The guidelines, which are the result of a collaboration between veterinary dermatologists, clinical microbiologists and other specialists, are designed to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use and help canine welfare.
The team conducted an evidence review and built a consensus of recommendations, combining scientific evidence with real-world insights.
The new guidelines are supported by the ISCAID (International Society for Companion Animal Infections) and provide veterinary practitioners with guidance on the diagnosis and investigation of canine bacterial skin infections.
The guidelines offer recommendations for when antimicrobials should be considered, and which classes of antimicrobials are most appropriate to choose from.
As part of this guidance, recommended drug dosages have also been updated based on newly available information.
The RVC says this will ensure that available antimicrobial drugs can be used as responsibly as possible and remain effective for a long as possible.
RVC has also produced a short synopsis of the main consensus statements and a ‘Seven Moments of Responsible Canine Pyoderma Treatment’ infographic.
Anette Loeffler, Professor in Veterinary Dermatology and Cutaneous Bacteriology at the RVC and chair of the ISCAID author group, said: “After several years of analysing evidence, updating information and evaluating experience, we are excited and relieved to finally see the guideline documents published and free to use around the world.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40338805
According to the researchers, who came from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Guide Dogs and Feldon Veterinary Centre, this was the first study to compare peri- and postoperative complications, behaviour after surgery, and surgery duration, for the two most common neutering procedures for female dogs; laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP-OVE) and open ovariohysterectomy (celiotomy) (OVH-CEL).
For the study, the researchers analysed data from 519 bitches neutered by either LAP-OVE or OVH-CEL at four UK veterinary practices.
Fewer bitches developed wound redness or swelling at the surgical site following LAP-OVE (16%), compared to those that underwent OVH-CEL (36%).
Intraoperative complications were reported for 2% of dogs neutered by LAP-OVE and 3% of those neutered by OVH-CEL.
Postoperative complications were reported for 0.5% of the LAP-OVE group and 1% of the OVH-CEL group.
Unusual behaviours (inappetence, discomfort, licking or chewing) in the postoperative period were less common in dogs neutered by laparoscopic ovariectomy.
There was no significant difference in surgical duration between the two techniques.
The researchers say that their findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that postoperative complications, including those related to wound healing and those requiring further veterinary intervention, are lower for laparoscopic than open surgeries for bitches neutered by experienced veterinarians.
Lead author, Dr Rachel Moxon, said: “While there is already evidence from other studies relating to complications following neutering surgeries in bitches, this is the first time that the outcomes have been compared between what are anecdotally reported to be the two most frequently performed neutering surgeries for female dogs in the UK.
"The results will be of interest not only to vets, but for pet owners and others that have to make choices about neutering their dogs. Understanding the surgical risks is an important factor to consider, and decision making is made easier when it can be informed by evidence”.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70013
This, say the researchers, is the first time in a UK field setting that the effect of early-life exposures, in particular exercise and turn out, on later-life milestones and race performance in Thoroughbreds has been comprehensively evaluated.
The findings can be applied at stud farms to help retain Thoroughbreds within the industry and achieve their athletic potential - outcomes that align with priorities of the Horse Welfare Board’s strategy to support the welfare of horses bred for racing.
The research team, led by Rebecca Mouncey MRCVS, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the RVC, followed 129 flat race bred Thoroughbred foals, born in 2019 and 2020 on six stud farms across the UK, from birth into training for racing.
Each dam’s reproductive history, and details of her health and management during pregnancy were collected, as were daily records of the foal’s health and management from birth until they left the stud farm.
Race performance records up to the end of their fourth year of life were collated from racing industry databases.
The team then used statistical modelling to evaluate relationships between gestational exposures and early-life experiences and whether or not horses entered training and their subsequent race performance.
Findings suggested that the use of more extensive turnout practices during the first six months of life and later weaning benefited the attainment of career milestones, productivity (the number of races) and financial returns (total prizemoney won).
The main findings were:
The findings demonstrate that the first six months of life is a critical period of development in Thoroughbreds, during which it is essential that turnout and weaning practices provide sufficient opportunity for positive tissue adaptation and optimal development.
Breeders are therefore encouraged to maximise turnout whenever possible, and to consider weaning after this critical period.
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/projects/veeph/early-life-determinants-of-performance-and-the-economics-of-thoroughbred-breeding
Reference
Dr De Armas Jimenez faced four charges against him, that:
On or around 22 April 2022 or 23 April 2022, in relation to a cat, he a) failed to obtain informed consent to sedate/anaesthetise the cat and/or did so without the owner’s consent (admitted), b) failed to take adequate steps when the cat required emergency attention (admitted), and c) failed to provide adequate details to the owner following the cat’s death (admitted).
