Page 105 - Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition

Macronutrients 105

CASE 5-2
VetBooks.ir Lethargy and Weight Loss in a Mixed-Breed Dog

Patient Assessment
A five-year-old male dog of mixed breeding was admitted for lethargy, a dull coat and weight loss.The dog weighed 8 kg. Physical
examination was normal except for a lusterless coat and a subnormal body condition score (2/5). Hypoproteinemia (total protein
4.1 g/dl, normal 5.0 to 7.5 g/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (albumin 1.2 g/dl, normal 2.2 to 3.5 g/dl) were noted on the serum bio-
chemistry profile. The dog had several struvite urocystoliths surgically removed two years earlier.

Assess the Food and Feeding Method
a
For the past two years, the dog had been fed a veterinary therapeutic food (Prescription Diet s/d Canine ) that contained reduced
levels of protein (7.9% dry matter), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and resulted in production of acidic urine. These nutri-
tional characteristics have been shown to help dissolve struvite urocystoliths (Chapter 43).The dog had been fed one can (620 kcal
[2.6 MJ]) daily.
Because of the low-protein content and other nutritional characteristics of this food, it is not recommended for long-term main-
tenance of adult dogs. The manufacturer recommends that Prescription Diet s/d Canine be fed for no more than six months.
Because no other causes of hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were found, protein malnutrition was tentatively diagnosed.

Feeding Plan
a
The dog’s food was changed to a different veterinary therapeutic food (Prescription Diet c/d Canine ).This food contains reduced
levels of struvite precursor substances and produces an acidic urinary pH; however, it has a higher protein content (23.6% dry mat-
ter).This food is also nutritionally adequate for long-term maintenance of adult dogs.The dog was fed 1.5 cans (700 kcal [2.9 MJ])
daily until it reached optimal body condition.

Endnote
a. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA.