ANSWERS

1. List the 5 main reasons for the bathing and grooming of pets.
   • Cleanliness - removal of dirt, discharge and dead hair.
   • Health - stimulates the surface circulation and sebaceous glands, stops matting and fur balls.
   • Appearance - an owner will judge the standard of care at the practice by the appearance of their animal upon discharge.
   • Inspection - a logical, daily examination of the hospitalised animal means that any problems can be detected early.
   • Relationship - accustoms the animal to handling, and provides company thus preventing boredom in a hospitalised patient.
2. Why is grooming particularly beneficial for hospitalised pets?
   Hospitalised animals require vigilant care and attention to ensure that any problems are detected and treated at the earliest opportunity. A daily grooming routine is an excellent opportunity to thoroughly examine the patient and deal with areas requiring attention e.g. Decubitus ulcers (bed sores) and in-growing claws which might affect a recumbent patient. Grooming is often enjoyed by the animal and provides company and mental stimulation as well as promoting health and physical well being.
3. List 8 medical conditions that might be diagnosed by an examination of the skin and coat.
   • Flea infestation and related conditions such as allergic dermatitis.
   • Signs of other external parasitic infestation such as mange mites. Although the mites themselves are not visible with the naked eye; it is possible to observe tell-tale signs such as scratching, licking, inflammation and irritation.
   • Yeast infection such as Malassezia. This is characterised by the presence of a white scurf and unusual odour.
   • Endocrine and hormone problems; these may be manifested by areas of hair loss, poor coat quality and poor hair re-growth.
   • Decubitus ulcers (bed sores), which may affect areas of skin at the bony prominences of recumbent patients.
   • Abrasions, lacerations, scratches, bites and abscesses.
   • Skin disease such as seborrhoea and pyoderma.
   • Self inflicted trauma; pay particular attention to any existing wounds or surgical sites. In addition, a bored animal may lick excessively - particularly its feet.
4. Why might a hospitalised patient resent grooming?
   It may be that the animal is simply fearful of strangers. However, it could be that the patient experiences pain upon the handling of certain areas, and for this reason it is essential that the utmost care is taken not to distress the animal further. Always be gentle and methodical in order to be able to detect any areas of concern.
5. What is the average daily rate of hair growth in the dog?
   0.5mm/day.
6. What 4 main factors affect the rate of hair growth?
   • Environmental temperature and season.
   • General health status.
   • Nutrition.
   • Endocrine and reproductive status.
7. Describe how the environmental temperature and time of year affect moulting.
   Dogs kept indoors in centrally heated housing will shed hair almost continually throughout the year, but with noticeable increases in spring and autumn. Dogs kennelled outside or kept in housing at a lower environmental temperatures will experience obvious seasonal shedding in spring and autumn.
8. Give 4 examples of nutrients essential for a healthy coat.
   • Zinc.
   • Iodine.
   • Amino acids.
   • Essential fatty acids.
9. List the 6 coat types found in dogs, and give an example of a breed for each.
   • Smooth - Staffordshire bull terrier.
   • Wire - Cairn terrier.
   • Double coat - Rough collie.
   • Silky - Saluki.
   • Woolly - Poodle.
   • Corded - Hungarian Puli.
10. A badly matted Persian cat is brought to the surgery for "de-matting"; describe the procedure.
    • Procedure explained to the owner and signing of consent form.
    • Pre-anaesthetic check by the veterinary surgeon to establish anaesthetic risk category prior to admission.
    • Weight check.
    • Administration of premedicant drug/s if indicated.
    • Sedative administered or anaesthetic induction performed by the veterinary surgeon. An anaesthetised animal should be intubated and connected up to the anaesthetic machine.
    • Adorn protective disposable gloves and apron.
    • Assess the degree of matting. Badly affected areas should be clipped rather than combed or cut out with scissors due to the risk of damaging the skin. Clipping is usually necessary when dealing with areas such as the axillae, perineum and ventral neck. Less badly affected areas can be combed out using a special comb, which has blunt wire pins of 2 different lengths.
    • Examine the skin for evidence of any clinical problems and advise the veterinary surgeon if necessary. See Q3.
    • Examine the ears and eyes and gently remove any discharges using cotton wool and suitable proprietary cleansers. Advise the veterinary surgeon if any abnormalities are detected.
    • Examine the genitalia and advise the veterinary surgeon if any abnormalities are detected. Cleaning maybe performed with a mild antiseptic solution.
    • Examine the claws and trim them if overly long.
