Approach to managing obesity in small mammals

Abstract

Background:Obesity is an important issue in small mammal pet species. As in other species, it results from an imbalance between dietary calorie intake and calorie use. Knowledge of the normal diet and biological activities of these species is important to not only identify the cause of the obesity, but to plan the management of obesity and obesity‐related disorders.Aim of the article:This article discusses the issue of obesity and its causes, as well as the recognition and consequences of it in small mammal pet species. It will also cover the management of the condition and its prevention. There is a wide range of small mammal species kept as pets, so the article concentrates on those that are most common (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets) but, where appropriate, it will also refer to some of the less frequently seen species (eg, chinchillas and skunks).