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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374858. [PMID: 38638643 PMCID: PMC11025458 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain can profoundly affect the wellbeing of dogs and our understanding is limited regarding the multidimensional impact it has on dog quality of life. This study aimed to assess the factors that are significant and predictive of behavior problems in dogs using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) to further understand what factors influence their welfare. Methods Seventy six AWAG assessments were undertaken across 46 dogs that clinicians diagnosed as having musculoskeletal conditions that caused chronic pain. Wilcoxon-rank sum tests were used to assess the difference in scores between dogs with behavior disorders and a cohort of healthy dogs (n = 143). Results All physical factors besides body condition, and all psychological, environmental, and procedural factors were significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic pain, evidencing how chronic pain impacts all domains of a dog's life. Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient (RS) revealed several significant strong positive correlations such as the association between the severity of clinical symptoms with poorer mobility and the frequency at which the dog experienced fearful stimuli. Logistic regression showed that fears and anxieties frequency, the dog's reaction to stressors, engagement with enrichment, and social interactions were significant predictors of chronic pain in dogs. Discussion This highlights that typical signs of musculoskeletal disorders such as gait changes, stiffness, lameness might manifest after behavioral changes such as increased fearfulness, prolonged recovery from a stressful event, a reduced interested in social interactions, toys or play. Owners only seeking veterinary attention when the presence of physical signs of disease are evident may result in a delayed veterinary attention resulting in reduced welfare. Regular veterinary assessments combined with use of the AWAG can proactively identify these behavioral indicators and result in prompt treatment and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Malkani
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Brunet A, Bouzouraa T, Cadore JL, Hugonnard M. Use of feeding tubes in 112 cats in an internal medicine referral service (2015-2020). J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e338-e346. [PMID: 35833503 PMCID: PMC10812294 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221108835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to describe diseases, complications and outcomes associated with the use of feeding tubes in a population of sick cats with appetite disturbance managed at an internal medicine referral service. METHODS Clinicopathological data from cats receiving nasoenteral (NE) or oesophagostomy (O) tubes were studied. Cats were categorised according to their underlying disease and divided into subgroups (NE or O tube). The following factors associated with survival were analysed: disease category, type of tube and return to appetite. RESULTS Included in the study were 112 cats, representing 118 cases. Of the 118 cases, 98 (83%) and 20 (17%) received NE or O tubes, respectively. The most common underlying conditions were digestive (13.5%), hepatobiliary (11%) and upper urinary tract (11%) disorders. Hepatobiliary (50%) and upper respiratory tract (30%) conditions were predominant in the O tube group. Digestive (15%) and upper urinary tract (12%) diseases were more common in the NE tube group. Complications following tube placement occurred in 22/118 cases (18.6%). The global survival rate was 73% and did not differ between NE (71.4%) and O tube (80%) groups (P = 1.00) or disease categories (P = 0.61). Return of appetite before feeding tube removal occurred in 56 cases (47%), within a median of 3 days (range 1-30) and was not associated with mirtazapine administration (P = 1.00). Appetite returned earlier for cats with NE tubes (3 days, range 1-17) than for those with O tubes (33 days, range 5-60; P <0.05). Voluntary food intake was positively associated with survival (odds ratio 15.17). After discharge and feeding tube retrieval, return of appetite was observed in 67% of cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Feeding tubes were predominantly placed for the management of appetite disturbance in cats with digestive, hepatobiliary and upper urinary tract diseases. While complications were frequent, they were mostly mild, easily managed and did not preclude feeding tube use. Return to appetite occurred in a large proportion of cats during or after assisted enteral feeding and was associated with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Brunet
- University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Department of Companion Animals, Marcy L’Etoile, France
| | - Tarek Bouzouraa
- University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Department of Companion Animals, Marcy L’Etoile, France
- VetAlpha, 1305 Route de Lozanne, ZA des Grandes Terres, Dommartin 69380, France
| | - Jean-Luc Cadore
- University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Department of Companion Animals, Marcy L’Etoile, France
| | - Marine Hugonnard
- University of Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Veterinary Campus of Lyon, Department of Companion Animals, Marcy L’Etoile, France
