Measurement of the back fat layer in beagles for estimation of obesity using two-dimensional ultrasonography

The purpose of this study was to select a suitable location for measuring the subcutaneous fat layer in beagles as an indicator of excess body fat deposition. A location suitable for such a measurement should meet five conditions--it should be easy to: (1) apply the probe, (2) detect the anatomical character of the measurement location, and (3) obtain a reproducible ultrasonogram at all times. In addition, the fat layer should be (4) thick enough for measuring, and (5) located in an area that varies markedly with the degree of obesity. Ultrasonograms made in the transverse planes on the top of the spinous process of the sixth lumbar vertebra, the seventh lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra were found to be suitable for measurement. The depth and area of the back fat layer at these locations were closely related to the degree of obesity.