The BVA’s 2021-22 president is Justine Shotton, who has pledged to make sustainability a key priority for the veterinary profession over the next 12 months. Dr Shotton has taken a sabbatical from her role as veterinary services manager at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire to focus on the presidency, and took time out of relocating to London to join the Vet Times Podcast to discuss her objectives for the year ahead. She also previews some of the sessions taking place at BVA Congress – being hosted by the ...
Oct 01, 2021•17 min
This podcast features independent consultant Dr Dottie Laflamme, a world-class expert in nutrition. In this session, Dr Laflamme will explore a broad view of nutrition in heart health, thinking beyond the current dietary guidelines provided by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for managing canine myxomatous mitral valve disease. While the ACVIM guidelines focus on sodium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein and caloric content, Dr Laflamme will explain how recent research...
Sep 24, 2021•20 min
This session explores exciting new scientific advances in cardiac nutrition. Dr Johnny Li, an expert in nutrigenomics and Senior Principal Scientist at Nestlé Purina PetCare, will explain how recent research has expanded the ways in which we can use nutrition to support cardiac health. In 2015, Dr Li and his team published a cutting-edge metabolomics study that identified key metabolic changes in canine myxomatous mitral valve disease. Subsequently, the team conducted clinical research to explor...
Sep 17, 2021•14 min
Rabbits are still the UK’s third most popular pet, and the past few years have finally brought an increase in much-needed, dedicated research and product development. But there’s still work to do on the basics, as John Chitty discusses in this Vet Times Podcast. ____________________ 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗠𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 John qualified from the RVC in 1990 and gained an RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2000. He is director of a small animal and exotics pra...
Sep 10, 2021•14 min
August’s VN Happy Hour – sponsored by Bought By Many – was all about behaviour, and how VNs can support owners of pets with behavioural problems and the importance of “fear free” methods for handling pets in a clinical setting. Whether you weren’t able to join us on the 26 August or simply want to listen to our fantastic guest speakers again, we have you covered. This month we were joined by RVNs Linda Ryan, Elle Boden and Zoe Blake, who expertly answered delegates’ behaviour-related questions. ...
Sep 06, 2021•36 min
Sustainability has been the theme of Jo Oakden’s year as president of the BVNA – and this increasingly important topic dominates the agenda for BVNA Congress, which returns to Telford International Centre from 2 to 4 October following its hiatus last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In this special episode of the VN Times Podcast, Jo explains why she chose sustainability as her theme, how the four pillars – human, social, economic and environmental – are equally important in ensuring a sust...
Sep 01, 2021•21 min
A two-month campaign by the BVNA is aiming to create a better environment for – and a better understanding of – the challenges faced by veterinary nurses who suffer from a chronic illness or condition. The campaign is being led by BVNA junior vice-president Alex Taylor, who joined the VN Times Podcast to discuss its objectives – chief of which is the creation of a digital toolkit to support VNs, and help practices in developing protocols and supporting their staff. ____________________ 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗫�...
Aug 31, 2021•19 min
In this edition of the VBJ First Opinions podcast, editor James Westgate discusses technology and the way it has impacted on the UK veterinary sector – with a particular focus on how it helped transform the way veterinary professionals worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and how those changes may impact on the future of veterinary practice. On the line with him is Paul May, digital product manager at MWI Animal Health UK, provider of innovative animal health solutions to veterinary pract...
Aug 27, 2021•27 min
In this special Vet Times podcast, we celebrate 60 years at the forefront of veterinary medicine with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Congress Times editor Tom Jackson speaks to BEVA chief executive David Mountford about key moments in the organisation’s history and what the future holds for one of the world’s most prominent equine veterinary associations.
Aug 19, 2021•28 min
If you haven’t attended one of our VN Happy Hour virtual events yet, you’re missing out. It’s a “power hour” packed with fun, laughter, top tips, prizes, and talks with fantastic and talented panellists. This month we were joined by RVNs Claire Harrison, Claire Bloor and Nicola Lakeman, each of whom expertly answered a number of dentistry-related questions submitted by delegates.
Aug 13, 2021•37 min
In this episode, Vet Times editor James Westgate discusses the work of the WSAVA Oncology Working Group, formed to raise awareness of the latest thinking in cancer therapy and promote best practice globally. The committee’s team of expert members is currently working to develop a set of easy-to-use, accessible global guidelines for veterinary oncology practice, as well as practical, user-friendly tools for use by vets to enhance standards of treatment and educate owners about cancer in pets. Joi...
Aug 06, 2021•22 min
Life as a farm vet can be challenging, invigorating and ultimately very satisfying, with good communication extremely important. Owen Atkinson, a farm vet and consultant, rejoins the podcast to offer insight into communicating with farm clients – and explains the magic question game (see his article, Coaching skills for farm vets, at https://bit.ly/3y7kqMu). __________________ 𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗧𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰 𝗗𝗖𝗛𝗣 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Owen Atkinson is a farm vet and worked in practice for more than ...
