VNSA4 Flashcards
What is welfare ?
The physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies
how can you measure welfare by physiological factors?
- heart rate and rhythm
- pulse rate and rhythm
- respiratory rate and rhythm
- blood pressure rate
What is stress?
- A survival adaption
- Increases the amount of oxygen and glucose to the vital organs and muscles
- Fight and flight response
What signs may you see if an animal is suffering from stress?
Internal factors:
-tachycardia
-tachypnoea
-hyperthermia
Hypertension
Physiological factors:
-ears back
-teeth showing
-body posture tense and weight forward or back
-growling/hissing
-dilated pupils and showing the white
What is preference testing? And what problems may it cause ?
- a number of options are offered to an animal and they select their preferred option.
Problems:
-you may get different preferences with different measures
-effects of experience, may prefer what is familiar
-handler bias
What problems come with behavioural observation?
- straightforward for overt behaviours like aggression
-more difficult to validate for more subtle measures
Animal Welfare Act 2006
What are the 5 freedoms ?
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain injury or disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress.
DEFRA
Department for environment, food and rural affairs
What is involved within this legislation?
-transporting animals
-microchipping
-report notifiable diseases
-farm welfare
-produce welfare codes of practice
APHA
Animal and plant health agency
What is involved within this legislation?
Safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
Identifying and controlling endemic and exotic diseases and pests in animals, plants and bees.
Surveillance of new and emerging pests and diseases.
What is involved within the pet travel scheme?
Allowing owners to take their dogs, cats and ferrets to counties within the EU.
Stages needed to follow the scheme:
-has been microchipped
-has a pet passport or pet health certificate
-has been vaccinated against rabies
-specific counties require a tapeworm tablet
The Animal health certificate must be done within 10 days of travel
Rabies vac must be done within 21 days of travel.
How does PETS maintain animal welfare
-prevents spread of diseases
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
Regulates members of the veterinary profession.
Contributes to animal welfare by ensuring only a qualified member of staff can practice.
How does the RSPCA protect welfare
Royal Society for the protection of cruelty to animals
- pushes for changes in the law to improve the welfare of animals
-through investigations and prosecutions they rescue animals who suffered deliberate harm.
-rescue, rehabilitate, rehome or release
How does the RSPB protect animal welfare?
-Protect habitats, save species and help to end the nature and climate emergency.
-carry out conservation work
-5 main work areas are:
1. Science
2.species
3.places
4.people
5.policy
Introducing new animal stock.
- Method
- Quarantine
3.minimising stress
4.individual
5.Group dynamics
6.timing
Name equipment used for handling
-basket
-collar
-lead
-crush cage
-bag
-nets
-dog catcher
-snake hook
-grasper
-gauntlets
-muzzles
-harness
-noose
-tape muzzle
-towels
-goads
-gloves
-goggles
-apron
-hood, wild birds
-holding pen
When looking at an animal how can you read body language ?
Body - tense, relaxed, arched back
Tail - wagging, upright, between legs, straight out
Ears - relaxed, pricked, flat
Eyes - pupils dilated, avoiding eye contact, squinting, wide eyed
Vocalisation - barking, growling, purring, hissing
Body language of a dog
Friendly; relaxed body posture, wagging tail, weight distributed.
