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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.
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Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the model is a "hybrid causal Bayesian network" designed to enhance existing tools by analysing complex relationships between risk factors1.
It combines data from electronic health records, owner questionnaires, previous studies and veterinarian expertise.
Waltham says the model confirms the importance of risk factors including breed and size, age, head shape and quality of home dental care, and quantifies the probability of a dog having periodontal disease based on the presence of these factors.
Dr Stephen Makin, Vice President Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said: "This breakthrough is more than just a scientific achievement; it's a potential game-changer for canine oral health.
"Supported by AI, we are moving from detection to prediction, empowering veterinarians and owners with the ability to provide proactive and personalised oral care.
"This could fundamentally change the health and wellbeing of our canine companions."
The new model is now being used within the Linnaeus group to flag risk for newly-registered clients.
It has also been deployed on a risk checker at: https://www.uk.pedigree.com/gum-disease-risk-checker.
In both cases, Linnaeus says the objective is to get information to pet owners earlier, particularly for breeds where risk is substantially higher, to help drive early preventive care.
However, the company says this is only a fraction of what this kind of foundational model can do, and that it is exploring a range of further applications — including how it might work in combination with other clinical tools and diagnostics to support decision-making more directly at the point of care.
Reference
The programme includes lectures and hands-on learning.
Lecture streams include emergency and critical care, anaesthesia and analgesia, confidence in nurse clinics, exotics, zoo and wildlife, surgical nursing, behaviour, nutrition, student, equine, leadership, clinical supervisors, diagnostics, and a new Exhibitor stream.
A headline stream will take place each morning, covering workplace culture, supporting clients through bereavement, and managing a chronic illness diagnosis.
Small group workshops will cover British Sign Language and deaf awareness, practical CPR, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for the RVN, anaesthesia monitoring, wound management, haematology, and practical suturing.
Small group workshops must be booked at the time of registration.
The Congress programme also includes a keynote from Linda Ryan titled "Compassion in action: Considering empathy at the heart of veterinary nursing".
Interactive VNJ Live discussion sessions will take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October, where potential future researchers, authors and speakers will be encouraged to discuss their ideas and showcase their work.
The BVNA is now inviting submissions for these discussion sessions: https://bvna.org.uk/vnj-live-at-bvna-congress-2026/
For ticket prices, visit: https://bvna.org.uk/registration-2/
https://bvna.org.uk/congress
For the study, the team at the RVC conducted an online survey of the owners of 9,402 UK dogs to investigate the behaviour of three popular designer Doodle breeds – Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo.
Behaviours were compared between the Doodles and their purebred parent breeds, including Cocker Spaniels; Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; Labrador Retrievers; and Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles.
Behaviour was assessed using the validated Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) which quantifies diverse behavioural challenges including aggression, fear and anxiety, separation-related behaviour and attention-seeking.
The results show that designer Doodles differed from their purebred parents in approximately 54% of behavioural comparisons.
Where differences were identified, Doodles showed more undesirable behaviours in 82% of comparisons.
Some of these common undesirable behaviours included non-social fear (e.g. fear of traffic, loud noises); separation-related problems (e.g. vocalisation and destructiveness when left alone); and excitability (e.g. strong reactions to exciting events such as walks and doorbells).
Doodles showed less undesirable behaviours in only 18% of the comparisons where a difference was identified, for example Labradoodles scored lower for dog rivalry (e.g., conflict with dogs they live with) compared to Poodles.
Considerable variation between the three individual Doodle breeds was also identified, demonstrating that designer crossbreeds should not be treated as a single, uniform group in terms of behaviour.
For example, Cockapoos displayed a higher level of undesirable behaviours compared to their purebred parent breeds, exceeding that seen in Cavapoos and Labradoodles.
In particular, Cockapoos showed higher levels of aggressive behaviours, such as owner-directed aggression and dog rivalry, than their purebred parents.
Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and senior author of the paper, said: “Realistic expectations are key to happy dog ownership.
"When expectations and reality don’t align, both dogs and owners can struggle.
