Feline obesity causes hematological and biochemical changes and oxidative stress - a pilot study.

Obesity, an extremely important factor in feline clinical practice, is estimated to affect up to one third of the feline population. Moreover, it can trigger chronic inflammation, which could predispose to oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species, thereby generating potentially irreversible cellular damage. This study analyzed hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress profiles at various degrees of feline obesity. Forty-five cats were selected and divided into three groups: control (n = 17), overweight (n = 13) and obese (n = 15), after clinical and laboratory evaluation and body condition score. Biochemical and oxidative stress analyses were performed using a photocolorimeter and hematological analyses were performed in a veterinary cell counter. Obese cats showed increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) than control cats, although within the reference ranges for the species. As for oxidative stress, obese cats showed higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by the inhibition of 2,2'-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzthiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid (ABTS), inhibition of ABTS associated with horseradish peroxidase (ABTS + HRP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, while overweight cats had a higher TAC-ABTS + HRP and TAC-FRAP than control cats. We conclude that the conditions of natural obesity and overweight in the feline species alter its hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters.

Influence of weaning management at 30, 75 and 180 days of age on non-esterified fatty acids and reproductive performance in beef cows.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of age at weaning of calves on non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and reproductive parameters of beef cows. Animals (n = 65) were randomly assigned to three treatments after calving: hyper-early weaning (W30) at 32 ± 0.89 days, early weaning (W75) at 77 ± 0.95 days, and conventional weaning (W180) at 183 ± 0.82 days. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were evaluated at parturition (AP) and at 30, 45, 64, 81, 100 and 115 days postpartum (dPP). Blood samples were collected to analyze NEFA levels and progesterone (P4) at 30, 45, 64 and 81 dPP. Higher BW and BCS were observed from 64 to 115 dPP in W30 cows than W180 ones (p < 0.05). Cows subjected to W30 condition had higher levels of NEFA at 30 dPP compared to 64 and 81 dPP (p < 0.05). We also observed that cows from W180 group showed decreased levels of NEFA at 30 dPP compared to 45 (p < 0.01) and 64 dPP (p < 0.05). The highest P4 level was observed at 64 dPP in W30 cows compared to W75 and W180 (p < 0.05). We also observed higher CR of W30 (86%) compared to W180 (47%) at 45 dPP (p < 0.05). The overall pregnancy rate (PR) was higher for W30 (95.5%) than W180 (73.9%). In addition, higher BW at calving and P4 levels at 30 dPP were positively correlated with the possibility of pregnancy (p < 0.05). Improvement in BW and BCS were observed in cows subjected to hyper-early weaning management. However, levels of NEFA decreased as the postpartum period progressed. We concluded that cows who weaned calves hyper-early have greater chances of increasing cyclicity and PRs.

Serum small extracellular vesicles in overweight and obese dogs before and after weight loss: preliminary observations / Vesículas extracelulares pequenas no soro de cães com sobrepeso e obesos, antes e depois da perda de peso: observações preliminares

As vesículas extracelulares (VEs) são nanoparticulas circundadas por uma bicamada lipídica, que transportam lipídios, proteínas, ácidos nucleicos e metabólitos, e podem ser secretadas por diferentes tipos celulares. Os adipócitos são capazes de sintetizar e secretar VEs pequenas, que, uma vez na circulação, podem alcançar diferentes sistemas orgânicos, permitindo a comunicação intercelular. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o diâmetro e a concentração de VEs pequenas no soro de cães com sobrepeso e obesidade, antes e após a perda de peso. Para isso, foram recrutados 19 cães, sendo nove fêmeas e 10 machos castrados, em bom estado geral e com escore de condição corporal (ECC) ≥ 7. A avaliação inicial dos cães incluiu exame físico e testes laboratoriais. Após avaliação inicial, os cães foram alimentados com uma dieta hipocalórica comercial por quatro meses, e, após esse período, os testes laboratoriais foram reavaliados. As VEs pequenas foram isoladas a partir do sangue total, por meio de centrifugações e ultracentrifugações seriadas, e o equipamento NanoSight foi utilizado para a determinação do diâmetro e da concentração das VEs pequenas presentes no soro antes e após a dieta. Houve uma redução de 10% do peso corporal e de 16,5% do ECC dos cães, além da diminuição de 9% do diâmetro e de 31% da concentração das VEs pequenas, após os quatro meses de alimentação com a dieta hipocalórica. Não foram observadas diferenças em relação às análises bioquímicas e entre os resultados de fêmeas e machos, antes e após a perda de peso. Em conclusão, a redução do peso corporal e do acúmulo de gordura foi capaz de modificar as características (diâmetro e concentração) das VEs pequenas, que foram isoladas a partir do soro de cães com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Humoral immunity is not altered in overweight pregnant Crioulo mares / Imunidade humoral não é alterada em éguas Crioulas gestantes com sobrepeso

