Vol. 8, Issue 7 (2019)

Author(s):
Gurpreet Singh Preet, Sujata Turkar, SK Uppal, CS Randhawa and Sushma Chhabra

Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to determine potential risk factors associated with obesity and to evaluate haemato-biochemical and lipid alterations in overweight and obese dogs. A total of 95 healthy adult dogs (33 overweight, 46 obese and 16 control dogs) presented for routine health checkup or vaccination were selected for study. Results- Risk factors associated with obesity were feeding several times a day, table scraps, treats/snacks, obese and aged owners and small living areas. Hemoglobin (Hb) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) values were significantly higher in overweight and obese dogs at P≤0.10 and P≤0.05 respectively. Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) values were significantly (P<0.05) higher in both overweight and obese dogs. Albumin level was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in obese dogs while serum calcium level was significantly higher in overweight and obese dogs at P≤0.05 and P≤0.10 respectively. Serum lipid levels (Cholesterol, triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in overweight and obese dogs as compared to normal weight dogs. Hence, these haemato-biochemical parameters along with risk factor can be used for early diagnosis of obesity in companion dogs.