Prevalence of canine obesity in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Caregiver-reported increased food motivation and adiposity in dogs receiving antiseizure drugs

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs and requires lifelong administration of antiseizure drugs (ASD). A decreased level of energy and increased food intake and weight gain have been described as long-lasting side effects.

METHODS

We assessed food motivation (FM), using the previously validated dog obesity risk assessment questionnaire, in dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (n = 222) and healthy dogs (n = 7086) to determine if epilepsy and ASD were associated with increased FM and adiposity and decreased activity. We also assessed how caregivers managed weight gain in this population of dogs in the study.

RESULTS

Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy receiving ASD had significantly higher FM than healthy dogs. Their carers also reported significantly greater interventional effort and food restriction compared with healthy dogs, yet they had significantly higher adiposity. Minimal modelling showed that within the epileptic group, ASD had the highest impact on FM, with an effect size of 32%.

LIMITATIONS

Carer-reported data were used, which could have introduced bias. Furthermore, the sample size did not allow us to distinguish the effect of individual ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

ASD increases FM in dogs, resulting in greater adiposity.

Retrospective investigation of the energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance after weight loss programme in obese dogs

Obesity is a highly prevalent disease in dogs and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that results in metabolic changes. Its treatment is based on a negative energy balance focusing on energy restriction. However, there are few studies in dogs that assessed the energy intake needed for adequate weight loss and to weight maintenance afterward. The aim of this study was to evaluate data about the treatment of canine obesity, with emphasis on energy restriction to induce weight loss and to maintain body weight (BW) and ideal body condition after weight loss. This was a retrospective study in which records of obese dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital were assessed between 2014 and 2020. Sixteen dogs were considered in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and 10 of these participated in the maintenance phase after weight loss. The animals lost a mean of 23.2% their initial weight in a mean of 422 days. The mean weekly weight loss rate was 0.58% of BW, and the mean daily energy intake for weight loss was 59 kcal/kg current BW0.75. When the target BW was considered, which was defined as the current weight minus 10% for every point in the body condition score scale above 5, the mean energy for weight loss was 71 kcal/kg target BW0.75. In the maintenance phase, the animals were assessed for a mean of 134 days. The mean energy intake to maintenance BW was 70 kcal/kg BW0.75. The lower energy requirement of obese dogs during and after weight loss can work as an alert for the formulations of therapeutic weight loss diets to contain a high nutrient density focusing on the wellbeing, health, and quality of life of obese dogs, not just for the weight loss phase, but a diet for the weight maintenance phase.

Reporting perceived capability, motivations, and barriers to reducing treat feeding amongst dog and cat caregivers

Obesity remains a significant concern for dogs and cats, and reducing or eliminating treats is commonly recommended as a strategy for weight management. Caregivers can struggle with adherence to such dietary recommendations. Previous research suggests caregivers are reluctant to reduce treats but there is limited understanding of the underlying factors contributing to these behaviours and decisions. The objective of this study was to explore caregivers' motivations and barriers to reducing treat feeding, and their reported capability to do so. An online questionnaire including multiple choice and Likert scale questions was disseminated to dog and cat caregivers (n=1053) primarily from Canada and the USA from September to November 2021. Caregivers commonly expressed a wide range of motivations to reduce treat feeding with their pet, though barriers to reducing treat feeding were less defined. Changing their pet's routine was a reported barrier by more than 30% of respondents and was predictive of caregivers finding reducing treat giving to be difficult (OR=1.67, p=0.017). Results from multivariable logistic regression also revealed that caregivers who consider their companion animal to be obese as more likely to perceive reducing treats to be difficult. The results highlight the role of treats in the relationship and routine of caregivers' and their pets, and the importance of considering the individualised needs and circumstance of the caregiver and pet in veterinary discussions surrounding reducing treat feeding. Identifying these perspectives can improve self-efficacy with veterinary nutrition recommendations surrounding treats.

Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in dogs presenting to French university veterinary teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pet obesity is still a major health issue, which is considered an epidemic by some researchers. Prevention is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Human lifestyle was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an increased overweight prevalence in the population. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs during this period has been poorly explored. This study's objectives were to assess the percentage of the French dog population with overweight and obesity, compare the results with a study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate any potential changes in the risk factors. The study collected data through a survey completed by dog owners during their pets' vaccination visits at university veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort (Paris) and Toulouse, in France, between 2020 and 2022. The veterinarian recorded the dog's weight and the body condition score using a 9-point scale. The study included a total of 309 dogs. Of these, 1.6 % were underweight, 63.1 % had an ideal body condition, and 35.3 % were overweight, including 2.3 % of all dogs classified as obese. During the pandemic, French dog diets shifted towards increased commercial food consumption and twice-daily feedings compared to a 2003 study. Factors positively associated with overweight were being female (OR = 3.55; 95 % CI: 1.65-8.01; P=0.002), being senior (OR=4.91; 95 % CI: 2.07-12.2; P<0.001) or geriatric (OR=5.81; 95 % CI: 2.04-17.0; P=0.001) and having an owner underestimating dog's body condition (OR=74.1; 95 % CI: 29.8-215; P<0.001). Recognizing the impact of owner perception enables early intervention strategies, such as educating owners during consultations and conducting teaching sessions at the clinic. This proactive approach could contribute to improved health outcomes and help prevent the onset of obesity-related issues in dogs. The new trends in dogs' diets may have global relevance due to the pandemic's widespread impact. Although no immediate impact on overweight is evident, ongoing research is crucial to understand the pandemic's long-term effects.

Controversial Topics in Animal Welfare in Latin America: A Focus on the Legislation Surrounding the Human-Companion Animal Relationship and Animals Used for Recreational Practices

Animal welfare is a societally relevant issue that is globally attracting increased attention. This is in addition to the importance placed on welfare for the animals themselves. However, the content and application of laws protecting animals' welfare vary across countries. In Latin America, there are a range of common practices or activities involving certain animal species, many of which are legal, that can impair an animal's quality of life. These include the performance of aesthetic surgical procedures; bull-, cock-, and dog fighting; and the existence of circuses that exhibit animals. The extent and impact of these practices being dependent on the socioeconomic, cultural, territorial, and regulatory landscape of each country. Particularly, Ibero-American regions face welfare challenges that might be influenced by traditions and relevant legal gaps. The objective of this article is to review controversial practices carried out in companion and entertainment animals in Latin America, with a focus on legal aspects, as well as the current efforts being made to address and incorporate global welfare standards into domestic and wild animal practice and regulation.

Fecal microbiota and inflammatory and antioxidant status of obese and lean dogs, and the effect of caloric restriction

Introduction

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs, and is generally managed by caloric restriction. Gut microbiota alteration could represent a predisposing factor for obesity development, which has been associated with a low-grade inflammatory condition and an impaired antioxidant status. Besides, weight loss has been shown to influence the gut microbiota composition and reduce the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Method

However, these insights in canine obesity have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in serum and inflammatory parameters, antioxidant status, fecal microbiota and bacterial metabolites in 16 obese and 15 lean client-owned dogs and how these parameters in obese may be influenced by caloric restriction. First, for 30 days, all dogs received a high-protein, high-fiber diet in amounts to maintain their body weight; later, obese dogs were fed for 180 days the same diet in restricted amounts to promote weight loss.

Results

Before the introduction of the experimental diet (T0), small differences in fecal microbial populations were detected between obese and lean dogs, but bacterial diversity and main bacterial metabolites did not differ. The fecal Dysbiosis Index (DI) was within the reference range (< 0) in most of dogs of both groups. Compared to lean dogs, obese dogs showed higher serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins, total thyroxine (TT4), and antioxidant capacity. Compared to T0, dietary treatment affected the fecal microbiota of obese dogs, decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes and increasing Bacteroides spp. However, these changes did not significantly affect the DI. The caloric restriction failed to exert significative changes on a large scale on bacterial populations. Consequently, the DI, bacterial diversity indices and metabolites were unaffected in obese dogs. Caloric restriction was not associated with a reduction of inflammatory markers or an improvement of the antioxidant status, while an increase of TT4 has been observed.

