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How often do veterinarians assess the bodyweight and body condition of dogs?

¹ Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE

Measurements of bodyweight and body condition are useful for monitoring the state of health of companion animals, but the frequency with which they are used by veterinarians in general practice is not known. Information derived from 148 dogs was analysed to determine how often their bodyweight and body condition had been assessed. Bodyweight had been measured at least once in 103 (70 per cent) of the dogs. The median time between the measurements was 114 days (range five days to 6·8 years), and the median number of consultations per measurement was four (range one to 44). Body composition had been assessed subjectively in 43 (29 per cent) of the dogs. The median time between the assessments was 216 days (21 days to 6·26 years) and the median number of consultations per assessment was seven (two to 43). A recognised body condition score had been assessed in only one dog on one occasion.

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