Retrospective evaluation of partial parenteral nutrition in dogs and cats

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in dogs and cats. The medical records of till dogs and cats receiving PPN between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed to determine signalment, reasons for use of PPN, duration of PPN administration, duration of hospitalization. complications, and mortality. Complications were classified as metabolic, mechanical. or septic. One hundred twenty-seven animals (80 dogs and 47 cats) were included in the study, accounting or 443 patient days of PPN. The most common underlying diseases were pancreatitis (n = 41). gastrointestinal disease (n = 33). and hepatic disease (n = 23). Median time of hospitalization before initiation of PPN was 2.8 days (range. 0.2-10.7 days). Median duration of PPN administration was 3.0 days (range, 0.3-8.8 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (range, 2-20 days). In the 127 annuals receiving PPN, 72 complications occurred. These included metabolic (n = 43). mechanical (n = 25) and septic (n = 4) complications. The most common metabolic complication was hyperglycemia ( n = 19). followed by lipemia (n = 17) and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 6). Most complications were mild and did not require discontinuation of PPN. Ninety-three (73.2%) of the 127 patients were discharged. All 4 annuals with septic complications were discharged from the hospital. The presence, type, and number of complications did not impact the duration of hospitalization or outcome. However. annuals that received supplemental enteral nutrition survived more often than those receiving PPN exclusively. Although PPN seems to be a relatively safe method of providing nutritional support, future studies are warranted to determine its efficacy.