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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. Preliminary validation of a novel tool to assess dog welfare: The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:940017. [PMID: 36187841 PMCID: PMC9523688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.940017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare monitoring is a vital part of veterinary medicine and can be challenging due to a range of factors that contribute to the perception of welfare. Tools can be used, however; there are few validated and objective methods available for veterinary and animal welfare professionals to assess and monitor the welfare of dogs over their lifetime. This study aimed to adapt a framework previously validated for other species, The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), for dogs and to host the tool on an accessible, easy to use online platform. Development of the AWAG for dogs involved using the scientific literature to decide which factors were relevant to score welfare in dogs and to also write the factor descriptors. The primary tool was trialed with veterinary professionals to refine and improve the AWAG. Content validity was assessed by subject matter experts by rating the validity of the factors for assessing dog welfare using the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave). Construct validity was evaluated by users of the tool scoring healthy and sick dogs, as well as healthy dogs undergoing neutering procedures. Mann Whitney tests demonstrate that the tool can differentiate between healthy and sick dogs, and healthy and healthy dogs post elective surgery. Test re-test reliability was tested by users conducting multiple assessments on individual dogs under non-changing conditions. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by two users scoring an individual dog at the same time in veterinary referral practice. Repeated measures ANOVA for test re-test and inter-rater reliability both show no statistical difference between scores and that the scores are highly correlated. This study provides evidence that the AWAG for dogs has good content and construct validity, alongside good test re-test and inter-rater reliability.
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Bazin I, Desmarchelier M. Retrospective study on the use of fluvoxamine in 72 dogs with anxiety disorders. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Viljoen AD, Tamborini A, Bexfield NH. Gall bladder ejection fractions in dogs investigated for chronic altered appetite: 14 cases (2015-2017). J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:1101-1107. [PMID: 34431090 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if gall bladder dysmotility occurs in dogs investigated for chronic altered appetite and to determine if gall bladder dysmotility warrants further investigation as a contributing factor to altered appetite. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case series of dogs investigated for chronic gastrointestinal disease. Gastrointestinal clinical signs were assessed before and after a 6-week hydrolysed protein diet. Gall bladder ejection fractions were determined at the end of the 6-week hydrolysed protein diet as part of an investigation that included a full blood cell count, biochemistry, abdominal X-rays and ultrasound. The gall bladder ejections fraction results of dogs with normal appetite were compared to dogs with general inappetence and dogs with diurnal inappetence in the morning. RESULTS In this retrospective case series of 14 dogs, altered appetite was the most frequent and persistent clinical sign associated with chronic gastrointestinal disease. Nine dogs had suboptimal gall bladder function and this occurred in dogs with, and without, gravity-dependent biliary sludge. Gall bladder function and volumes of dogs in this study were comparable to those of dogs with nongravity-dependent gall bladder sludge or gall bladder mucoceles in other studies. There was an observable difference in gall bladder ejection fractions between groups defined by appetite but no statistically significant difference was present. Small sample sizes meant the effect size was large. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Gall bladder dysmotility and distension can occur in the absence of gall bladder sludge and mucocoeles in younger dogs. Gall bladder dysmotility requires further investigation as a potential contributing factor to altered appetite in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Viljoen
- Vets4Pets Torquay, Bridge Retail Park, Hele Road, Torquay, TQ2 7AP, UK
| | - A Tamborini
- Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, CB8 0U, UK
| | - N H Bexfield
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
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Papageorgiou V, Ververidis C, Anagnostou T, Savvas I, Kazakos G. Use of propofol to induce food consumption by anorectic dogs following ovariohysterectomy. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 259:56-61. [PMID: 34125612 DOI: 10.2460/javma.259.1.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether IV propofol administration at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) could induce food consumption by anorectic female dogs following elective ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS 51 healthy female dogs that failed to eat voluntarily when food was offered 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURES In a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial, dogs received propofol (2 mg/kg; n = 31) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (20) IV 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. Afterward, food was offered to the dogs and food consumption was reassessed. Pain, sedation, and stress were scored before and immediately after treatment. RESULTS 27 of the 31 (87%) dogs in the propofol group consumed food immediately after administration of the assigned treatment, whereas only 1 of 20 (5%) dogs in the placebo group did. No difference in pain, sedation, or stress scores was identified between the 2 groups. Sedation scores for dogs in the propofol group increased immediately after propofol administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that food consumption following elective surgical procedures can be effectively induced in anorectic female dogs by IV administration of propofol at a dose of 2 mg/kg.
