Nicola Ackerman

The Veterinary Hospital in Plymouth, UK

The canine microbiome

Identification of bacteria within the canine GI tract has traditionally been achieved by culture of faecal samples. This method has, however, now been recognised as being ineffective with large...

Evidence surrounding the feeding of natural/raw diets to dogs and cats

All pet foods are heavily marketed, even those that say they do not like marketing, are marketing to a specific market. The terms ‘natural’ and ‘hypoallergenic’ are not regulated, and therefore can be...

Urinalysis in prevention, monitoring and diagnosis

Struvite crystals (MgNH4PO4.6H20) are commonly seen in cats suffering from FIC. Dietary recommendations for these cats include avoiding excessive dietary protein and excessive levels of the minerals...

Nutritional management of canine urolithiasis

Canine urolithiasis is a disorder that needs close monitoring long term due to the nature of reformation of crystals and stones. Dissolution and prevention of any future stones and crystals is the...

Antibiotic resistance in veterinary practice: a veterinary nurse's perspective

The first antibiotic penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 (Fleming, 1929), and more than 100 compounds have been found since, but no new class has been found since 1987 (Ling et al,...

Nurse-led renal clinics

Attendance at nurse clinics for animals that have been newly diagnosed or with suspected renal disease should be instigated as soon as possible (Box 1). All patients should be referred to a veterinary...

Suitably qualified persons in practice

It is useful for nurses in small animal practice to have the SQP qualification in order to prescribe appropriate medicines for animals. The SQP qualification is regulated by the Animals Medicines...

Nurse-led obesity clinics: facilitating weight loss in dogs and cats

Weight loss can be theoretically achieved by ensuring that calories consumed are less than energy expenditure. However, achieving the reduction in calories and the increase in energy expenditure can...