PATHOLOGY - Obesity Flashcards
What are the consequences of obesity?
Predisposition to other diseases
Decreased quality of life
Effect on lifespan
Decreased physical activity
How does obesity predispose animals to other diseases?
Adipose tissue has an inflammatory role through the release of inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins and promoting angiogenesis. Because of this, obesity puts animals into a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation which contributes to the pathogenesis of other diseases
Which orthapaedic diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Cruciate ligament disease
Oesteoarthritis
Hip dysplasia
Which orthapaedic diseases are more prevalant in obese cats?
Lameness
Which endocrine diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Which endocrine diseases are more prevalant in obese cats?
Diabetes mellitus
Hepatic lipidosis
Which alimentary diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Pancreatitis
Which alimentary diseases are more prevalant in obese cats?
Diarrhoea
Which urogenital diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Dystocia
Urinary sphincter mechanism incontinence (USMI)
Which cardiorespiratory diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Tracheal collapse
Hypertension
Which oncological diseases are more prevalant in obese dogs?
Bladder transitional cell carcinoma
How does obesity affect quality of life?
Decreased vitality
Increased emotional disturbance
Increased pain
What are the ideal body condition scores for a dog based on the nine point scale?
4 or 5 are the ideal body condition scores for a dog based on the nine point scale
Describe a body condition score of 4 for a dog based on the nine point scale
Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering
Waist easily noted when viewed from above
Abdomimal tuck evident
Describe a body condition score of 5 for a dog based on the nine point scale
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering
Waist observed behind the ribs when viewed from above
Abdominal tuck when viewed from the side
What are the ideal body condition scores for a cat based on the nine point scale?
5 is the ideal body condition score for a cat based on the nine point scale
Describe a body condition score of 5 for a cat based on the nine point scale
Ribs palpable with slight fat covering
Waist observed behind the ribs when viewed from above
Minimal abdominal fat pad
What causes obesity?
Obesity results when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure for a prolonged period of time
What are the risk factors for obesity?
Dietary factors
Animal factors
Owner factors
Indoor lifestyle
Iatrogenic
What are the animal related risk factors for obesity?
Breed predispositions
Middle age
Neutering
Female dogs
Male cats
Which dog breeds are predisposed to obesity?
Labrador
Golden Retrievers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Beagle
What are some of the owner related factors for obesity?
Over-humanisation of their pet
Misperception of body shape
Inability to interpret pet food labels correctly
Inability to measure food correctly
What is a common misperception of body shape?
Owners commonly perceive their pet’s body condition score to be less than what it actually is
Why do owners often measure their pets food incorrectly?
Owners often underestimate the amount of food they are providing as they tend to use feeding cups to measure food. Thus contributes to insidious weight gain and contributes to failure in weight management programmes
Which iatrogenic factors increase the risk of obesity?
Iatrogenic steroids
Thyroidectomy
What can be done to prevent obesity in small animals?
- Discuss proper feeding and body condition scoring with owners
- Quanitifying and measuring food correctly
- Discuss the risk factors of obesity due to neutering
- Annual vet visits including recording body condition score and body weight
- Achieve ideal body condition score
How can you treat obesity in small animals?
- Appropriate caloric restriction
- Diet selection
- Exercise
- Modification of owner behaviour
- Continued monitoring
- Pharmaceutical therapy
How must weight gain does each point on the body condition score scale equate to?
Each point between 5 and 9 on the body condition score scale is approximately 10% of excess body weight
How do you calculate the target weight for obese patients at a BCS of 6?
Divide the current body weight by 1.1
How do you calculate the target weight for obese patients at a BCS of 7?
Divide the current body weight by 1.2
How do you calculate the target weight for obese patients at a BCS of 8?
Divide the current body weight by 1.3
How do you calculate the target weight for obese patients at a BCS of 9?
Divide the current body weight by 1.4
How do you calculate the maintenance energy requirement for intact male dogs that need to lose weight?
How do you calculate the maintenance energy requirement for intact female dogs that need to lose weight?
How do you calculate the maintenance energy requirement for neutered male dogs that need to lose weight?
How do you calculate the maintenance energy requirement for neutered female dogs that need to lose weight?
How do you calculate the maintenance energy requirement for cats that need to lose weight?
What are the benefits of using prescription diets to help animals lose weight?
Restricted in fat
Restricted in calories
Supplemented in protein
Supplemented in micronutrients
High fibre
Containes L-cartinine
What are the benefits of a high fibre diet for weight loss?
A high fibre diet promotes satiety (feeling full)
What is the main disadvantage of using prescription diets to help animals lose weight?
Prescription diets are expensive
How can you modify owner behaviour to help their animals lose weight?
Choose sensible treats
Weigh food
Weigh animal regularly
Engage the entire household to help with the weight loss
How often should you monitor weight loss progression in obese animals?
Initially weigh the patient every 2 weeks, and provide feedback, encouragement and support to the client