"Preconceived beliefs, such as the idea that designer-crossbreeds are naturally easy to train or are safe with children, can have serious consequences if they aren’t supported by evidence.
"Our research shows that many designer-crossbreeds do not always behave as expected, particularly regarding training, anxiety and aggression, which were more common than in their parent breeds.
"We also found that not all ‘Doodles’ are alike, with Cockapoos tending to display more undesirable behaviour compared to Labradoodles and Cavapoos, highlighting that each breed is unique.
"By providing reliable scientific data, we can help puppy buyers to make better-informed choices that support both human wellbeing and canine welfare.”
Specialist-led veterinary ophthalmology care is now available at The Pet Vet's Waltham Forest surgery, saving London-based pet owners the need to travel to Optivet's specialist hospital in Hampshire for advanced ophthalmology treatment.
The Pet Vet and Optivet will remain fully independent organisations, with Optivet delivering specialist ophthalmology services within The Pet Vet surgery.
Optivet London will be led by Dr Gemma Turner BSc DVM MANZCVS FANZCVS MRCVS, Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, working in collaboration with The Pet Vet Waltham Forest Head Vet, Dr Katarina Krasna MVDr CertAVP MRCVS.
Optivet's services will cover a wide range of ocular conditions including distichia and ectopic cilia correction, entropion surgery, medial canthoplasty, superficial keratectomy, corneal crosslinking, cataract surgery, retinal reattachment surgery, enucleation and evisceration, orbitotomy procedures, and retrobulbar abscess management.
Optivet.com
Dexmedocord is a dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats and is available through all major UK veterinary wholesalers.
It is indicated in cats and dogs for non-invasive, mildly to moderately painful procedures and examinations requiring restraint, sedation and analgesia.
In dogs, it is also indicated for deep sedation and analgesia in concomitant use with butorphanol for medical and minor surgical procedures, and as a premedication in dogs and cats before induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.
Dexmedetomidine is the active dextrorotatory enantiomer of medetomidine.
Bob Ferguson, Director of Animal Health at Accord Animal Health, said: "Veterinary practices need trusted products backed by accessible pricing and reliable supply."
"Dexmedocord marks an important milestone as our first POM-V pharmaceutical launch in the UK and reflects the established expertise and strong heritage in high-quality pharmaceuticals that we bring through the wider Accord group."
accordanimalhealth.com
The six-month group coaching scheme is for experienced equine vets and vet nurses and is delivered through monthly online group coaching sessions.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until Wednesday 27 May 2026, and 25 places are available.
The coaching team includes Lucy Grieve, Claire Goodban, Kate Blakeman and Gemma Dransfield—all veterinary professionals with coaching training—now joined by vet nurse Rosina Lillywhite to give dedicated support for veterinary nurses.
Kate Blakeman, BEVA vice president, programme founder and a Back in the Saddle coach, said: "Coaching is becoming increasingly recognised as a key factor in building professional resilience, restoring confidence and supporting career transitions."
Rosina Lillywhite said: "Back in the Saddle is about creating the time and space for both vets and veterinary nurses to step back, reflect and move forward with renewed confidence."
"Whether someone is navigating a period of change or simply reassessing their direction, the programme offers structured support, practical strategies and the reassurance that they're not alone in the challenges they're facing. It's a really valuable opportunity to reconnect with your career and regain a sense of purpose within the profession."
https://www.beva.org.uk/Career-support/Vets/Back-in-the-Saddle
The awards will be presented at BVNA Congress 2026 and finalists from each category will be invited to attend the Dinner Dance and Awards Ceremony on Friday 9th October 2026.
The 2026 BVNA Awards are being presented in memory of individuals from the association's history.
Categories are The Jean Turner Award - RVN of the Year, The Des Thompson Award - Veterinary Team Member of the Year, The Jennifer Townson Award - SVN of the Year, and the VNJ Writer of the Year Award.
The RVN, SVN and veterinary team member categories are open to nominations from registered veterinary nurses, student veterinary nurses, other members of the veterinary team, and family and friends of the nominee.
