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VetNurse.co.uk publishes a curated feed of veterinary nursing news for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), students (SVNs) and veterinary nursing assistants, with a primary focus on the UK profession.
We select stories based on their practical relevance, clinical interest or professional significance — filtering out noise so busy veterinary nurses can stay informed quickly.
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We report across all areas of practice, including companion animal, referral and specialist settings, with a focus on issues affecting veterinary nurses in clinical and professional roles.
Our editorial approach is deliberately selective and concise. We prioritise clarity and relevance over volume, aiming to make each story worth your time.
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Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal opened a new ward for canine cancer patients at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Hospital for Small Animals last week.
The Kennel Club Charitable Trust provided £30,000 towards the 26-kennel ward, which is specifically designed to provide recuperative care and comfortable kennelling facilities for dogs at the University's Hospital for Small Animals.
The facilities the new dog ward provides will complement the School's £3 million Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Centre, which opened last year. The cancer care centre houses state-of-the-art equipment including a computerised tomography (CT) scanner and a linear accelerator that can provide radiotherapy treatment.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "The Kennel Club Charitable Trust is extremely pleased that the money it has given to the University of Edinburgh has helped to ensure that its Canine Cancer Care unit could be built.
"The Trust has supported the groundbreaking research being conducted by the University, which is helping to improve our ability to diagnose and treat cancer in dogs, for some time. The Cancer Care Unit will help in a different way, by providing post-treatment and after care for dogs that have been through cancer therapy.
"People love their dogs as a member of their family, so this is a vital part of the care process. It is comforting for them to know that there are comfortable kenneling facilities where their dogs will receive the recuperative care that they need, as well as the potentially life-saving treatment.
"The Charitable Trust has given millions of pounds to projects which help to improve the health and welfare of dogs across the UK. This unit has established the University's place as a leader in conducting not only lifesaving but also life enhancing work for dogs, and the Trust exists precisely to help projects such as this realise their goals."
The canine oncology support ward replaces the old feline ward, and the cats have been moved to a new ward further away from the dogs to help prevent cats from becoming stressed by the noise of barking.
Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: "The dog ward, along with our new feline ward enhances the facilities for animals receiving treatment at the School's Hospital for Small Animals and we are very appreciative of the tremendous support from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust."
Nottingham veterinary student Emma Freeman is conducting a survey amongst veterinary nurses about the risks facing veterinary patients. All participants will be entered into a prize draw to win £100.
Emma said: "Safety of patients is becoming a top priority for the NHS. The NHS has its own agency; National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) and reporting system; National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS). These agencies work together to evaluate current systems and identify trends in current data. Some current data suggests that 10% of patients admitted to NHS hospitals will experience an adverse event, and of these incidents 50% could have been avoided. In contrast, there is no current data or system in place in the veterinary profession."
She added: "Life in a veterinary practice can get extremely hectic, with hundreds of decisions being made every day relating to the health and welfare of patients. Although nobody wants them to occur, events can sometimes happen that lead to issues regarding the safety of patients. "To err is human" - what is essential is that error is managed and preventative measures are put in place so that the veterinary team can learn and improve."
The survey asks for the observations and opinions of veterinary nurses with regards to management of risk and non technical skills. Emma said:"Veterinary nurses play an intricate role in the day to day tasks of a veterinary practice, and can therefore provide a detailed insight into the current systems in a veterinary setting."
The survey takes the form of a questionnaire, which should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete and you can access it by clicking on the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/patientsafetyinveterinarypractice
Dechra Veterinary Products is running a competition for the best dermatology display in a vet practice waiting area. The competition is open to all veterinary nurses throughout the UK, who have the chance to win £100 in high street shopping vouchers.
Carol Morgan, Product Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "Research shows that more than 20 per cent of all small animal consultations in general veterinary practice involve dermatological problems, so we know this is an important area. We want to provide veterinary practices with some attractive display materials, highlighting the signs owners need to look out for, and encourage practices to use these by launching this competition."
