Learning outcomes
• Understand the effect of canine obesity on quality of life .
• Understand how VN-led clinics can help to manage canine obesity .
• Evaluate the role of the VN in VN-led clinics .
Materials and methods
A literature search was conducted using several keywords / terms , inclusion / exclusion criteria and a variety of databases . Seven pieces of primary research were chosen , as they were deemed appropriate and they met all the criteria . These seven pieces of research were analysed , discussed and explored to create a literature review exploring the efficacy of veterinary nurse-led clinics in managing canine obesity .
Literature review
Health-related quality of life
Within this review are two papers that research healthrelated quality of life ( HRQOL ). German et al . [ 6 ] utilised questionnaires to investigate dogs ’ HRQOL before and after successful weight loss . German et al . discovered that pre-weight-loss HRQOL is low in obese dogs but it improves with weight loss . Yam et al . [ 35 ] utilised a webbased instrument and mobile tablet app to discover that overweight and obese dogs have a reduced HRQOL .
Research authors should acknowledge both strengths and weaknesses of their data collection and give details of any other data collection method they might have used in endeavouring to triangulate their data [ 36 ] , but neither German et al . [ 6 ] nor Yam et al . [ 35 ] do this . The optimal method is randomised controlled trials ( or metaanalyses of randomised controlled trials ) [ 37 ] , yet there is no mention in either of these papers that randomised controlled trials ( or meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials ) are an alternative , superior data collection method .
which dogs that reached their target weight , and had at least 4 months of follow-up data , were incorporated to ensure the validity of the data .
In experimental research , the researcher should provide a hypothesis [ 39 ] , which should clearly identify the independent and dependent variables , their relationship and the intent of the study . Although German et al . [ 6 ] do state that the null hypothesis is that successful weight loss would not affect HRQOL , Yam et al . [ 35 ] do not state a hypothesis .
In terms of generalisability and transferability , these studies could be considered neither generalisable nor transferable . Generalisation is the ‘ big picture ’ interpretation of a study ' s results , once they are determined to be internally valid [ 41 ] . German et al . [ 6 ] used only 30 dogs , so the study is not generalisable to a wider population . This is also the case for Yam et al . [ 35 ] , which , despite being a larger study of 174 dogs , is once again not generalisable .
Weight loss
Within this review are two papers that research weight loss . German et al . [ 40 ] measured weight after successful weight loss to discover the role of diet in preventing regain . They discovered that weight regain occurs in about half of obese dogs that successfully lose weight , although most dogs regain less than half the weight they originally lost . By continuing to feed a specially formulated weight-management diet during the maintenance phase , the chance of relapse can be significantly reduced . Chapman et al . [ 7 ] used dietary calorific restriction or physical activity to discover which was more effective for weight loss in overweight pet dogs . They discovered that dietary calorific restriction is more effective than physical activity for controlled weight loss in overweight dogs .
The key variables in German et al . [ 6 ] are briefly mentioned in brackets – weight loss and changes in HRQOL – which is insufficient , as key variables should be clearly identified and defined [ 38 ] . A study by Chapman et al . [ 7 ] explores the theme of weight loss and includes an example of key variables being well stated , in a table that incorporates and defines each variable . Yam et al . [ 35 ] do not clearly define the key variables , but the reader can discover them through a detailed study of the article .
The design of a study should be justified [ 39 ] . It is not justified by Yam et al . [ 35 ] , it is simply stated . An example of justifying a study can be found in German et al . [ 40 ] , in
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