On or around 22 April 2022 or 23 April 2022, he a) failed to record adequate clinical record details of the cat’s sedation/anaesthetic (admitted), b) recorded when the cat became cyanotic, that i) a tube had been passed in order to intubate (proved not to have occured) and ii) chest compressions had been given when this was not the case (not proved that it did not happen), and c) failed to make adequate clinical records in relation to differential diagnoses and proposed treatment plan (not proved).
That his conduct in relation to charge 2(a) and/or 2(b) was a) dishonest and/or b) misleading. (Admitted his conduct was both dishonest and misleading in relation to 2(a), and the Committee found proved that his conduct was dishonest and/or misleading in relation to 2(b)(i)).
Between 22 April 2022 and 23 April 2022, he failed to have any professional indemnity insurance in place (admitted).
Dr De Armas Jimenez admitted most of the charges again him.
The Committee found that his actions had breached a number of sections of the RCVS Code of Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons and amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In deciding on a sanction, the Committee took into account the aggravating factor that Dr De Armas Jimenez had caused actual harm to the animal.
Mitigating factors included that he had no previous disciplinary history, that he had been working for eight years as a veterinary surgeon in the UK without complaint, that he admitted most of the charges, that he'd made subsequent efforts to avoid repetition by no longer working night shifts or locuming, and finally that the incident related to one animal.
The Committee also noted that he'd shown appreciable insight and remorse, and took into account positive character references.
Paul Morris, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “Whilst the misconduct in this case involved breaches of the RCVS Code, caused serious harm to both the cat and the client, and involved dishonesty which was concealed, the Committee decided that a lengthy suspension could take account of the seriousness of these matters and meet the wider public interest.”
He added: “In deciding on this period of suspension, the Committee took into account both mitigating and aggravating factors and the mitigation Dr De Armas Jimenez had put before it.
"It was not persuaded that a shorter period of suspension would properly reflect the seriousness of the proven misconduct.
"It concluded that this period of suspension had a deterrent effect and sent a signal as to how serious the Committee had found the misconduct to be.
"It also took into account Dr De Armas Jimenez’s remorse and insight.
“However, in order that the wider public interest was upheld and to reflect the Committee’s view regarding the seriousness of the proven misconduct, the Committee determined that the proportionate sanction and period of suspension should be a suspension order of eight months.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/
With four sessions having taken place throughout May and June this year, the autumn sessions will focus on:
RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, Angharad Belcher (pictured), said: “We recognise that change cannot happen without collaboration – no one organisation can solve as complicated and multi-factorial an issue as the workforce challenge on their own.
"We hope to welcome you to these sessions to share your insights and contribute to the ongoing conversation around this important topic."
The webinars are free, last an hour and 15 minutes and count as CPD.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/workforce-ambitions-sessions/
The service is designed to make vital support more accessible to those clients who may face challenges visiting the practice, whether that's down to limited mobility, transport difficulties, or simply a pet’s anxiety with travel.
Led by experienced RVNs, the service includes:
Judith Lee, Small Animal Director at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, said: “Our Community Vet Nurse service is all about making it easier for our clients to access the help they need."
https://www.oakhill-vets.com/pets/community-vet-nurse/
The company's teleradiology and education services are not affected, and will continue as normal.
VET.CT's CEO, Victoria Johnson said: “We are deeply sorry to have to close our teleconsulting specialist case advice service.
"Despite many loyal clients loving it and using the service to the full, wider adoption of teleconsulting has been variable globally since its launch in 2018.
"We have continued to consult, invest in, iterate and adapt the service over the past 7 years to unlock the demand.
"However, despite our efforts, we now have to take the painful and difficult decision to close our client-facing service.
"There are a multiplicity of factors that contribute to the issue and sadly, the ongoing economic pressures mean that the teleconsulting service is no longer sustainable.
"We want to reassure our clients that our quality-focused radiology reporting and education services are unaffected by these changes and continue to grow.
https://resources.vet-ct.com/statement-about-teleconsulting-service
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 new RVN Council members are: Emily Bacon RVN, Macauly Gatenby RVN, Dan Lidgbird RVN and Krishna Mistry RVN, with Alice Langstone taking the student seat.
The incoming BVNA officer team for the 2025/6 term is (pictured left to right): Sarah Holliday RVN – President, Lyndsay Hughes RVN – Senior Vice President, Steph Worsley RVN – Junior Vice President, Nikki McLeod RVN – Honorary Secretary, Hamish Morrin RVN – Honorary Treasurer.
