https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/new-oral-treatment-for-ckd-related-anaemia-in-catsFri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:d956aaa9-f611-4178-898c-f8c8f99029dfChris RitchieElanco Animal Health has launched a new treatment to manage feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) anaemia. Varenzin is now available to practices across the UK and offers pet owners “a first-of-its-kind oral suspension that can be administered daily at home”. In clinical studies, 68% of cats achieved treatment success after one month. Presented as a once-daily fish oil-flavoured formulation, with “a strong acceptance rate of 88%”, the product is designed to stimulate a cat’s natural endogenous erythropoietin production (EPO), which is often reduced in cats with kidney disease. The active substance, molidustat, belongs to a novel class of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors and works by activating the body’s natural response to low oxygen levels, boosting EPO production and thereby stimulating red blood cell production by the bone marrow, Elanco states. https://my.elanco.com/us/campaign/varenzinElanco Animal HealthProduct Newskidneyshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32657/veterinary-nurse-title-to-be-protected-with-statutory-registration/179263#179263Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:56:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:7b5f490b-005e-4b65-b70f-9b433afdbb9dSteph WorsleyIt's exciting for the whole veterinary industry not just veterinary nursing. However as vet nurses we are already registered and regulated, the big sticking point is that our title is not protected, meaning anyone can call themselves veterinary nurses. This is one of the big points in the white paper. The BVNA has spent the past 18 months attending multiple meetings with DEFRA and other key stakeholders as well as holding meetings with working groups made up of members to ensure their voices have been heard. Discussing all aspects, not just protecting the title, this includes the discussions surrounding future governance aiming to ensure that vet nurses have lay parity in whatever comes in the futurehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/vmd-advises-caution-over-health-claims-for-tick-prevention-productsThu, 16 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:3c346c30-d6ac-4750-b170-0ca8d1f3efaaChris RitchieThe Veterinary Medicines Directorate is encouraging pet owners to take caution before purchasing or using tick prevention products promoted on social media. This follows the publication of a study in Veterinary Record that examined the most-engaged English-language TikTok videos about tick prevention for cats and dogs and found that while tick prevention videos received high engagement on the platform, the content was largely influencer-driven, with limited involvement from veterinary professionals. Results showed that the most common content promoted and demonstrated use of natural or holistic tick prevention methods, and videos promoting natural or non-prescription approaches received higher total engagement compared to other types of content. The study also found that references to perceived safety frequently appeared alongside natural ingredients or holistic themes but were rarely accompanied by evidence or cautionary information. Products marketed as ‘natural’ are still subject to the same advertising rules governing non-medicinal veterinary products. Practices encountering suspicious veterinary medicines, non-medicinal veterinary products or retailers should report them to the VMD Enforcement Team: https://webform.clue.co.uk/vmdlivewebformParasitologyticksVeterinary Medicines Directoratehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32657/veterinary-nurse-title-to-be-protected-with-statutory-registrationWed, 15 Jul 2026 15:43:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:dfe3716e-df26-4520-946d-ddfba8b7929eChris Ritchiewww.vetnurse.co.uk/.../white-paper-a-step-closer-to-improved-legislation Sixty years! But now there's real progress being made on the Veterinary Surgeons Act and there's a host of proposed reforms which DEFRA says will "radically modernise the industry, delivering better protections for households and greater transparency around prices – helping pet owners understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets". Veterinary nurses and other professional groups will be statutorily registered. Among the other proposals: there will be an independent veterinary ombudsman, and veterinary businesses will be statutorily regulated with a mandatory licensing system similar to care homes and GP surgeries. DEFRA also recommends changing the approach to fitness-to-practise processes. The RCVS said it agreed that the profession required modern legislation to protect animal welfare and noted that it was ready to separate its professional leadership and regulatory roles if DEFRA determined it necessary. Lots more in the news piece. Discuss!