Stage 6: Animal Nursing

Signs of Illness (AVMA)

Abnormal discharges, loss of appetite/weight, abnormal elimination, behavior changes, lumps/limping, head shaking/scratching, poor coat/dandruff, foul breath/tartar.

Feline Panleukopenia

Highly contagious parvovirus. Symptoms: fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, lethargy. Prevention: vaccination (FVRCP).

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Suppresses immune system, causing anemia, cancer, infections. Spread via close contact. Prevention: vaccination, testing, isolation.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Slow-acting virus weakens immune system. Spread mainly by bite wounds. No cure; treatment is supportive.

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus. Symptoms: sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, ulcers. Stress is a major trigger.

Canine Distemper (CDV)

Highly contagious virus. Symptoms: fever, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting, seizures, thickened footpads. Prevention: DHLPP vaccine. Treatment: anit-biotics, IV fluid, no cure.

Canine Parvovirus

Attacks GI tract ( gastrointestinal tract) . Symptoms: severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, fever. Prevention: DHLPP vaccine. Treatment: IV and monitoring electrolytes, antibiotics, de- wormer.

Kennel Cough

Infectious tracheobronchitis. Causes: Bacteria (Bordetella) and viruses. Symptom: harsh, dry, honking cough. Intranasal vaccine provides rapid immunity.

Rabies

Fatal zoonotic virus affecting CNS. Transmitted via bite. Three phases: Prodromal (behavior change), Excitative (aggressive/dumb), Paralytic (paralysis, death). Vaccination is legally required.

Leptospirosis

Bacterial zoonosis affecting kidneys/liver. Transmitted via urine-contaminated water/soil. Symptoms: fever, vomiting, lethargy. Prevention: DHLPP vaccine (Lepto component).

3 Primary Nursing Duties

Observe, record observations, and assist with the treatment plan.

5 Senses Impacted by Environment

Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste.

Comfort Checklist (10 Items)

Appropriate cage size, comfortable temp, proper ventilation, comfortable bedding, proper room temp, proper lighting, limited noise, limited odors, limited visual threats.

Hepatic Lipidosis

"Fatty liver syndrome." A life-threatening condition in cats caused by anorexia (not eating), leading to fat accumulation in the liver.

Encouraging Resistant Patients to Eat

Add water to food, blend to a puree, warm the food, enhance scent, offer smelly fish (mackerel/sardines), use meat-flavored baby food.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling foreign material (like food or water) into the airways.

3 Force-Feeding Techniques

Finger feeding, syringe feeding, tube feeding (nasogastric/pharyngostomy).

Crop

A pouch in a bird's esophagus where food is stored and softened before digestion.

Feeding Sick Birds

Done by veterinarian/experienced staff. A feeding tube is placed directly into the crop to administer a warmed food slurry.

Importance of Water

Essential for all body functions. Dehydration is dangerous. Monitor intake and report excessive thirst (polydipsia).

Two Problems with Water Bowls

1. Patients spill them. 2. Bowls are too high for small patients to reach.

Nosocomial Infection

An infection acquired while a patient is hospitalized. Spread requires a source, a susceptible host, and a means of transmission.

Patients at Risk for Nosocomial Infection

Very young/old, malnourished, those with serious disease, on corticosteroids/immunosuppressives, undergoing invasive surgery/long procedures.

3 Elements for Infection Transmission

Source of pathogens, susceptible host, means of transmission.

Pathogen

An agent that causes disease (e.g., bacterium, virus, fungus).

Role of Sanitation

To eliminate harmful pathogens from surfaces, equipment, and environment to prevent indirect disease spread.

Role of Isolation

To physically separate contagious patients from others to prevent disease transmission.

3 Levels of Supervision

Immediate (in eyesight), Direct (on premises), Indirect/General (not on premises, but accessible).

3 Common Routes of Injection

Subcutaneous (SQ), Intramuscular (IM), Intravenous (IV).

AAFP Vaccination Sites

Right Front Leg: FVRCP, Right Hind Leg: Rabies, Left Hind Leg: FeLV.

Items for an Injection

Patient record, exam gloves, alcohol, cotton balls, syringe/needle, vaccine vial/diluent.

3 Anatomical Parts of a Nail

The quick (pink, sensitive part with vessels), the nail bed (skin under nail), the ungual process (bone underneath).

Nail Trimming Goal

To cut the nail as close to the quick as possible without cutting into it.

Calculus

Hardened mineral deposit (tartar) on teeth.

AVDS 7-Step Prophylaxis

Supragingival cleaning, subgingival cleaning, polishing, subgingival lavage, fluoride treatment, treatment planning, dental charting.

