The 2025 programme features 35 speakers from across the globe, delivering content across seven learning streams tailored to all levels of ECC experience—from new graduates to advanced practitioners.
Among the speakers this year are Elle Haskey, ECC specialist and RVN at the Royal Veterinary College, Helen Philp a Critical Care specialist at UC Davis in California, and Matt Rendle an RVN with experience in nursing care for many species from ants to elephants.
Simon Hagley, ECC Specialist and Clinical Director at Vets Now Manchester, who co-led the programme design with Racheal Marshall, RVN and Head of Clinic Nursing Standards, said: “We’ve built this year’s programme around delegate feedback, bringing back favourites like our ‘Controversies’ and ‘Joined Up Thinking’ sessions, while introducing new content that reflects the evolving landscape of ECC such as antimicrobial theory and practice,discussion panels on important consensus statements, and a stream looking at cutting edge medical developments and treatment modalities.
"Whether you’re just starting out or working at an advanced level, there’s something here for you.”
Racheal added: “Our goal is to create a dynamic, interactive learning environment. From practical workshops to non-clinical sessions on wellbeing and communication, we’re equipping delegates with the tools they need to thrive in high-pressure ECC settings.”
ECC Congress 2025 is open to all veterinary professionals, including vets, vet nurses, students, and graduates.
Animal Care Assistants and Veterinary Care Assistants can attend for the same rate as students.
Tickets range from £60+VAT for exhibition-only access to £575+VAT for full two-day attendance.
Gala Dinner tickets are sold separately.
vets-now.com/congress
The award is designed to help veterinary receptionists learn the skills, knowledge and mindsets required to contribute to the practice’s overall goals of clinical resolution, client satisfaction, financial resolution and colleague satisfaction.
Craig McDonald RVN, Area Manager at Medivet, said: “Our CCAs are the backbone of our practice teams and essential to ensure we meet our goals of delivering exceptional care, not just to patients but also to our clients.
"Many of our CCAs have already achieved AVR Bronze level and have told us about the positive effect it has had on their motivation, performance and enjoyment of their work. As a result, we want to ensure that this opportunity is now available to all members of this important team. It is a significant investment and likely to be a first step as many of our CCAs are also keen to work towards the Silver and Gold level AVR."
Kay Watson-Bray, co-founder of the BVRA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Medivet, supporting and training their CCAs through our Accredited Veterinary Receptionist (AVR) award and BVRA membership. The AVR award incorporates a wealth of resources for individual receptionists and for those who train and coach them. The aim of this award is to provide a structured body of knowledge for receptionists to master, leading to improved customer service, increased morale within the practice and a sense of personal achievement.”
Wendy Brown, Client Care Assistant at Medivet’s Oldham Chadderton practice, who has achieved AVR Bronze level said: “Studying for the course helped me to feel like a valued member of the team. It also boosted my confidence and I hope to study for the Silver and Gold level awards soon. I’ve worked at the practice since I left school and I’m nearly 62. I’m proof that you’re never too old to learn!”
The RCVS Honours and Awards programme recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople, both in the UK and overseas, who are carrying out exemplary work across the breadth of veterinary endeavour.
This year, there's a new Collaboration Award to recognise best practice in collaboration – whether that’s bringing together veterinary professionals working in different organisations or disparate fields, or veterinary professionals working with human medics, scientists, lawyers, or law enforcement to improve the health of people, animals and the environment.
In addition to the Collaboration Award, the RCVS awards for which nominations can be made this year are:
The deadline for submitting a nomination for the 2026 RCVS awards is Wednesday 7 January 2026.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/rcvs-honours-awards
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/forms/honours-and-awards-2026
A 2001 graduate of University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine with an RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, Rob has worked for many years in general and referral practice and as clinical director of a large hospital in York.
He is also a qualified HR professional and holds an MBA from York Business School.
Since 2016, Rob has worked with VetPartners in management roles, with a focus on graduate programmes management, colleague engagement and career development.
