An Introduction to Equine Grass Sickness *Coming Soon*

Abstract

Equine Grass Sickness (EGS) is both a devastating and fascinating disease.  The cause of the disease remains elusive despite many years of research.  Other species of animals can suffer from a similar form of the disease.  Both central and peripheral nervous systems are affected producing clinical signs that vary in severity.  There are 3 disease severities: acute, sub-acute and chronic, the first two being fatal.  A definitive diagnosis remains challenging due in part to not having a non-invasive diagnostic test.  Confirmation of diagnosis at post-mortem is important to enable advice to be given to owners of horses kept at the same premises as the affected case.  Reporting cases to both the Animal Health Trust Surveillance Scheme and Equine Grass Sickness fund is vital to establish accurate numbers of horses affected so that this information can be used for future vaccine trials.

An Introduction to Bear Health and Welfare for Veterinary Nurses *Coming Soon in 2012*

Abstract

Filmed in the Animals Asia Bear Hospital in Vietnam with their VN Team, this lecture provides a detailed and interesting introduction to Bear Health and Welfare.

Author

Rae Joy VN & Caroline Nelson VN

Coming Soon for 2012

An Overview of Rabbit Husbandry, Nutrition and Preventative Health Care

Abstract

This lecture gives an overview of the care and health of rabbits, looking at how they should be kept, their dietary needs and their overall health care, looking at both preventative health care, such as vaccinations, and in treatment and nursing involved of common health problems, such as dental problems and flystrike.

Nursing Chronic Equine Grass Sickness Patients

Abstract

Nursing chronic grass sickness (CGS) patients is a demanding but rewarding experience presenting many challenges to the nurse, since each case is very individual.  Human contact and reassurance for the horse is vitally important, these patients do not survive without that interaction.  Knowing the right type of diet, consistency of diet and feeding regime to be employed can make enormous differences to these patients.  Enteral feeding is also possible for a short period of time in some patients but has to be monitored carefully.  Monitoring and recording accurately clinical signs presented is also essential, particularly when making decisions with regard to pain medication and continuation of nursing regimes.