SimplyCats Vet Clinic Blog

Claire

As we all probably know, cats can be quite particular about what is in their food bowl. Most cats will have a favourite food, texture or flavour and will often turn their nose up at anything different.

Remember – fussy eaters are made not born.

Bad habits are easier prevented than cured.

By swapping and changing your cat’s routine or by tempting them with titbits if they reject a food in their bowl. They will quickly learn how to manipulate you into feeding them the tastier food rather than a healthy and balanced diet.

Think about it from your cat’s point of view, if you were rewarded with a treat every time you didn’t eat, what would you do?

To avoid fussy cats, it is best to stick to a routine.

Is your cat really being fussy?

Sometimes, fussiness is more down to the way you serve food rather than the food itself.

Cats generally prefer to eat in private and don’t appreciate an audience. Try and provide some privacy for your cat at meal times.

- Ensure your cat’s bowl is clean. Several cats will not eat out of a bowl that has some old food in it. Try and get into the habit of washing the food and water bowls after every use.

- If your cat usually eats dry food but has become fussy, you may have to replace the food. Dry food absorbs moisture and therefore becomes stale, particularly in warm weather.

- If your cat usually eats wet (tinned/pouched food) it may be because it is cold. Cold wet food doesn’t have much smell, and cats often won’t eat what they cant smell. Wet food can be made more appealing by warming it up until warm to “mouse temperature” (warm to the touch) this releases the aroma and therefore stimulates the cats appetite.

- If your cat has access to outside, he/she may be having an unscheduled snack on the other side of the cat flap and come dinnertime he/she just may not be hungry.

- Cat’s don’t have psychological eating disorders and unless there is an underlying reason for a lack of appetite, your cat will most likely eat when they get really hungry. When your cat does eventually eat, offer lots of praise and affection as soon as they have finished eating.

 - If your cat continues to be fussy try an alternative high quality cat food, often a change in recipe will prompt your cat into eating again.

Some questions to ask yourself when thinking about your cat’s eating habits.

- Where is your cat’s food is positioned, is it near a busy thoroughfare or next to the washing machine? 

- Does your cat get bullied when eating by other cats/dog/children?

- Is the food on a raised level and is there an easy way for arthritic cats to get to their food?

- What type of material is your cat’s bowl made out of? Cats do not appreciate plastic bowls as they can taste the residue, they prefer ceramic, glass or even metal bowls. The larger surface area the better.

- Is your cat’s food bowl next to the water bowl? Food and water should always be placed in seperate areas, and do not feed from a “double diner” as your cat can be put off the food by the presence of water and will drink more water if food is not near by. In the wild if a cat catches food in the wild near a water supply, the act of killing and dismembering the food will lead to contamination of the water, so cat’s will always seek out another water source.

It is important to remember that if your cat refuses to eat for 24 hours or more, contact us at SimplyCats for an urgent appointment. Refusal or reluctance to eat can indicate a serious complaint and dental problems.

If you notice your cat’s gums are red or swollen, or if the breath is unpleasant please ask us at SimplyCats for a dental examination.

 Claire

I’m off to pastures new…so to speak.

I’m joining a multi-discipline veterinary referral practice, to expand my nursing knowledge and skills. I will be working at a practice we often use for our out of hours cover if Sarah and Paul are unavailable.

I will still be working at SimplyCats a couple of days a month. So I’ll still be at SimplyCats just not as much as usual. You can’t get rid of me that easily.

I’ll still use my SimplyCats e-mail daily as usual, even on my days off so please feel free to still e-mail me and bend my ear if you have any queries as I’ll still be available as usual for all of you.

Claire

Animals in all shapes an sizes never fail to amaze and often humiliate vets

This image below shows the back of a Flea, obtained with a very high power microscope.

If you look very carefully you can see the flea being parasitised by tiny mites under the scales.

So you see that eliminating fleas from your cats has a double effect. Even more interesting do the flea mites have parasites?

The picture was taken while Sarah and Paul were at a conference in Prague late 2007 on cat diseases, and was taken to emphasise the importance of flea control in cats. Cat fleas carry a bacteria called Bartonella which can cause a very serious illness in humans. The bacteria, we think is transmitted via flea dirt (faeces) that infects the human by a skin wound.

