As of 2018, pet obesity in the US affects an estimated 55.8 percent of dogs and 59.5 percent of cats, resulting in secondary conditions such as arthritis, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. A complete and balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise is fundamental to optimize health and longevity in companion animals, meaning overweight pets have reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy. Seeking to address this major modern-day problem, this book provides a comprehensive review of obesity in small animal medicine.

Veterinarians seeking to provide weight management services in practice will find clinically-applicable information from expert authors from both academic and practice backgrounds. Chapters cover topics ranging from epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity to evaluation of body composition, and nutritional and behavioral management. The book also explores the role of exercise in managing obesity and looks at the management of co-morbidities. Finally, the authors present a range of case studies to demonstrate these topics in real-life practice.

Epidemiology of Small Animal Obesity - Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe

Pathophysiology of Obesity: Metabolic Effects and Inflammation Mediators - Angela Witzel

Pathophysiology of Obesity: Co-Morbidties and Anesthetic Considerations - Valerie Parker, Elizabeth Orcutt, Lydia Love

Evaluation of Body Composition to Diagnose Obesity - Charlotte Reinhard Bjørnvad, Lene Elisabeth Buelund

Nutritional Management of Obesity - Martha G. Cline, Maryanne Murphy

Behavioral Management of Obesity - Deborah E. Linder

Role of Exercise in the Management of Obesity - Justin Shmalberg

Establishing a Weight Management Program in Clinical Practice - Maryanne Murphy, Alexander J. German, Martha G. Cline

Case Examples - Moran Tal, Claudia Wong, Megan Shepherd, Lydia Love; Charlotte Reinhard Bjørnvad, Andrew McGlinchey, Martha Cline, Deborah E. Linder, Justin Shmalberg, Ashley Cox

Martha Cline gained her DVM at the University of Tennessee in 2010 and returned in 2011 to complete her residency in clinical nutrition. She joined the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in 2013. Martha is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

 

Maryanne Murphy gained her DVM at Iowa State University in 2008 and joined the University of Tennessee in 2009 to complete her residency in clinical nutrition and PhD with a focus on energy metabolism and satiety in lean and obese dogs. She joined the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in 2014 and returned to the University of Tennessee as faculty in 2016. Maryanne is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.