Check out this fantastic BBC podcast featuring our company Director Jo Hillard discussing the initiative she set up about getting Vets in to help the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic. The facebook group Jo created was inundated with offers of help, confirming we all work in a truly unique and compassionate profession. #vetsonthefrontline https://podcasts.apple.com/…/podcast/vets-for…/id1442394507… ‎Show…

Researchers at University of California have found that young dogs age much more quickly compared with humans. The study showed that a 1 year old dog is similar to a 30 year old human, a 4 year old dog is similar to a 52 year old human and that by 7 years, the ageing process…

Central CPD are pleased to be able to re-open our training centre, in line with the Government guidelines, which can be found below. In light of the uncertain climate that we will be living in for the foreseeable future, we have updated our booking terms and conditions to allow you to book your Central CPD…

BSAVA and BVBA have produced a Q&A sheet amid concerns from behaviourists and animal welfare specialists of an increase in behavioural issues in pets occurring with the ease of the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions. The guidance is written for veterinary professionals to pass on to their clients and explains the key behavioural concerns including separation anxiety,…

RCVS have extended the allowance for veterinary surgeons to remotely prescribe POM-Vs for another 6 weeks, until the next review no later than 6th August 2020. Temporary remote prescribing for veterinary surgeons first came into affect in March 2020 in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, to allow vets to prescribe to animals without having physically…

Purina scientists have created Pro Plan LiveClear- the world’s first and only available food to reduce cat allergens in a safe and feline-friendly way. The new kibble diet contains a protein coating sourced from eggs that neutralises the Fel d 1 allergens found in cats saliva. With 1 in 5 people sensitive to the Fel…

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, RAW organisers have announced an exciting programme of online events for their annual campaign, to help improve the health and welfare of rabbits in the UK. The RAW team are putting together a packed online programme of virtual workshops, live Q &As and educational videos which will be available across…

A huge congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Pet Plan Veterinary awards 2020! Nearly 40,000 nominations were received from colleagues and clients showing just how outstanding and valued veterinary staff are! 🤩 The winners are: Practice of the Year: Wangford Veterinary Clinic Vet of the Year: Lindsay Henry- Kessock Equine Vets Vet Nurse…

Cats Protection have launched a new Hands-Free Homing Service to help prospective owners to find their ideal companion. The new service allows people to view online photos and videos and read full descriptions and information about each cat before they decide to proceed with an adoption. Virtual meetings will then take place once a match…

MSD Animal Health has launched the first single shot vaccine, Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS, which gives rabbits 12 month’s protection from Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease caused by RHDV1 and RHDV2 virus strains. The vaccine can be used in rabbits from 5 week’s of age, with immunity provided within 3 week’s of administration. For more information…

Dogs Trust are warning dog owners that the current COVID-19 lockdown measures are likely to impact their dogs behaviour following the lockdown restrictions being lifted, with separation anxiety being a real concern for those dogs that have not been used to their owners being around all of the time. Recommendations are being made for owners…

Vetoquinol have released a free app and digital tracker to help owners monitor their pets suffering from congestive heart failure. The web-based app monitors the pet’s sleeping respiratory rate (SRR) and provides an indication of the status of their medical condition. Using the app, will provide clients with good knowledge of when to seek veterinary…

On 6th April 2020 the long awaited ‘Lucy’s Law’ came into effect in England, banning the sale of puppies and kittens under the age of 6 months by a third party. It is greatly hoped that this will help crack down on  puppy farms and illegal importation of  young puppies and kittens into England to…

There have been concerns in the veterinary profession about anaesthesia for emergency procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic when oxygen shortages may occur due to prioritisation of oxygen for human medicine. BSAVA have put together a list of resources that can be used to aid vets make appropriate choices about methods of anaesthesia while trying to…

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the RCVS have agreed that UK-practising veterinary surgeons can spread the cost of their annual renewal fees over three instalments with 50% of the full cost being due to by 30th April, 25% by 30th September and the remaining 25% by 31st December. Direct debits have been temporarily deferred by…

Urinary incontinence affects around 3% of bitches in the UK. The link between urinary incontinence and neutering in bitches has previously been suspected, but a new study from the RVC now provides further evidence on the extent of this relationship. In particular, the new research indicates that bitches of certain breeds including Irish setters, Dalmatians,…

at owners who fail to have their pets microchipped could be prosecuted and fined under plans being considered by the Government and due to be outlined at the Conservative Party conference. Under the plans, part of a package on animal welfare, the Government will consult on introducing compulsory microchipping for pet cats to subject them to…

Following the success of 2018’s inaugural event, the second WellVet weekend is set to go ahead in just two weeks’ time. Tickets and information about the event available here.  

