The Clinical Research Project grants support the undertaking for small-scale research projects in companion animals, with the ultimate objective of advancing understanding of the causes and/or management of a clinical disorder.
The awards include funding for:
The projects are expected to be completed by 2028.
https://bsava.com/petsavers
The study is being conducted with pet owners and veterinary professionals to develop a greater understanding about how flea and tick treatments are used on cats and dogs.
It will involve two depth surveys to explore the type and format of treatments used, the frequency of application, where treatments are bought, what influences the choice of product, whether there is an awareness of ectoparasiticides’ environmental effect and what preventative steps the public and clinicians would take when using the treatments on animals in the future.
At a later stage, the research project will also include lab assessments of ectoparasiticide residues collected from companion animals to provide more information on their potential environmental impact.
It is hoped the research findings will help the veterinary profession develop the most appropriate approaches to ectoparasiticides in the future, and inform educational strategies to support owners with ‘responsible use’.
Project leader Professor Richard Wall from the University of Bristol, said: “This is an issue of considerable concern.
"Citizen science and laboratory research evidence is urgently needed so that risk-based assessments of the impact of and requirements for ectoparasite treatment can be made.
"Whilst we can make some assumptions around the impact of routine ectoparasite treatments, these findings are essential for us to truly understand them - and to be able to balance the needs of veterinary patients with their wider environmental impacts.”
https://forms.office.com/e/mbztbYf4Ru.
The theme of Congress this year, at which veterinary nurses are welcome, is 'Adapt, Evolve, Succeed', considering how we can succeed both professionally and personally by embracing growth and change.
Billed as one of the most influential experts on change and human leadership in the world, Richard has advised governments and corporations such as Google and Microsoft
Early-bird prices start at £395 for the full event, with further group bundles and day tickets available.
www.spvs-congress.co.uk
richardgerver.com
"Great Workplaces: Raising the Bar (Elevating Skills, Culture, and Leadership)" is a series of four in-depth conversations that will tackle themes that have an impact on recruitment and retention, uncovered through the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.
All members of the profession are welcome to join the 50-minute webinar, which will be hosted by Rob Williams, BVA President, and Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, ManyPets Consulting Veterinarian & Vet Engagement Lead.
Rob said: “Effective mentorship is the backbone of any thriving veterinary workplace.
"Whether you’re guiding others or building your own skills, strong mentoring relationships can make all the difference.
"We hope colleagues find the webinars engaging and informative. In our first session, we’ll explore the power of mentoring and work through common gaps revealed by the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.”
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/mentoring-matters.html
PSS accredited practices are required to nominate an Appointed Senior Veterinary Surgeon, and under the RCVS Guidance, the College expects all veterinary service providers to do likewise.
Senior Veterinary Surgeons are responsible for making sure practice standards, policies and procedures are compliant with the Code and that legislation and guidance in areas such as veterinary medicines, consumer choice and professional autonomy are being met.
The new course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon, with examples and scenarios drawn from the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct.
Clare Paget, RCVS Registrar and Director of Legal Services, said: “The role of appointed senior veterinary surgeon is an absolutely crucial one in the veterinary clinical practice setting.
"Having an appointed senior veterinary surgeon ensures that veterinary teams are working under the guidance and direction of a senior clinical figure and that there is someone who has overall accountability for standards at a practice.
"The appointed senior veterinary surgeon also has the important role of ensuring that the clinical judgement of the veterinary team is paramount over, for example, any commercial pressures.
“This course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon and will help members of the vet team identify who they are within their organisation and, if relevant, recognise and implement the responsibilities of the role.”
The course takes around 30 minutes to complete, is free to access via the RCVS Academy, and counts towards annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
The awards celebrate the commitment and hard work of staff who support veterinary nursing students, recognising their talent, skill and dedication.
They're open to anyone involved in training and educating veterinary nurses in the UK, with the winners nominated by students and fellow professionals.
CQ Director Jacqui Garrett said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the Veterinary Nurse Educator of the Year Awards once again.
"The awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the individuals who go above and beyond in training the next generation of veterinary nurses.
"I would encourage anyone who has been inspired by their tutor or colleague to submit a nomination and help us recognise their contribution to the veterinary nursing profession.”
The awards will be presented during the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 28 March 2026, where there'll be a keynote speech from wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Gordon Buchanan.
Nominations close on Friday, 6 February.
Providing an opportunity to present new research to the veterinary community, the Clinical Research Abstracts can be on any veterinary subject, whether it’s the preliminary results of a new study, a discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.
Each application should be based on high-quality clinical research undertaken in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words
Applications are welcome from vets, veterinary nurses, practice managers and students, with applications from those working in general practice especially encouraged.
Researchers with research of direct relevance to veterinary practice may also submit an abstract for consideration.
Those who are selected to present will receive a free complimentary ticket to BVA Live.
The Clinical Research Abstract awards will also give researchers the opportunity to present their winning abstract at London Vet Show 2026.
Julian Hoad, BSAVA President said: "We’re delighted to invite veterinary professionals to share their latest research with the wider community.
"The Clinical Research Abstracts offer a unique platform to showcase innovation, spark discussion, and contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine. We look forward to seeing fresh ideas and emerging techniques that can shape the future of clinical practice. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!"
Submissions are open until 6th March 2025.
https://www.bsavaclinicalabstracts.com
The company says Nutramed kills over 99.9% of known bacteria and fungal spores whilst being safe and gentle enough for use on sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth.
Lianne O’Boyle RVN and Clinical Lead at Nutravet, said: “Veterinary professionals need a reliable, safe and effective solution for minor wound management and first aid.
"Nutramed hypochlorous spray and gel combine powerful antimicrobial performance with a gentle formula, making it a must-have in every practice and pet owner’s first aid kit.
“Designed to support everyday veterinary care, Nutramed provides peace of mind for professionals and pet owners alike by ensuring minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions are treated quickly and effectively.”
www.nutravet.com.
Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will take up their three-year terms at the RCVS Annual General Meeting on Friday 3 July 2026.
The RCVS has published both candidates’ biographies and statements.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/vn-council/vn-council-elections-2
Vidas Equine Insulin provides insulin levels in approximately 20 minutes, which the company says will help with the diagnosis and management of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), commonly associated with insulin dysregulation in horses.
Vidas Equine ACTH provides dysregulation level testing of the adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone related to the development of Equine Cushing’s Disease (aka Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction - PPID) in about 45 minutes.
Pierre Rouppert, Global Veterinary Product Manager at bioMérieux, said: “Our new endocrinology tests, because of their rapidity and ease of use, will bring clinical value for veterinary practices, directly at the Point of Care.
"Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s Disease are chronic conditions that often evade detection in their initial stages, making early testing crucial in achieving proper management and animal care.”
David Smart, Global Veterinary Business Developer at bioMérieux, said: “This dedicated equine immunoassay test for insulin and ACTH represents a transformative step forward in animal care.
"Veterinary practitioners will be able to achieve fast, reliable and cost-effective laboratory grade results that can aid early detection and subsequent diagnosis for two prolific and debilitating medical conditions in horses.
"The fast and accurate results from these two new tests will allow quicker clinical decisions that will ultimately help more horses receive an improved standard of care and reassure horse owners.”
https://www.biomerieux.com/corp/en/our-offer/clinical-products/vidas-equine-insulin.html
ParaProtect offers bitesize interactive learning modules, each taking 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
The programme is open to all practice staff, from vets and nurses to client care teams, and aims to advance parasitology expertise and build further confidence in risk-based parasite protection.
Elanco says each module includes expert insights, real-world case studies and practical advice that can be applied immediately in practice.
The first module: ‘Parasite Control in a One Health World’, explores the wider implications of parasite control, including risks to public health from parasites, and consideration for the environment when selecting and using parasiticides.
Later modules will cover topics such as the impact of climate and travel on parasite spread, myth-busting, emerging risks, and how to improve client communication and compliance.
Jacqui Skelly, Head of Veterinary Technical Services, UK & Ireland at Elanco, said: “Parasitology is a field of medicine that most vets are practicing many times a day, yet it’s easy to neglect when it comes to CPD.
“As parasite risks evolve alongside climate and behavioural change, there’s growing demand for CPD that reflects current science and supports evidence-based decision making in practice.
"With ParaProtect, we aim to service that need with a different kind of programme.
"It’s short, practical, relevant and designed to be used straight away in the consulting room.
"It has principles of responsible use of parasiticides built into the core of the learning, and helps teams move beyond routine treatment to deliver advice that protects pets and their families, especially as summer travel increases parasite risks.”
https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/campaign/pet/paraprotect
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The bundle includes:
To be in with a chance of winning, take the Lec Medical voucher from the Vet Show voucher book to stand T64.
https://www.lec-medical.co.uk/en-gb
The College says the findings address evidence gaps from previous research and highlight the importance of routine veterinary otoscopic ear checks.
Although previous research has suggested that lop-eared rabbits may be more susceptible, the researchers say it relied on small samples and retrospective clinical records or owner reports.
For this study, RVC Rabbit Welfare Research Assistants, Maria Jackson RVN and Michaela Betts MRCVS, examined 435 pedigree rabbits volunteered by British Rabbit Council (BRC) breeders.
Between October 2023 and February 2024, the team travelled to BRC shows and breeding studs to record each rabbit’s ear type, head shape, estimated adult bodyweight, age and other features before performing a structured otoscopic examination in which the outer ear, the diverticulum and the full length of the external ear canal were checked for signs of inflammation, narrowing, discharge or crusting.
By combining these observations with multivariable statistics, the team was able to compare ear health across 49 breeds and identify which conformations were most strongly associated with specific ear abnormalities.
The results showed that ear shape plays a central role in predisposing rabbits to hidden ear disease.
Lop-eared rabbits were more likely to show 9 of the 11 abnormalities assessed, including ear canal narrowing, abnormal colour, flaky and wet discharge, behavioural reactivity to ear examination, dermatological changes to the pinna and crusts in the diverticulum.
The shape of a rabbit’s head was also associated with the types of ear problems they were likely to develop, but not in a consistent manner.
Brachycephalic rabbits had narrower ear canals, while dolichocephalic rabbits were more likely to have crusts in the diverticulum.
Body size mattered too, with heavier rabbits more likely to show problems such as redness, narrowing, flaky discharge and traumatic pinna changes, as well as stronger behavioural reactions during examination.
Other physical and signalment factors showed mixed results, highlighting the complexity of ear health across breeds.
Maria said: “Our findings have once again shown that rabbits with lop ears are more likely to develop ear problems – specifically, signs of otitis externa – than rabbits with upright ears."
Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science at the RVC, and senior author on the paper, said: “This is the first study to have directly and systematically examined rabbit ears outside a clinical context, and it confirms that the seemingly endearing shape of lop rabbits’ ears really do risk deeper ear disorders.
"Alongside the physical changes we observed, we documented rabbit behaviour, such as avoidance, shaking their heads and scratching at their ears, and found that the lop-eared rabbits reacted significantly more to having their ears examined than rabbits with ‘up’ ears.
"To me, this indicates that their ears were not only physically affected, but they also hurt more, highlighting the animal welfare burden of this hidden problem.”
References
Dr Butterworth’s practice was a member of TBAS, a Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs-funded (Defra) project administered by Farmcare Solutions Ltd which provides advice to eligible farmers via its veterinary partners.
The farm to which the charges relate to was owned by Dr Bexon’s partner. It had no cattle on-site (though was still eligible for the TBAS).
Dr Butterworth was charged with signing a TBAS visit report, in which he was named as the TBAS advisor, relating to a visit to the farm in February 2023 which had, in fact, not taken place and then subsequently signed a report about a follow-up visit in July 2023 which also hadn’t taken place.
Dr Bexon was charged with signing the same two false reports as a representative of the farm in question.
Both faced a secondary charge that their actions were dishonest, misleading and risked undermining procedures relating to public health and animal welfare.
