ANSWERS

1. State the basic requirements of a kennelled animal.
   • Warmth, comfort and security.
   • Company and mental stimulation.
   • Opportunities to urinate and defecate.
   • Appropriate nutrition.
   • Protection from disease and injury.
   • Protection from fear and distress.
2. List types of kennels commonly used in veterinary hospitals, and briefly outline any major advantages and disadvantages.
   • Stainless steel = Secure and easy to clean, but expensive and noisy.
   • Fibreglass or plastic = Easy to clean but not as hard wearing as stainless steel.
   • Wood = Inexpensive, but impossible to clean properly. In addition not particularly hard wearing and cats are allergic to phenol based wood preservatives such as creosote.
   • Concrete = Cheap and heavy duty, but cold.
   • Portable (various types) = Ideal for small furries, cats and toy dogs, but not suitable for larger dogs. Also may not be particularly strong in construction.
3. A client telephones the surgery asking you to recommend a local cattery. She is upset that there are none within the vicinity of the town. Explain why this is so. Explain also why it is not prudent to make recommendations unless you can personally vouch from experience with your own pet.
   • Point 1/Vicinity: Boarding catteries and kennels are usually sited out-of-town mainly due to the large amount of space required to prevent the possible transmission of infectious disease. In addition, planning permission is not likely to be granted for boarding establishments in built up areas due to the noise pollution risk.
   • Point 2/Recommendations: Clients have different expectations. While one client may be delighted at a certain cattery due to the spacious runs and gleaming premises, another may find the same establishment far from ideal because it is too expensive and 20 miles from home. It is prudent to suggest that clients peruse the press and telephone a couple of catteries that appear suitable, arrange a visit beforehand and see what they think for themselves. It is wise to suggest that a Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) approved cattery is chosen.
4. In addition to hospital and boarding kennels, list other situations in which kennelling may be necessary.
   • Breeding/showing.
   • Working dogs.
   • Rescue centre.
   • Quarantine.
5. Briefly describe key factors which must be taken into account when designing a kennels or cattery.
   • Planning permission.
   • Access.
   • Health and safety.
   • Prevention of the spread of infectious disease.
   • Heat, insulation and draught proofing.
   • Electricity supply and light.
   • Water supply and drainage.
   • Sound proofing.
   • Ventilation.
   • Escape proofing.
   • Auxiliary facilities.
6. List 4 design layouts of purpose built kennels.
   • Circular.
   • Corridor.
   • "H" Block.
   • Run-access.
7. Why is cattery design more complex than that of a boarding kennels?
   Cats are better escape artists than dogs, due to their climbing ability. Therefore extremely efficient security is required. In addition, there is a greater risk of respiratory disease among cats, meaning that segregation is more important.
8. What is the maximum number of cats that may share a unit in a cattery?
   4.
9. Why are hospital kennels or cages often deliberately restrictive in size? Exercise may be contra-indicated post-operatively. In many hospitalised cases, rest is encouraged. A boarding cattery is obliged to provide a raised sleeping area; however a cat recovering from a fractured pelvis would find this arrangement extremely detrimental to his recovery!
10. What is a "metabolic kennel"?
    A small kennel specially designed to enable the accurate monitoring of water intake and urine output. A metabolic kennel is only suitable for short-term accommodation.
11. Describe an "intensive care kennel".
    A kennel specially designed for the constant care of a critical patient. It may be airtight with an oxygen supply to the interior. Additional heating may be incorporated, and the front panel is usually transparent to allow constant observation.
12. Describe the difference between active and passive ventilation.
    Active ventilation is more efficient than passive, and relies upon the use of extractor fans or air conditioning. This aims to introduce clean air and thus reduce the risk of airborne infection. Passive ventilation relies simply upon the use of vents and open doors or windows. Draughts and loss of heat are significant disadvantages of this system
13. Give 2 reasons why good ventilation is essential in kennels and catteries.
    • To provide clean air for both patients and personnel; i.e. removal of noxious odours.
    • To reduce the risk of airborne infection.
14. State the minimum and maximum temperature recommended for boarding kennels.
    • Minimum 7°C (10°C in the sleeping quarters). Do bear in mind that young, elderly or sick animals require a higher ambient temperature.
    • Maximum 26°C.
15. What is the recommended temperature range for hospital kennels?
    18-21°C.
16. What is the recommended temperature for a whelping box containing neonates?
    18-21°C. The nest should be significantly higher at a temperature of 26-29°C; this is gradually reduced as the puppies get older.
17. List methods available for the heating of kennels and catteries.
    • Central heating.
    • Electrical under-floor heating.
    • Electric fan-assisted warm air heating.
    • Air conditioning.
    • Infra-red lamps.
    • Heat pads, hot water bottles and bedding.
18. Why are fleece Vetbeds ideal for use in hospital kennels?
    They are soft, warm and comfortable, easily laundered and should not cause an obstruction if accidentally ingested. In addition, urine seeps through the fleece to the under-layer meaning that the surface is relatively dry.
19. How should waste from hospital kennels be disposed of?
    Waste soiled with blood, urine or excrement should be disposed of as clinical waste; i.e. in a yellow bag with biohazard seal for incineration. Other waste is treated as regular waste and disposed of in black sacks. All waste should be stored out-of-doors in suitable refuse containers, since this represents a fire hazard if kept inside within the confines of the premises.
20. List key items that should be to hand in hospital kennels and explain why.
    • Stainless steel water and feed bowls - more hygienic than plastic and can be sterilised if necessary.
    • Litter trays and litter - for the toileting of cats and puppies.
    • Good quality bedding - for comfort and hygiene.
    • Variety of feeds (prescription and regular diets) - for optimum nutrition.
    • Cleaning equipment (see Module 5).
    • Protective clothing - to prevent contact with harmful detergents and also for barrier nursing.
    • Restraining aids (see Module 1) - for the safety of personnel.
    • Grooming utensils (see Module 4) - for the well-being and hygiene of the patient