Lipid metabolism in obese vs. lean dogs and clinical implications

Abstract

Canine obesity has emerged as a significant veterinary health concern paralleling trends in human populations. This research characterized lipid metabolic profiles in obese compared with lean dogs and evaluated the effects of a structured weight management program on lipid parameters. A prospective controlled research enrolled 48 client-owned dogs at the Monterrey Institute of Advanced Studies Veterinary Teaching Hospital between February 2022 and August 2023. Dogs were classified as obese (body condition score 8-9/9, n = 32) or lean (body condition score 4-5/9, n = 16). Obese dogs underwent a 12-week weight management program combining caloric restriction and increased physical activity. Fasting serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and free fatty acids at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Obese dogs demonstrated significantly elevated baseline concentrations of all lipid parameters except HDL-cholesterol, which was reduced. Following weight management, obese dogs achieved mean body weight reduction of 14.7% with corresponding improvements in lipid profiles. Total cholesterol decreased 30.1% and triglycerides decreased 47.8% by week 12. These findings demonstrate that canine obesity produces dyslipidemia patterns similar to human metabolic syndrome and that structured weight management effectively normalizes lipid metabolism, supporting aggressive obesity intervention in veterinary practice.