• Condition scoring – body ( BCS ) and muscle ( MCS )
• Assessment of factors specific to animal , diet and feeding management / environment
No risk factors present
Nutritional risk factors present
EXTENDED nutritional evaluation
Make a specific nutritional recommendation
Conduct a regular reassessment , the frequency of which should be determined according to the individual pet
These could include :
• BCS of less than 4 / 9 or over 5 / 9
• Any degree of muscle wastage
• Unexplained weight change , particularly any unintentional weight loss of ≥10 % bodyweight
• Altered feeding behaviour ( e . g . difficulty prehending or swallowing food )
• Altered gastrointestinal function ( e . g . vomiting , diarrhoea , flatulence , constipation )
• Evidence of medical conditions and disease ( existing or current )
• Snacks , treats or table food constituting over 10 % of daily caloric intake
• Inadequate or inappropriate housing and husbandry
• Currently receiving medication and / or dietary supplements
• The feeding of an unconventional diet ( e . g . plant based , raw-meat based or home prepared )
Figure 1 . The nutritional assessment process using the WSAVA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats ( modified from Freeman et al ., 2011 and reproduced from Lumbis & Rinkinen , 2022 ).
28 Veterinary Nursing Journal