Pain; tense, tail down, whimpering, grumpy, lameness
Anxious; standing, head and body posture kept low, tail tucked, ears back
Aggressive; stiffened body posture, weight forward, ears up, teeth exposed
Depressed; hunched, no interest in surroundings
Body language of a cat
Friendly; relaxed body, ears in natural position, tail held out loosely, body stretched
Pain; let her gain, hiding, pupils dilated
Anxious; hidden away, tense, tail tucked, ears sideways, pupils dilated
Aggressive; arched posture, hair raised, tense, paw ready to swipe, hissing, pupils dilated, mouth open
Depressed; hunched and no interest in surroundings
Body language of a rabbit
Friendly; lying down, extended out, relaxed body, jumping around
Pain; teeth grinding, doesn’t want to be touched, not eating
Anxious; hiding, crouched, tense, ears wide apart, eyes
Aggressive; tense, raised tail, mouth open, visible teeth, pupils dilated
Depressed; hunched and no interest in surroundings
Body language of a rodent
Friendly; relaxed body
Pain; may hide away, may be aggressive
Anxious; hide away, may vocalise
Aggressive; vocalising, forward behaviour, defensive behaviour
Depressed; hunched and no interest in surroundings
Body language in birds
Friendly; relaxed, wings not tense, engaged with environment
Pain; hides it well, protect themselves
Anxious; may be quiet or may vocalise, overstimulated by surroundings
Aggressive; dependant on species - vocalising, change in plumage, head bobbing
Depressed; hunched and no interest in surroundings
Body language in exotics
Friendly; relaxed
Pain; not obvious
Anxious; not obvious (similar to aggression)
Aggression; colour changes, head bobbing or shaking, tail whip, flat body, S bend in snakes, hissing in chelonians
Depressed; hunched and no interest in surroundings
Signs of stress in a dog
-yawning
-aggression
-shaking/trembling
-panting
-sweaty paws
-dilated pupils
-excessive barking
-drooling
-hiding
-licking/scratching
Signs of stress in a cat
-aggression
-hiding
-dilated pupils
-sweaty paws
-open mouth breathing.
-anorexia
-over eating
-over grooming
-under grooming
-house soiling
-urine marking
-vocalisation
-appearing withdrawn
-running away
Restraining dogs
-collar or harness and lead
-halti
-slip lead
-muzzle
-Mikki or tape
-wrapped towel
-rolled towel (brachycephalics)
-dog catcher
Restraining cats
-muzzle
-towel
-gauntlets
-cat grasper
-cat bag
-don’t scruff unless necessary
Restraining rabbits
Most are docile
A struggling rabbit may lash out with its hind legs and fracture or dislocate its spine
Severe stress can induce cardiac arrest
Transport by holding them close to your chest
Do not trance
Restraining rodents
- scruffing may be appropriate
-cup in hand
-may use towels if larger
(Rats - encircle the pectoral girdle behind the forelimbs, support their weight with the other hand)
(Mice - grasp the tail near to the base and place on a non slip surface. With the other hand the mouse can be grasped at the scruff between the thumb and the forefingers allowing the mouse to be turned. Never grab the tip of the tail)
Restraining guinea pigs
Minimal noises and dim lighting to catch them
Grasp behind the front limbs from the dorsal aspect, support their weight with the other hand.
Restraining chinchillas and degus
Easily stressed
restrict noise and dim the lights to catch them
Grasp behind the front limbs form the dorsal aspect, support their weight with the other hand.
Do not scruff chinchillas (results in fur loss)
Restraining ferrets
Grasp from the dorsal aspect, just behind the front legs, using the thumb and forefinger.
For livelier individuals, place the thumb under the chin, pushing the jaw upwards and the rest of the fingers grasping the other side of the neck, support the rear limbs with the other hand.
For aggressive ferrets a firm hold of the scruff may be necessary
Restraining birds
Use a quiet darkened room
Remove all toys and perches
Pick up gently and hold wings into the body
Don’t restrict respiration
Use towels to match the size of the bird
Birds of prey can use a hood.
Restraining Reptiles
Snakes - pick up gently from the widest part and support them. Use the hook if needed. If over 2.5m two people must hold.
Lizards - picked up around the pectoral girdle.
Terrapins - carry salmonella so basic hygiene required. Bite hard.
Tortoises - friendly, don’t trap finger between leg and shell
Define aggression
Aggression is defined as threats or harmful actions directed toward another individual and can include threat displays.
Lunging, growling, snarling and biting.
In animals aggression is a form of communication.
Ladder of aggression for dogs
- Yawning, blinking, nose licking
- Turning head away
- Turning body away, sitting, pawing
- Walking away
- Creeping ears back
- standing crouched, tail tucked under
- Lying down, leg up
- Stiffening up, staring
- Growling
- Snapping
- biting
When moving a patient in practice or giving a client advice on travel it is important to consider:
-size of the animal
-nature of injury
-number of staff available
-behaviour of the patient
-the environment
-methods of restraint
Travelling by air
Most airlines dont allow animals to travel with their owners in the cabin, instead they travel in a heated and pressurised area of the hold.
