The consequences of raised intracranial pressure in dogs and cats

ABSTRACT:

As a neurology nurse at a referral centre, nursing both canine and feline patients with intracranial disease is quite a common occurrence. It is important to understand how the body is affected and therefore recognise clinical signs that are portrayed in patients, at risk of or those suffering from raised intracranial pressure (ICP). If left untreated, the animal can suffer detrimental effects such as brain herniation and death. The article will discuss many nursing skills that can help nurses recognise these clinical signs and also tips to prevent a further increase in ICP both in the conscious and anaesthetised patient.

Keywords: :

• ICP
• herniation
• brain
• nursing
• MGCS

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank Francesca de Strobel DVM PhD DipECVN MRCVS for peer reviewing this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniella Sines

Daniella Sines RVN BSC(Hons) Grad Dip VNMy name is Daniella Sines. I qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College after completing a BSc(Hons) degree in veterinary nursing. I started working at North Downs Specialist Referrals in Surrey that same year to the present day and since 2013 have been working as a neurology nurse. In 2015 I completed the graduate diploma in professional and clinical veterinary nursing (Grad Dip VN) from the Royal Veterinary College.

Email: [email protected]