Contents Pain scoring

4 35 Pain scoring in horses Marie Rippingale Horses are prey animals, and are notorious for trying to hide signs of pain. It is therefore essential for equine welfare that there is an accurate and careful assessment of the clinical signs of pain. 38 Sleep deprivation in horses Joanna de Klerk Sleep deprivation is a noticeable ailment, which suggests there are underlying factors in the horses health or environment that need to be addressed. 41 Insight: Gut feelings on equine ageing and obesity A study of bacteria in ponies guts earlier this year has shed some light on aspects of ageing and obesity. VETERINARY PRACTICE TODAY | VOLUME SEVEN | ISSUE THREE | 2019 6 Contents Small animal Comment Equine 35 22 6 Our Brexit future Opportunities for the profession? Gudrun Ravetz Brexit has already had a significant effect on the veterinary profession but the future is still uncertain. As the guardian of animal health and welfare, the profession has the opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with other stakeholders. 10 Behaviour consultations. Home visit or clinic-based? Karen Wild Are we properly able to assess behaviours, counsel owners and modify an animals behavioural choices within a veterinary clinic setting? Or is it better to take the time and expense involved with a home visit and see pets in their normal environment? 14 Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats. Simple or complicated? Andra-Elena Enache Corneal ulceration is a common ophthalmic presentation in dogs and cats, in both general and referral practice. When inappropriately managed, a corneal ulcer can lead to persistent pain, blindness (by excessive scarring, pigmentation, vascularisation or perforation) or even loss of the eye (enucleation). 20 A month in the life of a locum RVN Samantha Flavell Being a locum nurse has allowed me the opportunity to work in a number of different types of veterinary practices, which has, in turn, allowed me to use and develop a number of different nursing skills. 22 Use of technology in nursing Helen Ballantyne There are many medical specialist applications of technology; highly researched and highly expensive. However, there are many more mainstream applications assisting the nursing of patients. 26 Chronic pain in dogs and cats (1) Joanna Potter The increasing focus of diagnosis and management of chronic pain is relatively new and has been signalled by the development of pain measurement tools and an ability to track the effect of pain on quality of life in veterinary patients. 30 Beware of bin raiders Jane Ellison There are always areas in our homes and workplaces that are repositories for rubbish, some of which can cause serious risks to our pets. It is paramount to emphasise to pet owners the importance of keeping any rubbish containers securely fastened, or in a separate area from their animals. COVER STORY COVER STORY COVER STORY 33 Insight: The future of pet insurance You pay a monthly sum to an insurance company and if your pet is unfortunate enough to fall seriously ill or have an accident, the insurance covers the costs of the vets bills. The client has their bills paid, the vet earns their salary, the pet makes a recovery and the insurer is in profit if only it were so simple. WWW.VETCOMMUNIT Y.COM | ONLINE EDITION