Clarence, one of the clinic's first patients
UK's first animal weight loss clinic opens in Liverpool
Clarence, one of the clinic's first patients
(03.02.2005) The UK's first animal weight management referral clinic has been established at the University of Liverpool.
The Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic is to be launched at the University’s Small Animal Hospital to help tackle and prevent weight problems in animals such as dogs and cats.
Veterinary surgeons from practices in the surrounding area will refer overweight animals to the clinic. The patients will receive a thorough medical examination, and will then follow a specific dietary plan and exercise regime over several weeks. On their first and final visits, patients will have their adipose tissue (fatty tissue) measured by a Dual Energy X Ray Absorptionmetry (DEXA) scanner, to accurately calculate their degree of obesity and to monitor the success of their diet programme.
Scientists from the University’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Science will use the data to improve understanding of the causes of obesity in pets, and to refine methods of treatment and prevention. The team will also try to establish whether certain breeds are more prone to obesity because of their genetic links.
Head of the Clinic, Dr Alex German, said: "Obesity is already a major health concern in people, and a similar problem exists in pets. However, in contrast to our medical colleagues, we currently have little information on the magnitude of the problem in cats and dogs, its causes and its treatment. The new clinic will be a pioneering facility to help veterinarians understand the causes of, and the most appropriate treatment for, companion animal obesity.”
The researchers will also be working with colleagues from the Neuroendocrine and Obesity Biology Unit, led by Professor Paul Trayhurn, on studies which will examine the chemical signals produced by adipose tissue, and how these might influence the various obesity-associated diseases seen in cats and dogs.
Manufacturer of specialist veterinary diets – Royal Canin – has provided financial support for the Clinic, and will supply the DEXA scanner, a veterinary nurse to run the Clinic, and specialist diet food for the patients. Collaborating with the University, Royal Canin will be able to develop effective diet and exercise regimes to achieve safe weight loss and prevent obesity in pets.