Both pregnancy and obesity can influence significant changes in the immune system. On this basis, the present study proposes to evaluate the humoral immune response of overweight pregnant mares in response to a commercial vaccine. Thirty pregnant Crioulo mares were separated according to body condition score (BCS) into overweight (BCS≥7/9) or lean-control (BCS= 5-6/9). In each group, the animals were subdivided into vaccinated and controls. The mares were vaccinated against EHV-1 in two doses spaced 21 days apart and had their blood collected monthly, for five months, for antibody evaluation. Both vaccinated groups had an increase in specific neutralizing antibodies after the vaccine. However, after the second dose, there was no increase in antibodies in any of the groups. Vaccinated overweight and lean-control mares did not differ at any time point. Therefore, this study demonstrated that obesity does not influence the humoral immune response in pregnant Crioulo mares.(AU)

Tanto a gestação quanto a obesidade podem influenciar o desenvolvimento de alterações significativas no sistema imune, portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a resposta imune humoral de éguas gestantes com sobrepeso em resposta a uma vacina comercial. Trinta éguas Crioulas gestantes foram separadas de acordo com o escore de condição corporal (ECC) em éguas com sobrepeso (ECC≥7/9) e éguas controles (ECC=5-6/9) e, ainda, em cada grupo, os animais também foram separados em vacinados e controles. As éguas foram vacinadas contra o EHV-1 em duas doses com intervalo de 21 dias, sendo realizadas coletas de sangue mensalmente durante cinco meses para avaliação de anticorpos neutralizantes. Ambos os grupos vacinados tiveram aumento de anticorpos neutralizantes específicos após a vacina, porém, após a segunda dose, não foi observado aumento de anticorpos em nenhum dos grupos. Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre éguas vacinadas com sobrepeso e as éguas controles em nenhum momento. Assim, este estudo demonstrou que a obesidade não é um fator que influencia a resposta imune humoral de éguas Crioulas gestantes.(AU)

Mild to moderate overweight in dogs: is there an impact on routine hematological and biochemical profiles, echocardiographic parameters and cardiac autonomic modulation?

Obesity is considered the most common nutritional disease of dogs. Even though overt obesity is more likely to impair health, even moderately overweight dogs are at greater risk for requiring medication for chronic health problems earlier in life. Although the number of overweight dogs far exceeds the number of obese ones, most of the studies published so far focused on derangements in a mixed overweight/obese population (Body condition score - BCS ≥7/9) rather than in separated groups. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mild to moderate obesity on routine hematological and biochemical profile and cardiovascular parameters in dogs. Nine healthy lean (BCS =4-5/9) and 24 overweight dogs (BCS = 6-7/9) were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry analyses, echocardiographic parameters, and cardiac autonomic function by heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. In our study population, although total protein, globulin and phosphorus concentrations were increased in overweight compared to lean dogs, all complete blood count and biochemical parameters were within reference ranges for both groups. Parameters usually increased in obese dogs, like triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, were within reference ranges in our overweight population. There were no significant changes in echocardiographic parameters, but HRV had a significant decrease in high frequency (HF) power (P = 0.02), suggesting a depression in parasympathetic activity. Our findings show that mild to moderate overweight dogs do not show the hematological and echocardiographic alterations already reported for mixed overweight/obese populations but might have impaired cardiac autonomic modulation. Although not enough to make conclusions, our data raise the question of whether research studies should place overweight and obese dogs in the same category.

An overweight/obesity survey among dogs and cats attended at a veterinary teaching hospital during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic / Uma pesquisa sobre sobrepeso/obesidade em cães e gatos atendidos em um hospital veterinário escola durante o segundo ano de pandemia de COVID-19

Anecdotal reports suggest that the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) has increased overweight and obesity prevalence in dogs and cats. The present report aimed to perform a retrospective overweight/obesity survey on 1,001 consecutive cases attended in the Veterinary Clinics Hospital from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul during its reopening to the public after months closed due to the pandemic. The overall overweight or obesity observed prevalence was 36.63%; being the frequency in cats slightly greater (38.37%) than compared to dogs (35.76%). No local increase in these frequencies was detected. Neutering (dogs and cats), age greater than 10 years (dogs), and male gender (cats) were factors associated with overweight/obesity. Bodyweight was not registered in about 30% of the medical records, while the body condition score was not registered in about 50% of the cases. These flaws were more often observed in feline medical records and efforts to improve these data records are warranted.

