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About The Veterinary Nurse

The Veterinary Nurse – now part of the UK-VET group of titles – is the leading international peer-reviewed journal for veterinary nurses. It publishes evidence-based clinical, educational and practical articles, in addition to the latest nurse-led veterinary research. It promotes gold standard care by supporting readers’ continuing professional development and by sharing best practice worldwide.

Clinical

Taking the pressure off: glaucoma and what can be done to help

Prompt recognition and treatment to reduce the intraoccular pressures is key in canine patients with glaucoma. If treatment is delayed, glaucoma can cause permanent damage or result in enucleation of the affected eye. Acute glaucoma develops quickly,...

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Latest CPD

Achieve all your CPD: The Veterinary Nurse  produces an extensive range for CPD content, supporting subscribers to complete the mandatory requirement of 45 hours’ CPD over a 3-year period. Premium and website subscribers can access our latest and archive modules, a selection of which can be found below. Subscribe Today

Postoperative care of brachycephalic patients: airway management and cardiovascular support

The ownership of brachycephalic pets has increased significantly in recent years. Anatomical abnormalities, alongside a higher incidence of inherited disorders, have contributed to an everincreasing brachycephalic caseload in veterinary practice. With postoperative complications commonplace in such patients, it is essential that the veterinary nurse is familiar with nursing care provision and interventions catering specifically for the brachycephalic patient to improve standards of care and treatment outcomes. Intensive airway management and cardiovascular support are essential for these high-risk patients in the immediate postoperative period. A review of the literature has highlighted the lack of research available for the postoperative care of brachycephalic patients and further studies are recommended.

Taking the pressure off: glaucoma and what can be done to help

Prompt recognition and treatment to reduce the intraoccular pressures is key in canine patients with glaucoma. If treatment is delayed, glaucoma can cause permanent damage or result in enucleation of the affected eye. Acute glaucoma develops quickly, increasing intraocular pressure and causing high levels of pain, disorientation, stress and discomfort. Nurses play a vital role in the management of these patients, by monitoring and recording pressures, recognising and managing pain, correct and timely application of medications and reducing patient stress.

Causes and prevention of caries (cavities) in dogs

Caries are difficult to diagnose in their early stages, often going undetected until patients are brought in for dental treatment under general anaesthesia and assessment of teeth is performed. This late detection happens because bacteria infiltrate into the dentine, creating the perfect climate for dentine destruction from within the tooth before any involvement of the enamel is seen. This article will demonstrate how bacteria infiltrate within the oral cavity, and discuss key client communication and education along with outlining preventative oral hygiene measures to prevent caries formation including diet and daily toothbrushing. As always, prevention is better than cure and veterinary nurses are fundamental in the prevention of oral pathologies caused by bacteria.

Senior cats: nutritional adaptations and practical feeding considerations

This article outlines the nutritional goals and adaptations required by cats more than 7 years of age, including nutrient modulation. The article discusses nursing interventions to help ensure optimal dietary intake and methods to help educate pet owners on nutrition for their senior cats, including practical tips on respecting feeding behaviours for cats in this life stage. It is vital to assess each cat as an individual, applying the most suitable nutritional adaptations, whether it be for a healthy senior cat, or one for whom a clinical diet may be more appropriate.

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