Dr Butterworth and Dr Bexon admitted all the charges against them and that these charges amounted to serious professional misconduct.
The Committee also found that their actions amounted to serious professional misconduct in that they had breached three of the five key principles in the Code of Professional Conduct relating to: honesty and integrity; client confidentiality and trust; and professional accountability.
The Committee also found that the actions of both veterinary surgeons had breached the ’10 principles of certification’ outlined in the supporting guidance to the Code.
Considering Mr Butterworth’s conduct, the Committee found that there were a number of aggravating factors including: the premeditated nature of the conduct as he was the driving force behind the deceit, the fact there was financial gain as his practice would have been paid for the non-existent visits, breach of confidentiality for the farmer, breach of client trust for Farmcare Solutions Ltd, and abuse of professional position as a TBAS advisor.
For Dr Bexon the aggravating factors were breach of confidentiality for the farmer, breach of client trust for Farmcare Solutions Ltd, and the fact that, as a TBAS advisor, she should have known that physical visits to farms within the scheme were mandatory.
Paul Morris, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee considered both respondents’ conduct was liable to have a seriously detrimental effect on the reputation of the profession and undermined public confidence in the profession and the TBAS process.
"The Committee considered that members of the public would be deeply troubled that registered veterinary surgeons had behaved in this way.”
At the hearing the Committee received a large number of positive testimonials for Dr Butterworth, including three given directly to the Committee – one from a veterinary surgeon colleague and two from farmer clients.
The Committee also considered his lack of previous disciplinary history and otherwise unblemished career, open and frank admissions at an early stage, insight into his misconduct, genuine remorse and positive reflection, efforts to avoid a repetition of behaviours and evidence of a more mature approach to management, lapse of time since the incident.
Taking everything into account the Committee decided reprimanding Dr Butterworth and warning him with regard to future conduct was the most appropriate and proportionate response.
Paul added: “The Committee did give serious consideration to suspending Dr Butterworth’s registration with the College.
"Such a sanction would have sent out a clear message that this sort of behaviour is absolutely not to be tolerated.
"However, in light of the extensive mitigation, his honesty and significant insight throughout these proceedings and the unlikeliness of behaviour of this type ever being repeated, the Committee considered the public would not be best served by suspending an otherwise exemplary veterinary surgeon and that such a sanction would be disproportionate and punitive.”
"In such circumstances, the Committee was satisfied that a reprimand and warning not to behave in this way again, would provide adequate protection to animals and would satisfy the public interest.
"The Committee was persuaded that Dr Butterworth would be most unlikely to make such a flawed set of decisions again.
"Notwithstanding the serious nature of Dr Butterworth’s conduct, the Committee was satisfied that a fully informed member of the public would not be shocked if he were allowed to continue to practise.”
The Committee also received a significant number of positive testimonials for Dr Bexon, with three veterinary surgeon colleagues giving oral evidence to the Committee.
The Committee also considered her lack of disciplinary history and hitherto unblemished career, her open and frank admissions, her insight, remorse and positive reflections, her efforts to avoid repetition of the behaviours and the lapse of time since the event.
Taking everything into account, the Committee decided to reprimand Dr Bexon.
Paul said: “This was not a case where she had been motivated by any financial gain.
"Indeed, everything the Committee had read and heard about her indicated the opposite and furthermore, it was apparent that she had nothing to gain by her actions beyond satisfying Dr Butterworth.
"As already stated, the Committee acknowledged that the role played by Dr Bexon was less than that played by Dr Butterworth.
"Moreover, there was a power imbalance at play and Dr Butterworth was able to take advantage of, albeit unknowingly, Dr Bexon’s lack of self-confidence.”
"The Committee has already indicated that it believed the likelihood of her repeating such behaviour to be non-existent.
"Her significant insight, together with the reflection and remedial work she has undertaken are as much as any person could do.
"She had truly learnt her lesson in the harshest of ways.
