Nutrition and Nutraceuticals for the Rehab Patient

Question 1

What are some increased risks related to obesity in patients?

Answer 1

Cancers, diabetes mellitus in cats, arthritis, uroliths.

Question 2

T/F maintaining a lean body condition from puppyhood throughout the dog’s life is associated with increased longevity and delayed onset of signs of chronic disease?

Answer 2

True- Dogs that were obese as puppies had an increased liklihood to have disease later in life.

Question 3

What are some risk factors that can lead to obese patients?

Answer 3

Calorie dense food
Excessive calories fed (overfeeding)
Low energy expenditure
Energy consumed is too high relative to energy expenditure

Question 4

What is the BCS goal?

Answer 4

5/9 for normal patients
4/9 for patients with joint disease
6/9 for patients with chronic disease that carries risk of cachexia

Question 5

T/F Animals cannot be overweight and also have muscle loss?

Answer 5

False

Question 6

What are the 4 points of muscle condition scoring?

Answer 6

Spine
Shoulder blades
Skull
Hips

Question 7

What is 1 point on the BCS scale worth body weight % wise?

Answer 7

10%

Question 8

What are the KCAL percentages in regards to treats throughout the day

Answer 8

90% KCAL from balanced food
10% KCAL from treats

Question 9

What are the key components to a weight loss diet?

Answer 9

Meets all essential nutrient requirement
High protein to maintain muscle.
Low fat
High fiber- satiety

Question 10

T/F Some weight loss diets are better than others?

Answer 10

False ish
As long as the diet fits the requirements and meets all nutritional needs of animals for the most part they are all equal.

Question 11

Why is protein important in a weight loss diet?

Answer 11

Enhances the food
Maintains muscle mass and BMR
Satiety

Question 12

How much protein is required for cats and dogs in their food.

Answer 12

Dogs: 2g per kg BW
Cats: 3g per kg BW

Question 13

What are some technique to manage food seeking behavior?

Answer 13

High protein, high fiber diet
High fiber foods between meals or too add bulk to a meal (veggies)
Small frequent meals (3-4x a day)
Respond with exercise, training or play.

Question 14

T/F rehab can be used for obese animals even if they do not technically have a disease?

Answer 14

true- can be used as part of weight loss plan and/or to support their bodies

Question 15

How should someone monitor their pets weight loss?

Answer 15

Every 2 weeks do a BCS and MCS.
BW: target loss is 1-2% every week. Need to monitor for plateau in weight loss or no initial weight loss.

Question 16

What do you do if the pet looses too much weight?
Not enough weight?

Answer 16

IF >2% loss, add 10-20% food volume
If <1% loss reduce food volume by 20%

Question 17

What is the #1 cause of lack of compliance for weight loss?

Answer 17

Poor or inadequate pet-owner education

Question 18

What is a nutraceutical?

Answer 18

Food or parts of food that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease
AKA supplement

Question 19

T/F Nutraceuticals are NOT regulated in the US

Answer 19

False- they are regulated but surveillance is limited.

Question 20

What is AAFCO

Answer 20

Association of American feed control officials.
Charged with regulating the sale and distribution of animal feed and drug remedies.
NOT a regulatory body.

Question 21

T/F you should check an animal has a complete and balanced diet before recommending a nutraceutical?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What should you look for when evaluating a nutraceutical?

Answer 22

If animal product if its regulated under FFCA and/or AAFCO.
Guaranteed analysis
Guidelines for use
If manufacturer researches product
if quality control present

Question 23

T/F OMEGA-3 has anti-inflammatory properties and is essential in cat and dogs while Omega-6 has inflammatory action

Answer 23

True

Question 24

What other uses do OMEGA 3 fatty acid have?

Answer 24

Decrease joint inflammation, reduce clinical signs of osteoarthritis, +/- help with pain reduction.

Question 25

What is the main source of omega-3

Answer 25

Fish (salmon) and fish oil

Question 26

What unique properties do Green-lipped mussels have?

Answer 26

High in omega-3s
Also contain Glycosaminoglycans (GAG)- regulation of cell growth and cell proliferation, promotion of cell adhesion and anticoagulation, wound repair
Reduce lameness scores in dogs

Question 27

What are some properties of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate?

Answer 27

Stimulates cartilage metabolism and inhibits degradation in dogs.
Reduces CS of OA and improved histologic appearance of articular cartilage in dogs.