Obesity, Exercise and Orthopedic Disease.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary medicine
• Animal orthopedics
• Canine and feline health

Background:

• Osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease are prevalent in aging dogs and cats.
• Patient body condition, particularly overweight and obesity, significantly impacts lameness severity.
• Obesity-induced inflammation and mechanical stress exacerbate these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between obesity, inflammation, and the progression of osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease in companion animals.
• To highlight the role of weight management in alleviating clinical signs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on the effects of adiposity on joint and spinal health in canines and felines.
• Analysis of the correlation between body condition, mechanical loading, and disease severity.
• Examination of the impact of obesity-related systemic inflammation on neurological signs.

Main Results:

• A strong correlation exists between overweight/obesity and increased incidence/severity of lameness in osteoarthritis.
• Excessive adiposity leads to detrimental mechanical loading on joints.
• Obesity-related inflammation and physical stress contribute to worsening pathology and neurological deficits in intervertebral disc disease.

Conclusions:

• Weight management through diet and exercise is crucial for managing pain and mobility impairments in affected animals.
• Addressing obesity can mitigate the progression and clinical signs of osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease.
• Reducing adiposity is a primary therapeutic strategy for improving the quality of life in aging pets with these conditions.