In a career spanning almost 25 years, Dr Williams has also been actively involved with veterinary and academic organisations in various voluntary roles, including as a member of BVA’s Member Benefits Committee for five years; board member for the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons; member of the RCVS VetGDP sub-committee; and member of the University of York Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body.
He is currently a member of the advisory board at York Business School.
1,500 volunteers were surveyed for the study, which was led by Dr Francois Martin.
As well as having lower depression scores, dog owners were more likely to report feeling loved and valued during the pandemic than those who did not own a dog.
Owners also had a significantly more positive attitude toward and commitment to pets.
The full study is available open access here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0260676
Reference
However, when asked by VetNurse.co.uk which audience - veterinary professionals, it's staff or the public - it was referring to, or what threats to safety and wellbeing were posed by X, the College refused point blank to answer.
So the real motivation remains unclear.
On the one hand, it could be a ridiculously over-sensitive move to protect its unknown audience from opinions that its staff find objectionable.
On the other hand, it could perfectly well be argued that short form social media reduces every discussion or debate to "I'm effing right and you're effing wrong", which is not appropriate for a scientific profession.
Equally, one could also argue that engaging in polarised debate is not terribly good for one's wellbeing.
Or one could just argue that it's a terrible platform owned by a strangely meddlesome and interfering American.
However, given the College's strange refusal to expand on the reasons for its withdrawal, the first explanation seems more likely.
But who knows?
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/rcvs-statement-on-x-formerly-twitter/
The event will take the theme ‘Compassion and Empathy’, with a headline stream each morning focusing on how these values show up for patients, clients, colleagues and veterinary nurses themselves.
The programme will include sessions on topics including ‘no blame’ practice culture, fertility and parenthood, and balancing a career while managing chronic illness.
A full lecture programme will run alongside hands-on learning opportunities, plus a large exhibition featuring industry products and services.
Lecture streams include referral and first opinion nursing, anaesthesia and analgesia, emergency and critical care, advanced clinical nursing, nutrition, equine nursing, wildlife/exotics/zoo, student, and veterinary care assistants.
Practical workshops will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with topics including laboratory techniques, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, wound management and CPR.
Keynote speaker Linda Ryan, a veterinary nurse with VTS qualifications in Behaviour and Oncology, will open the event on Friday 9 October.
Tickets are on sale now with a launch discount available until 30 April 2026, and BVNA members will have access to a separate member discount.
Non-members will receive a year’s digital BVNA membership included within their Congress registration.
The BVNA Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday 9 October with a ‘Winter Wonderland’ theme.
www.bvna.org.uk/congress
The survey, which takes about three minutes, will assess horse owners’ experiences of strangles and includes questions on the disease including preventative measures and vaccination.
There will be a prize draw from completed entries and the winner will get two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025.
Rachel Harrison-Osborne MRCVS, equine field manager at Dechra said: “The strangles survey will provide us with a valuable insight into horse owners’ experiences of the disease and will enable us to identify any trends that may exist to help us support owners who wish to put in place preventative measures to help prevent strangles.”
https://forms.office.com/e/85gzEd7J7A
Photo: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
The library currently has 28 on-demand recordings, covering a range of sessions on three main themes: people, planet and animals.
They include: ‘Managing emotions in stressful situation’ and ‘Shaping practice culture as a team’, and BVA Congress recordings, such as "Is neutering dogs doing more harm than good?".
BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “All veterinary professionals will understand the crucial role that CPD plays in maintaining and enhancing our knowledge and skills.
"Whether you're catching up on missed sessions or looking to revisit key topics, the new BVA CPD library can help members stay up to date throughout your career.”
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/cpd-library.html
25% of owners said they have seen their dog running away on hearing the word 'vet' and 30% have actively avoided a visit to the vet because of the animal's stress.
To try and get round the problem, 30% of owners use language to avoid alerting their animal: either spelling out the word 'V-E-T', or using a different word, like the 'dogtor'.
