Metabolic Parameters in Obese Dogs Undergoing to the Diet with Calorie Restriction

Currently, canine obesity is a worldwide problem and is based on the excessive deposit of fat tissue, which plays an important role as a store of energy and endocrine organ. This study aimed to compare the values of systolic blood pressure, serum chemistry profile and glucose metabolism in eight obese dogs without endocrine diseases before and after 16 weeks of a weight loss program. A statistical difference was noticed in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glucose, cholesterol and insulin, before and after the program. Besides, there was a statistical difference between the moments in systolic blood pressure, body weight and body condition scale. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of a diet rich in fiber and protein is suitable for performing weight loss and obese dogs undergoing a weight loss program presented a significant reduction in blood pressure, blood glucose, insulin, blood cholesterol, serum activity of alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase.

Canine Hypoadrenocorticism: A Bibliographic Review

Canine hypoadrenocorticism may be characterized by insufficiency of adrenocortical hormonal secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Clinical signs are nonspecific such as dehydration, hypovolemic shock, bradycardia, hypotension, emesis, diarrhea, among other clinical and laboratory changes, and can mimic other diseases, and because of this, the disease can go unnoticed by the veterinarian, increasing the mortality and morbidity of patients seen in emergency consultations. Despite being of low occurrence, hypoadrenocorticism is often underdiagnosed, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of gastrointestinal clinical signs or hypovolemic shock, and low Sodium:Potassium ratio. The definitive diagnosis is based on the dosage of cortisol before and after the application of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Acute treatment consists of patient stabilization, and chronic includes replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Prognosis is usually favorable if the diagnosis is early and the correct treatment is performed. This article is a review focusing on clinical signs, laboratory findings, diagnosis and treatment on canine hypoadrenocorticism, to increase the knowledge about the disease to veterinarians.

Blood Pressure Evaluation in Dogs by the Method Doppler and Oscillometric

Blood pressure is currently a very important tool for clinical and veterinary surgery, especially in monitoring patients under anesthesia and in emergency situations. Hypertension can cause a number of changes in the body of dogs and cats, especially those who are middle-aged and elderly. In veterinary medicine, the blood pressure can be measured non-invasively and invasively. The non-invasive, or indirect technique, is frequently used during routine examinations since it presents convenience as it can be carried out quickly, although it is less accurate. For this research 245 dogs were selected, with one to ten years of age, of both sexes, castrated and uncastrated of different breeds and body scores. The dogs were weighed and had the body condition score determined using the system of 9 points, being categorized into: Control group, overweight group or obese group. Systolic blood pressure was obtained by non-invasive method using the Doppler flowmeter and the oscillometric method. 48 animals were excluded due to the high variability of values, with systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mm?Hg, as well as uncooperative and/or aggressive patients. There was agreement between both methods in 197 dogs conscious and asymptomatic and, therefore, this study showed that oscillometric method can be used in normotensive patients as the study was conducted in patients of different sizes, breeds, ages, body scores and sexual status.