"In the Committee’s view she did not represent any risk to animals or the public, indeed quite the contrary as she is a very able vet, in high demand by her clients.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Leah won the award for her extraordinary dedication, compassion, unwavering devotion to her patients and professionalism in all aspects of her work, both in practice and outside it.
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2021, Leah began working as a mixed practice vet at Flett and Carmichael Veterinary Surgeons in Orkney, where she always goes the extra mile for her patients, whether within her practice or out and about in the Orkney countryside and coastline.
She is involved with multiple charities outside of work, becoming an Orkney Nature Festival trustee, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) medic and Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme volunteer.
Her involvement is not confined to daylight hours or predictable situations as she frequently responds to emergency call-outs for seals, porpoise or dolphins at all hours, often in challenging conditions.
It is not uncommon for her to be found on windswept beaches in the dead of night, providing expert care to stranded or injured marine mammals.
She has also been involved in providing first aid to stranded whales and dolphins and assisting in their re-floatation or euthanasia when the animals can’t be refloated due to illness and also assisted with 37 pilot whale postmortems on Sanday, Orkney, in 2024 after the most significant mass stranding event in the UK in the last 100 years.
Leah said: “I am very humbled to even be nominated, let alone win this award, especially when I know how many amazing and talented young vets there are in the UK.
"I truly do love the work that I do, island vetting really is unique and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help make a difference.”
Rachel Dean won her award for her significant contribution to clinical practice and veterinary education.
Since graduating from the University of Glasgow, she has worked in mixed, dairy and small animal general practice in the private, charity and academic sectors.
"She is passionate about veterinary healthcare and is a recognised international leader of evidence-based veterinary medicine and encourages authentic collective clinical leadership and progressing care through developing professional connections, research, innovation, quality improvement and professional development.
BVA President Rob Williams said: “Rachel's work on evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), including founding the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine at University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine, has been truly pioneering and she is an impressive educator, having delivered education and mentoring in the fields of feline and shelter medicine.”
Andrew Cunningham won his award for his exceptional contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine and the field of wildlife veterinary science.
Andrew is currently Deputy Director of Science at ZSL, where he has worked in various roles since 1988.
He has led several national and international, multi-disciplinary wildlife disease research projects investigating the emergence, spread, impact and mitigation of disease threats to wildlife conservation, understanding the role of anthropogenic environmental change on wildlife disease emergence.
His large body of original, high-quality research has had major impacts across conservation biology, veterinary science and public health, informing and influencing the policies of governments, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs.
Polly Compston received her award for her outstanding contribution to animal health and welfare on a global scale.
After graduating from Edinburgh Vet School, Polly worked in mixed and small animal practice before completing a residency in clinical research at Rossdales Equine Hospital alongside an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health.
She went on to work in research for an NGO, developing an evidence base for animal welfare interventions across Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, and later completed a PhD on the economic and social drivers of foot-and-mouth disease control in Kenya.
She currently has two roles, one as Veterinary Head of Outbreak Central Services at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), leading licensing, tracing and surveillance teams in the UK’s response to notifiable disease outbreaks, and also as a Technical Lead at EuFMD supporting international efforts for improved transboundary livestock disease control.
Finally, Pet People Vets, 387 Vets and Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys all won a Wellbeing Award for going above and beyond to support staff wellbeing.
Congratulations to one and all!
The new online resources have been compiled by BEVA in collaboration with the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, the SSPCA and the National Equine Crime Group, together with national Police and Local Authority representatives.
BEVA President Imogen Burrows said: “It can be an intimidating process when visiting an equid without an owner, but our new resources aim to address the potential stress factor and make the rules around the provision of care very clearcut.
“We have produced all the documents the attending vet should need, no matter their location or circumstances.
"Most importantly, if they are attending alone, they will know how to access the right help at the right time, secure in the knowledge that they are following appropriate, validated procedures.”
The resources include a decision tree for quick checking correct procedures, an overview of stakeholder roles and responsibilities, a ‘what if’ section for troubleshooting and an essential contacts registry.
There are also examination and treatment worksheets, and euthanasia certification forms.
Imogen added: “We have put significant thought and effort into producing these new resources, especially from an ambulatory veterinary perspective.
