Cardiovascular evaluation and determination of atherosclerotic factors in obese dogs

Abstract

Obesity is already considered the most common nutritional change in dogs. It's usually chronic and progressive and predisposes to increased morbidity and mortality due to several factors. The objective of this project is to determine the degree of obesity (by body condition score (BCS) and the deuterium isotopes dilution method), evaluate cardiovascular function and measure lipid factors related to atherosclerosis, to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese dogs. It will be used 10 dogs with normal weight (BCS = 5, control group) and 10 obese dogs (BCS greater than 7 and body fat mass greater than 30%). In dogs of both groups the following tests will be performed: hematological, biochemical (including lipid profile), measurement of noninvasive blood pressure, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and determination of serum concentrations of apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I. Obese dogs will be reassessed after caloric restriction and losing 20% of initial weight. Due to the number of obese dogs and increased occurrence of chronic diseases related to excess body fat, it is relevant to determine the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in obese dogs, before and after participation of these animals in weight loss programs. (AU)