A Retrospective Study of the Use of Total Parenteral Nutrition in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

The records of all dogs and cats receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) over a 43-month period were examined retrospectively. Dextrose, amino acids, lipids, electrolytes, and vitamins were administered by central venous catheter according to published nutrient recommendations; 72 dogs and 12 cats were studied, accounting for 380 patient days of TPN. Duration of TPN administration was 1-14 days with a mean of 4.5 days. Most animals required TPN because of gastrointestinal dysfunction, and more than half of them gained weight during TPN administration. Mechanical complications were frequent. Metabolic complications, especially lipid and glucose intolerance, were also commonly seen. Septic complications were the least frequently encountered, but resulted in patient morbidity and may have contributed to mortality. Most animals receiving TPN were returned to enteral nutrition and discharged. For critically ill animals unable to tolerate enteral alimentation, TPN can be supportive therapy in the treatment of the primary disease. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:52-64)

Nutritional Care of Cancer Patients

“…72,75 Regardless of the underlying disease being treated, parenteral nutrition is generally not considered for veterinary patients unless the patient is expected to require support for several days and the gastrointestinal tract is expected to heal given a sufficient period of rest. 72,75 Regardless of the underlying disease being treated, parenteral nutrition is generally not considered for veterinary patients unless the patient is expected to require support for several days and the gastrointestinal tract is expected to heal given a sufficient period of rest.…”

Fluid Therapy and Nutritional Support

“…For PN with an expected duration of less than 2 weeks, energy and protein requirements are the most critical components to consider in addition to ongoing fluid and electrolyte therapy. 15 Strict attention should be paid to aseptic technique in mixing PN solutions and in working with intravenous lines containing PN solutions. However, supplementation of B vitamins from the outset of therapy may be beneficial.…”

“…• Use this line solely for PN. 15 Whenever possible, enteral feeding in small amounts should be continued during PN. The separate fluid line for electrolyte-fluid supplementation also will prevent precipitation of PPN with concentrated electrolyte solutions if required.…”

Nutritional Requirements in Critical Illness

“…These effects, which are likely to have a negative impact on overall survival, include alterations in energy and substrate metabolism, compromised immune function, and impaired wound healing. [1][2][3] Although generalizations tend to oversimplify complex systems, the concept of "ebb/flow" offers a basic description of the metabolic response to critical illness or severe injury. According to this model, there is an initial hypometabolic response ("ebb phase"), followed by a period of a more prolonged course of hypermetabolism ("flow phase").…”