Nutrition life stages

Question 1

Biological value of protein

Answer 1

proportion of absorbable protein that can be metabolised by the body

the higher the BV - the less urea - the less ‘strain’ on the kidneys and liver

Question 2

Feline dilated cardiomyopathy

Answer 2

caused by a deficiency in taurine

Question 3

Vitamin overdose

Answer 3

hypervitaminosis is far more prevalent in fat soluble vitamins
ADEK (can be stored)

Question 3

what is hypervitaminosis A ?

Answer 3

it is a potential complication of feeding cats high levels of raw liver

Question 4

which vitamin is fundamental to coagulation

Answer 4

vitamin K

Question 5

what is the medical term for a blood clot/coagulation

Answer 5

Thrombosis

Question 6

what does vitamin K do?

Answer 6

aids in calcium metabolism. is also an essential co factor in functioning of coagulation factors 2,7,9,10

Question 7

common clinical signs of a haemorrhage/ rodenticides

Answer 7

inter cavitatory bleeding

subcutaneous bruising (haematoma)

epistaxis (nose bleed)

Question 8

treatment of rodenticide

Answer 8

Vitamin K

Question 9

characteristics of a satisfactory pet food according to these guidelines

Answer 9

complete - adequate amount of nutrients

balanced - nutrients are correct proportions

digestible - able to digest and absorb nutrients

palatable - appealing enough to be eaten

safe - free of toxins or anything which could harm

fixed feed formula - guaranteed levels of stated ingredients in every batch

Question 10

high biological value proteins

Answer 10

the higher the BV - the more that can be used by the body and the less strain there is on the liver and kidneys

Question 11

what is feline nutritional idiosyncrasies and what nutrients classify them as obligate carnivores

Answer 11

taurine
arachidonic acid o6

cats are better at converting amino acids into glucose

Question 12

why are cats prone to urine stones

Answer 12

they have a lower thirst stimulus - more concentrated urine

Question 13

Resting Energy Requirements (RER)

Answer 13

this relates to a calculation to determine an animals resting energy requirements

bodyweight (KG) x 30 + 70

Question 14

metabolisable energy requirement (MER)

Answer 14

calculation accounts for an animals activity level

calculate their resting energy requirements and then x by a factor

Question 15

Gestation/lactation in dogs

Answer 15

3x RER last trimester
Ca 1.6: P 1

Lactation - u to 8 x RER (litter size dependant)

Question 16

growth diet requirements in gestation/lactation dogs

Answer 16

high levels in calcium and phosphorous

highly digestible

small meals often towards end of pregnancy

high levels protein indicated

high water requirement

Question 17

Gestation and lactation in cats

Answer 17

gestation - 1.5-2 x RER

lactation - up to 8 x RER

Question 18

Growth diet required in gestation for cats

Answer 18

high levels of calcium and phosphorous

highly digestible

ad lib food

high levels of protein

high water requirement

Question 19

neonates and growth

Answer 19

Neonates - 13-18kcal / 100g BW
Ca:P (1.6:)

growth - 2.5 - 3 x RER till 4 months
then 2 x RER till final adult weight
Ca:P (1.8:1) late growth

Question 20

what do neonates and growing cats needs

Answer 20

high levels of all macro nutrients

supplementary calcium, phosphorous and DHA

Calcium and phosphate partially restricted in large breed puppy diets to slow down speed of bones growing

Question 21

senior cats/dogs

Answer 21

Reduced MER maintenance energy requirement (except cats)

prone to sarcopenia (muscle loss from aging)

Question 22

what senior cats/dogs need

Answer 22

high levels of a high biological value protein
(if confirmed renal disease -reduced protein)

highly digestible

diets with supplementation of DHA and vitamin E

cats have reduced ability to digest fats as they age

Question 23

small animal hindgut fermenters

Answer 23

these fibrevores have large caecum’s (large intestine) containing commensal microbes which enable the breakdown of cellulose by the release of cellulase

Question 24

what is coprophagia

Answer 24

ensures maximal nutrient digestion and absorption

Question 25

why is fibre important?

Answer 25

it is because teeth are continually growing and it promotes peristalisis and maintains caecum pH

Question 26

Dietary requirements for hindgut fermenters

Answer 26

80% good quality hay/grass
15% fresh veg
1/2 tablespoons pellets

Question 27

Gut stasis / gastrointestinal ileus

Answer 27

1. Anorexia
2. Reduction / cessation peristalsis
3. Caecal pH change
4. Microbe levels change
5. Microbes release toxins into circulation

common symptoms include
- reduced or absent appetite
-reduced or absent faeces
-lethargy

Question 28

rabbits are unable to downregulate the effects of PTH on the intestinal wall what would this lead too?

Question 29

how is excess calcium excreted in bunnies?