Discussion

In summary, the present results underline that canine obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. This study highlights that changes on fecal microbiota of obese dogs induced by the characteristics of the diet should be differentiated from those that are the consequence of the reduced energy intake.

Weight loss modifies lipid peroxidation and symmetric dimethylarginine levels in obese dogs

In obese dogs, oxidative stress is associated with inflammatory processes and systemic endocrine imbalances. Monitoring oxidative status is an early and valuable means of obesity control as it is a marker of weight loss, which leads to a reduction in oxidative status or injury potential. The objective of this study was to investgate the changes in the concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in obese female dogs subjected to an 8-week weight-loss program. We included obese female dogs without comorbidities and with body condition scores (BCS) of 8 and 9 out of 9. In addition to TBARS and SDMA assessments, laboratory tests of blood and urine (blood count; levels of serum biochemistry; albumin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose; urinalysis; and albuminuria), systolic blood pressure, and hormone concentrations (insulin, cortisol, and free thyroxine) were carried out before and after the weight-loss program. All the obese dogs presented high TBARS levels. After the program, the dogs showed significant reductions in TBARS (P = 0.005) and SDMA (P = 0.0013). In conclusion, obese female dogs were prone to lipid peroxidation and the TBARS and SDMA levels decreased after the 8-week weight-loss program.

An overweight/obesity survey among dogs and cats attended at a veterinary teaching hospital during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Anecdotal reports suggest that the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) has increased overweight and obesity prevalence in dogs and cats. The present report aimed to perform a retrospective overweight/obesity survey on 1,001 consecutive cases attended in the Veterinary Clinics Hospital from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul during its reopening to the public after months closed due to the pandemic. The overall overweight or obesity observed prevalence was 36.63%; being the frequency in cats slightly greater (38.37%) than compared to dogs (35.76%). No local increase in these frequencies was detected. Neutering (dogs and cats), age greater than 10 years (dogs), and male gender (cats) were factors associated with overweight/obesity. Bodyweight was not registered in about 30% of the medical records, while the body condition score was not registered in about 50% of the cases. These flaws were more often observed in feline medical records and efforts to improve these data records are warranted.

Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: Review and perspectives

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs, and its prevalence has increased in recent decades. Several countries have demonstrated a prevalence of obesity in dogs similar to that observed in humans. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a prominent basis used to explain how obesity results in numerous negative health consequences. This is well known and understood, and recent studies have pointed to the association between obesity and predisposition to specific types of cancers and their complications. Such elucidations are important because, like obesity, the prevalence of cancer in dogs has increased in recent decades, establishing cancer as a significant cause of death for these animals. In the same way, intensive advances in technology in the field of human and veterinary medicine (which even proposes the use of animal models) have optimized existing therapeutic methods, led to the development of innovative treatments, and shortened the time to diagnosis of cancer. Despite the great challenges, this review aims to highlight the evidence obtained to date on the association between obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs, and the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that link obesity and carcinogenesis. The potential to control cancer in animals using existing knowledge is also presented.

Evaluation of circulating extracellular vesicles and miRNA in neutered and obese female dogs

Adipose tissue is a metabolic and endocrine organ, and its adipocytes can synthesize and secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), thus allowing intercellular communication. EVs are nanoparticles that transport lipids, proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids (mRNA and microRNAs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. miR-132, miR-26b, and miR-155 are associated with obesity, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enriched EVs fraction containing miRNAs (miR-132, miR-26b, and miR-155) in serum from obese female dogs. Thirty-two neutered females in good general condition were recruited, including 21 obese and 11 healthy controls. The initial evaluation of the females included a general physical examination and laboratory tests. Small EVs (sEVs) were isolated from whole blood by serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation, and nanoparticle analysis was used to determine the size and concentration of serum sEVs. miRNAs were extracted from sEVs enriched fraction and analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Obese female dogs with hypertriglyceridemia showed an increase in the sEVs concentration and in the expression of miR-132 and miR-26b in sEVs enriched fraction. No changes were observed in the group of obese female dogs with normal serum biochemical profile and in relation to miR-155 expression. These results suggest that obese female dogs with hypertriglyceridemia may present alterations in sEVs and in the expression of miRNAs related to lipid metabolism and adipogenesis.

