Awareness, perceptions and practices of UK veterinary nurses on managing the risk of malnutrition in hospitalised cats and dogs

Aims:
There is minimal research surrounding malnutrition in hospitalised cats and dogs. This study investigated current attitudes, knowledge, practices and barriers for veterinary nurses when managing patients at risk of malnutrition.

Methods:
A 28-question online survey was distributed to UK veterinary nurses. The quantitative data underwent both descriptive and inferential analysis, while the qualitative data was analysed using latent thematic analysis. The sample totaled 56 registered veterinary nurses and 23 student veterinary nurses.

Results:
Respondents were less confident identifying cats at risk of malnutrition (median 7.0/10.0) compared to dogs (median 8.0/10.0). Respondents were less satisfied that malnutrition is addressed effectively in cats (median 6.0/10.0) compared to dogs (median 7.0/10.0). Satisfaction that malnutrition is addressed in a timely manner was 6.0/10.0 (median), mostly due to delayed feeding tube placement (n=23, 29%). Few respondents use a muscle condition score (n=18, 23%) and even fewer (2.5%, n=2) listed muscle loss as a risk factor. Barriers included a lack of protocols (n=53, 67%).

Conclusions:
Malnutrition is addressed less effectively, and assessed less confidently, in cats. Moreover, malnutrition is not addressed in a timely manner due to slow and inconsistent interventions. Therefore, education, increased awareness and protocols may aid in addressing malnutrition.