The Vital Role of Veterinary Nurses in Animal Care

Ang Xue Yi, who has been in veterinary nursing for nearly a decade, transitioned from a different field driven by her passion for animal care. She has faced numerous challenges alongside her colleagues, including managing pet care during Covid-19 lockdowns and responding to outbreaks of diseases like rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus. Her work involves collaborating with specialists in areas such as anaesthesia, dentistry, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and exotics.

When pets are in the clinic, veterinary nurses monitor vital signs, administer treatments, collect diagnostic samples, and provide hands-on care to ensure their comfort during recovery. Ang understands the complexities of nursing care from both a professional and personal perspective, having managed the health of her own dog, Shiro, and several foster rabbits.

Veterinary care thrives on collaboration between pet owners and the clinical team. Pet owners are encouraged to:

- Ask questions about pet care methods, such as administering medications or managing wound hygiene.

- Set up a suitable recovery area at home, ensuring it is quiet and safe for the pet.

- Maintain a detailed diary to track any changes in the pet’s behavior, which helps the veterinary team in tailoring treatment.

- Regularly check on surgical sites for any signs of complications.

- Familiarize themselves with emergency indicators, communicating closely with their veterinary team post-discharge.

Currently, veterinary nurses in Singapore are not licensed or regulated as individuals, but many commit personal time and resources for continuing education to uphold high standards of care. Ang Xue Yi works at Landon Veterinary Specialist Hospital and is involved with the Singapore Veterinary Nurse Technician Chapter Committee, which focuses on education and professional growth in the field.

This article is part of the Vet Talk column, where veterinarians provide insights on pet-related issues.