Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro

Weight Clinics. We are definitely seeing a rise in the number of over-weight pets in practice – mainly cats and dogs but other species too. An animal can be called obese when its body weight exceeds the recommended weight by 15-20% It is estimated that around 30% off all dogs and cats are in the obese category. There are many diseases/metabolic changes caused by obesity namely diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, tracheal collapse, pancreatitis, hepatic lipidosis etc etc – the list is infinite. To treat obesity you need a compliant owner. Have you noticed how many obese pets are accompanied by obese owners? I have found it a little awkward on some occasions during weight clinics in practice when I attempt to guilt trip owners into reducing calories only to find myself noticing the owners many rolls of fat around the midline/neck regions! Increased activity levels combined with a satisfying appropriate diet carefully chosen and daily amount accurately worked out. Hills reps do have lots of useful literature and tools to assist with this. The main item I find essential is the pocket calculator which works out percent overweight/quantity of food required/time taken to lose weight etc It is a brilliant invention and saves a lot of time. I also find if you use this to work everything out in front of the owner it really gives them the confidence as you have told the in no uncertain terms that this will work and when as long as they adhere to your guidelines. Once the animal has reached its preferred target weight a certificate should be issued and some recognition for the owners hard work. A photograph of before and after the dieting and plenty of praise for the owner will go down well. Continue to check weight regularly to ensure it doesn’t creep back on afterwards. I find weight clinics are invaluable in practice and you can get a real rapport with owner and animal if you allow a good 20 minute clinic for them every week.


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