Loading...

Daily news and top headlines for life science research professionals

FREE Email Newsletter View Sample


Obese Dogs at Risk of Same Health Condition Experienced by Humans

Featured In: Editor's Picks | Metabolic Disease

Wednesday, October 31, 2024

See today's top life science stories and headlines - Sign up now!

newsvine diigo google
slashdot
Share
Loading...

Veterinary scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that, like humans, obese dogs can experience metabolic syndrome, a condition that describes multiple health issues that occur in the body at the same time.

The condition occurs when a number of health problems, such as increased blood glucose and increased cholesterol levels, develop together, with the potential to increase the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Common in obese humans
Although canine obesity is known to cause insulin resistance, mild hypertension, and high blood cholesterol levels, it has not, until now, been investigated for links to metabolic syndrome, which is common in obese humans.

In a study involving 35 obese dogs, 20% were found to have metabolic syndrome. Similar to humans with the condition, obese dogs had increased blood insulin, suggested that the pancreas is working harder than normal to control blood glucose. Blood adiponectin, a protein produced by fat cells that helps control sugars and fats, was also at lower levels than normal. It is yet to be determined, however, what the exact health impacts of these issues are on dogs, and if they are similar to the diseases that metabolic syndrome can cause in humans.

The team demonstrated, however, that the metabolic abnormalities identified in obese dogs, improved when they successfully lost weight.

Health consequences for dogs
Dr Alex German, from the University’s Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, said: “It is estimated that one third to a half of the UK dog population is overweight. A previous study that we conducted showed that a dog’s quality of life improved with weight loss, resulting in better vitality and reduced emotional distress.

“This new research creates a lot of new questions for us. It suggests that dogs develop metabolic syndrome, similar to humans with obesity-related health problems. We now need to investigate, however, what health consequences this may have for dogs. The key point for us is that the problem can be resolved with successful weight loss, and this must be a priority for pet owners with obese dogs.”

Source: University of Liverpool

Join the Discussion
Rate Article: Average 0 out of 5
register or log in to comment on this article!

1 Comments

  • Are obese dogs really at risk for cardiovascular disease? Carnivores do not develop atherosclerosis on high fat/cholesterol diet.

Add Comment

Text Only 2000 character limit

Page 1 of 1

Research Exchange

Live Cell Analysis of Autophagy

Analysis of autophagosome formation using fluorescent cellular imaging and lentiviral biosensors.

Deconstructing 3D Cell Culture

3D culture models offer the potential to significantly reduce drug failure.

Safety Without Sacrifice

Safety Without Sacrifice

Liquid handling ergonomics and performance considerations

ELNs: The Beating Heart of a Scientist’s World

ELNs: The Beating Heart of a Scientist’s World

As ELNs deliver more benefits to researchers, the cost of changing working practice is outweighed by access to high quality, high context collaboration.

Evaluation of a New Nano-Type UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

Analysis of one- to four-microliter size samples for nucleic acids has become routine in many life science laboratories. However, until now, available instruments require considerable manipulation of the instrument and sample; some require manually recording the data. The user must typically lower and raise the arm manually, then wipe the sample manually from the target after each analysis. And fiberoptics used in some of these instruments are subject to deterioration.

Production of Recombinant Proteins and Monoclonal Antibodies in Hollow Fiber Bioreactors

While well-understood, robust and convenient, classical batch-style 2-D culture on non-porous supports or 3-D suspension culture in other devices are really not very biologically relevant models. Cell culture conditions can affect the quality of the antibody or protein produced.

Selecting Robots for Use in Drug Discovery and Testing

Drug discovery and testing, with their need for speed, repeatability and verification, are ideally suited to benefit from robot automation. It is therefore not surprising that robots have been at the forefront of automation developments in both these areas.

HP Scalable Network Storage Systems for Life Sciences

Life sciences research today is advancing exponentially, each step bringing us closer to the realization of truly personalized medicine–preventive care and treatments designed specifically for each individual. In the near future, PCPGM healthcare researchers expect to be able to use predictive genetic testing to create custom treatment plans for individuals and deliver dramatic improvements over today’s one-size-fits-all approach. But research capabilities are only part of the equation; current storage and operating capacities must also evolve to accommodate ever-expanding amounts of data before the goal of personalized medicine can be realized.

STAY INFORMED: SUBSCRIBE TO

Magazine and E-mail Newsletters

Loading...
Loading...

Free Life Science Industry
Subscriptions

Magazine

wireless week

Newsletters

newsletters

Sign up now



MULTIMEDIA

Video:

Epigenetics

Aug 30

Hank & his clone Circus Hank explain the power of epigenetics, which studies the factors that determine how much or whether some genes are expressed in your body.

Podcasts:

Futures In Biotech 93: Snyder's Omics

May 17

Host: Marc Pelletier Co-Host: Andre Nantel, Ph.D. The technologies that our guest has developed are playing an important role in changing the world, not like the car, the microwave and the cell phone, but as in Drs. Flox, McCoy, and Crusher. Guest: Dr. Michael Snyder We invite...

Top Stories and Headlines
EVERY DAY!

FREE Email Newsletter

Information: