Nutrition for Senior & Neuro Animals

Question 1

T/F: age is a disease

Answer 1

FALSE

Question 2

T/F: there are no specific AAFCO guidelines for senior animals

Answer 2

true

Question 3

what are common conditions ASSOCIATED with age?

Answer 3

1. Chronic enteropathies
2. Hepatic disease
3. Chronic kidney disease
4. Epilepsy
5. Congnitive dysfunction
6. Cancer
7. Sarcopenia
8. Joint disease

Question 4

For epileptic animals, what should you INCREASE in their diet?

Answer 4

fat

increased fat utilization reduces seizure frequency; medium chain triglycerides specifically.

Question 5

T/F: ketogenic diets may potentially be beneficial to dogs with epilepsy

Answer 5

true – high fat, adeq protein, low carb and energy restricted; induces ketosis (in humans, hard to do in dogs)

Question 6

what type of diet MAY be helpful for canine epileptoid cramping syndrome?

Answer 6

gluten-free

Question 7

What should be included/supplemented in a diet for an animal with cognitive dysfunction?

Answer 7

1. antioxidants
2. medium-chain triglycerides
3. omega-3s
4. B-vitamins
5. L-cartinine

Question 8

What are dietary additives that can be utilized in animals with anxiety?

Answer 8

L-tryptophan, alpha-casozepine, maybe CBD

but behavioral modification, training, and drugs may be better alternatives.

Question 9

T/F: cachexia associated with cancer is less common in dogs than in humans

Answer 9

true

Question 10

What is sarcopenia and what are dietary modifications to make in these cases?

Answer 10

sarcopenia is age-associated muscle loss

you can adjust protein levels, switch to a highly digestible diet, and add omega-3s

Question 11

T/F: supplements are regulated at the FDA and state level, but they have relatively low priority for regulation

Answer 11

true

Question 12

What is US pharmacopeia (USP)?

Answer 12

a non-profit organization that sets standards for identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements consumed worldwide. They award the product with a seal once they are verified.

Question 13

What are the 2 omega-6s?

Answer 13

1. linoleic acid (LA)
2. arachiodonic acid (AA)

Question 14

What are the 3 omega-3s?

Answer 14

1. alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. eicosapentanoic acid (EPA)
3. docosahexanoic acid (DHA)

essential in cats and dogs

Question 15

why are omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for senior dogs?

Answer 15

decrease joint inflammation and they reduce clinical signs of OA

they require HIGH dose

Question 16

What does glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help with?

Answer 16

Stimulates cartilage metabolism and inhibits degradation. Reduces clinical signs of osteoarthritis and improves histologic appearance of articular cartilage in dogs.

Question 17

What do avocado and soybean unsaponifiables do?

Answer 17

stimulate synthesis of collagen type II and proteoglycan within the joint.

Question 18

what is the purpose of supplementing Green-Lipped Mussel?

Answer 18

these are high in omega-3s and contain glycoaminoglycans.
Reduces lameness and MSK exam scores in dogs.

Question 19

T/F: turmeric is used as a powerful antinflammatory and antioxidant in dogs.

Answer 19

false – no benefit has been found in dogs. there is low bioavailability.