Valoración nutricional de perros y gatos en las clínicas veterinarias de Medellín, Colombia.

Abstract

La nutrición animal permite el adecuado funcionamiento del organismo y es un pilar básico para el mantenimiento del equilibrio homeostático. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el porcentaje de Clínicas Veterinarias de Medellín que realizan la valoración nutricional en sus consultas, los parámetros utilizados para realizarla e identificar las principales enfermedades de origen nutricional en caninos y felinos. 72 clínicas Veterinarias de Medellín fueron encuestadas. El 60% de las Clínicas Veterinarias no realizan la valoración nutricional y usan parámetros como condición corporal (40,7%), alimentación (44,7%) peso (11,8%) y estado del pelo (2,6%). Los índices usados para realizarla fueron ICM (5,1%), ICC (37,1%), IMC (5,1%). El 43,6% de los perros y gatos que llegan al mes por consulta son debidos a problemas nutricionales, siendo los más frecuentes gastroentéricos y dermatológicos. Es necesario implementar formatos para la evaluación nutricional con el fin de prevenir enfermedades y mejorar la salud de los animales. Animal nutrition allows the proper functioning of the body and is a basic pillar for maintaining homeostatic balance. The objective of the study was to determine the percentage of Veterinary Clinics in Medellín that carry out nutritional evaluation in their consultations, the parameters used to carry it out and identify the main diseases of nutritional origin in canines and felines. 72 Veterinary Clinics in Medellín were surveyed. 60% of Veterinary Clinics do not carry out nutritional evaluation and use parameters such as body condition (40.7%), diet (44.7%), weight (11.8%) and hair condition (2.6%). The indices used to perform it were ICM (5.1%), ICC (37.1%), BMI (5.1%). 43.6% of the dogs and cats that come for consultation each month are due to nutritional problems, the most frequent being gastroenteric and dermatological. It is necessary to implement formats for nutritional evaluation in order to prevent diseases and improve animal health.Animal nutrition allows the proper functioning of the body and is a basic pillar for maintaining homeostatic balance. The objective of the study was to determine the percentage of Veterinary Clinics in Medellín that carry out nutritional evaluation in their consultations, the parameters used to carry it out and identify the main diseases of nutritional origin in canines and felines. 72 Veterinary Clinics in Medellín were surveyed. 60% of Veterinary Clinics do not carry out nutritional evaluation and use parameters such as body condition (40.7%), diet (44.7%), weight (11.8%) and hair condition (2.6%). The indices used to perform it were ICM (5.1%), ICC (37.1%), BMI (5.1%). 43.6% of the dogs and cats that come for consultation each month are due to nutritional problems, the most frequent being gastroenteric and dermatological. It is necessary to implement formats for nutritional evaluation in order to prevent diseases and improve animal health.