The VNJ Writer of the Year Award is open to nominations from BVNA members only and covers articles published in the VNJ between September 2025 and July 2026.
BVNA President Sarah Holliday said: "We are delighted to launch this year's BVNA Award nominations, to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals that make up the veterinary nursing and wider veterinary professions.
"The BVNA Awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide, and the unwavering compassion and empathy that they demonstrate every day.
"We know that veterinary nurses are not only powerful advocates for animal welfare, but also the wellbeing of the people around them.
"We're also thrilled to include an awards category for members of the wider veterinary team, who provide such valuable support to their veterinary nursing colleagues."
She added: "Simply being put forwards for an award also provides much-deserved recognition to all of our nominees, so we would really encourage colleagues, friends and family to nominate an individual you feel should be celebrated.
"We're looking forward to showcasing the special individuals within the veterinary profession and welcoming the worthy finalists and winners to BVNA Congress."
The deadline for nominations is 31 July 2026.
https://bvna.org.uk/bvna-awards-2026/
Cellular haemoglobin concentration mean gives clinicians a direct measurement of the average haemoglobin concentration within individually analysed red blood cells.
Unlike mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, which is a calculated value, cellular haemoglobin concentration mean is measured optically, which Zoetis says provides a more reliable indicator needed when a patient is anaemic and when endogenous interferents, such as haemolysis, are present.
The expansion also includes plateletcrit (PCT) measurement.
Plateletcrit provides the volume percentage of blood occupied by platelets – functionally similar to how haematocrit (HCT) reflects the red blood cell fraction.
Zoetis says PCT helps clinicians better assess platelet production, consumption, and evidence of destruction.
Both new parameters are expected to be available to Vetscan OptiCell users in 2026.
https://www.zoetisdiagnostics.com/uk
The guidance reflects the latest Home Office rules on the Skilled Worker Visa pathway and sets out the visa process and sponsorship requirements for veterinary businesses looking to sponsor a vet from overseas and for qualified vets looking to move to the UK.
The FAQs cover salary thresholds, visa costs, timelines and the application process.
They also address questions including how to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship, who qualifies for a salary threshold discount, and what happens if you lose or change jobs.
BVA Senior Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: "The veterinary profession in the UK heavily relies on overseas vets, who play a crucial role in our workforce.
"However, we've been contacted by many members with questions and concerns around navigating the recent changes to the skilled worker visa rules.
"In response, with this resource we're bringing clarity, by answering the most pressing questions and simply outlining the visa process as well as sponsorship requirements."
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/skilled-worker-visa-guidance-for-vets.html
The online invitation survey was conducted among 6,500 pet owners from around the world, 1,000 of whom were based in the UK.
Whilst the survey didn't glean any further information about the nature of the infections, such as what percent of them were endoparasites versus ectoparasites, it did reveal that 61% of respondents said their pet experienced discomfort or illness, 39% said they showed behavioural changes and 38% reported that it made them feel anxious.
However, 38% see a parasite infection as not serious or just slightly serious.
Seventy per cent of owners said they get their parasite information from vets, compared to 43% from the internet.
Forty-five per cent use prescription treatments and 40% use vet-administered treatments in a clinic.
According to the company, 71% of UK pet owners said they would like clearer guidance on parasite protection, yet 35% have not been informed about parasite risks in their area by their vet.
Ian Wright MRCVS, Chairman/Director of ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), said: "It has never been more important to be aware of parasites and the risk to companion animals – the increased movement of pets and people, as well as climate change, has fuelled a rapid shift in the distribution of parasites and their proximity to pets.
"Pets can carry parasites which affect animal and human health - although there are familiar types, such as fleas – we need to be vigilant for unexpected parasites moving into new countries and regions.
"With simple precautions and preventative measures, we can minimise the risk of diseases they may bring, and continue to enjoy the wonderful benefits of pet ownership."
Serotonin has been implicated in several canine diseases, including myxomatous mitral valve disease, pulmonary hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy, but direct measurement in blood is challenging because of its short half-life in serum.
In humans, urinary 5‑HIAA is considered a more accurate marker of serum serotonin concentration.
