Advances in Nutrition
A four week online tutored CPD course with Nicola Lakeman
Week 1
Diabetes Mellitus
In this first week, we will be looking at diabetic cats and dogs and how nutrition plays a very large role in stabilisation of blood glucose. In dogs, we will look at how manipulation of different types of fibre can influence it. Cats are completely different when it comes to diabetes, not just in what to feed them. We will look at low carbohydrate, higher fat and protein diets, and how these can be used for obesity control and aid with the diabetes
Learning objectives:
By the end of this week, delegates should be able to:
- Understand how diets for dogs and cats differ for diabetic patients
- Explain how specific nutrients affect metabolism and insulin requirements
- Establish safe weight loss in the diabetic cat
Week 2
Cardiac Disease
In the second week, we will look at the ACVIM consensus statement and how we can build this into nutrition for dogs. We will look at the recent evidence for cardiac diets and how the heart cells have been shown to respond to different energy sources. We will also look at the evidence surrounding those dogs that are developing DCM on grain free diets
Learning objectives:
By the end of this week, delegates should be able to:
- Understand the nutritional requirements for the cardiac patient
- Describe how to prevent cardiac cachexia
- Understand the issues with fad diets and DCM
Week 3
Hepatic Disease
Hepatic disease in cats and dogs can be very complex depending on the cause. We will look at the feeding of puppies with portosystemic shunts and why we use diets with specific nutrients. We will then discuss those animals with raised liver parameters and how we can help them, using diets and supplements
Learning objectives:
By the end of this week, delegates should be able to:
- Understand how certain nutrients can exacerbate the clinical signs of portosystemic shunts
- Explain how supplements can be used in animals with liver disease
- Describe the nutrient requirements of cats and dogs with liver disease
Week 4
Dermatological Diets
In this last week, we will look at all the different diets that are available for dogs and cats that have dermatological issues. We will investigate nutrigenomic diets, novel protein diets and hydrolysed diets and discuss when to use each one
Learning objectives:
By the end of this week, delegates should be able to:
- Understand the difference between diets aimed at animals with dermatological issues
- Conduct feeding trials for dermatological cases
- Explain how supplements can be used to improve skin conditions