Tvarijonaviciute A, Ceron JJ, Holden SL, Cuthbertson DJ, Biourge V, Morris PJ, German AJ

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important human disease condition, which causes various problems such as high blood pressure, and increased blood glucose and lipids (e.g. fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides).  These problems can then increase the risk of developing other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Although canine obesity is known to cause insulin resistance, mild hypertension and high blood cholesterol, metabolic syndrome has not been reported.

To determine the presence of metabolic abnormalities suggestive of metabolic syndrome in dogs, currently accepted human criteria for metabolic syndrome (i.e. International Diabetes Federation criteria) were adapted.  20% of the dogs were found to have evidence of metabolic dysfunction, i.e. increases in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids.  These changes suggested that obese dogs, like obese have similar metabolic health concerns.  The dogs also had increased blood insulin, suggesting that the pancreas is having to work harder than normal to control blood glucose.  Blood adiponectin, a protein produced by fat cells, was also decreased.  This protein performs a number of functions, including helping to control sugars and fats in the body.  Both increases in insulin and decreases in adiponectin are also seen in human metabolic syndrome, again suggesting abnormalities.

In conclusion, this work suggests that approximately 20% of obese dogs suffer from metabolic derangements, which might predispose to disease as well as contribute to their poorer health and quality of life.