However, whilst urine 5-HIAA has previously been measured in dogs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, these techniques are expensive and not widely available.
For the study, which was funded by BSAVA PetSavers and published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, researchers collected urine samples from 26 dogs undergoing routine diagnostic evaluation at a referral hospital.
Each sample was analysed using both a commercially available ELISA testing kit, BA-E-1900 from Immusmol, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the current gold standard method.
The ELISA was found to be reliable with acceptable precision and repeatability, particularly at low concentrations, although it had a slightly higher observed error at higher concentrations.
The researchers recommended further validation work to improve understanding of the various preanalytical factors that may influence measurement of 5-HIAA concentrations.
They also said further work should investigate whether measuring urinary 5-HIAA will be a good surrogate marker for physiologically active circulating serotonin in dogs, and whether it will be useful in studying disease pathogenesis.
Dr Penny Watson, senior author of the study, said: "I am very hopeful that, after further validation, this ELISA will prove to be a reliable, simple and cheap test for 5-HIAA in the urine, facilitating further research into the role of serotonin in the pathogenesis of canine diseases.
"We have long suspected that some individual dogs and breeds may have higher circulating serotonin than others and that this might predispose them not only to heart disease but also some common diseases such as chronic pancreatitis and kidney disease.
"They would also be more susceptible to serotinergic syndrome when medicated with drugs such as tramadol or trazadone.
"Further research in this area would thus be directly relevant to small animal practitioners."
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70123
Practice Performance Diagnostic is a structured investigation tool which combines leadership analysis, operational performance data, team feedback and financial analysis into a single integrated report.
The process includes a leadership systems assessment, operational dashboard creation and analysis, financial performance review, employee feedback analysis, a comprehensive written report, and a one-to-one debrief session with the founder of the Veterinary Leadership Academy, Dave Nicol MRCVS.
The resulting report identifies where operational pressure accumulates, where ownership breaks down, where financial performance is leaking, where leadership dependency remains too high, and where the business is relying too heavily on owner intervention to remain stable.
Dave said: "What I keep seeing are practices that are delivering excellent care for clients and patients, but the owner is carrying far too much of the business personally.
"Decisions continue to route back to them. Standards rely heavily on their direct involvement. Team issues escalate upward. Problems accumulate quietly until the owner steps back in to stabilise things again. Over time, that creates a level of pressure that simply isn't sustainable."
www.drdavenicol.com/diagnostic
Presented by Dr Sam Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIMCA FRCVS, the series is aimed at the whole practice team, from new grads to experienced surgeons and nurses.
The sessions are:
Virbac says the series "provides a practical, flexible learning format that fits around busy clinical schedules, offering clear guidance on diagnosis, treatment and longterm management."
https://www.virbac-hub.co.uk
BEVA said the guidance is intended to help vets ensure good welfare during the necessary euthanasia of horses insured for mortality.
Led by Ian Beamish, the Association reviewed its guidance with input from vets and representatives from the insurance industry.
Ian said: "The veterinary surgeon's primary responsibility is undoubtably to ensure the welfare of the horse, regardless of whether the horse is insured.
"The new guidelines are a modernised version of the outdated 2009 guidelines, with a carefully revised List of Conditions and their prognoses, updated language, and revised protocols on grounds for euthanasia."
He added: "It is important to note that whilst we may advise euthanasia, we may not advise on the insurance policy conditions; this is a matter for the insured and insurer to discuss."
The Equine Insurance Providers Group has approved and adopted the new guidance.
https://www.beva.org.uk/euthanasia-guidelines-for-insured-horses
Among the programme highlights is "Managing complaints post-CMA, what do you need to know?", featuring BVA President Rob Williams, Jennie Jones, Head of Veterinary Client Mediation Service, and Gavin Durston, Director of Thrums Vets.
In another session, "Hot topic: CMA remedies - what do they mean in practice?", Rob Williams, Kate Higgins, owner and Director of Village Vets Formby, and Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA Senior Vice President, will debate where we are with the investigation, what comes next, and the possible impact of the CMA remedies on practices.
