Approach to managing obesity in small mammals

Abstract

Background: Obesity is an important issue in small mammal pet species. As in other species, it results from an imbalance between dietary calorie intake and calorie use. Knowledge of the normal diet and biological activities of these species is important to not only identify the cause of the obesity, but to plan the management of obesity and obesity‐related disorders. Aim of the article: This article discusses the issue of obesity and its causes, as well as the recognition and consequences of it in small mammal pet species. It will also cover the management of the condition and its prevention. There is a wide range of small mammal species kept as pets, so the article concentrates on those that are most common (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets) but, where appropriate, it will also refer to some of the less frequently seen species (eg, chinchillas and skunks).

Approach to managing obesity in parrots

“…The human factors discussed by Chitty (2023) in small mammals are similar in pet birds, with the added issue that there is o en a signi cant owner-pet bond and resultant owner attachment issues, potentially increasing tendencies to obesity development (Sandoe and others 2016a, Bjørnvad and others 2019).…”

“…As with small mammals, discussion of obesity and its management should be approached carefully and discussed in a sensitive manner (Chitty 2023). There are often human factors linked to the development of obesity in any species, and management of obesity in pet birds is rarely easy; because of the required commitment levels from owners, failure to engage them in the process, or worse still, alienating them from the process, will result in lack of compliance and treatment failure.…”

“…This article is a sequel to one on obesity in small mammals (Chitty 2023) and, to avoid repetition in many areas, reference will be made to this earlier paper as needed.…”