List the 6 basic requirements for Hospitalised animals.
o Comfort & warmth
o Protection from disease ( hygiene)
o Nutrition ( food & water)
o Safe environment ( free from distress, fear & pain)
o Ability to express normal behaviour and mental stimulation
o Exercise (if appropriate) and opportunity to urinate and defaecate away from sleeping area.
For each of the following species describe how the above requirements can be met and how they might be identified whilst admitted. Horse Rabbit Cat / Dog Answers will vary but can be checked using Chapter 16 info. Suggest 4 ways that would help encourage an anorexic patient to eat.
Choose from:
o Reduce stressors; Ensure animal is not in pain; offer patient normal diet & favourites;do not place food near litter trays; allow dogs to eat outside kennels; privacy; spend time and encourage; offer selection of food; warm etc
Name 2 drugs that are commonly used to help enhance appetite in the short term.
o Diazepam; mirtazapine
5. List the 5 main reasons for the bathing and grooming of pets.
o Cleanliness - removal of dirt, discharge and dead hair.
o Health - stimulates the surface circulation and sebaceous glands, stops matting and fur balls.
o Appearance - an owner will judge the standard of care at the practice by the appearance of their animal upon discharge.
o Inspection - a logical, daily examination of the hospitalised animal means that any problems can be detected early.
o Relationship - accustoms the animal to handling, and provides company thus preventing boredom in a hospitalised patient.
6. Why is grooming particularly beneficial for hospitalised pets?
Hospitalised animals require vigilant care and attention to ensure that any problems are detected and treated at the earliest opportunity. A daily grooming routine is an excellent opportunity to thoroughly examine the patient and deal with areas requiring attention e.g. Decubitus ulcers (bed sores) and in-growing claws which might affect a recumbent patient. Grooming is often enjoyed by the animal and provides company and mental stimulation as well as promoting health and physical well being.
7. List 8 medical conditions that might be diagnosed by an examination of the skin and coat.
o Flea infestation and related conditions such as allergic dermatitis.
o Signs of other external parasitic infestation such as mange mites. Although the mites themselves are not visible with the naked eye; it is possible to observe tell-tale signs such as scratching, licking, inflammation and irritation.
o Yeast infection such as Malassezia. This is characterised by the presence of a white scurf and unusual odour.
o Endocrine and hormone problems; these may be manifested by areas of hair loss, poor coat quality and poor hair re-growth.
o Decubitus ulcers (bed sores), which may affect areas of skin at the bony prominences of recumbent patients.
o Abrasions, lacerations, scratches, bites and abscesses.
o Skin disease such as seborrhoea and pyoderma.
o Self inflicted trauma; pay particular attention to any existing wounds or surgical sites. In addition, a bored animal may lick excessively - particularly its feet.
