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Why did you become a nurse and how long have you been one?
I don’t remember a time where I considered not working with animals. I believe it was something I was always meant to do. I became a student nurse at the clinic I did work experience at as a teenager, and I’ve been an RVN since 2007. I’ve worked in various clinics; first opinion, emergency hospital and referral to cat only. It has given me skills to travel around the world working with so many different species of animals in charities, volunteering for conservation projects and hospitals.

What you love about telemedicine and why it’s important?
It has given me the opportunity to stay in the veterinary industry. I have a chronic pain disorder and invisible disability which, over the years it has got worse. To a point where I can’t physically do the job I love anymore. Telemed has given me the opportunity I never thought would be an option. Telemed is so important as it gives pets the chance to avoid stress of going into clinic and gives clients a space to contact us to discuss anything pet related. A triage-based service with experienced staff helping our clients and clinics. eConsults have come a long way for human health care, it’s about time for our pets/!

What do you have a keen interest in?
I love cats; their minds, behaviours, characters, and the comfort they bring to so many owners. In clinic, I loved my reputation for being the cat whisperer. I offer the first aid clinics for the most common behaviour concerns, on PetsApp, that cats can have from toileting inappropriately, conflicts in multi-cat households and creating a feline friendly home. I’ve had some fantastic results since doing these for the app – a pair of cats who took chunks of fur out of each other who will now share a windowsill together. One who urinated in the owners son’s room, bed and wardrobe who will now happily use his own toilet area. It’s these outcomes that gives me the drive to want to do more for our cats and clients.

I started working at The Vet Morden in July 2019, shortly after getting my foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing. I worked part time for a year alongside studying for my BSc before joining the team full time. Two years later I joined the telemedicine team after moving to Kent. Outside of work I have been involved in the Shetland Sheepdog breed since I was 7 years old. I compete regularly at both Open and Championship shows with my dogs and I am also an active member of The English Shetland Sheepdog Club, being secretary of the South Eastern Branch for the last 5 years. I have been involved in litter raising throughout my time in the breed, including raising my own litters. I have also hand reared many puppies and kittens, including those with cleft palates and other disabilities. My services are available for both cats and dogs.

What I can offer?

• Pre-breeding consults: where I will discuss responsible breeding practices including finding a stud dog, kennel club registrations and overall health checks for the mother. I can discuss the breeding process, progesterone testing and artificial insemination. I am also happy to provide these consults to anyone thinking about providing a stud service with their male. Having also gone through some fertility issues with both dogs and bitches I am happy discussing these and can advise on local reproduction specialists who may be able to advise further.
• Pre-whelping consults: The purpose of this consultation is to prepare owners for whelping. I discuss the stages of labour, what to expect and how long each stage should last. I also discuss the signs of complications and when to contact the clinic or out of hours service. I am happy discussing elective c-sections including how to use progesterone testing to predict when best to do the surgery. I have lots of tips that I have picked up from many experienced breeders as well including a range of supplements and at home remedies which can help struggling puppies and kittens. I also give nutritional advice for the bitch and a list of kit that it is useful to have including designing a whelping area.
• Post whelping consults: This consult is designed to check the health of mum and pups post whelping. I go through each puppy and check for deformities including cleft palates as well as addressing any other concerns the owner has with either mum or puppies. I also discuss signs to look out for which can indicate puppies are struggling and common issues that may arise. I advise on the weaning process, flea and worming protocols, and vaccinations. I can also help with registering puppies with the kennel club.

Why did you become a nurse and how long have you been one?
Growing up with parents who raised me to be kind to all creatures (great and small), becoming a veterinary nurse was a childhood dream fulfilled. Upon my first visit to the vet with my dad and our dog, I knew immediately what I wanted to do when I grew up. I am a “vintage” veterinary nurse, qualifying in 1983, and in 2020 was the proud recipient of an award from the RCVS: Lifetime Contribution to Veterinary Nursing. My main interests are emergency and critical care, alongside supporting clients who are struggling with the loss of a pet and/or an end-of-life decision.

What you love about telemedicine and why it’s important?
Telemedicine is another, often more convenient medium whereby clients can receive assistance regarding the health of their pets.

Hi my name is Nikki and and I am one of the telemedicine Nurses you will get to chat to on Petsapp. I’ve been qualified since 2006 and I work at our Liverpool branch. I love triage and emergency and critical care and I also love helping with nutrition advice and have recently completed my Hills nutrition ambassador qualification. My passion is Nurse consultations and I love helping you guys out with your furbabies I have a pomsky called Blue and a husky called Marlo who you may see in the background on our video calls. I live with my fiance and our two children and we are due to get married next year!