Small Animal Clinical Nutrition and Feeding in Large Animal Production
This first part of the research project involves discussion of factors to consider and procedures for providing assisted nutrition for hospitalized patients.
A 12-year-old-dog who already has advancing renal failure was recently hit by a car and hospitalized. The dog has a jaw fracture and can’t eat. For three days prior to the accident, the dog had decreased appetite and wouldn’t eat.
- What’s the best choice of assisted feeding for this dog, and what factors would you consider when deciding the approach to feeding?
- Identify the most common mechanical complications associated with the assisted feeding method chosen, and describe the measures taken to prevent and address these complications.
- Discuss common metabolic complications of the assisted feeding method chosen and the factors that contribute to these complications.
- What discharge instructions would you provide the client, including how to continue with the assisted feeding at home?
Now you’ll investigate the feeding requirements for a sheep wool production business.
A client who started a Merino sheep farm seeks veterinary guidance regarding care and feeding for optimal wool production.
- What amino acid is essential for wool production, and what feed components/types are good sources of this amino acid?
- Breeding of ewes will produce new stocks of sheep used for wool. What are important feeding measures to ensure healthy gestation? Indicate the special feeding needs during the last trimester.
- What makes lambs susceptible to enterotoxemia, and how can this be prevented nutritionally and medically?