Rx diets Flashcards
Why are diet supplememts used and how to introduce them
Some studies have shown that incorporating supplements into diets are preferable and provide better compliance
However, does require a dietary transition (Cost? Preference? Concurrent condition?)
If doing both, need to consider the levels currently in the diet as many supplements have maximum safe dosages
What are omega 3 fatty acids good for
Essential fatty acids–but can be useful in additional levels
Three important omega-3 fatty acids for veterinary medicine are:
α-linolenic acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
What are a-linolinic acid (ALA)
Short chain fatty acid
Found in plants sources such as nuts and seeds (e.g., flax, canola)
ALA is converted in the body to EPA and DHA (poorly in dogs and cats)
What is Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and is it good to supplement
Long chain fatty acids
Found primarily in marine sources, like cold water fish (e.g., salmon and other fish oils)
Direct sources of EPA and DHA are preferable to ALA-based sources due to poor conversion by dogs and cats
DHA levels are highest retina/brain/sperm cells
How does EPA and DHA work
EPA and DHA incorporate into the cell membrane
Makes the cell membrane more stable to inflammation
Eicosanoids take part in cellular signaling pathways in heart cells, immune cells, and the endocrine system
Action is through inhibition of the prostaglandin pathway, leukotriene pathway and COX-2 pathway
They also inhibit movement of neutrophils and inhibit activity of various cytokines
What is EPA and DHA good for
Anti-inflammatory
Skin disease
Urinary conditions
Gastrointestinal conditions
Osteoarthritis
Reproduction and growth
Important for the development of many body systems
Can improve the learning capacity of puppies
Cardiac and renal
Blood thinning – reduce plasma fibrinogen
Anti hypertentive actions
Aging
Improve athletic performance
Improve brain oxygenation
Neoplasia
Limit the risk of tumors
What can anxiety be related to
Anxiety can be related to a variety of different medical conditions
Often associated with past experiences
Can worsen or present with advancing age due to decline in other senses
In cases of extreme anxiety or behavioural issues, nutraceuticals (including diet) often not enough
Training, socialization, desensitization and medical therapy
What are the goals with anxiety and supplementation
Reduce stress and associated clinical signs
Improve emotional stability
L-tryptophan is and used for
Essential amino acid
Metabolic precursor to serotonin and melatonin
Implicated in many behaviour processes
Mood
Aggression
Susceptibility to stress
What is L-tryptophan used for in cats
Treatment of behaviour disorders in cats
Repetitive behaviour
Vocalization
Agonistic behaviours
α-Casozepine (casein) is and used for
Derived from milk protein
Shown to have a calming effect on babies
Affinity for benzodiazepine site of the GABA-a receptors
Shown to have an anxiolytic effect in dogs and cats
What does a stress formula contain
Contain L-tryptophan and casein
L-theanine is and used for
Amino acid found in tea leaves
Inhibitor of glutamate
Excitatory neurotransmitter
Reduces the excitatory effects
Relaxing affect shown in laboratory animals, humans, dogs, and cats
Medium Chain Triglycerides are and used for
Brain has reduced ability to utilized glucose with aging
MCTG provides alternative energy source for brain
Protective of cognitive decline in epileptic dogs
What are some considerations when feeding diets
Feed in safe place
May need to separate, feed alone or feed by hand depending on preferences
Consider puzzle feeders to help entertain and stimulate
What causes joint disease
Loss of cartilage
Leads to remodeling and thicken of joints
Affects entire joint, not just cartilage
What is the main goal with treatment of joint disease
Reduce discomfort/pain
Improve QoL
Slow down progression
Address contributing or aggravating factors
What can predispose an animal to joint disease
Aging
Obesity
Trauma
Genetics/Breed
Anatomy (Conformation)
What is the goal of nutritional interventions for joint disease
Support joint function
Reduce inflammation
Promote healthy body weight
Glycosaminoglycans is and helpful for
Important part of joint cartilage and synovial fluid
Stimulate the production of proteoglycans and hyalurionic acid
Important for shock absorption
Role is mostly chondroprotective
How does glucosamine help the joints
Promotes the synthesis of cartilage
What does chondroitin do for cartilage
Inhibits the destruction of cartilage
Helps with water retention, important for pressure resistance
Hydrolyzed Collagen is and does what
Obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of collagenous tissues
Promotes the regeneration of cartilage by providing three key amino acids
- Glycine
- Proline
- Hydroxyproline
Stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis by synovial cells
Results in the increased synthesis of type II collagen
Role is primarily to increase cartilage development/regeneration
What are some common antioxidants
Vitamins
Vitamin E, Vitamin C
Minerals
Selenium, Manganese
Amino acids
Taurine, glutathione
Other
Green tea polyphenols (also inhibit inflammation, inhibit the destruction of cartilage and promote collagen synthesis)
Combats oxidative stress
Green Lipped Mussel is and contains
Perna canaliculus
Species of mussels found along the coast of New Zealand
Mussels act as a sea water filter and tend to retain essential nutrients
Contain large number of active substances:
Omega 3 fatty acids
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Vitamins E and C
Zinc, Copper, Manganese
What are some considerations for joint formulas
Weight loss if necessary
6% reduction in weight has been shown to improve mobility and quality of life in dogs
Many multi-function options available
Multimodal therapy! Analgesics, physiotherapy, alternative therapies
What can cause obesity
Obesity can contribute to various health conditions, decreased quality of life and life span
Preventable and treatable
What are the goals with obesity diets
Promote healthy weight loss
Restrict energy without restricting nutrients