Companion animal nutritional requirements and therapeutic clinical diet selection tested on the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
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- What formula calculates Resting Energy Requirement (RER) for dogs and cats?
- RER = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75
- What is the typical multiplier applied to RER to estimate Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) for an average adult neutered dog?
- 1.6 (MER = RER x 1.6)
- Why is the domestic cat classified as an obligate carnivore?
- It requires certain nutrients found only in animal tissue and cannot meet its needs from plant sources alone
- What clinical condition results from taurine deficiency in cats?
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Which essential fatty acid must be supplied in a cat's diet because cats cannot synthesize it from linoleic acid?
- Arachidonic acid
- What organization sets nutritional adequacy standards and feeding trial protocols for US pet foods?
- AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
- On the standard 9-point body condition scoring scale, what score range is considered ideal?
- 4 to 5
- What two nutrients are typically restricted in a therapeutic renal diet?
- Phosphorus and protein
- What type of protein is emphasized in a hepatic support diet?
- Highly digestible, moderately restricted protein
- What dietary strategy helps dissolve and prevent struvite urinary stones?
- Acidifying the urine and restricting magnesium and phosphorus
- Why should urine not be overly acidified in a patient prone to calcium oxalate stones?
- Excess acidification promotes calcium oxalate crystal formation
- What key dietary feature helps manage feline and canine diabetes mellitus?
- Consistent, high-fiber, complex carbohydrate content to slow glucose absorption
- What mineral is restricted in a therapeutic cardiac diet?
- Sodium
- What are the two main characteristics of a therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) diet?
- Highly digestible and low fat
- When calculating a weight loss plan, energy needs are typically based on which body weight?
- Estimated ideal (target) body weight, not current weight