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Terry Kelley CVT, CPDT, CAP1 (Summer 2007)
First Published in Yankee Dog Magazine All of the pets pictured on this page, are at a healthy weight.
Supersized Pets
Along with our increasing girth, our pets’ waistlines are also
expanding at a rapid pace. Recent studies have concluded at least
25% of our dogs (and cats) are overweight and 5% are obese.
Overweight is defined as 10% above their ideal weight and obese is
20% or more above their ideal weight. I work in a veterinary hospital
and see overweight and obese pets every day. Some of these pets are
so hefty they can barely walk or get up. Even minor movement results
in labored breathing, joint pain and stress. Yet their owners are
blind to their suffering and in denial about their weight problem.
Slentrol – Doggy Diet Pill?
In January 2007 the FDA approved a diet drug for canines called
Slentrol. Slentrol (dirlotapide) is produced by Pfizer, a
leading drug manufacturer. The original intent of their drug research
was to assess its ability to lower cholesterol in people. But now
Slentrol is targeted at dogs considered obese (it is not approved
for cats because of potential liver damage) and can only be prescribed
by a licensed veterinarian.
Slentrol’s mode of action is known as a selective microsomal
triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor. Basically, it functions
by blocking the production and release of lipoproteins (a substance
composed of fats and proteins such as Cholesterol) into the blood
stream. However, exactly why Slentrol causes weight loss is not
yet fully understood. They believe it results from a reduction in
fat absorption, along with a corresponding feeling of being ‘full’.
The cost per day for this drug is estimated at $1-2. Canine side
effects include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite.
For more details on the drug specifics, please refer to the
package
insert information at Pfizer’s web location.
Lest people get the idea they can benefit from this new drug,
Slentrol will carry a warning about the dangerous side effects
it can have on humans and clearly indicate it is ‘not for use
in humans’. The FDA’s side effects warning for humans include
(but are not limited to): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
distention and pain.
My first concern with this drug is it was originally intended
for humans, but research data deemed it unsafe. So how safe can
it be for other species? Second, it has an unknown mechanism of
action. Meaning, the longer term effects of this drug cannot
be determined at this time. Third, the known side effects are
very unpleasant in both dogs and humans. In rare cases, there
may be a very small number of dogs for which a weight reduction
drug may be medically necessary. But why would the rest of us
want to use Slentrol on an overweight dog, when the vast majority
of dogs can achieve weight reduction by limiting their food intake?
Body Condition Score (BCS)
So how does the typical dog (or cat) owner determine if his
or her pet is overweight and what are the potential risks involved
in this health issue?
Overweight pets are more prone to spinal and joint injuries,
torn tendons and ligaments (Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries
are very common), arthritis, heart disease, Diabetes, Cushing’s
Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) and many more health issues.
Studies have shown overweight pets live an average of 1-2 years
less than a pet maintained at an ideal weight.
So how does the average dog or cat person assess an ideal
weight for their pet? In recent years a Body Condition Score
(BCS) has been developed to determine if a pet is too thin,
too heavy or at an ideal weight. The 5-point BCS scale ratings
are: very thin, underweight, ideal, overweight and obese. The
9-point scale is: emaciated, very thin, thin, underweight, ideal,
overweight, heavy, obese and grossly obese.
An ideal weight is defined as having palpable ribs, with a
thin layer of fat. If you run your hands over your dog’s or cat's
rib cage you should be able to feel his ribs without pressing down
through a fat layer. When your dog or cat is viewed from the side,
the widest area should be from the top of the spine (above shoulder
area) to the bottom of his chest (right behind his elbow). From
the side, his rib cage line should angle up towards his pelvic
area, ending in a distinct waist (tucks up under his pelvis).
When viewed from above, the widest point should be at the shoulder
area and then taper in towards his pelvic area (defining a waist).
The base of his tail should have a smooth contour without any fat
deposits. For more information, check out these web sites on BCS.
Feline &
Canine Body Condition Score Chart - 5 point scale
Once you have reviewed the BCS, make an honest assessment of
your pet’s weight and physical condition. Then decide to do
something about it.
Doggy Weight Watchers
As much as we hate to admit it, the major cause of obesity
in our pets is not the result of an underlying
disease process or poor genetics. We simply over feed our
pets and must accept responsibility for it. Extra food does
not equal extra love, especially when it jeopardizes
our beloved pet’s health, mobility and life span. You can easily
improve your dog’s health since you have total control over
how much you feed your dog. As smart as dogs are, they still do not
have opposable thumbs to run a can opener.
Your first step in starting a ‘doggy diet’ is to simply
reduce the portions you feed your pet !
Instead, feed a morning and evening meal. Place the
food bowl down and leave it there for 15 minutes. When the
time is up, pick up the bowl and do not feed your dog until
the next meal. If your dog is a grazer, goes on ‘strike’ or
is a fussy eater, it won’t be too long before he discovers he
must eat when the food is presented. Dogs are not stupid and
they will not starve themselves.
Begin with short walks and play sessions and slowly build up
to longer sessions over weeks or months as your dog starts to
slim down and his exercise tolerance improves. Do not over exert
or stress him at any time.
Don’t despair. You are not the only person guilty of feeding your
dog too much. In December 2006 when our dogs had their annual checkup,
I was aghast to learn four of them had gained 3-4 pounds in a year
(about 10% of their body weight)! Their BCS was 3.5 - 4. Even though
they get plenty of exercise, I had no one to blame but myself. A
little extra food or snacks, an occasional pig ear, stuffed Kong toys,
training treats ... you name it, it all added up. The remedy was simple.
I had to start feeding the dogs less and getting them out for walks more
often ... and that is what I did.
We all love our dogs. Starting today, you can help your dog slim
down and keep him healthy, happy and active for years to come.
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