Back to Search Start Over

How Successful Are Veterinary Weight Management Plans for Canine Patients Experiencing Poor Welfare Due to Being Overweight and Obese?

Authors :
Haddad, Kim K.
Source :
Animals (2076-2615). Mar2024, Vol. 14 Issue 5, p740. 22p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Simple Summary: Poor welfare attributable to overweight and obesity is considered one of the most significant welfare issues affecting companion animals. Veterinarians play an important role in providing nutritional counseling and weight management advice, but successful weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain. This research examines the level of veterinary engagement and the success of veterinary management plans for overweight and obese canines over a five-year period. The electronic medical records of overweight or obese canines from four San Francisco Bay Area small animal hospitals were statistically analyzed for level of veterinary engagement, weight loss success, prescription weight loss diet use, and comorbidities. The results suggest that veterinary engagement is variable and, even at the highest level, is not adequate to successfully combat overweight or obesity or result in improved welfare. Overweight and obesity is one of the most important and preventable animal welfare issues we face, yet successful treatment and management remain elusive. Overweight and obesity is one of the most significant health and welfare issues affecting companion animals and are linked to several serious medical conditions, reduced welfare, and shortened lifespan. The number of overweight and obese pets increases every year. Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple chronic diseases. Underlying causes include human-related and animal-related factors. Veterinarians encounter overweight and obese canine patients in daily practice and they play an important role in weight management. This research examines the level of veterinary engagement and the success of veterinary management plans for overweight and obese canines over a five-year period. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were collected for 500 canine patients assessed as either overweight or obese and statistically analyzed for level of veterinary engagement (VE), weight loss success, prescription weight loss diet (RX) use, and comorbidities. The average age at the beginning of the study was 61.5 months. A starting Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 or 7 was most common (87.2%). Twelve different small and large dog breeds were most highly represented (61.1%). Average weight loss rates were low and more dogs gained rather than lost weight (56.5% vs. 43.5%). While VE is important, this study suggests current VE levels are not adequate to successfully combat overweight and obesity or result in improved animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762615
Volume :
14
Issue :
5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Animals (2076-2615)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175992570
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050740