Health and Nutrition Flashcards

A rescued hedgehog presents with obesity and fatty liver disease. What dietary change is most important?

Answer: Reduce mealworm and insect treats; feed low-fat, high-fiber cat food

Hedgehogs are prone to obesity and hepatic lipidosis from high-fat insect-heavy diets; low-fat, high-fiber insectivore or quality cat food with limited treats reduces hepatic fat accumulation.

Which dehydration assessment method is most practical for initial triage of a rescued animal in the field?

Answer: Skin tent test (scruff elasticity)

The skin tent test assesses interstitial fluid status by observing how quickly a pinched fold of skin returns to normal; delayed return indicates dehydration and is practical without laboratory equipment.

What is the most appropriate diet for a rescued opossum being rehabilitated for release?

Answer: Varied diet mimicking natural omnivory: insects, fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of protein

Opossums are true omnivores whose rehabilitation diet should mirror their natural food sources to maintain gut microbiome diversity and appropriate behaviors for post-release survival.

A rescued dog with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should receive a diet that is:

Answer: Restricted in phosphorus and moderately restricted in high-quality protein

Phosphorus restriction slows CKD progression by reducing renal mineral burden, while moderate high-quality protein restriction reduces uremic waste production without causing muscle catabolism.

Which omega fatty acid ratio is considered most beneficial for reducing systemic inflammation in rescued animals with injuries?

Answer: Higher omega-3 to omega-6 ratio (favoring omega-3)

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation; increasing the omega-3:omega-6 ratio helps modulate the inflammatory response in injured animals.

A rescued songbird is found unable to fly and showing neurological signs. Exposure to which nutritional toxin from bird feeders is a possible cause?

Answer: Aflatoxin from moldy seed in contaminated feeders

Moldy seeds in bird feeders can harbor Aspergillus fungi that produce aflatoxins, causing liver damage and neurological signs in wild birds that consume contaminated feed.

What is the recommended frequency for feeding neonatal kittens (0–1 week old) in a rescue foster setting?

Answer: Every 2 hours around the clock

Neonatal kittens have tiny stomachs, high metabolic rates, and cannot regulate blood glucose; they must be fed every 2 hours around the clock to prevent hypoglycemia and failure to thrive.