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/white-paper-a-step-closer-to-improved-legislationWed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:d76ab4ca-7c36-4636-bcbb-1c0b7c4e6d53Chris RitchieThe government’s ‘white paper’, Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector , published last week, sets out proposals for what it says will be the most significant reform of veterinary regulation in a generation. The proposals follow the recent consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 along with recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority following its investigation into veterinary services for household pets. According to DEFRA, the department responsible, “Millions of pet owners will benefit from the most significant overhaul of veterinary regulation in six decades.” The new measures, it says, “will radically modernise the industry, delivering better protections for households and greater transparency around prices – helping pet owners understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets". Practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about options and changes.  An independent veterinary ombudsman is being considered to give pet owners “a clear and straightforward route to redress when complaints cannot be resolved directly with their practice”. DEFRA states: “With the power to make binding decisions, the ombudsman will ensure disputes are resolved more quickly and fairly, increasing confidence across the sector.” Among the new proposals are that veterinary businesses will be subject to statutory regulation, with a mandatory licensing system – similar to GP surgeries and care homes; and there will be inspections of premises with publication of compliance reports. The proposals also include reforms to fitness-to-practise processes. The current system, says DEFRA, focuses heavily on past alleged misconduct and professional disrepute offering limited options for intervention. Under the proposed framework, regulation would move towards a modern “current impairment” model that focuses on whether a professional currently presents a risk and what support may be needed to help them practise safely and effectively. Although no timescale is given, there is to be statutory registration of veterinary nurses as well as farriers; later, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, equine dental technicians and cattle and equine hoof trimmers will have to be registered. It is not yet clear who will have responsibility for this. In addition to the ombudsman, practices will need to have in-house complaints procedures, and first opinion small animal practices will require a mandatory mediation process. The Secretary of State for DEFRA, Emma Reynolds, said the reforms would help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and get the best value care for their pets; while the UK’s chief veterinary officer at DEFRA, Christine Middlemiss, said the new framework “will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals”. She continued: “One of the most significant proposals is extending statutory regulation beyond veterinary surgeons to include veterinary nurses and other allied veterinary professionals through a licence-to-practise system. “In recognising and regulating a broader range of professions as a sector we can provide greater clarity about roles and responsibilities, protect professional titles, and enable appropriately qualified professionals to work to the full extent of their competence. This will importantly help create a more flexible and resilient workforce while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and public confidence.” She added: “The proposed licensing framework for businesses will establish clear standards relating to areas such as clinical governance, staffing, consumer information and accountability. At the same time, of course, regulation should remain proportionate and outcomes-focused, avoiding unnecessary burdens while maintaining confidence in the sector.” The RCVS warmly welcomed the proposals, calling them “a step-change in how the sector is regulated”. The College said it agreed that the profession required modern legislation to protect animal welfare and noted that it was ready to separate its professional leadership and regulatory roles if DEFRA determined it necessary. The newly-elected president of the Royal College, Tim Hutchinson, said the proposed reforms would provide stronger powers for the RCVS to regulate all veterinary and animal healthcare businesses, ensure the title “veterinary nurse” is used only by properly qualified professionals, allow for the regulation of the wider veterinary team, and introduce a modern fitness to practise framework. “These changes are essential for protecting animal health and welfare and for public confidence in the veterinary professions,” he added. The BVA president, Rob Williams, described the publication of the white paper as “a positive, landmark moment for vet professionals, as well as for animals and their owners, taking us all one step closer to improved legislation that meets the demands of modern veterinary medicine”. The BSAVA gave “broad support” to the proposals, in particular the legal protection of the veterinary nurse title, but it stressed that professional recognition must be paired with continued investment in lifelong learning and education for the whole team. This association, along with the BVA, has previously expressed concern that new pricing and prescription rules may disproportionately impact smaller, independent practices. The BVNA said it was thrilled to see the white paper include statutory regulation and official protection for the title of “veterinary nurse”. This, it stated, would prevent unqualified individuals from using the title and ensure high standards of animal welfare and public safety. The association said it had pushed for years to update the law so it reflected what nurses actually do today. The BVNA also backed the proposals to hold