Week 1

Preparing to Feed Patients within the Veterinary Hospital

This week aims to identify the key pieces of information required from the pet owner, in order to give their pets the best chance of voluntarily consuming food whilst in the veterinary hospital.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify which information is vital to collect from the pet owner

Appreciate the who, how and when of information collection

Understand how to create the ideal eating environment for your patients

Understand all aspects of the hospital food kitchen

Week 2

Hospital Nutrition

Every effort should be made to get patients eating on their own. Choosing appropriate foods and timings will largely depend on the results of the nutritional assessment. Patients may not eat well whilst they are in the hospital, for a wide range of reasons, and nutritional support may be required; firstly we tempt them to eat and if unsuccessful, look at other methods of assisted feeding.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand how to feed appetent patients:

Communicate the nutrition plan

Select appropriate foods and feeding times

Offer a tailored approach to each individual patient

Understand how to feed inappetent patients:

Appreciate the available options

Identify environmental adaptations

Offer assisted feeding

Week 3

Critical Care Nutrition

Despite all efforts some patients may be either too unwell or unwilling to voluntarily consume any food whilst in the hospital, and assistance in the form of feeding tubes will be required.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the process of feeding tube selection

Provide maintenance and care of feeding tubes

Confidently calculate nutritional requirements and food quantities

Week 4

Diabetic Patients

A diagnosis of diabetes can be very worrying and overwhelming for pet owners with many elements to consider. Nutrition plays a vital role in the management of both cats and dogs with diabetes. As the type of diabetes frequently seen in dogs and cats differ, a disease specific recommendation will be required.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Implement stable feeding routines for diabetic dogs

Describe the ideal food composition for diabetic cats

Understand how to manage concurrent obesity

Week 5

Multiple Concurrent Conditions and Difficult Decisions

As with many things in life, challenges rarely occur alone. Patients often present us with dietary dilemmas and decision making can be difficult. However, by knowing what to prioritise, where to compromise and where to go for help, a suitable nutritional solution can be found for all.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Explain nutritional care for end of life patients

Provide nutritional advice for patients with concurrent diseases

Understand what to do when no suitable diet exists

List sources of additional nutritional information

Week 6

Client Communication

Although much in known about providing nutrition in many different circumstances, excellent client communication is a key part of dietary plan implementation. Getting communication right means your recommendation is more likely to be followed, clients know who to trust and who they should talk to if problems arise. This is an excellent way to demonstrate the high level of care you are providing to their beloved pet.

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Create the right environment for discussions

Gauge readiness of the client to discuss their pet’s diet

Approach information gathering to maximise responses

Understand what to do if the owner is feeding a nonstandard diet

Make clear recommendations and manage expectations

Monitor and make adjustments to the nutrition plan