“It should make all the difference for vets, knowing that they have the all the information they need, to hand, In the unlikely event of a callout to an equid of unknown ownership.”
https://www.beva.org.uk/Resources/Clinical-resources/Welfare-toolkit/Managing-equids-of-unknown-ownership
Defra’s consultation proposes introducing a licensing and regulatory framework for veterinary practices, including corporate-owned groups that largely fall outside current statutory oversight. Defra says around 60% of UK practices are now owned by non-vets.
Alongside practice regulation, the proposals include mandatory price transparency for common treatments and disclosure of practice ownership.
The government says these measures are intended to improve consumer confidence and competition, following findings by the Competition and Markets Authority that problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1bn over five years, with vet fees rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation.
However, there are significant risks attached both to price transparency and to increased regulation.
Publishing prices may help owners compare routine services such as consultations or parasite treatments, where variability is limited, but applying the same approach to diagnostics and surgery is more problematic.
The degree and cost of veterinary care in these areas can vary widely depending on the patient, underlying disease, intra-operative findings and aftercare needs.
Fixed or headline prices risk encouraging “menu medicine”, defensive pricing, or the underpricing of routine treatments to attract custom, with higher costs then falling on more complex or non-routine cases.
There are also potential consequences arising from the proposed regulation and licensing of veterinary practices themselves.
While ministers argue this will improve accountability — particularly for corporate-owned groups — additional compliance requirements, inspections and enforcement mechanisms are likely to increase operating costs for practices.
Alongside business regulation, the consultation proposes reforms to complaints handling and disciplinary processes, including a wider range of sanctions and a more proportionate regulatory approach applying to both businesses and individual professionals.
Further measures include legal protection of the “veterinary nurse” title, statutory regulation of allied professionals, modernised registration and fitness-to-practise processes, and potential reform of the governance arrangements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The RCVS, the British Veterinary Association and the British Veterinary Nursing Association are encouraging vets, nurses and animal owners to respond.
Each has said it will submit a formal response on behalf of members, while also urging individual engagement.
The consultation platform indicates that completing the full questionnaire could take up to four hours, although respondents are told they may skip sections that are not relevant to them.
The consultation closes on 25th March 2026.
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation
The group said the funding has enabled all of its practices to access equipment including capnography and multiparameter monitors, alongside a structured training programme and a “low-flow anaesthesia” care framework.
So far, IVC practices have taken delivery of over 500 pieces of equipment and IVC says thousands of clinicians have downloaded the digital training and resources.
The project is designed to overcome three main barriers to adoption that IVC has identified: awareness, equipment availability and clinical confidence, with a focus on empowering Registered Veterinary Nurses and supporting change management at a practice level.
IVC says emissions from anaesthetic procedures can account for around 30% of the carbon emissions of a typical veterinary practice, and that low-flow anaesthesia reduces the environmental impact while maintaining or improving patient safety1.
In particular, IVC points to three main areas in the literature where there can be patient benefits from using low-flow: smoother inductions and frequently reduced recoveries; reduced risk of hypothermia; and warmed and humidified gases can further reduce hypothermia risk and, due to airway benefits, reduce the likelihood of other complications2.
Richard Hooker, Country Medical Director said: “By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, we are empowering our teams to deliver sustainable anaesthesia with confidence and safety. This commitment ensures we continue to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.”
Is low flow worth it? Discuss here: https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/ivc-evidensia-invests-500-000-to-support-adoption-of-more-sustainable-low-flow-anaesthesia
In the UK-wide online study, 1,772 dog owners assessed short clinical “vignette” scenarios describing 30 common canine conditions, based on VetCompass patient records.
Each owner reviewed three scenarios and judged both the likely condition and how urgently veterinary care was needed.
Their responses were compared with consensus opinions from experienced veterinary surgeons.
Owners were highly accurate at recognising conditions with clear visible signs, including epilepsy, kennel cough, flea infestation, anal gland disease and osteoarthritis.
