Efficacy of vitamin D2 in maintaining serum total vitamin D concentrations and bone mineralisation in adult dogs fed a plant-based (vegan) diet in a 3-month randomised trial.

Dogs are considered omnivores based on their evolution consuming diets including animal tissue. Few feeding trials evaluating the nutritional suitability of exclusively plant-based (vegan) diets in dogs have been published, and the efficacy of vitamin D2 in maintaining canine serum vitamin D levels has not been clearly determined. A blinded dietary trial included sixty-one healthy desexed adult dogs: thirty-one fed an experimental extruded vegan diet (PLANT) and thirty fed a commercial extruded meat-based diet (MEAT) for 3 months. Dogs were screened via veterinary examination and routine laboratory analyses prior to enrolment, at baseline and exit timepoints. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and blood was collected for vitamin D profiling. All dogs maintained health parameters, body weight and composition throughout the study. Dogs maintained on PLANT demonstrated a significant reduction in platelet count, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol, though values remained within normal reference ranges. Dogs fed PLANT also demonstrated a shift from vitamin D3 to vitamin D2 metabolites, though total vitamin D analogue levels were unchanged, with the exception of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Bone mineral content and density did not differ from baseline values. Health status was maintained in dogs fed PLANT and vitamin D2 appeared efficacious in maintaining serum total vitamin D concentrations and bone mineralisation. Findings support the hypothesis that PLANT was comparable to MEAT for maintenance of healthy adult dogs for at least 3 months and identified areas where further research is warranted to elucidate the potential risks and benefits of plant-based (vegan) diets.

Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study. METHODS: Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2 ), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2 ) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques. CONCLUSION: Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.

The Pulse of It: Dietary Inclusion of Up to 45% Whole Pulse Ingredients with Chicken Meal and Pea Starch in a Complete and Balanced Diet Does Not Affect Cardiac Function, Fasted Sulfur Amino Acid Status, or Other Gross Measures of Health in Adult Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Pulses are an attractive alternative protein source for all mammals; however, recent reports suggest that these ingredients may be related to developing dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to quantify the effects of dietary pulse intake by adult dogs on cardiac function using echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Second, to investigate the effects of pulse consumption on plasma sulfur amino acid (SAA) concentrations as pulses are generally low in SAA and may limit taurine synthesis. Last, to assess the general safety and efficacy of feeding pulse-containing diets on canine body composition and hematological and biochemical indices. METHODS: Twenty-eight privately-owned domestic Siberian Huskies (13 females; 4 intact, and 15 males; 6 intact) with a mean age of 5.3 ± 2.8 y (± SD) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n = 7/treatment), with equal micronutrient supplementation and increasing whole pulse ingredient inclusion (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%) with pea starch used to balance protein and energy. RESULTS: After 20 wks of feeding, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in echocardiographic parameters, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and cTnI concentrations among treatments or across time within treatment (P > 0.05), indicating no differences in cardiac function among treatments. Concentrations of cTnI remained below the safe upper limit of 0.2 ng/mL for all dogs. Plasma SAA status, body composition, and hematological and biochemical indices were similar among treatments and over time (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that increasing the inclusion of pulses up to 45% with the removal of grains and equal micronutrient supplementation does not impact cardiac function concurrent with dilated cardiomyopathy, body composition, or SAA status and is safe for healthy adult dogs to consume when fed for 20 wks.

Circulating direct infusion MS and NMR metabolomic profiles of post-gonadectomy kittens with or without additional dietary choline supplementation.

