Obesity in animals can cause a variety of medical issues that can result in poor health and quality of life. A research study conducted by Piantedosi D et al., ‘Serum biochemistry profile, inflammatory cytokines, adipokines and cardiovascular findings in obese dogs’ published in the Veterinary Journal 2016 October;216:72-8 attempted to establish whether obesity could be identified by looking at 4 different criteria in dogs. A total of 40 dogs were assessed via their cardiovascular system and through blood analysis, half considered healthy (in relation to weight) and the other half obese.

The results from the abstract revealed that a number of biological molecules were shown to be increased concentration-wise in dogs that were obese when compared to healthy dogs. Some of these molecules include cholesterol (total), insulin and the insulin:glucose ratio. For a full list of the all the molecules listed, see the abstract or the full paper by clicking here. There were also two immune-related molecules that were analysed that were shown not to differ between the two types of dogs, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6. Conversely, adiponectin levels were reduced in canine obesity compared to healthy animals.

Examination of the cardiovascular system showed that obesity increased canine systolic arterial blood pressure, whilst also revealing that out of those animals considered obese, only a small number (4/20) exhibited a condition called obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. This realisation is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates that unlike humans, where a constant state of inflammation is associated with obesity, dogs do not seem to reliably suffer the same fate. Once again, for a more comprehensive list of findings please see the abstract or full paper.

As this study has shown that obesity in dogs is related to changes both within the blood and the cardiovascular system, it is important to impose as healthy a lifestyle for individuals as is possible. This may include routine health check-ups, devising healthy meal and exercise plans and any other examinations that may be required such as ultrasound imaging – to see what scanners we stock that are suitable for canine ultrasonography please feel free to contact us or visit our website.

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Serum buichemistry profile, inflammatory cytokines and cardivascular finding in obese dogs - PubMed - NCBI

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Vet J. 2016 Oct;216:72-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.07.002. Epub 2016 Jul 5.