title: [Nutrition consultation in small animal practice - a field for specialized veterinarians].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to identify barriers to the implementation of nutrition consultation in veterinary practice. Differences between individual veterinarians in their problem-solving strategies in nutrition consultation were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Representative online survey of 214 veterinarians (female/male) using a standardized questionnaire. Statistical analysis by correlations, t-test, analysis of variance and factor analysis as well as cluster analysis of types of veterinarians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 90% of vets had seen an increase in owners' questions on feeding pets. Forty-one percent estimated the percentage of patients suffering from nutrition-related diseases in their practice to be 20-30%. At the same time, 70% of vets agreed that nutrition consultation was neglected in every-day practice. Vets estimated that only 30% of owners complied with recommendations on nutrition. Over 80% of vets presumed that pet owners gave false information on feeding. For other sensitive questions, including domestic and financial situations, the percentage of presumed false information was below 60%. Approximately 50% of the vets did not feel sufficiently competent with regard to nutrition consultation. Less than 50% asked for payment of nutrition consultation. Only 18% had taken part in continuing education in animal nutrition. The cluster analysis identified five different strategies to cope with nutrition consultation, four of which were based on a low priority for nutrition in their own practice. Some vets referred nutrition problems to specialized colleagues (7.2%), others consulted with representatives of pet food companies (28.2%), another group offered free, quick tips (23.4%), and a small percentage ignored nutrition (13.4%). There was one group with a strong interest in nutrition (27.8%). It is remarkable that this group felt the least competent in small-animal nutrition. Conclusion and practical relevance: The study demonstrates that sound nutrition consultation in small-animal practice requires a high degree of specialization. In addition, special coping strategies to obtain a sound nutrition history and a fair payment are necessary. Vets fulfilling these conditions may find a wide field of work.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bergler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wechsung
authors.affiliation: Prof. Dr. Ellen Kienzle, Lehrstuhl für Tierernährung und Diätetik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schönleutner Straße 8, 85764 Oberschleißheim, E-Mail: kienzle@tiph.vetmed.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kienzle
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dobenecker
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000592:standards*; D053180:Animal Nutrition Sciences / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011364:Professional Practice; D018634:Veterinarians; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Nutrition; compliance; continuing education needs; feeding