Prevalence and pathology of Cephalopina titillator infestation in Camelus bactrianus from Xinjiang, China

BACKGROUND

In camels, nasopharyngeal myiasis is caused by the larvae of Cephalopina titillator, which parasitize the tissues of nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. C. titillator infestation adversely affects the health of camels and decreases milk and meat production and even death. However, the C. titillator infestation in Bactrian camels has not been widely studied.

METHODS

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of C. titillator in Bactrian camels of northwestern Xinjiang. Suspected larvae recovered from infested camels were evaluated for C. titillator by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and cytochrome b (CYTB) genes from the C. titillator of camels were aligned from the NCBI database. Furthermore, the gross and histopathological alterations associated with C. titillator infestation were evaluated via pathological examination.

RESULTS

Of 1263 camels examined 685 (54.2%) camels were infested with suspected C. titillator larvae. Different larval stages were topically detected in the nasal passages and pharynx of the camel heads. Microscopy analysis of the pharyngeal mucosa tissue revealed necrotic tissue debris and some inflammatory cells. Molecular detection of the larval COX1 and CYTB genes indicated that pathogen collected in Bactrian camels was C. titillator. The epidemiological study demonstrated that the prevalence rate of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in camels of Bestierek Town Pasture (67.2%) and Karamagai Town Pasture (63.6%) compared to Kitagel Town Pasture (38.7%) and Qibal Town Pasture (35.8%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the prevalence rates in male (52.6%) and female (54.6%) camels (P > 0.05). The prevalence was higher in warm (64.2%) than that in cold (48.4%) seasons (P < 0.001). The prevalence in camels with non-nomadic method (67.2%) was significantly higher than in animals with nomadic method (47.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in animals of aged 5-10 (60.1%) and aged > 10 (61.1%) years old compared to those of aged < 5 (31.7%) years old camels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that there is a high prevalence of C. titillator in Bactrian camels from Xinjiang, closely related to age, season, pasture environment, and husbandry methods. Developing prevention, diagnosis, and control programs to prevent transmission is necessary.

Evaluation of safety and anti-obesity effects of DWP16001 in naturally obese dogs

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of DWP16001, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2 inhibitor), in naturally obese dogs. A total of 20 dogs were divided into four equal groups: one obese control (OC group), and three treated groups; DWP0.2 group, DWP0.5 group, and DWP1 group. OC group fed with food for maintenance and treated groups were fed with food for maintenance with 0.2 mg/kg DWP16001, 0.5 mg/kg DWP16001 and 1 mg/kg DWP16001, respectively. The food for maintenance was provided to dogs as 2 RER (Resting energy requirement) in kcal and DWP16001-supplemented food was administered once a day for 8 weeks.

Results

Body condition score, body weight, and fat thickness were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the DWP0.2 group compared with the OC group, respectively without affecting the food consumption. At the 10^th week the food consumption rate was 101.35 ± 2.56, 166.59 ± 4.72, 98.47 ± 1.44 and 123.15 ± 2.45% compared with initial food consumption rate. Body fat percentage, chest and waist circumference, blood glucose, and insulin were reduced compared to OC group but not significantly different from those of the OC group during experimental period. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase, and creatinine were significantly reduced in DWP0.2 group on 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced but not significantly. No specific adverse effects were observed throughout the experiment, and hematological parameters were unchanged. The results indicate that DWP16001 was not harmful to the dogs in our study and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.

Conclusions

The above results and discussion suggest that DWP16001 is safe and might have anti-obesity effects in naturally obese dogs.

Physiological and pharmacological actions of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in domestic animals

•

GLP-1 improves peripheral glucose uptake in healthy dogs and cats.

•

GLP-1 analogues administration in diabetic cats reduces exogenous insulin requirement.

•

Dogs cardiomyocytes apoptosis is reduced by GLP-1-derived molecules action.

