Behaviour perceptions and first aid kick off CPD day
Veterinary behaviour programme leader at Central College, Loni Loftus
Attended by veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and animal behaviourists alike, the opening session of the Suffolk-based event covered the role of behaviour in veterinary practice and a triage model for behavioural first aid.
The companion animal behaviour workshop, hosted by Central College of Animal Studies, had broad appeal to those working in practice, with emphasis on behavioural issues as symptoms of medical conditions and reinforcing relationships between clients and pets to aid compliance.
Speaker Loni Loftus, veterinary behaviour programme leader at Central College, opened the event with a valuable insight into the importance of a behaviourally aware practice and the benefit to animal welfare.
Drawing upon examples of neoplasia in dogs, Ms Loftus highlighted that changes in behaviour are often noticed in animals before clinical symptoms, and “picking up on behavioural indications leads to faster diagnosis”. This improved behaviour awareness by both practice staff and clients therefore results in improved animal welfare.
Ms Loftus also provided an in-depth exploration of methods for reducing patient stress associated with visiting the veterinary practice in her interactive presentation. From advice to owners about travelling to the practice and greeting of patients on arrival, to behaviour friendly waiting and examination rooms and appropriate handling, as well as the concept of owner-friendly practice to aid client engagement and ensure compliance.
A discussion of behavioural first aid followed, where Karen Wild, dog behaviour consultant and author, described a basic triage model for practices as first-line response to behaviour problems.
Delegates were presented with an approach for immediate care while awaiting specialist referral. A process of identifying problematic behaviour, checking for medical indicators and crucial risk assessment before employing first aid and recommending specialist referral was explored in order for clients to make informed choices about their pet.
Similarly, Ms Wild emphasised the importance of effectively extracting relevant information from clients – in often a time-limited consultation and about an emotive subject – in order to provide immediate and appropriate advice.
The issue of punishment was also addressed, whereby Ms Wild highlighted that “well-intentioned but unskilled punishment usually makes things worse”; rather, a first aid approach involves “encouraging clients to stop punishment, challenge and confrontation”.
Returning to the floor, Loni Loftus concluded the morning session by presenting the role of the multidisciplinary team in the treatment of behavioural issues. “Behavioural problems are multifactorial” and therefore benefit from the involvement of “many brains, many eyes, many ears and many hands”.
She demonstrated how behaviourists play a “pivotal role in maintaining communication between all parties” when treating patients using a case study of head shaking in a family horse as an example.
The Central College of Animal Studies' CPD event is to continue with a two-part presentation by cat behaviour counsellor and author Vicky Halls on house soiling and urine spraying in cats, and a presentation by Karen Wild surrounding the debate about behavioural responsibilities. More information about the college can be found at www.ccoas.com
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