Especula-se que a pandemia pelo novo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tenha agravado a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em cães e gatos. O presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento de sobrepeso/obesidade, o qual avaliou os registros de 1001 casos consecutivos atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, durante a reabertura da instituição ao público, após meses fechada devido à pandemia. Observou-se uma prevalência de sobrepeso ou de obesidade de 36,63%, sendo a frequência ligeiramente maior em gatos (38,37%) do que em cães (35,76%) e não sendo documentado aumento local na prevalência. Castrações (cães e gatos), idade > 10 anos (cães) e sexo masculino (gatos) foram associadas ao sobrepeso/obesidade. Em cerca de 30% das fichas não havia peso registrado, e em cerca de 50% não havia registro de ECC. Essas falhas foram mais frequentes em fichas de felinos e demandam medidas para aumentar o registro desses dados pelas equipes clínicas.

Prevalencia de obesidad en caninos entre los años 2015-2018 en el Hospital Veterinario Universitario de Chile: incidencia de obesidad en caninos / Prevalence of obesity in canines between 2015-2018 in a university veterinary hospital in Chile

ANTECEDENTES: La obesidad es un problema con alta prevalencia al día de hoy en los animales de compañía. Estudios sobre prevalencia de obesidad en caninos han sido realizados a nivel mundial, pero hasta ahora no ha habido estudios realizados en Chile. OBJETIVO: Establecer la distribución de la obesidad en nuestro país por medio del estudio retrospectivo de fichas analizadas en pacientes caninos en un hospital de referencia entre 2015 y 2018. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 3.500 fichas de pacientes nuevos atendidos, de estas fichas se reclutaron 733 pacientes con registro de condición corporal. Se utilizó la escala de 9 puntos, estableciendo condición corporal normal 5 de 9, sobrepeso 6 y 7 de 9; y obesidad 8 y 9 de 9. RESULTADOS: Al evaluar la distribución de la obesidad en pacientes caninos, se encontró la presencia de sobrepeso en un 26%, y obesidad en un 19,3%; en total un 4,3% de los pacientes presentan un estado de condición corporal sobre el ideal. CONCLUSIÓN: La obesidad encontrada en nuestro país corresponde a un poco menos 1/4 de los pacientes estudiados, pero casi un 50% de los pacientes analizados tenían condición corporal sobre el ideal, ambos datos se asemejan a los datos internacionales publicados en los últimos años en caninos.

INTRODUCTION: Studies of the obesity prevalence in canines have been carried out worldwide, but until now there have been no studies carried out in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To establish the distribution of obesity in our country through the retrospective study of records analyzed in canine patients in a reference hospital between 2015 and 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 3500 files of new patients attended were analyzed, from these files 733 patients with a body condition record were recruited. The 9-point scale was used, establishing normal body condition 5 out of 9, overweight 6 and 7 out of 9; and obesity 8 and 9 of 9. RESULTS: When evaluating the distribution of obesity in canine patients, the presence of overweight was found in 26%, and overweight in 19.3%; in total, 45.3% of the patients present a state of body condition above the ideal. CONCLUSION: The obesity found in our country corresponds to a little less 1/4 of the patients studied, but almost 50% of the patients analyzed had body condition above the ideal, both data resemble the international data published in recent years in canines.

Alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas de cães e gatos com sobrepeso e obesos / Hematological and biochemical alteration of dogs and cats with overweight and obeses / Alteraciones hematológicas y bioquímicas de perros y gatos com sobrepeso y obesos

A obesidade é uma doença nutricional frequente em cães e gatos, leva a diversas alterações nas funções corporais e limita a longevidade dos animais. Vários fatores contribuem para o desenvolvimento da obesidade nos animais, como genética, idade, raça, falta de atividade física, composição calórica dos alimentos, tipo e a forma de alimentação, distúrbios hormonais, medicamentos e fatores relacionados com os proprietários. O presente estudo teve como objetivo obter informações através da avaliação dos aspectos hematológicos e bioquímicos envolvidos no desenvolvimento da obesidade animal, assim como obter informações por meio de um questionário aplicado aos tutores sobre o conhecimento da obesidade seus animais. Foram selecionados 20 animais, dos quais 50% apresentavam sobrepeso e os outros 50% eram obesos, seguindo o escore de condição corporal (ECC), descritos por (1). No hemograma os valores permaneceram dentro do valor de referência da espécie, já na análise bioquímica foi evidenciadas alterações na concentração de colesterol, glicose, triglicérides e creatinina ao serem comparadas com os valores de referências das espécies, essas alterações são importantes pois podem interferir no bem estar e na longevidade desses animas. Mais alarmente ainda foi a dificuldade dos tutores em reconhecerem o sobrepeso e a obesidade em seus animais de companhia, e quando identificada a baixa porcentagem de procura de orientações médicas veterinárias para controle ou tratamento.(AU)

