The role of the veterinary nurse in a team-based approach to parasite control
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / DHZT8856
Nikki Ruedisueli, PGDipVetEd, FHEA, PGCHE, RVN
ENVELOPE nicola @ bvna. co. uk
Nikki works at BVNA as the editor of VNJ. She is a qualified and experienced RVN and continues to work in practice on a weekend rota at her local veterinary hospital. She also supports Lantra as a senior examiner for the OSCEs. In addition to her clinical career, Nikki has experience in teaching and working in a variety of roles for Mars UK.
ABSTRACT This article discusses a team-based approach to small animal parasite control, addressing the need to balance effective prevention with concerns about parasiticide resistance, adverse reactions and environmental contamination from parasiticide use.
The author outlines how veterinary surgeons( VSs), veterinary nurses( VNs), suitably qualified persons( SQPs) and receptionists can collaborate to deliver risk-based parasite control protocols, using lifestyle assessment and owner education to optimise outcomes.
The role of the VN is highlighted, including conducting detailed history-taking, performing faecal egg counts and coproantigen ELISA tests, and supporting the VS ' s prescribing decisions within legal and professional boundaries. VN-led clinics are described as a key setting for explaining parasiticide product choices, demonstrating ectoparasite checks and parasiticide application techniques, discussing zoonotic risks, and tailoring parasite control plans for dogs, cats and rabbits.
The article explains how‘ intelligent worming’ approaches using faecal egg counts and coproantigen testing at appropriate intervals can reduce unnecessary treatments while monitoring parasiticide efficacy and mitigating resistance.
By adopting a consistent, evidence-based, whole-team approach, practices can enhance owner compliance, improve animal welfare, support public health and maintain strong client – practice relationships, while enabling each team member to work to the top of their scope of practice.
Keywords team, SQP, VN-led clinic, small animal, worms, parasite control, McMaster, Baermann
28 Veterinary Nursing Journal