Refeeding Syndrome in Dogs and Cats: Why It Can Be Deadly and How to Prevent It

Download a FREE Nasogastric/nasoesophageal placement checklist in dogs and cats [PDF] here: https://academy.vetemcrit.com/ng FREE Acid-base analysis workshop: https://academy.vetemcrit.com/free-wo... Check out our free veterinary emergency tools, calculators, protocols, and articles: https://vetemcrit.com/ Check out our online courses on acid-base and electrolyte disorders: https://academy.vetemcrit.com/courses If you're new to my channel, I am Igor Yankin, a small animal emergency and critical care specialist based in Texas. You might know me as the founder of vetemcrit.com, where I’ve spent the last several years creating evidence-based tools, case discussions, and training for veterinarians working on the front lines of emergency and critical care. My story in ECC started back in 2010 when I worked full-time ER shifts. After five intense years, I completed a small animal rotating internship at Oregon State University, followed by an ECC residency at the University of Florida. Since 2019, I’ve been practicing as a veterinary criticalist. Over the years, I’ve noticed that what most ER vets and techs need isn’t just more information — it’s a way to connect, discuss real cases, and keep growing together without judgment. That realization inspired me to create something new — a space where emergency and critical care professionals can come together, learn, and support each other in a meaningful way. That space is now called the VetEmCrit Academy — a growing community for those who want to stay sharp, confident, and connected in ECC practice. If you’re ready to see what’s inside and how it works, learn more by going to https://academy.vetemcrit.com/join Refeeding syndrome refers to a potentially fatal constellation of metabolic derangements that occur upon refeeding a patient with an extended period of complete anorexia or severe malnutrition. These metabolic derangements include severe hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and vitamin deficiencies. Clinical manifestations of these abnormalities include peripheral edema, hemolytic anemia, cardiac failure, neurological dysfunction and respiratory failure. Many of these metabolic changes are believed to result from sudden release of insulin (stimulated by carbohydrate intake) in the presence of total body nutrient depletion. The successful management and refeeding of a patient with a history of prolonged starvation, therefore, involves careful use of fluid therapy, frequent monitoring of electrolytes, conservative nutritional therapy, and support of cardiac and respiratory function. Measures to prevent a refeeding syndrome include the following: 1. Identify patients at risk; 2. Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances first; 3. Administer nutrition gradually and increase incrementally; 4. Frequently monitor electrolytes q4-8h (especially during the first 48 hours) in at-risk patients (e.g. K, Mg, PO4, Ca, blood glucose, PCV/TS); 5. Supplement electrolytes and thiamine as needed; 6. Discontinue or slow down nutrition should complications arise. FREE RACE-APPROVED CE on IV potassium supplementation: https://academy.vetemcrit.com/iv-pota... #VetEmCrit #Refeeding #RefeedingSyndrome #VeterinaryEmergency #VetCare #CriticalCare