Abstract
The body condition score（BCS）is a subjective and semi-quantitative assessment of the nutritional status of dogs. The method, though popularly used, is not always accurate, and scores can vary among observers. In the present study, we examined if an objective morphometric analysis could be used to estimate BCS in dogs. Three anatomically defined body lengths were measured in 42 dogs of 19 different breeds, size and sexes and analyzed for correlation with ideal body weight（IBW）, which was estimated by current body weight and body fat percentage. As a result, a high correlation was found between IBW and the length between the episternum and the ischial tuberosity. Using the regression expression, theoretical IBWs were calculated. BCS was estimated based on the difference between IBW and current body weight. These results suggest that a simple morphometric measurement can be a practical alternative to the conventional BCS assessment.