Choline is beneficial for energy metabolism and growth in various species. Choline may work similarly in kittens at risk of obesity. Direct infusion MS (Di-MS) and NMR spectroscopy were used to investigate the metabolomic signatures of kittens supplemented with or without additional dietary choline for 12 weeks. Fifteen intact male kittens consumed a base diet (3310 mg choline/kg DM) to their daily metabolisable energy requirement (DER) over an 11-week acclimation. Kittens were gonadectomised and assigned, based on body weight, to the base diet (CONTROL, n 7) or the base diet with 300 mg/kgBW0·75 additional choline as choline chloride (CHOLINE, n 8) and offered three times their individual energy requirement divided into three meals. At weeks -1 and 12, fasted blood was sampled and serum analysed for 130 metabolites via Di-MS and fifty-one metabolites via NMR spectroscopy. Changes in fasted metabolites were assessed using a repeated-measures GLIMMIX procedure with time and group as fixed effects, and time as a repeated measure. Metabolites of one-carbon metabolism and lipids increased, and medium-chain acyl carnitines decreased from week -1 to 12 for CHOLINE (P < 0·05), but not CONTROL (P > 0·05). Increases in amino acid, biogenic amine and organic compound concentrations were observed in both groups (P < 0·05). The results suggest impacts of dietary choline at greater intakes than currently recommended on one-carbon metabolism and fatty acid oxidation, and these may promote healthy growth in post-gonadectomy kittens.

A cross-sectional study of owner-reported health in Canadian and American cats fed meat- and plant-based diets.

BACKGROUND: Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique dietary requirements for nutrients most commonly found in dietary ingredients of animal origin. As such, feeding a diet devoid of animal-derived ingredients has been postulated as a possible cause of nutrient imbalances and adverse health outcomes. A small proportion of cat owners feed strictly plant-based diets to the cats in their care, yet the health and wellness of cats fed these diets has not been well documented. RESULTS: A total of 1325 questionnaires were complete enough for inclusion. The only exclusion criterion was failure to answer all questions. Most cats, 65% (667/1026), represented in the survey were fed a meat-based diet and 18.2% (187/1026) were fed a plant-based diet, with the rest fed either a combination of plant-based with meat-based (69/1026, 6.7%) or indeterminable (103/1026, 10%). Cat age ranged from 4 months to 23 years, with a median of 7 years, and was not associated with diet type. No differences in reported lifespan were detected between diet types. Fewer cats fed plant-based diets reported to have gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. Cats fed plant-based diets were reported to have more ideal body condition scores than cats fed a meat-based diet. More owners of cats fed plant-based diets reported their cat to be in very good health. CONCLUSIONS: Cat owner perception of the health and wellness of cats does not appear to be adversely affected by being fed a plant-based diet. Contrary to expectations, owners perceived no body system or disorder to be at particular risk when feeding a plant-based diet to cats. This study collected information from cat owners and is subject to bias, as well as methodological limitations. Further research is warranted to determine if these results are replicable in a prospective investigation.

Abnormal bone mineralization in a puppy fed an imbalanced raw meat homemade diet diagnosed and monitored using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

A 4-month-old male Old English Sheepdog was presented for evaluation of a raw meat-based homemade diet after a 1-month history of progressive lameness. Marked dietary deficiencies were detected, which included calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcaemia were diagnosed by serum analysis. Evidence of severe diffuse osteopenia was noted on survey radiographs. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to quantify bone mineral content and density and compare to published reference ranges. The puppy's initial bone mineralization was markedly subnormal, with bone mineral density 66% lower than expected, and bone mineral content 40% lower than expected. Subsequent DEXA scans were performed at intervals during the puppy's recovery to document the rate of bone re-mineralization and guide therapeutic recommendations. Marked improvement was achieved within 4 months through exercise control and feeding of a diet appropriately formulated for large breed puppy growth and development. This report reinforces the necessity of thorough dietary history and highlights the potential for malnutrition in pets fed homemade and raw meat-based diets. Use of DEXA has rarely been reported in clinical cases, yet can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring cases with abnormal bone mineralization. Further studies using DEXA to track bone mineralization in healthy puppies are encouraged to develop a more robust reference range of bone mineralization in growing dogs of varying sizes, weights and ages.

Commercial diet recommendations and follow-up for a large breed puppy with an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

A 6-month-old, intact male Great Dane dog fed a veterinary therapeutic liver diet was evaluated after diagnosis of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and hind limb angular limb deformity to determine appropriateness of diet. Evaluation of the current diet revealed it to be inadequate to meet the nutrient requirements of a large breed puppy. The dog clinically improved following a change in diet. There was no longer any angular limb deformity and no reported neurological signs. This report highlights the importance of appropriate feeding management during growth and demonstrates that although veterinary therapeutic diets may appear to be an appropriate choice initially, they may not be ideal for growing puppies as a long-term feeding option. Key clinical message: An individual approach is key for nutritional management of complicated canine veterinary medical cases and includes consideration of the patient's life stage requirements when modifying nutrient intake to manage clinical disease.

