arthritis clinics

Re: arthritis clinics

Kerry Spain — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:48:14 GMT

Maybe ask Nick on here I know his place do pain management clinics, so he may have some suggestions?

Re: arthritis clinics

Maisy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:55:19 GMT

I will email one to you once I'm back home tomorrow as they're on my USB stick there

Re: arthritis clinics

Mary Lyle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

I too would be interested in a pain score chart and how it works.

Re: arthritis clinics

Stuart McQueen RVN MBVNA — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:28:17 GMT

what kinda things were included on the pain score chart? could you send me a copy?

stuart@vetnurse.co.uk

Re: arthritis clinics

Maisy — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:26:46 GMT

[quote user="laurad"]

thanks for your reply.do you find that cases keep getting sent back to the vet for prescrip checks? is it worth doing the clinics?

[/quote]

It would depend on the vet as a couple were really pro-active about referring the client back to the nurse clinics. Once clients saw an improvement they were happy about bringing their pet back to see the nurse also, especially as they kept a copy of the pain score chart so they had something to refer back to. On the whole they were pretty successful

Good Luck if you do go ahead

Re: arthritis clinics

laurad — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:19:54 GMT

thanks for your reply.do you find that cases keep getting sent back to the vet for prescrip checks? is it worth doing the clinics?

Re: arthritis clinics

Maisy — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:04:32 GMT

Initial consult tends to be around 20-30 minutes with a chat on maintaining mobility (incl hydrotherapy), coincide with weight check as well. If weight reduction is needed then this is discussed alongside dietary changes that may be needed. Usually these cases were referred by the vet and will be on NSAIDs but for those breeds that are predisposed, uses of neutraceuticals etc will be recommended (usually started on Synoquin, +/- mobility support diet).

Each patient has a pain score anaylsis completed on initial consult and for each subsequent ones. Ideally pain should be reduced but if not by the next consult, then alterations may be needed.

Structure of the clinic really depended upon the patient and whether they were affected by arthritis already as others came in who were more 'at risk' breeds so this was more about control and trying to prevent arthritis for as long as possible.