The International Air Transport Association Standards require their container to be large enough to stand up in and turn around with ease and have strict regulations.
Clients should be advised to contact DEFRA for info regarding entry requirements to their destination.
Travelling can be an issue for reptiles due to their inability to regulate body temp. Expert Reptile shipping experts should be used.
Feeding inpatients
Consider:
-species
-breed
-life stage
-health status
Fresh water should be freely available.
Health, hygiene and safety considerations
-PPE and hand washing
-access to patients (limited to authorised personnel)
-security
-emergency procedures
-evacuation procedures
-strict hygiene essential
-using appropriate cleaning agents
-pests not able access area
-waste disposal in accordance to local authorities
-waste carrier licensed with environmental agency
Heating in the practice
-proving warmth and comfort
-removing damp and condensation
-reduces the risk of respiratory infection
Types - central heating, electric fan heater, air on, underfloor heating, portable radiators
Lighting in the practice/within kennels
Should be as natural as poss
Mimic their natural environment as closely as poss
Ventilation in the practice
Reduces damp, noxious gases and droughts
Reduces incidence of respiratory disease
Minimum changes of air per hour is 4-8
Structure of the kennels
-solid
-cleaned and disinfected
-secure and escape proof
-appropriate to species and condition
Size of kennels
Adequate size to allow animals to:
-feed
-sleep sit and stand
-lie with limbs extended
-stretch and move around
-use a litter tray
The RCVS states that inpatient facilities should be :
-suitable size
-securable
-sturdy
-escape proof
-without potential injurious faults
-easily cleanable
What are the benefits of grooming ?
-helps them if they cant do it themselves
-bonding and can help get the animal used to being touched
-checks animals over (may find lumps, painful areas or parasites)
Types of coats
Double coat - long topcoat and thick undercoat (eg, GSD)
Smooth coat - short, thin coat (eg, Dalmatian/boxer)
Wire coat - harsh topcoat and thick undercoat (eg, border terrier)
Wool coat (eg, poodle)
Silky coat - fine textured topcoat (eg, afghan hound)
Types of brushes
Bristle brush - remove loose hair and dander, stimulate the skin (use on short coated and silky coats)
Pin brush - separates the top and undercoat, removes matts and tangles ( use on double coated breeds and long haired cats)
Comb - loosening matted hair, parasites (long haired animals)
Zoom groom - massage skin, stimulating capillaries (use on dogs and cats)
Slicker brush - go through coat and avoids skin (use on any animal)
Rake/furminator - remove undercoat and loose hair without damaging top coat (breeds and species that shed)
Vaccinations
An attenuated version of the antigen is administered, inducing an immune response, meaning that it is then recognised if exposed again and mounts a rapid immune response.
What is a passive vaccination?
Containing antibodies to a specific toxin
-antitoxins
-antiserum
-maternally derived antibodies
What is an active vaccination?
Stimulates the immune system to specific pathogens, inducing an immunological ‘memory’
-live vaccine
-inactive due or killed
-adjuvants
-live vaccines are usually more affective
Canine vaccination
Protection against - distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and para influenza.
1st vacc - recommend to start at 8wks
Puppies can be given from 6wks if required
2nd vacc - same vac given 3-4 wks after and be at least 9wks of age.
Kennel cough is recommended to be given too.
Booster vaccination every year.
(Full vac - VersicanDHppi/L4 repeated every 3 years)
(For years in between a part vaccination VersicanPi/L4 to be given)
Feline vaccination
Protect against - feline enteritis, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. A separate vaccination is given for feline leukaemia is given at the same time.
Feline leukaemia is given on a 3 yearly basis in most cases - some owners wish not to have it.
1st vacc - given from 9wks of age (versifel CVR and FeLV used)
2nd vacc - Versifel CVR and FeLV used again 3-4 weeks after the first.
Onset of immunity is 3 weeks from the 2nd vac.
Yearly booster - use Versifel CVR and FeLV is given every 3 years provided they’ve had their primary jab.