Recommandations alimentaires commerciales et suivi d'un chiot de grande race avec un shunt porto-systémique intrahépatique. Un chien grand danois mâle intact âgé de 6 mois nourri avec une diète thérapeutique vétérinaire à base de foie a été évalué après le diagnostic d'un shunt porto-systémique intrahépatique et d'une déformation angulaire des membres postérieurs afin de déterminer la pertinence du régime alimentaire. L'évaluation du régime actuel a révélé qu'il était insuffisant pour répondre aux besoins nutritionnels d'un chiot de grande race. Le chien s'est amélioré cliniquement suite à un changement de régime. Il n'y avait plus de déformation angulaire des membres et aucun signe neurologique signalé. Ce rapport souligne l'importance d'une gestion appropriée de l'alimentation pendant la croissance et démontre que bien que les régimes thérapeutiques vétérinaires puissent sembler être un choix approprié au départ, ils peuvent ne pas être idéaux pour la croissance des chiots en tant qu'option d'alimentation à long terme.Message clinique clé :Une approche individuelle est essentielle pour la gestion nutritionnelle des cas médicaux vétérinaires canins compliqués et comprend la prise en compte des besoins du patient au stade de la vie lors de la modification de l'apport en nutriments pour gérer la maladie clinique.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Equations used to develop commercial dog food feeding guidelines and Canadian owner feeding practices in 2018.

Feeding guidelines on commercial dog food packages provide a suggested starting point for food provision for dogs. The equations used to develop commercial dog food feeding guidelines and the owner feeding practices surveyed were examined in this study. The equations used to develop feeding guidelines and the energy density calculation method (Traditional Atwater or Modified Atwater equation) were investigated for 200 dry dog foods sold in Canada. Not all energy densities of products were calculated using the modified Atwater equation, a requirement if claiming compliance with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Commercial feeding guidelines provide conservative estimates of pet dog energy needs. A survey of dog owners' feeding practices was conducted, with 739 responses analyzed. Respondents generally took appropriate action to manage the weight of their dogs through both exercise and dietary management. Further investigation should explore how owners may be successfully managing their dogs' weight without veterinary supervision.

Équations utilisées pour élaborer des lignes directrices commerciales sur l'alimentation des chiens et les pratiques d'alimentation des propriétaires canadiens en 2018. Les directives d'alimentation sur les emballages commerciaux d'aliments pour chiens fournissent un point de départ suggéré pour l'approvisionnement en nourriture des chiens. Les équations utilisées pour élaborer des lignes directrices commerciales sur l'alimentation des chiens et les pratiques d'alimentation des propriétaires sondées ont été examinées dans cette étude. Les équations utilisées pour élaborer des lignes directrices sur l'alimentation et la méthode de calcul de la densité énergétique (équation Atwater traditionnelle ou Atwater modifiée) ont été étudiées pour 200 aliments secs pour chiens vendus au Canada. Toutes les densités énergétiques des produits n'ont pas été calculées à l'aide de l'équation Atwater modifiée, une exigence si l'on prétend être conforme à l'Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Les directives d'alimentation commerciales fournissent des estimations prudentes des besoins énergétiques des chiens de compagnie. Une enquête sur les pratiques alimentaires des propriétaires de chiens a été menée, avec 739 réponses analysées. Les répondants ont généralement pris les mesures appropriées pour gérer le poids de leurs chiens par l'exercice et la gestion de l'alimentation. Une enquête plus approfondie devrait explorer comment les propriétaires peuvent gérer avec succès le poids de leurs chiens sans surveillance vétérinaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

In extruded feline diets, thiamine degraded at a similar rate when stored at -20°C, compared to room temperature.

