in Practice最新文献

Background: Neutering small exotic mammals represents a common procedure for general practitioner vets. This comprehensive and evidence-based overview covers the considerations and surgical techniques for neutering small exotic mammals, focusing on rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and rats. Neutering has many functions, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, managing unwanted sexually derived behaviour and reducing the incidence of reproductive disease.

Aim of the article: Part 1 provided an overview of the neutering considerations and surgical techniques applicable for small exotic mammals, outlining strategies for securing intravenous access and achieving successful intubation and airway management. Perioperative considerations include the use of analgesia and selection of appropriate suture materials and sizes to minimise complications. Part 2 will review the current surgical techniques specific to each species, providing step-by-step images of procedures while considering the anatomical differences that influence surgical approach and how we can mitigate the challenges associated with them. With respect to ferrets, we discuss alternatives to gonadectomy, such as vasectomy and medical management.

Background: Swine dysentery is caused by the highly infectious pathogen Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, which results in diarrhoea, poor weight gain or weight loss. It is damaging to pig health, welfare and productivity and is a driver for antimicrobial use. There has been an upward trend in the number of diagnoses of swine dysentery made through the Great Britain scanning surveillance network since the end of 2021 and the disease has recently been diagnosed on both small- and large-scale pig holdings. It is crucial, therefore, that pig keepers understand and practise good biosecurity to prevent swine dysentery and other diseases from entering their herd; are alert and react promptly to clinical signs suspicious of the disease; and that measures to prevent spread to other holdings are in place where swine dysentery has been diagnosed. Vets attending pigs are key to achieving these aims. They also need to be able to recognise the disease, know how to diagnose it and support their clients to manage it.

Aim of the article: In this article, we discuss how vets working with pig keepers can promote the implementation of preventive practices for swine dysentery and encourage awareness of its clinical signs. We also discuss how vets can diagnose the condition and the merits of different disease control strategies for pig holdings on which swine dysentery has been diagnosed and focus on how we, as vets, can encourage antibiotic stewardship on smallholdings.

Background: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs. It is most common in small- and medium-sized breeds, with certain breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, being particularly over-represented. MMVD typically has a long preclinical phase and only a minority of affected dogs will eventually develop congestive heart failure (CHF); most dogs presenting to their veterinary surgeon with MMVD will, therefore, be in the preclinical phase. However, although, for most dogs, the disease is relatively benign, others will experience early onset, rapidly progressive disease (in which dogs might develop CHF at seven to eight years of age). Identification of these higher risk patients represents a significant clinical challenge. Treatment with pimobendan has been shown to delay the onset of CHF by an average of 15 months in dogs with evidence of eccentric hypertrophy (ie, left atrial and ventricular enlargement secondary to volume overload). Identification of the dogs most likely to benefit from treatment is therefore central to the effective management of preclinical MMVD.

Aim of the article: This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of preclinical MMVD. The aim is to help practitioners to effectively identify those patients most likely to benefit from treatment.

Background: Veterinary oncology care extends beyond clinical treatment of the animal to encompass the emotional and practical support of their caregivers. When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, the human–animal bond can intensify, and the resulting caregiver burden may significantly impact the wellbeing of the pet carer. Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) are uniquely positioned to provide holistic care during this period, offering not only clinical support but also emotional guidance, practical education and continuity of care. Their involvement can improve trust, communication and compliance, ultimately enhancing quality of life for both patient and carer. As the prevalence of cancer in pets increases, so too does the need for veterinary teams to consider the pet carer's experience as part of the treatment journey.

Aim of the article: This article aims to explore the pivotal role of RVNs in supporting pet carers through a cancer diagnosis, treatment and end-of-life care. It outlines how RVNs can alleviate caregiver burden, facilitate shared decision-making, and provide practical and emotional support throughout the oncology journey. By highlighting tools such as quality-of-life (QoL) scales, and discussing strategies for effective communication and signposting, this article encourages RVNs to embrace a more proactive role in carer support, ensuring compassionate, comprehensive care throughout the cancer journey. It follows on from Part 1 (Breathnach 2025), which highlighted the vital role RVNs play in oncology nursing.

In a veterinary setting, incidents that involve medical devices that lead to harm or injury of an animal, or a member of veterinary staff, are rare. Nonetheless, it is important to be prepared and to learn from mistakes to minimise the likelihood of future incidents and reduce any future risk of harm. It is important to note that incidents may be caused by failures within a device itself, or to the software that it uses. Regardless, any incident should be shared with the notified body so that safety alerts can be distributed to all users. This article explores the steps needed to proceed with an investigation following an incident, and discusses when to bring in an expert for an independent opinion.

Background: Neutering small exotic mammals represents a common procedure for general practitioner vets. This is part one of a comprehensive and evidence-based overview covering the considerations and surgical techniques for neutering small exotic mammals, focusing on rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and rats. Neutering has many functions, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, managing sexually derived behaviour, and reducing the incidence of reproductive disease. Preoperative considerations, surgical methods and postoperative care, emphasising the importance of tailoring approaches to the individual needs of each species and patient are covered. This article outlines strategies for securing intravenous access and achieving successful intubation and airway management. Perioperative considerations include the use of local analgesia, appropriate patient positioning, and selection of appropriate suture materials and sizes to minimise complications. Monitoring and emergency resuscitation techniques are described.

Aim of the article: We aim to provide a practically grounded resource for veterinarians that neuter small exotic mammals regularly in general practice or for those clinicians that may wish to improve their capacity to perform these procedures.