Canine and feline obesity – is it really an issue?

Friday 22nd October 10.45-11.45

Obesity is a syndrome associated excessive accumulation of body fat, and current estimates suggest that approximately 40% of pets are either overweight or obese.  In the past, many veterinary surgeons have not treated obesity as a serious concern, instead believing it to be a cosmetic issue.  However, we now recognise obesity to be an important medical disease, since it may predispose a variety of other disorders including osteoarthritis, cardio-respiratory problems, diabetes mellitus, constipation, dermatitis, anaesthetic risk, and reduced life expectancy. As such, the condition is now the most common medical disorder of companion animals and a major welfare concern.  Not only do veterinary surgeons have an ethical obligation to be proactive in management and prevention of this condition, but also have legal obligation, not least given recent high-profile cases where owners have been successfully prosecuted for not adequately addressing obesity in their pets.  This lecture will cover key aspects of clinical obesity management in companion animals.

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