Dechra's sales team will be distributing display materials which highlight the signs of skin problems owners need to look out for, under the headings itchy, scratchy, licky, smelly and happy. Veterinary nurses are being encouraged to create an eye-catching display with the materials available and enter the competition to win the £100 in vouchers.
To participate in the competition, you'll first need to order the display materials by ringing 01743 441 632 or emailing marketing@dechra.com.
To enter, email or post a photograph of your display, along with your name, practice name, address and a contact telephone number.
Entries need to be emailed to marketing@dechra.com or posted to Lisa Isherwood at Dechra Veterinary Products, Cartmel Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbuty, Shropshire, SY1 3TB. The closing date for entries is 31 December 2010 and the winner will be announced on 17 January 2011.
Details area also available on the Dechra website at www.dechra.com/derma.
The British Veterinary Asssociation and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have strongly welcomed moves to tighten up the rules on dog breeding in Wales with the publication of the proposed Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2011.
The draft proposals follow a report by an expert Task and Finish Group, including veterinary representatives, which made recommendations for new legislation to tackle the significant problem of puppy farming.
The BVA and BSAVA were both represented on the Task and Finish Group and have welcomed the proposals, which include:
The draft legislation is now out for consultation until 13 January 2011.
Harvey Locke, BVA President, said: "The Welsh Assembly Government should be congratulated for driving forward legislative changes to tackle the abhorrent practice of puppy farming.
"The Task and Finish Group brought together everyone with an interest in dog health and welfare so the Minister should be confident that these proposals will gain widespread support.
"Puppy farming is not only a problem in Wales and it is clear that the rest of the UK is now lagging behind. We will be encouraging England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow suit and ensure dog health and welfare is promoted across the country."
Grant Petrie, President of BSAVA, added: "Vets are often faced with the terrible consequences of puppy farms and bad breeders, which can lead to suffering for both the animals and their owners.
"We are delighted that this action is being taken by the Welsh Assembly Government.
"The compulsory microchipping of dogs and puppies on licensed premises is a particularly welcome move but the veterinary profession will continue to campaign for this to be extended to all dogs."
Hot on the heels of Eurovet, Ceva Animal Health has launched Emeprid, containing the anti-emetic and pro-kinetic metoclopramide. Emeprid is licensed in cats and dogs for the symptomatic treatment of vomiting and reduced gastro-intestinal motility associated with gastritis, pyloric spasm, chronic nephritis and digestive intolerance to some drugs.
There are two formulations available; a 10ml multi-dose vial containing 5mg/ml metoclopramide for IV, SC or IM injection and a 125ml 'sweet orange and apricot flavoured' oral solution containing 1mg/ml metoclopramide. They are priced at £7.99 for the 10ml injectable bottle and £9.99 for the oral solution.
For further information, please contact your Ceva Animal Health representative or call the veterinary support team on 01494 781510.
Merial is offering four free tubes of Eqvalan Duo to practices that buy 20 tubes in February and March. In addition, to further boost the targeted worming message, Merial will supply 20 free worm egg count vouchers worth £10 each.
Eqvalan Product Manager Claire Edmunds said: "Last year's campaign was so well received by both practices and clients that we have decided to run it again and are hoping for even better results!
"The personalised online planner, worm egg count offer and new eye-catching point of sale all help you to engage your clients in a targeted worming strategy.
For those practices with their own, in-house worm egg count testing facilities, Merial is also offering promotional support to help encourage increased uptake and client buy-in. The campaign forms part of Merial's promotion and education strategy for 2011, which includes extensive VN SQP CPD training opportunities.
To find out more contact your local Area Manager or call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 601 4236
Grahame Gardner has introduced the M559, a classically styled tunic, stocked for the first time in bottle green.
The company says that although it has sold numerous ladies tunics in bottle green, this is the first time it has stocked a male tunic in the characteristic veterinary colour.
The M559 incorporates side fastening with the option of contrasting epaulettes, alongside practical pockets and side slits.
Simon Ward, Sales Director said: "We are delighted to introduce this new garment to the veterinary market. We are continually reviewing our range in response to customer comments, and felt it was time we stocked a bottle green option, specifically for male members of the veterinary team."
