Coral Springs Animal Hospital's Pawfessional Spring 2017 | Page 14

additional weight is needed. Have
them turn their hands over palm
up. Have them feel, with their eyes
closed, the palm side of their
knuckles- this is too fat. With their
hand fisted again, have them feel
their distal phalanges- this is just
right. Now have them palpate their
animal’s rib cage. This will help with
families that need physical proof
that their pet is too under or over
weight.
As I’m sure you are all aware, Purina
has a wonderful illustration of the
obesity scale from 0-9 with
descriptions and associated pictures.
From the first visit with your new
patient, plan to give them a BCS
whether it be the Purina 0-9 or a 0-5
scale, and make sure to define what
it means. This will allow both
yourself and the owner to observe
how much their pet has gained since
the first visit. It will also make the
start of an obesity conversation that