Nutritional management

Abstract

This article describes nutritional assessment for geriatric patients and addresses some nutrient sensitive conditions common in older dogs and cats. The goal of completing a nutritional assessment is to identify the presence and significance of factors that put patients at risk for malnutrition. Dietary recommendations for geriatric patients should take into account the needs of the patient and client preferences as well as economics. Changes in feeding management should be considered a part of total patient management. As with any aspect of medical management, the patient should be reevaluated at appropriate intervals to assure achievement of desired results.