Obesity is a frequent nutritional disease in dogs and cats, leads to several changes in body functions and limits the longevity of animals. Several factors contribute to the development of obesity in animals, such as genetics, age, race, lack of physical activity, caloric composition of food, type and form of feeding, hormonal disorders, medications and factors related to owners. The present study aimed to obtain information through the evaluation of hematological and biochemical aspects involved in the development of animal obesity, as well as obtain information through a questionnaire applied to tutors about the knowledge of obesity in their animals. Twenty animals were selected, of which 50% were overweight and the other 50% were obese following the body condition score (ECC) described by (1). In the blood count, the values remained within the reference value of the species, whereas in the biochemical analysis changes in the concentration of cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and creatinine were shown when compared with the reference values of the species, these alterations are important because they can interfere with the well-being and longevity of these animals. Even more alarmingly was the tutors' difficulty in recognizing overweight and obesity in their pets, and when was identified the low percentage of seeking veterinary medical guidance for control or treatment.(AU)

La obesidad es una enfermedad nutricional frecuente en perros y gatos, provoca varios cambios en las funciones corporales y limita la longevidad de los animales. Varios factores contribuyen al desarrollo de la obesidad en animales, como la genética, la edad, la raza, la falta de actividad física, la composición calórica de los alimentos, el tipo y la forma de alimentación, los trastornos hormonales, los medicamentos y los factores relacionados con los propietarios. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener información a través de la evaluación de los aspectos hematológicos y bioquímicos involucrados en el desarrollo de la obesidad animal, así como obtener información a través de un cuestionario aplicado a los tutores sobre el conocimiento de la obesidad en sus animales. Se seleccionaron veinte animales, de los cuales el 50% tenían sobrepeso y el otro 50% eran obesos, siguiendo el puntaje de condición corporal (ECC), descrito por (1). En el recuento sanguíneo, los valores se mantuvieron dentro del valor de referencia de la especie, mientras que en el análisis bioquímico, se observaron cambios en la concentración de colesterol, glucosa, triglicéridos y creatinina en comparación con los valores de referencia de la especie, estos cambios son importantes porque pueden interferir en el bienestar y en la longevidad de estos animales. Aún más alarmante fue la dificultad de los tutores para reconocer el sobrepeso y la obesidad en sus mascotas, y cuando se identificó el bajo porcentaje de buscar orientación médica veterinaria para el control o el tratamiento.(AU)

What do Brazilian owners know about canine obesity and what risks does this knowledge generate?

Canine obesity is associated with genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors, with the latter including both the behaviour of the dog and the owner. Knowledge about owner perception of canine obesity and its treatment can inform the development of new strategies to help prevent and manage this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the opinions of dog owners regarding canine obesity and weight management. Dog owners residing in the city of Sao Paulo (Brazil) completed a questionnaire, either at home or in the waiting rooms of 3 veterinary hospitals. Owners determined their dog's body condition score (BCS), and this was compared with BCS determined by a veterinarian. Questionnaire findings from dogs that were in overweight (BCS 6-7/9) or obese (BCS (8-9/9) condition were compared with those in ideal weight (4-5/9) using chi-square tests and odds ratios. A total of 926 dogs were included, of which 480 (52%), 317 (34%) and 129 (14%) were in ideal, overweight and obese condition, respectively. Many owners under-estimated their dog's weight status, with the proportion increasing as the dog's weight status increased (ideal 60/480, 13%; overweight 174/317, 55%; obese 88/129, 68%; P<0.001). Although most owners (890/926, 96%) believed that canine obesity could pose health risks, the proportion that disagreed increased as weight status increased (ideal 12/480, 2%; overweight 14/317, 4%; 10/129, 8%; P = 0.006). Finally, although most owners (880/926, 95%) stated that they would let their dog undergo weight management, only a minority (182/926; 20%) believed that a trained professional was needed, and they had various misperceptions including potential cost and what the strategies that would be effective. Based on the findings of this study, it would be advisable for veterinarians to spend time addressing these misperceptions, in the hope of both improving awareness of obesity and the outcomes of weight management.