corporate veterinary practices and businesses accountable, rather than just individual nurses and vets. This, it says, “will improve fairness and create a safer working environment”. Sue Davies, head of consumer rights policy at Which? , described the current legislation regulating the veterinary market as seriously outdated with pet owners being badly let down by it. Which? research has shown that the inadequacies of complaints and dispute resolution processes are a particular problem and they leave people fighting for years to get their voice heard. “This is why an independent veterinary ombudsman is sorely needed,” she said. “The government needs to keep moving forward with the reforms so that fit-for-purpose regulation is in place before the next general election.” According to DEFRA, the reforms will “introduce more competition to lower costs over time” – though there was no detail in the white paper as to how this might happen. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sectorRCVSBSAVADefraBVNABVARegulationhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/refreshed-categories-for-quality-improvement-awardsTue, 14 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:79d4d256-21dc-4c51-9108-ef4e1b1d1d6aChris RitchieThe 2027 RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement awards are now open for applications with new award categories covering more quality improvement (QI) techniques. While the awards previously focused on clinical audit, the entry criteria have been expanded to include other approaches to QI. The awards “celebrate the creativity, courage and dedication of veterinary teams that improve their everyday practice through quality improvement”. The categories are:  Improving patient outcomes – for projects that have improved the safety, health and welfare or quality of life of veterinary patients. Improving veterinary teamwork – open to initiatives that have strengthened communication, collaboration, psychological safety, leadership or workplace culture within veterinary teams. Improving service delivery – that have enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, reliability or overall experience of veterinary services. Improving antimicrobial stewardship – practical examples where teams are improving antimicrobial stewardship using recognised quality improvement methods. Projects involving any species can be submitted by any member of the veterinary practice team across first opinion, referral and peripatetic services, higher education facilities and both clinic-based and ambulatory practice. “A successful application will present a well-designed project delivered through collaborative practice, demonstrating effective use of QI methods and data, meaningful and measured impact, and thoughtful reflection,” RCVS Knowledge says. Apply (and see last year’s winners) at https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/awards/rcvs-knowledge-quality-improvement-awards/.RCVS KnowledgeawardsQIhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/study-provides-insight-into-alcohol-use-in-uk-practicesMon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:de628997-1b61-45e1-a1fd-1ad8f7147346Chris RitchieThe RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has published its findings from a study on mental health and alcohol use in UK veterinary practice. The project – ‘Alcohol Harm, mental health and opportunities for change in veterinary practice: A cross-sectional study’ – aimed to discover current attitudes, beliefs and alcohol use behaviours of those working in clinical settings in the UK veterinary sector in order to help improve support for those looking to reduce their consumption. The survey, which began in May last year and was completed by 652 veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and non-clinical roles such as practice managers, receptionists and veterinary care assistants who currently consumed alcohol, concluded that around 40% of participants were drinking at some level of risk. At-risk drinking was linked to drinking to cope, for pleasure, and poor mental health, and that interventions to reduce drinking and improve help-seeking for alcohol use should target promotion of adaptive coping techniques, knowledge of low-risk drinking and stigma reduction. Dr Olivia Cormier, a member of the research team who is also undertaking a PhD at Oxford Brookes University on ‘Understanding UK veterinary professionals’ experiences and attitudes of seeking support for their drinking’, said: “Before now, the most recent data we had in this area dated back to 2009. We’re therefore really pleased to be providing new insights. Now, not only do we understand more about what the current situation looks like surrounding alcohol consumption in the UK veterinary professions, but we can use this knowledge to learn how to best provide support to this group.” If you would like to participate in Olivia’s research, contact her by email: 19175231@brookes.ac.uk The full peer-reviewed paper is open access: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.70911RCVSMind MattersResearchalcoholhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32654/ucari-pet-sensitivity-intolerance-test-kit-for-dogs-cats/179262#179262Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:02:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:c4de8368-b4e7-4928-b383-ca8d632d5335Wendy NevinsThanks Steph - I think your "punch of salt" explains it wellhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32656/oa-do-you-take-a-whole-practice-approach/179261#179261Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:54:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:51170adc-705f-48bb-b0b5-fe3e45675607Steph WorsleyI definitely think it is more nurse led than vet led, no offence to vets but nurses often have a more holistic view. However I definitely think it is something that could be done better Just to mention that Nichi is speaking on nursing the OA patient at BVNA congress and holding a physio workshop. So if anyone is interested in following up from the article or even chatting to Nichi then come along in October.