Thiamine is an essential dietary nutrient in cats; however, studies on the stability of thiamine in pet food are limited. The objective of this study was to analyze thiamine concentrations in commercial feline extruded diets over time at room and freezing temperatures. Twelve diets were split in half and thiamine concentrations were assessed using fluorometry. One half of each diet was then stored at room temperature (24°C) and the other half was frozen (-20°C). Subsamples were analyzed at 2 other time points at 6-month intervals up to 1 year. Data were assessed using a mixed procedure (2-factor factorial model with factors time and treatment). Based on F-tests, thiamine concentrations decreased over time (P = 0.001), with no treatment*time interaction (P = 0.9534). In conclusion, regardless of treatment, thiamine degraded at a similar rate over time.

Dans les aliments extrudés pour félins, la thiamine s'est dégradée à un taux similaire lorsqu'elle est conservée à −20 °C par rapport à la température ambiante. La thiamine est un nutriment alimentaire essentiel chez les chats; cependant, les études sur la stabilité de la thiamine dans les aliments pour animaux de compagnie sont limitées. L'objectif de la présente étude était d'analyser les concentrations de thiamine dans les aliments extrudés commerciaux pour félins au fil du temps à des températures ambiantes et de congélation. Douze aliments ont été divisés en deux et les concentrations de thiamine ont été évaluées par fluorométrie. La moitié de chaque aliment a ensuite été conservée à température ambiante (24 °C) et l'autre moitié a été congelée (−20 °C). Les sous-échantillons ont été analysés à deux moments supplémentaires à des intervalles de 6 mois jusqu'à 1 an. Les données ont été évaluées à l'aide d'une procédure mixte (modèle factoriel à deux facteurs avec les facteurs temps et traitement). Les tests F globaux ont montré une diminution de la concentration de thiamine au fil du temps (P = 0,001) et aucune interaction entre le traitement et le temps (P = 0,9534). En conclusion, quel que soit le traitement, la thiamine s'est dégradée à un rythme similaire dans le temps.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Ontario Veterinary College First-Year Veterinary Students' Perceptions of Companion Animal Nutrition and Their Own Nutrition: Implications for a Veterinary Nutrition Curriculum.

Extant research shows veterinarians face increasing challenges in discussing nutrition with clients despite receiving professional nutrition education in the veterinary medical curriculum. This article's aim is to elicit student veterinarians' baseline nutrition-related perceptions and nutrition information-seeking behaviors at the time of entering veterinary school. Participants were newly enrolled veterinary students at the Ontario Veterinary College (n = 120). Focus group discussions (n = 19) informed the design of an online questionnaire capturing students' demographics and perceptions of their own and their pets' nutrition. Students reported being influenced by individual factors (e.g., time), social networks (e.g., family), and surrounding environment (e.g., cost, contradictory media messages). Overall, 58% of students considered themselves knowledgeable about pet nutrition when commencing veterinary school, with 71% prioritizing their pets' diets as much as their own. Students' confidence in finding pet nutrition information was correlated with perceived accessibility (r = .76, p = .001) and perceived quantity of information available on pet nutrition (r = .83, p = .001), but not quality of information (r = .13, p = .03). In general, students relied on and trusted veterinarians for nutrition advice. However, 94% of students mistrusted pet food companies' motivations. Our data support that students entering veterinary school have their own perceptions on pet nutrition that impact nutrition education, suggesting this as an important consideration in the design and delivery of a veterinary nutrition curriculum. Veterinary medical faculty should be encouraged to discuss baseline nutrition information and address any misconceptions to prepare students for future consultations with clients.

Dietary intake of amino acids and vitamins compared to NRC requirements in obese cats undergoing energy restriction for weight loss.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine if obese cats undergoing energy restriction for weight loss would meet the National Research Council's (NRC) indispensable amino acid and vitamin recommendations when fed a purpose-formulated diet. Thirty cats were placed into one of two groups; obese (BCS 8 to 9/9; n = 16) and lean (BCS 4 to 5/9; n = 14) and included in a non-randomized retrospective observational study. Cats were fed a veterinary weight loss food during a 4-week period of weight maintenance. Obese cats (O-MAINT) refers to obese cats during this period, L-MAINT to lean cats. After this initial 4-week period, the lean cats finished the study at this time and the 16 obese cats continued and were energy restricted for a 10-week period (O-RESTRICT). Analysis for dietary concentrations of indispensable amino acid and vitamin contents were performed. Daily food intakes were used to determine minimum, maximum and average daily intakes of individual nutrients for all three groups and compared against NRC 2006 minimum requirements (MR), adequate intakes (AI) and recommended allowances (RA) for adult cats. RESULTS: Over 10 weeks, O-RESTRICT cats lost 672 g ± 303 g, representing a weight loss rate of 0.94 ± 0.28% per week. Daily intake of the majority of indispensable amino acids and vitamins was greater than the NRC 2006 recommended allowance (RA per kg ideal body weight ^0.67), except for arginine, choline, crude protein, phenylalanine plus tyrosine and threonine. All O-RESTRICT cats had minimum, average, and maximum arginine intakes less than the NRC AI. Minimum daily intake of choline was below NRC RA for all O-RESTRICT cats and below NRC MR for two. All, except one, O-RESTRICT cats had a maximum and average choline intake below RA. CONCLUSIONS: All cats remained clinically healthy and showed no clinical signs of deficiency. Dietary choline and arginine requirements of obese cats as well as health risks associated with low dietary intake during energy restriction warrant further investigation.

Bacterial fecal microbiota is only minimally affected by a standardized weight loss plan in obese cats.

BACKGROUND: Research in humans and mice suggests that obesity influences the abundance and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota, and that an "obese microbiome" influences energy metabolism and fat storage in the host. Microbiota membership and composition have been previously assessed in healthy cats. However, research investigating the effects of obesity and weight loss on the cat's fecal microbiota is limited. Therefore, this study's objective was to evaluate differences in fecal microbial abundance and biodiversity, as well as serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in obese cats, before and after weight loss, and compare to lean cats. Fourteen lean and 17 obese healthy client-owned cats were fed a veterinary therapeutic weight loss food at maintenance energy requirement for 4 weeks. At the end of week 4, lean cats finished the study, whereas obese cats continued with a 10-week weight loss period on the same food, fed at individually-tailored weight loss energy requirements. Body weight and body condition score were recorded every 2 weeks throughout the study. At the end of each period, a fecal sample and food-consumption records were obtained from the owners, and serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were analysed. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, and products were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). RESULTS: No significant differences in the relative abundance of taxa and in biodiversity indices were observed between cats in either group (P > 0.05 for all tests). Nevertheless, some significantly enriched taxa, mainly belonging to Firmicutes, were noted in linear discriminant analysis effect size test in obese cats before weight loss compared to lean cats. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly higher in lean compared to obese cats both before and after weight loss. Serum folate concentrations were higher in obese cats before weight loss compared to after. CONCLUSIONS: The association between feline obesity and the fecal bacterial microbiota was demonstrated in enriched taxa in obese cats compared to lean cats, which may be related to enhanced efficiency of energy-harvesting. However, in obese cats, the fecal microbial abundance and biodiversity were only minimally affected during the early phase of a standardized weight loss plan.

Body composition of medium to giant breed dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the body composition of dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. ANIMALS: Adult dogs in which CCL disease was diagnosed (n = 30) and adult dogs without clinical signs of orthopedic disease (n = 30). METHODS: Body weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score (MCS) were recorded. Body composition of the whole body and pelvic limbs were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body condition score, whole body, and pelvic limb body composition measurements were compared by using general linear mixed-model analysis of variance. Muscle condition score between groups was assessed by using a Mann-Whitney U test, while paired data were analyzed by using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Body fat percentage (P < .0001) was higher in affected dogs (38.78% ± 1.40) than in control dogs (27.49% ± 1.24). Affected dogs had lower MCS (1.90 ± 0.13, P < .0001) compared with control dogs (2.77 ± 0.08). The affected pelvic limb of affected dogs contained less lean soft tissues (P < .0001) but more fat (P = .0451) compared with the contralateral pelvic limb. CONCLUSION: Dogs with CCL disease were overweight compared with the control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs that are overweight may be predisposed to developing CCL disease. Body composition changes in the pelvic limbs should be considered when managing the care of these dogs.

Motoric self-regulation by sled dogs and pet dogs and the acute effect of carbohydrate source in sled dogs.