The RCVS is calling for veterinary surgeons and nurses to volunteer to take part in a testing group for the College’s new CPD recording platform, which is currently in development. The new platform – which has the working title of ‘One CPD’, will integrate current applications into a new, unified, experience featuring both mobile and…

Scientists at the veterinary charity, the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, will undertake new research which ultimately hopes to enable the creation of a simple blood test to identify Flatcoated Retrievers with early-stage histiocytic sarcoma. They propose that an early diagnosis would enable earlier investigation and treatment, improving the chances…

Following extensive public consultation, third-party sales of puppies and kittens are set to be banned in Wales, the country’s minister for environment, energy and rural affairs Lesley Griffiths has confirmed. It is hoped the ban will improve animal welfare conditions and help the public to make more informed choices when buying a pet. Read the…

Vets4Pets and charity Pet Blood Bank have launched a campaign to raise owner awareness of dog blood donation. Recent research carried out revealed that only 40% of pet owners in the UK know their dog can give blood. Read more about the campaign here.

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, based in Solihull, is introducing a new clinic to provide a bespoke pain management plan for pets referred both by external first opinion practices or internally by colleagues in other disciplines, such as soft tissue and orthopaedics. Read the Vet Times story here.

The BVA has launched a vision for the future of the profession, where vets sit at the centre of a treatment “hub” and direct patients to “allied professionals” such as RVNs, official auxiliaries/meat hygiene inspectors, embryo transfer technicians, equine dental technicians, foot trimmers, farriers, hydrotherapists, animal behaviourists and veterinary physiotherapists. The association says the vet-led…

A new study has revealed that dogs carrying copies of the mutated ADAMTS3 gene may be at higher risk of airway disease. Previous studies have linked mutations in this gene to fluid retention and oedema but this new study involving Norwich Terriers found a link between upper airway syndrome and the mutation in ADAMTS3 gene.…

Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) and the Doctors’ Support Network (DSN) have published the first blog by a veterinary nurse as part of the joint mental health anti-stigma campaign, &me. &me encourages people within healthcare professions to come forward with their personal mental health stories, to demonstrate that mental health issues do not preclude people from…

The rules, which will apply to England, are designed to deter smugglers who abuse the Pet Travel Scheme to bring young animals into the UK to be sold. Known as Lucy’s Law, it will ban the sale of kittens and puppies from third parties from 6th April 2020, making buyers deal with breeders directly. Environment…

The use of wild animals in travelling circuses will be banned in England from January 2020. The Wild Animals in Circuses Bill, which was revealed by Environment Secretary Michael Gove will mean that the remaining animals used for performances, which include reindeer, zebra and camels, will no longer be allowed to be used as part…

Two of the UK’s largest veterinary groups have defended their positions after being identified by the BBC as having the largest gender pay gaps among all UK companies with 5,000 or more employees. Under the headline “Gender pay: fewer than half of UK firms narrow gap”, the BBC report, compiled from government figures and published online…

Research conducted by scientists at the Animal Health Trust in collaboration with groups in The Netherlands, Sweden and the USA, and funded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, has revealed that 70% of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers carry a genetic factor which increases their risk of developing mast cell tumours. Dr Mike Starkey, Head…

EU Member States have agreed the UK’s listed status application after it met the animal health and biosecurity assurances required for a third country to export live animals and animal products. Securing listed status will mean the UK will be able to export animal products and most live animals to the EU in the event…

The Dogs Trust is appealing to veterinary professionals to fill in a 10-minute survey to help tackle illegal imports and improve animal welfare. They have joined forces with Veterinary Times to establish both the true scale of illegal imports and, for the first time, attempt to identify the barriers vets are allegedly encountering in terms of reporting…

Vets are being urged to participate in a new survey aimed at evaluating their confidence when it comes to treating exotic patients. It is hoped the survey, which is open to all first opinion RCVS-registered vets in the UK who work in small animal or mixed practice, will further scientific understanding of the way professionals…

StreetVet, the registered charity dedicated to helping homeless people and their pets, has appealed for the backing of the profession to help create a national “StreetVet directory”. The aim of the project is to establish a listing of practices willing to help care for animals of the homeless in every major city in the UK.…

Insurance provider Legal and General has revealed survey data showing 1 in 4 dog owners (27%) – proposed to be equivalent to 2.4 million people – said they worried their vet personally judged how well they looked after their animals. This concern was shared by 1 in 5 cat owners – extrapolated to around 1.8…

Sunday night’s episode of Countryfile included a segment on the recruiting crisis in farm animal practice, as well as mental health issues in the profession and the rise of corporate practices.

The BVA and RSPCA have called on the Government to repeal a legal exemption currently permitting sentient animals to be slaughtered without pre-stunning for religious purposes. In a joint letter to environment secretary Michael Gove, they said: “Scientific evidence clearly indicates slaughter without pre-stunning can cause unnecessary suffering. The level of restraint required to hold…

Following an audit of 1,016 veterinary nurses, which showed a 28% non-compliance rate, members of the council decided that any veterinary nurse who was audited and found to be non-compliant in three consecutive years should have their records sent to the CPD Referral Group, a subcommittee comprising members of RCVS and VN Council who review cases of…

The BVA has launched its first questionnaire to gather experiences of discrimination in the veterinary professions. It is seeking anonymous feedback from vets, VNs, students and other veterinary professionals regarding incidents where they have witnessed discrimination or felt discriminated against. The questionnaire is open until 2 March and takes around 10 minutes to complete. Read the full…