Page 928 - Small Animal Internal Medicine, 6th Edition

900 PART VII Metabolic and Electrolyte Disorders

owner factors contribute to the development of obesity (Box particularly if the pet is bored and inactive, or if there is
51.2). These include decreased daily exercise as a result of inter-pet competition in the household. Likewise, highly pal-
VetBooks.ir confinement to the house and overfeeding of the pet. Clients atable foods encourage overconsumption. Snacks and treats
are a significant but often unappreciated contributor to
may overfeed their pet because a good appetite is perceived
as a sign of good health, they may use food as a palliative
kcal a day for a pet to gain 1 pound over the course of a year;
agent when they leave the pet on its own, they may replace excess daily caloric intake as well. It takes only about 11 extra
exercise with food, and they often indulge begging behavior many common treats provide between 50 and 100 extra kcal
because they find it endearing. Clients also tend to feed the apiece.
same volume of food each day despite changes in energy Obese or older clients may be more likely to have obese
requirements and the energy density of foods provided. dogs; similar findings have not been documented in cats. The
Daily energy requirements vary according to environmental client’s sedentary lifestyle may contribute to lack of exercise
temperature, the life stage of the pet (i.e., growth, pregnancy, by the pet, and the consumption of high-fat foods by the
lactation, adult maintenance, old age), neuter status, and the client may increase the likelihood that these energy-dense
activity level of the pet. Therefore it is necessary to adjust the scraps are fed to the pet. In addition, it is possible that obese
amount of food according to these factors. Feeding errors clients do not believe (or recognize) that obesity is a major
also arise when a client purchases a different type of food problem for their pet. Underestimation of the pet’s body
with a higher energy density but does not reduce the amount condition score (BCS) is also associated with overweight and
accordingly. It is worth noting that dry extruded foods obesity in both dogs and cats; owner education of appropri-
(kibble) can range widely from approximately 200 kcal to ate body composition may be important in prevention of
more than 600 kcal per cup per 8-fluid ounce cup. Overfeed- obesity.
ing may also occur if the feeding guidelines provided by pet Because of genetic differences, some animals have signifi-
food manufacturers are incorrect or not accurate for the cantly lower energy requirements and therefore require
individual pet. In some situations, clients are simply not fewer calories per day to maintain their ideal body weight.
aware that they are overfeeding their pet and actually per- Likewise, many working or sporting breeds have higher
ceive their overweight pet as picky or as not eating much requirements for exercise, which is often not satisfied in most
food. Ad libitum feeding may also predispose to overeating, urban and suburban environments. In addition, some breeds
tend to be more interested in food as a primary motivator
for various food-seeking and consumptive behaviors. These
genetic differences may be reflected by the increased propen-
BOX 51.2 sity of certain breeds to gain excessive weight (Box 51.3).

Factors Associated with Obesity in Cats and Dogs Neutering is an important risk factor for obesity in both
dogs and cats. It has been suggested that hormonal altera-
Primary Obesity tions secondary to neutering may alter energy expenditure,
Excess caloric intake
Energy-dense food
Inappropriate feeding practices BOX 51.3
Inadequate feeding guidelines
Ad libitum feeding Dog and Cat Breeds Associated with Higher Obesity Risk
Reduced energy expenditure (exercise, activity)
Growth rate Dogs
Age Labrador Retriever
Neuter status Golden Retriever
Owner income, age, and body composition Rottweiler
Underestimation of pet’s body composition Cocker Spaniel
Genetic predisposition (breed) Collie
Dachshund
Secondary Obesity Cairn Terrier
Hypothyroidism Shetland Sheepdog
Hyperadrenocorticism Beagle
Hyperinsulinism Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Acromegaly Basset Hound
Hypopituitarism
Hypothalamic dysfunction Cats
Medications Manx
Glucocorticoids British Short Hair
Progestagens Norwegian Forest Cat
Phenobarbital Persian
Primidone Domestic Short, Medium, and Long Hair cats