Analogues of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other drugs that increase this peptide half-life are used worldwide in human medicine to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. These molecules can increase insulin release and satiety, interesting effects that could also be useful in the treatment of domestic animals pathologies, however their use in veterinary medicine are still limited. Considering the increasing incidence of DM and obesity in cats and dogs, the aim of this review is to summarize the available information about the physiological and pharmacological actions of GLP-1 in domestic animals and discuss about its potential applications in veterinary medicine. In diabetic dogs, the use of drugs based on GLP-1 actions reduced blood glucose and increased glucose uptake, while in diabetic cats they reduced glycemic variability and exogenous insulin administration. Thus, available evidence indicates that GLP-1 based drugs could become alternatives to DM treatment in domestic animals. Nevertheless, current data do not provide enough elements to recommend these drugs widespread clinical use.

Composition and short-term stability of gut microbiota in lean and spontaneously overweight healthy Labrador retriever dogs

Background

The gut microbiota and its metabolic end-products act in close collaboration with the nutrient metabolism of the animal. A relationship between excess adiposity and alterations in gut microbiota composition has been identified in humans and rodents, but data are scarce for overweight dogs. This study compared composition and temporal variations of gut microbiota in healthy lean and spontaneously overweight dogs. The analysis was based on three individual fresh faeces samples from each dog during a 10-day period. Twenty-seven healthy and intact male Labrador retriever dogs were included, 12 of which were classified as lean (body condition score (BCS) 4–5 on a 9-point scale) and 15 as overweight (BCS 6–8). Gut microbiota was analysed by Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Lean and overweight groups of dogs were not separated by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), analysis of similarity (one-way ANOSIM, P = 0.99) or species indicator analysis (IndVal) using operational taxonomic units (OTU) data. Gut microbial taxa at phylum, family or genus level did not differ between lean and overweight dogs in mixed-model repeated measures analyses. Short-term stability, evaluated by similarity index, did not differ between lean and overweight dogs over the 10-day period. Pooled Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was 3.1 ± 3.7 in overweight dogs and 2.1 ± 1.2 in lean dogs (P = 0.83). Individual dogs, irrespective of body condition (lean or overweight), displayed variation in mean alpha diversity (Chao-1 index range 122–245, Shannon index range 2.6–3.6) and mean similarity index (range 44–85%).

Conclusions

Healthy lean and spontaneously overweight Labrador retriever dogs had comparable gut microbiota composition and short-term stability over a 10-day sampling period. There were no alterations in microbial diversity or in relative abundance of specific taxa at phylum, family or genus level in overweight compared to lean dogs. Our findings suggest that there are few detectable differences in gut microbiota composition between healthy spontaneously overweight and lean dogs by the current method. Future application of metagenomic or metabolomic techniques could be used to investigate microbial genes or microbial end-products that may differ even when microbiota compositional analyses fail to detect a significant difference between lean and overweight dogs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13028-022-00628-z.

Mild to moderate overweight in dogs: is there an impact on routine hematological and biochemical profiles, echocardiographic parameters and cardiac autonomic modulation?

Obesity is considered the most common nutritional disease of dogs. Even though overt obesity is more likely to impair health, even moderately overweight dogs are at greater risk for requiring medication for chronic health problems earlier in life. Although the number of overweight dogs far exceeds the number of obese ones, most of the studies published so far focused on derangements in a mixed overweight/obese population (Body condition score - BCS ≥7/9) rather than in separated groups. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mild to moderate obesity on routine hematological and biochemical profile and cardiovascular parameters in dogs. Nine healthy lean (BCS =4-5/9) and 24 overweight dogs (BCS = 6-7/9) were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry analyses, echocardiographic parameters, and cardiac autonomic function by heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. In our study population, although total protein, globulin and phosphorus concentrations were increased in overweight compared to lean dogs, all complete blood count and biochemical parameters were within reference ranges for both groups. Parameters usually increased in obese dogs, like triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, were within reference ranges in our overweight population. There were no significant changes in echocardiographic parameters, but HRV had a significant decrease in high frequency (HF) power (P = 0.02), suggesting a depression in parasympathetic activity. Our findings show that mild to moderate overweight dogs do not show the hematological and echocardiographic alterations already reported for mixed overweight/obese populations but might have impaired cardiac autonomic modulation. Although not enough to make conclusions, our data raise the question of whether research studies should place overweight and obese dogs in the same category.