Prevalence of canine obesity in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Canine obesity is associated with comorbidities, a shortened lifespan, and a poorer quality of life, but epidemiological studies characterizing canine obesity in Latin America are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine obesity in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the possible associated causal factors. Randomly-selected households from different city regions were visited. Dogs in each household were evaluated and owners completed a questionnaire whilst their anthropometric measures were taken. Total of 285 dogs from 221 owners were included, and the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 40.5%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was greater in female dogs (P = 0.003) and in dogs that were neutered (P = 0.001). There was also a positive association between BCS and frequency of visits to a veterinarian (P = 0.026), feeding frequency (P = 0.033), and higher snack intake (P = 0.011). Further, the BCS of dogs was greater when their owners reported consuming more snacks themselves (P = 0.005) and whose had a presence of elderly people in the household (P = 0.006). In conclusion, the prevalence of obesity found in a Brazilian metropolitan region was similar to that if other countries, and neutering and snack intake were associated with the development of this disease.

Alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas de cães e gatos com sobrepeso e obesos / Hematological and biochemical alteration of dogs and cats with overweight and obeses / Alteraciones hematológicas y bioquímicas de perros y gatos com sobrepeso y obesos

A obesidade é uma doença nutricional frequente em cães e gatos, leva a diversas alterações nas funções corporais e limita a longevidade dos animais. Vários fatores contribuem para o desenvolvimento da obesidade nos animais, como genética, idade, raça, falta de atividade física, composição calórica dos alimentos, tipo e a forma de alimentação, distúrbios hormonais, medicamentos e fatores relacionados com os proprietários. O presente estudo teve como objetivo obter informações através da avaliação dos aspectos hematológicos e bioquímicos envolvidos no desenvolvimento da obesidade animal, assim como obter informações por meio de um questionário aplicado aos tutores sobre o conhecimento da obesidade seus animais. Foram selecionados 20 animais, dos quais 50% apresentavam sobrepeso e os outros 50% eram obesos, seguindo o escore de condição corporal (ECC), descritos por (1). No hemograma os valores permaneceram dentro do valor de referência da espécie, já na análise bioquímica foi evidenciadas alterações na concentração de colesterol, glicose, triglicérides e creatinina ao serem comparadas com os valores de referências das espécies, essas alterações são importantes pois podem interferir no bem estar e na longevidade desses animas. Mais alarmente ainda foi a dificuldade dos tutores em reconhecerem o sobrepeso e a obesidade em seus animais de companhia, e quando identificada a baixa porcentagem de procura de orientações médicas veterinárias para controle ou tratamento.

Obesity is a frequent nutritional disease in dogs and cats, leads to several changes in body functions and limits the longevity of animals. Several factors contribute to the development of obesity in animals, such as genetics, age, race, lack of physical activity, caloric composition of food, type and form of feeding, hormonal disorders, medications and factors related to owners. The present study aimed to obtain information through the evaluation of hematological and biochemical aspects involved in the development of animal obesity, as well as obtain information through a questionnaire applied to tutors about the knowledge of obesity in their animals. Twenty animals were selected, of which 50% were overweight and the other 50% were obese following the body condition score (ECC) described by (1). In the blood count, the values remained within the reference value of the species, whereas in the biochemical analysis changes in the concentration of cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and creatinine were shown when compared with the reference values of the species, these alterations are important because they can interfere with the well-being and longevity of these animals. Even more alarmingly was the tutors' difficulty in recognizing overweight and obesity in their pets, and when was identified the low percentage of seeking veterinary medical guidance for control or treatment.

La obesidad es una enfermedad nutricional frecuente en perros y gatos, provoca varios cambios en las funciones corporales y limita la longevidad de los animales. Varios factores contribuyen al desarrollo de la obesidad en animales, como la genética, la edad, la raza, la falta de actividad física, la composición calórica de los alimentos, el tipo y la forma de alimentación, los trastornos hormonales, los medicamentos y los factores relacionados con los propietarios. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener información a través de la evaluación de los aspectos hematológicos y bioquímicos involucrados en el desarrollo de la obesidad animal, así como obtener información a través de un cuestionario aplicado a los tutores sobre el conocimiento de la obesidad en sus animales. Se seleccionaron veinte animales, de los cuales el 50% tenían sobrepeso y el otro 50% eran obesos, siguiendo el puntaje de condición corporal (ECC), descrito por (1). En el recuento sanguíneo, los valores se mantuvieron dentro del valor de referencia de la especie, mientras que en el análisis bioquímico, se observaron cambios en la concentración de colesterol, glucosa, triglicéridos y creatinina en comparación con los valores de referencia de la especie, estos cambios son importantes porque pueden interferir en el bienestar y en la longevidad de estos animales. Aún más alarmante fue la dificultad de los tutores para reconocer el sobrepeso y la obesidad en sus mascotas, y cuando se identificó el bajo porcentaje de buscar orientación médica veterinaria para el control o el tratamiento.