    • The animal's teeth should have been checked by the veterinary surgeon prior to the procedure so that permission to perform any necessary dental work was granted by the owner. Dental disease is covered in Book Two - Chapter 7 - Medical & Nutritional Diseases. The lips and gums may be cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution.
    • If the cat is to be bathed, take particular care to keep the endotracheal tube away from the water and avoid letting the cat become chilled or over-heated. The type of shampoo selected depends upon the skin and coat condition. Shampoos are generally cleansing, medicated or insecticidal.
    • Dry the cat thoroughly with towels to remove excess water and allow recovery in a warm, draught-free environment. Hair dryers may be used, but only on a cool setting. Hold the drier some distance from the cat to avoid over-heating.
    • A final application of baby powder massaged into the coat (or remains of!) or a spray of a leave-in conditioner will ensure that the cat smells pleasant upon discharge, which will please the owner.
    • Clean sink/bath/table/surfaces/floor. Wash up and put away equipment. Clean and oil the clippers. Dispose of waste correctly.
    • Record the procedure on the cat's in-patient form.
11. Give examples of 4 types of grooming brush and explain when their use would be suitable.
    • Pin brush - to distribute natural oils from the skin's surface to the ends of the hair shaft. Not for detangling. Suitable for most long coated breeds.
    • Bristle brush - as above.
    • Slicker brush - for pulling out dead hair and breaking down mats. Suitable for heavy long-coated breeds.
    • Hound glove - for removal of dead hair from the under coat, and polishing the outer coat. Suitable for short-coated breeds.
12. Give examples of 4 types of comb and explain when their use would be suitable.
    • Flea comb - for the removal of fleas, dirts and eggs. Also suitable for kittens due to its small size.
    • Moulting comb - for the removal of tangles and dead undercoat.
    • Dematting comb - designed to split and separate mats.
    • Rake comb - pulls out matted and dead undercoat. Particular suitable for breeds with thick coats.
13. Give examples of types of scissors used for trimming and explain when their use would be suitable.
    • Toe scissors - used to trim delicate areas such as between the digits.
    • Thinning scissors - as it sounds; to thin the coat to enhance features such as the shoulders and sides of the chest.
    • Trimming scissors - for neatly finishing areas such as the edges of the ears.
    • Curved scissors - used to safely clip up areas close to the skin without causing damage.
14. Describe the care of clippers.
    Electric clippers must be kept in a dry cupboard or on a hook. As with all electrical appliances, special care must be taken to ensure that any damage to the plug or cable be repaired before re-using. A toothbrush is ideal for removing hair from the clippers prior to cleaning. During use, a proprietary spray such as "Clippercide" helps to prevent overheating and ensures smooth operation. Clipper blades should be removed for cleaning and the clipper mechanism should be greased and oiled according to the manufacturer's instructions. Any blades with broken teeth should be discarded. Blunt blades should be sent off for sharpening.
15. During bathing and grooming, certain areas require particular attention. List these and explain procedures involved.
    • Ears - Check for waxy or purulent discharge, which may be evidence of otodectes (ear mites), foreign body or bacterial infection. A dense growth of hair within the canal may prevent air from circulating and prove an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This hair may be gently plucked using blunt artery forceps. The canals and pinnae should be cleaned with an appropriate mild cleanser. Topical ointments may be deemed necessary and applied according to the instructions of the veterinary surgeon. Other things to look out for include haematomas (blood blisters), abrasions and lacerations, irritation and evidence of self-trauma.
    • Eyes - Check for discharge. Redness, inflammation and excessive lacrimation (tear production) may be evidence of ocular foreign bodies or infection. Look for cataracts, ulcers, aniscoria (unequal pupillary diameter), entropion (in-growing eyelashes) and ectropion and seek advise from the veterinary surgeon should any abnormalities be detected. The area around the eyes should be cleansed with a gentle proprietary cleaner such as Leo eye lotion.
    • Nostrils - Check for nasal discharge, which may be evidence of a contagious respiratory infection. Other abnormalities include dry, scaly nasal skin (dermatitis) and epistaxis (nosebleed). Consult the veterinary surgeon if necessary. The nose may be cleaned with saline or a mild antiseptic solution.
    • Mouth - Check CRT, teeth, gums and tongue. Look for stick injuries, dental disease and tooth root abscesses. Also check around the mouth for juvenile pyoderma and lip fold dermatitis. This area may be cleansed with saline or a mild antiseptic solution. Again, consult the vet if necessary. See Q20 for dental hygiene.
