This study was presented, in part, at the 29th Annual Forum of the ACVIM, June 15–18, 2011, Denver, CO.
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Standard Article
Association between Body Condition and Survival in Dogs with Acquired Chronic Kidney Disease
Article first published online: 28 SEP 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00805.x
Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Issue
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume 25, Issue 6, pages 1306–1311, November-December 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Parker, V.J. and Freeman, L.M. (2011), Association between Body Condition and Survival in Dogs with Acquired Chronic Kidney Disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 25: 1306–1311. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00805.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 NOV 2011
- Article first published online: 28 SEP 2011
- Manuscript Accepted: 15 AUG 2011
- Manuscript Revised: 27 JUN 2011
- Manuscript Received: 13 MAY 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Body condition score;
- Cachexia;
- Obesity
Background
Obesity in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with longer survival. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between body condition score (BCS) and survival in dogs with CKD.
Hypothesis/Objectives
Higher BCS is a predictor of prolonged survival in dogs with CKD.
Animals
One hundred dogs were diagnosed with CKD (International Renal Interest Society stages II, III or IV) between 2008 and 2009.
Methods
Retrospective case review. Data regarding initial body weight and BCS, clinicopathologic values and treatments were collected from medical records and compared with survival times.
Results
For dogs with BCS recorded (n = 72), 13 were underweight (BCS = 1–3; 18%), 49 were moderate (BCS = 4–6; 68%), and 10 were overweight (BCS = 7–9; 14%). For dogs with at least 2 body weights recorded (n = 77), 21 gained weight, 47 lost weight, and 9 had no change in weight. Dogs classified as underweight at the time of diagnosis (median survival = 25 days) had a significantly shorter survival time compared to that in both moderate (median survival = 190 days; P < .001) and overweight dogs (median survival = 365 days; P < .001). There was no significant difference in survival between moderate and overweight dogs (P = .95).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Higher BCS at the time of diagnosis was significantly associated with improved survival. Further research on the effects of body composition could enhance the management of dogs with CKD.