Foals developmental orthopedic disease associated with metabolic and biometric characterization of pregnant overweight crioulo mares

Background: Musculoskeletal changes in growing foals can be linked to metabolic disorders which affect the cartilage metabolism associated of obesity during the late gestation of the mares, negatively affecting the athletic performance of the otherwise prospective foals. High basal insulin levels can be associated with increased weight and obesity of the mares, altering the supply of the glucose to the fetus and the production of IGF-1, which plays an important role in the endochondral cartilage metabolism. The present study aims to describe the association of metabolic and biometric alterations in overweight Criollo mares with IGF-1 levels and the presence of articular and physeal lesions in their foals. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective and observational cohort study was conducted using the foals and the overweight mares at field conditions. Twenty-eight foals and their overweight mothers were utilized. The foals’ biometric and metabolic features as weight and height; glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol HDL, triglycerides, basal insulin, leptin, glucose, total T4 and IGF-1 were analyzed, from the birth until the weaning period around sixth month of life of it. All the foals, at the weaning period, were submitted to the radiograph examination of the tarsal joints and the metacarpal-phalangeal joints to evaluate signs of lesions and the possible distal metacarpal physeal changes, respectively. The mares’ biometric and metabolic features as weight, height and fat tail-head deposition; basal insulin, leptin, glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol HDL and triglycerides were analyzed at the final period of gestation. The basal insulin levels of the foals at the second, fourth and sixth month of life were 9.87 ± 1.82 µUI/mL, 9.13 ± 1.94 µUI/mL, 9.39 ± 2.54 µUI/mL. The IGF-1 levels of the foals at the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth...

A percepção do proprietário no sobrepeso e obesidade de cães / The perception of overweight and obesity in dogs by their owners / La percepción del proprietario em el sobrepeso y la obesidade de los perros

O sobrepeso e a obesidade em cães vêm mostrando níveis alarmantes no mundo inteiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a percepção de tutores sobre o escore corporal de seus cães. Os tutores selecionados classificaram os cães de acordo com seu escore corporal, inicialmente sem qualquer auxílio e posteriormente com ajuda de uma tabela com figuras para referências. Os animais foram também classificados por um examinador veterinário. O estudo revelou que 54% dos cães estão em sobrepeso ou obesos e que fêmeas e animais mais velhos têm maior predisposição ao ganho de peso. Os tutores subestimaram o escore corporal de seus cães em 53,70% antes e 42,60% após a tabela. Concluímos que os tutores sentem dificuldade em identificar o escore corporal de seus animais.

Overweight and obesity in dogs has shown alarming levels worldwide. The objective of the study was to characterize the perception of the owners on the body condition of their dogs. Owners classified their dogs acording to its body condition score, initially without any help and later with a table with reference figures. The animals were also classified by a veterinarian examiner. The study revealed that 54% of dogs are overweight or obese, and that female and older animals are more prone to weight gain. The owners underestimated body condition score of their dogs in 53.70% before and 42.60% after the table. We conclude that the owners have difficulty in identifying the body condition of their animals.

El sobrepeso y la obesidad en los perros vienen mostrando niveles alarmantes en todo el mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la percepción de tutores sobre la puntuación corporal de sus perros. Los tutores seleccionados clasificaron a los perros de acuerdo con su puntuación corporal, inicialmente sin ninguna ayuda y posteriormente con ayuda de una tabla con figuras para referencias. Los animales también fueron clasificados por un examinador veterinario. El estudio reveló que el 54% de los perros están en sobrepeso u obesos y que las hembras y los animales de más edad tienen mayor predisposición a la ganancia de peso. Los tutores subestimaron la puntuación corporal de sus perros en el 53,70% antes y el 42,60% después de la tabla, Concluimos que los tutores sienten dificultad en identificar la puntuación corporal de sus animales.

A percepção do proprietário no sobrepeso e obesidade de cães / The perception of overweight and obesity in dogs by their owners / La percepción del proprietario em el sobrepeso y la obesidade de los perros

O sobrepeso e a obesidade em cães vêm mostrando níveis alarmantes no mundo inteiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a percepção de tutores sobre o escore corporal de seus cães. Os tutores selecionados classificaram os cães de acordo com seu escore corporal, inicialmente sem qualquer auxílio e posteriormente com ajuda de uma tabela com figuras para referências. Os animais foram também classificados por um examinador veterinário. O estudo revelou que 54% dos cães estão em sobrepeso ou obesos e que fêmeas e animais mais velhos têm maior predisposição ao ganho de peso. Os tutores subestimaram o escore corporal de seus cães em 53,70% antes e 42,60% após a tabela. Concluímos que os tutores sentem dificuldade em identificar o escore corporal de seus animais.(AU)

