b'ARTICLE Previously, fatThe ability of the GI tract to digest food and absorb nutrients, especially protein restriction wasand fat, may be compromised. A highly favoured, but thisdigestible and nutritionally balanced diet is crucial. Dietary interventions are made has been shown toon a trial-and-error basis. Commercial have no benefit inhydrolysed, limited-ingredient novel protein, gastrointestinal diets and survival times andhome-prepared diets have all been used successfully in the management of also exacerbates23malnutrition andchronic enteropathy.Hydrolysed diets, such as Purina ProPlan deficiencies in fat- Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic (HA), soluble vitamins A,are typically lower in fat, have increased digestibility, and some contain soya and D, E and K. omega 3 EFAs, ingredients known for their immunomodulatory benefits. 23Dietary fat restriction is recommended for dogs with pancreatitis or lymphangiectasia. When fat digestion and absorption are compromised, anhave no benefit in survival times and increased amount of fat may passalso exacerbates malnutrition and into the colon where it potentiallydeficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, may induce dysbiosis, epithelial cellE and K. 28Novel protein or hypoallergenic damage and fluid secretion into thediets have been found to be effective in colon. 24 Replacing some of the fat withsome patients. 27MCTs may be beneficial. Modifying theIn summary, fat-sensitive conditions of ratio of dietary omega 3 to omega 6the dog require a tailored nutritional fatty acids may modulate intestinalapproach. It is helpful to question inflammation by reducing production of proinflammatory metabolites. 25, 26 the owner about the fat level of the previously fed diet to help guide choice Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) of fat levels in any new diet. EPI is a malabsorptive syndromeSpecific dietary recommendations characterised by insufficient secretioncan help clients in the transition to an of digestive enzymes and bicarbonateappropriate diet. This will help them from the exocrine pancreas. EPI is mostto avoid selection of an inappropriate commonly caused by damage to thefood. In general, many canned foods are exocrine pancreas through injury orhigher in fat than their dry equivalents ongoing pancreatitis. Treatment includesand it is important to check individual administration of pancreatic enzymes,product fat levels when recommending vitamin supplementation and dietary modification. 27 a specific food. Utilising commercial fat-restricted diets is an effective way to The diet should be low residue and highlyprovide dietary fat restriction. Where a digestible, with a moderate amounthome-made recipe is required, it is best of fat. Previously, fat restriction wasto consult a board-certified veterinary References availableon request. favoured, but this has been shown tonutritionist.Jessica-Anne Berlyn, Veterinary Technical Manager at Purina, BVSc MRCVSJessica-Anne Berlyn qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Pretoria in sunny South Africa. She has worked in the UK as a small animal veterinary surgeon in clinical practice since then and now works as a Veterinary Technical Advisor at Purina. Her areas of interest are feline medicine and nutrition. When she is not working, she enjoys open water swimming and travelling.32www.inspiredvet.co.uk'