JUNE 2011
Pet’s Name: Lucie Lu
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 5 years, 4 months (1/17/2006)
Complaint: Weight gain
History: Lucie Lu was adopted in July 2007, and was healthy except for a wound
that needed to be sutured. She began having seizures in 2008 and after a
complete diagnostic work up, was placed on medication to help control the
seizures. At the start of medication, August 2008, Lucie Lu weighed 76.9 lbs. In
June 2009, during Lucie Lu’s yearly vaccinations, the doctor noticed she had
gained a considerable amount of weight. At this point, Lucie Lu was weighing 92
lbs. A thyroid panel was run, and showed that Lucie Lu was also hypothyroid.
Hypothyroidism along with her seizure medication can cause noticeable weight
gain. Another medication was added to help control Lucie Lu’s thyroid. After six
months of the thyroid medication, we re-weighed Lucie Lu, but we still weren’t
seeing much weight loss. Dr. Sealock decided that it was time to start Lucie Lu
on a diet.
Outcome: SUCCESS!!
Lucie Lu’s owner was also prescribed weight loss, and together they reached
their goals! They put a plan in place: strict food control and exercise.
Everyone always says that it’s easier to exercise when you have a friend to
encourage you, and Lucie Lu was the encouragement her owner needed, and it
benefitted them both! When we saw her in May 2011, Lucie Lu was down to 73.8 lbs
and that is her goal weight!
Lessons Learned: Control the volume of food you feed your
pet. Remember that treats also contain calories, so you need to watch that
amount each day as well. Feeding meals, rather than leaving food out all day, is
best. It may take some getting used to for your pet, but it’s better for their
health in the long run. Exercise! We all need it, especially our pets! Just a
walk each day can do wonders for you both! Monitor progress by running your pet
by to weigh on our scale. We can keep each weight in our records and see if
you’re on the right path, or if there’s anything we need to change.
Sometimes, depending on the amount of weight there is to lose and how much
progress you’re making with regular food, the doctor may find it necessary to
switch to a lower calorie prescription food for a while. Lastly, don’t get
discouraged! Weight is easy to gain, but takes work and time to lose! Remember
that we are always here to answer any questions you may have!