Pulse - September 2023 - 16

PULSE SPECIAL SECTION
munosuppressive drugs or antibiotics.
· A history of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Feeding a renal
diet delays progression of CKD, reduces its associated renal
and extrarenal clinical signs (such as vomiting, hyporexia,
and anorexia), and is the therapeutic intervention that has
the most benefit in reducing deaths due to CKD and uremic
crises.7-9
It is important to ensure that patients with
CKD are fed an appropriate diet that any comorbidities
(e.g., pancreatitis, electrolyte disorders, food allergies) are
taken into consideration.
· A history of obesity with unsuccessful or minimal results
on a weight loss plan.
Each pet has unique nutritional requirements depending
on their age, reproductive status, breed, weight, and overall
health. A Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist can identify
an appropriate diet, whether it is a commercial option or formulate
a home-prepared diet for appropriate for that animal.
They can also provide customized feeding plans and monitoring
guidelines designed to meet the specific needs of the
individual animal. In many cases, simply recommending that
a client feed their pet a therapeutic diet will not be enough to
ensure compliance. Clients need to understand why the diet
change is required for their dog or cat, be informed of appropriate
feeding amounts and frequency, and have any questions
or concerns about ingredients addressed. They may also have
questions about the use of any additional supplement(s) that
may be appropriate for their pet.
A Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist collaborates
with primary care veterinarians and other Specialists to offer
comprehensive care to help pet owners feel more confident
that every aspect of their pet's health - including their nutritional
needs - has been met. P
Resources
1. Becvarova I, Prochazka D, Chandler ML, et al. Nutrition Education in
European Veterinary Schools: Are European Veterinary Graduates
Competent in Nutrition? Journal of Veterinary Medical Education
2016:1-10.
2. Roberts JL, Murray J-A. Equine Nutrition in the United States: A Review
of Perceptions and Practices of Horse Owners and Veterinarians.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2014;34:854-859.
3. Buffington CA, LaFlamme DP. A survey of veterinarians' knowledge
and attitudes about nutrition. Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association 1996;208:674-675.
4. Stockman J, Fascetti AJ, Kass PH, et al. Evaluation of recipes of
home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2013;242:1500.
5. Heinze CR, Gomez FC, Freeman LM. Assessment of commercial diets
and recipes for home-prepared diets recommended for dogs with
cancer. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;241:1453-1460.
6. Larsen JA, Parks EM, Heinze CR, et al. Evaluation of recipes for homeprepared
diets for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. J Am
Vet Med Assoc 2012;240:532.
7. Polzin DJ. Evidence-based step-wise approach to managing chronic
kidney disease in dogs and cats. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio)
2013;23:205-215.
8. Ross SJ, Osborne CA, Kirk CA, et al. Clinical evaluation of dietary
modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic kidney disease in
cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006;229:949-957.
9. Jacob F, Polzin DJ, Osborne CA, et al. Clinical evaluation of dietary
modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic renal failure in
dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;220:1163-1170.
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