The Ageing Canine Toolkit, which was developed from research carried out by the University of Liverpool, aims to help both vets and owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.
It includes information about common health problems that affect ageing dogs and a colour-coded checklist to help owners know when to seek advice from a veterinary practice and how to guide discussions during consultations.
As part of the partnership, NationWide Laboratories will be distributing the toolkit to its clients, helping raise awareness and make sure that the owners of older dogs know how to look for signs of disease which could enable treatment to be started earlier.
Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are thrilled to be embarking on this partnership with NationWide Laboratories.
"By supporting the print and distribution costs of this invaluable resource, they will help us reach more pet owners across the UK.
"Working together in partnership, we hope to equip owners with the knowledge and confidence to support their dogs through the ageing process, ultimately improving their quality of life.”
https://bsava.com/petsavers/our-impact/citizen-science-project
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
'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 new Tosoh AIA 900 analysers have been trialled for the last 18 months at Liphook Equine Hospital, which was the first practice to introduce ACTH testing for horses 25 years ago and gets hundreds of blood samples every week from veterinary practices all over the UK and Europe.
Professor Andy Durham, who heads up the laboratory at Liphook, said the test period has shown that the new machine produces more accurate results primarily because it’s less sensitive to ACTH degrading in blood samples between collection and receipt by the laboratory.
Andy said: “There are several analytic methods available for use in horses, and we wanted to see if this alternative machine had diagnostic benefits over the ones we’d used previously.
"The ACTH molecule we test for immediately begins to break down after a blood sample is taken, even if you handle it carefully and place it in chilled packaging, but this new analyser is able to detect much more of the degraded ACTH molecule, and therefore it gives a more accurate result.
“As a comparison, ACTH values measured using the previous method suffered about three to four times more degradation over 24 hours.
"What this means for horse owners is that it will reduce the risk of false negative results in ACTH tests, so more horses suffering from Cushing’s disease will receive the treatment they need.”
In testing, the new analysers also demonstrated greater accuracy when measuring insulin levels in blood samples.
https://liphookequinehospital.co.ukhttps://www.rainbowequinehospital.co.uk https://www.rossdales.com
The authors say the research marks a significant step forward in understanding how veterinary surgeons and owners can more effectively manage and prevent outbreaks of the disease.
For the study, researchers from the RVC, the University of Cambridge, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, analysed more than 500 S. equi samples from across the UK between 2016 and 2022.
In particular, they wanted to better understand the relative contribution of short-term (immediately post infection) versus long-term carriers (carriers that were infected months or years prior).
The samples were collected from clinical cases sent to diagnostic laboratories by veterinary surgeons seeking confirmation of infection.
Surplus samples were submitted to the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network and then cultured in the RVC’s research laboratory and their DNA extracted and sequenced to reveal each bacterium’s complete genetic code.
Adopting an approach that combined whole genome sequencing and epidemiological data, the researchers were able to trace how strains are related and have evolved.
With the use of computer programmes, they also tracked how genetically related strains spread between horses and across regions, over time.
By adopting this approach, the team was also able to pinpoint likely transmission events and chains of infection.
The research highlights the need for early diagnosis, isolation and laboratory-confirmed clearance, particularly through guttural pouch testing, before assuming a horse is infection-free.
It also advocates for tighter biosecurity and movement protocols, especially when transporting horses across regions.
Dr Abigail McGlennon, former PhD student in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “Strangles is a challenging and distressing disease for horses, owners, yards and vets, and this work has highlighted just how easily it can be spread across the UK in a short period of time.
“This study shows how important enhanced surveillance utilising epidemiological and genomic data is to investigate and understand strangles transmission across the UK.
"Our data highlights the importance of greater awareness and adoption of post-outbreak screening protocols to confirm freedom from infection, rather than owners assuming recovery based on the resolution of clinical signs.”
Designed to help veterinary teams make clearer, more confident clinical decisions, the flowchart provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing ear disease in dogs and cats.
Renzo Di Florio, Technical Veterinary Adviser at Krka UK, said: “It takes you through each step, from diagnosis to treatment and long-term management, including identifying cases that might benefit from referral.
"It can also help practices to develop an otitis externa management plan protocol that’s useful for the whole team, and that’s practical and easy to integrate into existing workflows.”
One of the main messages in the flowchart is the central role of cytology in otitis management.
Tim said: “Cytology is essential to assess the level of inflammation and detect the presence of bacteria or Malassezia.
