No abstract

Results suggest that most dogs and cats reported by their owners to have a health problem were not being fed a therapeutic diet. In addition, the rate of dietary supplement use was lower than that reported for people.

The medical records from 9 consecutive miniature horses (n = 5) and miniature donkeys (n = 4) with hyperlipemia (serum triglyceride concentration 2500 mg/dL) were reviewed. In all cases, hyperlipemia was a secondary complication of a primary systemic disease including septicemia, colitis, parasitism, esophageal obstruction, gastric impaction and rupture, fecalith, and pituitary adenoma. Therapy consisted of specific treatment for the primary disease, supportive care, and nutritional support. The mean time for resolution of hyperlipemia in cases requiring nutritional support (n = 6) was 7 days, and the duration of nutritional yperlipemia is a syndrome characterized by negative H energy balance and rapid mobilization of peripheral adipose tissue resulting in serum triglyceride concentrations >500 mg/dL. Pony breeds are predominantly affected, with an incidence rate of 5.1 patients/lOO ponies in one year'; Shetland ponies and donkeys appear especially prone. I-'' Hyperlipemia is most frequently a primary disease process' associated with obe~ity,'.~.'' pregnan~y,~.~.' lactation, ' and tran~portation.~ However, it may be secondary to any systemic disease that results in negative energy balance,'* including internal parasitism, 1-4393'2 p n e~m o n i a ,~ colitis,I2 and laminitis.' Hyperlipemia secondary to an esophageal laceration has been reported in a miniature h o r~e . '~ Whether hyperlipemia is a primary or secondary disease process, the prognosis in affected ponies and donkeys is grave, with mortality rates of 43% to 80%.1,6.7.9The clinical signs of hyperlipemia in ponies are nonspecific and include depression, inappetence, and adipsia. Colic, ventral edema, rapid loss of body condition, fever, diarrhea, and trembling are reported in severely affected ponie~.'-~,' Prolonged increases of serum triglyceride concentrations are associated with lipid accumulation in the liver, kidney, myocardium, and skeletal muscles, impairing function of these The liver and kidney become friable, and death may result from acute hepatic rupture.6 Hyperlipemia has been infrequently reported in miniature horses or miniature donkeys, and the clinical signs, mortality, and biochemical alterations are not well described. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to describe the clinical course and nutritional management of 9 miniature horses and miniature donkeys with naturally occurring hyperlipemia. Criteria for Selection of PatientsCase records were reviewed from 9 consecutive cases of hyperlipemia in equidae presented to The Ohio State Uni-

No abstract

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM ) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal’s nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.