Body condition and hair coat length impact weight estimation in dogs and cats presented to an emergency department

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To examine weight estimations by veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students to determine the accuracy of weight estimation in a veterinary emergency department. Secondary objectives included an initial evaluation of how body condition score (BCS), hair coat length, and hospital position of the estimator impacted accuracy of weight estimation. ANIMALS 101 dogs and 28 cats that presented to the emergency department from October 17, 2017, to September 3, 2019. PROCEDURES A written form was prospectively distributed to veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students asking them to estimate a patient weight. Additional information about the patient, including estimated hair length and BCS, was recorded. RESULTS As dogs’ weights increased, all estimators underestimated the patients’ weight. As BCS increased, dogs’ weights were underestimated by veterinary students. Longer hair coat statistically significantly impacted accurate weight estimation in dogs. In cats, as BCS increased, veterinarians and veterinary nurses overestimated patient weight. Only 32% (32/101) and 20% (6/28) of weight estimations in dogs and cats, respectively, were within 10% of the patient’s actual weight. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students may not be reliable estimators of patient weight in the emergency department, especially with overweight animals. Prompt measurement of weight, if possible, is important for appropriate patient care.

Cat owners do not provide more reliable weight estimates for cats compared with veterinary professionals in an emergency setting

“…The lack of statistical significance found in this study aligns with previous human and veterinary studies, which suggest that the accuracy of weight estimation tends to be compromised by underweight children and small dogs, respectively. 9,11,16 A previous study by Wolf and Drobatz 12 demonstrated that a higher BCS induced overestimation of cats’ weight by veterinary staff. The cats’ BCS was not evaluated in this study.…”

“…Approximately 20% (6/28) of weight estimations in cats were within 10% of the cat's actual body weight. 12 Unlike dogs, cats tend to have a narrower range of body weights, which may make weight estimation easier. The impact of estimating a higher or lower body weight in making treatment decisions is likely also less significant in cats due to their average smaller body weight compared with dogs.…”

“…Approximately 20% (6/28) of weight estimations in cats were within 10% of the cat’s actual body weight. 12 …”