Phovia fluorescent light therapy is used to promote and quicken skin and wound healing. It consists of 2 components, 1- the Phovia LED light lamp, which emits low energy blue light and 2 - the Phovia gel, which is a topical photo converter that is activate by fluorescent light energy or ELF

It is safe to use on open wounds and studies have proven it to be a safe, natural way to speed up the healing process for burns, wounds, surgery incisions, and scars. It consists of an initial treatment that can begin as soon as the first day after treatment.

The wound is aseptically cleaned with saline. The nurse puts on examination gloves and mask and adds the contents of 1 amplue to the contents of one phovia gel tub. Mix the contents together well. Apply the gel to the affected skin areas.

The nurse, and anyone assisting them, puts on the supplied safety goggles and then uses the lamp to apply the light therapy.

The lamp is held close to, but not touching, the applied gel. When started, the lamp will admit a beep. Hold the lamp as close as possible to the skin and an inbuilt timer of two minutes will begin. A beep will sound at the end of the 2 minutes and the lamp will switch off. A saline soaked swab is then used to clean off the gel and the pet can go home.

Treatments begin twice weekly, or multiple at one time depending on extent of wound. Can have large wounds healed in 1-2 weeks.

The early history provided in literature for veterinary dentistry is based around horse dentition and was first practiced in 600 B.C.E by Chinese people for aging horses (Equus caballus) for trade (Easley, 1999; Taylor et al., 2018). Veterinary dentistry was then used to further advance human dentistry through scientific research with animal models (Easley, 1999). It has now developed into a primary form of care for various animal species to help prevent dental complications and preserve oral health (Easley, 1999). Dental radiographs are an important tool that allows for visualisation under the gingiva to help diagnose dental and/or oral conditions (Kim et al., 2013). These conditions cannot be seen which is the reason dental x-rays are so important (Kim et al., 2013). Studies show that the additional information these provide can be positively utilised (Kim et al., 2013). Furthermore, dental x-rays are able to provide a complete patient oral examination (Bloor, 2014). It can assist with decreasing anaesthesia times and planning optimal patient treatment plans (Bloor, 2014). They can detect tooth fractures and tooth resorption (Reiter, 2022). A recent challenge that has arisen for veterinary clinics is anaesthesia free dentistry (Australian Veterinary Association, 2016). This is deemed an inappropriate form of oral care for dogs and cats as a comprehensive examination, treatment and diagnosis plan is not possible (Australian Veterinary Association, 2016). A literature review undertaken by this project’s student investigator in 2023 focused on comparing, contrasting and analysing the advantages and disadvantages of dental x-rays. The main disadvantage researched was pregnancy risks for female veterinary staff. The advantages researched were the different types of available dental x-rays and the importance of dental x-rays. The conclusions gained from this review included that dental x-rays help improve overall patient health and diagnosis. However, it is a skill that needs to be continually practiced. The primary question this study aims to answer is ‘what attitudes do veterinary staff have towards dental x-rays?’. This review also looks to further extend on the previous review and highlight any barriers that exist towards dental x-rays in small animal clinics. These barriers will include investigating correlations between Australian state lived in, years of experience, practices displayed by colleagues, interest level and amount of dental training completed. As a by-product, this review hopes to be a tool to help promote dental x-ray use by staff in clinics to improve patient outcomes, client education and client compliance.

Introduction: Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a clinically significant and common condition in horses and presents with varied clinical signs such as colic, poor performance, behavioural problems and inappetence. Damage from EGUS can occur in both the glandular and non-glandular regions of the stomach and duodenum, ranging from mild inflammation to deep ulceration of the tissues. Nurses often create feeding plans and advise owners on diets for their horses. Therefore, having knowledge on how to help manage and prevent EGUS using nutrition can improve horse welfare.

Search Methodology: Peer-reviewed studies published by veterinary surgeons, specialists, nurses, and equine scientists were selected. The search engines used were Google Scholar and the La Trobe University Online Library Database. Search keywords included EGUS, equine gastric ulcer syndrome, gastric ulcers, nutritional management, dietary management, lucerne hay, and supplements.

Critical Review: Dietary modifications are a key factor in the management of EGUS, with evidence supporting a forage-based, high-fibre diet with low levels of starch and sugar. Supplements that buffer stomach acid and increase mucous production can promote healing and prevent ulcers. Husbandry can be altered to provide a slower, more frequent feeding schedule and avoid periods of fasting.

Conclusion: There are several well-described methods to treat and reduce gastric ulcer severity, however, EGUS is still a widely prevalent condition, and further research is needed to fully evaluate current management methods.

Wound management is a critical aspect of veterinary medicine, requiring meticulous nursing care to ensure patient safety, infection control, and optimal healing. Initial wound care is a fundamental clinical skill that, when performed effectively, eliminates contamination and infection while promoting a healthy wound healing environment. Despite its importance, veterinary technology students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) currently lack opportunities to practice this skill during their degree, prior to live patient exposure. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the feasibility of using reusable silicone wound models as a clinical simulation resource for teaching effective wound cleaning techniques.