Stocked in sizes from 34" to 50" (chest), the M559 is just one of several new styles introduced in Grahame Gardner's latest brochure. The company is also launching a new men's scrub tunic. The SS3295 has a v style neck, complemented by the v-detail on the sleeves, and contrasting trim available on the neck, sleeve and pocket. Also stocked in bottle green, the company says this tunic is aimed at veterinary professionals who prefer a more relaxed approach to uniforms.
To explore Grahame Gardner's collection please take a look at http://www.grahamegardner.co.uk/, or call 0116 255 6326 to order a copy of their new brochure.
National charity Canine Partners, which provide specially trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, will benefit from an Eastbourne vet's efforts to run the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 10th April in less than 3.5 hours.
Simon DeVile is undertaking a gruelling training scheme, covering up to 50 miles a week, to ensure peak performance when he takes to the streets to raise money for Canine Partners - a charity close to his heart.Simon, 44, is one of the partners at St. Anne's Veterinary Group in Eastbourne. He started running to keep fit in 2006 and has since run the London Marathon twice and the Beachy Head Marathon three times. Simon regularly comes into contact with canine partner puppies because a local fundraiser and puppy parent is one of his clients. His own dog is also part of a locally bred litter, five of which went on to train as canine partners.Simon said: "I wanted to enjoy a new marathon experience this Spring and Brighton proved very popular last year. My aim is to enjoy the race but hopefully get below 3hrs 30 mins and raise money for Canine Partners. I am very aware what an important role these dogs play in the lives of a person with disabilities. I am also continually impressed with the way Canine Partners look after the dogs in their care so well."
If you would like to support Simon's efforts, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-DeVileCanine Partners still has charity places available for The Brighton Marathon. If you would like to take up the challenge, please contact Jill Green on 01730 716014.
Vets Now Referrals has launched a new specialist veterinary referral service to serve Aberdeen and the North.
Richard Coe MA VetMB CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS (pictured right) and Professor Stuart Carmichael BVMS MVM DSAO MRCVS will attend Ardene House Veterinary Hospital in Aberdeen on a monthly rotational basis to offer specialist care to pets from the area. Richard is a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and Professor Carmichael is an internationally recognised expert in veterinary orthopaedics.
By bringing these two specialist surgeons to Aberdeen, it will mean that vets can refer their clients to have their initial consultations and diagnoses locally by either Richard or Stuart, reducing the need for a lengthy journey to Vets Now Referrals in Glasgow where they are usually based. Vets Now says that where possible, treatment plans will be carried out in Aberdeen, however complex treatments may require the facilities and high tech equipment at its Glasgow Hospital.
Any vet wishing to make an enquiry about referring to Richard or Stuart should call 01224 478 041. Further information about the service can also be found on www.vetsnowreferrals.com/aberdeen.
Tricia Colville, Hospital Manager of Vets Now Referrals, Glasgow, said: "We are delighted to now be able to offer our specialist service for vets in the North of Scotland to utilise for their clients. The Vets Now Referrals Hospital in Glasgow has been so successful since it opened over a year ago, benefiting hundreds of pets and their owners. Bringing the service to Aberdeen and the surrounding region will provide vets with local access to Richard Coe and Professor Stuart Carmichael who are both renowned in their fields and for their clients this provides a convenient option which will greatly reduce time-consuming, distressing and costly journeys for them."
The RCVS has announced plans to celebrate veterinary nursing's Golden Jubilee in style this year.
The first nurses to qualify, 50 years ago in 1961, were known as registered animal nursing auxilliaries (RANA). The term 'veterinary nurse' was not used until over twenty years later, in 1984.
Today, veterinary nursing is thriving. The RCVS List/Register of Veterinary Nurses includes 1,715 listed veterinary nurses, and 8,101 who have gone a step further to become registered veterinary nurses (RVNs).
Liz Branscombe, RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council Chairman said: "Still often referred to as a 'young profession' - perhaps because the average age of VNs is a youthful 31- veterinary nursing has reached its half century and has achieved a great deal in a relatively short period. It is moving ever closer to recognition as a fully fledged profession.
