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Previous studies suggest that owners often wrongly perceive overweight dogs to be in normal condition. The body shape of dogs attending shows might influence owners' perceptions, with online images of overweight show winners having a negative effect. This was an observational in silico study of canine body condition. 14 obese-prone breeds and 14 matched non-obese-probe breeds were first selected, and one operator then used an online search engine to identify 40 images, per breed, of dogs that had appeared at a major national UK show (Crufts). After images were anonymised and coded, a second observer subjectively assessed body condition, in a single sitting, using a previously validated method. Of 1120 photographs initially identified, 960 were suitable for assessing body condition, with all unsuitable images being from longhaired breeds. None of the dogs (0 per cent) were underweight, 708 (74 per cent) were in ideal condition and 252 (26 per cent) were overweight. Pugs, basset hounds and Labrador retrievers were most likely to be overweight, while standard poodles, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Hungarian vizslas and Dobermanns were least likely to be overweight. Given the proportion of show dogs from some breeds that are overweight, breed standards should be redefined to be consistent with a dog in optimal body condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on obesity in dogs and cats. The authors examine how studying the effects of obesity in dogs and cats help in understanding human health. They also discuss the relationship between human obesity and weight problems in these two animals. According to them, if the animal is neutered, its food intake should be reduced.

Obesity is an emerging problem in domesticated rabbits, and an easy-to-use measure of adipose tissue mass is needed. The current study aimed to develop a zoometric ratio, capable of estimating body condition in rabbits. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and zoometric measures (distal forelimb length, DFL; vertebral length, VL were measured in 150 pet rabbits. Zoometric formulae were created, combining BW with a zoometric measure, and these were tested for their ability to predict adipose tissue mass judged by BCS. Seventyfive (50 per cent) of the rabbits were in ideal condition (BCS 2.5-3.5), 52 (35 per cent) were overweight (BCS>3.5), and 23 (15 per cent) were underweight (BCS<2.5). Median (range) DFL and VL measurements were 12.1 (8.8-16.4 cm) and 34.0 (26.5-50.5 cm), respectively. In rabbits of medium breed size, the BW/DFL ratio was most strongly associated with BCS (Kendall's τ 0.80, P<0.001). Using BW/DFL limits for optimum body condition (eg, minimum 0.16; maximum 0.21), all underweight and overweight rabbits were correctly classified, while only 2/61 (3 per cent) rabbits with an optimum BCS were incorrectly classified as overweight. This study provides preliminary evidence that the BW/DFL might be a useful indirect measure of adipose tissue mass in rabbits of medium breed size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on issues concerning obesity in companion animals, which is noted to be a complex physiological issues. It highlights the consequences companion animal obesity as well as the critical role of veterinary clinicians to provide help pet owners. It also highlights issues concerning human obesity pandemic as well as several diseases caused by obesity.

Previous epidemiological studies of feline obesity have been restricted to small geographical areas of Great Britain. This study represents the first published description of the prevalence and risk factors for obesity from a nationally distributed population of cats. Data were gathered from 3227 cats through 47 primary companion animal veterinary practises. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 11.5 per cent (95% confidence interval 10.4 per cent to 12.6 per cent) in cats attending the charity's clinics. Cats in Scotland appeared to have a greater age and neutered-adjusted prevalence compared with cats in England. Neutered status, being male and middle age (around 7 years), were all significant risk factors for feline overweight/obesity, although they did not fully explain an individual cat's risk of overweight/obesity. Breed was not found to be a statistically significant risk factor. Partial attributable fractions were calculated from each of the significant risk factors. Neutered status appeared to contribute the most to the prevalence of obesity, followed by prime/mature lifestage (3-10 years of age). Any interpretations of these findings should take into account the multitude of biases inherent in this study. Nevertheless, weight management following neutering appears to be very important to reduce the overall prevalence of overweight/ obesity in this population of cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of obesity in dogs examined by veterinary practices across Australia, and to determine the risk factors involved; 1700 practices were asked to complete a veterinarian opinion survey, and of the 428 practices that responded, 178 were selected to complete an RSPCA Australia Pet Obesity Questionnaire, together with additional practices selected by Australian State and Territory RSPCA societies. This questionnaire was sent to a total of 209 practices which were asked to record details of eligible dogs, and the reason why they had been examined during the previous month. Fifty-two (24.9 per cent) of the practices responded and provided data on 2661 dogs, of which 892 (33.5 per cent) were overweight and 201 (7.6 per cent) were obese. A further 112 dogs (4.2 per cent) were classified as thin or very thin, but these were excluded from subsequent analyses. Of the remaining 2549 dogs, approximately half were female and 1905 (74.7 per cent) were neutered. The dogs' weight category was influenced by several factors. Breed influenced the importance of sex and neutering as risk factors. The prevalence of overweight and obese dogs combined was 41 per cent; the prevalence increased with age up to about 10 years old, and then declined. Rural and semirural dogs were more at risk of obesity than urban and suburban dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the prevalence of obesity in rabbits and identifies risk factors associated with obesity. The researchers collected data from database consisting of 41 primary companion animal practices from a large veterinary group distributed throughout Great Britain. The study showed that the prevalence of obesity in rabbits may not be as great as for other companion animals.

