Clinical

Nutrition in critical care

Nutrition is described as the processes of food utilisation by a plant or animal (Merriam-Webster, 2020). The terms macro and micronutrients refer to the volume of each that is required....

The veterinary nurse's role in the management of wound drains

Once a wound is created, whether this be as a result of a surgical incision or trauma, the body's response will be to commence wound healing. The normal wound healing process occurs in three phases:...

How to place a FreeStyle Libre in veterinary patients

The registered veterinary nurse (RVN) has a large role to play in helping manage and monitor diabetic patients. A sound understanding of the disease itself, common clinical signs and the treatment...

Complications of diabetes mellitus in canine and feline patients

Traditionally, classification of diabetes mellitus has mirrored that of the human disorder and is categorised into type-1 like and type-2 like diabetes mellitus..

Feline idiopathic cystitis: what to suggest

Because of the wide range of symptoms and presentations it is likely that FIC has multiple causes (Forrester and Towell, 2015)..

Anaesthetic management of paediatric and neonatal patients

Although young patients are capable of rapid repair, it was stated by Rigotti and Brearley (2016) that these patients have a reduced capacity to compensate in response to physiological changes that...

Acute pancreatitis in canine patients

Pancreatitis is described as the most common exocrine disease affecting both canines and felines (Steiner, 2020). Premature activation of digestive enzymes results in pancreatic autodigestion, leading...

Factors driving lungworm spread and the need for ongoing diagnosis and prevention

A. vasorum has spread rapidly over the past 20 years from endemic foci in Wales, the South West and South East of England across the whole of the UK. Increased reporting of cases has been seen in...

Poisons affecting the neurological system

The mechanisms of many of the substances causing neurological effects is unknown. Few have a specific antidote, therefore management in most cases is supportive, with the focus on controlling or...

A holistic approach to creating a nutrition plan for hospitalised inpatients

Good nutritional support of hospitalised dogs and cats improves recovery from illness, reduces mortality and improves responses to trauma and stress (Chan, 2004). The purpose of providing nutritional...

Small mammal anaesthesia nursing

Premedication can be a useful tool in small mammal medicine. The use of a premedicant can sedate the patient, reducing stress on induction, and some drugs may have an anaesthetic-sparing effect,...

Improving utilisation of RVNs in dermatology cases

Veterinary practices may stock a number of different ear preparations and cleaners based on first- and second-line preferences, which may be set out by a practice protocol or guidelines. In many...