ABSTRACT: Surgical nursing roles include anaesthetist, surgical assistant and circulating nurse. Managing theatre is often the job of the veterinary nurse and successful management of these roles are vital for patient care and good surgical outcome. The nursing management of a dog with mammary tumours admitted for a second mastectomy is discussed. Pre-operative nursing interventions including blood testing, radiographs and intravenous fluid therapy is discussed, as are pre-anaesthetic clipping and the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). SSIs are also discussed in relation to surgical attire and despite a lack of evidence for some items reducing SSIs, they are still recommended to prompt theatre discipline. The nurse’s role as a surgical assistant is discussed and the importance of good technique to ensure tissue vitality and reduced SSIs. Passive drain care is considered alone with the associated risks of ascending infection.

Author

Susie Wilson, RVN CertSAN

Susie qualified as a nurse in 2006 and has worked in small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in a hospital and referral clinic and currently works forVets4pets Evesham. Susie is currently working towards her Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing with Harper Adams University Email: susiejwilson@hotmail.co.uk

Keywords: surgical mammary mastectomy 

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 (08) • August 2019 pp197-200

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