"We should be proud of what we have achieved, but it's no time to be complacent: we plan not only to celebrate our history but also to consider what the next decades will hold for veterinary nursing."
The RCVS's plans for the year include, among other things:
The RCVS invites any of the pioneering veterinary nurses who received their qualification in the 1960s to get in touch, so they can play a part in the celebrations. Contact Lizzie Lockett, Head of Communications, on l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk.
Companion Care Vets has reported a record calendar year in 2010, with 15 new surgeries opened taking the network up to 69.
Companion Care also welcomed 17 new joint venture partners, increasing the total number of partners to 87. The company expects to double the number of surgeries over the next 3 years following the announcement that it is to open standalone practices alongside the in-store Pets at Home surgeries.
According to the company, the opening of 15 new full service surgeries represents an investment of approximately £3 million during the year. More than £340,000 of that investment went on state-of-the-art digital x-ray imaging equipment - a feature of all new surgeries.
Managing director, Jane Balmain, said: "The in-store model has been hugely successful and we will continue to accelerate our growth plans for in-store surgeries as the Pets at Home store footprint expands.
"The launch of our new standalone division provides a solution for the vets and nurses who are looking for a partnership but whose preference is for a more traditional standalone style surgery. The level of interest since our announcement has been massive and we will be looking to capitalise on this in 2011 and beyond.
"Our vision is for Companion Care Vets to become a truly national leading veterinary group and with the record year in 2010 and our plans for 2011 and beyond, we are now well on the way and confident of achieving this."
DG Sanco, the EU Directorate General for Health and Consumers, has launched a worldwide photo competition to mark World Vet Year: 'Vets in your daily life'
Entries need to be photos of a vet (or vets) at work or in any situation which shows the diverse nature of the job. Five winners will win 1000 Euros worth of photographic equipment. The overall winner will win an additional 2000 Euros worth of photographic equipment. All winners will also be given travel and accommodation for the awards ceremonies in Paris and Brussels.
Anyone (except for employees of the European Institutions, and their families) can enter the competition, which closes on 31st March 2011. More details can be found at: www.vetsinyourdailylife.org.
Here's the promotional video for the competition:
Virbac is running a promotion through which practices can claim a model showing the anatomy of a healthy dog ear canal on one side, and the changes associated with chronic damage on the other.
Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "The models are about 15cm high and provide a useful visual aid to show clients the consequences if chronic ear disease is not kept under control. They can also be used to help show clients how to administer their pet's treatment correctly.
"These models will be a useful tool for practices to help improve client compliance. Also, we know that some dog owners find a course of ear treatments tricky, and either give the wrong dose or give up altogether, which is why we designed EasOtic to dispense the exact dose in one simple 'squirt', with one complete course in each bottle".
For details of how you can obtain a model for your practice contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
The support packs include a social media toolkit with graphics for practices to use on their own social media channels.
Visitors to the company's stand at the London Vet Show will also be able to sign up to receive a Practice Pet Protection Pack which contains a detail aid, a general microchipping leaflet, a law guides for horses, dogs and cats, and puppy and kitten leaflets.
https://identichip.co.uk
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched a series of information sheets written by veterinary surgeons, nutritionists and leading riders to support its muscle building supplement for horses, Equitop Myoplast Power Pearls.
Available to download as PDFs from its website - http://www.equitop-myoplast.co.uk - this resource for horse owners covers a range of feeding topics including training the young showjumper and feeding the performance horse, older horses and horses during periods of rest and recuperation.
New video and written testimonials from performance riders and veterinary surgeons are now on the website, which also offers owners advice on healthy lean muscle growth and the benefits of Equitop Myoplast. Olympic dressage rider, Emile Faurie, international showjumpers, Ellen Whitaker and Scott Brash, and show horse producer, Katie Jerram, all endorse the product.
A client leaflet has also been launched featuring the testimonials and providing owners with information on Equitop Myoplast and an online offer of £15 off their first purchase of the supplement by downloading a voucher from the website.
