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Search Results

Found 107 results for ������������������ .t

CPD article: Role of cats in human toxocarosis

    Review
  • Monday, November 2, 2020
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Toxocara cati, the feline ascarid, is ubiquitous in domestic cats globally and is increasingly recognised as an important zoonotic species. In the definitive host, infections with the adult ascarid usually do not present any clinical signs; if clinical signs do appear, it is usually in kittens infected with T. cati, especially by the trans-mammary route. Diseases may include cachexia, a pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, among other signs, and these may present as early as 3 weeks of age. However, infections with Toxocara spp. larvae in paratenic hosts (including humans and many other animals), can result in serious complications from the migration of larvae. Historically, there has been an assumption that Toxocara canis was the most likely cause of Toxocara spp.-related disease; while it is probably true that T. canis is responsible for the majority of infections, it is important that those caused by T. cati are accurately identified so that the contribution of this parasite to human disease can be established and then handled appropriately. Overall, the detection of infections in cats and the control of parasite stages in the environment are essential to minimise the infection risk to other animals or humans.

Feline lungworm: biology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment

    Review
  • Wednesday, November 2, 2016
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Parasitic nematodes that affect the respiratory system of felids are spreading in endemic regions and emerging in areas and hosts which were previously free of them. Recent reports of lungworm parasitoses caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus have stimulated an increase in scientific interest in the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these nematodes. The majority of literature dedicated to feline metastrongylid lungworms has been focused on A. abstrusus, mainly because it is the most commonly reported in domestic cats. However, this focus may come at the cost of overlooking emerging or less common metastrongylids. This article reviews information on the three major feline metastrongylid nematodes, including their biology and treatment; there is an emphasis on the epidemiology of T. brevior to provide a better understanding of an emerging parasite of domestic cats in Europe.

Do owners administer inappropriate doses of anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight?

    Research
  • Monday, December 2, 2019
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Background: Inaccurate dosing and repeated administration of anthelmintic from the same drug class are indicated as factors associated with equine helminth resistance; and resistance is specifically related to the under-dosing of anthelmintic products. Research indicates that many owners may still rely on visual estimation to determine a horse's bodyweight. Aim: The pilot study aimed to investigate whether owners administer inappropriate doses of anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight. Method: Data were collected from 16 horse owners with varying experience and from a variety of equine disciplines. A series of questions were presented in order to capture specific information. Owners were asked to provide the dose of anthelmintic (kg) that they had most recently administered to their horse, to estimate the bodyweight of their horse, and to provide a body condition score (BCS) for their horse using the guide provided. Each horse was then weighed on an equine weighbridge to obtain an accurate bodyweight. The estimated bodyweight was compared with that of the accurate bodyweight, and the most recently administered dose of anthelmintic was compared with both the estimated bodyweight and the accurate bodyweight. The BCS provided by each owner was compared with that of the BCS provided by the researcher. Data were tested for normal distribution using a Shapiro-Wilks test, and analysed using an independent-samples t-test or a paired-samples t-test. Results: All of the owners inaccurately estimated the bodyweight of their horse, however there was no statistically significant difference between the estimated bodyweight and the accurate bodyweight (p=0.738). Owners with less experience more accurately estimated the bodyweight of their horse when compared with owners with more experience, but there was no statistically significant difference in accuracy between the two groups (p=0.085). There was no statistically significant difference between the accurate bodyweight and the dose of anthelmintic that owners had administered to their horse (p=0.074), but there was a statistically significant difference between the estimated bodyweight and the dose of anthelmintic that owners had administered to their horse (p=0.034). Conclusion: Horse owners administer inappropriate doses of equine anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight, however the horse's estimated bodyweight does not appear to be the only influencing factor when deciding on the dose of anthelmintic to be administered.

A study on veterinary nursing university student email writing

    Research
  • Monday, April 1, 2013
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Aim:To examine how a cohort of 38 veterinary nursing students responded in their learning of written communication in the form of an email.Methods:Two sets of emails, written ‘before’ and ‘after’ exposure to a series of instructions and learning activities focused on written communication, were evaluated. Scores were awarded to each email based on a checklist of structure and components considered essential for an effective student email. Frequency charts and paired-samples t-test were used to compare the scores of the two sets of emails.Results:Results showed improvements in the after emails. Inclusion and correct presentation increased for six out of the nine components in the checklist. Pair-samples t-test, at level p>0.05, indicated there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the two sets of emails. Results also revealed the use of smartphones and emoticons by the students.Conclusion:Communication skills, including the effective use of emails, should be taught at undergraduate level in veterinary nursing to better prepare graduates for the workplace.

