This exploratory literature review examines the diet and accommodation of the domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), tracing its origins from South American wild populations to its current role as a popular pet, laboratory animal and regional food source. Despite extensive domestication, guinea pigs retain strong behavioural traits from their wild ancestors, notably their need for social groups, foraging and environmental enrichment. The review highlights the importance of replicating naturalistic diets, particularly to provide adequate fibre and vitamin C to prevent common health issues, and discusses the sensitivity of the species to heat and humidity due to its ancestral Andean habitat. Surveys of guinea pig owners from multiple countries reveal varied levels of knowledge regarding husbandry and nutrition. Some studies show regional discrepancies in dietary practices and the impact of housing on guinea pig welfare, notably the negative impact of inadequate housing. The existing literature is fragmented and often location-specific, indicating a need for more generalisable research on pet guinea pig care. Recommendations include tailoring dietary and environmental guidelines to the ethological needs of guinea pigs, and supp

This case study examines the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of aural disease in a mini lop rabbit, highlighting the impact of selective breeding on rabbit health and welfare. The article outlines how the characteristic ear conformation of lop-eared rabbits predisposes them to cerumen accumulation, chronic otitis externa and interna, and associated complications such as abscess formation, facial nerve damage and Horner's syndrome. Notably, the report emphasises the frequent subclinical nature of aural disease and the importance of early detection for improving prognosis. The case presented involves a mini lop rabbit with a history of recurrent ocular discharge and dacryocystitis, later diagnosed with otitis interna and media by radiographic imaging. The complexities of diagnosis and treatment in patients of advanced age, owner education and stress-reduction strategies in hospitalised rabbits are discussed. The article stresses the necessity of regular veterinary check-ups, breed-specific client education, comprehensive pain management and appropriate diagnostic approaches, including culture and sensitivity testing where feasible. It concludes that selective breeding has increased the incidence of aural disease among pet rabbits, and highlights the need for proactive veterinary intervention, owner awareness and multimodal management to enhance rabbit welfare and quality of life.

The objective of this study was to provide baseline knowledge of the effect of outdoor access in the home environment on stress behaviours of cats during hospitalisation. The authors carried out a prospective, partially blinded, observational study of the behaviour of 26 domestic cats. Participants were given an ethogram-based stress score. Statistical analysis assessed differences in stress scores between groups of participants with different levels of outdoor access, in addition to secondary investigations. No significant association was found between the level of outdoor access and stress score at any behavioural observation, despite trends suggesting that stress score increased as the level of outdoor access increased. Stress in indoor cats increased at each behavioural observation. The authors concluded that the level of outdoor access in the home environment may not affect stress behaviours in cats during veterinary hospitalisation, although trends demonstrated in the results indicate that similar research should be repeated. Stress increased in all participant categories during behavioural observations. Suggestions for veterinary practices include ensuring outdoor cats are provided with larger kennels where available and appropriate, and supporting indoor cats by providing increased human interaction after admission. Where needed, interventions should be performed immediately rather than in the first 25 minutes after admission (the time period examined in the study), when stress scores have increased.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a prevalent orthopaedic condition in dogs. It often results from progressive degeneration influenced by breed, age, sex and stifle joint conformation, although trauma occurring during exercise can also be a cause. This case study details the management of a 6-year-old neutered male springer spaniel presenting with right pelvic limb lameness, which was later diagnosed as a CCL rupture. Initial conservative management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rest yielded minimal improvement. Orthopaedic examination revealed stifle instability, which was confirmed by a positive cranial drawer test. Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) was selected as the surgical intervention, following a comprehensive preoperative assessment. Using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, the patient was graded ASA I (a normal, healthy patient with no underlying disease). The article describes the anaesthetic management of the case, including premedication, induction with propofol, intubation and maintenance on isoflurane with low-flow anaesthesia, alongside multimodal analgesia incorporating nerve blocks, methadone and ketamine. It also discusses intraoperative monitoring – including ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure and temperature – as well as surgical site preparation, intravenous fluid management and antibiotic considerations. Postoperative management emphasised pain control using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, wound protection, nutritional support and early physiotherapy. The case highlights the importance of individualised, multidisciplinary perioperative care and vigilant anaesthetic monitoring to optimise patient outcomes.

Cats make up a large proportion of the patients seen in practice, but often their needs are not met at home or in the clinical setting. This can cause acute stress, leading to behavioural and medical issues if not treated. However, this does not need to be the case – with better understanding and advocacy, veterinary nurses (VNs) can improve the welfare of feline patients. The author shares her journey from being apprehensive about handling cats to becoming a passionate feline advocate. Where others may shy away from cats, these ‘cat nurses’ step up on behalf of their feline friends, in true superhero style – something she encourages other VNs to do. The article outlines strategies to reduce feline stress, including educating owners on carrier use, creating separate cat-friendly waiting areas and offering cat-only appointment times. In practices, gentle handling techniques and allowing cats more time and greater control are recommended. Stress-reducing measures for hospitalised cats include separate cat wards and providing hiding places, such as Feline Forts or improvised alternatives. The author also encourages VNs to educate owners using resources from organisations such as International Cat Care and Cats Protection. The article calls for veterinary practices to adopt a feline-friendly approach, recognising the unique needs of cats and empowering VNs to act as their advocates. Through education and advocacy, VNs can enhance cat care while fostering trust between cats, owners and veterinary staff.

