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Nutrition

Small mammal herbivores, part 2: nutrition for wellness

02 October 2022

Clinical

17 mins read

02 October 2022

Volume 13 · Issue 8

ISSN (print): 2044-0065

ISSN (online): 2052-2959

Table 1. Features and mechanisms of fermentable and indigestible fibres in the rabbit gut

Abstract

Exotic companion mammal herbivores have specific nutritional needs as they are adapted to optimise nutrition from a high-fibre, low calorie-density diet. Unlike other traditional companion animal species such as cats and dogs, there are no nutritionally complete commercial diets available for these exotic species. Feeding plans need to take into consideration the species, age and reproductive status of the patient, and a nutritional assessment includes body condition scoring as well as muscle condition scoring. Patient activity level, body condition score, muscle condition score and the presence of ongoing illnesses are also important considerations. To make a nutritional assessment and plan for a patient, a modified Nutritional Assessment Checklist is effective, as recommended in the toolkit of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Nutritional Assessment Guidelines Task Force (2011). Patient behaviour and the presence of healthy integument and diet-related illnesses can help determine the suitability of the patient's current diet. Although herbivores share a basic dietary plan, it is important to know the unique needs of individual species. This is the subject of part 2 of this series.

Exotic companion mammal herbivores have specific nutritional needs, and veterinary technicians and nurses may often find themselves providing consultations to pet owners on nutrition for wellness. As with other companion animals, the patient's species, age and reproductive status must be considered. A nutritional assessment includes body condition scoring as well as muscle condition scoring (Carpenter et al, 2012). Patient activity level and the presence of ongoing illnesses are also important considerations. To make a nutritional assessment and plan for a patient, a modified Nutritional Assessment Checklist is effective, as recommended in the toolkit of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Nutritional Assessment Guidelines Task Force (2011). Patient behaviour, the presence of healthy integument, normal stool and urine production, and the presence of diet-related illnesses help determine the suitability of the patient's current diet.

A brief discussion of nutrients and their role in the herbivore diet will provide the basis for understanding nutritional assessment.

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