Managing Anorexia in Acute and Chronic Patients – When and How to Intervene

Anorexia is a common but often underestimated clinical challenge in small animal practice. Whether presenting in acute illness or as part of chronic disease, reduced appetite can significantly impact recovery, immune function, and overall prognosis.

This session explores a structured and practical approach to managing anorexia in both hospitalised and long-term patients. We will discuss the underlying causes of reduced appetite, the physiological consequences of inadequate nutrition, and why early nutritional intervention can be critical to patient outcomes.

The role of appetite stimulants will be reviewed in detail including when they are appropriate, when they are not, and how to use them effectively. We will also consider the indications for prokinetic and gastroprotectant medications, helping clinicians make evidence-based decisions rather than defaulting to routine prescribing.

This webinar provides practical guidance to support confident decision-making around nutritional intervention and medical management in anorexic patients.

Scott Kilpatrick

Director, Internal Medicine Specialist

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Scott graduated from the University of Edinburgh Veterinary School in 2007. He initially worked for the PDSA before taking up a Senior Veterinary Surgeon position with Vets Now in Edinburgh in 2010. In 2012, Scott began his residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, following a year as a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy and Physiology. He completed his residency in 2016 alongside a Master’s degree focused on the pathogenesis of canine liver disease and has since worked exclusively in referral-level clinical practice. Scott is currently based in Canada and undertakes his clinical work at Westcoast Animal Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital on Vancouver Island, where he sees internal medicine referral cases. In addition to his clinical work, Scott has created and delivered a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Emergency Medicine in association with the University of Chester. In 2023, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) in recognition of his meritorious contribution to clinical practice.