WEB Vetnews May 2015

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pain and suffering. We are charged with advising clients that providing a peaceful death may be as essential to responsible ownership as all other aspects of a patient’s medical care. D r Jennifer Brandt is a leader in the effort to provide veterinary professionals with the communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills essential to quality veterinary care and veterinary career success. v Historically, protein intake that was greater than the animal’s requirement was theorised to have a detrimental effect on kidney function, especially in senior animals. Contrary to popular belief, there is no research-based conclusive evidence that protein contributes to the initiation or progression of kidney dysfunction in dogs and cats. Moreover, recent studies have shown that geriatric dogs actually benefit from a higher level of high-quality protein and that the increase in dietary protein can help to ameliorate age-associated loss of lean body mass. v

in most cases. Have the conversation, knowing that it may be uncomfortable: I know that euthanasia is difficult to talk about. Tell me more about what you are thinking. The Veterinary Oath Euthanasia is an emotionally charged topic for both veterinarians and clients. The key difference is that veterinarians take an oath and have the privilege of relieving patients’ amino acid balances for companion animals when compared with amino acid balances supplied by grains or other plants. The protein in grains is not as balanced or available, but it is more consistent in quality when compared to poorer- quality animal protein sources (by-products, meat and bone meal). Additionally the presence of protein, like fat, is a source of flavour in pet foods. In general, as the protein content of dog or cat food increases, so does it’s palatability and acceptability.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE <<< 14

that Joey is having more bad days than good days? Embrace discomfort Some clients may react strongly to references of “death,” “dying,” and “euthanasia.” However, their strong reaction means they are hearing, and are affected by, what you are saying. This is a healthy, appropriate reaction varies with the protein source’s digestibility and with the protein’s actual content of all of the essential amino acids (quality of the protein). As the protein digestibility and quality increases, the minimum level of protein that has to be included in the diet to meet the animals’ needs decreases. The protein in dogs’ and cats’ food can be supplied by animal sources (chicken, fish, lamb, eggs, chicken meal), plant sources (corn, wheat, soy) or a combination of the two. In general, high-quality animal source proteins provide superior PROTEIN <<< 13

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Mei/May 2015