"This helps clinicians make informed decisions about whether antibiotics are truly needed.
"In contrast, culture and sensitivity testing can be misleading when used to guide topical therapy.”
https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub
Joint Care contains glucosamine, rosehip, echinacea, and vitamin C, and Supreme Petfoods says it's been developed in response to growing awareness of osteoarthritis (OA) as a significant yet under-diagnosed condition in small mammals.
Supreme points to a retrospective study which identified osteoarthritic lesions in 40% of domestic rabbits, with prevalence strongly correlated with age and body weight.¹
The company says that while definitive prevalence data in guinea pigs is lacking, OA is considered to be common in this species as well.²
Molly Varga, RCVS recognised exotics specialist, said: “Signs of joint pain are often subtle or masked in prey species.
"Proactive use of nutritional supplements like Science Selective Joint Care can help maintain mobility and may delay progression.
"Nutritional support, combined with appropriate husbandry and veterinary care, can make a real difference to long-term quality of life.”
As well as glucosamine, Science Selective Joint Care also contains rosehip, a botanical with claimed anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties and echinacea, which has claimed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity.3,4
Supreme says Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for guinea pigs and beneficial for rabbits, and contributes to normal collagen formation and may help protect joint tissues from oxidative stress.
Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods, said: “With 45% of pet owners now regularly purchasing supplements for their animals,5 the demand for clinically relevant, species-appropriate products is growing.
"We work closely with veterinary and nutrition experts to ensure our formulations meet emerging needs and Joint Care reflects that commitment.”
Available in 100g packs, Joint Care has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £6.99 and is suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.
https://supremepetfoods.com/products/science-selective-care-supplements
References
The BVA is calling on the UK Government to urgently develop a coherent, risk-based national strategy to close the gaps in border biosecurity and protect the UK from devastating diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report makes for sobering reading.
It reveals a lack of adequate border control enforcement when it comes to personal imports of meat and other products of animal origin, weak intelligence networks, poor Government interdepartmental working and an absence of a national strategy to manage the significant animal disease and public health risks posed by potentially contaminated products.
The report raises particular concerns about funding cuts for Official Vets at Dover, alongside ministerial comments that appear to dismiss the role of vets in protecting biosecurity.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “This report is deeply concerning, exposing serious gaps in border enforcement and warning that large amounts of illegal and potentially contaminated meat continue to enter the UK and make their way on to our plates.
"We cannot know where this meat has come from or if it meets the UK’s high animal welfare and biosecurity standards, and without appropriate checks, we can’t stop illegal meat imports at the border.
"This could have catastrophic and costly impacts on the UK’s food security, public health, and animal health and welfare through the import of exotic animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
"The findings from this report, coupled with the recent National Audit Office report on animal disease resilience, should act as a wake-up call to Government to urgently deliver a coherent and properly resourced national strategy to tackle illegal meat imports and safeguard the UK’s biosecurity.
“Government vets play a critical role in protecting the nation’s biosecurity but can only do their jobs effectively if they are supported by effective systems.
"Currently, veterinary capacity required to perform checks remains a concern.
"As part of a national action plan, we would like to see better support for vets through a data-driven and risk-based system that is fit for purpose.
"This should also include adequate resources for Official Vets and the agencies tasked with keeping borders secure, which is why we want to see the proposed 70% cuts to Dover Port's budget for spot checks on animal products reversed.”
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/135824/html/
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The company conducted the survey of 404 owners after news that the bio-pharma company Okava plans to trial a weight-loss drug for dogs that mimics the effects of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, tapping into a potential $10 billion market.
Of the pet owners who responded, it was the younger group aged 25-34 who were most receptive to the idea of a weight-loss drug for their pet (56%).
That figure fell to 21% of 45–54-year-olds and 20% among those aged 55 and above, most of whom were probably holding up their hands in horror: "Whatever next".
Alicia Hempsted, pet insurance spokeswoman from MoneySuperMarket, said: “If GLP-1 style treatments for obesity become available for dogs in the future, it’s likely that owners will have to pay out of pocket for them, which may affect their availability."
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/pet-insurance/
The awards are to celebrate outstanding veterinary practices that have demonstrated exceptional performance and innovation in various areas crucial to the future success of the profession.
There are three award categories, one to recognise leadership and management skills, one to celebrate practices that have excellent morale and a culture of collaborative teamworking, and one for practices that have started up in the last 2.5 years and achieved a profitable and sustainable business model.