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32654/ucari-pet-sensitivity-intolerance-test-kit-for-dogs-cats/179260#179260Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:46:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:19c592ad-45a5-4db9-8d19-7db47ceae75bSteph WorsleyI've never heard of them but like blood samples for food allergies I would take the results with a punch of salt. Blood allergy samples will show a reaction if the animal has been exposed to the particular proteins etc in the recent past. My concern is that fur samples will be the same. I just noticed that they have recommended to avoid vitamin C containing foods.... Looking at their website they offer a "nutritional reboot" The best I can suggest is they scour the ingredients list if they are set on following the recommendations or get in contact with the food manufacturers. Sorry no help at all!!!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32655/veterinary-legislation-reform-matters-for-rvns/179259#179259Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:38:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:0244b536-a709-4159-b7c7-4e4f7848dc94Steph Worsley100% agree with you. We need to stay in the conversations. It is such an exciting, important period for the veterinary profession as a while but most definitely for RVNshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32656/oa-do-you-take-a-whole-practice-approachFri, 10 Jul 2026 12:59:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:399b794e-d4d8-4ce8-b34a-dcaeb17dd75eChris RitchieIn this month's Vet Edge, Nichi Cockburn offers some practical tips on veterinary teams refining their approach to supporting rather than exacerbating chronic pain, arguing that chronic pain may hide in plain sight. How much does your practice do this? Is this seen as a priority in consultations even if the animal isn't directly presented for something OA-related? From my perspective as a cat owner, and mindful that my old dog was not assessed for anything OA when her legs were failing her, I don't recall my then vets taking any particular steps such as those Nichi suggests: • Provide written pain management plans. • Encourage owners to record videos of mobility at home and to regularly complete their chronic pain scores, for example before every nurse mobility clinic or medication check-up. • Train all team members – from receptionists to nurses – to recognise pain indicators. And is this approach perhaps more led by VNs than vets? The full article is here, from page 30: indd.adobe.com/.../df696ccb-38db-4b36-9143-1a507b86242ehttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32655/veterinary-legislation-reform-matters-for-rvnsFri, 10 Jul 2026 12:04:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:852c1d19-cca5-455f-9a93-300f53ba2371Wendy NevinsDefra has published its White Paper, *Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector*, setting out the government’s direction for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. For veterinary nurses, this matters. The current legislation no longer reflects the profession we are today, the responsibilities RVNs already carry, or the wider role of the veterinary team in supporting animal welfare, public health, clients and veterinary businesses. There is still a long way to go, but seeing legislative reform being taken seriously at this level is important. The detail now matters, and veterinary nurses need to stay engaged in the conversation. Worth reading and sharing. www.gov.uk/.../our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sectorhttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/2-000-grant-for-rabbit-and-exotic-pet-careFri, 10 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:4eed30a9-7e23-4c8c-96d7-2d3198123d00Chris RitchieSupreme Petfoods has launched a £2,000 ‘Selective Vet Grant’ aimed at supporting veterinary professionals who are “passionate about improving rabbit and exotic pet care within practice”. The grant has been created to help veterinary teams strengthen their knowledge, confidence and care standards for rabbits and other small pets, with funding available for projects including CPD, rabbit-friendly practice improvements, client education initiatives and investment in new equipment or educational resources. The initiative is open to both veterinary practices applying directly and to pet owners nominating a practice. The grant approval panel includes Dr Molly Varga Smith (The Exotic Animal Vets), Cat Henstridge (Cat the Vet), James Westgate (editor of Vet Times ), and Claire Hamblion-Jennings (Supreme Petfoods marketing director). Nominations close on 18th September. https://supremepetfoods.com/selective-vet-grant/rabbitExotic & AvianSupreme Petfoodshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/clinical-discussions/32654/ucari-pet-sensitivity-intolerance-test-kit-for-dogs-catsThu, 09 Jul 2026 