T L Whatley RVN - Locum Vet Nurse Service

12/05/2026

🦘 A gentle reminder for everyone working with wildlife patients, whether in general practice, emergency, rescue or dedicated wildlife hospitals.

The member of the public standing at your reception desk with an injured animal is usually scared, emotional, worried… and trying to help.

They may have put themselves out of their comfort zone to stop for that animal. They may have spent hours trying to catch it, driven long distances, or interrupted work, school pick-up or family commitments just to get that animal help.

Please don’t make them feel like a burden.
Please don’t make them feel stupid.
And please don’t tell them off for not handling the situation perfectly.
If someone has done something incorrectly, use it as an opportunity to kindly educate them — because if their experience is met with embarrassment or hostility, next time they may keep driving. And wildlife cannot afford that.

The same goes within our profession.

For those working in wildlife hospitals and specialist centres: remember that general practice teams are usually doing the absolute best they can with the knowledge, equipment, staffing and time they have available. Most clinics are trying to help between desexings, emergencies, consults and phones ringing off the hook.

Educate. Support. Collaborate.
Not reprimand.

I’ve personally been on the receiving end of feeling “told off” for wildlife cases before — and there was genuinely a moment where I thought, “Why do I even try to help if I’m just going to get criticised?”

And that thought scared me. Because I’m someone deeply involved in wildlife nursing and education… I literally wrote the damn book.

If experienced wildlife professionals can feel discouraged, imagine how a new graduate, GP nurse, receptionist or member of the public might feel.
Kindness keeps people helping wildlife.

And collaboration saves more animals than ego ever will. 🖤

06/06/2025

We were saddened to see multiple wildlife rescue organisations recently putting out messages calling for kindness, as staff members and volunteers had been receiving abuse from members of the public 😔

Working in wildlife rescue is difficult for so many reasons. It can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Difficult decisions have to be made on a daily basis about the patients that come in.

The harsh reality, unknown to many, is that not all wildlife can be saved and sometimes euthanasia is the best thing to do for an animal’s welfare.

The people making these decisions genuinely care about animals and their welfare, and should not be made to feel guilty for the decisions they have to make.

The job is challenging enough without also having to receive verbal abuse from people who won’t accept the word of someone who has the knowledge needed to help them and the animal.

Everyone involved would agree that these situations can be heart breaking. Imagine having to cope with seeing them first hand every single day- because that’s what these staff and volunteers are facing.

These organisations are nearly always charities, relying off donations. They don’t receive any governmental support, and many are struggling to make ends meet financially.

Please don’t become a part of why so many amazingly talented people wonder whether they want to stay working in the field. The animals, and our wildlife rescue community, desperately need them ❤️

We end by saying a huge thank you to all of those working in wildlife rescue. You are doing the best you can with the resources that you have available, and that’s all you can do. Sending a big virtual hug to all those reading this who need it, please remember to reach out for support from those around you when you feel you need it

Maybe if anyone out there needs to a call a wildlife rescue for help/advice, you could give them a big thank you and a well done for their hard work? Or some sweets/snacks if you’re popping in? Or put a thank you card in the post? Gestures of support like this can really boost morale and will be so appreciated! 🥰

Let’s try and drown out the negativity with kindness instead ❤️

03/06/2025

Adder bite care advise 🐍

🐍Adder Awareness: Staying Safe in Warmer Weather

With the unseasonably warm weather, adders are beginning to emerge from hibernation earlier than usual. These snakes rely on warmth to regulate their body temperature, much like a solar battery needing to charge. This process can take days or even weeks, and during this period, adders may not be quick enough to escape if disturbed.

Understanding Adder Behavior
🐍Adders do not seek to attack but may strike if they feel threatened—such as when a dog unknowingly disturbs one while exploring undergrowth.
🐍They are the UK’s only venomous snake, and their bite can be dangerous to both animals and humans.

‼️How to Minimize the Risk of an Encounter

Between March and late May (or longer, depending on weather conditions), be cautious in the following areas:
✔️ Sand dunes
✔️ Moorland
✔️ Dense gorse-covered regions
✔️ Clay-rich terrains

‼️What to Do If Bitten

🐕For Dogs:

🐾 Swelling typically appears immediately, often around the head, neck, legs, or paws.
🐾 Seek veterinary attention immediately.
🐾 If possible, rinse the bite area with water (bite marks may be hidden by fur).
🐾 Carry your dog back to the car to reduce movement.
🐾 Proceed to the vet as soon as possible for appropriate treatment.

👨For Humans:

⚠️ Follow similar steps—seek medical attention immediately at A&E.

By staying informed and taking precautions, you can help ensure a safe experience for both you and your pets during adder season.

26/06/2024

⚠️ Trigger warning - Euthanasia & Grief ⚠️

This post is slightly more personal than my usual ‘business-based’ posts.

