Q&A: Set nutrition before surgery to improve outcomes

In this dvm360 interview, Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) explains why the nutritional plan before surgery is important and how the microbiome fits into perioperative care.

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Editor’s note: This dvm360 Q&A has been lightly edited and consolidated from a verbal interview to better fit a written format while retaining the substance of the original conversation.

What do you tell owners about diet before and after elective surgery?

Ograin: I like to broaden this beyond recovery and think about the before. Are they eating a complete and balanced diet. If a patient is malnourished it will make recovery harder. For elective procedures I want them in a good nutritional plane before anesthesia. If the gut is working after anesthesia, we should use it. In the hospital I give a light meal as they wake up and send them home with small meals to start. If we are going to recommend something bland like chicken and rice, I explain that it is not balanced and is only for the very short term. I prefer sending clients home on a highly digestible GI diet that is complete and balanced, so the patient gets the nutrients needed for healing.

How do you collect a diet history and act on it when a pet is coming in for surgery?

Ograin: For an elective case take a thorough history so you know what they are eating and why. If the diet is not supporting recovery, we can change it before surgery when the timing allows. For emergencies we do what we must, but when we can delay an elective procedure, it is often worth improving nutrition first, so the animal has a better chance to heal.

How do you respond when an owner arrives convinced by Dr Google or other online advice?

Ograin: Do not judge. Owners love their pets and are often trying to do the right thing. A confrontational response shuts them down. Acknowledge their concern, explain what is incorrect, give clear, compassionate rationale, and check their understanding. Most pet parents accept the recommendation once they see the why behind it.

What role does the microbiome play in surgical recovery?

Ograin: The GI microbiome is a major part of the immune system. Estimates are that 70 to 80 percent of immune activity is gut related. A healthy microbiome supports immune function and healing. Prebiotic fiber feeds beneficial bacteria. Ingredients like FOS, MOS, and beet pulp in proper amounts help maintain that healthy state. Some clinicians also use probiotics. Many commercial foods now incorporate prebiotic fibers so you can help build a healthy microbiome before surgery.

Is nutrition an optional extra or a critical part of treatment plans?

Ograin: Nutrition is critical. It is the basis of everything. For conditions like cancer or recurrent uroliths proper diet supports healing and can help manage disease long term. Improving nutrition can reduce recurrence and improve quality of life and longevity. If we want the best surgical and medical outcomes nutrition must be part of the plan.

One quick tip vets can share with clients?

Ograin: Take a diet history before surgery. If the patient is not on a complete and balanced diet, consider changing it before the procedure. Use small, digestible meals as the patient wakes up and send home a GI diet that is complete and balanced rather than an unbalanced bland home mix.

Anything else you are working on that clinicians should know

Ograin: I am focusing on new pet food label regulations and how to help pet parents interpret labels. Packaging and labeling rules are changing and may be confusing. My goal is to educate veterinary professionals so they can guide owners through the new information.

To read more news and view expert insights from Fetch Long Beach, visit dvm360’s dedicated site for conference coverage at https://www.dvm360.com/conference/fetch-long-beach