BACKGROUND: In recent years, disorder in lipid metabolism has been increased markedly in companion animal’s population. Hyperlipidemia is a common sign of obesity in dogs, which is characterized by hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglycemia. OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of the present survey is to determine the effect of obesity on blood lipid profile changes (including triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C) and comparing the decisive indicators of obesity in dogs in Ahvaz district. METHODS: Three groups of thirty dogs  referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz were studied between  2012-2014. The dogs in group A (control), had good body condition score (BCS= 4 to 5). The dogs were all thin (BCS= 1 to 3) in group B, and all obese in group C (BCS= 6 to 9). All of the studied dogs were selected from small breeds (Terrier, Spitz, Pekingese and Shih Tzu), of both sexes and ranging from 1 to 7 years old. Fasting blood samples were collected from all dogs and lipid profiles including serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured using commercial kits. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemia was confirmed in dogs of group A (normal) in 4 cases (13.33%), group B (thin) one case (3.33%), and group C (obese) in 19 cases (63.33%). Data analysis showed that there was a significant difference between group C (224.83±74.34) with groups A (149±39.66) and B (131.80±24.37) for triglyceride level (p<0.001), as well  a significant difference was seen between group C (229.40±60.36) with groups A (178.80±50.17) and B (151.47±23.45) and between group A with B for cholesterol level (p<0.05). The difference was significant for LDL-C between group C (67.10±22.83) with groups A (47.97±13.01) and B (43.07±13.08) (p<0.001), but there was no difference between various groups for HDL-C (p>0.05). The effects of age, gender and breed on the measured values did not show a significant difference between three groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present survey showed that there was a correlation between obesity and hyperlipidemia in dogs. Determination of body condition score (BCS) can be as a predictive agent in characterization of lipid profile status. Modification of diet and weight loss is necessary in obese dogs.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 2017-0730 Patent Number Thermolife Ixir product on weight loss and some biochemistry values in obese rat with fatty liver. Thirty male Wistar albino rats fed a high-fat diet were the material of the study. An obesity model was created in rats fed a special high fat diet. Ad libitum feeding was applied to rats with a special diet and water. These rats were randomly divided into 3 groups consisting of 10 rats in each group. Group B was given 1 gram of the product daily, and 1.5 grams of the product was given to group C while group A was served as control. All rats were fed a high-fat diet. Before the study, the body weight was measured and blood was drawn for serum parameters. The test mixture was administered orally for a month, the same parameters were measued periodically and differences were determined. After the study, it was observed that the body weight of the rats in group B and C decreased significantly compared to group A. It was determined that there was a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride values, an increase in HDL values and, the changes in other parameters were not statistically significant. At the end of the study (the 30th day), it was observed that the adipose tissues in the body appearred normal and lower in the rats in group B and C which were fed without a diet change. The rats in group A had appearent fatty tissues in abdomen and aroud the different areas of the body. In histopathological examination, the liver in group A rats was associated with hepatic steatosis, which covered approxiamtely 10% of the liver, due to excessive fatty nutrition. In a dependent manner, the rats in groups B and C had lower triglyceride and glucose levels and higher HDL levels. In conclusion, the Thermolife Ixir productcauses weight loss and fat burning in rats in a dose dependent manner that is also associated with increase in HDL as well decrease in triglyceride and glucose levels.

From 50 to 60% of companion animals in the United States are overweight or obese and this obesity rate is rising. As obesity is associated with a number of health problems, an agent that can help weight loss in pets and assist in clinically managing obesity through veterinary prescription foods and medication would be beneficial. Many studies have shown that celastrol, a phytochemical compound found in Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE), has anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, although these effects have not yet been determined in canine or canine-derived cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of celastrol on the adipogenic differentiation and lipolysis of canine adipocytes. Primary preadipocytes were isolated from the gluteal region of a beagle dog and the primary adipocytes were differentiated into mature adipocytes by adipocyte differentiation media containing isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin. In a water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay, the cell viability of mature adipocytes was decreased after treatment with COE (0, 0.93, 2.32, and 4.64 nM celastrol) in a concentration-dependent manner, although preadipocytes were not affected. Oil Red O (ORO) staining revealed that COE inhibited the differentiation into mature adipocytes and lipid accumulation in adipocytes. In addition, treatment with COE significantly reduced triglyceride content and increased lipolytic activities by 1.5-fold in canine adipocytes. Overall, it was concluded that COE may enhance anti-obesity activity in canine adipocytes by inhibiting lipid accumulation and increasing lipolytic activity.

Risk factors associated with canine obesity include the amount of walking a dog receives. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between canine exercise requirements, socio-demographic factors, and dog-walking behaviors in winter in Calgary. Dog owners, from a cross-sectional study which included a random sample of adults, were asked their household income, domicile type, gender, age, education level, number and breed(s) of dog(s) owned, and frequency and time spent dog-walking in a usual week. Canine exercise requirements were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) positively associated with the minutes pet dogs were walked, as was the owner being a female. Moreover, dog walking frequency, but not minutes of dog walking, was significantly associated with residing in attached housing (i.e., apartments). Different types of dogs have different exercise requirements to maintain optimal health. Understanding the role of socio-demographic factors and dog-related characteristics such as exercise requirements on dog-walking behaviors is essential for helping veterinarians and owners develop effective strategies to prevent and manage canine obesity. Furthermore, encouraging regular dog-walking has the potential to improve the health of pet dogs, and that of their owners.

Objective—To evaluate and compare circulating concentrations of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), insulin, and glucose in nondiabetic cats classified by body condition score (BCS) and in cats with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus. Animals—109 (82 nondiabetic, 21 nonketoacidotic diabetic, and 6 ketoacidotic diabetic) cats. rocedures—Cats were examined and BCSs were assessed on a scale of 1 to 9. After food was withheld for 12 hours, blood was collected and plasma concentrations of IAPP and serum concentrations of insulin and glucose were measured. Differences in these values were evaluated among nondiabetic cats grouped according to BCS and in diabetic cats grouped as ketoacidotic or nonketoacidotic on the basis of clinicopathologic findings. Correlations were determined among variables. Results—In nondiabetic cats, BCS was significantly and positively correlated with circulating IAPP and insulin concentrations. Mean plasma IAPP concentrations were significantly different between cats with BCSs of 5 and 7, and mean serum insulin concentrations were significantly different between cats with BCSs of 5 and 8. Serum glucose concentrations were not significantly different among nondiabetic cats. Mean IAPP concentrations were similar between nonketoacidotic diabetic cats and nondiabetic cats with BCSs of 8 or 9. Mean IAPP concentrations were significantly reduced in ketoacidotic diabetic cats, compared with those of nondiabetic cats with BCSs of 6 through 8 and of nonketoacidotic diabetic cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that increased BCS (a measure of obesity) is associated with increased circulating concentrations of IAPP and insulin in nondiabetic cats.

After IV administration of 0.5 mg of glucagon/cat, glucose tolerance and insulin secretory response were evaluated in 10 lean cats, 10 obese cats, and 30 cats with diabetes mellitus. Blood samples for glucose and insulin determinations were collected immediately before and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after IV administration of glucagon. Baseline serum insulin concentration and insulin secretory response were used to classify diabetes mellitus in the 30 cats as type I or type II. Mean (+/- SEM) baseline and 30-minute serum glucose concentrations in obese cats were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, compared with values in lean cats, but were similar at all other blood sample collection times. Serum glucose concentration in diabetic cats was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than values in obese and lean cats at all blood sample collection times. Two statistically different insulin responses to IV administration of glucagon were seen in diabetic cats. Of the 30 diabetic cats, 23 had minimal insulin secretory response after glucagon administration (ie, serum insulin concentration was at or below sensitivity of the insulin assay). Seven diabetic cats had baseline serum insulin concentration similar to that of obese cats and significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of lean cats and of the other 23 diabetic cats. In these 7 diabetic cats, serum insulin concentration increased after glucagon administration. Total insulin secretion was not significantly different between these 7 diabetic cats and the lean and obese cats, and was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than total insulin secretion in the other 23 diabetic cats. Results support existence of type-I and type-II diabetes mellitus in cats.

An 11-year-old obese dog was referred for a liver mass. Cytologic examination revealed vacuolated hepatocytes with mild pleomorphism. A partial liver lobectomy was performed. On histopathologic examination, the mass was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma composed of hepatocytes with clear vacuoles. These findings were consistent with clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma (CCHCC). The CCHCC is a rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs, and clinical features are poorly defined. This is the first report on the cytological, histological and clinical aspects of CCHCC, suggesting that obesity and hyperlipidemia are potential risk factors for CCHCC in dogs.