After regular visits over many years to ensure Alfie, my grey-faced 13+year old Labrador, had a Quality Of Life (QOL) that was as good as possible; the time eventually came when we had exhausted all efforts to keep him comfortable…it was time to consider End Of Life (EOL) and his final appointment! I took the time to write out a detailed ‘euthanasia plan’ for Alfie, which was shared with the vets in advance so they were aware of our expectations and any special requests we had. Thankfully in our situation, circumstances allowed for the plan to be fulfilled with empathy and patience and without any issues.
Calming meds were given a few hours prior to the appointment as Alfie has a history of previously being a bit reactive in a clinical environment; and I personally wanted to avoid injectable-sedatives as I had planned for Alfie to enjoy a special cake treat (something he’s never usually be allowed as it’d upset his tummy) in his final moments.
Prior to the appointment we had spent an hour sat at the beach, his favourite place, where we very simply enjoyed each others company whilst having a few treats and lots of fuss.
We arranged a comfortable & private space in an enclosed garden at the vets practice, laying out Alfie’s blankets on the grass for us all to gather upon.
A cannula was placed in his back leg so that we could continue to give him fuss at the head end, giving him lots of treats which offered the perfect distraction for that part of the procedure.
I had arranged a small playlist of music, that we had playing on a small portable speaker (we did mute the music when necessary to allow to veterinary surgeon to check his heart had stopped beating).
As soon as the veterinary surgeon had confirmed that Alfie was deceased, the veterinary staff vacated the area leaving us to mourn in the immediate aftermath.

Once we felt able, we carried Alfie’s body to the car - I had pre-planned to take Alfie home so our cat, Spice, could see him (there is evidence to suggest this can support the grieving process and adjustment response of companion animals from multi-pet households). Spice approached carefully - there was a sense she knew what was happening; she sniffed his nose (she’d never do this if he was just sleeping!) and then she left the room to settle quietly into her own bed. We were comfortable she had taken on board the circumstances and it was time to carefully carry Alfie’s body back out to the car again…this time to transport him to the pet crematorium, where we had a pre-arranged drop-off appointment.
I had arranged for Alfie to have a ‘private/individual’ cremation and his ashes returned to us…after collecting his ashes I took some time to go back to the beach to sit in peace and to reflect on the incredible memories we have created over our many years together.
I’m planning to have a special piece of memorial jewellery made using a small amount of his ashes so I can carry a bit of him with me - reflecting the timeless bond we shared.

As someone heavily involved in the euthanasia process on a day-to-day basis in practice, it is very important to highlight that everyone will have different needs and requirements to enable them to deal with the procedure and the grief of losing a much loved companion. By communicating your thoughts then it is more likely the veterinary practitioners can appropriately support your wishes & any prior expectations.
If you have an ill or elderly pet, where euthanasia may need to be considered in the near future, then do not be afraid to ask for an appointment to discuss QOL and/or EOL options to suit you & your pets needs; having the discussion in preparation does not mean you are committed to making any decisions at that time (Alfies first QOL assessment/consultation was 4-years ago, after diagnosis of a degenerative neuropathic condition!!)…but when the time does come, it may make the process that little bit smoother and less stressful for all involved 🐾🖤

22/06/2024

L a s t m i n u t e R V N a v a i l a b i l i t y
f o r l o c a t i o n s l o c a l t o
T R 1 6 (M i d - W e s t C o r n w a l l )
( w i t h i n 1 h r )

• M O N 2 4 t h -
• T U E S 2 5 t h - *edit - booked*
• W E D 2 6 t h -

P l e a s e g e t i n c o n t a c t i f
i n t e r e s t e d a n d t o
m a k e a r r a n g e m e n t s.

12/06/2024

As the weather warms up, these venomous snakes are emerging from hibernation.

Find out more about the dangers of adder bites and what to do if your dog is bitten at thekennelclub.org.uk/adders.

10/06/2024

Due to last minute cancellations I’ve found myself with some availability over the coming month.

• Thursday 13th June
• Friday 14th June

• Monday 17th June
• Tuesday 18th June

• Monday 24th June
• Tuesday 25th June

Happy to travel within 1hr of TR16

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 07525494327

Pictured: Spice, my 5-year old naughty tortie 🐾

10/06/2024

It is now compulsory for all owned cats in England to be microchipped, making it more likely that lost or stray pet cats are reunited with their owners and returned home safely.

This includes cats that usually only stay indoors.

All keepers must ensure their cat is microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age and their contact details stored and kept up to date in an approved pet microchipping database.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cat-microchipping-now-mandatory

06/06/2024

📆 Only 4 days left to get your pets microchipped…
I would always recommend microchipping anyway, for your own peace of mind in case your pet was to go missing 🐶🐱🐰🐴🐢🦎🦜

From 10 June 2024 cats over 20 weeks old must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database. 🐾

This includes cats that usually only stay indoors.

By microchipping their cats, owners can increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet if they go missing.

More information on how to get your cat microchipped can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-cat-microchipped

27/03/2024

For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer marine mammal medic…a fantastic role with great support network (- you do NOT need to be a diver!) 🦭🐋🐬🐢🦈🦑

It's Training Season!🦭🐋 🐬

Love seals, whales and/or dolphins? You could become a Marine Mammal Medic and be there for them in their time in need!

We have several courses currently live on our website here 👉 https://bdmlr.org.uk/course.

If there's nothing in your region now, why not sign up to our waiting list to be notified of courses near you?

Sign up here 👉 bdmlr.org.uk/course-waitlist-form