Nutrition for Senior & Neuro Animals Flashcards
T/F: age is a disease
FALSE
T/F: there are no specific AAFCO guidelines for senior animals
true
what are common conditions ASSOCIATED with age?
- Chronic enteropathies
- Hepatic disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Epilepsy
- Congnitive dysfunction
- Cancer
- Sarcopenia
- Joint disease
For epileptic animals, what should you INCREASE in their diet?
fat
increased fat utilization reduces seizure frequency; medium chain triglycerides specifically.
T/F: ketogenic diets may potentially be beneficial to dogs with epilepsy
true – high fat, adeq protein, low carb and energy restricted; induces ketosis (in humans, hard to do in dogs)
what type of diet MAY be helpful for canine epileptoid cramping syndrome?
gluten-free
What should be included/supplemented in a diet for an animal with cognitive dysfunction?
- antioxidants
- medium-chain triglycerides
- omega-3s
- B-vitamins
- L-cartinine
What are dietary additives that can be utilized in animals with anxiety?
L-tryptophan, alpha-casozepine, maybe CBD
but behavioral modification, training, and drugs may be better alternatives.
T/F: cachexia associated with cancer is less common in dogs than in humans
true
What is sarcopenia and what are dietary modifications to make in these cases?
sarcopenia is age-associated muscle loss
you can adjust protein levels, switch to a highly digestible diet, and add omega-3s
T/F: supplements are regulated at the FDA and state level, but they have relatively low priority for regulation
true
What is US pharmacopeia (USP)?
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.
What are the 2 omega-6s?
- linoleic acid (LA)
- arachiodonic acid (AA)
What are the 3 omega-3s?
- alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- eicosapentanoic acid (EPA)
- docosahexanoic acid (DHA)
essential in cats and dogs
why are omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for senior dogs?
decrease joint inflammation and they reduce clinical signs of OA
they require HIGH dose
What does glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help with?
Stimulates cartilage metabolism and inhibits degradation. Reduces clinical signs of osteoarthritis and improves histologic appearance of articular cartilage in dogs.
What do avocado and soybean unsaponifiables do?
stimulate synthesis of collagen type II and proteoglycan within the joint.
what is the purpose of supplementing Green-Lipped Mussel?
these are high in omega-3s and contain glycoaminoglycans.
Reduces lameness and MSK exam scores in dogs.
T/F: turmeric is used as a powerful antinflammatory and antioxidant in dogs.
false – no benefit has been found in dogs. there is low bioavailability.
