Animal Nutrition, Reproduction, Genetics, and Aging

Veterinary medical practice is multifaceted, exciting, and challenging. Just as there are marked differences in medical treatment approaches across species, nutritional and other daily care concepts can vary greatly among different types of animals, even between dogs and cats. The life stages within a species correspond to specific, differing feeding as well as other care requirements. Also fascinating is the special bond between humans and animals; these bonds enhance the life and health of both human and animal. As healthcare professionals, veterinary technicians provide a special role in promoting health and assisting end-of-life phases of animals.

The purpose of this research project is for you to strengthen your skill set related to animal nutrition, reproductive assistance, and end-of-life stage support, and to know how to best help clients with pet loss by understanding and helping others to understand the human-animal bond.

Instructions
This research project contains four parts. You’ll research and write regarding each of the following areas.

*Small Animal Clinical Nutrition and Feeding in Large Animal Production
*Theriogenology
*Hospice Care and the Human-Animal Bond

The recommended length is one to three pages. The questions should be thoroughly researched and answered, making sure to avoid straying too far from the stated focus. Use publication search engines such as PubMed to obtain original research papers if you plan to use these to address any of the questions. Consult reliable and up-to-date reference materials as needed and appropriate.

Part 1: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition and Feeding in Large Animal Production
This first part of the research project involves discussion of factors to consider and procedures for providing assisted nutrition for hospitalized patients.

A 12-year-old-dog who already has advancing renal failure was recently hit by a car and hospitalized. The dog has a jaw fracture and can’t eat. For three days prior to the accident, the dog had decreased appetite and wouldn’t eat.

What’s the best choice of assisted feeding for this dog, and what factors would you consider when deciding the approach to feeding?
Identify the most common mechanical complications associated with the assisted feeding method chosen, and describe the measures taken to prevent and address these complications.

Discuss common metabolic complications of the assisted feeding method chosen and the factors that contribute to these complications.
What discharge instructions would you provide the client, including how to continue with the assisted feeding at home?
Now you’ll investigate the feeding requirements for a sheep wool production business.

A client who started a Merino sheep farm seeks veterinary guidance regarding care and feeding for optimal wool production.

What amino acid is essential for wool production, and what feed components/types are good sources of this amino acid?
Breeding of ewes will produce new stocks of sheep used for wool. What are important feeding measures to ensure healthy gestation? Indicate the special feeding needs during the last trimester.
What makes lambs susceptible to enterotoxemia, and how can this be prevented nutritionally and medically?

Part 2: Theriogenology
In this part of the research project, you’ll discuss camelid reproduction.

How does ovulation proceed in alpacas, and what’s the typical frequency of dominant follicle appearance?
What physiologic and anatomic qualities are examined during a breeding soundness exam for a male llama? What parameters are evaluated for semen quality?

Indicate three infectious diseases that can cause abortion in llamas and alpacas, and investigate preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of infectious, disease-related pregnancy losses in camelids.

Part 3: Hospice Care and the Human-Animal Bond
Part 3 of the research project is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge of assisting clients and their pets through the hospice care process.

A client has been with her pet cat since it was born 22 years ago. Being very attached to the cat, she wants to provide supportive care for as long as possible. What feeding and medical recommendations would you give the client to help her care for her cat, who in addition to being geriatric is diabetic?
The cat has limited mobility but doesn’t show signs of much pain. How would you instruct the client on how to prevent decubital sores in the cat?

Given its limited mobility, the cat spends a considerable amount of time in recumbency and often urinates in that position. What advice and instructions would you provide the caregiver regarding complications associated with the cat’s urination while in recumbency?

The cat’s caregiver asked when she should consider euthanasia. What criteria regarding quality of life would you evaluate to determine when euthanasia may be the best option for the cat?