Chisleay

“The eye of the Master maketh the horse fat”

Chisleay Is a very handsome Retriever who came to see us in July 2014 for his annual health examination and vaccination booster. He weighed over 45 kg and the Vet, Chad Northcott, suggest that he might consider going on a Calorie Controlled Diet. Our Nurses run a FREE ‘Weight Club‘ (Slimming World for dogs and cats – see below).

Chisleay came to Weight Club just over a week later and saw Sophie, one of our Veterinary Nurses. As well as weighing Chisleay she measured his neck (50.5cm), chest (86.5cm) and waist (77cm). We set an initial target weight for Chisleay of 40 kg and he went home with some prescription diet food (Vetcomplex Calorie Control by Virbac), dietary advice and information and a goody bag.

Four weeks later Chisleay had already lost 2 kg despite some cheats (chips, mackerel and dentastix included). His neck (48cm), chest (83.5cm) and waist (73.5cm) had all improved.

He continued with his special regime and by October 2014 was down to 39.6 kg !! Neck (46cm), Chest (75cm), waist (67cm). He had reached the initial target and won a rosette and certificate – hurray!

By January 2015 he was 37 kg, by March 35.9kg and by July 34 KG. His neck (42cm), chest (73.5cm) and waist (59.5cm).
To lose well over 10 kg of fat in a controlled manner, 25% of his bodyweight, over a 12 months period is a fantastic achievement. Something that his owners can be justfiably proud of 🙂

Chisleay is far more active and has a greatly improved quality of life with more exercise and enjoying more of the outdoor life. Not only that but he will live healthier and almost certainly longer, without the risks of all the diseases and problems we associate with obesity. A true Star – well done Chisleay.

Obesity

We see a tremendous number of porky pets for all kinds of reasons. It is easy to tell of your pet is overweight by looking and feeling them. The chart below will help you assign a conditions score to your pet. Looking from above they should have a well defined waist. From the side their belly should be concave, not flat of hanging down. You should be able to easily feel (but no so easily see) their ribs and you should be able to feel the edges of the little spines along their backs. If NOT, then it may be time to pay us a visit.

Pets are a lot smaller than us and therefore require less calories. Some breeds are more prone to putting weight on, and some just gain weight because their owners are unable to exercise them. Some cats eat extra at the neighbours and they are all good at training us; miaowing at the fridge or looking at us with puppy dog eyes.

Obesity is when your pet is 20% or more above their ideal weight. Obesity can lead to joint problems, lung and heart disease, diabetes and a number of other conditions, all leading to reduced life quality and expectancy.

Weight Club

Before making an appointment at our Weight / Pet Fit Club, it is adviseable to see the Veterinary Surgeon. There are a number of conditions that can lead to weight problems, like hypothyroidism, for example. There are also diseases that being overweight can cause. The Veterinary Surgeon will be able to rule out or diagnose and offer treatment for them.

At Weight Club the aim is to gradually lose fat while maintaining muscle, decrease energy intake, control hunger, provide appropriate nutrition for body weight and help maintain joint help. The nurses will work with you to develop a diet and exercise plan and offer lots of tips to help you and the rest of the family encourage your pet to become healthier. When you have reached your target they will still be there to help you maintain a healthy weight.