So please make sure your flea control is robust and up to date depending on your animals life style and habits.

Claire

I found this video online and just had to share it with you

Claire

Claire

I start at 8.30am Monday – Friday although I’m usually here before this time so I can tackle my work e-mails and get sorted before we open for the day.

We start admitting patients from 8.30am, this usually involves a consultation with myself (registered veterinary nurse) to explain the consent form, answer any queries, weigh and check the animal over before admitting, the vet checks them over when she comes in as well.

Once we have admitted a patient they are transferred to the cattery, into a warm padded kennel usually with a nice warm heat pad in also, our hospitalisation areas contain Feliway diffusers emitting a pheremone to help ease your cat and make their stay that little bit more relaxing.

The key to a good anaesthetic is to keep the patient calm and stress free. So getting patients quickly settled in their own space and out of the cramp cat carrier will let them relax a bit before we start the morning.

Another of the first, but most important, jobs is to give animals that have been in-patients during the previous night some TLC! Their kennels arecleaned out, drugs and feeds given, as appropriate, temperatures, heart rates, respirations are monitored, then Sarah (the vet) checks them over when she comes in as well.

Between 9 and 11 am consultations take place. They can be anything from boosters to blood tests, or emergency appointments. I may have to help by holding the animals, helping them to remain calm when they are nervous or scared.

Normally, Sarah (our vet) starts operations at 11 am, but of course it can run over if consultations take longer or there has been an emergency case to deal with.

I ensure that the operating theatre is prepared: drapes, robes, instruments for each surgical procedure and sterilising equipment is checked and anaesthetic machines switched on

Each operation requires a specific set of instruments – it can be what’s called a ‘basic’ kit – that may consist of two pairs of forceps, a pair of surgical scissors, a scalpel handle, four towel clips and a pair of needle holders. We add to that as required – the vet may need some small artery forceps, a different type of scissors, some specialist instruments and so on. An experienced nurse should be able to anticipate what the vet will need for each operation, or at least have items quickly available. All of our surgical instruments are sterilised and stored in special packs that don’t let in any germs. They are carefully labelled and stored in their own place in the instrument cupboards.

Equipment and surfaces have to be cleaned up and kept sterile throughout and animals monitored. Notes and records are updated on the computer for each animal before the afternoon consultations begin.

Next, pre-meds and other medications are calculated and drawn up.

General anaesthetic can be divided into 4 phases:

Premed - is the first part of an anaesthetic. It is usually an injection under the skin of a drug which calms the patient down and makes them sleepy. It allows a smooth easy transition into the unconscious state. This phase usually takes anything from 10min to 30min depending on the individual patient.

Induction – this is when we take the patient from a sleepy state of premed into a managed state of unconsciousness. The vet will usually administer this as an injection into the vein of the front leg, which is clipped before hand to prevent the introduction of infection into the vein when injecting. A tube is placed into her throat and connected to the anaesthetic machine. From now until she is fully awake again the patient will be under constant observation from the veterinary nurse with regular heart rate, respiratory rate, anaesthesia depth and blood oxygen monitoring. This phase takes just a few minutes.

Maintenance - The patient is connected to the anaesthetic machine and a mixture of oxygen and anaesthetic gas is administered through the tube in the throat to the lungs. This allows us to keep the patient in a state of carefully managed unconsciousness so we can perform her surgery. All surgeons like to be efficient with their operations but care and precision are never sacrificed for speed during a procedure.

Recovery – Time to wake up! Surgery over and all is well, the anaesthetic gas is turned off and The patient continues to have oxygen delivered via the tube in the throat. As patients starts to come round from a state of unconsciousness to sleepiness the last of a painkiller injections are usually given, the tube is removed from the throat and the patient is returned to the kennel. As the patient is awake now and holding their head up we can leave them to recover from their anaesthetic, but the vet and nurse in charge of kennels always keep a quiet eye on all recovering patients.

Recovery time is hugely variable on the individual and procedure involved sometimes taking minutes, sometimes a lot longer. We always aim for a quiet steady recovery back to normal, much like waking up from a long deep sleep. This can be helped a lot by keeping the recovering patient in a warm, quiet, dimly lit area, with as little fuss as possible. Some pets can have quite dramatic responses during their recovery from an anaesthetic.

