Title: Determine the body condition of an animal.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Understanding Animal Nutrition

Determination should include using a body condition score (BCS) chart, where appropriate, to evaluate body fat through

- visual assessment from the top and side
- palpation of waist, ribs and abdominal tuck and dorsal spinous processes at tail base
- signs of malnutrition.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How can obesity be dangerous to an animal?
- How can an animal owner prevent obesity in his/her pet?
- Why should pets not be fed table scraps?
- What criteria are used in body condition scoring?
- What does “feed to condition” mean?
- What two charts are available for body condition scoring, and why is it important to note which chart was used when assigning a score?

Teacher Resources:

- “Body Condition Score,” The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf)
- “Body Condition Scoring Systems,” American Animal Hospital Association (https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/weight-management/weightmgmt_bodyconditionscoring.pdf)
- “Understanding Your Pet’s Body Condition Score,” Hill’s Pet Nutrition (https://www.hillspet.com/pet-care/resources/body-condition-score)