Small Animal

Willows launches specialist-led parenteral nutrition service

vetreportApril 9, 2021

Willows Veterinary Centre is building on its clinical nutrition service with the launch of a specialist-led parenteral nutrition service.

The specialist referral centre marked the one-year anniversary of its specialist clinical nutrition service with the launch of additional treatments, marking the centre as one of the few in the UK to offer a comprehensive nutritional service.

Isuru Gajanayake, a board-certified specialist in veterinary nutrition, is leading the parenteral nutrition service, and commented: “Since launching our clinical nutrition service last year, we have seen a number of cases in which patients have been either dehydrated or malnourished, sometimes both.

“Working alongside our other services in a truly multidisciplinary approach, we have been able to offer suitable treatment to support a significant number of dogs and cats.

“With the launch of the parenteral nutrition service, we can now expand this offering and, in doing so, become one of only a very few referral centres across the UK to provide this as a specialist service.”

Isuru also highlighted the benefit of a specialist service taking into account nutrition and hydration as part of the multidisciplinary approach taken by Willows. He said: “As a specialist in clinical nutrition, I work as closely as possible with our team of multidisciplinary specialist vets and nurses to ensure we also take nutrition into account.

“As with people, animals who are malnourished are more likely to suffer complications if they are ill or injured, which will mean continued treatment, increased risk of complications and longer stays in hospital. For both pet owners and vets, the key thing is for every one of us to be far more mindful of this.”

To find out more about Willows’ range of specialist services, visit www.willows.uk.net or search for Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service on Facebook.

Read more articles on Willows Veterinary Centre here.