Moreton Morrell College lecturers pen publication to help porky pets

Victoria Bowes and Helen Coleman, who both work in the Animal Welfare and Veterinary Nursing department, have co-authored The Management of Pet Obesity, an essential guide for veterinary practitioners on obesity-related topics for small animals, exotic animals and pet birds. 

Just as the UK human population has a current challenge with two thirds of adults being classed as either overweight or obese, so pet obesity is also a contemporary issue. The timely publication covers important topics such as the causes of obesity, nutritional requirements, body condition scoring and feeding options.

The books is aimed at people in the veterinary industry who are supporting clients who have pets with weight control issues. It also provides a broad overview of information to help animal practitioners and pet owners make more informed decisions when it comes to dietary management of the animals in their care.

The colleagues were approached by specialist agricultural, scientific and farming publishers 5mBooks to write the guide after the couple jointly penned an article on the subject for Veterinary Magazine Vet Practice Today. After two years of work on the project, the pair have finally seen the fruits of their labour materialise into hard copy.

Victoria Bowes, who manages and lectures on the Veterinary Nursing courses at Moreton Morrell, said: “To achieve this has been such an amazing experience and getting the book in my hands was a very emotional moment. We are both thankful for each other’s support to complete this.

“The aim of this book is to empower owners to make educated choices about giving their pets the correct and appropriate diets to meet their needs. Also, we want to guide professionals working in different industries to provide the correct support to owners of animals who are diagnosed with this disease.”

Her colleague Helen Coleman, who lectures and manages the higher education Animal Management courses, said: “Seeing the book come to fruition brought a sense of achievement and relief to finally have the book and hold it in my hands.

“People love their pets and they are very much part of the family. However, many owners show their affection by ‘treating’ the animal but are often not aware of the calorific impact when feeding treats in addition to the daily recommended food allowance for the species.”

The Management of Pet Obesity is available to buy from 5mBooks at the RRP of £29.95 from 5mBooks.com.