Challenges in the treatment of obesity in a cat
Keywords:
Cats, metabolic disorder, diet, quality of lifeAbstract
Feline obesity is considered a metabolic disorder most common in dogs and cats. The objective of this work is to report a case of primary obesity in a cat, highlighting the difficulties faced during treatment. A feline, female,
mixed breed, three years old and neutered, was treated at the Veterinary Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas, complaining of weight gain. Additional tests were requested, such as blood count, serum
biochemistry, total T4 (thyroxine hormone), urinalysis and abdominal ultrasound, which showed no changes. After the evaluations, the diagnosis of obesity was established. Nutritional treatment with low-calorie
commercial food and the introduction of environmental enrichment were indicated. The difficulties encountered were the guardian's frustration regarding the costs and the long duration of the treatment. The patient reached her goal weight, with a clear improvement in well-being. Furthermore, environmental enrichment contributed to the patient's weight loss, as it increased physical activity, satiety and reduced stress.
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