Rabbit vaccine
Protected against - myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease
From 5 weeks old
2 course vacc
Booster yearly
Parasite control
Must be:
-regular
-species appropriate
-life stage appropriate
-health status appropriate
-include endoparasite and ectoparasite treatment
-route of administration
Rabbit dental hygiene
Their teeth continually grow.
Their natural high fibre diet will grind these down, and the correct calcium:phosphorous ratio of the diet will ensure that they are of appropriate strength.
When not fed on this diet issues can occur and they overgrow, developing spikes that push into the tongue or cheeks causing pain.
Normal appearance of eyes
-Bilaterally symmetrical (size and position)
-Discharge free
-pupils constrict in presence of bright light
-third eyelid is usually not visible
Checking ears
-examine for scratches, wounds and swellings
-examine vertical canal for inflammation, wax, purulent discharge, foreign bodies and parasites
-view tympanic membrane to check intact
Checks for oral cavity
-Check: tongue, teeth and palate
-can the jaw be opened without pain?
-look for misalignment
Where can you assess mucous membranes ?
Mouth, eyes, genitalia, anal region
Normal is salmon pink
Capillary refill time (CRT)
CRT in 2 secs
Prolonged CRT - poor perfusion, dehydration or shock
Fast CRT - sepsis or fever
Appearance of external nares
Normal - moist, no discharge, patent air flow through both nostrils
Cats and rabbits are obligate nasal breathers, mouth breathing indicates severe respiratory compromise
External genitalia appearance and discharge colours
Check for any swelling or abnormalities
Blood-stained discharge - normal reproductive cycle
Purulent discharge - pyometra
Green discharge in bitch - postpartum infection
Brown discharge - imminent parturition
Normal and abnormal indicators - Muscle wastage
Think: Is it symmetrical ?
Usually normal but could be abnormal
Anything asymmetrical is abnormal.
Overall appearance of condition
Coat quality (alopecia could be a sign of endocrine disease)
Examine skin for dryness, scaliness, greasiness and evidence of parasites
Evaluation of skin elasticity can indicate hydration status
What can abnormal head posture mean?
-vestibular syndrome
-middle ear disease
-encephalitozoon cuniculi - protozoan (condition in rabbits)
Normal and abnormal indicators - Mobility in animals
Can they move freely
Any signs of pain
Range of movement (flexion, extension and rotation)
Look at their gait
Proprioception tests to evaluate neurological function
Joints
Gently palpate for signs of discomfort, swelling and crepitus
Muscles
Claws and pads (frayed/torn nails may indicate RTA)
Lymph node position
Palpate for evidence of enlargement
Lymphadenopathies - diseases of the lymph nodes
Enlarged nodes may indicate infection or neoplasia which could be systemic or localised
Normal and abnormal indicators - Thorax
Respiratory rate and effort (is it normal or how does it compare)
Vertebrate and rib cage (body condition score)
Auscultation (heartbeat normal/abnormal/rhythm)
Lungs normal (abnormal crackles or rales indicating pathology such as pneumonia or bronchitis)
Normal and abnormal indicators - Abdomen
Visual for distension
Possibilities - ascitic fluid, haemorrhage, gas in stomach, pregnant uterus, pyometra or bladder)
Palpitation - gentle, internal structures can be located, abnormalities detected, can be difficult in obese or tense patients .
Normal and abnormal indicators - tail
Is there voluntary movement ?
Autotomy (shedding of the tail in some lizards)
If the tail is damaged, check for urinary function
Normal parameters in dogs?
Temp = 38.3 - 39.2 degrees Celsius
Heart rate = 70 -140 bpm
Respiratory rate = 10 - 30
Normal parameters in cats
Temp = 38.2 - 38.6 degrees Celsius
Heart rate = 100 - 200 bpm
Respiratory rate = 30 - 60
Normal parameters in rabbits
Temp = 38.5 - 40 degrees Celsius
Heart rate = 130 - 325 bpm
Respiratory rate = 30 - 60
What is the formula for finding out normal water intake?
50-60mls/kg/day
Eg —> a 5kg cat has 50mls a day per kg
50 X 5 = 250mls over 24hrs
250mls divided 24 = 10.41 mls per hour (for fluids)
What is vomiting ?
- forceful evacuation of stomach contents via mouth
-nausea, hypersalivation, retching, abdominal contraction
What is regurgitation ?
- passive movement of food or liquid into the mouth, without warning or signs
What species cannot vomit?
Hamsters, Rabbits and Guinea pigs
Hamsters can expel contents of check pouches
What is normal urine production ?
1-2ml / kg/ hr
Normal and abnormal indicators - urine
Checked for:
-smell
-colour
-turbidity
-volume
(Rabbit urine - plant pigments cause colour to vary from deep yellow to red)
(Guinea pig and chinchilla urine is yellow and cloudy)
Normal and abnormal indicators - Defecation
‘Normal’ amount and characteristic vary massively according to species
Check:
-colour
-smell
-shape
-consistency
Rabbits produce cecotropes (Cecil pellets) which are eaten.
Pain recognition dogs
0 - comfortable, happy,content, non-tender
1 - content to slightly unsettled, distracted easily. Reacts to palpitation, looking around, whimpering.
2 - looks uncomfortable when resting, whimpering, not eager, flinches, cries, guards.
3 - unsettled, crying, groaning, biting, may be be subtle may be dramatic
4 - constantly groaning or screaming, crying, biting, potentially unresponsive
Pain recognition in cats
0 - content, quiet, comfortable, not bothered
1 - subtle signs, withdrawal, slightly unsettled
2 - seeks solitude, quiet, responds aggressively
3 - constant yowling, growling, reacting aggressively, avoids contact
4 - Prostrate, potentially unresponsive, may not respond to palpitation, may be rigid to avoid movement
Pain recognition in rabbits
- anorexia
-reduced thirst - changes in gait
-hunched
-frozen appearance
-teeth grinding
-aggression
-licking or rubbing site of pain
-reduced interaction with environment
How can you identify an animal?
- photographs
-ownership
-markings/breed
-microchip
-injuries and markings from fights
-collar and tag
-tattoos
Animal characteristics that may help with identification?
- bark
-ears
-muzzle size
-size of the dog
-coat
-markings
-colour
-behaviour and temperament
When is ear tip removal used ?
To indicate the neutered status in stray cats and dogs
What is the Control of Dogs Order 1992
- any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name, address and postcode of the owner engraved on it or engraved onto a tag.
A fine of up to £5000 for failing to comply.
What is a microchip?
A transducer containing a unique number which is accessed by a handheld reader, placed subcutaneously (S/C).
It can migrate after placement.
It is a small size no larger than a grain of rice.
What year did the law for microchipping change?
April 2016
Up to a £500 fine if the dog is not chipped.
Must be done by 8 weeks.
If they are too small an exemption certificate is required.
When did the law for microchipping cats change?
13th march 2023
All cats must be chipped by June 10th 2024
Must be done before the age of 20 weeks
Advantages of microchipping
- easy identification
- definite
-permanent
-tamper proof
-low cost
-little pain
-can be read from a distance
Disadvantages of microchipping
-invasive
-invisible
-can move/migrate
-may require sedation
-occasional abscess formation
-detection requires a reader
-not all readers read all chips
Tattooing animals
Ink marking numbers/letters
Common positions - inside pinna or inside flank
Can be seen in imported animals, animals used for racing or laboratory animals
Advantages of tattooing animals
- clear
- permanent
-little specialist equipment needed
-cheap
-very difficult to tamper with or erase
Disadvantages of tattooing animals
-painful
-messy
-not visible from a distance
-liable to be irregular
-many difficult to read accurately
Bands and rings - animal identification
-metal or plastic
-can be colour coded
-can have a number (eg racing pigeons, wild birds or valuable birds of prey)
The animal should be fully grown, the band needs checking that it is not too tight causing injury or swelling. Bands can also get caught leading to injury.
Animal identification- ear tags
A legal requirement for farm animals
Enables bio security
Animal identification - DNA
-DNA analysis can be used to identify individual animals
-expensive and rarely done for pets (dogs and cats)
-can be used to confirm parentage
-DNA analysis also used to determine sex of birds
EU travel - PETS
You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland.
