in Practice最新文献

Infusion devices are commonly used in veterinary practices or referral hospitals. Research shows that 30 per cent of recorded patient safety events are medication errors, and while drug error reduction software (DERS) was developed two decades ago as a means to reduce these errors, it is yet to be adopted in the veterinary profession. This article explores DERS and discusses how it works and how to implement it in a veterinary setting. It follows on from two previous articles on human factors and medical devices, and incident investigations.

Background: Diaphragmatic rupture is a critical condition frequently encountered in small animal practice. It typically arises from trauma leading to a breach in the diaphragm and subsequent herniation of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. This condition often results in severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise due to compression of thoracic structures. Immediate recognition and management are essential, as untreated cases will often die. The nature of this condition highlights the importance of a systematic approach to achieve the best outcomes.

Aim of the article: This article aims to provide veterinary surgeons with a comprehensive and practical guide to managing diaphragmatic rupture in practice. It addresses key aspects including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches and perioperative management, with the aim of improving patient survival and facilitating successful recovery.

Whether you're running your own practice, sharing the load in a partnership or company, or working as a salaried vet or nurse, understanding what you can claim as tax deductible is essential for keeping your finances healthy. For sole traders and partners, allowable expenses reduce taxable profits, which directly lowers the income tax and national insurance for the individuals. For employees (and directors), certain costs may be claimed to reduce taxable income, although the rules are more restrictive. The nature of the job means that many professionals incur costs that could be partially or fully deductible, from CPD courses, equipment or mileage between farms, yards or practice sites. This article breaks down the rules for each category of worker (sole traders, partners and employees) using examples from veterinary practice. It aims to demystify the rules, highlight common pitfalls and offer practical tips to help you stay compliant while maximising your deductions.

Interruptions can kill our momentum, disrupt our sense of contentment in what we're doing, and can lead to us often feeling frustrated, anxious and unfulfilled. Whatever the reason for our distractions, the ability to manage them is a proactive skill that enhances productivity and workplace harmony. In worst-case scenarios, interruptions greatly contribute to diagnostic errors being made and can put veterinary team wellbeing at risk. This article looks to identify the most common workplace distractions and interruptions, the potential consequences of those in terms of team wellbeing, patient safety and business performance, and offers some practical strategies to help reduce and remove those distractions.

Background: Transfusion therapy has been used in human and veterinary medicine for many years and is considered lifesaving, enabling us to successfully manage conditions which would previously have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. The first report of a successful canine blood transfusion was in 1665 by Richard Lower and use in clinical veterinary practice has been reported for approximately 75 years. Accessibility of canine blood products across the world has increased considerably over recent years, with the first UK national animal blood bank (Pet Blood Bank UK) set up in 2007. The advent of veterinary blood banking has facilitated the use, and potentially the misuse, of blood products, and broadened research and knowledge in the field of veterinary transfusion medicine. Extensive research has identified complexities around transfusion medicine and challenged common transfusion practices.

Aim of the article: This article provides a practical approach to canine transfusion medicine in the UK. The aim of this first article in our two-part series is to identify what products are available in the UK and discuss when it is appropriate, and not appropriate, to use these. Future directions and specific medical conditions where controversy exist are also highlighted.

Background: Radiography is readily accessible and is the primary imaging technique for assessing the cervical region in standing horses. Ataxia, neck pain and/or stiffness, alongside reduced performance, are some potential clinical manifestations of cervical region pathology. The more common radiographic diagnoses include equine cervical articular process joint osteoarthropathy, wobbler syndrome (or cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy), osteochondrosis (or osteochondral fragmentation) and less frequently traumatic fracture. The complex anatomy and inconsistencies in radiographic interpretation in this region have been acknowledged; however, careful radiographic study can reveal a variety of pathologies potentially ‘held hostage’ by a superficial assessment.

Aim of the article: This article aims to help the reader develop a sound understanding of cervical radiographic technique, including patient positioning, projections, collimation and equipment considerations. The authors encourage a systematic evaluation of cervical radiographs to identify common pathologies and emphasise the importance of integrating radiographic findings with clinical examinations – especially in subtle or prepurchase cases.

Background: Accurate postmortem examinations play a critical role in the formulation of an appropriate differential diagnosis list in poultry medicine; however, such examinations represent only a momentary snapshot, reflecting the condition of one or more birds within a larger population. Ensuring that the findings observed on the pathology table accurately reflect the broader on-site situation is essential for guiding further diagnostic testing, as well as for developing effective treatment or preventive strategies.

Aim of the article: This article provides an overview of the systematic approach to investigating poultry pathology cases. It outlines the key techniques involved in obtaining diagnostic information through postmortem examination and discusses their practical application.