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Successful management and recovery following severe prolonged starvation in a dog
Author(s) -
Khoo Alison Wui Sing,
Taylor Susan M.,
Owens Tammy J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/vec.12878
Subject(s) - starvation , medicine , weakness , weight loss , refeeding syndrome , labrador retriever , intensive care medicine , surgery , anesthesia , physiology , malnutrition , obesity
Objective To describe the successful management of a dog following a period of prolonged food deprivation. Case Summary A 7‐year‐old, intact male Labrador Retriever presented with profound weakness and loss of nearly 50% of his body weight due to severe prolonged starvation after being trapped in a well for 27 days. Electrolyte concentrations were managed with intensive intravenous supplementation during refeeding. The dog's electrolyte abnormalities resolved, wounds healed, and strength returned during the first 3 weeks of treatment. During the next 3 months, body condition score normalized and muscle mass improved. New or Unique Information Provided This report describes the management of a severely malnourished dog during refeeding, and highlights treatment considerations that may be important in the prevention of refeeding syndrome in such cases.