Nursing of Dogs and Cats I

Definition of Nursing

Scientific application of principles of care related to prevention of illness and care during illness

Five freedoms of animal welfare

Freedom from hunger/thirst, freedom of discomfort, freedom of pain,injury,disease, freedom to express normal behavior, freedom from fear and distress

Problem solving steps

Data collection, interpretation, plan implementation, evaluate response

Medical Records- Required information

All data obtained(subjective and objective), All interventions( procedures, biologic sampling, diagnostics), Legal documentation (signature)

Medical Records- Format

SOAP

General Care

Animal interaction and observations(daily physical)

Minimal components of a daily physical

Mental status, weight, vitals, output

Weight Factors

Hydration and nutrition

How to measure hydration?

Skin turgor, MM status

Vitals

Temperature, Heart rate, Respiration rate

Temperature Locations

Rectal- cover/disinfect

Otic

Axillary

Types of thermometers

Glass/ mercury, electronic, infrared

Hypothermia Causes

Shock, anesthesia/ post-op, environment, disease

Hypothermia treatment

Slow warming- electric pads

What temperature to stop at for hypothermia?

37.7 C (100F)

Hyperthermia Causes

Reset thermoregulation(fever, tumors), environment, stress, seizure, excitement

Hyperthermia treatment

Cool h2o, fans

What to avoid for hyperthermia?

Ice bath, alcohol

What temperature can you stop for hyperthermia?

40C(104 F)

Respiration Character

Eupnea- normal, dyspnea- short breathing

Respiration Auscultation

Crackles- fluid

Wheezes- narrowed airways

Stertor- snoring

Stridor- inspiratory wheeze

types of output

Urine and gastrointestinal(feces, vomiting, regurgitation)

Feces

Frequency, character, elimination character

Vomiting

Active gastric process

Regurgitation

Back flow, may not reach stomach

Urine Indicator

Hydration, renal status, endocrine function

Urine amount

1-2 ml/kg/hr

Grooming components

Cleanliness, comfort, indicative of care, bathing, trimming/shaving, nail trimming, anal sacs glands, ears

Reasons for Bathing

to remove debris, or for therapy(dermatology and parasitology)

Bathing precautions

Eyes- sterile ointment

Ears- cotton plug, make sure to remove it

Thorough rinse

Drying- hyperthermia

Trimming/ shaving indications

Surgery, skin trauma, disease, matting, cleaning

Nail trimming indications

Excessive length, inflict wounds, damage property

Nail trimming- Trimmer types

Scissor( size based on nail), guillotine, nail clipper(cats,birds,puppies), grinders

what to do if you cut the corium?

Styptic powder, AgNO3

Anal sacs/ glands purpose

Marking territory, individual recognition

Anal sacs/ glands complications

Failure to empty, abscessation(rupture)

Complications of not cleaning

Scalding, ulceration, infection, myiasis

First thing to do of an animal requires a trimming

ask owner permission

Types of expressing anal sacs

External and internal

External expressing technique

Cover opening, put pressure with fingers, and move it dorsomedial

Internal expressing

Use gloves, put finger inside of anus with lub, cover duct openings, and put finger /thumb pressure, move dorsomedial

What to use if anal sacs?

Hot compress and drainage

Ears- significant problems

Otitis externa, otitis media, hematoma

Ears- Predisposing factors

Pendulous pinna(hanging down), cerumen(wax), hair, moisture

Ears- Biologic samples

Cytology, Bacteriology

Ears- Hair removal equipment

Digital, forceps

Ears- cleaning techniques

Cotton swab, flushing

Flushing solutions

Saline, Ceruminolytic, Astringent, Antiseptic

Disease- complicating factors

Hospitalization, disease, diet changes

Resting Energy Requirement

Less than 2- 70 (weight kg) 0.75= kcal/day, more than 2 kg- (30 X weight kg) + 70= kcal/day

Feeding Routes

Enteral, Parenteral

Oral types

Voluntary, coaxed, forced

Parenteral- intravenous feeding

Carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins

Parenteral- Intravenous requirements

3 days minimum, 24 hr monitoring, sterile mixture

Intravenous feeding complications

Infection, sepsis