Nutritional Management of Orthopedic Disease

Question 1

when should you switch a dog from puppy food to adult diet?

Answer 1

full skeletal maturity
1 year or later in large/giant breeds

Question 2

what are large breed puppies defined as by AAFCO?

Answer 2

adult size > 70lb

Question 3

what is the most common cause of severe nutrition-related disease in puppies and kittens?

Answer 3

home-prepared diets

Question 4

what is the best evidence for supplements?

Answer 4

specific dosing with omega-3s

Question 5

why are large breed puppies prone to developmental orthopedic disease?

Answer 5

multifactorial: genetics, biomechanical forces, nutrition

Question 6

what are risk factors for developmental orthopedic disease?

Answer 6

rapid growth
excess calcium intake

Question 7

is weight loss more critical than supplements for osteoarthritis?

Answer 7

yes
ideally consider before surgery

Question 8

what are some side effects of omega-3 fatty acids?

Answer 8

diarrhea
clotting: very high doses