Myasthenia gravis and the role of the veterinary nurse

The antibody titre test is a blood test to detect the presence of autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptors. These antibodies are thought to be present in around 98% of dogs with myasthenia...

Rehabilitating the canine cruciate patient: part two

Osteotomy techniques such as the TPLO are performed with the goal of altering the joint biomechanics in order to stabilise the stifle joint. Radiographs are performed prior to surgery, and patients...

Rehabilitating the canine cruciate patient: part one

Given the prominent presentation of cruciate disease, it should be considered in every patient presented for investigation of hind limb lameness (Millis and Levine, 2014). Affected patients may...

The use of outcome measures in equine rehabilitation

A questionnaire was used to investigate how physiotherapists involved with the treatment and training of horses measure progress and outcomes during rehabilitation. Snowball sampling was used to...

Canine hip dysplasia: rehabilitation

The goals of rehabilitating a patient with hip dysplasia include:.

Nursing the neuromuscular patient

Polyradiculoneuritis is the most common peripheral neuropathy in dogs (Cuddon, 2002) and is described as the equivalent of Guillian-Barre Syndrome in humans (Northington et al, 1981). The exact...

Nursing the recumbent patient

As every patient is unique the nursing care should also be unique for that patient. It is important to take a holistic approach when prescribing nursing care. While two patients may have the same...

A patient care report of a dog that had hemilaminectomy surgery to decompress the spinal cord

Neurological examination revealed paraparesis with very weak lower motor neuron function demonstrated by delayed proprioception in the hindlimbs. The patient was deep pain (DP) positive and spinal...

Hydrotherapy for the osteoarthritic dog: why might it help and is there any evidence?

The initial cause of OA can be difficult to determine as there may be a number of factors contributing to the development and progression of the condition. Johnston (1997) summarises the causes of...

Recumbent patients: is turning enough?

The primary function and ability of the lung is to enable gaseous exchange, allowing air distribution within the lobes to match the perfusion of the body's tissues (Schilero et al, 2009). Altering...

How to perform effleurage and passive range of motion exercises

Any patient that has limited use of one or more limbs will have the potential to suffer the detrimental effects of disuse, and would be suitable candidates for the application of effleurage and PROM...

A care report of a feline sacroiliac and coxofemoral luxation following a road traffic accident

The patient was presented to the surgery after being involved in a road traffic accident that had resulted in severe pelvic trauma. The patient has been missing for 24 hours..

Canine osteoarthritis: improving quality of life

Dogs with OA commonly present with abnormal gait, lameness, pain in affected joints, crepitus in extension or flexion of joints, exercise intolerance, muscle atrophy, and stiffness..

Small animal post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation

The aims of rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery are to accelerate recovery and return to function by reducing pain, swelling and inflammation, improving joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle...