September 2021

Isoflurane and oxygen: the dangers of 2 and 2

Placing all patients on 2% isoflurane and 2l/min oxygen flow rate is common practice, but blanket isoflurane saturations and oxygen flow rates can be dangerous, warns Gerardo Poli.

5 mins

August 2021

Online learning vs the university experience

With some universities opting to continue online teaching over a return to their hallowed halls, Eleanor Goad looks at the two methods of learning and considers whether one way really is better than the other.

14 mins
Pulse oximetry is great, but know its limitations

Pulse oximetry is a very useful diagnostic and monitoring tool – but, as Gerardo Poli explains, it can give a false sense of security.

4 mins
Triangle cut sandwiches

Jane Davidson explains the emotions evoked by this buffet table classic...

8 mins
The pen is mightier than the scalpel

Vet student Eleanor Goad explains how there is more to life than veterinary surgery, and encourages her peers to explore more disparate interests outside the profession if they so wish.

8 mins
Sea dogs – staying safe on beach walks

Building on her past blog on summer safety, Jane Davidson highlights key safety tips so you and your dog can enjoy exploring the coast.

8 mins

July 2021

Hot dogs belong on a barbecue, not in the car

A recent experience sees Eleanor Goad muse on the UK’s rather lackadaisical approach when it comes to legislating against owners who leave their pets to overheat in cars.

9 mins
Summer hazards for beach dogs

The sight of a dog running along the beach and splashing excitedly into the sea is a wondrous thing to behold, but it’s not without its hazards, as Jane Davidson explains.

8 mins
Blood smears – make them a routine test

Gerardo Poli says the art of blood smear interpretation is declining, but is an extremely valuable skill that should be part of every in-house haematology.

6 mins
Playing the numbers game

Jane Davidson shares a story of determination triumphing over adversity and how the ability to understand something as essential as arithmetic doesn't come naturally to everyone.

9 mins
Fluid therapy: twice maintenance just isn’t good enough

Fluid therapy is a topic that sometimes gets overlooked by vets, partly because there is a misconception that developing fluid plans can be difficult.

5 mins

June 2021

Anaesthetic risks: when complacency sets in

Adverse events during anaesthesia in otherwise young and healthy patients is a rare occurrence. However, … more

5 mins
From RVN to PhD: Fraje Watson

Jane Davidson talks to fellow RVN-turned-PhD student Fraje Watson about her route from vet nurse to scholar, her future plans, and a handful of helpful hints and tips on how to apply for a PhD yourself.

17 mins
Dr Google can be your friend

Gerardo Poli discusses how web savvy pet owners often visit their vet armed with research and even a diagnosis, and suggests vets attempt to call a truce with Dr Google.

8 mins
Levels of care: charity versus private practice

Jane Davidson comes to the defence of animal welfare charities, whose levels of veterinary care can easily match, if not surpass, those of private practice, despite allegations to the contrary.

8 mins
Defining gold-standard care

When is the best possible option not the best possible option? When it doesn't take into consideration the input of the client or the true needs of the patient, claims Jane Davidson.

7 mins

May 2021

Raking it in?

In response to an impromptu televised debate on vet bills, student vet Eleanor Goad looks to break the myth that all vets are unfairly overcharging for their services and lighting cigars with £20 notes.

11 mins
Impostor syndrome: a pandemic among vet students

Eleanor Goad discusses how insidious feelings of inadequacy have been able to take hold even more tightly during the coronavirus pandemic, but that, actually, everyone is likely to be in the same boat.

15 mins
All creatures great and small: big dog, bigger impact?

As a former Pekingese owner, Jane Davidson uses her experience of moving to a greyhound in an effort to compare and contrast the different cost implications of owning large and small dogs.

7 mins
Unpacking the fear

A number of unfortunate experiences have left Jordan Sinclair with a distinct dislike of the only animal she cannot truly learn to love: the alpaca.

17 mins