in Practice最新文献

Background: Surgical neutering has been commonplace in practice for many years. It is performed in healthy animals as a preventive procedure (eg, to limit reproduction) and as an intervention for certain conditions (eg, testicular tumours). This once accepted routine procedure is currently under the spotlight and is the subject of much debate. It has been suggested that routine neutering may be ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’, but like many complex interventions it is not this black and white. It is important not to forget all the benefits of neutering when the harms are discussed as any intervention, whether it be a medicine, device or surgery, has both potential harms and benefits. Anything that has an effect has the potential to also have an adverse effect – this includes neutering. The population of dogs we see in practice is very diverse – they are complex and variable, as are the people who own them, meaning decisions about neutering are not clear cut. We must take a holistic approach to each individual animal, assess the evidence base and consider other factors that could influence our decision making.

Aim of the article: To show how evidence from published literature can inform decision making around neutering but must be combined with client priorities and clinical expertise to achieve the best outcome for an individual animal's physical, emotional and cognitive health.

Background: Umbilical infections in calves demonstrate varied presentations, ranging from subclinical to localised swellings to more severe, disseminated infections, with or without associated umbilical hernias. Hygiene is a key modifiable risk factor – good management practices are central to prevention. A logical, structured approach to diagnosis, incorporating appropriate diagnostics and a clear understanding of when medical treatment or surgical intervention is indicated, is essential for prompt resolution and optimisation of calf welfare.

Aim of the article: This article describes how to diagnose and treat cases of umbilical infections in youngstock and provides evidence-based recommendations for their prevention.

Background: Surgical neutering has been commonplace in practice for many years. It is performed in healthy animals as a preventive procedure (eg, to limit reproduction) and as an intervention for certain conditions (eg, testicular tumours). This once accepted routine procedure is currently under the spotlight and is the subject of much debate. It has been suggested that routine neutering may be ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’, but like many complex interventions it is not this black and white. It is important not to forget all the benefits of neutering when the harms are discussed as any intervention, whether it be a medicine, device or surgery, has both potential harms and benefits. Anything that has an effect has the potential to also have an adverse effect – this includes neutering. The population of dogs we see in practice is very diverse – they are complex and variable, as are the people who own them, meaning decisions about neutering are not clear cut. We must take a holistic approach to each individual animal, assess the evidence base and consider other factors that could influence our decision making.

Aim of the article: To show how evidence from published literature can inform decision making around neutering but must be combined with client priorities and clinical expertise to achieve the best outcome for an individual animal's physical, emotional and cognitive health.

It is likely, in the near future, that many practices and practice-based veterinarians will be directly involved in the workplace-based core clinical training of veterinary students. An understanding of what is involved is important so that informed decisions regarding participation can be made. This article, the second in a two-part series, describes the training of practice-based preceptors, using the University of Surrey's clinical practice network as a case study throughout. These preceptors oversee the supervision, facilitation and assessment of final year veterinary students during their intramural rotations. It also describes the student journey and assessment strategies that ensure evidence is collated of students' Day 1 competences.

It is likely, in the near future, that many practices and practice-based veterinarians will be directly involved in the workplace-based core clinical training of veterinary students. An understanding of what is involved is important so that informed decisions regarding participation can be made. This article, the second in a two-part series, describes the training of practice-based preceptors, using the University of Surrey's clinical practice network as a case study throughout. These preceptors oversee the supervision, facilitation and assessment of final year veterinary students during their intramural rotations. It also describes the student journey and assessment strategies that ensure evidence is collated of students' Day 1 competences.

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based communication style that has been used for a number of decades in human health to support people to make changes for their health and wellbeing. It has often been applied in the most difficult areas, such as the addictions field, forensics and law enforcement, as well as a range of other health areas. It focuses on specific issues to be addressed and is conversational in approach, bringing together the expertise of the professional and the person's knowledge of their own situation and what might be possible for them. This article gives a brief introduction to how motivational interviewing can be used as an approach when working with people who may need to make changes for the benefit and welfare of animals.