Inhibitory control is a term used to envelop a collection of processes that allow an organism to refrain from engaging in an inappropriate prepotent or responsive behavior. Studies have examined the propensity of inhibitory control by nonhuman animals, from the cognitively complex processes involved in self-control to potentially less cognitively taxing processes such as motoric self-regulation. Focusing on canines, research has suggested that the domestication process as well as experiences during ontogeny contribute to inhibitory control. Diet may also play an important role in an individual's ability to self-regulate. This study examined this possibility by investigating motoric self-regulation in sled dogs, using three well-established tasks (i.e., A-not-B Bucket, Cylinder, and A-not-B Barrier tasks), performed after consumption of one of three dietary treatments with different glycemic index values. We also compared the performance of sled dogs during these tasks with results previously obtained from pet dogs. Overall, the results show many similarities in the performance of sled dogs and pet dogs on the motoric self-regulation tasks, with the notable exception that sled dogs may have a stronger spatial perseveration during the A-not-B Bucket task. Previous research findings reporting a lack of correlation among these tasks are also supported. Finally, during the early postprandial phase (period after consumption), dietary treatments with different glycemic index values did not influence self-regulatory performance for sled dogs.

Assessment of dog owners' knowledge relating to the diagnosis and treatment of canine food allergies.

Canine food allergies are the result of an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to dietary proteins and can manifest as a variety of dermatologic and/or gastrointestinal clinical signs. Food elimination trials followed by provocation tests are used to diagnose food allergies; however, no research has been conducted to determine whether elimination trials and provocation tests are being properly implemented by pet owners. The objectives of this study were to determine the level of knowledge of dog owners regarding food allergies, and to investigate how dog owners approach diagnosis and treatment with their veterinarians. This information will provide veterinary teams with insight on how to work with dog owners to obtain successful diagnosis and treatment. The results indicate that appropriate diet selection for the food elimination trial, owner education on compliance during the trial, and re-challenging with the previous diet should be the focal points for veterinarians suspecting food allergies in a canine patient.

Évaluation des connaissances des propriétaires de chiens portant sur le diagnostic et le traitement des allergies alimentaires canines. Les allergies alimentaires canines sont le résultat d'une réaction d'hypersensibilité à médiation immunitaire face aux protéines alimentaires et elles peuvent se manifester par divers signes cliniques dermatologiques et/ou gastro-intestinaux. Les essais d'élimination d'aliments suivis de tests de provocation sont utilisés pour diagnostiquer les allergies alimentaires. Cependant, aucune recherche n'a été réalisée pour déterminer si les essais d'élimination et les tests de provocation sont mis en place de façon adéquate par les propriétaires. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de déterminer le niveau de connaissances des propriétaires de chiens concernant les allergies alimentaires et d'étudier la façon dont les propriétaires de chiens envisagent le diagnostic et le traitement avec leur médecin vétérinaire. Ces renseignements permettront aux équipes vétérinaires de constater comment travailler avec les propriétaires de chiens afin d'obtenir un diagnostic et un traitement réussi. Les résultats indiquent que le bon choix d'alimentation pour les essais d'élimination des aliments, l'éducation des propriétaires pour la conformité durant les essais et de nouveaux tests avec l'alimentation antérieure devraient être les principaux sujets pour les médecins vétérinaires soupçonnant des allergies alimentaires chez un patient canin.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Assessment of canine and feline body composition by veterinary health care teams in Ontario, Canada.

Nutritional assessment guidelines recommend that veterinary teams assess the body composition of pets at every visit. The objective of this study was to determine how veterinary teams in Ontario, Canada assess body composition in cats and dogs. An online survey was distributed to veterinary teams, with questions on how often body composition is assessed, what methods are used, and demographics. The results demonstrated that 66.7% of respondents reported always assessing body composition. Of those, body condition scoring (99.4%) and body weight (99.4%) were used most often, with morphometry (41.2%) and muscle condition scoring (33.9%) used less frequently. Veterinary technicians were less likely to assess body composition compared with veterinarians. These results indicate that veterinary teams do not assess body composition as indicated by nutritional assessment guidelines. Thus, education of veterinary teams is needed, as body composition should be assessed for every patient as part of a complete nutritional assessment.