12:52:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:a449754d-d895-48a9-be58-e9021aa686b8Wendy NevinsDoes anyone have any experience with the UCARI Pet Sensitivity & Intolerance Tests? Client has used one and is now trying to avoid all foods with E307 Synthetic Alpha-Tocopherol E150a Plain Caramel Colouring E226 Calcium Sulfite E310 Propyl Gallate Vitamin C (L-Ascorbate) I realise the tests are not necessarily something we would recommend in practice but would love to support the client as best I can. How do I advise how to check which foods do or do not contain the above apart from looking at ingredient list - some just say mixed Tocopherol for example not is if synthetic or not Any comments or tips appreciated!https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/new-advanced-kidney-support-liquid-for-catsThu, 09 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:ee3caea2-2291-4e4b-82e0-10baa832f134Chris RitchieNutravet has launched Nutraren Advanced Kidney Support liquid, which it describes as “a highly palatable nutritional supplement designed to help support kidney function and phosphorus balance in cats”. The formulation “enables fast and efficient absorption” of ingredients in the intestines and contains: calcium carbonate to help naturally bind phosphorus; prebiotic fibres to support digestive health; and essential nutrients to help maintain overall well-being. Additionally, Nutravet says, it aids normal phosphorus levels, boosts appetite and encourages water intake. Each box contains 4x150ml drink. Email info@nutravet.co.uk or visit www.nutravet.com.nutravetProduct Newshttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/veterinary-nurse-jobs/permanent-registered-veterinary-nurse-greater-london-15375Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:29:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:bf84bdfa-7eb9-4a1f-af42-2a53a47b0ceaAlex PerezRegistered Veterinary Nurse – Ecovets Wandsworth, London SW18 Full-time, 41.5 hours per week £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience Permanent Ecovets is an independent small animal practice in Wandsworth, built around calm, thoughtful and client-focused care. We’re looking for a confident RVN who enjoys being hands-on, building strong client relationships, and playing an important role in how the practice runs day to day. This is a great opportunity for a nurse who wants more than just “getting through the list”. You’ll be trusted, supported and genuinely valued as part of the clinical team, with the chance to help shape standards, improve workflows and make a real difference to patients, clients and colleagues. The role will involve: Supporting consults, procedures, diagnostics and in-patient care Monitoring anaesthetics and keeping patients safe and comfortable Preparing patients for surgery and supporting theatre workflow Running nurse clinics and preventative care appointments Educating and reassuring clients with clarity and kindness Maintaining strong clinical, hygiene and patient care standards Supporting VCAs and helping the wider team grow Being confident as the sole charge RVN when needed Helping improve how we work as the practice grows We’re looking for someone who is: RCVS-registered as an RVN Has at least 3 years’ experience in small animal practice Confident with anaesthesia, theatre, prep and nurse consults Comfortable working as sole charge RVN when needed Calm, kind and thoughtful with patients, clients and the team A clear communicator who takes pride in doing things properly Interested in clinical standards and continuous improvement Happy to get involved in shaping how the nursing side of the practice develops Support around you You’ll be part of a close-knit team with vets, nurses, VCAs and client care support around you. We value nurses as a core part of the clinical team, not just as support staff. Your input, experience and ideas will matter, especially as Ecovets continues to grow. Working pattern 41.5 hours per week 1 in 3 Saturdays, 9am–2pm Full day off in lieu after working a Saturday No out-of-hours No Sundays No overnight work Protected 1-hour lunch breaks Realistic scheduling We prioritise finishing on time, with the last routine consult booked at 5:30pm Salary and benefits £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience Private health insurance Generous CPD allowance Support to pursue your areas of interest Tailored benefits package 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays Staff discounts on treatments and products Career progression within a growing independent practice Supportive, kind team Calm, clean working environment where wellbeing matters This is a role for a nurse who wants to feel trusted, useful and valued. You’ll have the chance to use your skills properly, develop your interests, build strong client relationships and help shape the nursing standards of a growing independent practice. If you’re a confident RVN looking for a supportive, thoughtful team where your voice matters, we’d love to hear from you.https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/vet-suspended-for-one-month-for-dishonest-expense-claimsWed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:28949cb6-53d6-4dc5-b17b-fc25b5163bfcChris RitchieThe RCVS Disciplinary Committee has suspended a Lancashire-based veterinary surgeon for one month after he admitted using funds from his former practice to purchase goods for personal use. The vet appeared before the committee in June with two charges against