Estudo clínico em felinos obesos

Abstract

In veterinary medicine studying the causes and consequences of obesity in felines is recent. Obesity occurs mainly due to incorrect food management associated with physical inactivity, although other situations such as sterilization may be involved. Weight gain may involve physical, behavioral, and metabolic changes. The objective of the present study was to describe three clinical cases of overweight cats, to evaluate adherence to the weight loss program, and to study domiciled felines in relation to body condition, diet and physical activity, and the relationship with metabolism. Three felines were evaluated, which came to clinical attention due to the excess weight complaint. Patients were weighed and measured the chest circumference and tibia length to obtain body mass index, and blood samples were also taken to evaluate glucose, urea, fructosamine and alanine aminotransferase. When overweight / obesity was confirmed, dietary reeducation and regular exercise were proposed. We also studied 52 domiciled felines of different ages, both sexes and were investigated regarding their reproductive condition, eating habits and physical activities. The animals were weighed and measured as previously described for determination of body condition and percentage of body fat. Serum levels of glucose, urea, fructosamine, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine were also evaluated, as well as data collection. In the three felines evaluated the excess weight reflected in behavioral alterations, but no interferences of the pathology in the metabolic and enzymatic parameters were found. Despite the diagnosis of overweight, and changes noted by tutors, adherence to a weight loss program was low. The total sample, 52 animals, was composed of felines between one and nine years of age, three being less than three years old, 41 three to six years old and eight older than six years, males (31) and females (21), being 46 castrated and six integers. The weight of the felines ranged from 3.1kg to 10.4kg, and when considering the body score 14 animals were considered as lean or ideal weight and 38 were overweight or obese. The thoracic circumference varied from 31 to 60cm and the measurement of the patella to the calcaneus was 11.5 to 15cm, resulting in a fat percentage between 24 and 63%. Only 20 animals had daily physical activities while 30 were considered to be sedentary. Regarding food, the vast majority received only ration (45) and a small part (seven) received homemade food / ration / snack. The amount of feed per day ranged from 75 to 225g. Of the felines studied, 28 received feed freely, 12 the feed was divided and weighed according to the individual need and for others 12 the feed was divided but not heavy. From this study it is possible to conclude the importance of the sedentarism with the development and maintenance of the obesity picture, being able to be considered afeedback of the disease. Also, factors such as sterilization and feeding the will are fundamental for the health of the felines, but alone do not determine the weight gain.