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Benefits of extended colostrum feeding in dairy calves and how to implement it on farm In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Katie Denholm
Background: Excellent colostrum management in dairy calves is paramount to their future health and productivity. Feeding colostrum in an extended manner is an emerging research area of interest which could provide health benefits to growing calves.Aim of the article: This article explains the potential benefits of extended colostrum (or transition milk feeding) to dairy calves and how to practically
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Returning to work. Part 1: making the transition back into the clinical workforce In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Lizzie Bewsey‐Dyke
There are many reasons why people take a break from clinical work, including parental or caring leave, sickness, sabbaticals, working overseas or pursuing a non‐clinical role. Supporting these vets and vet nurses in their return to work will ensure the transition is as successful as it can be for employee, employer and the wider team. Moreover, having clear support in place will also make returning
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Using capnography as a monitoring tool in cats and dogs In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Laura Honey
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Guide to capnography in dogs and cats In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Giovanni Damian, Rachel Burman, Derek Flaherty
Background: Capnography is a monitoring tool that is increasingly available in veterinary practice, providing valuable information regarding ventilatory status and tissue perfusion. While its main use is during general anaesthesia, capnography can also be applied in conscious/sedated animals.Aim of the article: This article describes how capnography works, the different devices available, and how to
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Diagnosing and treating mammary tumours in cats In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Mariana Lopes, Jo Morris
Background: Mammary tumours remain one of the most common types of cancer in female cats. Management recommendations are still not well established, but early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive impact on outcome.Aim of the article: This article describes the signalment, diagnostic work up, treatment and prognosis for cats diagnosed with mammary tumours, alongside recent literature updates
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Comments on: Client request for ‘euthanasia’ of a feline patient with suspected diabetes mellitus In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06
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Potential patient ownership fraud in charity practice In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Anna Ewers Clark, Chiara Himmer
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Ferret reproductive control: what are we supposed to do now? In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Louise Ash
Background: Ferrets (Mustello furo) are an increasingly popular pet in the UK, and with this rise in popularity comes a greater need for the general practitioner to be familiar with the basic care of this species. Reproductive control in ferrets is not as straightforward as that of dogs and cats, and the options are not clear cut; however, it is inevitable that the topic of neutering will be raised
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Harnessing marginal gains for smarter working In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-09-06 Helen Silver‐MacMahon
Within the busy veterinary practice, the thought of making change can seem overwhelming. The marginal gains theory is concerned with small incremental changes which, when added together, make a significant improvement. In this article we explore the application of marginal gains in the veterinary world. By focusing on how we can make small, consistent improvements in practice, change is not only possible
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Approach to managing chronic vomiting in dogs In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Emma Rogers‐Smith
Background: Chronic vomiting is a common and, at times, frustrating clinical presentation in our canine patients. Vomiting is considered ‘chronic’ in cases that have gone on for over three to four weeks and the clinical presentation in these cases can vary widely. Given that the list of potential differentials is extensive, a careful and methodical approach to these cases is paramount to successful
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The vet's role in civil protection and risk mitigation In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Alexandria Lipka
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Client request for ‘euthanasia’ of a feline patient with suspected diabetes mellitus In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Barry Kipperman
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Nurse‐led neutering consultations: delegation and informed consent In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Nicola Lakeman
The age at which the neutering of dogs should be performed is widely debated, with criteria such as the stage of seasons (eg, before or after); breed and adult size; and behavioural aspects all influencing decision making. These criteria need to be taken into consideration alongside the environment in which the animal lives and any other animals around the individual in question; for example, an individual
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Arterial blood pressure. Part 2: causes and management of hypotension during general anaesthesia in cats and dogs In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Giulia Teotino, Abigail Neale, Adam Auckburally
Background: Hypotension, or low arterial blood pressure (ABP), is a common complication during general anaesthesia, even in otherwise healthy animals. Recognition of the problem and an understanding of why it is occurring is necessary so that appropriate treatment can be implemented. Persistent hypotension may lead to organ injury if left untreated and can contribute to poor patient outcomes.Aim of
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Civil emergencies: role of the vet in delivering veterinary care in a multi‐agency environment In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Jim Green
Background: Through 20 years as an animal rescue responder and 15 years of providing training to large animal veterinary professionals, I am satisfied that the thought of being in charge of a civil emergency is, in the main, a daunting idea for a vet and one not relished by many. However, there often remains some confusion about legal responsibility when vets are involved in an incident with other
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Comments on: Should you condone ozone therapy as an acceptable alternative treatment for a dog with cancer? In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19
