If you are not confident with cytology, you may find tools such as VETSCAN IMAGYST [ 14 ] helpful. This is an expert-level AI-powered system that aids in the detection of yeasts, inflammatory cells and bacteria in impression smears and swab samples. Refer the patient to a VS to treat promptly based on the findings [ 2, 4 ].
Treat, record and reinforce( 2 – 3 min)
Dose according to the dosing chart, which can be found on the SPC [ 7 ], at ≥1 mg / kg SC using the appropriate vial( s). If you combine vials for large dogs, invert the syringe gently 3 – 4 times to mix before injection. Document the dose( mg / kg), vial strength( s), batch number and expiry date.
You may find it helpful to download and print the Recheck and Cytopoint Administration Veterinary Nurse Checklist from the Zoetis Learning Academy [ 11 ] to record the patient ' s information and the date and dose given, along with the due date of the next injection.
Align expectations and book next recheck( 3 – 4 min)
Discuss the treatment and ongoing management plan with the owner, to ensure their understanding and expectations are aligned with yours. Use a linking statement to connect any recommendations to an owner-relevant benefit, for example:“ This is important because allergic itch can flare with infections or fleas. Cytopoint controls the itch pathway, and our monthly check lets us catch problems before they snowball.”
Then, prompt action to encourage compliance, such as:“ Let ' s book your next nurse recheck for 4 weeks. If your dog ' s skin remains under control, we will continue with the current medication protocol. If you have any concerns before then, please contact us for an earlier appointment and we can examine your dog to check if there is anything else we need to do.”
Teach using multiple channels( 1 – 2 min)
It is well documented in human medicine that people forget more than half of what they hear in consultations if it is not reinforced [ 15 ], so it can be helpful to provide owners with concise supporting information to refer to at home. Many such documents are available from the Zoetis Learning Academy [ 11 ], with further information for owners also available on the Zoetis website( https:// www2. zoetis. co. uk).
VNs should also try to transition beyond providing simple instruction to active demonstration, education and involvement; as the saying goes:“ Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.” Owner engagement is maximised when VNs demonstrate product use, share client leaflets for reference, and check for comprehension, compliance or wider health concerns. Framing chronic dermatological disease as complicated and potentially lifelong, while clearly supporting an owner ' s efforts, helps build resilience in both owner and patient.
The significance of communication
There is robust evidence that relationship-centred communication, such as open-ended enquiry, agenda setting, reflective listening and shared decision-making, can improve client satisfaction and adherence, and make appointments shorter on average, rather than longer [ 13, 16 ].
Three habits that deliver disproportionate value
1. Open → probe → close
Start with an open question to reveal the full story; use focused probes to clarify; finish with closed questions to confirm. This‘ question funnel’ reduces the dreaded“ Oh, and …” at the door and prevents late-arising concerns that may derail your schedule [ 16 ].
2. Agenda setting
After you elicit the owner ' s concerns, summarise and agree priorities, for example:“ So I ' ve heard three priorities: night-time scratching, ear smell and struggles with shampoo. Let ' s tackle them in that order; is that OK with you?”
Agenda setting improves efficiency and provides a sense of shared control and perceived partnership [ 13 ].
3. Link to outcomes owners care about
Explain benefits in plain language – comfort, sleep, fewer hot spots, less mess and stress – and connect each recommended action to these outcomes.
Research on VS – client communication and on cost discussions emphasises transparency, options and respect for owner preferences [ 13, 16 ]. Recognising owner effort will increase adherence and loyalty to both you and the practice.
Suggested phrases that might be helpful
“ What have you noticed since last time?”( Open question)
“ It sounds frustrating to work hard on skincare and still see some scratching.”( Empathy)
“ This is important because monthly checks keep the itch controlled and head off flare-ups.”( Benefit link)
“ If the itch score climbs above 4 / 10 before the next appointment is due, give the practice a call and we will
[ 13, 16 ] bring it forward.”( Shared plan)
26 Veterinary Nursing Journal