47% of owners disguise the trip and take their dog for a walk first, whilst 46% give their dog extra treats that day.
To mark the end of his presidential year at BSAVA, Julian will be strapped to the top of a vintage biplane while dressed in a full feline (Cheshire Cat) costume, to support the research that BSAVA PetSavers funds, to improve the health and wellbeing of pets across the UK.
BSAVA PetSavers is one of the UK’s few funding bodies focused solely on clinical research into diseases affecting companion animals.
To date, it has invested more than £2.7 million in vital studies addressing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, neurological and joint disorders, gastrointestinal issues.
Julian said: "Every day, vets face the heart-wrenching task of managing the distress and pain our pets suffer due to disease or poor health.
"With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the latest knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible.
“The need for advanced research is more pressing than ever and our pets deserve every chance at a healthy life.
"If dressing up as a cat and flying on the wing of a plane makes people take notice of the vital need for pet health research, then it will be worth it.”
Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “No one has ever been quite so daring in their fundraising efforts for us, so we are thrilled that Julian has decided to take this on to raise awareness and funds for BSAVA PetSavers.
“For every grant application that we fund, at least two or more are declined due to lack of funds. Fundraising events like this helps to land more funding in the hands of researchers who make a real difference in the veterinary community and directly impact the lives of countless pets and their families.”
Julian’s wing walk is on the 29th May and his target is to fundraise £1,000.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/julian-hoad-2
The Awards are open to all organisations and practice teams across the UK who are using recognised QI techniques to improve outcomes.
The Award categories are as follows:
Ashley Doorly, Head of Quality Improvement at RCVS Knowledge, said: “Now in its seventh year, the RCVS Knowledge Awards continue to highlight the incredible work being done across the veterinary professions to improve patient safety and outcomes, boost team morale, embed evidence-based veterinary medicine, and support more fulfilling careers.
"Over the years, we’ve seen how strong team culture lays the foundation for successful Quality Improvement projects.
“This year, we’re especially excited to receive applications that explore emerging priorities such as sustainability, One Health, and contextualised care.”
https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/awards/rcvs-knowledge-awards
The range includes Digestive Care, a supplement formulated with natural prebiotics and fibre to support gut motility and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and Urinary Care, which contains dandelion, cranberry, and vitamin C to help reduce the risk of urinary issues, such as bladder sludge.
Skin and Coat Care with antioxidant-rich spinach and linseed, is designed to support skin and coat health, while Vitamin C Care combines vitamin C, cranberry and blackcurrant to support immune function and vitality.
Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods said: "Over half of rabbit owners take their rabbits to the vet at least once a year.
"They are becoming much more engaged with their pet’s health care needs and want to provide high standards of care.
"Our new range meets the growing demand for products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.”
www.supremepetfoods.com
The RCVS Regional Question Time sessions give members of the profession a chance to learn about College projects and initiatives directly from the RCVS Officer team, Council members, and senior staff.
There is also an opportunity for open dialogue, where any queries can be raised with the RCVS, in a friendly, informal environment.
Both events will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm.
The College says discussion topics will be audience-led but are likely to cover current important topics including workforce issues, the benefits of a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, extra-mural studies (EMS), governance reform, the impact of VetGDP, the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), and the Competition and Markets Authority investigation.
RCVS President, Tim Parkin, said: “It’s an exciting time for me as I embark on my presidential year, and I’m truly looking forward to engaging with members of our wonderful professions about the issues that matter most to them.
“As I mentioned previously at Royal College Day, we’re currently facing some significant and ongoing challenges – from the CMA investigation and workforce issues, to the critical need for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act.
“Now more than ever, it's essential that we recognise the need for change and commit to engaging with one another in a clear, compassionate, and respectful way.
"Please do come and speak with us at either event – meaningful change cannot happen in silos; we must work together to make progress and your input is key.”
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/rcvs-question-time-4465993
Whilst you're there, the company will doubtless use the opportunity to bend your ear about how its technology can save time, drive revenue, and strengthen patient care.