Weight-loss in obese dogs promotes important shifts in fecal microbiota profile to the extent of resembling microbiota of lean dogs

BACKGROUND

Among the undesirable changes associated with obesity, one possibility recently raised is dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota. Studies have shown changes in microbiota in obese rats and humans, but there are still few studies that characterize and compare the fecal microbiota of lean, obese and dogs after weight loss. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a weight loss program (WLP) in fecal microbiota of dogs in addition to comparing them with those of lean dogs. Twenty female dogs of different breeds, aged between 1 and 9 years were selected. They were equally divided into two groups: Obese group (OG), with body condition score (BCS) 8 or 9/9, and body fat percentage greater than 30%, determined by the deuterium isotope dilution method, and lean group (LG) with BCS 5/9, and maximum body fat of 15%. Weight loss group (WLG) was composed by OG after loss of 20% of their current body weight. Fecal samples were collected from the three experimental groups. Total DNA was extracted from the feces and these were sequenced by the Illumina methodology. The observed abundances were evaluated using a generalized linear model, considering binomial distribution and using the logit link function in SAS (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The WLP modulated the microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract, so that, WLG and LG had microbial composition with greater biodiversity than OG, and intestinal uniformity of the microbiota (Pielou's evenness index) was higher in OG than WLG dogs (P = 0.0493) and LG (P = 0.0101). In addition, WLG had values of relative frequency more similar to LG than to OG.

CONCLUSION

The fecal microbiota of the studied groups differs from each other. The weight loss program can help to reverse the changes observed in obese dogs.

Canine mammary cancer in overweight or obese female dogs is associated with intratumoral microvessel density and macrophage counts

Obesity is a major health condition owing to its effects on chronic diseases and cancers in humans, but little information is available regarding the role of obesity in canine mammary cancer (CMC). In the present study, we performed immunohistochemistry to investigate the effect of obesity on CMC by analyzing the number of tumor-associated macrophages, intratumoral microvessel density (iMVD), and the expression of prognostic factors including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and Ki67 in CMC specimens. These data were compared in CMC specimens from lean or ideal body weight (Group 1) versus overweight or obese (Group 2) female dogs (n = 60 for each group). Associations between obesity status and histologic characteristics, such as histologic subtype, grading, and lymphatic invasion, were also investigated. Compared with lean or ideal body weight dogs, TAM (tumor-associated macrophage) counts (P < .005) and iMVD (P < .001) were significantly higher in overweight or obese dogs. CMC specimens of dogs in the overweight or obese group also showed higher histologic grade (P < .001). In addition, although no association was found between obesity status and either COX-2 or EGFR expression, Ki67 expression was greater in CMC specimens of overweight or obese dogs (P < .005). The results of this study suggest that obesity may influence CMC development and progression, being associated with higher histologic grade, greater infiltration of TAMs, and increased tumor angiogenesis.

Effect of black ginseng and silkworm supplementation on obesity, the transcriptome, and the gut microbiome of diet-induced overweight dogs

Like humans, weight control in overweight dogs is associated with a longer life expectancy and a healthier life. Dietary supplements are one of the best strategies for controlling obesity and obesity-associated diseases. This study was conducted to assess the potential of black ginseng (BG) and silkworm (SW) as supplements for weight control in diet-induced overweight beagle dogs. To investigate the changes that occur in dogs administered the supplements, different obesity-related parameters, such as body condition score (BCS), blood fatty acid profile, transcriptome, and microbiome, were assessed in high energy diet (HD) and HD with BG + SW supplementation (HDT) groups of test animals. After 12 weeks of BG + SW supplementation, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced in the HDT group. In the transcriptome analysis, nine genes (NUGGC, EFR3B, RTP4, ACAN, HOXC4, IL17RB, SOX13, SLC18A2, and SOX4) that are known to be associated with obesity were found to be differentially expressed between the ND (normal diet) and HD groups as well as the HD and HDT groups. Significant changes in some taxa were observed between the HD and ND groups. These data suggest that the BG + SW supplement could be developed as dietary interventions against diet-induced obesity, and obesity-related differential genes could be important candidates in the mechanism of the anti-obesity effects of the BG + SW supplement.