Brachycephalic dogs are predisposed to conditions that increase their anaesthetic risks, so precautions must be taken throughout the entire anaesthesia process. Unfortunately, studies examining veterinary nurses' (VNs') confidence in monitoring brachycephalic dogs under general anaesthesia (GA) are limited. This study aimed to gain an insight into existing anaesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dogs in the UK, and to examine the confidence levels of VNs monitoring these breeds. Registered VNs who frequently monitor brachycephalic dogs under GA were invited to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire. Some questions consisted of tick boxes to establish demographics; others provided text boxes to elaborate on answers. A total of 359 valid responses were gained and statistically analysed. Significant differences in confidence were detected between VNs with different qualification routes (p = 0.011), practice settings (p = 0.001) and lengths of time qualified (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were identified between the frequency of monitoring brachycephalic breeds and VNs' confidence. A significant difference in confidence when monitoring brachycephalic breeds compared with non-brachycephalic breeds was evident (p < 0.001), suggesting that breed has an influence on VNs' confidence. Thematic analysis revealed that finances and staff shortages make it difficult to improve protocols, similar to findings in other studies. Despite the majority of respondents feeling satisfied with the anaesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dogs in their practice, many of these protocols are tailored to suit these breeds, rather than being developed specifically for them. It is evident that VNs' confidence levels increase with time and experience, as reported by multiple studies. However, further studies are required to reduce gaps in the existing literature before devising the ‘perfect anaesthetic protocol for brachycephalic patients.

A female French bulldog was referred for investigation of increased upper respiratory noise and effort. General anaesthesia was scheduled to allow examination of the airway and further treatment. A protocol was created taking into consideration the risk of respiratory distress, the potentially challenging endotracheal (ET) intubation, upper airway obstruction and consequent hypoxaemia. On airway examination, an obstructive right-sided laryngeal fold mass was noticed. ET intubation was challenging but was achieved with no major problems. The ET tube was removed during excision of the mass, and anaesthesia was maintained with a total intravenous anaesthetic of propofol. Despite flow-by oxygen supplementation, pulse oximetry revealed that the dog was hypoxaemic. The patient's trachea was re-intubated and ventilation provided, restoring oxygen saturation. The surgical and anaesthesia teams evaluated and discussed the risk of upper respiratory obstruction during the recovery period, and the potential need for a tracheostomy. After two attempts to remove the ET tube during the recovery period – during which the patient showed signs of respiratory distress – it was decided to proceed with a tracheostomy. In this case, the surgical and anaesthesia teams worked together efficiently and communicated well to prevent patient mortality.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) can result in spinal cord injury. In veterinary patients, this is seen most commonly in the thoracolumbar (TL) region of the spine. Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed, including dachshunds, corgis, beagles and French bulldogs; the latter is the subject of this case study. TL IVDD can cause a variety of clinical signs depending on the severity of spinal cord injury. These range from pelvic limb weakness and instability (paraparesis) to complete pelvic limb paralysis (paraplegia). In the veterinary profession, the modified Frankel system can be used to grade the severity of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to identify IVDD, and can localise the affected disc space(s). IVDD can be managed either medically or surgically. The treatment choice is directed by factors such as the patient's clinical presentation, its overall fitness, any comorbidities and its overall amenability, as well as the economic feasibility of surgery. Surgical treatment is favoured in a patient that presents with a more severe spinal cord injury and, overall, demonstrates a greater likelihood of swift and full neurological restoration. The most common surgical technique performed for TL IVDD is a hemilaminectomy. This article describes the perioperative anaesthesia nursing care of an aggressive French bulldog that presented with grade 2 TL IVDD and was treated with a hemilaminectomy procedure. The patient underwent MRI of the spine and a hemilaminectomy procedure was subsequently performed. The challenges of the patient assessment, investigation, anaesthetic and analgesia management are discussed.

the peripheral nervous system, causing weakened, reduced or absent voluntary movement. Dogs with polyradiculoneuritis are unable to perform normal voluntary motion or stand in a normal position. They usually present with a short-striding gait that progresses over the course of 5–10 days to tetraparesis or tetraplegia.As patients with this condition may be susceptible to secondary complications, it can be challenging to care for them, but it can also be highly rewarding. This article describes the clinical signs of polyradiculoneuritis and outlines the nursing care considerations specific to these cases. It also discusses the veterinary nurse's vital role in the care of patients with polyradiculoneuritis. The case study evaluates the nursing care of an 8-year old female cocker spaniel, which presented with a 2-day history of acute-onset, rapidly progressive (2 hours), symmetrical, non-painful, non-ambulatory tetraparesis. While hospitalised, the dog developed aspiration pneumonia, which is commonly seen in patients with lower motor neuron conditions such as polyradiculoneuritis. The study outlines the treatment, physiotherapy and nursing care provided in this case – including nutrition, hygiene, mental stimulation and rehabilitation, as well as addressing comorbidities such as aspiration. The dog recovered well following an intense nursing programme and has returned to full ambulatory status.

This is the last in a series of three articles that review the assessment and management of pain in ferrets, with examples of chronic pain conditions that affect the species. The article describes some of the non-pharmaceutical techniques used to manage and treat chronic pain in ferrets, including rehabilitation, environmental modification, supplementation and convalescent diets, physiotherapy, acupuncture, photobiomodulation, laser acupuncture and hydrotherapy. A multimodal approachusing both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions is advisable. The article includes a case study of a multimodal approach to the management of pain in a 6-month-old male ferret. The ferret was diagnosed with capital physeal dysplasia (dysplasia of the proximal growth plate of the femur) and underwent a bilateral femoral head and neck excision. He required pain management and rehabilitation over several months. The case study highlights the difficulties in assessing pain in ferrets. It also shows that rehabilitation is an essential part of post-surgery pain management and wellbeing. The article also briefly focuses on the importance of regular veterinary health checks, discusses pain management in relation to end-of-life care and considers the specialist pain management requirements of amputation patients.