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Using plasma products in small animal practice In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Lauren Allcock, Simon Hagley
Background: A variety of plasma products are commercially available for veterinary use in the UK. These products have a wide array of beneficial properties and can be considered for use in multiple clinical scenarios. Although a large proportion of the available information surrounding their use is gathered from human scientific data, recent veterinary studies have provided new evidence for their safe
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Dealing with waste anaesthetic gases safely In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-07-19 Scott Brown
Anaesthetic gases are administered more regularly in veterinary practices than in the human sector to ensure compliance of the animal. Waste anaesthetic gases can pose a risk to veterinary staff and should not leak into the clinical environment. Moreover, they also pose an environmental risk. Efficient management of anaesthetic gases can be achieved in a number of ways, and emerging technologies now
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Should you condone ozone therapy as an acceptable alternative treatment for a dog with cancer? In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Manuel Magalhães Sant'Ana, Nuno Franco
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Minimising risk and effective control of disease in UK dairy herds In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Alexandria Lipka
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Investigating sudden death in cats and dogs: a guide for veterinary practitioners In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Rute Noiva, Sara Degl'Innocenti
Background: Whether it entails the loss of a beloved family member or a valuable work animal, the sudden, unexpected death of an animal can be a daunting and traumatic experience for both owners and veterinary practitioners. Veterinary practitioners are often the first point of contact for people grieving the loss of a companion animal, and may be called upon to provide support and reassurance, even
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Dealing with dental disease in rabbits In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Molly Varga Smith
Background: Dental disease is still one of the most common reasons rabbits are presented to veterinary practices. Successful treatment of these challenging cases is possible in general practice, and an understanding of the dynamic function of the rabbit mouth is a good foundation for this. By employing transferable skills, the diagnosis and treatment of acquired dental disease in rabbits can be to
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Comments on: Euthanasia decisions in a 23‐year‐old horse with comorbidities In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31
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Managing herd‐level disease risks in UK dairy cows In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Dick Sibley
Background: The risks of disease entering and spreading within any animal population can be managed. Dairy herds are no exception, although they bring special challenges due to their size, dynamic populations of mixed ages, and the stresses inherent with production demands.Aim of the article: This article discusses managing infectious disease risks at the herd level, providing principles and practical
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Arterial blood pressure. Part 1: physiology and measurement in cats and dogs In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Madelyn Rollet, Adam Auckburally, Jacqueline Elsom
Background: Arterial blood pressure (ABP) is essential to provide adequate perfusion pressure and blood flow to tissues. Usually, ABP is tightly controlled through a variety of complex physiological mechanisms, and significant deviation of ABP from normal may result in end‐organ damage. Measurement of ABP is relatively straightforward and can be used to assess cardiovascular function and guide therapeutic
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Coordinating support groups for wellbeing In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-31 Bronwen Williams, Amy Martin
The increasing interest in supporting human psychological wellbeing in the workplace should be applauded. Within the animal health industry, especially in veterinary and welfare sectors, the need to support staff has perhaps never been more salient. One support method that can be appealing for organisations is to offer interventions that are group based. Groups can be viewed as cost effective by delivering
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Euthanasia decisions in a 23‐year‐old horse with comorbidities In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Ewan Macauley
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Understanding veterinary prices: facts or feelings? In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Rebecca Maher
Veterinary fees can be a source of great pain, not just for clients, but also for the clinic teams that are communicating them. It's a common misconception that fees need to be lowered if we wish to make them feel more comfortable to clients, or to make their communication easier for teams; however, because the human mind perceives price in a very subjective way, there is a lot that can be done to
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Dealing with cases of bluetongue virus serotype‐3 in sheep In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Laura Honey
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Pet loss support for clients and staff: the importance of clear communication In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Diane James
Anyone who works in the health and welfare sphere is aware of death, but it's not a topic that many people want to think about or find easy to work with. In relation to pets, the role that those in the veterinary world play in this ending brings many added pressures, from emotion and stress, to client reactions and moral injury, to name just a few. This article aims to address many of the areas that
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Managing weaning issues in lambs and ewes. Part 2: management of ewes following weaning In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Rachel Forster, Nicola Falder
Background: To ensure optimum flock fertility in the subsequent breeding season, it is important to ensure that ewes are in good health following weaning. Drafting (the period between weaning and tupping where ewes are sorted for culling) is a key time in the flock year to ensure only the most productive ewes are retained for breeding. Identifying health issues soon after weaning allows time for recovery
