The nutritional assessment and senior patients

Abstract

The nutritional assessment is deemed the 5^th vital sign in performing a clinical evaluation in veterinary patients, as described by World Small Animal Veterinary Association since 2011. A recent report of the veterinary profession demonstrated there is an underuse of this tool which may be restricted to critically ill patients. Ageing changes in cats and dogs will cause reduction in lean body mass termed sarcopaenia, which increases mortality and morbidity and reduces QoL. Early detection of sarcopaenia can lead to appropriate advice relating to diet and exercise, which could delay and slow the onset of this damaging syndrome. The RVN can play a pivotal role in performing regular nutritional assessments in ageing patients.

Keywords: :

• nutritional assessment
• sarcopaenia
• senior diet
• veterinary nursing
• canine and feline nutrition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest are reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan L. Holt

Susan L. Holt MRes B.Sc. (Hons) RVN Cert PM&A PGCHE FHEA Susan qualified in 1994, spending time in a range of roles including first opinion, charity and referral work, until moving into the education sector in 2016. Currently, Susan is working as a Lecturer and Programme Tutor for the Veterinary Nursing Department within the University of Bristol’s Vet School. She maintains some clinical work through volunteering for StreetVet, an RCVS registered practice delivering free veterinary care and advice for the homeless clients and their pets.

Email: [email protected]