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Slovak JE, Foster TE. Evaluation of whisker stress in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:389-392. [PMID: 32538246 PMCID: PMC10812207 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20930190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if cats fed from a commercially advertised whisker-friendly dish vs their normal food dish would spend more time at the food dish, eat more and drop less food. METHODS Forty indoor cats were enrolled in the study. Owners fasted their cats for 12 h and fed them their normal measured amount of dry food in their normal dish. Owners filmed their cats eating for up to 5 mins, and measured how much food was eaten and dropped from the dish. Owners then switched to feeding their cats from a whisker-friendly dish for a 7-day transition period. Following this transition, owners were instructed to fast their cats for 12 h and then feed them their normal food from the new dish and film them eating, as previously described. The following day the owners offered food in both dishes to determine their cat's preference. RESULTS No evidence was found that eating from the whisker-friendly dish increased the amount of time spent eating (P = 0.8), decreased the amount of food dropped (P = 0.9) or increased the amount of food eaten (P = 0.7). The estimated probability for the cats to prefer the whisker-friendly dish was 0.74 with a 95% confidence interval. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cats fed from a whisker-friendly dish did not spend more time eating, drop less food or eat more food in a 5-min period. Some cats appeared to prefer the new whisker-friendly dish over their normal food dish. Overall, food dish-associated whisker stress did not affect the eating habits of the study cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taylor E Foster
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Fantinati M, Trnka J, Signor A, Dumond S, Jourdan G, Verwaerde P, Priymenko N. Appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin vs mirtazapine in healthy cats post-ovariectomy. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1176-1183. [PMID: 32462966 PMCID: PMC10814375 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20916391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin by comparing it with mirtazapine in healthy cats in the first 8 h after ovariectomy surgery. METHODS This double-masked, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial included 60 healthy cats presented to the hospital for ovariectomy: 20 received gabapentin, 21 received mirtazapine and 19 received a placebo immediately before and 6 h after surgery. Food was offered at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-ovariectomy. After each meal, food intake was measured. Data were analysed using repeated-measure ANOVA and a linear mixed-model analysis. Post-hoc Tukey's honest significant difference test was performed for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Food intake increased in both treatment groups vs placebo. No statistically significant difference was found between cats treated with gabapentin or mirtazapine. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cats receiving gabapentin ate more than cats in the placebo group. Thirty percent of cats in the gabapentin group covered their resting energy requirements, while none of the cats in the placebo group did. Gabapentin and mirtazapine produced similar effects on food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fantinati
- Nutrition Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Trnka
- Nutrition Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Amélia Signor
- Nutrition Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Séverine Dumond
- Anaesthesia Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Géraldine Jourdan
- Anaesthesia Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Verwaerde
- Emergency, Critical Care and Anaesthesia Department, National Veterinary School of Alfort (ENVA), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nathalie Priymenko
- Nutrition Department, National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
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Laflamme DP. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Healthy Cats and Those with Diet-Sensitive Conditions. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:905-924. [PMID: 32646606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diets for cats must provide complete nutrition and meet the needs of the individual patient. There is no single diet that is perfect for all cats, and veterinarians must consider the needs of the cat as well as the preferences of the owners when making dietary recommendations. This article focuses on the interface between animal factors and nutritional needs in cats and is divided into 3 sections. Section 1 addresses the dietary needs of healthy cats, including differences among life stages. Section 2 addresses common myths regarding feline nutrition. Section 3 addresses common nutrient-sensitive conditions in cats, including sarcopenia of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dottie P Laflamme
- Veterinary Communications, 473 Grandma's Place, Floyd, VA 24091, USA.