A novel, low-fidelity silicone wound model was designed and developed to simulate an open wound. The model design ensured it was reusable and durable, and could be inoculated with a faux pus mixture to simulate an infected wound. Final-year veterinary technology students at CSU participated in a study utilising one of two assigned teaching modalities: a written protocol only or a combination of the same written protocol and a video demonstration, to perform a wound cleaning activity. Utilising their assigned teaching modalities, students were instructed to clean three inoculated silicone wound models with three different cleaning solutions—two containing antimicrobial properties and one that was inactive. The wounds were swabbed and cultured onto agar plates with the resultant bacterial colonies indicating the effectiveness of their wound cleaning technique.

The study addresses a notable gap in the necessity for simulation-based models in veterinary technology/nursing programs to develop essential clinical skills. Findings from this study will provide evidence-based data to contribute to the development of more effective teaching methodologies, reducing reliance on live animals and cadavers. This study will enable students to enhance their wound management skills in a safe and controlled environment with the aim to build student confidence, and the potential to improve patient outcomes and advance veterinary education. The results will be particularly relevant for educational institutions seeking to implement clinical simulation into their curriculum to provide student-based opportunities which align with the day one competency standards set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and endorsed by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia.

Dental prophylaxis post COHAT is extremely important to help reduce periodontal disease.

Gingival stimulation by brushing teeth and gums is gold standard of dental care for dogs and cats, and can even reverse some existing disease. In dogs with induced gingivitis, teeth brushing has been found to enhance pocket oxygen tension, decreased exudation and increased saliva flow. The Oxyfresh Pet Dental Gel is a fast acting toothpaste gel providing a soothing blend of Oxygene and Aloe-Vera, formulated to clean, condition and help fight bad breath.

In conjunction with teeth brushing, we can also recommend the following:

Water additives are a chemical control of plaque. Oxyfresh contains Oxygene®, non-toxic oxidizing ingredient proven to improve gum health and stop harmful plaque and bad breath causing bacteria.

Dental dry food is larger kibble, specifically designed texture to mechanically remove plaque off as the tooth sinks through the kibble.

ProDen PlaqueOff® works systemically i.e. through the blood stream. It is thought to affect the ability of plaque to ‘stick’ to surfaces in the mouth and softens hard tartar deposits.

Dental chews and carrots given daily have been shown to reduce plaque and calculus acclimation, gingivitis and bad breath. Choosing to feed a variety of dental chews rather than just one type can be useful as different shapes and materials are often chewed in a different manner, this increases the chance of more surfaces of the teeth being cleaned.

Maxiguard oral wipes are infused with unique zinc formulation. This taste free compound neutralizes offensive mouth odors, helps reduce the deposition of plaque and aids in gingival inflammation. The wipes are textured to assist in the mechanical removal of plaque, but not so rough to cause damage to the gum tissue.

If you are not recommending these products post dental, then why not?
We want to aid our owners with education and resources to help reduce plaque accumulation and gum inflammation.

This would be an informative poster, aiming at educating those working within the veterinary industry about burnout and how to recognise the signs of burnout. It would explain what burnout is, specifically within veterinary professionals. It would include statistics to help create awareness of how much more prevalent burnout/mental health issues are within the veterinary industry compared to other professions. It would explain ways to minimise the occurrence of burnout within the workplace as well as how to recognise it not only within yourself but within your coworkers. It will also discuss what to do/who to reach out to if you are suffering from burnout.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, is considered a convoluted disease that poses a major welfare issue to the canine population. It’s often a major factor in surveying quality of life, therefore, treating osteoarthritis through slowing the progress and/or development is crucial to maintaining the longevity and quality of a patient’s life.

Osteoarthritis in canines is almost identical to that in humans, with pain being indicative of joint deterioration. OA is a condition that is quite difficult to understand as it consists of many different factors. However, it can be defined as; a disease of synovial joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs naturally in approximately 20% of the (Australian Canine) population and is considered a very complex disease, which poses a major welfare issue to the canine population. Distinguished by abnormal reconstruction resulting in the deterioration of articular cartilage there is a multitude of treatment options available for OA in the current market. ​​

As an industry that is continuously growing and changing, veterinary nurses, owners and veterinarians alike need to adapt to newly emerging products and technologies to ensure a high standard of care is maintained for every single patient who walks through the door. Until now, treatments have been focused on nursing the clinical signs rather than the progression of the disease itself, such as the alleviation of pain and pain-related symptoms. Alternative treatment options, therefore, including Bedinvetmab and Pentosan Polysulphate which allow the disease to be treated through modifications to biomechanical, physical and pathological pathways, provide further opportunities to augment patient care.

This poster will present the results of a research project aimed at increasing veterinary nurses understanding of canine osteoarthritis, and the use of Pentosan Polysulphate and Bedinvetmab as multimodal therapies in its management. The research findings will support veterinary nurses and technicians in the provision of gold-standard patient care and improved client education on canine osteoarthritis.