Paragon Newsletter February 2015

Compassion, care, clinical excellence

News February 2015 What do veterinary nurses do during a surgical procedure?

Rachael Evans, Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses have an important role throughout a surgical procedure.

Initially they will locate and calculate the correct dose and strength of medicines needed for the pre-med and anaesthetic induction (which includes pain relief). They will then check and prepare the anaesthetic breathing machine and prepare the equipment needed for the induction of anaesthesia. The nurse will then hold the patient to allow the vet to place a tube down the windpipe to deliver anaesthetic gas, connect them to the anaesthetic breathing machine and position the patient on the operating table.

Once the patient is under general anaesthetic the veterinary nurse will connect the patient to machines and equipment that monitor their breathing and heart rate. They will then prepare the surgical area by clipping away the fur and cleaning the skin. Once this is done the vet is able to start the operation and the veterinary nurse monitors the patient closely. Throughout the procedure the veterinary nurse will check the patients breathing and heart rate, maintain an appropriate level of anaesthesia for the patient, report any observations or changes in the patient to the vet, monitor the equipment and patient monitors during the procedure and change the level of anaesthetic gas the patient receives as directed by the vet.

Contact us: PARAGON VETERINARY CENTRE Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston,Carlisle, CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 01768 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005 pethealthcentre@paragonvet.com

Once the surgical procedure is complete, the veterinary nurse will clean the wound, disconnect the patient from the anaesthetic equipment and position for recovery in a kennel. They will then remove the tube from the trachea at an appropriate stage of recovery. The veterinary nurse will monitor and record the patients recovery including identifying any abnormalities and will communicate the patients progress with the case vet.

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets

24 Hour Emergency Service

Emergency - What can I do?

By Ann Noble MA VetMB MRCVS Once the safety of the situation has been established you need to keep calm and take control.

Remember ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. These are the first 3 steps in administering first aid so keep them in mind. So……safety, followed by a quick assessment, then phone the Vet. Usually we will ask you to bring the animal to the surgery. Emergency care is best applied where there are people to assist, oxygen therapy, fluids for IV shock therapy, required drugs etc, so there is good reason for us asking you to bring the animal to us – this also usually saves time to them receiving the appropriate treatment.

Compassion, care, clinical excellence

Examples of possible emergency scenarios: Innate problem within the animal: Collapse – this might be due to either an issue with circulation (C) e.g. heart, or a sudden loss of blood volume e.g. blood loss (external or internal); it might be due to lack of energy – low glucose levels – so the time of collapse in relation to feeding is significant; or due to lack of oxygen e.g. anaemia or breathing problems (A and B) – is the animal breathing, are the airways clear? Assessing the colour of the gums and tongue is a useful clue. (Picture is normal colour)

Fitting – control the surroundings and time the fit – remove people and other animals and ensure the animal fitting cannot injury itself e.g. falling downstairs.

Don’t get bitten – fitting animals are not conscious. Phone the vet ASAP. Animal in a hostile environment: Heatstroke – needs controlled cooling and IV fluids and oxygen support Smoke – remove the animal from the smoke if safe to do so – oxygen and further medication needed.

Drowning – clearing the airway is key. Keep the head down, with tongue out (care of being bitten!) and gently but firmly compress the chest. Get the animal to a vet ASAP as oxygen support is vital. Seawater drowning is more likely to be fatal than freshwater.

Animal involved in trauma: Road Traffic Accident – high impact trauma – apply pressure if severe bleeding, quick assessment that the airway is clear and get to vet practice ASAP for emergency treatment and support.

Other animal attack – take care to avoid further injury including to yourself, check A,B,C and then take to a Vet for assessment.

Falls – is the animal conscious (assess A,B) injured (C), - get to a vet. If limbs are damaged, provide gentle support to reduce pain and further damage. Take to a Vet for assessment.

Cuts – Assess size & depth & apply pressure to control bleeding if necessary. If bleeding occurs through initial bandage – don’t remove it, but put another firmer one on top & take to a Vet ASAP.

Read all about Molly, her surgery and rehabilitation on our website

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP ONLINE Visit us at www.paragonvet.com or ‘like’ us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ParagonVets.Pets