As many of the drugs we use have a similar affect as alcohol has on human behaviour, on occasion, we may see staggering about the kennels, seeing imaginary objects or vocalising (“singing”) from some patients, sometimes called “the happy drunk recovery”!

After patients have recovered, I offer the patients a small meal as they will have been starved overnight so they are probably very hungry by now

I then clean, package and resterilise surgical instruments, we use an autoclave in practice to sterilise our instruments using steam sterilisation. I then ensure all surfaces etc. are clean and ready for use, re-stock supplies, syringes, needles etc.

In-patients are monitored constantly throughout the day as most of my work is undertaken in the room directly next to the cattery, and if the door is closed there is a large window so I can keep a close eye on all the in-patients.

Post operative instructions are then completed ready for discharge. I ensure that all clinical notes are up to date and the account is ready for the discharge appointment. We ask owners to normally call around 2pm for an update and find out what time their cat is ready to go home.

I then arrange a discharge appointment for owners to collect their cats and I can explain post operative care and answer any questions they may have. In all cases we like to keep all patients in for as long as possible post anaesthetic to make sure there are no problems with the surgery and to monitor for signs of pain or discomfort. This care has to continue for the first night at home so we always advise to make provisions for a familiar warm and quiet place to let your pet sleep off the effects of their anaesthetic. In most cases after the first 12hrs they are back to normal, but in some cases it can take a bit longer.

Then, there’s more tidying and cleaning ensuring that everything has been cleaned thoroughly and all equipment has been put away correctly and is ready for use next time.

There’s a lot of time spent tidying up! More importantly, though, there’s a lot of time spent with the animals-they can be a bit groggy after the anaesthetic and need reassurance. When the owners come to collect them, we like to spend some time with them, to talk about their pet’s operation and after care and make sure they are OK too!” That is one of the main attractions of a small veterinary practice; we know our patients and clients by name. We are aware of pets’ backgrounds and health-often caring for them from birth to death

There is a great misconception about qualified veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses. On average it is thought we cuddle animals all day and clean up after them. I have put up some of the goings on to clear up the misconception but decided to put up a bit more information on exams.

Inpatients need temperatures, pulses, respirations checked, kennel’s cleaned, body functions monitored, medications given.

Veterinary nurses are the anaesthetists for the vet and at times scrub in as assistants usually to hold pull or do whatever is required by the vet. We carry out lab work, and basic vein puncture for various tests or to place intravenous catheters.

If we are on nurse clinics that means discharges, post op checks, pre op admits, geriatric clinics, dental checks, general cat care, diet clinics, anal gland express, nail clips etc.

In smaller veterinary practices we are also cleaners and receptionists, so you will often see me ‘manning the fort’ on the reception desk at SimplyCats.

 
Being a qualified Veterinary Nurse is not a role to be taken lightly.

Here is a basic outline of some of the modules I studied to become a veterinary nurse.

Year one

- Relationships and accountability in veterinary nursing practice

- Health and Safety in veterinary nursing practice

- Anatomy and physiology

- Maintaining animal health

- Essential veterinary nursing skills

- Nursing support in the provision of veterinary services

- and last but by no means least 2 written exams papers

Year two

- Application of veterinary nursing care

- Practice and principles of diagnostics

- Laboratory practice

- Diagnostic imaging

- Pharmacology and pharmacy support

- Surgical theatre practice

- Anaesthesia

- and last but by no means least more written exam papers and practical exams.

I also had to complete portfolio of case studies in each year of my studies. On all areas of veterinary care including; surgical, medical, behavioural, exotics, health and safety, pharmacology, client care etc.

A registered veterinary nurse (RVN) is required to complete mininmum of 45hrs CPD (continuing professional development) over 3 years.

Badge presented to all qualifed veterinary nurses. (I don’t wear mine due to having no lapels on my uniform)

Claire York RVN

“VN Week has become an important date in the calendar, helping to push nurses into the heart of their community, to promote pet ownership issues and, of course, the role of the nurse themselves,” says Dot Creighton, RCVS VN Council member.

