The UK is facing a rapidly evolving landscape of companion animal infectious disease risk driven by environmental change, increasing animal movement and evolving biosecurity pressures. Rising temperatures are enabling the expansion of vector populations, including ticks and mosquitoes, facilitating the establishment of pathogens previously considered exotic. Increased pet travel and importation further amplify exposure pathways. Concurrently, gaps in public understanding of disease transmission and legal import requirements may inadvertently contribute to disease introduction and local transmission. The presence of subclinical infections and limitations in routine screening further increase the likelihood of undetected spread, raising significant concerns for both animal and public health. This article summarises current evidence on emerging parasitic threats, highlights key surveillance developments and outlines the implications for veterinary professionals, particularly veterinary nurses operating at the frontline of clinical detection and disease prevention.
Background: The monitoring of nociception in dogs and cats under general anaesthesia can be challenging. Currently, haemodynamic reactivity alongside no change in anaesthetic depth is the most accurate way of detecting nociception in anaesthetised patients. Recent technologies, adapted from human medicine, use heart rate variability and respiratory patterns to calculate parasympathetic activity in the body, such as the Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) Monitor. This numerical value can then be used to understand the patient's comfort level and titrate analgesics accordingly. Methods: Prospective, non-randomised controlled study with retrospective and questionnaire elements. A total of 36 canine and feline patients undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy procedures were recruited. The frequency of intra-operative rescue analgesia (RA) administration between the PTA Monitor (PTA) group and the retrospective group (no PTA Monitor (nPTA)) were analysed. An online questionnaire comprising Likert scales and open and closed questions were given to the Registered Veterinary Nurses monitoring general anaesthesia in the practice to comprehend their understanding of the machine and the possible value it adds to their monitoring. Results: Out of the 36 patients, 44.4% ( n =16) were in the PTA group and 55.5% ( n =20) were in the nPTA group. A total of 60% ( n =12) of patients in the nPTA group and 62% ( n =10) in the PTA group required the administration of RA during their surgical procedure. A statistically significant association was not observed between the frequency of RA administration and the use of the PTA monitor ( P =0.87), or between the use of the PTA monitor and drug classification ( P =0.96). The online questionnaire identified that of the participants, 80% ( n =4) found the machine to be valuable when monitoring nociception during general anaesthesia, alongside their usual monitoring techniques. Conclusion: Despite the absence of statistical significance of the impact of the PTA Monitor on RA administration, the clinical significance of the machine was highlighted by RVNs. Future research is required to further understand the value of this machine in clinical practice.
Veterinary nursing in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a relatively young profession, with formal registration frameworks only established in 2015. Despite its growing importance, retention of allied veterinary professionals, including veterinary nurses, technologists and animal healthcare assistants, remains a significant challenge. This study explores factors influencing retention, drawing on 181 survey responses, including 104 from allied veterinary professionals currently in clinical practice. Respondents reported an average of 8 years in practice, with many working full-time and some holding multiple jobs. While many expressed satisfaction with patient care and teamwork, 36% reported moderate to low satisfaction, citing long hours, low pay, toxic environments and limited career progression. Notably, 83 respondents had considered leaving clinical practice, and 74 had contemplated leaving the veterinary industry entirely. Key challenges included financial strain, lack of professional recognition, poor workplace culture and limited mental health support. Despite these issues, many allied veterinary professionals remained due to intrinsic motivators such as passion for animals and supportive teams. This research highlights a passionate yet strained workforce and underscores the need to better understand and begin to address the systemic barriers impacting retention.