Toxoplasma gondii – the facts

    Review
  • Thursday, May 2, 2019
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was initially isolated from the rodent Ctenodactylus gundi, and it has been found worldwide from Alaska to Australia with nearly one third of the human population having been exposed to this parasite. All warm-blooded hosts, including humans, can be infected by any one of its three infective stages: tachyzoites, bradyzoites, and sporozoites. Felids are the definitive hosts of this intracellular pathogen. Although it usually causes mild disease or asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent adults, this parasite can cause devastating disease in congenitally infected children and those with depressed immunity. Because of its zoonotic potential, toxoplasmosis triggers the interest of the diverse medical and veterinary specialities. Consciousness needs to be increased that this disease can produce clinical cases not only in immunocompromised patients or through vertical transmission, but also in healthy patients. In this article, we will review the biology and the epidemiology of this parasite.

Common arrhythmias: the importance of ECG interpretation

    Review
  • Saturday, June 1, 2013
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
This article describes the importance of electrocardiogram interpretation in relation to some of the more common arrhythmias seen in veterinary practice. It discusses and illustrates those arrhythmias that are life threatening, providing clear explanation as to why they are so dangerous. Other common arrhythmias are explored, which perhaps are less clinically significant, but are nevertheless, seen frequently.

Update on Toxocara species and toxocarosis

    Review
  • Saturday, March 1, 2014
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Toxocara species eggs are produced by adult worms in the intestine of the fox, dog and cat definitive hosts. In the environment, third stage larvae develop inside the eggs and once developed, the larvae are infective. The relative contribution of the three species of definitive hosts depends on the population size, the prevalence and intensity of infection in those hosts and what steps are taken to prevent infection or to pick up faeces, particularly in the case of dogs. Infection in paratenic hosts results in larval migration which can cause behavioural changes when migration occurs in the central nervous system. Infection in the lungs of the definitive host must be distinguished from other causes of lung disease. Of the syndromes associated with infection in humans, the varied signs associated with covert toxocarosis are becoming better understood and are now believed to include asthma, reduced lung function, reduced cognitive function, chronic coughing. Diagnosis in humans remains challenging with elimination of other possible causes an important constituent.

Feline lower urinary tract disease and PURINA VETERINARY DIETS (R) FELINE UR ST/OX™

Feline lower urinary tract disease is a common condition. The most common causes are feline idiopathic cystitis and urinary stones (urolithiasis). Both of these conditions often require long-term treatment to prevent or reduce recurrences. Environmental modification and dietary management play key roles in the management. Feline UR ST/OX™ is designed to assist in the management of feline idiopathic cystitis and struvite and calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in the Midlands

    Research
  • Sunday, October 2, 2022
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Background: Soil contamination in public parks with Toxocara spp. eggs increases the risk of infection to both humans and animals.Aim: In this study, the hypothesis that soil samples in public parks within the East-Midlands region in England are contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs was tested.Methods: A total of 405 soil samples were collected from 23 parks and nine associated play areas in three East Midlands cities, namely Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby. Soil samples were analysed using a modified flotation centrifugation technique.Results: Analysis revealed that 74% (17/23) of parks were contaminated, with an overall Toxocara spp. soil prevalence of 7.9% (32/405 samples). Moisture, temperature and play areas vs non-play areas were recognised as potential factors associated with Toxocara spp. prevalence in soil. There was a prevalence of 8.06% (15/186) in Derby, 9.65% (11/114) in Leicester and 5.71% (6/105) in Nottingham.Conclusions: These findings reveal the risks posed to those regularly frequenting these areas. Moreover, there should be further measures to improve environmental control, such as formulating a de-worming scheme that targets vertical transmission from mother to offspring and consideration of the role foxes have in Toxocara transmission.

An investigation of the prevalence of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout in those working in animal-related occupations using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) Scale

    Research
  • Sunday, June 2, 2019
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Background: Animal-related occupational stress and compassion fatigue are important issues as they can have a negative impact on employee mental wellbeing, workplace productivity and morale. The impacts of these conditions are notable and have become more recognised by those who are employed in animal-related occupations. Aims: This study aims to investigate the incidence of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress) in those working in animal-related occupations using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) Scale. Methods: Data were collected from 229 employees from a range of animal-related occupations using an anonymous self-report survey. Results: Most respondents were employed in veterinary practice (either veterinarians or veterinary nurses/technicians) and 85% of all respondents were female. 42% of participants were between 26 and 35 years of age and, 71% had been working in animal-related occupations between 1 and 10 years. Most participants scored in the mean or top quartile on the compassion satisfaction scale; however, about a quarter reported a score which indicated that they were deriving less satisfaction from their work. Low burnout was reported by 78% of participants; however, 21% of participants had a score which indicated that they were at higher risk of burnout. Low or average symptoms of secondary traumatic stress was reported by 74% of participants; however, 25.8% were at risk of secondary traumatic stress. While most of the surveyed population scored in the mean or top quartile on the compassion satisfaction scale, all of the occupational categories reported experiencing the negative aspects of caring: burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Conclusion: The prevalence of compassion fatigue demonstrated in these results should be a major concern in animal-related occupations and thus, be used as a beneficial, contextualised resource to inform resilience training programmes and preventative strategies specifically targeted towards those working in animal-related occupations.

