Vet Times

Tag: Stress

  • Oh, CR*P! Using point-of-care C-reactive protein tests

    Oh, CR*P! Using point-of-care C-reactive protein tests

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    Few companies now offer affordable point-of-care tests for canine C-reactive protein (CRP). As we did when we recently received our new box of CRP slides, you might soon be asking the question: what do we even do with this stuff? Here’s what we’ve learnt… CRP is one of the acute phase proteins produced by the…

  • Rat bait’s sneaky trick: bleeding into the dorsal tracheal membrane

    Rat bait’s sneaky trick: bleeding into the dorsal tracheal membrane

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    Most of us are familiar with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis and the range of clinical signs it can present with, but there is one potentially fatal manifestation of coagulation pathology that is perhaps not as widely known… Dogs with severe clotting problems will occasionally bleed into the dorsal tracheal membrane. This causes collapse of the thoracic…

  • The why of veterinary science

    The why of veterinary science

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    In one of the last decade’s most influential books on motivation, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, author Daniel Pink argues that the traditional motivators of the previous century – reward and punishment – mostly fail to deliver when it comes to keeping people engaged, fulfilled and happy in their careers. According to…

  • This long December

    This long December

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    Dan Amos

    With 13 years as a blogger for Vet Times under my belt, you may think that writing comes easily, but this December it has felt very difficult to come up with a festive post. Previous articles have considered the chocolate etiquette of clinic life and the frozen turkey “gift” given to our team on Christmas…

  • Dystocia, pt 2: diagnostics

    Dystocia, pt 2: diagnostics

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    Part one of this series covered the stages of labour and indications dystocia is present. Once the bitch presents to the clinic, a few basic diagnostic checks need completing to determine the status of the bitch/queen and the fetuses. Physical examination The first is a thorough physical examination, starting with the bitch or queen: Demeanour,…

  • Pancreatitis, pt 2: treatment and prognosis

    Pancreatitis, pt 2: treatment and prognosis

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    Last week we covered diagnosing pancreatitis and the challenges associated with doing so. This week we look at management. The treatment of pancreatitis largely involves supportive care and monitoring for potential complications. Here, we recap the fundamentals. IV fluids IV fluids are critical in the acute phase to restore perfusion to core organs and correct…

  • Systemic antibiotics – a brief guide for new grads

    Systemic antibiotics – a brief guide for new grads

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    A lot of information is available regarding different antibiotics and, for the newest generation of vets, the pressure to use them correctly and responsibly is greater than ever. One of main challenges when you start clinical practice is knowing the most appropriate antibiotic for common presenting conditions. Below is a rough guide for antibiotic selection according to body…

  • On yer bike…

    On yer bike…

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    Dan Amos

    I would like to introduce you to something I discovered during my time researching for Horrible Histories: the dandy horse – a horse that, while not a living creature, still managed to cause stress for veterinary surgeons. The British dandy horse was developed from the German Von Drais’ pedestrian cycle and was at the height…

  • Thoracentesis, part 1: indications, equipment and protocol

    Thoracentesis, part 1: indications, equipment and protocol

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    Thoracentesis is a relatively straightforward and life-saving technique for seriously dyspnoeic animals with pleural space disease, and is a valuable diagnostic tool. Here are my tips for getting the most out of your approach to performing a thoracentesis. Indications Therapeutic – relieve respiratory distress caused by pleural effusions and pneumothorax. Diagnostics – cytological examination of…

  • 5 things I would tell my vet school self, part 3

    5 things I would tell my vet school self, part 3

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    So far in this five-part series I have stressed the importance of signalment and finding practical work while studying – both of which should be crucial in student learning. In this third part I decided to focus on the incredible support nursing and reception teams offer vets – both on a professional and personal level.…