Q: We brought our 12 year-old Labrador Retriever to the vet for a routine exam and were told she is significantly overweight. What do you suggest?

A: One of my greatest challenges is conveying the importance of weight control for pets. Obesity is a problem that can most often be traced to the pet's owner. We are feeding our pets too much and exercising them too little. In many cases I have discovered fatty abdominal tumors in older dogs and cats that have resulted from overfeeding and a lack of exercise. The excess fat may have a negative effect on the animal's body such as arthritic joints and breathing difficulties. Obesity is a common health issue that affects more than 50% of my patients and millions of pets nationwide. Over the course of the past several decades we have taken dogs and cats into our homes and turned them from strong independent hunters into little couch potatoes. Weight control is an issue where we all can play a role in keeping our pets happy, healthy and pain free. The best way to promote your pet's health is to give it plenty of daily exercise.

Q: My domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with feline diabetes. Please tell me more about this disease and its treatments.

A: Feline diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is almost identical to human Type II diabetes and is a common endocrine disorder in cats. Many cats are overweight which results in the abdominal fat producing specific chemicals (hormones) that interfere with the body's response to natural insulin levels. These hormones affect how the animal feels and eats. Studies indicate that changing a cat's diet to a low carbohydrate diet can play a significant role in the management or resolution of the diabetes. Years ago veterinarians were told that canned food was not good for cats but canned food is actually beneficial because it is low in carbohydrates. Your veterinarian should recommend an ultra-low carbohydrate diet that will help return your cat to normal levels. It is possible that the diet won't be enough to control the diabetes so adding insulin injections to control the blood sugar may be needed. The injections can be easily administered and the diabetes is well controlled. Many diabetic cats lead normal and happy lives.

Dr. Mark Howes, DVM, is the Medical Director and owner of Berglund Animal Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. The advice contained in this column is for informational purposes only. Readers should consult with their own veterinarian to evaluate their pet's illness or medical condition. Questions may be directed to Dr. Howes by contacting him through his web site at: www.berglundvet.com