{"title":"Care of the acute kidney injury patient","authors":"Victoria Maund","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.344","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.344","url":null,"abstract":"Acute kidney injury, previously called acute renal failure, indicates a sudden and often reversible reduction in kidney function as measured by glomerular filtration rate, increased serum and plasma creatinine concentration and changes in urine output. This article reviews the pathophysiology and common causes of acute kidney injuries, including pre-renal causes from hypovolaemia, intrinsic renal causes such as glomerular diseases and post-renal obstructive causes. Veterinary nurses should be aware of the common diagnostic tests used and how to deliver support to the hospitalised patient. While an acute kidney injury can be a serious condition for some patients, it is possible for others to recover and maintain a good quality of life with effective nursing care to help maximise the prognosis of these patients.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135902145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"General anaesthesia of a cat with tetralogy of Fallot for ovariohysterectomy","authors":"Helen J Benney","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.352","url":null,"abstract":"Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare congenital cardiac disease affecting a very small percentage of cats. The prognosis is usually poor, with right to left shunting of blood causing deoxygenated blood to enter the circulation, resulting in cyanosis, lethargy and exercise intolerance. Some cases with mild to moderate shunting may survive to maturity. A 9-year-old Burmese cat with asymptomatic tetralogy of Fallot was anaesthetised for an elective ovariohysterectomy. The patient was premedicated with methadone and dexmedetomidine intravenously. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with alfaxalone infusion, with mechanical ventilation of 100% oxygen. Local analgesia, fentanyl and meloxicam were used for intraoperative analgesia and buprenorphine post operatively. The patient made a full recovery without complications.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"103 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135902148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnostic assessment of the small animal cardiac patient","authors":"Pace Charlotte","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.339","url":null,"abstract":"Veterinary nurses play an important role in small animal practice. This article covers the diagnostic assessment that a veterinary nurse may perform on a small animal cardiac patient, from the physical examination to blood tests and advanced imaging. Cardiac patients can present in a variety of situations, including chronic conditions and acute emergencies. The veterinary nurse must be able to work with these patients in a calm manner to prevent creating any additional stress, and must also know when they should refer to a veterinary surgeon.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135902149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Right foreleg amputation and laser therapy of the wound in a dog","authors":"Kelly Huitson RVN","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.8.360","url":null,"abstract":"This clinical case study presents an overview of a patient that was involved in a road traffic accident and required right foreleg amputation including scapulectomy. The patient crashed and was recovered using cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Laser therapy was commenced from day 4 post-road traffic incident, and the healing process documented until full recovery was obtained. Since the surgery the patient is doing well and this case outlines some of the benefits of using the laser therapy in clinic as well as in the patient's home post-surgery.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135902150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The identification and management of feline conjunctivitis","authors":"Amber Foote","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.308","url":null,"abstract":"Feline conjunctivitis commonly presents in veterinary practice due to a variety of reasons; it can stem from a primary conjunctival disease or be secondary to an underlying extraocular, intraocular or systemic condition. Clinical signs of conjunctivitis are often non-specific and may be similar despite various aetiologies, therefore a methodical clinical examination should be followed. This article aims to explore the presentation, pathology and management options for feline conjunctivitis, whilst examining the role of registered veterinary nurses through the treatment of ocular conditions.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reviewing the emotional climates of student veterinary nurses completing industry placements","authors":"Helen Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds-Golding","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.316","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Student veterinary nurses (SVNs) are required to complete industry placements as part of their training. Veterinary nurse education helps prepare students theoretically and practically. This study examines how SVNs, from two cohorts of a foundation degree course in veterinary nursing from one education provider, felt during their industrial placement year and whether the preparatory support was sufficient during their time in veterinary practice. Aim: There is little reporting of the emotions SVNs face prior to starting and following completion of their work placements and how educational interventions may have a positive impact on their experiences. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of SVNs' emotions pre- and post-work placement to help identify if there is a need for more targeted educational interventions during their studies to help them better prepare emotionally for the experiences they may face during their placements. Methods: An online questionnaire was given to two foundation degree level 5 SVN cohorts during placement (pre and post) in academic years 2019–20 and 2020–21. In total, 54 responses were submitted to 22 questions (pre-placement) and 41 responses to 58 questions (post-placement). Findings: The top three positive emotions were happiness, excitement and confidence. The top three negative emotions were sadness, anxiety and stress. The results indicated that students could benefit from protected time with their mentors and required clearer expectations prior to starting their industry placement and further support, particularly around animal euthanasia and building resilience. Limitations of the study included that the mid-study interventions that aimed to support the students may have impacted the results and, due to anonymity, we are unable to compare individual pre- and post-placement response rates. Conclusion: Education providers could be doing more to provide SVNs with a toolkit to becoming emotionally agile and resilient so as to help SVNs emotional wellbeing and preparatory support with their industry placement year.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The importance of peri-anaesthetic temperature management: part 1","authors":"Tawny Kershaw","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.292","url":null,"abstract":"Temperature management is a vital but often overlooked area of anaesthesia. By nature, anaesthetics inhibit the area of the brain responsible for maintaining normothermia, and many anaesthetic drugs exacerbate heat loss through vasodilation. Both hypothermia and hyperthermia can manifest under anaesthesia and present life-threatening changes to the patient's normal homeostatic mechanisms. This series of articles will discuss the risk factors, prevention methods and complications associated with hypothermia and hyperthermia.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of nutrition in preventative medicine","authors":"Nicola Lakeman","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.290","url":null,"abstract":"Nutritional requirements will alter through the animal's lifespan, potentially altering healthspan. Having nutritional recommendations at key points of the individual's life is very important.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"39 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anaesthetic considerations for a bleeding hemangiosarcoma undergoing splenectomy","authors":"Rebecca Hill","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.304","url":null,"abstract":"A haemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that is common in dogs. Most cases originate from the spleen. Typically these patients present with haemoabdomen for splenectomy. Care should be taken to thoroughly assess and stabilise the patient prior to anaesthesia. These patients are often critical, and consideration should be taken of the equipment and monitoring devices required. ECG, blood pressure, SpO 2 and capnography are all vital when monitoring the anaesthetic for these patients.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"64 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Responsible use of parasiticides in pets","authors":"Hany Elsheikha","doi":"10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.7.286","url":null,"abstract":"Parasiticides are an integral part of parasite treatment and prevention in pets. Despite their importance as life-saving medications and a major contributor to better health and quality of life, widespread and inappropriate use of parasiticides could have important consequences. Concerns over parasite control practices involving ‘blanket-treatment’ have caused key organisations to call for more responsible use of parasiticides to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and limit the development of antiparasitic drug resistance. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to follow a more targeted and individualised risk-based approach to parasite control. However, successful adoption and effective implementation of this new approach requires the veterinary profession to overcome many barriers and contextual differences in the way effective parasite control is perceived by the various stakeholders. Recently, evidence-based diagnosis (treatment based on confirmed diagnosis) together with antiparasitic drug stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antiparasitic use in pets which do not benefit from treatment) have been suggested to reconcile the trade-offs between avoiding parasiticide overuse and achieving effective parasite control. Although these new approaches cannot yet fully address the challenges of attaining optimal parasite control, they have the potential to improve the outcomes of parasite treatment and preserve the efficacy of parasiticides, the most essential component of any parasite control regimen.","PeriodicalId":498695,"journal":{"name":"The Veterinary Nurse","volume":"126 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134969827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}