Introduction

Overweight is a frequent nutritional problem in veterinary medicine, and this condition is often associated with several diseases both in animals and humans, including musculoskeletal and neoplastic disorders.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comorbidities of overweight dogs admitted to the Veterinary Hospital Diego Villegas Toro of University of Caldas, School of Veterinary Medicine, in a 6-month period.

Methods

All dogs attending to veterinary consult were prospectively classified according to their body condition score (BCS) using a 9-point system in which animals with scores of 6 and above were considered overweight. Disease conditions were recorded in association with the chief complaint at presentation, classified as musculoskeletal, urinary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, cardiorespiratory, ocular, and skin/mammary disorders.

Results

A total of 790 canine patients were evaluated, 19.9% (157 patients) were considered overweight. Among overweight dogs the most common disorders were associated with skin/mammary conditions, like pyoderma and mammary neoplasia in 31% of patients, followed by musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis and trauma reported in 17% of dogs. Gastrointestinal conditions and cardiorespiratory disorders were observed in 19% and 12%, respectively. Reproductive, urinary, ophthalmologic, and neurologic conditions were less frequent in overweight dogs (8%, 6%, 4%, and 2%, respectively).

Conclusions

Approximately 20% of dogs attending to veterinary examination in Manizales are considered overweight. These overweight animals are more commonly affected by dermatologic, neoplastic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiorespiratory conditions.