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Treatment considerations for bluetongue virus serotype‐3 cases in sheep In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Fiona Lovatt, Rachael Tarlinton, Margit Groenevelt
Background: Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype‐3 (BTV‐3) has been circulating in the Netherlands since September 2023 and was first reported in Kent in the UK in November 2023, picked up via the annual bluetongue surveillance programme. It is a highly pathogenic strain in sheep with limited preventive measures once virus is circulating in the biting midge population. At the time of publication there is
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Understanding the behavioural challenges of companion parrots In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Vicki Baldrey, Molly Rogerson
Background: Parrots can make excellent companions; however, it is important to understand that they are not a truly domesticated species. Their behaviours will be similar to their wild counterparts. Parrots are highly intelligent and have complex social and environmental needs, which can be challenging for an owner to meet. Problem behaviours may be truly pathological, such as feather destructive behaviour
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Diagnosis and treatment of atopic skin syndrome in cats In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-05-03 Eleanor Wyatt, Laura Buckley
Background: Feline allergic skin disease presents a diagnostic challenge due to the potentially subtle and widely variable clinical presentations known as feline reaction patterns. Cats are often secretive in their pruritic behaviours and so, unlike with canine disease, the clinical history for a cat may not give insight into the presence of pruritus. Once a diagnosis of feline allergic disease is
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Physical working environments: how they affect our wellbeing and performance In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Gillian Page, Jacqui Tolmie
The surroundings in which employees spend their working lives are an important source of job satisfaction, and have an impact on work motivation and patterns of interaction with others. On the other hand, they can be as much of a source of pressure as a heavy workload, poor work‐life balance or significant organisational change. This article provides an overview of the impact of elements of the physical
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Diagnosing neuromuscular diseases of calves and young cattle In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Michael Millar, Arthur Otter
Background: There is a wide range of neuromuscular disorders recognised in cattle. Some of these conditions are fetopathic, others are clinically evident at or soon after the birth, and some are not apparent until the animals are older. The advancement of genotyping techniques has enabled the identification of animals that are carriers of many of these hereditary conditions, and breeders can make informed
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Rationalising the risks involved in Brucella canis infection In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Alexandria Lipka
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Enhancing euthanasia protocols: a compassionate approach in equine and large animal practice In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Iain Richards
Euthanasia revolves around essential principles of compassion towards owners and gentleness towards patients which apply to all species, regardless of circumstances. That we can ensure a ‘good’ death (in sometimes trying circumstances) is something that we, as a profession, excel at; however, farm and equine work, because of the size of animals involved and the relatively remote conditions of work
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Brucella canis: a clinical review and rationalising risk In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Glynn Woods
Background: After a letter published by the chief veterinary officer in February 2021 highlighted an increase in the number of positive Brucella canis dogs, the frequency of B canis testing in the UK has increased substantially. To date, roughly 160 positive cases have been reported by the APHA. Amid growing unease, veterinary teams have implemented practice protocols to mitigate risk associated with
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Improving early neonatal survival in puppies and kittens: resuscitation and beyond In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Aoife Reid, Emma Donnelly
Background: Neonatology is an area of increasing interest in veterinary medicine from an animal welfare and economic perspective. In dogs and cats, the first week of life has the highest mortality with average neonatal mortality in puppies varying between 5 and 35 per cent.Aim of the article: This article describes strategies to increase neonatal survival through managing or removing factors that contribute
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Working with small‐scale pig keepers. Part 2: encouraging antibiotic stewardship In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Claire Scott, Mandy Nevel, Kristen Reyher
Background: With much effort from both vets and producers, antibiotic use in the pig sector has been reduced by 74 per cent since 2015, as reported by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (2023). That being said, there is still room for improvement and efforts must now be aligned to tackling areas of inappropriate antibiotic use rather than simply reductions in use. Previous research has identified
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Comments on: Dealing with a suspected unregistered and potentially aggressive American XL bully in practice In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-28
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Recognising and testing for exotic parasites in imported dogs In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Laura Honey
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Dealing with a suspected unregistered and potentially aggressive American XL bully in practice In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Elizabeth Mullineaux
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Comments on: Cetacean welfare: a dilemma between compromising your principles and completing your internship In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-01
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Surgical tooth extraction in cats and dogs. Part 2: dental extraction techniques In Pract. (IF 0.3) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 Hannah van Velzen, James Haseler, Andrew Perry
Background: Considering over 80 per cent of canine and feline patients over the age of three years have dental disease (Kortegaard and others 2008), dental extractions are undoubtedly some of the most commonly performed surgeries in first‐opinion practice. Yet, general knowledge and confidence with regards to these procedures is often lacking, resulting in veterinary dentistry having an undeserved