Tag: Stress
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Joey’s big break
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As autumn seems to be on the verge of appearing, September 11th is on my mind. Not for the obvious reason but because on this day last year Joey got his big break. Not in snooker or on the stage, but his left hind. In a squirrel related incident during a walk he didn’t even…
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Blood gas analysis, pt 4: respiratory acidosis and alkalosis
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Assessing the respiratory component is simple. A quick glance at the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) level can tell you whether a respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is present. If the PCO2 level is elevated (respiratory acidosis) then either a primary respiratory acidosis is present, or it is the result of a compensatory response to…
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Mental health and self-care in our veterinary nursing community
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As Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month nears its end, the appreciation I have as a vet for hard-working nurses worldwide remains endless. You are compassionate and empathetic, counsellors to distressed clients, shoulders to cry on, advocates for pets and a vet’s most reliable comrade. Together, we have the power to save and better the lives of…
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How the vet degree has shaped my plate
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Before coming to university, I never really gave much thought to the life or journey of my food before it ended up on my plate; I wasn’t well informed on the topics of air miles, methane production or abattoir welfare standards. If you had asked me if I wanted to make sure the foods I…
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Social media, pt3 – choosing the right platform
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Understanding which social media platform will work for your practice really depends on your key audience and the type of content you want to share. Loads of social media platforms exist and I sometimes find I’ve just got the hang of one, only to be encouraged to try a new one. It’s easy to get…
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PCV/total solids: getting the most from simple test
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The PCV and total solids (TS) test is simple, yet informative – but is often misinterpreted or underused. It is important to remember all test results need to be interpreted in light of the patient’s history, presenting clinical signs and general physical examination findings. The various changes that can be found on a PCV/TS, and…
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Euthanasia (part 2): caring for the patient
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Last month we discussed the importance of caring for clients during the process of euthanising their much-loved pet. This month, we focus on your patient. The goals of euthanasia are always to make it as painless, fearless and stress-free as possible for the patient. Pain relief Most patients presented for euthanasia are either suffering from…
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Euthanasia (part 1): caring for the client
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Euthanasia is a big part of our work as veterinarians. Working in an emergency setting, it is something I have to face on every shift. It doesn’t get any easier no matter how many times I have to do it, but I have fine-tuned my approach over the years so each euthanasia process runs as…
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Focus on GDV, part 2: releasing the pressure
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Last week we covered IV fluid resuscitation and pain relief. This week we will go into more detail about gastric decompression. Gastric decompression can be achieved in two ways: trocarisation stomach tube (orogastric tube) placement The decision on which method to use depends on many factors – personal preferences, past experiences and clinical protocols, to…
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‘Tis the season for your well-being
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After nine Christmases of blogs for Vet Times, what is the vet nurse blogger’s festive message this year? Previously I’ve espoused the issues of spending Christmas at work, at home and alone. I’ve shared the tales of the “turkey lollipop” and the festive chocolate roulette, so in another crazy year of COVID and staff shortages,…