The nutritional assessment and senior patients

The nutritional assessment is deemed the 5th vital sign in performing a clinical evaluation in veterinary patients, as described by World Small Animal Veterinary Association since 2011. A recent report of the veterinary profession demonstrated there is an underuse of this tool which may be restricted to critically ill patients. Ageing changes in cats and dogs will cause reduction in lean body mass termed sarcopenia, which increases mortality and morbidity and reduces QOL. Early detection of sarcopenia can lead to appropriate advice relating to diet and exercise, which could delay and slow the onset of this damaging syndrome. The RVN can play a pivotal role in performing regular nutritional assessments in ageing patients.