Boehringer says Equitop Myoplast is packed with 18 key amino acids and is scientifically designed to support lean muscle growth, not bulk. The company says the supplement is great for optimising performance in horses in intensive training and competition, as well as bringing on young, breeding and injured animals, and for older horses which lose condition easily.
For further information, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or call 01344 746959.
Ceva Animal Health, maker of the veterinary behaviour products DAP and Feliway, is once again sponsoring the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors' series of one day behaviour seminars to keep veterinary professionals up-to-date with companion animal behavioural issues.
Featuring presentations by top pet behaviourists, the seminars will cover a range of topics based on questions that pet owners frequently ask veterinary professionals in practice.
Contributing to six hours CPD per event, the topics covered in the seminars are:
Places on the seminars cost from £70. For further information, please contact the APBC on 01386 751151 or visit http://www.apbc.org.uk/
Ceva Animal Health has announced that it will be bolstering its spring Feliway TV advertising campaign with a campaign across the London Underground to help extend its reach to light TV viewers.
The campaign will once again feature the brand's 'That Purple Cat' character. Highlighting stress-related feline behaviour problems and encouraging cat owners to talk to their vet about Feliway, the advertisement will appear on channels such as ITV2, E4, More4 and Channel 4 (London only) from 14 February until 27 March.
The campaign will also be running on 50 high impact TV screens on the London Underground from 28 February until 13 March and 18 April until 1 May. So, according to the company, the ad will not only reach over 1.2 million people who commute and use the Underground every day, but will also be seen by millions on one of the busiest days of the year on the Underground, the Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Julia Wood, product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "By extending our advertising campaign across the London Underground we are complimenting our TV campaign and targeting commuters with busy lifestyles - who spend little time watching TV - during a unique point in their day."
To support the campaign, Ceva is offering veterinary practices free merchandising material including client leaflets, double sided A3 posters and A5 window stickers. A range of offers are also available for free mini merchandisers and digital photo frames in return for purchasing product. In addition, Ceva is running a prize draw for £250 worth of Champneys Spa vouchers for that 'purrfect' pampering session.
For more information, please contact your Ceva account manager or call 01494 781510.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has re-launched its Vetmedin website: www.vetmedin.co.uk.
Boehringer says the new site has been designed as a resource for veterinary professionals to help educate clients with dogs suffering from congestive heart failure. It includes an animation about heart disease, together with hints, tips and videos covering exercise, diet, treatment and how to monitor the condition.
To support the relaunch of www.vetmedin.co.uk, Boehringer is offering veterinary professionals a £25 money-off voucher towards the NEW edition BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Cardiorespiratory Medicine. To qualify for the voucher you need to recommend www.vetmedin.co.uk to two separate dog owners being prescribed Vetmedin for congestive heart failure in their pets and then record any feedback at their next appointment. Faxback forms on which to record this feedback are being sent out to all vets around Valentine's Day but extra copies are available from Boehringer direct.
The company says a Vetmedin eCPD professional resource will also be launching on the new site later in the year, featuring an online radiograph viewer, technical dossiers and information on published studies such as QUEST.
Scientists from the Animal Health Trust, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh have launched a study which aims to create a diagnostic test that will allow breeders to assess genetic risk for hip and elbow dysplasia in their dogs.
Dr Sarah Blott, from the Animal Health Trust, said: "Currently the screening process for hip and elbow dysplasia is costly and requires dogs to undergo general anaesthetic so they can be x-rayed.
"Through our study we hope to create a non-invasive DNA-based test that will allow breeders to test much earlier than is currently possible and without the use of GA."
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the UK and worldwide. There were more than 40,000 puppies registered with The Kennel Club in 2010. The development of a DNA test will benefit dogs around the world by enabling breeders to make more informed breeding choices.
According to the Animal Health Trust, the introduction of a DNA test to identify genetic risk of hip and elbow dysplasia will:
Dr Pam Wiener, from The Roslin Institute, said: "We're very grateful to the BBSRC for funding this study. If we are able to gather enough information and samples there is a very real possibility that in the next few years we will be able to develop a DNA test that will make a major contribution towards eradicating hip and elbow dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers.