Overweight and obesity in dogs has shown alarming levels worldwide. The objective of the study was to characterize the perception of the owners on the body condition of their dogs. Owners classified their dogs acording to its body condition score, initially without any help and later with a table with reference figures. The animals were also classified by a veterinarian examiner. The study revealed that 54% of dogs are overweight or obese, and that female and older animals are more prone to weight gain. The owners underestimated body condition score of their dogs in 53.70% before and 42.60% after the table. We conclude that the owners have difficulty in identifying the body condition of their animals.(AU)

El sobrepeso y la obesidad en los perros vienen mostrando niveles alarmantes en todo el mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la percepción de tutores sobre la puntuación corporal de sus perros. Los tutores seleccionados clasificaron a los perros de acuerdo con su puntuación corporal, inicialmente sin ninguna ayuda y posteriormente con ayuda de una tabla con figuras para referencias. Los animales también fueron clasificados por un examinador veterinario. El estudio reveló que el 54% de los perros están en sobrepeso u obesos y que las hembras y los animales de más edad tienen mayor predisposición a la ganancia de peso. Los tutores subestimaron la puntuación corporal de sus perros en el 53,70% antes y el 42,60% después de la tabla, Concluimos que los tutores sienten dificultad en identificar la puntuación corporal de sus animales.(AU)

Serum evaluation of leptin, IL-6, IGF-1 and estrogen in obese bitches with early stages of mammary carcinoma / Avaliação sérica de leptina, IL-6, IGF-1 e estrógeno em cadelas com excesso de peso e portadoras de carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial

The aim of this study was to relate the serum concentration IL-6, IGF-1, leptin and estrogen in non-castrated bitches with or without overweight and early stage mammary carcinomas. Forty-three bitches were divided into four groups, two groups without mammary carcinomas with and without overweight, and two groups with mammary carcinomas with and without overweight. Overweight bitches, with or without mammary carcinomas, were statistically different from bitches by ideal weight, in relation to ECC, IMCC and body fat percentages (P< 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between ECC and IMCC (P< 0.0001), ECC and % GC (P< 0.0001), and IMCC and % GC (P< 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between serum leptin and IL-6 (P= 0.0451) and leptin and IGF-1 (P= 0.05). A positive correlation (P= 0.0053) between ECC and leptin was found in the analysis of body evaluation methods and serum concentrations, and a negative correlation between ECC and IL-6 (P= 0.0435). Among the fat percentage and the leptin concentration, there was a positive correlation (P= 0.0016), as found between the IMCC and leptin (P= 0, 0209). In this study, no association was observed between excessive weight and the presence of early stage mammary carcinomas.(AU)

Este estudo teve por objetivo relacionar a concentração sérica de IL-6, IGF-1, leptina e estrógeno, em cadelas não castradas com ou sem excesso de peso, e carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial. Quarenta e três cadelas foram divididas em quatro grupos, sendo dois de cadelas sem carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso, e dois de cadelas com carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso. Cadelas com excesso de peso, com ou sem carcinomas mamários, foram estatisticamente diferentes de cadelas em peso ideal, em relação às avaliações corporais de ECC, IMCC e percentual de gordura corpórea (P<0,0001). Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre ECC e IMCC (P<0,0001), ECC e %GC (P<0,0001), e IMCC e %GC (P<0,0001). As análises de estrógeno, leptina, IL-6 e IGF-1 não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Demonstrou-se correlação positiva entre as concentrações séricas de leptina e IL-6 (P=0,0451) e leptina e IGF-1 (P=0,05). Encontrou-se correlação positiva entre ECC e leptina (P=0,0053) e negativa entre ECC e IL-6 (P=0,0435). Entre o percentual de gordura e leptina encontrou-se correlação positiva (P=0,0016), assim como entre IMCC e leptina (P=0,0209). Neste estudo, não se observou associação entre excesso de peso e a presença de carcinomas mamários em estadio inicial.(AU)

Serum evaluation of leptin, IL-6, IGF-1 and estrogen in obese bitches with early stages of mammary carcinoma / Avaliação sérica de leptina, IL-6, IGF-1 e estrógeno em cadelas com excesso de peso e portadoras de carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial

