You will need to include any discharge information appropriate to the case in this section and should include any handouts or printed information, communication with the veterinarian in regards to this case as well as communication with the client. Make sure you discuss how you ensured that they understood the information provided to them and detail this information.
Feeding (as discussed with the owner)
On the instruction of the veterinarian, I discussed the change in feeding plan with Maggie’s owners due to the tracheostoma. In the discussion I included the following “Maggie’s larynx does not function properly and cannot close to protect the larynx during swallowing, so she can easily aspirate (inhale) food into her trachea. This could create a blockage and Maggie could choke. Maggie cannot eat dry dog food, as the small pellets are easily aspirated. She needs to be fed with large, firm chunks of moist food (about 5cm - the size of a ping pong ball) from ground level. This will reduce the risk of aspiration. Maggie will need to be fed several small meals through the day, rather than one large meal. When drinking it is expected that some water will dribble out of the stoma due to the laryngeal paralysis, Maggie is coping well with this and the amount of water is dribbling out is reducing each day. If Maggie does aspirate food, she should be able to cough it out of the stoma. If not, she will need urgent Veterinary attention. There is a real risk that Maggie could die from aspiration."
This information was also provided to the owner on a printed handout, and she was asked if she had any questions. A follow up phone call was also performed the next day to ensure that the owner was coping with Maggie’s condition and feeding.