"It is also likely that we will be able to use what we learn from the Labrador Retriever study to benefit dogs of other breeds and to prevent other diseases."
To collect information for the study a simple questionnaire is being sent, through The Kennel Club, to owners of Kennel Club registered Hip Scored Labrador Retrievers who were born between 2004 and 2007. The study group is hoping to obtain questionnaires and samples from at least 2,000 Labrador Retrievers.
If you have a Kennel Club registered Hip Scored Labrador Retriever aged between four and seven years old and would like to participate in the study, please visit the AHT website (www.aht.org.uk/labrador.html) or email melissa.fitzgibbon@aht.org.uk
Once questionnaires have been received, the AHT will send each participant a DNA sampling kit to enable owners to provide a DNA sample from their dog through a simple mouth swab. Owners providing the first 1,500 analysed DNA samples will receive a free genetic profile for hip and elbow dysplasia on their dog.
BCF has announced the launch of the Vita CR x-ray system from Carestream (formerly known as Kodak).
According to the company, the system provides high quality x-ray images, seamless integration into your existing workflow and improved productivity.
BCF says the Vita is ideal for practices looking for an affordable move from chemical to digital radiographic processing and offers:
Elly Pittaway, Veterinary Surgeon and Director at Broadlane Vets in Coventry said: "The Vita produces excellent quality images, is small, compact and really easy to use. It has changed things dramatically, especially for the nurses who no longer have to use nasty chemicals with wet processing. The vets find it easy to take x-rays so are encouraged to take more as it no longer takes the time it used to."
Kimberly Palgrave, the new in-house vet at BCF said: "At BCF, we understand that the ability to take high-quality x-rays quickly and accurately improves both clinical diagnostics and practice workflow. With the Vita x-ray system you can forget about the cost of purchasing and storing film and chemicals as well as health and safety issues associated with the handling and disposal of processor chemicals.
"Using the latest technology that the Vita offers you will reduce not only the number of repeated x-rays taken due to poor radiographic technique or processing faults, but also time spent performing routine equipment maintenance. This results in improved efficiency of your staff, saving you time and money. Faster image production may also enable a shorter duration of anaesthetic/ sedation to be used, improving patient care."
For more information, visit www.bcftechnology.com or ring BCF on 01506 460023.
Merial - maker of the canine NSAID Previcox - has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence of canine osteoarthritis amongst dog owners in the UK.
Previcox Product Manager Claire Edmunds said: "We know that approximately 20% of adult dogs suffer from OA, but less than 25% of these dogs are treated with NSAIDs in the UK. That's one in five dogs that may be enduring the pain and discomfort of a condition that can be improved. Most owners will put their dog's loss of mobility down to old age, however, our aim with this campaign is to raise awareness of this condition with pet owners to encourage them to seek help from their vet for their pets, and assist vets in promoting treatments for this condition."
Merial says veterinary surgeries can take part in the campaign in five easy steps:
The following campaign materials are available:
For more information about the Missing Dog Campaign, please contact your Merial Territory Manager on 0870 6000 123.
Some big names from the art and entertainment worlds, including Cheryl Cole, Tracey Emin, Twiggy and Jamie Oliver are donating their own paintings and drawings of hares to raise money for two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
One of these A4 canvases would be a great addition to a veterinary practice waiting room. It would be sure to create an interesting talking point, particularly if you specialise in leporids.
If you're interested in buying one, they go under the auctioneer's hammer both online and at the 'Hare Ball' at the Dorchester Hotel in London on May 26th 2011.
The Hare Styling Celebrity Canvases Appeal is the brainchild of hairdresser Michael Van Clarke whose daughter Angelica was given a lifesaving operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital when she was just two days old. Now 15 years old, Angelica has drawn a hare to help raise funds for the hospital that saved her life. The hare has been reproduced on A4 canvases which have been sent to well-known names in the public eye inviting them to create an original artwork.
