Use of technology to support weight-loss programmes for obese cats
USER-ALT Barr Hadar and others , University of Guelph , Ontario , Canada
Feline weight-loss programmes can be particularly challenging in multi-cat households , where there may be difficulties in controlling the amount of food eaten by each individual . The authors investigated the potential benefits of technological aids , such as digital scales , smart feeders , activity monitors and cameras , when used to help owners manage their pets ' food intake . Over 12 weeks , the average weekly weight-loss rate was significantly higher in the group aided by technology than in controls managed using traditional methods . There was a high degree of acceptance of these technological aids by owners , and those who dropped out did so for reasons unrelated to the study .
Identifying the factors that influence retention in the veterinary nursing profession
USER-ALT Andrea Jeffery and Eleanor Taylor , University of Bristol , Bristol , UK
Every year , some of the veterinary nurses registered with the RCVS fail to renew their registration and there is evidence of a decline in total numbers registered in recent years . The authors examined the reasons for this trend . Comparing the registration data for 2014 and 2019 , they found that in both years retention was influenced by four factors : overall job satisfaction , potential opportunities for career progression , satisfaction with employer support , and having a second job . They offer a series of recommendations to improve the retention of qualified veterinary nurses in practice , including clearer opportunities for career progression and the provision of salaries that better reflect the individual ' s qualifications and skills .
Efficacy of lidocaine spray in preventing pain in dogs prior to intravenous catheterisation
USER-ALT Emma Hoeberg and others , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Ås , Norway
Placing an intravenous catheter is a common procedure in veterinary practice and may cause significant pain to the patient . Topical application of cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine to preserve patient comfort . However , a gap of 60 minutes is recommended between application and beginning the procedure , which may be impractical in routine practice . The authors used a 10 % lidocaine spray to prevent pain in dogs having an intravenous catheter placed in the cephalic vein . In the opinion of three observers blinded to the treatment strategy , dogs given lidocaine showed no difference in pain response from controls receiving a saline spray .
Volume 38 ( 1 ) • February 2023
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