Expressing Anal Sacs

Gentle pressure applied at 4 & 8 o'clock (external) or internally with a lubricated finger to empty the scent glands.

Two Reasons for Bathing

1. To clean the patient's skin and coat. 2. To apply medications (dipping) to the skin and coat.

Three Stages of Bathing

Pre-bath preparation, the bath itself, and post-bath drying/clean-up.

Dipping

Applying a diluted pesticide or medication over the entire animal's body after bathing. Often left on to dry.

Old vs. New Feathers

Old feathers: Clear, hollow shaft. New (Blood) feathers: Vascular shaft, blue-grey color. Never cut blood feathers.

Purpose of Wing Clipping

To inhibit flight, not eliminate it. Only the primary flight feathers are clipped.

5 Reasons to Clip a Patient

Surgical site prep, wound treatment, breed-specific grooming, owner preference, show dog standards

Feline Ectoparasites (External Parasites)

• Cause/Description: Skin parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, mange mites, and ear mites. Ticks can transmit other diseases like Lyme disease.

• Key Symptoms: Excessive scratching, skin irritation, hair loss, visible parasites or "flea dirt."

• Treatment/Prevention: Topical or preventative treatments. Severe cases may require clipping to eliminate parasites and eggs.

Feline Lyme Disease

• Cause/Description: Bacterial disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. More common in outdoor cats.

• Key Symptoms: Lethargy, reluctance to jump or climb, limping, loss of appetite.

• Treatment/Prevention: Keeping cats indoors is the best prevention. Early diagnosis and treatment (antibiotics) are essential.

Feline Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

• Cause/Description: Enlargement of the thyroid gland, often due to a benign tumor, causing excess thyroid hormone.

• Key Symptoms: Increased appetite and thirst, unexplained weight loss, nervousness/irritability, vomiting, lethargy, unkempt coat.

• Treatment/Prevention: Anti-thyroid medication, surgery to remove the gland, or radioiodine treatment.

Feline Obesity

• Cause/Description: Overfeeding, lack of exercise, or underlying disease. Excess weight can lead to other health problems.

• Key Symptoms: Visible weight gain, a reluctance to move, and difficulty feeling the ribs or spine.

• Treatment/Prevention: Veterinary advice for a specialized weight loss diet and increased physical activity.

Feline Diabetes Mellitus

• Cause/Description: Insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or ineffective insulin use (Type 2). Most common in older, obese male cats.

• Key Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, weakness, change in gait, unkempt coat.

• Treatment/Prevention: Diet and weight control, insulin injections, oral medications, and glucose monitoring.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

• Cause/Description: A group of symptoms affecting the bladder and urethra, not a single disease. Can be caused by crystals, stones, infection, or inflammation.

• Key Symptoms: Straining to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate, blood in urine, urinating outside the litter box.

• Treatment/Prevention: Varies depending on the cause; may include diet change, medication, or unblocking the urethra.

Feline Chronic Renal Failure (Kidney Disease)

• Cause/Description: Gradual loss of kidney function over time, common in older cats.

• Key Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, poor coat, vomiting, lethargy, bad breath.

• Treatment/Prevention: Management includes a special kidney diet, medications, and fluid therapy to support remaining kidney function

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

• Cause/Description: A viral disease caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus.

• Key Symptoms: Two forms: "wet" (fluid in abdomen/chest causing swelling and breathing difficulty) and "dry" (granulomas in organs, leading to organ failure). Fever, weight loss, lethargy.

• Treatment/Prevention: Previously considered almost always fatal, but new antiviral treatments are showing promise. No cure, focus on supportive care.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

• Cause/Description: An acute liver infection caused by canine adenovirus type-1 (CAV-1). Spread through bodily fluids (especially urine).

• Key Symptoms: Fever, depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting.

• Treatment/Prevention: Most dogs recover suddenly, but treatment is given for symptoms. Preventable through the "H" in the DHLPP vaccine.

Canine Parainfluenza

• Cause/Description: A highly contagious, airborne virus that causes a mild respiratory infection, often part of the "Kennel Cough" complex.

• Key Symptoms: A dry, hacking cough is the most common sign.

• Treatment/Prevention: Preventable through the first "P" in the DHLPP vaccine. Antibiotics may be given to prevent secondary pneumonia.

Canine Lyme Disease

• Cause/Description: Bacterial disease transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick.

• Key Symptoms: Lameness, swollen joints, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Can lead to kidney problems if untreated.

