Clinical

Osteoarthritis in canines part 2: physical rehabilitation

When the osteoarthritic patient comes into the hospital or facility, they need to be provided with plenty of cushions and bedding suitable for arthritic joints and backs (Figure 1). Geriatric dogs...

Nursing considerations during routine dental procedures

As previously mentioned, it is crucial to know of any underlying health conditions before an anaesthetic. This includes breed-related diseases, in particular those seen in brachycephalic patients, as...

Quality improvement frameworks to maximise wound assessment

As stated above checklists are a cognitive tool to prompt practitioners and ensure vital steps are not missed in an effort to minimise errors. Typically created alongside an evidence-based protocol,...

Maintaining mental and physical fitness into old age

Homes can be a challenge for older dogs that may be suffering from mobility issues or discomfort and/or sensory impairment affecting their eyesight or hearing. The leading sense for dogs is the sense...

How to reduce anaesthetic risk in geriatric patients

Hospitals should create not only anaesthetic drug protocols for geriatric patients, but also pre and postoperative care instructions for staff and pet owners to ensure high-quality care and monitoring...

Parasite roundup for 2021

ESCCAP UK & Ireland continues to advise that all UK cats and dogs be treated at least every 3 months to reduce egg shedding. High risk groups (cats and dogs on raw unprocessed diets, those that hunt...

Considerations for hand hygiene to reduce hospital acquired infections in practice

Veterinary nurses will commonly encounter patients that are suffering from an identified active infection and are carrying organisms that the practice has been made aware of. Active measures are...

Osteoarthritis in canines part 1: geriatric pain management

Behaviours that the owner may see early during the disease are the dog sporadically reluctant to perform previous tasks or activities, such as jumping into the car, which never posed a problem before....

Health and husbandry of companion parrots

Looking after the health of parrots occurs even before the patient presents to the veterinary clinic. It is important for front-of-house staff to discuss appropriate carry cages with owners prior to...