SA Obesity

Question 1

define obesity (5)

Answer 1

1. 30% above ideal weight or BCS 8 out 9 on a 9 point scale
2. is a DISEASE, should be included on problem list due to
   -impairment of normal function of some aspect of the body
   -characteristic signs or symptoms
   -causes harm or morbidity
3. peak prevalence:
   -cats: 5-11 years
   -dogs: 6-9 years
4. sex: neutering increases prevalence due to alterations in sex hormones in both dogs and cats
   -appetite increases and metabolism decreases
5. environment:
   -living indoors increases prevalence

Question 2

describe hormonal control of obesity (3)

Answer 2

1. hormone sensitive lipase: mobilizes FFAs from adipocytes
   -lipolysis promoted by: epi, norepi, cortisol, TH
   -lipolysis inhibited by insulin
2. leptin: produced by adipocytes, acts on hypothalamus to suppress feeding behavior
   -obesity causes increased circulating leptin proportional to body fat stores
   -genetics: ob/ob mutation in mice lack functional leptin receptors = polyphagic
3. lipoprotein lipase (LPL): fat clearing
   -located on capillary epithelium of many tissues, hydrolyzes triglycerides in circulating lipoporteins when activated by insulin leading to fatty acid oxidation (catabolic phase)

-also facilitates TAG assembly and storage in adipose tissue

-insulin deficiency leads to decreased LPL activation, which means that TAG in circulating lipoproteins cannot be properly hydrolyzed and fatty acids are not removed from plasma for adipocyte storage

Question 3

describe dietary predisposing factors for obesity (cats: 4, dogs: 2, both: 2)

Answer 3

cats:
1. dry food increases risk in young cats, esp when free fed
-no association between diet type and obesity in cats though

2. dietary fat content is more associated with risk in cats than carbohydrate content
3. free choice feeding
4. “premium” OTC cat foods

dogs:
1. number of meals and snack
2. grocery store dog foods

both:
1. cat or dog present when food is prepared
2. feeding table scraps

Question 4

describe owner predisposing factors for pet obesity (dogs: 2, cats: 4, both: 2)

Answer 4

dogs:
1. lower average income for owners of overweight dogs (not cats tho)
2. overhumanization of dog by owner

cats:
1. cat used by owner as human companion substitute
2. less time spent playing with the cat
3. owners of obese cats less interested in preventative health
4. stronger owner-cat bond

both:
1. close observation of feeding behavior
2. owner obesity

Question 5

what other conditions are obese cats at an increased risk for? (7)

Answer 5

1. dermatoses
2. DM
3. GI disease
4. hepatic lipidosis
5. neoplasia
6. oral disease
7. urinary disease

Question 6

what other conditions are obese dogs at an increased risk for? (11)

Answer 6

1. arthritis
2. DM
3. dental/oral disease
4. cushing’s
5. hypothyroid
6. lameness, MSK disease, CCL tear
7. neoplasia
8. pancreatitis
9. renal disease
10. tracheal collapse
11. urinary disease

Question 7

describe the life trends of dogs with a 4-5/9 versus 6-7/9 BCS (3)

Answer 7

1. increased life span
2. delayed onset of aging:
   -mean lean body mass decline:
   –BCS 4-5: after 11 years
   –BcS 6-7: after 9 years
3. delayed onset of chronic disease