Imagine the situation. You are working within your role and have a female who gave birth to 9 puppies. She can't feed them all. What would you do? How would you distinguish those that are undernourished?
This is a situational question and is asking you to consider the most appropriate course of action. It is important prior to your interview that you research into some common veterinary situations in case you are presented with such a question. The interviewer is looking to assess your knowledge and understanding of the role.
"If the dog is unable to feed all of her puppies it would be essential for the vet to step in and provide assistance to prevent the puppies from undernourishment. Any puppies that appear restless and do not have fat tummies will benefit from supplemental feeding 1-3 times a day"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have to provide a service of care for the animals, and so I have to be able to help the mother feed the puppies that she is unable to. If they are undernourished, the puppies will be restless and have flat stomachs.
Rachelle's Feedback
Great job distinguishing those that are undernourished. For the second part of the question, try to be more specific on the steps you would take to help.
"If I had a situation where the puppies were undernourished, I would take steps to feed the puppies a commercial canine milk replacer. I would feed the puppies by bottle or syringe every few hours. I believe that the best tell-tale sign of a hungry puppy is restlessness and a flat stomach."
Anonymous Answer
If the female is unable to provide nutrients to all of her puppies, I would step in and make sure that each puppy was receiving the proper nutrients and care to allow for healthy growth. I would want to be sure that each puppy received colostrum, as this is very important to their health from puppyhood onward. Following this step, I would see to it that the smaller, weaker puppies received supplemental nutrients and feedings.
Rachelle's Feedback
Nice answer! You display a strong understanding of the foundational health needs of the little ones :)
Anonymous Answer
I would observe and examine each of the puppies, checking that they have full bellies and are content. If any are round or have flat, deflated stomachs and appear restless and agitated, I would take that as an indication that they aren't getting enough milk. So I would separate these puppies from the group and bottle-feed them using a milk substitute. Once they are sufficiently fed, I would put them back into the group. I would check every few hours on all the puppies.
Rachelle's Feedback
You take a very thorough approach, and show a solid understanding of the indicators of undernourishment. Good response!
Anonymous Answer
It is understanding that most dogs give birth to large litters there have been many developmental supplements to assist the puppies who can't latch or are undernourished or who are rejected by the mother, such as formula and being bottle-fed. I would recommend getting puppy formula and bottle feeding the puppies that have flat bellies and those who are visibly smaller than the rest three times a day.
Rachelle's Feedback
Great approach! You are aware of the options available to you, and your answer shows a strong level of observation.
Anonymous Answer
As the RCVS code states, the veterinarian's first consideration should always be animal welfare. Therefore, it is in every essence vital as a vet, I should do anything I can to keep the puppies alive. Firstly, to identify the undernourished puppies, I would look for those who are restless and have flat stomachs. Secondly, if I did not have the facilities, space, or time as a vet to look after these puppies, I could call on the aid of an animal welfare charity such as the RSPCA or Dog's Trust to help me.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your knowledge of the RCVS code sounds very strong, and it's a good choice to reference this code to support your answer. Great thinking to look for additional aid from a supporting charity, if needed.
Anonymous Answer
I think you would be able to distinguish between the ones that are malnourished as they would have a lighter weight compared to where their weight should be, or they would be gaining weight/growing slower than the rest of the puppies. It is one of the five freedoms to ensure that animals are free from hunger and thirst therefore as the vet, I would try to talk to the owner as possible other feeding options such as bottle feeding for malnourished puppies, this will help to make sure they are healthy.
Amanda's Feedback
Great job! You've shared how you would determine which puppies were malnourished and how you would work to address the situation through alternative feeding options.
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