The category winners will each win full day and evening tickets to SPVS Congress 2026 on Thursday 26th February at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole (3 team members per practice), plus overnight accommodation.
Five shortlisted practices in each category will win a book of their choice, provided by 5M Books.
The deadline for initial submissions is Friday 17th October 2025.
https://spvs.org.uk/business-excellence-awards/.
The authors say that measuring the severity of pterygoid bone medialisation before surgery may therefore be useful as a guide to the likely prognosis.
The study, funded by BSAVA PetSavers, is the first to investigate the effect of pterygoid bone medialisation and nasopharyngeal narrowing on BOAS surgical outcomes in brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine analysed computed tomography (CT) images of the head and neck of 144 brachycephalic dogs (French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs) and compared with 30 non-brachycephalic control dogs.
A BOAS index was determined both pre-operatively and post-operatively.
Medialisation of the pterygoid bones was more severe in brachycephalic breeds compared to non-brachycephalic breeds and was associated with nasopharyngeal narrowing.
French Bulldogs were particularly affected, and those with more severe pterygoid bone medialisation were far more likely to have a poor BOAS surgical outcome.
There are currently no effective surgical interventions to correct the deformities of the pterygoid bones in BOAS-affected dogs.
The authors say medialisation of the pterygoid bones can be easily identified via CT scans, or alternatively, simple palpation of the pterygoid bone during surgery from the oral cavity can give an indication of how medialised the pterygoid bones are.
Dr. Sze Lynn Yuen, lead author of the study, said: “BOAS is a complex disease which encompasses breed-specific anatomical lesions.
"The medialisation index will be useful for vets in practice to guide them on the likely prognosis prior to surgery.
"It would be beneficial to identify the significance of the medialisation index on a larger dataset of BOAS-affected patients as the next step.”
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70028
The keynote speaker on the Saturday this year is Helen Ballantyne, a renowned dual-qualified medical and veterinary nurse, currently working as a Transplant Coordinator for the NHS.
Bringing her rare perspective from both veterinary and human-centred nursing, Helen will highlight the progress made by the veterinary nursing profession, and its future potential.
There's a diverse programme of CPD lectures, debates on various hot topics including the CMA investigation and practical workshops covering things like: practical application of wound dressings, suturing skills, interactive CPR and preventing wound infections and AMR.
On top of all that, there's the usual commercial exhibition, bingo evening on the Friday, and a singing sixties-themed dinner dance on the Saturday.
https://bvna.org.uk/registration
The company says the battery-operated, dual-speed clipper has been specifically designed for a close cut to improve hygiene and make treatments easier.
Hefin Rowlands from Heiniger said: “The Opal Xtend will help vets with accurate hair removal for everyday tasks such as TB testing.
"It has been developed to be quieter, which will reduce stress, and has an interchangeable battery system to enable uninterrupted operation during periods of extensive use.
“An LED battery indicator provides forewarning to operators and additional batteries can be swapped out quickly and easily.
"Each battery will last up to 4 hours and the second battery only takes just over an hour to recharge.”
Heiniger claims that at 415 grams, the clipper is one of the lightest cordless models available.
Hefin added: “It is particularly well suited to preparing animals for skin testing, wound treatments and scans including ultrasounds.”
Heiniger says the clipper is also a good fit for agricultural and equine users looking for a reliable and dependable machine that can stand up to demanding use.
https://www.heiniger.co.uk/product/opal-xtend/
This year, there were over 41,000 nominations for the five awards which were set up 26 years ago to recognise the nation’s most outstanding veterinary professionals.
The other four winners were:
Vet of the Year: Claire Phillips, Wright & Moreton, Cheshire
Practice of the Year: Coastal Veterinary Group, King’s Lynn
Practice Support Staff of the Year: Hannah Reid, Westport Veterinary Clinic, South Queensferry
Practice Manager of the Year: Fiona Leathers, Westport Veterinary Clinic, South Queensferry
Joanna Maclennan, Director of Trading at Petplan said: “A highlight in our calendar, last night was an evening of celebration of the incredible work that goes on in veterinary practices on a daily basis."
The service, which is called 'The Inside Series', analyses recorded communications to show teams which behaviours they use consistently and what adjustments can be made to build trust, transparency and clarity.
The series comprises of three different analyses practices can choose from:
Rebecca said: “Veterinary teams work incredibly hard to communicate well, but so much of what truly shapes a client’s understanding happens in the small details that usually go unnoticed.
“The Inside Series makes those details visible.
"When teams can finally see how and why their conversations land in real life, the learning is immediate, practical and transformative.”
http://www.inside-minds.com
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