Serum metabolomics analysis reveals that weight loss in obese dogs results in a similar metabolic profile to dogs in ideal body condition

INTRODUCTION

The study of metabolic profile can be an important tool to better understand, at a systemic level, metabolic alterations caused by different pathological conditions, such as obesity. Furthermore, it allows the discovery of metabolic biomarkers, which may help to diagnose alterations caused by obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the metabolic profile of blood serum of obese dogs, control dogs, and dogs that were subjected to a weight loss program.

METHODS

Ten obese adult spayed female dogs were included, and their body composition was determined by the deuterium isotope dilution method. The dogs were subjected to a weight loss program and formed a new experimental group after losing 20% of the initial body weight. A third experimental group was composed of ten lean adult spayed female dogs. The metabolic profile of blood serum was evaluated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) models were constructed using Pareto scaling pre-processing. Pathway analysis was also performed using the MetaboAnalist online tool.

RESULTS

The PCA shows that the control and after weight loss groups presented a trend to negative PC1, indicating similarities between these two groups. In contrast, obese animals presented a tendency to appear on negative PC2 indicating a different metabolic profile. The OPLS-DA analysis of the serum indicated that healthy groups presented higher content of glucose, while animals that lost weight had higher levels of cholesterol and lactate than the control group. On the other hand, the analysis showed that lipid content, cholesterol, and branched-chain amino acids were highest in obese animals. Variable Influence on Projection (VIP) analysis demonstrated that Lactate is the most important metabolite for the OPLS-DA model and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) corroborated the similarity between the control group and the obese after weight loss groups. Moreover, the pathway analysis indicated the most important metabolic pathways related to this dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolomic assessment based on NMR of blood serum differed between obese dogs and animals in optimal body condition. Moreover, the weight loss resulted in metabolic profiles similar to those observed in lean animals.

The shared risk of diabetes between dog and cat owners and their pets: register based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether dog and cat owners and their pets share a risk of developing diabetes.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Register based longitudinal study, Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

208 980 owner-dog pairs and 123 566 owner-cat pairs identified during a baseline assessment period (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Type 2 diabetes events in dog and cat owners and diabetes events in their pets, including date of diagnosis during the follow-up period (1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012). Owners with type 2 diabetes were identified by combining information from the National Patient Register, the Cause of Death Register, and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Information on diabetes in the pets was extracted from veterinary care insurance data. Multi-state models were used to assess the hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals and to adjust for possible shared risk factors, including personal and socioeconomic circumstances.

RESULTS

The incidence of type 2 diabetes during follow-up was 7.7 cases per 1000 person years at risk in dog owners and 7.9 cases per 1000 person years at risk in cat owners. The incidence of diabetes in the pets was 1.3 cases per 1000 dog years at risk and 2.2 cases per 1000 cat years at risk. The crude hazard ratio for type 2 diabetes in owners of a dog with diabetes compared with owners of a dog without diabetes was 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.10 to 1.74), with a multivariable adjusted hazard ratio of 1.32 (1.04 to 1.68). Having an owner with type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased hazard of diabetes in the dog (crude hazard ratio 1.28, 1.01 to 1.63), which was attenuated after adjusting for owner's age, with the confidence interval crossing the null (1.11, 0.87 to 1.42). No association was found between type 2 diabetes in cat owners and diabetes in their cats (crude hazard ratio 0.99, 0.74 to 1.34, and 1.00, 0.78 to 1.28, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Data indicated that owners of a dog with diabetes were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes during follow-up than owners of a dog without diabetes. It is possible that dogs with diabetes could serve as a sentinel for shared diabetogenic health behaviours and environmental exposures.