Obesidade felina: fatores de risco, achados clínicos, metabólicos e comportamentais

Abstract

Feline obesity is characterized by being one of the most frequent clinical conditions in the routine. This body condition can promote metabolic, physical and mechanical effects. In view of this, it is of great relevance to carry out studies in this area, in order to guide tutors in order to prevent and promote quality of life to patients. Therefore, this document contains four articles, one of which is a bibliographic review, which aims to provide information on obesity, elucidate risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, as well as highlight ways of environmental enrichment and obesity prevention. The second article aims to verify the clinical, metabolic and risk factors in overweight cats. Thirty adult cats were evaluated, which were divided into two groups, with an ideal score (n = 8) and overweight (n = 22). In these animals, body condition and morphometric measurements were evaluated in order to estimate the percentage of body fat. As well as measurement of systolic blood pressure using the non-invasive method and blood collection for analysis of blood count and serum biochemistry. From the analysis of the results it was possible to identify some risk factors in the studied population, as well as hypercholesterolemia, low level of physical activity in the overweight group. The third article aimed to report the weight loss follow-up of five overweight cats, (3) males and (2) females. The diagnostic evaluations were the same as in the previous article. After the beginning of the treatment, weight reduction, chest and abdominal circumference, body fat percentage were observed and some risk factors related to the patients and the tutors' habits were identified. The fourth article aimed to assess the behavior and well-being of felines through the visualization of body language during clinical care and the procedures performed. In general, it was observed that most felines reacted well to the procedures performed and felt at ease with relaxed and alert facial and body expressions. And few animals showed signs of fear. However, from the realization of this study, it was possible to guide and raise the awareness of tutors, in order to minimize risk factors, promote well-being and quality of life for these animals.