Title Details

Foreword by Helen Farrant vii

Abbreviations viii

Introduction x

Acknowledgements xi

Part I The Role of the Nurse in the Veterinary Practice 1

1 Ethics 3

2 Consulting Room and Literature 6

3 The Consultation 9

4 Diagnostic Clinics 19

5 Marketing 29

6 Named Nurse and Protocol Writing 32

Part II Nutrition and Diet 35

7 Food and Feeding 37

8 Feeding Behaviours 51

9 Nutrition for Puppies and Kittens 56

10 Nutritional Assessment 67

11 Dietary Transitions 72

12 Methods of Increasing Water Consumption 74

13 Dietary Supplements 76

14 Rabbit Nutrition 80

Part III Behavioural Issues 85

15 Puppy and Kitten Behaviour 87

16 Noise Phobias and Fireworks 100

Part IV ‘Well Pet’ Clinics 107

17 Vaccination Clinics 109

18 Post-Neutering Clinics 111

19 Senior Pet Clinics 113

Part V Medical Clinics 117

20 Arthritis 119

21 Cancer 129

22 Cardiac Disorders 135

23 Cognitive Dysfunction 143

24 Dental Problems 146

25 Diabetes 153

26 Epilepsy 161

27 Gastrointestinal Disorders 164

28 Hepatobiliary Disorders 176

29 Obesity 185

30 Pancreatic Disorders 196

31 Renal Disorders 202

32 Nutrition-Related Skin Disorders 211

33 Urinary Tract Disorders 218

Appendix 1 Diet history sheet 233

Appendix 2 Unit Conversion Tables 235

Glossary 238

Index 241

“This book will enable VNs to become more involved in clinics and will ensure their skills are utilised.  Certainly a book for every VN to have in the library.”  (BSAVA, 1 March 2014)

“To summarise, The Consulting Veterinary Nurse will be a useful book for many nurses, especially those who have a keen interest in clinical nutrition, and those looking to promote nutrition within the practice . . . It may also offer some suggestions for medical clinics that may not have otherwise been considered.”  (The Veterinary Record, 1 October 2013)

“From handling senior pet clinics to client compliance and education, this covers clinics organized for a range of animal conditions and is written by an experienced senior vet nurse. Any veterinary collection will find this filled
with specifics.”  (Bookwatch, 1 January 2013) 

“The Consulting Veterinary Nurse’ is a highly informative, well-written book and deserves its place in the practice library or, better still, the nurses’ consultation room.”  (Veterinary Record, 2 February 2013)

The Consulting Veterinary Nurse is a useful reference for all veterinary nurses who run clinics in their practice. The Author, Nicola Ackerman, is an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse and she has drawn on her knowledge to provide a comprehensive guide, which includes information on how to run efficient and effective well pet clinics and medical clinics. The book contains a wealth of information on all aspects of running a clinic, including: how to provide clients and patients with an excellent level care; the answers to questions which clients frequently ask in a clinic; how to gather a patient’s history; carrying out an examination and the necessary equipment for this - along with a list of common abbreviations.  Nicola also discusses the role of the veterinary nurse and the consideration of nutritional and behavioral issues within the setting of a veterinary nurse-lead clinic. This book will be a useful reference for veterinary nurses who are experienced in running clinics and those who are just starting out, alike. - Helen Farrant on behalf of the BVNA