科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
Overweight and obesity in dogs and cats seems to be-an increasing problem in small animal practice. Although an enhanced body weight is sometimes considered not to be a direct disease, it can be associated with various adverse consequences such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular problems or reduced life expectancy. In general, an evaluation of the body condition of an animal should be based on regular weighing and the so-called Body Condition Scoring System. Further methods for the measurement of the body fat percentage of an animal (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, sonography or bioelectrical impedance analysis) have not been standardised for practice or require high investment costs for the equipment. %26lt;br%26gt;Dietetic measures for reducing body weight focus primarily on a restriction of the animal%26apos;s daily energy intake, whereby either the amount of the normal feed can be restricted or a specific weight-reduction diet can be used. An adequate weight-reduction diet should have a lower energy density compared to a standard diet. This can be achieved by it having a lower fat concentration or additionally a higher proportion of crude fibre. Dietary fibre can also enhance the feeling of satiety in dogs and cats. Soluble fibre (e.g. pectins in apples and carrots) can inhibit gastric emptying and prolong the residence time of the digesta in the intestine. Insoluble fibre that can be provided with cellulose or wheat bran increases the volume of the gastrointestinal contents, which may activate the stretch receptors and mediate a feeling of satiety. Finally, a weight-reduction diet should have a higher crude protein concentration than a standard diet, since this can prevent the loss of lean body mass during weight reduction. The supportive effects of specific nutrients like carnitine, diacylglycerols or chromium on weight loss in dogs and cats have only been rarely investigated and should be considered in future studies. Besides the dietetic measures, enhanced physical activity should also be included in the weight-reduction program for dogs and cats, since this can be assumed to have beneficial effects on the daily energy expenditure, body condition and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance. Where appropriate, the drugs mitratapide or dirlotapide can also support weight loss in dogs. In conclusion, weight loss in overweight or obese dogs and cats not only can reduce the risk of secondary diseases, but also can improve the quality of life and lifespan of affected animals.
- 出版日期2014-9