The programme also includes sessions on clinical practice, leadership in the workplace and the role of vets in ethical decision making.
Clinical stream highlights include euthanasia in small mammals, birds and reptiles, anaesthesia in comorbid patients, updates in ocular pharmacology, optimizing hospital care for long-term patients, and managing anxiety in "pandemic puppies".
The BVA Interactive Zone will also return, with President Rob Williams, Senior Vice President Elizabeth Mullineaux and Junior Vice President Gwen Rees leading debates on overtreatment, managing and improving a toxic workplace and contextualised care.
Rob said: "As the profession emerges from the CMA investigation, BVA Live will be one of the first opportunities for vet teams to come together to access practical CPD to move forwards and comply with the CMA remedies."
https://bvalive.vetshow.com/conference-programme
The new materials include a downloadable guide to each CMA remedy and short videos on providing information about ownership, prices, services and treatments, on prescribing veterinary medicines, managing complaints and offering cremation services.
Whilst the CMA's detailed Orders have not yet been released, with more information expected over the summer, the BVA said its information will continue to be updated.
BVA President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: "Given the CMA's starting point, following significant pushback from BVA, the final remedies now better balance the needs of the pet-owning public, with practical delivery of vet services."
He added: "However, we understand that the next steps may still feel a bit daunting.
"The first thing to say is that most of you will already be undertaking many, if not most of the measures required by the CMA in your day-to-day work and this next step will be about formalising these processes.
"We're here to support the profession as it gets ready for change later in the year with practical resources to help you comply."
Further discussion of the changes is also planned at BVA Live at the NEC Birmingham on 11 and 12 June, including sessions on complaints handling after the CMA outcome and what the remedies mean in practice.
https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/misc-resources/competition-and-markets-authority-measures-for-vet-businesses-get-ready-get-compliant
WellVet was founded in 2019 and was established and run as a not-for-profit by vets Liz Barton, Ru Tipney, Nat Scroggie and Katie Ford.
It provided in-person and online events to help people build their own wellbeing toolkit.
It also developed and hosted free expert-led resources on perimenopause.
Vet Empowered is a coaching and wellbeing platform run by Claire Grigson and WellVet team member Katie Ford, and it will host the WellVet resources on its website.
Liz said: "WellVet was developed at a time when the conversation around wellbeing was growing, but many resources were not reaching colleagues who could benefit.
"Our aim was to connect people with solutions to live happier and healthier in mind, body and soul.
"We have been honoured to host outstanding expert speakers and to receive many moving testimonials demonstrating real positive impact.
"However, securing funding for WellVet’s activities has become increasingly challenging in the current climate.
"Bringing WellVet’s resources into another established wellbeing platform is the best way to ensure these materials remain freely available and continue to benefit the veterinary community.”
https://www.vetempowered.com/wellvet
The study, published in Veterinary Record, compared observations made during unloading with those carried out later in lairage holding pens1.
Over the course of the study, thousands of animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs, were observed at a UK abattoir.
The research was led by the RVC team including final-year veterinary student Sayaka Mochizuki and Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health Kurt Arden, with assistance from Declan Arden from the University of Plymouth.
They found that observing animals during unloading significantly increased the detection of welfare issues such as lameness, slipping and falling.
Across all species, welfare problems were far more likely to be identified at this stage, with detection rates increasing more than tenfold in some cases.
This, say the researchers, is largely because issues become much easier to spot while the animals are in motion, rather than while they are stationary.
As a result, the research team propose a new, practical inspection approach called Animal-Based Measurement (ABMs), which implements simple visual checks during unloading to identify potential health issues.
Incorporating this strategy could enable vets to identify problems earlier, provide more effective feedback to farmers and transporters and take action to reduce suffering.
It also offers a straightforward, evidence-based way to improve food safety standards.
Importantly, this method can be implemented in real-world settings without disrupting abattoir operations.
Sayaka Mochizuki said: "Animal transport ultimately serves the human economic and commodity interests.
"While the experience is relatively brief, it defines the final moments of the lives of production animals and the nature of their death.
