Which statement about feeding a recently rescued, emaciated animal is correct?

• A. Rehydrate and stabilize before feeding
• B. Feed a normal diet immediately
• C. Ignore hydration
• D. Provide high-fat solid diet

Answer: (A)

Rehydration and stabilization before feeding is essential because a severely emaciated animal cannot tolerate the sudden return of calories. Starvation shifts the body’s metabolism and electrolyte balance, and introducing nutrition too quickly can trigger refeeding syndrome, where insulin spikes drive phosphate and other electrolytes into cells. This can impair heart and diaphragm function, cause respiratory problems, and lead to organ failure. By rehydrating first, you restore circulating volume, support kidney function, and provide a clearer picture of overall health so you can monitor electrolytes and response to care. Once the animal is stabilized, you can start with small, easily digested feeds and gradually increase intake, rather than skipping hydration or loading the gut with a high-fat solid diet. Jumping straight to a normal diet risks GI upset, aspiration, and metabolic complications, and ignoring hydration leaves the animal vulnerable to shock and failure to respond to feeding.