Module 13 Wk 2 Flashcards
(Informed Consent)
Define the meaning of ‘informed’ consent
Permission granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with knowledge of the possible risks and benefits.
Describe the essential requirements for validity of consent to treatment
- Agreement - allows treatment to proceed
- Contract – sets out terms of the financial contract between the client and the veterinary practice
- Protection – protects veterinary professionals and practices against claims of ‘trespass’ as it allows interference with someone else’s property.
Provide examples of the ideal consent process
- Ideally, in advance of the planned treatment and not on the day of treatment
- The owner can give consent to anyone who has been given authority by the owner, informal or formal, and anyone with legal authority, like the police.
- The vet performing the procedure should be the one seeking consent.
Explain the place of the consent form in the consent process
It acts as a written financial contract.
(Equine Behaviour)
Recognising equine body language
Understanding stereotypical behaviours, and how to manage them
What body languages would be seen in a relaxed horse?
- Ears forward/ relaxed
- Head low/ shoulder level
- Sclera not showing
- No flaring of nostrils
- Tail relaxed
What body languages would be seen in a excited horse?
- Ears pinned
- Brow furrowed (forms triangle above eyes)
- Tail slightly raised
- Some sclera showing
- Muzzle tense
- Nostril flared
What body languages would be seen in a nervous horse?
- Ears perked towards the source of concern
- High head carriage
- Tension around eyes/ sclera visible
- Flared nostrils
- High tail carriage
What body language would be seen in a stressed/ defensive horse?
- Ears pinned back
- Brow furrowed
- Tense neck
- Tail high or swishing
- Nostrils flared
- Tense muzzle
Understanding stereotypical behaviours, and how to manage them
What may help horses repeating actions or sounds occuring from boredom and/or stress?
Keeping horse stimulate and avoid stressful situations.
Describe the Basic needs of the horse
- Friends: mutual grooming reduces HR and relaxes, 4-6 horses are best
- Forage: 16hrs a day eating, psychological need to chew, large volume but low calorie
- Freedom: post inhibitory rebound after restriction, horses that live out most of the time have reduced risk of injury
Equine behaviours, and associated diseases
- Yawning: not tired, stress or mild pain response (mild abdominal pain/ colic= yawn frequently)
- Crib biting: when a horse bites something like a stable door or a fence post, can damage teeth
- Wind sucking: when a horse crib bites and gulps the air
- Crib biting can damage teeth if done repetitively, as can windsucking, with the added risk of colic, gastric ulcers, simple colonic obstruction and distention and epiploic foramen entrapment
- Box walking: repetitive walking often in circles in the stable or small paddock, can persevere for ages, may cause or exacerbate lameness
- Weaving: rocking motion from side to side, leaning weight over each foot, and often bobbing their head over the stable door, cause or exacerbate lameness
How to re-train learned negative behaviours to keep you and the owner safe
- Positive reinforcement- Clicker training with treat rewards when the horse is performing the correct action.
- Negative reinforcement- Removal of pressure or another unwanted stimulus to reward the correct action
- Positive punishment- Use of something like a whip, or shouting at the horse when they do the incorrect action
- Negative punishment- Removal of something the horse enjoys when the horse has acted ‘badly’