"We have a moral obligation to undertake this process as ethically as possible, and our proposal provides a simple but effective way toward a more improved norm."
Kurt Arden said: "Improving animal welfare does not always require complex solutions, sometimes all it requires is a new perspective.
"This study demonstrates how simple, practical changes can reduce suffering, and underscores the important role veterinary students play in producing research that delivers real-world impact."
The webinar, titled "Not Just a Gut Feeling: The Role of Faecal Testing in Cat and Dog Worm Control", will provide practical insights into how routine faecal testing can support more targeted, evidence-based parasite control strategies.
The programme will cover the most common companion animal parasites encountered in practice, the role of faecal testing and the value it adds for veterinary teams and pet owners, the benefits and limitations of currently available diagnostic methods, future developments in pet parasite testing, and a live Q&A session with Dr Wright.
The webinar will be introduced by Madeleine Bucki BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS, who will also provide an overview of Micron Agritech's diagnostic technology, including the launch of the company's new +Pet testing system.
The source text also states that all attendees can enter a prize draw to win a ticket to the London Vet Show 2026.
Registration is free and all attendees can enter a prize draw to win a ticket to the London Vet Show 2026.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6817815210276/WN_myTFq4nHST6mBdvOPOQ5-w
For the research, the RVC’s VetCompass Programme analysed anonymised veterinary records from 2.25 million dogs attending UK primary-care veterinary practices during 2019.
From this population, researchers identified 28,345 giant dogs and examined their demographic data, disorder frequency and lifespan records.
The study also involved a detailed manual review of clinical records from a random sample of more than 4,300 giant dogs to assess the most common health disorders and causes of death.
The data showed that the average lifespan of giant dogs was 8.9 years.
This is more than three years shorter than the average lifespan previously reported within VetCompass for dogs overall in England.
The RVC says this finding aligns with other research reported in many countries that more rapid growth in giant dogs leads to more rapid ageing.
The findings also showed that almost three-quarters (73.8%) of giant dogs had at least one disorder recorded annually, significantly higher than the average for all dog breeds (65.8%) within VetCompass.
The most common general groups of disorders overall were skin disorders, musculoskeletal disease and ear disease.
The most common specific diseases were ear infections (8.2%), overweight or obesity (8.0%) and aggression (5.6%).
The frequency of aggression in these giant breeds was more than double the 2.2% level recorded in dogs overall.
Additional findings included:
Professor Dan O’Neill, Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “Humanity has reshaped the domestic dog into the most physically diverse mammalian species on earth to create over 1,200 distinct dog breeds.
"Among these, the giant dog breeds can offer wonderful companionship for humans, but our findings suggest that the lifespan and welfare costs for these dogs, linked to their extreme body size, are substantial.
“The relatively short lives of giant dogs compared to the wider dog population should prompt wider discussion on the welfare limits of selective breeding towards extreme giantism.
"To protect these cherished breeds and make them sustainable for the future, moving towards more moderate body sizes within these breeds may help to improve both the quality and length of life for these dogs, while still giving owners a fulfilling dog-ownership experience.”
The first episode features equine veterinary surgeon Fiona Farmer, BreathEazy Director and veterinary surgeon Jon Slattery, and international event rider Harry Meade.
They discuss the impact respiratory health can have on performance horses and the practical management of respiratory challenges in competition settings.
The opening episode also focuses on the relationship between respiratory health, performance and recovery, and on how veterinary understanding can inform everyday horse management.
The episode also explores the science behind nebulisation, and Jon Slattery discusses its role in administering medications and in broader respiratory management in horses exposed to dust, pollen and other environmental particles.
Fiona said: "By combining veterinary knowledge with real-world experience from the top of the sport, we hope to share useful insights that riders, owners and vets can apply."
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FHQ6XRR3VYUawgH6sppsP
The guide combines evidence-based information with practical owner-focused support and encourages earlier conversations around joint health and proactive intervention.
It covers weight control, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, pain management, environmental adaptations and owner engagement.