However, they were less accurate with conditions that have more variable or subtle signs, such as mast cell tumours, glaucoma, diabetes and gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
Owners also underestimated the urgency of treatment in 28.4% of responses.
Conditions most often rated as less urgent than veterinary surgeons advised included ear infection (otitis externa), corneal ulcers and heatstroke.
Underestimating urgency is a major welfare concern because it can delay treatment, prolong suffering and, in severe cases, result in death.
Participants also reported which information sources they used, both for the vignette scenarios and habitually for their own dogs.
The most commonly used sources for their own dog’s health were personal knowledge or experience (73.7%), contacting their local veterinary practice (61.1%) and internet searches (49.2%).
Reputation (66.8%), factual correctness (65.6%) and availability (39.5%) most influenced their choice of information source.
Using online dog health groups—either habitually or to identify vignette conditions—reduced the accuracy of assessments.
Habitual use of these groups also increased the risk of underestimating urgency by 30%.
However, when used specifically to help answer the vignette scenarios, dog health groups reduced the risk of underestimating urgency by 50%.
General internet searching improved condition recognition but had no effect on urgency assessment.
Owners who habitually contacted their veterinary practice for advice were more likely to judge urgency in line with veterinary recommendations, highlighting the importance of strong working relationships between owners and practices.
The researchers suggest that telephone triage, telemedicine and veterinary-endorsed information resources may play an increasing role in supporting better decision-making.
Emerging AI tools may also help in future, although further research is needed to assess the reliability and risks of such systems.
Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at RVC, said: “This study highlights a welfare gap between what dog owners observe and how they perceive the need for veterinary care.
"Problems without obvious external signs are most at risk of having urgent treatment underestimated.
"With better triage support, including telemedicine and carefully designed AI tools, there is an opportunity to improve awareness and reduce harmful delays.”
Reference
For the challenge, Wendy had to run for at least 20 minutes every day.
On a previous attempt, she reached day 605 before being put out of action with a skiing injury.
Wendy's work takes her to all sorts of interesting places and sticking to the challenge has had her running in the African bush, through the jungles of Sumatra and on the ice in Japan, braving temperatures as low as -20C in Finland, to 35% during an Italian heatwave.
It has also meant running on through a 10-day bout of dysentery!
At the end of it all, Wendy raised over £3000 for The Painted Wolf Foundation, a charity working to reverse the decline of painted wolves.
Wendy said: ‘I first saw painted wolves in Botswana twenty years ago – a pack ran out in front of us and I hadn’t seen them before.
"They were stunning.
"The more I learned about them – how they work together, collaborate and look after each other – the more drawn I was to them.
"They are on the IUCN red list, which means they are critically endangered, with only around 6,500 left spread across southern and eastern Africa.
"I decided to use my 1,000-day streak to raise money for the Foundation to support the work being done to help these amazing animals.’
https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-for-1000-days-for-painted-wolves
https://paintedwolf.org
The company says the new framework is designed to help veterinary teams make prescribing decisions which balance animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability, the latter especially in the light of recent research which found significant levels of imidacloprid and fipronil - which are toxic to invertebrates - in waterways1,2.
The Lifestyle Parasite Risk Assessment considers the following factors before recommending treatment, including:
Pet-specific behaviours such as scavenging, hunting, or eating raw foodEnvironmental exposure, including outdoor access and swimming habitsHousehold composition, especially the presence of vulnerable individualsTravel history, both domestic and internationalOwner compliance and preferred administration methods
Alongside the new assessment, CVS has launched a training course for all staff who interact with parasiticides, so they can confidently explain the benefits of lifestyle-based prescribing.
The company makes GIQuest, a patient-side lateral flow faecal calprotectin test, which it says can be used to guide next steps in dogs and cats with chronic GI conditions, including chronic enteropathy (CE; previously IBD), food responsive enteropathy (FRE) and GI side-effects associated with NSAID use.
Carus says that a validation study conducted at the University of Bristol has shown that its GIQuest can reliably distinguish dogs and cats with inflammatory enteropathy from healthy controls, with high sensitivity and specificity.
