Posted 11 February 2021
"I chose this topic to assess what more could be done within the veterinary profession to educate and advise owners to use preventative dental care methods."
Rachael McCartan
A Harper Adams university student is seeking assistance from veterinary professionals in her bid to break down barriers to feline dental care.
Rachael McCartan, 21, from Kent, who is in the final months of the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree, is calling for vets and vet nurses in practice to complete a survey as part of her research project entitled "Preventative dental care in cats; owner and veterinary professional perspectives".
She explained: “It is an investigation into owner awareness and understanding of dental disease in cats, the use of preventative dental care and the methods used by veterinary professionals to educate and advise cat owners on these matters. Research shows that 70 per cent of cats already have one form of dental disease by two years of age.”
Rachael’s curiosity grew around this subject from her experience during placement year, during which she observed many young cats undergoing dental procedures, often requiring multiple extractions.
“I chose this topic to assess what more could be done within the veterinary profession to educate and advise owners to use preventative dental care methods and improve the quality of life for many cats, as dental disease often goes unnoticed,” she added.
“I hope that this research can help break down the barriers to dental care in cats. Caring for your cat shouldn't end when you leave the vet doors. Giving animal owners the knowledge and encouragement that they need to implement dental care at home is something I am passionate about.”
Rachael is appealing to Registered Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons currently working in the UK to complete her questionnaire. The end date for the survey is February 14. Please find the link here: https://harper-adams.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/veterinary-professionals-perspective
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