You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland your pet needs;
-a microchip
-a valid rabies vaccine
-an animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland)
-tapeworm treatment for dogs if you are travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.
Repeat travel to EU or Northern Ireland.
Your pet will need a new animal health certificate each time
Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccinations as long as they are up to date.
Dogs will need a tapeworm tablet if travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
Rabies vaccinations for travel
Rabies vaccine - dog cat or ferret. Must be at least 12 weeks old.
If you’re taking your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccine before you travel.
Microchip be done before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination.
Vaccination must be inactivated or recombinant thats approved in the country of use.
Tapeworm treatments and boosters
Tapeworm treatment must be given no less than 24 hrs and no more than 5 days before you arrive.
Treatment must be approved for use in the county it’s being given in
Contain praziquantel or an equivalent
Regular rabies booster vaccinations are required.
Both must be recorded on the animal health certificate.
Travelling to a non EU country
Need an Export health certificate (EHC) and need to complete an export application form (EXA) if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales.
An EHC checks that your pet meets the requirements of the country you’re travelling too.
Must nominate an official vet who will be sent the EHC, they’ll check your pet has met the correct health and identification requirements before you travel.
What are the requirements for entering the uk?
-a microchip
-rabies vaccination (after having a microchip)
-travellers from EU and listed 3rd countries need to wait 21 days after primary rabies vaccination before travelling.
-tapeworm tablet, no less than 24hrs and no more than 5 days.
-blood test.
What is the youngest age a pet can come into the uk?
15 weeks
Welfare of Animals (Transport) 2006
-applies to people who transport live vertebrate animals inc farm livestock.
3 things you must do when transporting animals:
-plan the journey and keep it as short as poss
-check the animals during the journey (food, water, rest)
-sufficient floor space and height
Who enforces welfare during transport ?
-APHA and the local council
What documents must you have to transport animals in the UK by road?
- a certificate off vehicle approval (for journeys over 8hrs)
-a certificate of competence or to complete training for livestock, equines and poultry.
-a journey log (imports, exports, transits of livestock and unregistered equines on journeys over 8hrs)
-an animal transport certificate (for all journeys not covered by a journey log)
What are nutrients?
Nutrients are a metabolically useful component of food that helps to support life
What are the 6 essential nutrients ?
1.protein
2.fat
3.carbohydrate
4.minerals
5.water
6.vitamins
What are the 3 energy producing nutrients ?
Fat, proteins, carbohydrates
What are nutrients used for?
- Structural component, growth, repair and reproduction
- Metabolism
- Transport
- Temperature regulation
- Energy supply
What is an essential nutrient ?
An absolute requirement.
Cannot be synthesised by the body and must be provided within the diet
If they are not present or levels are low the diet is inadequate
Each essential nutrient has a specific function within the body
What are the functions of water ?
- Electrolyte balance
- Temperature regulation
- Removal of waste
- Helps digestion of food
- Its a transport medium for nutrients
- Required for some chemical reactions in the body
- A major component of blood and lymph
What is the water maintenance requirement for a dog or cat?
50-60ml/kg/24hr
What is the formula for fluid maintenance?
Min - 50 X BW = over a day
Over a day divided by 24 = hourly rate
Max - 60 X BW = over a day
Over a day divided by 24 = hourly rate
Normal urinary loss ?
20ml/kg/day
Normal faecal loss?
10-20ml/kg/day
Insensible loss per day?
20ml/kg/day
What is the water requirement for rabbits and small mammals ?
75-100ml/kg/day
What is the water requirement for birds?
2ml/kg/hour
48ml/kg/day
What is the water requirement for reptiles?
10-30ml/kg/day
What are macronutrients?
Nutrients we need in larger quantities
Provide us with energy
Measured in kilocalories (Kcal)
What are proteins?
Proteins are large complex molecules composed of long chains of amino acids bound together by peptide linkages.
Amino acids joined together are called ?
Peptides
What are 2 peptides called ?
Dipeptide
What are 3 peptides called ?
Tripeptide