“Listed and Registered Veterinary Nurses may specialise, for example, in intensive care, and can legally undertake minor surgery and give medical treatment under the direction of a veterinary surgeon. During VN Week, the profession has the opportunity to join together and widely promote this vital role in practice.”

Listed nurses are fully qualified, and may have advanced professional qualifications. In addition, those listed nurses who are also registered commit to keeping their skills and knowledge up to date, and to work within the tenets of the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.

What is Veterinary Nursing?

Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals.

Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in the education of owners about maintaining the health and welfare of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction.

Claire

A not so cat related post today, I’ve always loved Formula One and got tickets from my boyfriend at Christmas to go to Silverstone to see the 2010 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix. The day was fantastic and the weather was glorious. Ieven got to see my favourite driver Sebastian Vettel who drives for Red Bull, unfortunately he came off the track right in front of us, he still managed to have a fantastic race, finishing 7th overall.

We had a fantastic time and are already talking about going back again next year.

Sebastian Vettel

Claire

Caroline’s eight year old son, Calum has plenty of soft toys to choose a favourite from. Like all children, he has to choose the same toy that Katie likes to snuggle up to. Here she is pictured taking advantage of the fact that Calum is at school and she has Spongebob all to herself – she looks very smug!

Caroline

You may have seen a ‘bionic’ cat in the news this week.

The cat had its back feet badly damaged by a combine harvester and has now been given two prosthetic limbs in a pioneering operation.

To view the news report, click here

Claire

Those of you who have signed up to receive our monthly e-mail ‘Mewsletter’ will already know that Caroline, one of our receptionist’s cats, Dubby is on a strict diet.

Having topped the scales at just over 9 kilos some months ago it was time to take drastic action!

Dubby joined Nurse York’s slimming regime and now Caroline feeds Dubby measured diet food sachets so there can be no ‘extras’ and she is happy to say that he is losing weight, slowly, but steadily. He is pictured sporting his sunglasses but is not ready to wear the bikini yet!

You can follow Dubby’s progress by signing up to the Mewsletter . If you feel your cat may be overweight, you can bring him along to a free nurse weight clinic here at SimplyCats – call 0191 3859696 to make an appointment.

Caroline

After a fantastic holiday in Florida I am officially back to work and back to reality.

I loved spending time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Seaworld and Busch Gardens mainly because of the animals but also because of the big rollercoasters (I’m a huge adrenaline junkie). The animals in the parks are kept in fantastic condition and I enjoyed chatting to the keepers at these parks and discussing all things animal related, mainly cat related (I just can’t seem to turn off work mode sometimes).

Here are just a few of my holiday snaps I thought I would share with you.

If any of you are considering a trip to Florida, I strongly urge you to go. It is a fantastic, magical place and I loved every minute of our holiday. Infact we enjoyed it so much we’re already planning a holiday back there next year.

Claire in a Stitch hat (who says we have to be mature all of the time?)

Claire & Neil in Universal Studios, Hogwarts in the background

Claire & Neil at Seaworld

Claire & Neil waiting to ride the world's largest SlingShot

Claire at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Lion at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Claire at Pixar Studios, home of Toy Story

Claire and David Hasslehoff's handprints at Planet Hollywood

Claire with a lego boy and lego dogs at Downtown Disney

Claire at Honeyduke's shop in Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Claire's nickname is Duke)

Invisible cat at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Claire & Neil at Universal Studios

Claire

June is microchipping month at SimplyCats and as a result we are offering microchips at a reduced cost. This procedure usually costs £20 but throughout the month of June we are offering microchipping at £15.

For further information about microchipping please click here or contact the surgery.

You can sleep as soundly as Naz knowing your cat is microchipped should he/she go missing

Claire

We are offering our clients the chance to see their cat appear on SimplyCats vaccine reminders and the Mewsletter. If you would like your cat to feature in these materials, please contact us and include a photo of your beloved cat.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please click here to contact us. Any feedback welcome on how we can improve our site.

If there is any subject you would like to read about on the blog or in the Mewsletter, please let us know, as we are always grateful of any suggestion.

Claire