    • Genitalia - A light discharge from the prepuce is not abnormal in the dog. Heavy or malodorous discharge may be a sign of infection. Check for phimosis (inability to extrude the penis), paraphimosis (inability to retract the penis), cryptorchisism (testicle retracted within the abdomen) and orchitis (inflammation of the testicles). In the bitch, pay particularly attention to the vulva. Vulval swelling and/or discharge may indicate that she is in season, but may also be evidence of pyometra (womb infection). Check the mammary glands for swelling and discharge. The genitalia should be cleaned with saline or a mild antiseptic solution. Consult the vet if necessary.
    • Feet - Look for in-growing or cracked nails, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital foreign bodies, cracked or sloughed pads. Clip the claws if necessary, taking care not to damage the sensitive quick. The paws should be cleaned with a mild antiseptic. Consult the vet if there are any abnormalities.
    • Bony prominences - The bony prominences are of particular importance in hospitalised animals, since a long period of inactivity may result in decubitus ulcers (bed sores). The provision of plenty of clean, deep bedding and turning a recumbent animal every 4 hours can help to prevent them. The application of ring pad dressings may be useful. Decubitus ulcers should be cleaned with a mild antiseptic solution and dressed to prevent further trauma. The veterinary surgeon should be informed.
16. When is bathing contraindicated?
    • If a cast or dressing is in place.
    • The presence of a surgical wound.
    • Shocked patients.
    • Animals with respiratory problems.
    • Animals with cardiac problems.
17. What are the 4 main reasons for bathing?
    • To cleanse and condition the coat in order to remove soiling and odours and improve the appearance of the animal.
    • To cleanse the coat prior to a surgical procedure and thus reduce the risk of contamination during surgery.
    • To eradicate and control ectoparasites.
    • To treat skin conditions and apply topical medication.
18. A wire-coated terrier is due to be discharged following a long period of hospitalisation. The veterinary surgeon in charge of the case has asked you to ensure that the dog is groomed and bathed prior to the owner coming to collect him. Describe what you would do in chronological order.
    • Enlist assistance if necessary.
    • Adorn protective gloves and apron.
    • Gently detangle the coat using a traditional comb. Examine the animal in a thorough and methodical manner noting any abnormalities. See Q15.
    • Place the dog in the bathing area and use a flexible shower hose with spray head to wet the coat. Take care not to get water into the eyes or ears.
    • Use a mild shampoo or that directed by the veterinary surgeon. A heavily soiled animal may require 2 applications. Again take special care not to get shampoo into the dog's eyes and ears. Do not use shampoo on the face, vulva or sheath since these areas are particularly sensitive.
    • Rinse thoroughly until no soap bubbles are evident and the water runs clear.
    • Squeeze out excess water, then use a chamois cloth or towels to dry the dog.
    • Use a hair drier at a low setting to dry the coat. Ensure that the dog is kept in a warm environment to prevent hypothermia.
    • Clean the ears, eyes, lips and genitalia as directed in Q15.
    • Clip the claws if necessary.
    • Apply a light dusting of baby powder or a spray of leave-in coat condition to ensure that he smells pleasant ready for his owner.
    • Clean sink/bath/table/surfaces/floor. Wash up and put away any equipment used.
    • Record the procedure on the dog's hospital records.
19. Describe how nails and beaks are clipped.
    • Nails = Select an appropriate pair of nail clippers. These are available in a wide variety of types and sizes. Ensure that the animal is suitably restrained and reassured. Take the foot firmly and push up each toe in turn to expose the nail. Don't forget the dew-claws which, if present, may be hidden! Light coloured claws are more easy to clip since the quick is usually visible and gives a guide-line as to how much to trim. Cut at an angle towards the foot. If the claws are black, cut until the nail lies happily on the ground when the foot is in the normal position. If the quick is damaged, the blood flow can be stopped by the application of ferric chloride, silver nitrate or potassium permanganate.
    • Beaks = Make 2 right-angled cuts to try to maintain the original shape. Be careful not to cut too short since beaks do have a blood vessel.
20. Describe how the owner may maintain dental hygiene at home.
    • Brushing the teeth with a specially designed toothbrush and the use of a proprietary toothpaste. (Human toothpaste is dangerous to pets). Pads, swabs and finger toothbrushes are also available.
    • Cleaning the lips and gums with a proprietary cleanser such as Dentipet Mouthwash.
    • Specially designed teeth cleaning chews and toys such as Rasks and dental Kongs.
    • The use of foods made of special kibble such as Hills T/D diet.