THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) caused by taurine deficiency in cats was once a common diagnosis for feline heart disease. Today, DCM accounts for less than 10% of feline heart disease. Good nutrition plays many roles in heart health.

Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) often appear healthy. If clinical signs do occur, then nutritional modifications can be an important part of patient care.

Diet elimination trials are the gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergies and food intolerances.

Multimodal strategies that include targeted nutrition may help manage signs and slow progression of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs.

Feeding a diet containing medium chain triglycerides may be a useful adjunct to anticonvulsant medications in dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy.

Nutritional interventions tailored to the individual cat with CKD can play a key role in slowing disease progression, reducing signs of uremia, addressing homeostatic changes resulting from CKD, and improving quality of life as well as life span.

Nutritional support is a valuable adjunct in the management of dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Preventing and managing excess weight can help dogs and cats lead better, and importantly, longer lives.

Nutrition plays an important role in the management of hyperlipidemia in dogs.