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Mei/May 2015
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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
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’
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
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
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.
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
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
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PROTEIN
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