Weight Loss Success Story

Lucy's Weight Loss Success Story:

Lucy - 95 lbs and BCS 3/5

 Lucy is a 5 year old female Newfoundland dog, and this is her story of how she managed to go from fat to fit with the help of proper diet, exercise, and support from her Veterinary professionals at Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph. 

By the time Lucy was 18 months old she had already started to develop a weight problem. She was eating a commercial pet food from a pet store and allowed to eat as much as she wanted.  While some dogs are able to successfully regulate their own feeding amounts and only consume what their bodies require, Lucy was not one of them!  Between the high calorie content of her food and her love of eating Lucy grew to 130lbs - 30 lbs overweight.  At her annual health check she was diagnosed with a luxating patella, a condition in which the knee cap slides out of its normal position causing pain and lameness.  This condition is just one of the many medical problems often associated with obesity, along with diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, and torn cruciate ligaments.

Lucy underwent orthopedic surgery to correct her knee, but her owner’s were given strict orders to get some of the excess weight off in order to help her heal and to prevent further problems. Her owner’s agreed to do a medically approved weight loss program with the support of her veterinary team to help monitor her progress.  

Her weight loss program consisted of an emphasis on proper diet, veterinary care, and increased exercise.

She was fed a veterinary exclusive diet which is lower in calories, high in protein and psyillium fiber. The increased fiber bulks up in the stomach causing a feeling of fullness or (satiety), and the increased protein takes longer for the body to digest, thereby helping to curb her appetite making her feel fuller – longer; with less food and calories.

Her family was careful to measure her meals precisely as directed by her veterinary technician, and made sure to bring her in for regular weigh-ins. Over the course of 13 months, Lucy’s weight began to drop. With this specially formulated diet, she never felt hungry and her owners were very good about not offering too many treats.

Lucy's weight loss progress report

In time, her weight slowly went from 130lbs in March, 2011 with a body condition score of 4.5/5 to 95lbs in the beginning of May 2012 with a body condition score of 3/5. A difference of 35 lbs. Body Condition Score is the way we accurately assess a dog or cats weight – are the ribs easily felt; is there a defined waistline; is there a nice abdominal tuck? In Lucy’s case – she is perfect – she has achieved her ideal weight and condition.

Congratulations Lucy – and your owners for caring enough to making your health their first priority. 

If you think your pet might have a weight issue, please let us help your pet reach their ideal weight just like we helped Lucy, Zeus, Nelly, and many others.  Call today: 519-763-4992