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To spay or not to spay: the nurse's role in owner education

02 June 2015
12 mins read
Volume 6 · Issue 5

Abstract

Veterinary nurses are directly involved with providing advice and gaining informed consent for ovariohysterectomy in bitches. In order to allow them to provide accurate information regarding this common procedure it is vital they fully understand the potential advantages and disadvantages regarding the procedure. It is very easy for clients to gain information, often inaccurate, from internet sources so in order to be able to provide correct evidence-based information, and therefore gain the confidence of the client, it is vital nurses fully understand the implications of any surgery for which they are gaining consent. Veterinary nurses are accountable for their actions and in order to comply with the code of conduct they must ensure that clients have a full understanding of procedures for which they are consenting.

Ovariohysterectomy in bitches is a routine procedure performed in small animal practice, and veterinary nurses (VNs) are often at the forefront of providing advice and booking animals in for this surgery. There appears to be a big variation in the advice offered regarding timing of spaying, whether it is better to do pre or post first oestrus (Diesel et al, 2010), and the potential advantages and disadvantages of this procedure (Root Kustritz, 2012). It is promoted by many charities as being a key element of dog population control, but a ‘one size fits all approach’ is not necessarily in the best interest of all dogs and their owners. VNs advising owners on ovariohysterectomy of bitches should fully understand all the facts surrounding the subject to provide current and concise information to their clients, adapted to each individual client's circumstances, allowing them to gain informed consent for each procedure. The provision of correct information by the VN will allow owners to feel confident in the care and advice that is being provided, and in the profession as a whole. With a thorough understanding the VN can take a proactive role in preventing future health issues post surgery.

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