OBESITY & The Domestic Animal PolulationFOOD FOR THOUGHT: How come you never see a fat animal in the wild...?
Obesity affects approximately 25% of the U.S. canine population. This staggering figure is compounded by obesity related conditions such as diabetes mellitus, orthopedic problems, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic and physical problems. When these obesity related conditions arise, often a vicious cycle ensues requiring medical and surgical intervention. Unfortunately, intervention often comes too late in the course of the condition or lacks sufficient efficacy to arrest or deter further organ system or tissue embarrassment. Ultimately, a large portion of the obese population never returns to the quality of life enjoyed prior to the onset of the condition(s).
Obesity is thought to have numerous causes with physical, emotional, environmental, endocrine and/or neurological components. The sedentary lifestyle of the domestic dog, combined with high rates of surgical contraception, may play a dramatic role in the environmental and endocrine mechanisms, respectively. Other factors such as musculo-skeletal problems and/or developmental abnormalities greatly influence the ability to exercise and ultimately contribute to weight gain. The indiscriminate feeding habits including table scraps, poor diet, constant access to food, and other poor eating rituals is a significant contributing factor. Also, competitive eating in multiple dog households may be a factor not apparent to the owner.
Anatomy also influences weight gain in canines. Orthopedic conditions that are acquired, developmental, or present at birth may reduce the ambulatory capacity of the animal and predispose to pain. Hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament and meniscal injury, osteochondrosis dessicans, etc. are common in veterinary medicine and can be a predisposing factor to obesity. These conditions can also be directly influenced by obesity, and represent examples of the vicious cycle of obesity.
Many canines gain weight from problems related to metabolism. Metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease), and other endocrine abnormalities directly influence energy metabolism, fat deposition, neuromuscular integrity, etc. Animals suffering from one or more of these metabolic conditions often become overweight as a result. Often times, these metabolic disturbances initially preclude an exercise program and the underlying disturbance must be attended to before exercise can be instituted.
Traditionally, obesity management in veterinary medicine relies on one or more recommendations. The veterinarian may prescribe high fiber/reduced calorie diets or advocate other dietary changes focusing on a decrease in overall caloric intake. Another method to manage weight is to increase exercise. If you feel your pet is overweight, have them examined by a veterinarian and discuss the options available for safe and effective weight management. Untreated obesity can be a devastating condition for your pet and instituting an obesity-management program may add quality years to your pet's life.
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