Nutrition

Pet food labels serve as marketing devices, as legal documents, and sources of limited nutritional information. Unfortunately, these purposes are often at odds as the current regulatory environment reflects the evolution of companion pet diets from livestock diets rather than from human foods.

What should practitioners consider when evaluating and recommending nutritional supplements for equine patients?

What concerns and advice you should have if your clients are considering these diets.

A little bit of writing can go a long way.

Dr. Robert M. Miller looks at whether today's feeding practices fit the body's needs.

North Grafton, Mass. - Dog owners often assume that pet food for senior dogs is tailored to the nutritional needs of the older pet, possibly offering reduced calories or age-specific nutrients. But results of a new study indicate the nutritional value of food targeted to older dogs can vary widely from brand to brand.

A look at the role of dietary fat in chronic diarrhea in cats.

This meeting will help your team members learn about one of the most common problems in veterinary medicine: canine otitis externa and ear infections.

Studies in obese people demonstrating a significant link between obesity and the development of certain forms of osteoarthritis have resulted in a popular area of research for the veterinary scientific community.

Try this reader tip for keeping cats clean during syringe feeding.

Dundas, Ontario - The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) crafted a set of global nutrition guidelines consistent with those released last year by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Does the obesity paradox in people occur in cats as well?

What/who is a cat? What characteristics make this species different from us or from dogs? By understanding our feline patients better, we can provide a better experience and environment for them. The basis of working cooperatively with cats is empathy based on an understanding of their nature and behaviours and trying to imagine what their experience is like.

Cats currently are the most popular pet in America, and are considered a family member by many cat owners. Despite these facts, cats do not receive the veterinary care they need; in 2006, only 64% of cats (compared with 83% of dogs) visited a veterinarian (1).

During the last 150 years or so, spectacular advances have been made in the science of medicine. The discoveries of the principles of adequate sanitation and nutrition, and of antibiotics, vaccines, and other drugs have demonstrated the value of the scientific approach to health problems. As a result, most health care professional education now focuses on the scientific aspects of treatment of disease.

The goal of clinical nutrition is to sustain the nutritional health of the pets we care for without adversely affecting the quality of the bond between our clients and their pets. To do this we consider the signalment of the animal, the most suitable diet to recommend given the pets physiological state and (or) disease, and the most appropriate feeding strategy for both the pet and her owner.

Pets require a satisfactory diet to maintain normal structure and function at all stages of life. I define a satisfactory diet as one that is complete, balanced, palatable, digestible, and safe. Complete means that the diet provides adequate amounts of all required nutrients; balanced means that the nutrients are present in the proper proportions. Balance is crucial because excesses of some nutrients may cause deficiencies of others.

For joint supplements, the news isn't good. Despite the enthusiasm, and aggressive marketing, not only is compelling evidence for efficacy lacking, there is evidence against efficacy. For example, a recent study in humans1 concluded that, "Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination did not reduce pain effectively in the overall group of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Our ability to communicate with clients determines our success as clinicians and caregivers. This is because client adherence to our recommendations depends in part on the relationship we share. In medicine, as in life, improved interpersonal interactions between caregiver and patient lead to increased commitment and satisfaction for all concerned.

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem encountered in daily practice. Studies suggest that obesity may affect as many as 40% of dogs and 30% of cats in some practices.

In general, information about an animal's origin and natural history is often the basis for recommendations concerning dietary management of these animals in captivity. In captivity, whether in an aquarium, screened cage, or (inappropriately) loose in the house – reptiles and amphibians have specific ranges for temperature, humidity, and ventilation which are essential for optimal health. Maintenance of an animal outside of its optimal range is a physiological stress that often results in poor intake, digestion/absorption, and utilization of food.

The United States has a complex system for controlling chemical residues in meat poultry and egg products, with rigorous processes for approval, sampling and testing, and enforcement. Three principal agencies are involved in the control of residues in meat, poultry, and egg products.

Do you know what an obese pet looks like? Your clients don't! Learn how to accurately assess a pet's body condition score and raise clients' awareness of pet obesity while helping them reverse the growing trend.

Excess weight is the most common medical condition in companion animals and has a number of health and wellness implications for both pets and their owners.

Pairing interventions that benefit both the pet's and owners' health may be a valuable role for veterinarians.

In this study, dog owners presenting to a veterinary referral center are invited to participate.

2011 Nestlé Purina Veterinary Symposium on companion animal medicine: Table of Contents (Sponsored by Nestlé Purina)

Part of the 2011 Nestlé Purina Veterinary Symposium publication

Part of the 2011 Nestlé Purina Veterinary Symposium publication

Part of the 2011 Nestlé Purina Veterinary Symposium publication