Nutritional Risk Factors
The goal of the screening evaluation is to identify any nutritional risk factors from the patient’s life stage, medical/dietary history, or physical exam.
The goal of the screening evaluation is to identify any nutritional risk factors from the patient’s life stage, medical/dietary history, or physical exam (Table 4). Once a nutritional risk factor(s) is identified, an extended nutritional assessment is recommended. Vulnerable life stages such as growth, gestation, lactation, and advancing age alter the patient’s energy and nutrient requirements. Previous or chronic medical conditions may have key nutritional factors to address when making new recommendations. Owners may use foods to administer medications or supplements, and dietary supplements may be a significant source of calories. Noncomplete or unbalanced food calories at >10% of a patient’s daily caloric intake dilute essential nutrients and provide excess calories. Unconventional diets should be assessed for nutritional adequacy and safety. Inadequate or inappropriate housing can contribute to stress or barriers that may cause changes in food intake.
Table 4
Nutritional Screening: Risk Factors as Determined by Life Stage, Medical/Dietary History, or Physical Exam
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Risk Factors |
Check if present |
|---|---|
| Life stage with specific nutritional requirements (e.g., growth, gestation, lactation, senior, geriatric) | ❏ |
|
History |
|
| Altered gastrointestinal function (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, reduced fecal quality, nausea, flatulence, constipation) | ❏ |
| Previous or ongoing medical condition/disease | ❏ |
| Currently receiving medications and/or dietary supplements | ❏ |
| Calories from noncomplete and balanced foods >10% of total caloric intake (e.g., commercial treats, table foods, chew bones, foods for medication administration) | ❏ |
| Unconventional diet (e.g., raw meat based, home prepared, vegetarian, vegan) | ❏ |
| Inadequate or inappropriate housing | ❏ |
|
Physical examination |
|
| Body condition score < 4/9 or > 5/9 | ❏ |
| Muscle condition score with mild, moderate, or severe muscle wasting | ❏ |
| Unexplained weight change | ❏ |
| Dental abnormalities or disease | ❏ |
| Poor skin or hair coat | ❏ |
| New medical condition/disease | ❏ |
A BCS <4/9 or >5/9, MCS with any degree of loss, and unexplained weight change from the pet’s previous assessment should prompt an extended assessment. Dental abnormalities or disease may impact food intake, leading to anorexia, hyporexia, or dysrexia. Poor skin or hair coat quality may indicate nutrition-related abnormalities. New medical conditions or diseases may benefit from specific nutritional interventions (Table 8).