The aim of this study was to relate the serum concentration IL-6, IGF-1, leptin and estrogen in non-castrated bitches with or without overweight and early stage mammary carcinomas. Forty-three bitches were divided into four groups, two groups without mammary carcinomas with and without overweight, and two groups with mammary carcinomas with and without overweight. Overweight bitches, with or without mammary carcinomas, were statistically different from bitches by ideal weight, in relation to ECC, IMCC and body fat percentages (P< 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between ECC and IMCC (P< 0.0001), ECC and % GC (P< 0.0001), and IMCC and % GC (P< 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between serum leptin and IL-6 (P= 0.0451) and leptin and IGF-1 (P= 0.05). A positive correlation (P= 0.0053) between ECC and leptin was found in the analysis of body evaluation methods and serum concentrations, and a negative correlation between ECC and IL-6 (P= 0.0435). Among the fat percentage and the leptin concentration, there was a positive correlation (P= 0.0016), as found between the IMCC and leptin (P= 0, 0209). In this study, no association was observed between excessive weight and the presence of early stage mammary carcinomas.(AU)

Este estudo teve por objetivo relacionar a concentração sérica de IL-6, IGF-1, leptina e estrógeno, em cadelas não castradas com ou sem excesso de peso, e carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial. Quarenta e três cadelas foram divididas em quatro grupos, sendo dois de cadelas sem carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso, e dois de cadelas com carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso. Cadelas com excesso de peso, com ou sem carcinomas mamários, foram estatisticamente diferentes de cadelas em peso ideal, em relação às avaliações corporais de ECC, IMCC e percentual de gordura corpórea (P<0,0001). Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre ECC e IMCC (P<0,0001), ECC e %GC (P<0,0001), e IMCC e %GC (P<0,0001). As análises de estrógeno, leptina, IL-6 e IGF-1 não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Demonstrou-se correlação positiva entre as concentrações séricas de leptina e IL-6 (P=0,0451) e leptina e IGF-1 (P=0,05). Encontrou-se correlação positiva entre ECC e leptina (P=0,0053) e negativa entre ECC e IL-6 (P=0,0435). Entre o percentual de gordura e leptina encontrou-se correlação positiva (P=0,0016), assim como entre IMCC e leptina (P=0,0209). Neste estudo, não se observou associação entre excesso de peso e a presença de carcinomas mamários em estadio inicial.(AU)

Sonographic Evaluation of Liver Hemodynamic Indices in Overweight and Obese Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic circulatory disturbances have been associated with obesity and fatty liver in humans. In the veterinary literature, however, there is limited information regarding the effects of different body condition scores (BCS) on liver hemodynamic indices in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of BCS on liver hemodynamic indices. ANIMALS: Fifty-three client-owned dogs of various breeds were included. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Dogs were divided into 3 BCS groups using a 5-point scale: G1 - 12 ideal dogs, G2 - 21 overweight dogs, G3 - 20 obese dogs. Mean portal velocity (MPV), portal blood flow volume (PBFV), portal congestion index (PCI), hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI), and hepatic vein (HV) spectral wave were obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Liver enzymes activities and liver hemodynamic indices were compared among groups. RESULTS: Obese dogs had lower MPV, higher percentage of abnormal hepatic vein spectral wave and higher median ALP activity than did ideal dogs (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese dogs had lower PBFV than ideal dogs (P < 0.01). Overweight dogs had higher median GGT activity than ideal dogs (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for PCI, HARI and median ALT activity among the groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Obesity was associated with changes in portal vein indices and in HV spectral wave. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in some liver enzymes activities and could be a sign of early liver disease.

Metabolic evaluation in overweight and obese cats and association with blood pressure / Avaliação metabólica em gatos com sobrepeso e obesos e sua associação com pressão arterial

Obesity has been increasing in cats andis associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The association of these alterations can trigger the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the serum levels of glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), andalanine aminotransferase of cats and to identify the possibility of MS,as well as to evaluate changes in arterial pressure. Thirty-seven cats were classified by ECC and morphometric measurements, namely, 15 obese, 12 overweight, and 10 controls. Nocat manifested MS. Only VLDL had a statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between groups. Therefore, obesity may not be associated with arterial hypertension, and more studies are needed to evaluate the metabolic alterations in overweight and obese cats.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, tem sido observado um aumento na incidência de obesidade em gatos, sendo associado a doenças metabólicas e cardiovasculares e a associação dessas alterações pode desencadear o surgimento de síndrome metabólica. Diante disto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os níveis séricos de glicose, frutosamina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, HDL, LDL, VLDL e ALT dos gatos e identificar uma possível presença de síndrome metabólica nos mesmos, além de avaliar a ocorrência de alterações na pressão arterial. Utilizaram-se 37 gatos, classificados através de ECC e medidas morfométricas em 15 obesos, 12 sobrepesos e 10 controles. Nenhum gato do estudo manifestou síndrome metabólica. Apenas o VLDL obteve diferença estatisticamente significativa (P 0.05) entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que a obesidade pode não estar associada à hipertensão arterial e que se necessita de mais estudos para avaliar as alterações metabólicas em gatos com sobrepeso e obesos.(AU)