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Scherk M. Complex Disease Management: Managing a Cat with Comorbidities. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:811-822. [PMID: 32389353 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many older cats often suffer concurrently from multiple conditions. By focusing on the common concerns, rather than conflicting requirements, a management program can be devised. Optimize hydration, nutrition, and ensure comfort though providing analgesia and a low-stress environment in which the patient's feline-specific nature is respected both in the clinic and at home. Additional requirements, such as hyperphosphatemia or hypokalemia, can be met using treatments outside of diet, if necessary.
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Marchitelli B, Shearer T, Cook N. Factors Contributing to the Decision to Euthanize: Diagnosis, Clinical Signs, and Triggers. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:573-589. [PMID: 32139081 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews factors contributing to the decision to euthanize a patient by exploring the diagnosis, clinical signs, and triggers behind the choice. By investigating these triggers, the article helps guide practitioners to proactively manage areas of concern that lead to the decision of euthanasia. Included in this article is a benchmark comprehensive survey for pet families that standardizes documentation of family decision making surrounding end of life and euthanasia. Increased knowledge about diagnosis, clinical signs, and triggers may improve the technical and communication skills of professionals about specific conditions that are encountered at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Marchitelli
- 4 Paws Farewell: Mobile Pet Hospice, Palliative Care and Home Euthanasia, Asheville, NC, USA
| | - Tamara Shearer
- Smoky Mountain Integrative Veterinary Clinic, 1054 Haywood Road, Sylva, NC 28779, USA
| | - Nathaniel Cook
- Chicago Veterinary Geriatrics, 1544 West Thorndale Avenue, Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60660, USA.
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The effect of neuraxial morphine on postoperative pain in dogs after extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation. Vet Anaesth Analg 2019; 47:111-118. [PMID: 31718938 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the analgesic effect of epidural morphine after surgical extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) attenuation. STUDY DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS A total of 20 dogs with a congenital EHPSS. METHODS Dogs were randomly allocated to be given either a single epidural dose of 0.2 mg kg-1 preservative-free morphine (group M) or not (group C) before surgery. All dogs were administered 0.3 mg kg-1 methadone intravenously (IV) as preanaesthetic medication. Pain scores were determined every 2 hours for the first 24 hours postoperatively using the short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS-SF). Dogs with a GCMPS-SF pain score >4/20 or >5/24 received 0.1 mg kg-1 methadone IV as rescue analgesia and were reassessed 30 minutes later. If more than three doses of methadone were administered in a 2 hour period, alternative pain relief was provided and a treatment failure recorded. The GCMPS-SF pain scores and number of rescue analgesia injections were analysed over 24 hours. The last observation carried forward method was applied in case of treatment failure. Food consumption and time to first urination were recorded. Data were analysed using a Mann-Whitney U test and presented as median (minimum-maximum range), with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Group M showed lower GCMPS-SF pain scores [15 (11-41) versus 31 (11-86); p = 0.023] and lower postoperative methadone requirements [0 (0-0.2) versus 0.25 (0-0.5) mg kg-1; p = 0.029] than group C. There were three treatment failures in group C only. Food consumption and time to first urination did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Epidural morphine reduced the requirement for postoperative analgesia in this study population.
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Abstract
Appetite influences perceived quality of life for a dog or cat with cancer. Inappetence often is multifactorial, complicating treatment. Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome is a metabolic, paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by decreased food intake, involuntary weight loss, and loss of fat and muscle. If weight loss/cachexia has an impact on canine and feline cancer patients as in humans, management may improve survival times and quality of life. The challenge is having effective, proved therapies available for clinical use. Recent Food and Drug Administration approvals for appetite stimulation have renewed interest and discussion and has the potential to alter the course of case management.
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Abstract
Many palliative care patients have reduced oral intake during their illness. Managing inadequate intake through appetite stimulation and/or artificial hydration and nutrition poses many clinical, ethical, and logistical dilemmas. This article aids the health care team in making appropriate recommendations regarding assisted nutrition and hydration for palliative care and terminal patients. It provides a decision-making framework, including an ethical approach to determining appropriate use of assisted feeding and hydration methods in pets at the end of life. It also summarizes various clinical and logistical approaches to treating decreased food/water consumption, including potential benefits and burdens, should intervention be deemed appropriate.
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