This nursing care analysis explores the management of a 6-month-old male Weimaraner presenting with acute vomiting, inappetence, lethargy and a newly identified systolic heart murmur. The primary disease process was identified as a jejunal foreign body causing obstruction and subsequent dehydration, while the secondary disease process involved a heart murmur probably related to turbulent blood flow or a congenital defect. Clinical assessment included detailed physical examination, comprehensive blood gas analysis and vigilant monitoring of vital parameters, which revealed significant dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and elevated renal markers. Patient management involved intravenous fluid therapy with potassium supplementation, regular monitoring of hydration and urine output, and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection. Careful anaesthesia planning was implemented due to the increased risks posed by the patient's age, metabolic demands and systemic compromise. Postoperative care included controlled analgesia and continued support to restore fluid and electrolyte balance. The case highlights the importance of thorough assessment, individualised perioperative care and multidisciplinary teamwork in managing complex emergencies in veterinary practice. The analysis highlights the need for evidence-based protocols and diligent nursing observation to optimise patient outcomes in cases involving combined gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.

This article presents a detailed case study of the nursing care of a cat with urethral obstruction, an acute and life-threatening condition. The patient, a young neutered male domestic shorthair cat, presented with typical signs including anuria, vomiting and lethargy. Urethral obstruction was promptly diagnosed by palpation and laboratory analysis revealing severe hyperkalaemia and azotaemia. Emergency stabilisation included intravenous fluids, analgesia and correction of electrolyte imbalances prior to a urinary catheterisation procedure. Nursing care centred on pain control, stress minimisation, and careful monitoring of urine output, hydration and biochemical parameters during hospitalisation. Specific considerations were made for the cat's fearful temperament by providing a quiet environment and pheromone therapy to reduce stress. The risk of complications such as infection, cystitis and postobstructive diuresis was minimised through diligent catheter care and ongoing laboratory monitoring. Owner education regarding prescription urinary diets and stress-reduction strategies was provided to maximise the likelihood of a positive long-term outcome. A follow-up indicated no recurrence after 12 months. The case study highlights the importance of individualised nursing interventions, thorough monitoring and educational guidance of owners in the management of feline urethral obstruction.

This clinical audit investigated postoperative gastrointestinal upset, specifically diarrhoea, a common complication seen in patients following routine neutering surgeries. Over an initial 6-month period in 2023, data from more than 700 patients across three practice sites were analysed. Findings revealed that 26.32% of patients experienced complications within 10 days after surgery, with 11.21% of these presenting with diarrhoea. Research and consultation highlighted that chicken, which is commonly recommended in bland postsurgical diets, is a major dietary allergen for cats and dogs, and that abrupt dietary changes may exacerbate gastrointestinal upset. In response, practice guidelines were revised to advise feeding patients their regular diet in smaller portions postoperatively and encouraging owners to provide their pet's usual food at admission. After implementing these changes and collecting follow-up data over a further 6 months, a 59.15% reduction in cases of postoperative diarrhoea was observed. This audit demonstrates the value of evidence-based changes to practice and effective communication between veterinary staff and clients. Ongoing audits are planned to maintain standards and identify any opportunities for further improvement. Keywords postoperative, gastrointestinal,

This article addresses the particular challenges and recommended practices for performing euthanasia of exotic or non-traditional companion animals (NTCAs) such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish and invertebrates in the UK. With the growing ownership of NTCAs, veterinary professionals must ensure that euthanasia procedures are both humane and effective for these varied species. The article highlights the importance of detailed planning and thorough training for veterinary teams to ensure that the process minimises stress for both the animal and the owner. Evidence-based recommendations include prioritising patient welfare through adequate sedation, such as with alfaxalone, adapting protocols to the individual species, maintaining animals within their preferred thermal range, and sustaining open and empathic communication with owners. Step-by-step protocols for different NTCA groups are included, detailing sedation, euthanasia techniques, confirmation of death and necessary follow-up steps such as pithing. The author also stresses the integral role of owner involvement to preserve the human–animal bond. In summary, the article advocates a fear-free, speciesadapted approach to euthanasia, facilitated by effective teamwork and compassionate dialogue, to provide the best possible end-of-life experience for exotic companion animals and their owners.

This study investigates the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures on the body temperature of anaesthetised dogs, with attention given to underlying mechanisms and contributing factors. Hypothermia is identified as a key concern, given its detrimental impact on the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and immune systems. The study demonstrates that dogs undergoing MRI typically experience a reduction in body temperature, which is significantly affected by their body condition score (BCS) and the duration of the scan. A higher BCS correlates with a smaller temperature decrease, while longer scan times result in a greater temperature loss. The inability to use active warming devices, due to the MRI scanner's magnetic field, exacerbates patient heat loss during scans. Limitations of the study include a small, heterogeneous sample, inconsistent documentation of BCS, variability between the brands of thermometer used and the subjective nature of BCS assessment. The results emphasise the importance of vigilant temperature monitoring and management by veterinary nurses, with recommendations made to keep scan times as brief as possible. The study discourages the promotion of above-ideal BCS, owing to the associated health risks. Overall, it advocates for practices that minimise hypothermia and protect the welfare of canine patients during MRI investigations.

This article explores the expanding scope and impact of the consulting veterinary nurse role within UK veterinary practice, highlighting its evolution from supporting veterinary surgeons to running independent nurse-led consultations. The author outlines the benefits of veterinary nurse consultations, including improved patient welfare, increased client satisfaction and enhanced practice efficiency through appointment flexibility. Key regulatory frameworks, such as the Schedule 3 exemption to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and updates to the RCVS's ‘under care’ guidance, are discussed, clarifying the tasks RVNs can legally undertake and how collaboration with veterinary surgeons ensures optimal patient care. The article addresses specialised areas such as nutrition, weight management and chronic disease monitoring, emphasising evidence-based practice and structured protocols for safe delegation. The impact of BVNA's ‘Protect the Title’ campaign and ongoing discussions on legislative reforms are considered, with a view towards greater professional recognition and future development of veterinary nurse practitioner qualifications. The article argues that consulting veterinary nurses are crucial to the delivery of veterinary care, offering valuable skills, supporting client bonding and promoting career satisfaction, while their full potential continues to unfold in response to sector and regulatory changes. Keywords consulting veterinary

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.

This article explores the critical role of quality-of-life (QoL) assessments in the care of senior veterinary patients, particularly during end-of-life care (EoLC) and euthanasia decision-making. As pets are living longer due to advances in veterinary medicine, the profession must adapt to the complex needs of geriatric animals and their owners. The article discusses the emotional and practical challenges faced by owners when making decisions about EoLC, highlighting the phenomenon of anticipatory grief and the importance of early, open communication between veterinary teams and clients. A range of QoL assessment tools are reviewed, including the Ageing Canine Toolkit, Lap of Love assessment, Ohio State University QoL assessment, the HHHHHMM scale, Autumn Animals assessment, and the Grey Muzzle app. These resources help owners and veterinary professionals objectively monitor a pet's wellbeing, track changes over time and make informed decisions about ongoing care or euthanasia. QoL assessments should be tailored to each patient and owner, taking into account medical, behavioural, financial and ethical factors. Veterinary nurses (VNs) are key facilitators in the assessment process, providing education, support and continuity of care. The article advocates for collaborative, client-centred approaches, where VNs support owners with assessments, address concerns and ensure decisions prioritise animal welfare. Ultimately, the use of QoL assessments empowers owners, enhances patient welfare and fosters trust between clients and the veterinary team, ensuring that the final chapter of a pet's life is managed with dignity and compassion.