Nutrition for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses » (1st Edition)

Ann Wortinger, LVT, VTS (ECC), is the program coordinator for the Veterinary Technology Program at Wayne State University, teaching clinical pathology. With 16 years experience in Internal medicine, Ann founded and coordinated care for the nutritional support service at a major specialty/referral hospital. She obtained her specialty certification in emergency and critical care in 2000, and is a founding member of the Academy of Internal Medicine of Veterinary Technicians, experienced in general practice, emergency and specialty medicine.

Nutrition is an area of veterinary medicine in which technicians and nurses can play an active role. To do so requires an understanding of basic digestion, nutrient use by the body and how food affects patients throughout their lives.

Nutrition for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses serves an introduction to the fundamentals of nutrition and also a guide to monitoring the nutritional needs of patients in daily practice. Students will benefit from the clear and consistent approach to basic principles of nutrition. Practicing technicians and nurses will appreciate the practical applications and techniques for managing the nutritional needs of both sick and healthy patients and guidance for educating clients. Focusing on the unique interests of technicians and nurses, the book is not only relevant and technical but also understandable and usable.

* Focuses on the unique interests of technicians and nurses

* Offers a clear and consistent approach to the basic principles of nutrition

* Provides practical applications and techniques for managing the nutritional needs of sick and healthy patients

* Includes guidance for educating clients

Preface     vii
Acknowledgements     xi
Basics of Nutrition     1
Nutrients and Energy     3
Water     11
Carbohydrates     15
Fats     19
Protein and Amino Acids     25
Vitamins     33
Minerals     49
Digestion and Absorption     59
Energy Balance     67
Nutritional Requirements of Dogs and Cats     75
History and Regulation of Pet Foods     77
Pet Food Labels     85
Nutrient Content of Pet Foods     95
Types of Pet Foods     103
Raw Food Diets: Fact versus Fiction     111
Pet Food Preservatives     117
Homemade Diets     123
Feeding Management for Dogs and Cats     129
Feeding Regimens for Dogs and Cats     131
Body Condition Scoring     139
Pregnancy and Lactation in Dogs     145
Pregnancy and Lactation in Cats     149
Neonatal Puppies and Kittens     153
Growth in Dogs     159
Growth in Cats     169
Adult Maintenance in Dogs     173
Adult Maintenance in Cats     177
Feeding the Healthy Geriatric Dog and Cat     181
Performance and Dogs     189
Nutritional Requirements of Cats     197
Nutrition Myths     205
Nutritional Support     211
Assisted Feeding in Dogs and Cats     221
Webliography     231
Index     233