Vet Times

Tag: clinical

  • It’s worth ruling out hypothyroidism if blood cholesterol is elevated

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    To be truthful, I have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to hypothyroidism. I often find few dogs follow the traditional textbook description of the clinical signs. I have seen two cases of late with elevated cholesterol, but no hair loss, unexplained weight gain, heat seeking and mucinous skin thickness. Both cases had blood…

  • Failure

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    Failure is another taboo subject in the profession, as it is in most walks of life. We don’t like it, and we don’t like talking about it. The CertAVP, as part of its “A” module (Foundations of Advanced Veterinary Practice), has you analysing learning methods. Apparently I am a strongly experimental/empirical learner, which means I learn better…

  • Where should we get our pets from?

    Where should we get our pets from?

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    I gave a lovely Clinical Coach training course this week. It’s always lovely to welcome new CCs to the fold and, to add to the good feeling, there were three ex-students on the course, all freshly qualified and ready to train others – I was bursting with pride! I demonstrated our college’s virtual learning environment…

  • PCV and blood transfusions

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    There are no specific packed cell volume guidelines as to when to transfuse an animal with red blood cell containing products. The decision to transfuse is based on the clinical condition of the patient and the chronicity of the anaemia. For example, a cat with chronic non-regenerative anaemia due to bone marrow disease may be…

  • Examining for the real world

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    It’s that dreaded time of year again: end of year professional exams. Having already completed our OSCEs (practical clinical exams), we now have the written exams to “look forward to”. Stress levels at vet school are sky high at the moment, and while my immediate concern is also the fast approaching exams, I have a…

  • Diagnosis of Lyme disease

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    Diagnosis of Lyme’s disease is challenging and normally depends on evidence of exposure along with clinical signs and diagnostic tests. Tests for Borrelia burgdorferi can be divided into those that demonstrate presence of the organism, and antibody tests. Detection of the organism by culture, cytology, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay can be difficult as…

  • Personal finance for the veterinary nurse

    Personal finance for the veterinary nurse

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    We know we aren’t that well paid compared to vets, but can we do things to improve our lot? YES! Budget – and stick to it (do you need that latte every day?) Save – even a little can help (also, make it difficult to get at – think ISAs or Premium Bonds) Pensions –…

  • The German attitude to learning

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    The vet handed me the needle and vacuum tubes and, at the slightly bewildered look on my face, asked if I’d ever taken blood from a horse before. Upon my answer of “no”, he shrugged and said: “I’ll show you the first one, instruct you for the second, then you can do it by yourself.”…

  • The wrong trousers

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    Utilitarian. That’s my ethical outlook, apparently. Participants in the A-FAVP.1 module of the CertAVP have to analyse their ethical stance by answering a questionnaire, and that’s what I came up as: utilitarian. I was surprised by the word. It’s not one I’d use to describe my attitudes, but apparently my main focus is on the…

  • Boost client numbers and build loyalty with Purina

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    PURINA PETCARE, maker of Purina Veterinary Diets, has announced the details of its exciting new Purina Partners Programme. Dedicated to the veterinary industry, the programme is aimed at helping practices make the most of their business – ultimately through maintaining strong client relationships and providing the best all-round care for pets. The Purina Partners Programme…