Situation
A year ago, Maggie, an 8-year-old Boston Terrier, weighed
35 pounds, about 35 percent beyond optimal breed weight,
and had a body condition score (BCS) of 9. She was an
ideal candidate for the Purina Veterinary Diets ® Project: Pet
Slim Down™ video reality series, which followed the weight
loss journeys of eight dogs over 90 days. Before being
accepted as a Project: Pet Slim Down participant, Maggie
had a full physical examination to rule out any underlying
health problems.
Maggie Is
Ready for
Her Close-Up
Strategy
The exam, conducted by Meredith Rettinger, DVM, included
a complete blood count and blood chemistry, urinalysis,
and whole-body radiographs. Test results indicated no
medical concerns. Rettinger placed Maggie on Purina
Veterinary Diets® OM Overweight Management ® Canine
Formula, with 75 percent of her daily calories from the dry
formula and 25 percent from canned. Maggie’s owners
also stepped up her walks and, to help alleviate joint stress,
she exercised on an underwater treadmill.
Results
After 90 days, Maggie had lost 6 pounds, had shaved
3 3/4 inches off her waist and had reached a BCS of 7.
At a follow-up visit six months later, Maggie had lost an
additional 3 pounds, weighing 26 pounds with a BCS of 6.
“Maggie is so much more active and energetic now,” says
her owner, Amanda. “She’s like a puppy again.”
Veterinarian’s View
“Maggie’s experience is proof that, with veterinary
support, proper diet and exercise, pets can lose weight,
and they can be happier,” says Rettinger. “Maggie’s
owners made her weight loss a priority, which played
a significant role in achieving her goals. They have kept
her on OM, which she enjoys, and on an exercise plan. If
pets are on a good, balanced weight loss food such as
OM, success can be realized.”
Maggie
Learn more about how Maggie and seven other dogs
lost between 10 percent and 21 percent of their body
weight at projectpetslimdown.com.
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