Other celebrities who have already donated include Stella McCartney, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Terry Venables and HRH Princess Beatrice The Duchess of York. Many more are expected ahead of the March deadline. All of the canvases will be displayed at a central London gallery exhibition and most will be included in a hard bound book printed to raise further money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Michael Van Clarke said: “The pioneering work carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital provides hope to extremely sick children and their families. My family knows first-hand the incredible difference the hospital can make and I am always looking for ways to show my gratitude. When we first came up with this Hare styling idea, we weren’t sure how it would be received, but we have been overwhelmed by the response from the recipients of the canvases.
"The fundraising potential of these canvases is huge and we are so grateful for the time and effort people have put in to creating them. We are also looking forward to handing over a big cheque to the charity once all the canvases have been sold.”
For further information or to see a selection of the canvases, please visit http://www.harestyling.com/.
Brinsea has announced the launch of the new Vetario range of intensive care units.
The company says the new models are the result of a 2 year design programme to provide the ideal environment for the successful recovery of small mammals, reptiles and birds.
The new S40 and S50 models incorporate the features found on the previous S10 and S20 models, but with improvements to the control systems, sturdiness and ease of cleaning.
According to the blurb: "The two models are approximately 40 and 100 litres volume respectively, and available with either standard or 'M' control systems. The cabinets are moulded from tough, gloss-finished ABS, making them durable and easy to clean. The importance of cleaning extends to all aspects of the design: the cabinets split to allow the base to be immersed and the fan and heater are both easily accessed for cleaning. The digital push button control panels are wipe clean without disturbing the settings. The 'M' models show humidity (as well as temperature) and include temperature and power-off alarms, enriched oxygen compatibility and nebuliser fitting. Inlet and recirculating filters keep the risks of respiratory problems from airborne contamination to a minimum. Both models are portable, which makes them ideal for isolating animals: a sensitive cat recovering from an anaesthetic can be safely accommodated away from barking dogs, for example."
Prices start at £420 (including 20% VAT).
For more information, telephone: 0845 226 0120
Creature Comforts will be using the cash both to open the clinics and build a proprietary app which will give owners seamless 24/7 access to veterinary care, whilst allowing vets to work more flexibly and more often from home.
VetSurgeon.org caught up with Russell Welsh (pictured), co-founder of the new business alongside Daniel Attia.
Russell said: "During the pandemic, there was a recognition that employers needed to do more to attract and retain veterinary staff, and so there has been a move towards more flexible working and better employment packages.
"The problem is that we then saw a massive increase in the number of pets, and the profession is struggling to meet demand.
"On top of that, the corporatisation of the profession has meant that both staff and owners often feel less connected with each other.
"We think the answer lies in independent practices making better use of technology to reduce the workload on veterinary staff whilst creating a better, seamless, more personal experience for pet owners.
"There are of course companies offering online consultations, but they tend to be stand alone services, or belong to corporate groups.
"What we're doing differently is developing our own system so that we don't lose control of any stage in the client journey and can make sure the quality of care, after care and service is consistently high.
"We'll also be putting together a share option scheme, so our employees will really feel a proper sense of ownership."
https://www.creaturecomforts.co.uk
Launched by the VMG in 2021, the VMG Veterinary Leadership and Management course has three levels, the Award, the Certificate and the Diploma.
There are 151 Award holders, 39 Certificate holders and now one holder of the Diploma.
144 veterinary professionals are currently studying for the CVLM, which is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
In addition to the core modules, participants also select an additional topic tailored to their current or future needs, such as practice finance, HR, mental health and leading change.
Gemma said: “I wanted to study for the full qualification because I’m very interested in the whole subject of practice management and I really love learning.
"I experienced a few lightbulb moments, especially early on in the course when I was trying to work out what kind of leader I was.
"This section of the course opened my eyes to different leadership styles and the type of leader I wanted to become.
"I put this into practice over time, so when I came to study the team management section towards the end of my course, I could see my development over the past two years.”
She added: “Overall, I found the course very enjoyable. There is time to really dig into each topic and many different modules to choose from. The support on offer from the tutors is also excellent.”
The deadline for registration for the Winter term is 31st October.
www.vetmg.com/cvlm