Although overweight and obesity cause mechanical discomfort that significantly affects the quality of life, they are not just storage disorders. Adipocytes (fat cells that multiply and/or enlarge when gaining weight) produce hormones such as leptin and resistin, as well as inflammatory cytokines. The metabolic disorders or the inflammatory state (which can be chronic and generalised) add to the excess fat mass and could explain the reduction in life expectancy of 2.5 years on average in dogs. The researchers were thus able to highlight a link between obesity and the appearance of certain disorders and diseases, such as
Osteoarthritis, characterised by the degeneration of articular cartilage, causes pain and difficulty in moving. The lesions, once installed, are irreversible and evolve in an irreversible way.
The risk of rupture of cruciate ligaments, dysplasia (of the hip in particular) or fracture is increased in the event of excess weight.
Insulin resistance (the hormone that causes a drop in blood glucose) is one of the best known and studied consequences. In this case, the insulin receptors are deficient or even inactive, despite increased secretion of the hormone in question. This is called type II diabetes, “insulin-resistant” or “non-insulin-dependent”. It particularly affects cats.
In overweight or obese cats who refuse to eat (following a stress or an illness for example), the mobilised fats accumulate in the liver and damage its cells. This is hepatic lipidosis.
In addition to intolerance to exercise and heat (linked to a lack of oxygenation of the tissues – particularly the heart), obesity is an important risk factor in the appearance of tracheal collapse in small breed dogs. It maintains and aggravates laryngeal paralysis or brachycephalic syndrome (which affects animals with a “flat” face: the Bulldog, the Pug, the Shih-Tzu or the Persian for example).
Being overweight can increase the risk of hypertension.
Obese animals are necessarily less flexible. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to groom effectively. In addition, the risk of dandruff, excess sebum (greasy skin and coat) and hair loss is increased.
Some studies also suggest that the inflammatory state associated with obesity may predispose to the development of certain cancers. Finally, the risk of anaesthetics and drugs is increased, as the rate of elimination of molecules is altered.
If your pet is overweight, talk to your vet. He or she is best qualified to discuss a weight loss programme for your pet.
The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats: this literature review discusses the different techniques for quantifying adipose tissue in animals, the different causes of obesity, the diseases associated with obesity, and its management.
Endocrinology of obesity: this review of the literature discusses the different roles of the endocrine system and its changes in obesity in humans, dogs and cats.
Obesity in dogs and cats: a metabolic and endocrine disorder : This literature review highlights the importance of adipose tissue in normal metabolism, and in particular in appetite, energy balance, and glucose and fat metabolism.
Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats: This literature review covers the risks associated with obesity in dogs and cats as well as the different causes of this disease. The author also gives veterinarians a few keys to diagnosing and managing obesity (both from a nutritional point of view and from a relationship point of view with the owner). Finally, she discusses the prevention aspect of this all too common disease.
Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs: This study of 48 Labradors Retrievers assessed the effects of dietary restriction on the dogs’ lifespan and on markers of ageing (including the appearance of signs of chronic disease).
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