Ponsonby Tails - May 2008

Friday, May 2, 2008

In this issue:-

• "Down-Size Your Pet" month

• Effects of excessive weight on your pet's health

• Causes of obesity

• Pet Slimmer Success Story

 

"Down-Size Your Pet" month

The month of May is Down-Size Your Pet Month at Ponsonby Veterinary Centre. Our aim is to increase awareness of the effects of excess weight and the negative health consequences on our pets.  We are also introducing the Royal Canin Slimfit Weight Management Program. This is an individually tailored program which owners can sign their pets into which gives them the tools and one-on-one assistance to get their overweight pets back to a healthy weight. During the month of May we are offering a special promotion: all owners who sign their pets into the Royal Canin Slimfit Weight Management Program will have a one-on-one Weight Management Consultation with a nurse for just $30 AND receive two 1.5 kg bags of Weight Management diet from Royal Canin FREE!!!  As an additional incentive, Royal Canin have offered to sponsor an entire years supply of Royal Canin diet to the client and pet that show the most dedication to this program.

 

What are the effects of excessive weight on my pet's health?

Dogs and cats who are overweight are more vulnerable and more prone to develop certain diseases.

•  A shorter life expectancy - Studies show overweight dogs live up to two years less than those of normal body weight
• Osteo-articular diseases - An overweight puppy is more than likely to be overweight as an adult. In large breeds, excess weight can led to joint disorders that are often irreversible. A vicious circle then soon develops in an overweight animal suffering from osteoarthritis: the heavier it is, the less it will move about.
• Cardiac and respiratory diseases
• An increase in blood lipids
• Sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
• Poor coat and skin quality
• Lower immunity (more susceptible to opportunistic infections).
• Increased surgical and/or anaesthetic risk
  

Causes of Obesity 

The fundamental underlying cause in all cases of obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure that results in persistent energy surplus. Excess energy is stored primarily as fat, resulting in weight gains and a change in body composition.

Factors that contribute to obesity can be classified as endogenous or exogenous in origin. Endogenous factors include age, sex, reproductive status, the presence of hormonal abnormalities and genetic predisposition. Exogenous factors include activity level, external influences on food intake, diet composition and palatability, environment and lifestyle.

Highly palatable diets may be the most important factor influencing obesity in companion animals. Feeding highly palatable foods ad libitum may contribute to development and maintenance of obesity if pets over-consume these foods. Similarly the practice of feeding table scraps and other appealing treats may induce many pets to overeat and gain excessive weight.

Pet Slimmer Success Story

"Molly" is a nine year old female Golden Retriever who had maintained a body weight of 33 kg for many years. About 9 months ago she was starting to struggle to get up in the mornings and seemed stiff and sore.
Examination at the Ponsonby Veterinary Centre revealed that Molly had signs of degenerate joint disease and was overweight. Her Body Condition Score (BCS) was 7 on a score from 1 to 9, with ideal being 5.

She was started on a special calorie controlled diet specifically chosen for her age, activity level and degree of weight loss required. Over the last 5 months she has lost 5 kg and now weighs a much healthier 28 kg.
Molly now has a new lease on life. She is active, pain free and enjoys play with her canine family member Nelson