April 2012
Understanding eye medications and discharging the ophthalmic patient
At the VICAS conference Natasha Mitchell outlined the benefits of different eye medications to nurses and also highlighted how the veterinary nurse can help explain to the owner the importance of applying the medication as directed by the vet
March 2012
IVNA Nursing Survey 2011
Aoife Joyce reports on the latest National Veterinary Nursing Professional Survey undertaken by the IVNA
February 2012
Practise makes perfect
Sam Feighery is a third-year veterinary nursing student enrolled on the University College Dublin (UCD) BSc (Hons) veterinary nursing programme. Here, Sam explains what attracted her to veterinary nursing and shares some of her student experiences to date
January 2011
Taking care of a spinal patient
In this case report, Laura McKay VN in Fitzpatrick Referrals, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery specialists, describes the nursing care of a spinal patient
December 2011
Treating canine KCS
This month Susan Reddan RVN, the winner of the article writing competition sponsored by
Elanco, discusses a Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) in a dog
November 2011
Managing mobility
Nutrition is a key area for veterinary nurses, as dietary advice with clients is a recurring issue. Following on from the weight management article last month, Tim Dobbins, Associate Veterinary Affairs Manager with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, describes ways of identifying osteoarthritis in cats and dogs and discusses managing mobility through nutritional advances
October 2011
Advances in obesity management
Veterinary nurses are often responsible for discussing lifestyle dietary options with clients and running weight management clinics for obese pets, in this months article Tim Dobbins BVM&S CertSAM MRCVS, Associate Veterinary Affairs Manager with Hill’s Pet Nutrition describes advances in obesity management.
September 2011
UVH Annual Conference 2011 – nursing stream
Aoife Joyce RVN reports on the Veterinary Nursing Stream at the recent University Veterinary Hospital Annual Conference
August 2011
RVN Profile
Doireann Dowling RVN BA (Hons. Mod. Env. Sci.) is Assistant Lecturer at Dundalk Institute of Technology for the BSc. in Veterinary Nursing and student liaison officer on the IVNA committee
July 2011
Veterinary nurse health clinics - the way to responsible pet ownership
Joy Howell RVN Dip AVN (Surgical) offers advice on the vast range of opportunities for veterinary nurses to lead the way in promoting responsible pet ownership.
June 2011
Second Annual IVNA Congress
Aoife Joyce RVN and the IVNA committee report on the Second Annual IVNA Congress in Tullamore
May 2011
Chronic Renal Disease in cats
In this article, aimed at qualified veterinary nurses, Joy Howell RVN Dip AVN
(Surgical) discusses Chronic Renal Disease (CRD) in cats and explores the
importance of phosphate in their diet.
April 2011
Achieve top marks in exams
It’s that time of year again, when heads are buried in books in preparation for
end-of-year examinations. Ros McFeely – Student Adviser for UCD school of
Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine – provides some hints, tips
on preparing for examinations
March 2011
How to: produce a good quality diagnostic radiograph
In this article, Orla O’Reilly RVN offers a recap on the principals of producing
good quality radiographs using traditional ionising radiation methods. The
article provides refresher points on radiographic principals, and explores
what can go wrong during the process and how to correct these problems.
February 2011
Profile: Registered Veterinary Nurse
Clare Fitzgerald offers an insight into her role as RVN at Dogs Trust
January 2011
Maximising potential
Ann-Marie Byrne, Chairperson of the Irish Veterinary Nursing Association
(IVNA), explores the role of the Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in practice
and asks: are we maximising our potential?
December 2010
The IVNA – working for our members
Máirín Ní Chonghaile at the Irish Veterinary Nursing Association (IVNA) offers a round-up of 2010 and highlights some of the upcoming events planned for next year.
November 2010
Nutritional considerations of the Thoroughbred racehorse
Pamela Gillick BSc (Hon) RVN shares some insights from a recent reviewof equine nutrition. This article focuses on understanding the nutritional implications for the performance thoroughbred by over-utilising grains with high starch content
October 2010
University Veterinary Hospital Conference report
Pam Gillick and Aoife Joyce report on the nursing stream of the fifth Annual University Veterinary Hospital Conference held in UCD recently
September 2010
Health and safety in pregnancy
Dr Emer Bell, BSc, MSC, PhD, CMIOSH of Integrated Risk Solutions describes The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 Protection of Pregnant Post Natal and Breastfeeding Employees that are in place to ensure pregnant employees are not exposed to hazards that could pose a risk to either the employee or her unborn, newborn or breastfeeding child.
