Effects Of Obesity In Dogs And Cats
Research studies in dogs and cats have revealed a numerous health consequences that are developed due to obesity, including the increase of respiratory health problems, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, pancreatitis, shortened lifespan, spinal and joint problems, and risk of death as a result of obesity.7-9 Dogs and cats of all breeds can become obese, but as mentioned before there are some breeds that are more likely to occur than others. Obesity in pets and in humans increases the risk of developing, diabetes, and hypertension, in addition there is a negative correlation between obesity and pulmonary and cardiovascular functions.7Although the impact of obesity in the respiratory system of dogs, is a subject that researcher have insufficient research to this day. In his research Bach, hypothesized that obesity in Retriever breeds causes mechanical dysfunction of the airways, thereby increasing resistance during both inspiration and expiration in the absence of hypoxemia and increasing the risk of developing respiratory health problems, most notably the development of tracheal collapse in small dogs, laryngeal paralysis and brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome. Obesity not only have effects on the respiratory system but it can also have an affect the cardiovascular system. Obesity or overweight in pets can result in effects on cardiac rhythm and the increase of blood pressure, and plasma volume. The effect of obesity on hypertension is controversial in pets and is one of the subject that more research is needed to conclude the overall risk that it has on pets. (67). There is evidence suggesting obesity in pets increases the risk of developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the most common disorder of the exocrine pancreas in dogs and cats. (8) To help the management of chronic pancreatitis, veterinarians recommend a highly involved dietary measures, while long-term