Charging for our time

Conflict prevention and how to make conflict productive

Conflict in the work place can take many forms and can have both positive and negative impacts on the team. It is imperative that a manager identifies the cause/type of conflict and puts in place the required measures to resolve any issues that may impact on the team's performance and lead to reduced job satisfaction.This article discusses the potential causes of conflict that arise in the workplace such as competing for resources, differing styles, differing perception, conflicting goals, conflicting pressures, role overlap, differing personal values and unpredictable policies. Measures in order to mitigate any conflict are discussed along with techniques to resolve any conflict when it does occur. Such prevention measures focus on communication at the individual and team level and encourage input from all team members on how the team's goals are achieved.

Early enteral nutrition: indications, benefits and complications

It is important in veterinary practice that registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are knowledgeable regarding identifying patients in need of nutritional support, in order to continually strive for a high standard of evidencebased nursing care and improve patient outcomes. In gaining this knowledge, RVNs can feel empowered to work alongside the veterinary surgeon (VS) to suggest the most appropriate feeding method, in addition to explaining all benefits and complications accurately to clients for informed consent to be obtained. Early enteral nutrition brings many benefits such as dramatically improving patient outcomes by preventing any adverse effects of malnutrition, which could lead to a reduction in length of hospitalisation. Shortened hospital stays could mean that patients resume their normal routine in a familiar, home environment more quickly.

Canine flea control — what the veterinary nurse needs to know

Ectoparasite control forms an important part of any routine canine health programme. The veterinary nurse is well placed to advise clients about appropriate flea control starting with their first interaction with a client at the puppy clinic, through to their pet's routine yearly health checks. Nurses with a special interest in dermatology who run practice dermatology clinics also need to advise clients about flea control as part of an integrated strategy to control their pet's skin problems. As such it is important that the veterinary nurse is aware of the life cycle of the flea and the mode of action of the numerous products that are currently available.

Canine diabetes mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus is a complex endocrinopathy, with a pathogenesis that varies amongst individuals, but is clinically similar to Type I diabetes in humans. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease remains poorly understood; however, irrespective of the underlying aetiology, diabetes mellitus is reported to occur as a result of the interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Investigation and treatment of canine diabetes will require considerable investment from owners. This will include both financial commitment and considerable time and effort; but this commitment can achieve a good outcome.

Why integrate preventative behavioural advice and first aid into routine practice?

As the first indicator of unwellness in companion animals is the behavioural change that leads to owners presenting their pets, there is an intrinsic and undeniable link between veterinary health/welfare and companion animal behaviour. Despite this, many practices are unable to offer a consistent level of evidence-based behavioural support to their clients. This article, considering why a veterinary practice should offer basic behavioural support for companion animals, forms the first of a series of articles that will go on to consider the specific preventative and first aid behavioural advice suitable for members of a range of species. Such advice should assist the veterinary team in offering an acceptable level of preventative and emergency behavioural support during routine encounters and consultations with clients.

Cruciate ligament disease and the role of the Balto Knee Brace

Cruciate disease is the most prevalent cause of hindlimb lameness amongst the canine population. As a result of the prevalent nature of the condition, improved management strategies are continually being sought from both a surgical and conservative perspective. This article discusses cruciate disease, and the KVP ‘Balto’ brace in relation to its use as part of conservative management strategy.

How to perform fluid therapy

Veterinary nurses play an important role in infusion therapy and they are involved in all stages of intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) provision. Examples of tasks undertaken within their role include pre-infusion blood sampling and testing, pre-infusion patient assessment, preparation of infusions, obtaining intravenous access, administering infusions safely and monitoring patient progress. This article will explore each of these tasks in turn, examining considerations to be mindful of to ensure a safe and efficient procedure, while highlighting any potential pitfalls and how they can be avoided.

Nursing the feline patient following surgical management of idiopathic pericardial effusion by subtotal pericardiectomy

A 4-year-old feline was admitted to the veterinary hospital for haemorrhagic pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade of unknown origin. Concurrent subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was also diagnosed. After significant diagnostic tests and reoccurrence of the effusion, the patient underwent a subtotal pericardiectomy. Results were consistent with neutrophillic/granulomatous pericarditis of unknown origin. This article discusses the nursing care implemented postoperatively, focusing on the major themes of pain management, pain scoring, management of the thoracostomy tube and the correction of dehydration and maintaining the patient's nutritional requirements. After 7 days of hospitalisation, the patient recovered well and was discharged.

Preparing for fireworks now and sound sensitivity later

Over 2 ¼ million dogs in the UK show obvious signs of fear of firework sounds — yet we only attempt to help once it's too late! Claire Hargrave explains.