• Treatment/Prevention: Tick prevention is key. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline). A vaccine is also available.

: Canine Pancreatitis

• Cause/Description: Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by ingestion of high-fat foods (like table scraps). More common in middle-aged and older dogs.

• Key Symptoms: Vomiting, severe lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea (yellow/greasy), fever, and a hunched back or "praying position" due to abdominal pain.

• Treatment/Prevention: IV fluids, pain medication, anti-nausea drugs, and a period of "nothing by mouth" (NPO) to rest the pancreas.

Canine Ear Problems (Otitis Externa)

• Cause/Description: Infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone.

• Key Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching/pawing at ears, redness, dark discharge, odor, and hematomas (swollen blood blisters on the ear flap).

• Treatment/Prevention: Regular ear cleaning and veterinary-prescribed ear medications. Treat the underlying cause (mites, allergies, etc.).

Canine Dermatitis

• Cause/Description: Inflammation of the skin. Can be caused by allergies (food, environmental, flea), excessive licking, parasites, contact with poisonous plants/substances, diet, malnutrition, or other factors.

• Key Symptoms: Scratching, chewing, excessive licking leading to hair loss, skin lesions, and other signs of skin irritation.

• Treatment/Prevention: First step is to determine the source/cause of irritation. Treatments may include diet change, antibiotics, topical skin ointments, flea treatments, or weekly allergy injections.

Canine Glaucoma

• Cause/Description: An increase in fluid pressure (Intraocular pressure or IOP) inside the eye caused by injury or disease. Must be treated immediately or the dog could lose their eye(s).

• Key Symptoms: Pawing at the eyes, visible bulging of the eye, and apparent pain.

• Treatment/Prevention: Can be treated using blood pressure medication or diuretics. Constant monitoring is essential. Dogs may need to be switched to a harness instead of a collar so pulling doesn't increase IOP.

Canine Ectoparasites (External Parasites)

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• Cause/Description: Skin parasites include fleas, mange mites, harvest mites, lice, ticks, blowfly maggots, and hookworm larvae. They can cause minor to major problems as carriers of more serious diseases.

• Key Symptoms: Noticeable dark spots, itching and scratching, scabs, hair loss, mange, and ear infections (ear mites). All can indicate a poor immune system.

• Treatment/Prevention: Topical dips, topical and internal treatments available for infected dogs. Prevention is key, especially in households with other outdoor animals. Habitual bathing and grooming assist in prevention.

Canine Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)

• Cause: Excessive chewing/biting at skin (allergies, fleas, moisture). Common in long-haired dogs.

• Symptoms: Raw, oozing spots, hair loss.

• Treatment: Shave area, clean with antibiotic soap, topicals, oral meds if severe

Canine Endoparasites (Internal Parasites)

• Cause: Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, heartworms (from fleas, environment, mother to puppy).

• Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting worms, weight loss, anemia, scooting.

• Treatment/Prevention: Routine deworming, flea control, fecal tests.

Canine Ear Problems

• Cause: Bacteria, yeast, mites, foreign bodies. Floppy-eared dogs at higher risk.

• Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching, dark discharge, odor, hematomas.

• Treatment/Prevention: Regular cleaning, ear meds, treat underlying cause.

Cushing's Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism)

• Cause: Excess cortisol from adrenal/pituitary tumor.

• Symptoms: Increased appetite/thirst/urination, potbelly, lethargy, hair loss.

• Treatment: Medication or surgery (if tumor present).

Canine Anal Sac Impactions/Infections

• Cause: Glands don't empty naturally (common in domestication), become impacted/infected.

• Symptoms: Scooting, crying when defecating, foul odor.

• Treatment: Manual expression, antibiotic infusion, oral antibiotics if infected.

NPO

Caution: Fractious

Do Not Use Acepromazine

These are pre-printed stickers that can be placed on the cage card as warnings.

Food Consumption

0 ¼ ½ all

Food consumption can be recorded as none, ¼, ½, or all of what was given to the patient.

Water Consumption

0 ¼ ½ LV

Water consumption can be recorded as none, ¼, or ½ of what was given or “large volume.”

Bowel Movements

0 N S D BD

Bowel movements can be recorded as none, normal, soft, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea

Urination

0 N LV BU

Urination can be recorded as none, normal, large volume, or bloody urine

Pitting Edema

an accumulation of fluid under the skin, when pressure os applied, leaves an indentation

Hematoma

localized collection of blood which may not be clotted

Phlebitis

inflammation of a vein, occurring on legs and involving the formation of thrombus ( blood clot) , characterized by swelling , pain, change of skin color.