Nutrition

Question 1

Why shouldn’t Emeraid herbivore IC be used for longer than 3 weeks?

Answer 1

It has limited fiber content; switch to Emeraid Sustain

Question 2

Where does parenteral nutrition with an osmolarity greater than 550 need to be administered?

Answer 2

A central vein; in ferrets - usually medial saphenous and advanced into CVC

Question 3

Why should TPN be avoided in rabbits if possible?

Answer 3

Portal fibrosis, functional cholestasis and complete colonic stasis have occurred

Question 4

What are potential complications of parenteral nutrition?

Answer 4

Sepsis, thrombophlebitis, metabolic disturbances

Question 5

What byproduct is produced and utilized as an energy source by microbial fermentation within the digestive tract?

Answer 5

Volatile fatty acids

Question 6

If a rodent consumes feed intended for primates, what vitamin can be ingested in excess? What is the result?

Answer 6

Vitamin D3. Hypervitaminosis D causes metastatic calcification of soft tissues

Question 7

Herbivore pellets should contain more than >20% __ and less than 10% __.

Answer 7

> 20% crude fiber; <10% starch

Question 8

What nutrient do seed-based diets lack for rodents?

Answer 8

Calcium

Question 9

Besides blood sampling, what parameters can be monitored in obese patients to evaluate for rapid shifts in metabolic status due to autolysis of fat?

Answer 9

Urine - hydration changes, a proxy for changes in blood pH, and evaluating for proteinuria, ketonuria, glucosuria

Question 10

What 5 laboratory changes can indicate malnutrition?

Answer 10

1. Hypoalbuminemia
2. Decreased BUN
3. Hypocholesterolemia
4. Anemia
5. Lymphopenia

Question 11

To avoid refeeding syndrome, what scheduled should be followed for supplementation?

Answer 11

Feed 10-20% RER first day and increase by increments of 10-25% until 100% RER is reached

Question 12

What are contraindications to syringe or tube feedings?

Answer 12

Patients that cannot maintain normal head position/can’t protect airway, severe dental/oral disease, head/cervical trauma, esophageal trauma, GI blockage, frequent regurg/vomiting

Question 13

What electrolyte abnormalities can occur with refeeding syndrome?

Answer 13

Hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia

Question 14

What biochemical parameters in rabbits have been associated with increased mortality over time?

Answer 14

Low L-lactate (less than 2.2 mmol/L for >24 hrs), anorexia with BUN>24 and persistent hyponatremia (<129 mEq/L)