Science of Nutrition Symposia

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Cats are efficient at maintaining hydration. However, those cats with certain health conditions may benefit from greater total water intake. Dr. Sparkes provides a brief overview of feline hydration and the conditions in which water intake may be critical for health.

Brian Zanghi, PhD

Studies have indicated that water supplements can be highly palatable to cats. These studies demonstrated that cats not only drink more liquid, but maintained higher liquid intake when given access to nutrient-enriched water. Consequently, urine volume increased and urine specific gravity decreased. Cats that need greater hydration would benefit from a water supplement.

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

Discover the answers to two key questions: Why enhance the immune health of healthy dogs and cats? and How can food influence the immune system? Dr. Ebenezer Satyaraj shares findings from studies into immune and gut health benefits of adding bovine colostrum to diets.

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

A number of positive effects have been documented in healthy research dogs and cats while being fed bovine colostrum-supplemented food. Dr. Michael Lappin discusses potential clinical uses of bovine colostrum-supplemented food using three common clinical problems in cats and dogs as examples.

Lizzie Parker, PhD

A significant evolution in nutritional science has occurred during the past 20 years. Learn about science-based nutritional interventions for dogs and cats that demonstrate the true power of nutrition.

Antonella Muraro, MD, PhD

Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD

What if the simple act of feeding a cat provided more options for your cat-allergic patients? Learn about an innovative approach that neutralizes the major cat allergen at its source in the cat’s saliva.
This innovation reduces the major cat allergen while keeping the cat in its loving home – allowing you to reframe your conversations with cat-allergic patients.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

What do veterinarians need to know about human allergies to cats? Get a brief overview of the condition, including its prevalence, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management. Since human allergies to cats impact cat welfare and the human-animal bond, veterinary professionals may be able to help clients reduce their exposure to cat allergens as part of allergy management.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Many factors can affect and alter the bond between owner and cat. The human-animal bond, including why people choose to own or not own a pet, is briefly reviewed. Discover what research reveals about the reasons pets, particularly cats, are relinquished.

Andrew Sparkes, BVetMEd, PhD, DECVIM, MANZCS, MRCVS

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common syndrome in veterinary practice and typically represents 4-6% of cases presented in general practice. While a number of different identifiable causes of FLUTD are recognised, studies have found that feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) accounts for 55-75% of cases. An evidence-based review of the causes and management of FIC is provided, with an emphasis on dietary management and environmental modification.