Peri-Surgical Nutrition: Perspectives and Perceptions.

Abstract

Peri-surgical nutrition of veterinary patients is in its infancy, with considerable research to be performed to help improve quality of life in our small animal patients. Clues from human immunonutrition may be starting places for investigation. Considerations for future investigations should include essential nutrients, the underlying disease process, therapeutic goals, and species (dog or cat). There are guidelines for caloric requirements. Planning for nutritional support before surgery takes place is likely to be beneficial to patient outcomes. Taking into account case history, method of feeding, metabolic abnormalities, and possible immunonutrition should be part of a complete surgical nutritional plan.