Still, all in a good cause, and the company says it expects to be making a significant donation towards supporting members of the veterinary community who are experiencing financial and mental health challenges.
ezyVet Chief Growth Officer Pete Brown said: ““As innovators in the veterinary software space, we’re passionate about bettering the lives of veterinary professionals and we recognise the critical work Vetlife is doing to support the hard-working veterinary community.
"We’re going to be donating £1 to Vetlife for every person that visits the ezyVet booth at the London Vet Show, so we encourage everyone to come down and help us support this very worthwhile cause.”
Presented by The Webinar Vet and Vet Dynamics, the Vet Trust Awards celebrate notable contributions to veterinary advancement.
Claire Towers, General Manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition UK and Ireland said: “Our recognition as the most trusted pet food brand is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Hill’s team, ensuring vets remain integral to our mission.”
Veterinary advice and care has, of course, always been contextual, but the term has gained greater traction due to the cost of living crisis and the Competition and Markets Authority investigation.
At Congress, there will be several "Big Issue" panel discussions on this subject, with speakers exploring how the profession can play a role in building a better understanding between vets and clients on the topic of vet fees.
On the afternoon of day two, delegates will be able to hear an update on the CMA review and what to expect from it over the next few months from Martin Coleman, Panel Chair and Panel Inquiry Chair of the CMA.
On the final day (Saturday 22nd), the Big Issues module will bring discussions from the RCVS on the latest under care guidelines, an update on Schedule 3, and a look at the future of the regulation changes.
The day will end with a panel discussion on the ethical challenges that professionals face in practice, and the impact that they can have on individuals within the practice team
Advance tickets available at: https://www.bsavacongress.com until 5th February.
The researcher say their analysis shows more needs to be done within the profession to acknowledge, raise awareness of and dismantle the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism that exist.
For the qualitative study, all BAME veterinary professionals and students in the UK were asked to complete an online questionnaire, containing open questions about their experiences.
The questionnaire was was distributed online, in veterinary schools, veterinary organisations and the media, with responses analysed using inductive and deductive approaches.
The findings identified three main themes regarding BAME people’s experiences in the sector.
The first was alienation and insecurity, ranging from blatant rejection, or being deliberately patronised, such as:
"In practicals in the vet school, I’ve noticed more and more times that students would rather work on other stations and not want to work on stations me and my friends (who are also from ethnic minority backgrounds) are working on, even when the other stations are full. This has happened on multiple occasions."
or
"On work experience, the vet I was shadowing at the time would ask me questions like, “Are you integrated into society yet?”, and “What do you eat?”. I am a British citizen who was born in the UK, and so were my parents, so I found this particularly confusing."
Through to more subtle forms of "othering":
"People assume that you aren't British and are different, whereas I would say since I was born and grew up in Britain that I identify as British. People ask me if I can speak another language, or like, do I eat my ethnic food all the time?
"An older couple once probed, “Where are you from?”, I said [name of UK city], they asked again, I said I grew up in [name of UK county], and they asked one more time and I said I have Caribbean heritage. I find this is a common form of racism amongst older people and often they’re not trying to be hurtful, but they’re curious and don't understand how it would make someone feel uncomfortable.
The second theme was homogenisation and inferiorisation, for example when BAME people are labelled, often incorrectly, according to perceived ethnicity:
"I've had lay colleagues refer to me as ‘the Chinese vet’ in front of clients and other colleagues rather than address me by my name – and it's weird because I grew up in Australia."
"Clients often asked to book in with the Singapore vet, but commonly referred to him as ‘the Chinese vet’ on the phone instead of his name, or if they forgot his name. I believe the nurses corrected these clients, but sometimes the clients would ‘jokingly’ comment that it's ‘the same thing’."