him. The first concerned a number of purchases he had made using a practice credit card between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2019 which were intended for his personal use, amounting to £8,495.77. Purchases included £134.92 on timber, limestone, sand and plywood; £139.99 on aluminium; £125 on calcium propionate; £571.60 on “sheet plastics” and £233.99 on an iPhone. False invoices were produced to account for the spending. The second charge was that his conduct in relation to the first charge was dishonest. At the outset of the hearing, the defendant admitted all the charges against him and also admitted that, in his view, the conduct amounted to serious professional misconduct. The committee noted that his conduct involved a series of dishonest actions, sustained over a number of months, and that this was not a momentary lapse of judgement but had clearly involved time and thought. Aggravating factors included that he had been reckless towards the potential impact on fellow professionals and the reputation of the practice; that the conduct was premeditated and sustained; that he had breached the trust placed in him by his employer and that the conduct was undertaken for financial gain. Mitigating factors: he had apologised for his behaviour, had admitted the allegations, had made frank admissions to his employer and to the RCVS during their respective investigations, and had remediated the conduct by undertaking psychotherapy and counselling as well as repaying his debt to the practice. The vet had a previous suspension for “dishonesty regarding mobility score assessments for cattle”. Committee chair Neil Slater stated that without the mitigation available, “a much longer period of suspension would have been considered appropriate and proportionate. The committee has determined that following a period of suspension the respondent is safe to return to practice”. https://www.rcvs.org.uk/veterinary-professionals/conduct-and-guidance/concerns-about-veterinary-professionals/disciplinary-committee-hearingsDisciplinaryRCVShttps://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32653/the-veterinary-edge-july-issue-is-now-onlineWed, 08 Jul 2026 09:32:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:4ce2dddf-9550-465d-8b93-02fc7273d4fcChris RitchieHello! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Chris, executive editor of The Veterinary Edge – and now, editor of VetNurse.co.uk too! I've been in the veterinary media for over 30 years. I have four cats and a tortoise. For those of you who like to read it online, the July issue is here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/df696ccb-38db-4b36-9143-1a507b86242e . The print copies should be landing on practice doorsteps in the next few days. In this issue, of particular interest I reckon, we have a really good practical piece on taking a whole-practice approach to OA cases by Nichi Cockburn, one of the directors at the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance. Generally, I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on TVE: we've never done a readership survey, and I hope veterinary nurses enjoy reading it and find it useful. Mindful that veterinary teams are busy and there's not a lot of downtime, do you get the time to read it among the stack of other periodicals? And if so, do you find it a worthwhile read ... or (be gentle!) not? If you'd like to see a greater representation of your profession in the mag, how would you like us to do that? Would you like strictly nursing content, the whole-practice approach, or a bit of both? I'm looking forward to chatting with you on here – feel free to fire feedback and suggestions at me :-)https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/b/veterinary-nursing-news/posts/nominations-open-for-veterinary-business-awardsTue, 07 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT1a0763ec-3885-442c-853e-6cef656dfec5:2045dc13-895e-403e-935f-3f8f0e61d790Chris RitchieEntries for the annual SPVS Veterinary Business Excellence Awards – an initiative designed to “celebrate and honour outstanding veterinary practices that have demonstrated exceptional performance and innovation in key areas crucial to the future success of the profession” – are now open. Awards are presented across three categories: Leadership and management skills – recognising practices that exhibit “visionary leadership, strategic planning, resource and finance management and innovative practice development”. Team and self-development – for practices that have “excellent morale, a culture of collaborative teamworking and effective communication, in a supportive and inclusive work environment”. Veterinary start-ups – honouring practices that have started up in the last 2.5 years, that have grown in both quantitative and qualitative parameters and achieved a profitable and sustainable business model. Five shortlisted practices in each category will receive a book of their choice provided by 5m Books; the three category winners will win full-day and evening tickets to SPVS Congress 2027 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole (three team members per practice), where the overall winner will be announced, plus overnight accommodation. Pet People Vets of East Sheen was the overall winner in the 2025 awards. The awards are supported by health and safety and employment law consultancy Citation. See spvs.org.uk/business-excellence-awards. The deadline for submissions is Friday 9th October.awardsPractice ManagementcitationSPVS