The company says faecal calprotectin is already well established in human medicine as a non-invasive marker of intestinal inflammation and is increasingly being adopted in veterinary practice to support diagnostic decision-making and treatment monitoring.
Lucy Williams MRCVS, from Carus Animal Health, said: “Individual case experiences often highlight nuances that don’t always come through in formal studies.
"Bringing these together can help illustrate how faecal calprotectin testing is being applied in different clinical scenarios, from refining diagnostic pathways to supporting monitoring and owner communication.
"By sharing practical insights from everyday cases, the profession can collectively build confidence around when and how this tool is most useful in practice.”
Case studies can be submitted by both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses and may include, but are not limited to: dogs or cats with chronic or recurrent GI signs, suspected inflammatory enteropathies, monitoring response to dietary or treatment trials or identification of GI inflammation in patients receiving long term oral NSAIDs.
As a thank you for taking part, the five strongest submissions will each receive a £100 gift card, and the first 20 eligible entries will receive free access to a GI-focused CPD course with The Webinar Vet.
In addition, entries submitted before 31st January will be entered into a draw to win a delegate ticket to SPVS Congress (Birmingham, 26–27th February), worth £675.
Entries close on 1st March.
Further information and case study form/guidelines available here: https://carusanimalhealth.com/giquest/prizes
https://carusanimalhealth.com/giquest
The scheme gives practices access to a dedicated website hosting short training films showing what to cover in a ten-minute consult for a range of common behaviour problems, alongside owner-facing leaflets and posters.
There's also a handy staff room poster with QR codes linking to the training films so team members can watch them on a coffee break, if they feel so inclined.
Behavet says that limited consultation time, patient insecurity, uncertainty over what advice to offer, and concerns about whether guidance is up to date or worthwhile all influence the level of behaviour support delivered in first-opinion practice.
The company argues this can create a vicious circle in which owners disengage, problems escalate, and specialist help is only sought once issues have become entrenched.
Behavet Impact aims to break that cycle by supporting earlier, more effective intervention.
To date, materials have already been delivered to more than 400 UK veterinary practices within the project’s first three months.
To join the initiative, contact Behavet: https://www.beha.vet
The CertAVN was introduced in 2019 as a modular, more flexible postgraduate route for veterinary nurses, replacing the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (DipAVN).
The RCVS says the update includes a new programme standard focused on creating a positive learning culture.
Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said the standard is intended to ensure providers foster “inclusive, reflective and student-centred learning environments”, and that it strengthens expectations around academic support, how the qualification should advance knowledge, and the need for institutions to take student wellbeing into account.
For course providers, the changes signal clearer expectations not just around content and outcomes, but around the support structures and learning environment wrapped around the programme. For veterinary nurses considering the CertAVN, the framework highlights what providers are expected to put in place around academic support and student experience.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/certavn
The event will introduce a new live discussion format, ShareSPACE Live, alongside its main lecture programme.
ShareSPACE Live will run on Thursday and will allow delegates to set the topics themselves, based on the leadership and management issues they are currently facing.
Sessions will be peer-led and focused on practical problem-solving, with agreed actions supported by the VMG after the event.
The keynote speaker will be polar adventurer and author Victoria Humphries, who will talk about how her “Anything is Possible” approach helped her lead the world’s first all-female expedition to the North Pole and build a commercial career after setting three Guinness World Records.
The lecture programme, under the theme “United in Leadership”, will include both new and returning speakers.
New speakers include Rapinder Newton, RCVS Mind Matters Initiative Lead, speaking on mental health in the workplace; Andrew Whitfield-Roberts RVN, who will talk about listening skills based on his work with the Samaritans; and veterinary social worker Rebecca Stevens, who will explain the support veterinary social workers can offer to teams and clients.
A current and a former student from the VMG/ILM Certificate in Veterinary Leadership and Management will also speak about topics they explored during their studies.
Friday will be Community Day, with opportunities to meet CVLM tutors, talk to VMG directors about membership and support, and take part in the group walk along the River Avon.
https://vmgevents.co.uk