The final theme was the disappointment and futility felt by many of the participants, and the impact on their job satisfaction:
"Job satisfaction worsens when I learn that my colleagues (nurses or vets) are unaware of the impact of their words and do not understand what constitutes racism, e.g., use of the word ‘golliwog’, even when not used to describe a specific person. The judgement placed on someone due to their ethnicity creates an unpleasant atmosphere which impacts job satisfaction."
Dr Christine Thuranira-McKeever, Vice Principal (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Director of Distance Learning at the RVC, said: “At the RVC, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the sector and have implemented several initiatives – aligned with our Strategic Plan in which EDI is a core component – to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
"This includes the RVC For All campaign and Veterinary Gateway Programme to broaden access to veterinary education; the RVC's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Race Equality Task Group to focus on addressing racial disparities and shaping policy; and Animal Aspirations, founded in 2019 by RVC students, to support individuals from minority backgrounds.
“However, there is more to be done, and the findings of this study emphasise a significant need for the veterinary profession to come together and do more to acknowledge and raise awareness of the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism, to challenge and dismantle them, and to empower those who are affected.”
The webinar will be presented by Jenny Helm Cert SAM Dip ECVIM-CA FHEA MRCVS EBVS and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Medicine.
Jenny will explain the latest knowledge about lungworm in dogs, including an update on prevalence, clinical case management and treatment and prevention options.
Louise Longstaff, National Veterinary Manager at Zoetis said: “Jenny will not only cover some of the challenges with diagnosing lungworm but will also discuss the latest prevention strategies including the use of Simparica Trio."
https://cloud.mc.zoetis.com/LungWormWebinar2025
'Evidence-based veterinary medicine at 20 – a commentary on historical, philosophical, practical, and ethical aspects' by David Mills MRCVS, Michael J. Reiss and Madeleine Campbell FRCVS, looks at the history of both evidence-based medicine and EBVM, the moral and ethical arguments for EBVM and the practical barriers.
It concludes that EBVM would be improved by:
Author David Mills MRCVS said: “EBVM has extensively infiltrated the veterinary discourse in the last 20 years and whilst it seems a sensible way of doing medicine, this doesn't always translate into practical improvements.
"Of course we need to base decisions on evidence, and the more reliable that evidence the better the decisions are likely to be.
"But is EBVM the best way?
"Does it serve the individual when the evidence doesn't relate to them or the specifics of their disease?
"Does EBVM help or hinder us in realising welfare improvements for the individual animal?
"In this review of the EBVM movement we examine aspects of the methodology and its practical application and in several areas find it wanting.
"Some of these are practical issues - for example underpowered studies, poor evidence - whilst others are fundamental to the philosophy and practice of EBVM itself such as what is evidence, how it translates to individuals and how we cannot predict the future.
"Evidence-based medicine was forged in the fires of not just accepting eminent pronouncements - in this paper we apply this principle to EBVM itself."
https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/view/710
The company is hosting 14 sessions over the two days, delivering over 8 hours of CPD
Speakers include Tara Ryan, CVS Chief Veterinary Officer, Laurent Garosi, Clinical Director of Vet Oracle Teleradiology, Kieran Borgeat, Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology at Bristol Vet Specialists, Emma Cooper, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Bell Equine, Alan Johnson, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS and Mark Moreton, CVS Director of Learning & Development.
Clinical topics will range from bone marrow biopsies and neurological examinations, to emergency diagnostics and perioperative analgesia.
Professional discussions will focus on clinical freedom or clinical guidance, and why career progression is more than certificates or practice ownership.
Leadership and management sessions will cover supporting new graduates and adopting the right coaching mindset.
Mark Moreton said: “Whether you're a vet, nurse, practice manager or student - there’s something here for everyone.
"CVS Learning Live is designed to help our veterinary colleagues grow, connect, and thrive.
"It reflects our ongoing mission to help every colleague reach their full potential through accessible, high-quality education and peer support.
"We encourage delegates to plan their sessions in now so that they don’t miss out.”
https://london.vetshow.com/conference-programme.
Dr Herlea MRCVS was convicted on 15 January 2025 at the Cluj Court of Appeal.