Évaluation de la composition corporelle canine et féline par les équipes de soins vétérinaires en Ontario, au Canada. Les lignes directrices sur l'évaluation nutritionnelle recommandent que les équipes vétérinaires évaluent la composition corporelle des animaux de compagnie à chaque visite. L'objectif de cette étude consistait à déterminer comment les équipes vétérinaires de l'Ontario, au Canada, évaluent la composition corporelle des chats et des chiens. Un sondage en ligne a été distribué aux équipes vétérinaires et posait des questions sur la fréquence de l'évaluation de la composition corporelle, les méthodes utilisées et les données démographiques. Les résultats ont montré que 66,7 % des répondants signalaient qu'ils évaluaient toujours la composition corporelle. Parmi les paramètres utilisées, les notes d'état corporel (99,4 %) et le poids corporel (99,4 %) étaient les plus souvent utilisés et les notes de morphométrie (41,2 %) et d'état musculaire (33,9 %) étaient les moins fréquemment utilisées. Il était moins probable que les techniciens vétérinaires évaluent la composition corporelle comparativement aux médecins vétérinaires. Ces résultats indiquent que les équipes vétérinaires n'évaluent pas la composition corporelle conformément aux lignes directrices sur l'évaluation nutritionnelle. Par conséquent, une éducation des équipes vétérinaires est requise, car la composition corporelle devrait être évaluée pour chaque patient dans le cadre d'une évaluation nutritionnelle complète.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in human foods are not different among 4 food databases.

Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in similar foods were compared over 4 international food databases and results demonstrated no differences (P > 0.05) among the values from the databases. Therefore, the use of different food databases for homemade dog and cat diet formulation should not affect the final diet nutrient density prediction for these key nutrients.

Le calcium, le phosphore et la vitamine D dans les aliments pour humains dans quatre bases de données alimentaires ne sont pas différents. Les concentrations de calcium, de phosphore et de vitamine D ont été comparées dans quatre bases de données alimentaires internationales et les résultats n'ont pas montré de différence (P > 0,05) entre les aliments similaires. Par conséquent, l'utilisation de bases de données alimentaires différentes pour la conception d'un régime alimentaire maison pour chiens et chats, ne devrait pas affecter la prédiction de la densité nutritionnelle du régime alimentaire final pour ces nutriments cléfs.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Dietary imbalances in a large breed puppy, leading to compression fractures, vitamin D deficiency, and suspected nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.

A 6-month-old intact female giant schnauzer dog fed a nutritionally unbalanced homemade diet was evaluated because of a 1-month history of lameness and difficulty walking. Abnormalities identified on ancillary tests, in conjunction with the dog's clinical improvement following diet change, suggested a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. This report underlines the importance of appropriate feeding management, especially during the vulnerable growth phase.

Déséquilibres alimentaires chez un chiot de grande race causant des fractures de compression, une carence en vitamine D et de l'hyperparathyroïdisme soupçonné secondaire à la nutrition. Une chienne Schnauzer géante intacte âgée de 6 mois qui consommait une diète maison qui n'était pas équilibrée sur le plan nutritionnel a été évaluée en raison d'une anamnèse de 1 mois de boiterie et de difficultés ambulatoires. Les anomalies identifiées sur des tests ancillaires, de concert avec l'amélioration clinique du chien après le changement de diète, suggéraient un diagnostic de carence en vitamine D et d'hyperparathyroïdisme nutritionnel secondaire. Ce rapport souligne l'importance d'une gestion appropriée de l'alimentation, particulièrement durant la phase de croissance vulnérable.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Current knowledge of vitamin D in dogs.

There is emerging interest in linking vitamin D status to physiological health and disease states in the dog, as evidenced by the recent increase in publications in this area. This research has most likely been spurred by the studies exploring vitamin D and disease in humans. However, there are important differences in vitamin D intake and metabolism between humans and dogs that should be accounted for. The understanding of basic vitamin D metabolism and the relationship between vitamin D intake and vitamin D status in dogs remains even more limited than current knowledge in humans. This review will summarize current knowledge of vitamin D in the dog, including metabolism and dietary recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the limitations to current knowledge. Studies investigating links between vitamin D and disease will be discussed in light of this knowledge. Suggestions for future research, including the development of reference ranges to define blood vitamin D sufficiency, are provided.