Introduction

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in companion animals. It is related to several comorbidities and reduced lifespan. The literature on the effects of obesity on the lipid profile in cats is still limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the lipid profile in obese and control (lean) cats.

Methods

Obesity was determined based on the body condition score (BCS), with the nine-point scale. Were evaluated 40 cats, 20 obese (BCS 8–9) and 20 control cats (BCS 5). Blood was collected after a 12 hour fast, via jugular venipuncture. Serum samples were analysed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels. Automated enzymatic colorimetric methods were used for serum TC, triglyceride, and HDLc measurements. LDLc levels were calculated using the formula: LDLc = TC - (HDLc + TG/5) (Friedewald et al., 1972).

Results

In the obese group, 50% and 25% showed an increase in TC and triglycerides, respectively. In the control group, elevations in TC and triglycerides occurred in 50% and 5% of the dogs. There were no statistical differences between the two groups for any of the parameters evaluated. Mean cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, and triglycerides were: 138.9±37.3, 94.6±16.8, 28.0±28.8, and 117.8±118.8 for obese cats; 132.9±35.0, 93.7±17.4, 25.3±26.8, and 75.7±28.2 for lean cats.

Conclusions

In obese cats, dyslipidemia was mild but frequent and it should always be evaluated, with emphasis in monitoring of serum cholesterol levels. More studies are needed to evaluate the lipid profile in obese cats.