NEWSLETTER
VNJ NEWS ( Continued )
As you would expect , October is jam packed full of articles to interest all our members . There is a follow up from a webinar by Tamsin Durston about Canine Communication which can be both subtle and overt . Dogs communicate in many ways , including the use of body language to appease would-be aggressors and barking during shortrange interactions , in contexts such as greeting , warning , frustration and attention-seeking . As veterinary nurses , we can help to reduce stress and promote positive emotional experiences and interactions for canine patients , their owners and veterinary professionals .
Lydia Barry , one of our regular contributors , looks at how we can improve inpatient rest . Sleep is vital to the health of all animals , yet it is regularly disrupted in both human and veterinary hospitals . The author noticed that patients at the veterinary hospital at which she worked were being disturbed by the nursing care of either themselves or their fellow patients , and felt that a review of the hospital protocols was required . This article discusses the review – in which short focus groups were held with the nursing team to discover the challenges to patient rest and sleep – and the introduction of a new protocol to enhance the quality and quantity of patients ’ sleep .
Katie Davy discusses ways that we can reduce stress felt by our patients . The term ‘ fear-free ’ veterinary practice can be misleading as the majority will experience some level of stress or anxiety during a visit to a practice . This anxiety can start before the patient even leaves their home and escalate when they reach the practice , which is an unfamiliar and often fear-evoking environment . This article aims to provide a guide to reducing stress for patients through changes to practice techniques and protocols to create more positive patient experiences using evidence-based research to develop positive approaches .
We have an interesting dissertation adaptation looking at the management of mammary neoplasia in domestic cats by Chloe Mackintosh . Mammary neoplasia is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in feline veterinary medicine , accounting for 17 % of tumours found in companion domestic cats ( Felis catus ). Diagnosis is based on a physical change to the mammary glands , in conjunction with breeding history , neuter status , age of spaying , and additional clinical signs that may suggest metastasis .
A study found that neutering female cats before 1 year of age reduced the risk of mammary cancer by 86 %, and neutering before 6 months of age reduced the risk by 91 %. Up to 90 % of feline mammary tumours are potentially malignant and therefore surgery is considered necessary in most cases . This article discusses in more detail the aetiology and pathogenesis , clinical signs , prevention and management of the disease , including surgery and chemotherapy .
Hiding
Or hurting
Frunevetmab of cats over 6 years
61 % have osteoarthritis 1
Help owners spot the signs of osteoarthritis ( OA ).
Download our Feline OA Checklist . solensia . co . uk
References : 1 . Slingerland LI et al , Cross-sectional study of the prevalence and clinical features of osteoarthritis in 100 cats , Vet J . 2011 Mar ; 187 ( 3 ): 304-9 .
Solensia ® contains Frunevetmab . Solensia is licensed for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats . POM-V . For further information please see the product ’ s SPC or contact Zoetis UK Ltd , First Floor , Birchwood Building , Springfield Dr , Leatherhead , KT22 7LP . www . zoetis . co . uk • Customer Support : 0345 300 8034 or customersupportUK @ zoetis . com • Use medicines responsibly ( www . noah . co . uk / responsible ). Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone . Date of preparation : May 2024 . MM-25933
3 The News from British Veterinary Nursing Association | Issue 7 September 2024