In horses, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance (insulin dysregulation) are associated with the development of laminitis. Although obesity is associated with insulin dysregulation, the mechanism of obesity-associated insulin dysregulation remains to be established. We hypothesized that oxidative stress in skeletal muscle is associated with obesity-associated hyperinsulinemia in horses. Thirty-five light breed horses with body condition scores (BCS) of 3/9 to 9/9 were studied, including 7 obese, normoinsulinemic (BCS ≥ 7, resting serum insulin < 30 μIU/mL) and 6 obese, hyperinsulinemic (resting serum insulin ≥ 30 μIU/mL) horses. Markers of oxidative stress (oxidative damage, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity) were evaluated in skeletal muscle biopsies. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships between markers of oxidative stress and BCS. Furthermore, to assess the role of oxidative stress in obesity-related hyperinsulinemia, markers of antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage were compared among lean, normoinsulinemic (L-NI); obese, normoinsulinemic (O-NI); and obese, hyperinsulinemic (O-HI) horses. Increasing BCS was associated with an increase in gene expression of a mitochondrial protein responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis (estrogen-related receptor alpha, ERRα) and with increased antioxidant enzyme total superoxide dismutase (TotSOD) activity. When groups (L-NI, O-NI, and O-HI) were compared, TotSOD activity was increased and protein carbonyls, a marker of oxidative damage, decreased in the O-HI compared to the L-NI horses. These findings suggest that a protective antioxidant response occurred in the muscle of obese animals and that obesity-associated oxidative damage in skeletal muscle is not central to the pathogenesis of equine hyperinsulinemia.

Nursing sickness, the largest single cause of mortality in adult female mink (Mustela vison), is an example of a metabolic disorder, which develops when the demands for lactation require extensive mobilization of body energy reserves. The condition is characterized by progressive weight loss, emaciation, and dehydration with high concentrations of glucose and insulin in the blood. Morbidity due to nursing sickness can be as high as 15% with mortality around 8%, but the incidence is known to vary from year to year. Stress has been shown to trigger the onset of the disease and old females and females with large litters are most often affected. Increasing demand for gluconeogenesis from amino acids due to heavy milk production may be a predisposing factor. Glucose metabolism is inextricably linked to that of protein and fats. In obesity (or lipodystrophy), the ability of adipose tissue to buffer the daily influx of nutrients is overwhelmed (or absent), interfering with insulin-mediated glucose disposal and leading to insulin resistance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family play an important role in modulating insulin signalling and glucose uptake by peripheral tissue. The increasing demand on these fatty acids for milk fat synthesis towards late lactation may result in deficiency in the lactating female, thus impairing glucose disposal. It is suggested that the underlying cause of mink nursing sickness is the development of acquired insulin resistance with 3 contributing key elements: obesity (or lipodystrophy), n-3 fatty acid deficiency, and high protein oxidation rate. It is recommended that mink breeder females be kept in moderate body condition during fall and winter to avoid fattening or emaciation. A dietary n-3 fatty acid supplement during the lactation period may be beneficial for improved glycemic control. Lowering of dietary protein reduces (oxidative) stress and improves water balance in the nursing females and may, therefore, prevent the development and help in the management of nursing sickness. It is also surmised that other, thus far unexplained, metabolic disorders seen in male and female mink may be related to acquired insulin resistance.

Glucose tolerance and insulin response were evaluated in 9 normal-weight and 6 obese cats after IV administration of 0.5 g of glucose/kg of body weight. Blood samples for glucose and insulin determinations were collected immediately prior to and 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after glucose infusion. Baseline glucose concentrations were not significantly different between normal-weight and obese cats; however, mean +/- SEM glucose tolerance was significantly impaired in obese vs normal-weight cats after glucose infusion (half time for glucose disappearance in serum--77 +/- 7 vs 51 +/- 4 minutes, P < 0.01; glucose disappearance coefficient--0.95 +/- 0.10 vs 1.44 +/- 0.10%/min, P < 0.01; insulinogenic index--0.20 +/- 0.02 vs 0.12 +/- 0.01, P < 0.005, respectively). Baseline serum insulin concentrations were not significantly different between obese and normal-weight cats. Insulin peak response after glucose infusion was significantly (P < 0.005) greater in obese than in normal-weight cats. Insulin secretion during the first 60 minutes (P < 0.02), second 60 minutes (P < 0.001), and total 120 minutes (P < 0.0003) after glucose infusion was also significantly greater in obese than in normal-weight cats. Most insulin was secreted during the first hour after glucose infusion in normal-weight cats and during the second hour in obese cats. The impaired glucose tolerance and altered insulin response to glucose infusion in the obese cats was believed to be attributable to deleterious effects of obesity on insulin action and cell responsiveness to stimuli (ie, glucose).