Post–induction apnoea occurred in 11 of 25 animals in the NG and three of 21 in OG (p = 0.052).ConclusionsOverweight dogs required a lower IV propofol dose per kg of total body mass to allow tracheal intubation than did normal body condition score animals suggesting that IV anaesthetic doses should be calculated according to lean body mass. The lower dose per kg of total body mass may have resulted in less post–induction apnoea in overweight/obese dogs. The effect of IM premedication was not significantly affected by the BCS.Clinical relevanceInduction of general anaesthesia with propofol in overweight dogs may be expected at lower doses than normal–weight animals.