Travelling abroad with pets

Efficacy of silver-coated urinary catheters for reducing urinary tract infection in dogs

Indwelling urinary catheters are frequently used in practice, however urinary catheters have been associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infections in dogs. Antimicrobial coating of urinary catheters can reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections through the initial prevention of bacterial attachment. Historical studies have identified the benefit of silver in reducing bacteriuria in humans. This knowledge summary concluded that no study was able to demonstrate that the use of silver-coated urinary catheters is superior to silicone urinary catheters in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections in dogs. Further investigation in vivo, with a large sample size, is required to verify the statistical significance of the effect of the silver-coating of urinary catheters in the reduction of urinary tract infections.

Values conflict resolution

The values and personal beliefs of veterinary staff and clients can be a cause of conflict. Understanding how values contribute to conflict improves the veterinary nurse's ability to minimise and resolve these conflicts. This article describes the key issues of value conflict and methods for resolving such conflicts in the veterinary environment.

Leading organisational change in the workplace: a review of the literature

Implementing change is an integral component of the professional activity of a veterinary nurse. However, the drivers for change in the industry are often accompanied by restraining forces, highlighting the importance of effective leadership and change management. A review of the literature has identified that effective leaders demonstrate particular behaviours and hold certain values, and a shared leadership approach is essential for the implementation of change to be successful. Many veterinary nurses already demonstrate successful leadership behaviours in their day-to-day work, and by following a model of change, could be better placed to successfully implement change in their clinical practice. Literature specific to veterinary nursing leadership and change management remains limited and highlights a requirement for further research and studies in to this area.

The effect of Pet Remedy on feline stress-related behaviours in a rescue centre

Cats are commonly chosen as companion animals, however, for numerous reasons, many end up in rescue shelters awaiting a new home. Cats are particularly sensitive to stress, which poses a threat to welfare through development of detrimental mental and physical conditions due to prolonged episodes of anxiety. Pet Remedy (Unex Designs) is a valerian-based product developed to calm and de-stress companion animals. Literature regarding feline stress is limited, with no prior research into how Pet Remedy affects cats in rescue shelters. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Pet Remedy. Forty-six participants were randomly organised into one of three treatment groups: control, placebo or pet remedy. Participant details, stress score and respiration rates were recorded prior to treatment, and again 30 minutes post-treatment. Exposure to Pet Remedy was associated with a significant decreases in stress score (P=0.000) and respiration rate (P=0.003). Efficacy of product was not affected by sex, neutering status or age, though this could benefit from further investigation. The results of this study suggest that Pet Remedy would significantly reduce stress-related behaviours in shelter cats, which may improve overall welfare of cats residing in rescue shelters.

Skirting the issue: discussing the links between animal abuse and family violence in veterinary practice

Family violence is a significant public health issue in New Zealand which requires a collective commitment to address. Links between family violence and animal abuse are widely accepted and cases of family violence can present in the veterinary clinic as an abused animal. As animal healthcare providers, veterinary professionals are well-placed to recognise the abuse of animals and respond to victims by offering support and referral to specialist agencies. To do this, veterinary professionals need the knowledge and confidence to discuss the links to family violence with their clients. Currently, New Zealand veterinary professionals receive little to no education regarding links between animal abuse and family violence. This study comprised two phases. Phase one (reported here) was an anonymous online survey of New Zealand veterinary nurses and veterinarians. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative information regarding knowledge and confidence in practice aspects of managing cases of animal abuse where links to family violence may apply. The results showed that they feel unprepared in this area of practice. The results then informed the second phase of the study, the development of an educational workshop about the links between animal abuse and family violence.

Parrot awareness week 2023

Parrot Awareness Week was launched in July 2023 to promote improving welfare for pet parrot-like birds, aiming to highlight several important themes with respect to parrot welfare in captivity, to help owners provide their parrots with the best care possible.