Emeritus Professor, Nutrition NCSU-CVM Hillsborouhj, North Carolina, United States
Disclosure(s):
Korinn Saker, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (nutrition): No relevant disclosure to display
Hepatic Lipidosis (HL) can be a life-threatening condition for our feline patients when nutritional support is delayed or overlooked. Which cats need focused nutritional support? What is the timeframe to initiate nutritional support once HL is diagnosed? What nutrition support options are available and appropriate? If assisted feeding is utilized, when should it be discontinued? These are common questions associated with management of the feline HL patient. This program will address these questions in practical detail to provide diet and feeding options. Discussion focused on the current understanding of key nutrients regarded as hepatic-helpful will be shared. Talking points to share with caregivers to help minimize feeding obstacles of at-home patient care will be shared.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the mechanisms by which lipid, accumulated in the hepatocyte as a consequence of Hepatic Lipidosis (HL), can be safely and efficiently transported out of these cells, and how specific nutrients promote this excess lipid transport.
2. Discuss the pros and cons of hepatic-formulated diets and hepatic support agents (supplements) for nutritional management of the feline HL patient.
3. Formulate a comprehensive in-hospital and at-home feeding plan for your feline HL patients.
