The Epidemic of Canine Obesity and its Role in Osteoarthritis

The epidemic of obesity in dogs parallels the trend that is being observed in humans. Obesity is associated with many adverse conditions and impacts quality of life, as well as longevity Adipose tissue is now recognized as a major endocrine organ. Obesity is currently accepted as a chronic inflammatory condition, resulting in several obesity-associated illnesses. This review article highlights the role of obesity in chronic systemic inflammation, and the major role of hormones, cytokines and other cell-signaling substances secreted by adipocytes (adipokines) in the development of osteoarthritis. The latter has been shown to be more important than obesity-associated body weight excess in rodents. The review also stresses the importance of body weight loss in treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.