Professor Stuart Carmichael FRCVS, who has collaborated with KRKA on a range of OA educational initiatives, said: "One of the biggest opportunities we have in osteoarthritis is identifying risk earlier and supporting owners before significant joint deterioration occurs.
"Helping owners understand that OA can begin much earlier in life allows practices to take a more proactive and individualised approach to joint care."
The guide also draws on insights from Danielle Everett PgD qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist and Canine Hydrotherapist.
Danielle said: "Simple lifestyle adjustments, tailored exercise and appropriate rehabilitation support can make a significant difference to comfort and mobility in dogs with OA.
"Resources that help owners understand those changes are incredibly valuable in improving quality of life and long-term health."
https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub/
The poster, by Lucy Williams BVSc MRCVS, Marketing and Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Carus Animal Health, Tristan Cogan BSc (Hons) PhD FHEA FRSBHE, Christina Maunder BVM&S CertSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS FHEA, Helen Howell PhD DSc (Hons) from Bristol Veterinary School, was based on a study from Carus Animal Health and the University of Bristol.
Data presented at VOACON demonstrated that faecal calprotectin was elevated in some dogs receiving oral NSAIDs, even in the absence of obvious GI signs.
The findings build on previous validation work from the University of Bristol.
The research was conducted using GIQuest, Carus Animal Health's patient-side faecal calprotectin test.
Lucy said: "Veterinary teams are becoming increasingly proactive in how they manage osteoarthritis patients.
"We know NSAIDs can have a hugely positive impact on quality of life, but clinicians are also looking for ways to monitor patients more closely and identify potential issues before they become clinically significant.
"The response to this research at VOACON reflects the profession's growing interest in objective biomarkers that can support more informed treatment decisions and enhance patient care."
Jolian Howell, Chief Business Officer and Director of Carus Animal Health, said: "This award is a significant achievement, not only for Carus but also for the wider field of gastrointestinal biomarker research. It recognises the value of building an evidence base around earlier detection, patient monitoring and preventive healthcare.
https://carusanimalhealth.com/giquest
Bringing together the latest research, practical guidance and case studies, the resource is designed to help veterinary teams managing chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease in cats.
Carus says that while faecal calprotectin is well established in human medicine, the veterinary evidence base in cats continues to build.
The publication includes findings from a University of Bristol validation study demonstrating that the GIQuest faecal calprotectin test differentiated cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy from healthy controls with 100% specificity and 92% sensitivity.
The booklet also features case studies from UK veterinary professionals, illustrating how faecal calprotectin testing has been used to support diagnosis, monitor treatment response and identify inflammatory flare-ups in complex chronic GI cases.
Lucy Williams BVSc MRCVS, Marketing and Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Carus Animal Health, said: "Feline gastrointestinal disease can be particularly challenging to manage.
"Clinical signs are often non-specific, diagnostics can be limited by patient temperament or owner factors, and monitoring treatment response isn't always straightforward.
"The growing evidence around faecal calprotectin is exciting because it offers clinicians an objective measure of intestinal inflammation that can support decision-making throughout the patient journey."
https://content.carusanimalhealth.com/feline-only-booklet-download
Co-hosted by Burgess Excel and the Guinea Pig Welfare UK charity, the event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre.
Confirmed speakers include Mary Coles (University of Liverpool), Alison Wills (Hartpury College) and clinicians and nurses working at the forefront of small animal practice, as well as John Chitty, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine and chair of Guinea Pig Welfare UK, who will chair the event.
Sessions will cover both clinical insight and practical care challenges: the morning programme will explore key welfare issues affecting guinea pigs in both pet and rescue environments, alongside topics such as reproduction, responsible breeding and the latest research developments. Afternoon sessions will cover sector-wide challenges and opportunities, including discussions on rescue centre operations and evolving licensing proposals, providing an opportunity for delegates to contribute to wider policy conversations around animal welfare.
Tickets are priced at £10, with all proceeds donated to Guinea Pig Welfare UK to support ongoing education, research and advocacy work aimed at improving welfare standards nationwide.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guinea-pig-welfare-forum-2026-tickets-1987609178558