Resources for preclinical EMS

Dogs in the UK are getting the first taste of a novel foodstuff that is likely to appear with increasing frequency on their owners’ dinner plates over the next few years. Insect protein may have to become a regular part of our diet if we are to feed an ever-growing global population without destroying the planet. John Bonner reports…

In this webinar designed to help veterinary students with their preclinical EMS, Linda Ryan discusses animal behaviour and the reasons behind it, together with how dogs and cats communicate and how veterinarians can respond to this.

Many conditions seen in reptiles are directly related to deficiencies in basic husbandry. The aim of this chapter is to provide a practical guide for advising on the captive maintenance of reptiles in general, with specific information on commonly held species, concentrating on the physiological and ethological concepts behind the recommendations.

   This month Valentina Campoli and Enzo Vettorato of Dick White Referrals help us assess if our feline patients are uncomfortable.

Handling birds carries a small risk of mortality, particularly with small or diseased birds or if handling is prolonged; preparation and knowledge of handling techniques are essential to mitigating this risk. Parrots, raptors and passerines have different anatomical conformations and therefore present different challenges when it comes to handling and transport; this chapter considers each group of birds separately.

Malnutrition is responsible for up to 90% of pet bird disease, and is the most common cause of death in pet parrots. To correct the problems that lead to avian nutritional disease the veterinarian needs an understanding of the issues that promote malnutrition. This chapter takes a holistic approach to the principles of nutrition.

Behavioural problems may be a reason for presentation by the owner or may be noted during a consultation for another reason. In either event it is important to investigate them. As well as affecting the dog itself, behavioural problems can threaten the human-animal bond, and society itself: a behaviour problem in an otherwise healthy animal may result in rehoming or euthanasia of the dog, social stress for owners, and even injury to third parties. This chapter looks at canine body language, puppy development and behaviour, a clinical approach to behaviour problems and clinical approach to some common presentations.

Canine consultations can be divided into two main groups: ‘Routine’ health checks of generally healthy dogs, and consultations for dogs with injuries, illness or undergoing an important procedure such as surgery. This chapter discusses pregnancy and pre-whelping health checks, post-parturition and neonatal health checks, pre-sale examination, puppy health checks, juvenile/adolescent health checks, routine health checks for adult dogs, routine health checks for senior dogs, end-of-life examinations, general clinical examination, vaccination and common parasites. Quick Reference Guide: Head-to-tail general examination.