Showing papers by "Jennifer A. Larsen published in 2013"

Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs.

Abstract: JAVMA, Vol 242, No. 11, June 1, 2013 D the availability of complete and balanced commercial canine maintenance diets, many owners choose to prepare their pet’s diet at home for reasons such as having more control of the foods that their pet eats, distrust in pet food companies, and the desire to feed a more natural diet. Recipes published by veterinarians and lay writers are readily accessible to pet owners in the popular media (Internet, pet magazines, and books). However, current recommendations are that home-prepared diets are best evaluated and formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. In general, many homeprepared diets are more costly, more time-consuming, and less convenient than are commercial diets, and many home-prepared diets have major nutritional imbalances. Another concern is lack of clear instructions in many recipes, which necessitates assumptions or judgments by pet owners. The nutritional adequacy of recipes for 67 home-prepared diets for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease has been evaluated, and assumptions were needed for the preparation of every recipe. Lack of clear instructions likely increases variability and potentially impacts the nutritional profile of the prepared diet. Combined with problems of nutritional adequacy, this may result in substantial harm to pets when homeprepared diets are used on a long-term basis. The information reported here is intended to provide an evaluation of recipes for home-prepared diets for adult dogs conducted via computer-based software and compared with recommendations for essential nutrient intake in adult dogs as provided by the NRC and AAFCO. A secondary objective was to compare recipes written by veterinarians with those written by nonveterinarians. We believed that most of the recipes would not meet requirements for essential nutrients and that recipes written by nonveterinarians would have a higher number of deficiencies than recipes written by veterinarians. We also expected all recipes to require that at least 1 assumption would be necessary for preparation of the diet and dietary analysis. Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs

Body composition and amino acid concentrations of select birds and mammals consumed by cats in northern and central California.

Abstract: The diet of the feral domestic cat consists of primarily birds and small mammals, but the nutritional composition is relatively unknown. Because of the increasing popularity of natural diets for cats and other wild captive carnivores, the purpose of this study was to describe the body composition and AA concentrations of select birds and small mammals in northern and central California: wild-caught mice (n = 7), Norway rats (n = 2), roof rats (n = 2), voles (n = 4), moles (n = 2), gophers (n = 3), and birds (n = 4). Body water, crude fat (CFa), CP, ash, and AA composition for each specimen were determined. Results are reported as mean ± SD. All results are reported on a DM basis except body water (as-is basis) and AA (g/16 g N). Combined, carcasses had this mean composition: 67.35 ± 3.19% water, 11.72 ± 6.17% CFa, 62.19 ± 7.28% CP, and 14.83 ± 2.66% ash. Concentrations of Arg, Tau, Cys, and Met were 5.63 ± 0.46, 0.92 ± 0.33, 1.91 ± 0.89, and 1.82 ± 0.19 g/16 g N, respectively. Using NRC physiologic fuel values for CP, CFa, and carbohydrate by difference, the combined average energy content of the carcasses was 3,929 kcal/kg DM, but the fiber content was not determined. With the exception of mice and rats, little historical data exist regarding the body and AA composition of many of the species analyzed in this study. Wild-caught mice and rats were composed of less fat but more ash compared with previously reported data in their purpose-bred counterparts. The CP content of mice in this study was similar to previous reports in purpose-bred mice. The CP content of rats was similar or slightly greater compared with historical findings in purpose-bred rats. The N content of rats and AA concentrations on a per-N basis for both rats and mice were similar to previously published data on purpose-bred rodents. The discrepancies in nutrient composition, especially fat concentration, indicate that using purpose-bred animals to represent the diet of the feral domestic cat may not be valid in many instances. When consumed to meet energy needs, the nutrient content of the species reported in the present study exceed the NRC (2006) recommended allowances (RA) for total fat, CP, and essential AA for felines at all life stages.

Evaluation of fiber concentration in dry and canned commercial diets formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages of dogs by use of crude fiber and total dietary fiber methods

Abstract: Objective—To assess differences among reported maximum crude fiber (CF), measured CF, and measured total dietary fiber (TDF) concentrations, and determine fiber composition in dry and canned nontherapeutic diets formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages of dogs. Design—Prospective cross-sectional study. Sample—Dry (n = 20) and canned (20) nontherapeutic canine diets. Procedures—Reported maximum CF concentrations were obtained from product labels. Concentrations of CF and TDF were measured in samples of the diets for comparison. For each diet, percentages of TDF represented by insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) were determined. Results—For dry or canned diets, the median reported maximum CF concentration was significantly greater than the median measured value. Measured CF concentration was significantly lower than measured TDF concentration for all diets. Median percentage of TDF (dry-matter basis) in dry and canned diets was 10.3% and 6.5%, respectively (overall range...

Scintigraphy and exogenous creatinine clearance to assess renal function in a Newfoundland dog with ureteral ectopia

Abstract: A nine-month-old intact female Newfoundland dog was presented for evaluation of an ectopic ureter without lower urinary tract signs. Due to progression of the disease and periodic urinary infections, a nephrectomy and uretectomy were performed after assessment of global and individual renal function with complementary tools. Ectopic insertion of the left ureter with hydronephrosis was revealed by ultrasound, cystoscopy and contrast uretrogram. Individual glomerular filtration rate of the contralateral kidney estimated by plasma exogenous creatinine clearance and renal scintigraphy was deemed sufficient to remove the left kidney safely. A left nephrectomy and uterectomy were performed without complications, and periodic monitoring of the glomerular filtration rate revealed stable renal function during the follow-up period of two years. The dog remained continent and free of urinary infections. In this case of ureteral ectopia in a dog, complementary diagnostic tools were used to assess renal function and plan interventional treatment.