The article presents information on the risk of obesity in animals. It is stated that obesity should be considered as a chronic incurable disease. Alex German, of the University of Liverpool, said that weight loss protocols should be always tailored to the individual patient. German said that getting the right energy levels is the key to successful dietary management in obesity.

The author reflects on the prevalence of overweight or obese cats in England. He cites the study by E. A. Courcier and colleagues which details an epidemiological research on the prevalence and risk factors for feline obesity in veterinary practice across the country. The author thinks that researchers need to understand the aetiopathogenesis and significance of the problem in order to manage obesity in pet cats.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the prevalence and demographic risk factors of being overweight in pet rabbits.

The article presents a warning from HealthforAnimals about the dangers of humanizing pet animals. A report from HealthforAnimals forecasts the potential of Brazil to become the second largest market for pet products by 2016 and reveal the estimated spending on pet products in the U.S. in 2015 and average annual spending of pet owners in Australia. The correlation between increasing human obesity and obesity in dogs and cats is also discussed.

Information about the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress in Great Britain is presented. It featured Alex German, senior lecturer in small animal medicine at Liverpool veterinary school, discussing the cause of obesity in pigs and dogs and the two appetite-suppressing drugs for use in dogs. Meanwhile, Sarah Heath, a European specialist in behavioral medicine, offered advice on understanding the behavioral aspects of obesity.

The article reports on the announcement of the formation of a task force composed of an independent panel of specialists in both human and animal obesity, at the European Pet Obesity Conference which was held in London, England on February 28, 2008. The task force aims to help develop a coordinated approach to the problem of obesity in pet animals. Veterinary adviser Mark Evans explains that the task force aims to raise awareness of the health implications of obese and overweight pets.

The article reports on the 2015 results of the National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) which show that the number of obese horses and ponies in Great Britain has increased.

The author discusses the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2014 with information on the results of the survey. Among the findings include the neglect of the welfare needs of pets in Great Britain, the responsibilities of pet owners under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, and the continued increase of pet obesity.

The article reports on the study which shows a 27% prevalence of obesity in the sample population at the end of winter and 35% at the end of summer, suggesting the need for more research to investigate the metabolic implications of seasonally fluctuating versus stable body condition inn horses.

The article discusses a study on the pet obesity problem in Great Britain, as depicted by the nonprofit organization Pet Food Manufacturer's Association (PFMA).

A letter to the editor is presented that relates to the GOdogs Project which aims to study the genetics of development of obesity in labradors and golden retrievers breed of dogs.

The article offers information on the 2012 annual congress of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) held October 5-7, 2012 at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire, England. The event offered several lectures covering various topics including animal nutrition, obesity, and surgery. The event featured several lecturers which include Claire Fraser, Libby Earle, and Andrea Jeffery.

The article presents abstracts related to veterinary medicine, which include studies on paratuberculosis' effect on the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in goats, contamination of bacteria in small hospitals for animals, and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and serum triglycerides in overweight dogs.

The article presents information on several studies related to veterinary medicine. A recent study, published in the "Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery," analyzed associations between histopathological changes and mycobacterial infections in cats in Great Britain. Another study focused on the association between dog ownership and canine obesity. Another study investigated indicators of intramammary infections in dairy cows at the end of lactation.

The article offers news briefs related to veterinary medicine such as the launch of the British Home Office Animals in Science Regulation Unit and the webinars on the subject of weight management organized by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. on November 1, 15, and 29, 2011.

The article provides an overview of several veterinary studies published in various journals including one about the efficacy of commercial swine influenza vaccines, another on canine obesity and, finally, the measurement of platelet function in dogs.

The article focuses on the dangers of obesity in horses and ponies. Josh Slater of Royal Veterinary College in London, England says that animal owners are unaware of nutritional as well as physiological aspects of obesity in equines. Moreover, David Watson asserts on the lack the knowledge on effect of overfeeding among owners and cites the problem in discussing obesity among them. He asserts on the specific responsibility of media, nurses, pet food industries, and owners on resolving obesity.

The article discusses a study on the association of obesity in horses to laminitis deaths, sponsored by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Animal Welfare Foundation and Merial Animal Health. The British Equine Veterinary Association documented laminitis cases for four years and the results were submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Principal investigator Celia Marr says that overweight animals are at higher risk to die when laminitis occur than their thinner counterparts.

The article focuses on the research conducted by the Taylor Nelson Sofres PLC (TNS) for the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) in Great Britain concerning pet's weight. The research revealed the insufficient understanding of pet owners in managing pet's weight. PFMA chief executive Michael Bellingham states that pet obesity is a serious issue which should not be taken for granted. It notes that PFMA has developed the Pet Size-O-Meter tool dedicated for proper handling of pet's weight.

A correction to the article "Prevalence of Obesity in Riding Horses in Scotland," by C. A. Wyse, K. A. McNie and V. J. Tannahill.

The article reports on Professor John Innes of the Liverpool University in England's discussion of the medical consequences of pet obesity. According to Innes, 25 percent of cats were estimated to be obese in Great Britain and between 18 and 44 percent of dogs were obese in developed countries. He claims that obesity was a disease process.

The article reports on the Pet Health Council's launch of the "Petsercise" initiative on its Web site to tackle obesity in dogs. The council developed the program in conjunction with Dr. Alex German and fitness expert Nicki Waterman. The Web site allows users to check their own ideal body mass index and to check whether their dog might be overweight.