Educating clients about raw diets and the associated parasitic risks

    Review
  • Wednesday, September 2, 2020
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Raw diets are increasing in popularity among UK cat and dog owners with a trend towards home prepped rather than processed formulations. This potentially exposes household pets to parasitic infections which can lead to direct zoonotic risk and economic losses for farmers. These parasites include the tapeworms Taenia species and Echinococcus granulosus, and a wide range of cyst forming protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis species. Avoiding feeding pets raw diets or adequate freezing prior to feeding that kills the cystic stages of these parasites, avoids exposure via this route. This forms an important part of controlling food-borne parasites in addition to worm treatment, responsible disposal of dog faeces, good hand hygiene and keeping dogs on leads on and around ruminant pasture. Many pet owners are unaware of the parasitic risk posed by raw feeding and client education is crucial in helping to prevent pet exposure. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in educating clients and working with them to minimise parasites transmitted by raw feeding.

Nursing the feline hyperthyroid patient

    Review
  • Wednesday, April 2, 2014
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in middle aged to older cats. Dogs and cats are affected very differently by this disease. This article will focus on feline hyperthyroidism.The disorder is characterised by excess production and circulation of active thyroid hormones in almost all cats. These hormones induce a hypermetabolic state, with clinical signs such as weight loss despite increased appetite, and muscle wasting. Other common signs include palpable thyroid gland, diarrhoea, vomiting, tachycardia, hyperthermia, restlessness, and behavioural changes.Thyroxine (total T4 (TT4) ) is the hormone test used to diagnose feline hyperthyroidism. However, since a high metabolic rate can mask other diseases a range of diagnostic tests are necessary for a thorough assessment of the patient.The recommended treatment approach is to first establish euthyroidism by the use of oral anti-thyroid drugs, such as methimazole. Surgery or radioiodine therapy can be considered for definitive, long-term control if renal function remains adequate following re-establishment of euthyroidism.

How to perform fluid therapy

    Review
  • Monday, September 2, 2019
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary nurses play an important role in infusion therapy and they are involved in all stages of intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) provision. Examples of tasks undertaken within their role include pre-infusion blood sampling and testing, pre-infusion patient assessment, preparation of infusions, obtaining intravenous access, administering infusions safely and monitoring patient progress. This article will explore each of these tasks in turn, examining considerations to be mindful of to ensure a safe and efficient procedure, while highlighting any potential pitfalls and how they can be avoided.

Pet travel: the lesser known threats to UK pets

    Review
  • Thursday, March 2, 2017
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Increased pet travel, human migration and climate change are leading to the rapid spread of parasitic diseases and their vectors. This, in turn, increases the risk of pets and their owners encountering these agents while abroad and bringing them back to the UK. In addition, legal and illegal imports of dogs from continental Europe are also increasing the likelihood of novel parasites being introduced. Some of these, such as Leishmania infantum, are unlikely to establish as the UK neither possesses their vectors nor has ideal conditions for their establishment. Mosquitoes, fruit flies and ticks, however, are already common across the British Isles and can transmit a number of parasites with veterinary and zoonotic significance. The fluid nature of parasite distributions means that an increasing range of parasites need to be considered and general principals in control and biosecurity implemented. Veterinary nurses are key players in the fight to keep exotic diseases out of the UK. This article considers some of the control measures required to protect the UK and its pets as well as some of the more novel parasites that have entered the UK in travelled and imported pets.

How to use and maintain anaesthesia monitors

    Review
  • Monday, May 2, 2016
    • | The Veterinary Nurse
Carefully monitoring an anaesthetised patient is vital to maintaining the patient's wellbeing, and ensuring a patient's return to the same or improved physiological state that they were in prior to being anaesthetised. Although no monitor can be a substitute for a trained and attentive anaesthetist, mechanical monitors do provide information that the anaesthetist cannot know otherwise. The availability of different modes of mechanical monitors has increased for veterinary practices over recent years, and this can mean several pieces of equipment are required to be correctly set up for a single patient's anaesthetic. If monitoring equipment is not correctly used and maintained, it can become at best a waste of resources, and at worst, a risk in itself by distracting the anaesthetist from the job in hand. A lack of understanding about equipment use can also make the task of instrumenting an anaesthetised patient overwhelming, and lead to underuse of valuable resources.This article discusses how to appropriately attach commonly used monitoring modalities to a patient to ensure their best results and patient safety. It will not discuss their use further or interpretation.

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