Russell Creek Pet Clinic and Hospital

Veterinary Dentistry, Medicine & Surgery

Grooming, Boarding, Prescription Diets, Endoscopy, Radiology, Behavioral Consultations, Wellness testing, Vaccinations, Spays/Neuters, and Geriatric Care 

9040 Independence Pkway  Plano ,Tx 75025

214-547-8387

We are proud to provide individualized care to meet your needs and those of your pet.

Our friends at PurinaŽ have developed The Body Condition System to help pet owners judge if their pet's appearance is normal or not. The images on the right are numbered to correspond with the descriptions below.

1.   EMACIATED  Ribs, backbones, pelvic bones, etc. all prominent from a distance. No visible body fat, obvious loss of muscle mass.

2. VERY THIN  Ribs, backbones, pelvic bones easily visible. No palpable fat. Minimal loss of muscle mass.

3. THIN  Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Top of backbone visible. Pelvic bones becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.

4.  UNDERWEIGHT  Ribs easily palpable with no visible fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed from above. Abdominal tuck evident.

5.  IDEAL  Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side.

6.  OVERWEIGHT Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernable viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdominal tuck apparent.

7.  HEAVY Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail.  Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent.

8.  OBESE  Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over backbone and base of tail. No waist or abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distension may be present.

9.  GROSSLY OBESE   Massive fat deposits on chest, spine,   and base of tail. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat deposits on neck and legs. Obvious abdominal distension.

Obesity as well as emaciation can be signs of health problems.  We suggest weighing your pet at home every once and a while to make sure weight problems don't sneak up on us. If you have a big dog, feel free to drop by and weigh them on our scale in the lobby. There are special diet foods to help keep your friend in the best shape and the best health!

If you have any questions, please call us at 214-547-8387 or send us a note at info@planopethospital.com

All information copyrighted 2001 and 2002 by Purina and Russell Creek Pet Clinic and Hospital, Texas. Do not use materials without permission.