He was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and made subject to probation/supervision during the period of the suspended sentence.
The Committee heard he was stopped shortly after midnight on 5 February 2023 during a routine police stop and tested over the alcohol limit.
His licence had previously been suspended for three months following a speeding offence in December 2022, ending on 27 February 2023.
The Committee took account of his statement that he had been drinking at home when his father became unwell and he drove to a nearby pharmacy because his father did not have his medication.
The Committee found the conviction was incompatible with paragraph 6.5 of the profession’s governing code and found him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon.
Aggravating factors included disregarding the prohibition on driving, the extent his blood alcohol exceeded the limit, and the risk of injury to others.
Mitigation included early admissions and notification to the RCVS, a favourable probation report, remorse and insight, and positive colleague references, with no actual harm and an otherwise unblemished record.
Hilary Lloyd, chairing the Committee, said: “The misconduct of Dr Herlea is serious but, considering the mitigating factors present in this case, the Committee concluded that a period of suspension was neither necessary nor proportionate.
"The consequence of a period of suspension is that the Registrar removes the veterinary surgeon’s name from the Register during the period ordered. It is then automatically restored to the Register at the conclusion of the period of suspension.
"Dr Herlea would be obliged to inform the Home Office that he was no longer able to comply with the terms of his work permit, as would his sponsor practice.
"It is not therefore unreasonable to assume that under current Home Office guidance, even a short period of suspension would result in Dr Herlea being unable to practise in the UK, with permanent effect, which would be disproportionate.
“The Committee concluded that a reprimand and warning as to Dr Herlea’s future conduct was the appropriate sanction.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/veterinary-professionals/conduct-and-guidance/concerns-for-veterinary-professionals/disciplinary-committee-hearings
The maker, MSD Animal Health, says Numelvi is "the first and only “second-generation” Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor indicated from six months of age (and 3kg) for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, as well as the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs. .
It is given once daily and MSD says it is clinically effective after the first dose.
The company says itch relief begins within 2–4 hours and dosing is one tablet a day from day one.
MSD claims Numelvi is at least 10 times more selective for JAK1 compared with other JAK family members (JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2).
Numelvi can be used concurrently with vaccines (including rabies) and other common treatments such as ectoparasiticides, with no requirement for routine blood and urine monitoring.
Dermatology specialist Dr Debbie Gow said: “Second-generation JAK inhibitors are selective — specifically, in this case, more selective for JAK1 than other JAK enzymes.
“The high selectivity for JAK 1 contributes to the favourable safety profile of Numelvi.”
Dr Sue Paterson MA VetMB DVD DipECVD FRCVS added: “Treating canine allergic dermatitis means offering treatment which relieves itch and inflammation, whilst managing any unwanted side effects.
"We want to inhibit JAK 1 to reduce itch and inflammation, whilst having little to no effect on other JAK family members.”
MSD Animal Health will host a lunch-and-learn digital launch event with The Webinar Vet on Thursday 26 March, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for a veterinary educational launch event.
The map gives an overview of the regulation applying to virtual care in different countries and it shows how virtual veterinary care is regulated predominantly in Western European countries only.
For the countries where veterinary virtual care is subject to regulation, the new map shows which countries:
https://vvca.org/resources/europe
One Health – the symbiotic relationship between human, animal and environmental health – is becoming increasingly important, encompassing things like sustainability, the increase in antimicrobial resistance and the link between human and animal obesity.
Krista Arnold, Honorary Secretary of BSAVA said: "The complicated relationship between human and animal health has been the subject of scientific investigation since the 19th century.
"Important discoveries and the recognition of disease connections have helped to develop strategies for disease prevention in humans and animals alike.
"This collection in the BSAVA Library will contribute to further understanding and knowledge of this important topic."
The collection can be accessed via the BSAVA Library here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/one-health
It is freely available until the end of December 2022; after this time access is £16.25 for BSAVA members and £25 for non-members.