Obesity is the most important form of malnutrition in companion animals. It can be a disabling medical condition when moderate to severe in scope. At prevalence rate estimates of 10 to 40 percent, obesity must be considered a significant hazard to dogs and cats. Increased emphasis on pet health and preventative health programs makes obesity prevention an important aspect of health maintenance programs in dogs and cats. Treatment for obesity varies from frustrating to rewarding and evaluating and prescribing for successful, long-term weight loss and maintenance usually requires the management of multiple interrelated patient and client factors. Diagnosis of disease secondary to obesity and the major task of client education and motivation is the provenance of the veterinarian.
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