Jul 30, 2021•11 min
Where can your veterinary nursing skills take you? In this month’s VN Happy Hour, the team will be exploring all the angles and showcasing the diverse range of careers and lifestyles on offer to the UK’s “green army” of veterinary nursing professionals. In this episode we hear Belinda Andrews-Jones, Luke Frewin and Fraje Watson answering questions posed by the people that matter – you and your peers.
Jul 28, 2021•39 min
Welcome to the second part of “Bridging the Gap’ – a special two-part VBJ First Opinions podcast in association with the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS). Recorded as part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the benefits of SPVS membership for those just starting out on their careers, the first episode focused on some of the barriers to career progression and diversification that face young vets. This second instalment takes a look at some of the solutions and how SPVS can help...
Jul 23, 2021•15 min
In this podcast we are talking epilepsy, with veterinary neurology experts Simon Platt and Laurent Garosi. We will be chatting to them about when to treat epilepsy in dogs, what with and how to monitor patients effectively. _________________ 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗜 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗡 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Laurent is an RCVS and European Board of Veterinary Specialisation specialist in veterinary neurology and fellow of the RCVS for meritorious contribution to clinical practice. After creating and heading t...
Jul 16, 2021•44 min
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by RVN and manager of the Linnaeus Veterinary Nursing Post Registration Programme, Sophie Venables. The programme launched in early 2020, but Linnaeus had to think fast and adapt as COVID hit and the nation was thrust into its first national lockdown. Sophie talks us through the first year of the programme and how, though it was not what they expected, they have learned from it and plan for future cohorts. For more information on the programme and how to ...
Jul 09, 2021•12 min
This podcast has been brought to you by Neptra – the only single-dose, vet-administered treatment available for acute otitis externa in dogs. Launched in 2020, Neptra is available to vets in the UK and is the number one selling treatment for acute otitis externa in the US, under the name Claro. In this episode, we speak to Kathryn Cuddy, an RCVS advanced practitioner in veterinary dermatology, on the subject of otitis externa, and particularly how it can affect the behaviour of a dog, making it ...
Jul 02, 2021•15 min
RVC emergency and critical care resident Dave Beeston BvetMed(Hons), PGDip(VCP), MRCVS, who has been charting his early veterinary career in Vet Times, provides some insight on first interviews in this Vet Times Jobs special podcast. This podcast and an accompanying article were previously available exclusively to job seekers who had completed their Vet Times Jobs Skills Match profiles. To find out more about the Skills Match service, visit https://bit.ly/3iCaYvt The article “Tips for approachin...
Jul 01, 2021•9 min
Vet Ian Wright BVMS, BSc, MSc, MRCVS, co-owner of Mount Veterinary Practice in Lancashire, offers some pointers on what practices are look for from candidates at interview. This podcast and accompanying article were previously available exclusively to job seekers who had completed their Vet Times Jobs Skills Match profiles. To find out more about the Skills Match service, visit https://bit.ly/3iCaYvt The article “What do practices look for in prospective vets?” was in the summer recruitment supp...
Jul 01, 2021•12 min
Fiona Stephens, recruitment manager for Goddard Veterinary Group, answers some of your submitted questions about conducting yourself in interviews in this Q&A-style podcast. This podcast and accompanying article were previously available exclusively to job seekers who had completed their Vet Times Jobs Skills Match profiles. To find out more about the Skills Match service, visit https://bit.ly/3iCaYvt The article “Interview success: bringing out your best” was in the summer recruitment suppl...
Jul 01, 2021•9 min
Lameness in cats can create challenges for vets and owners. In this podcast, Karen Perry joins the Vet Times Podcast again to discuss the most commonly encountered conditions, diagnosis, research, surgery and long-term management. ________________ Karen has written the Focus article in Vet Times (Volume 51, issue 16, Pages 6-10 – 20 April issue) “Pouncing on pain – managing feline orthopaedic conditions”, which can be found in full in the “Pain Management” collection, in the Companion Animal hub...
Jun 25, 2021•8 min
Welcome to the first part of a special VBJ First Opinions podcast in association with SPVS – the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. As part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the benefits of SPVS membership for those just starting out on their careers, VBJ editor James Westgate hosted a panel discussion featuring three younger vets and three SPVS board members with decades of experience between them. Called “Bridging the Gap’, these ground-breaking discussions form a two-part podcast ...
Jun 11, 2021•21 min
On 27 May 2021, VN Happy Hour 5 – sponsored by AnimalCare – focused on the topic of senior pets. Hosted, as usual, by Vet Times editor James Westgate and VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel, the evening featured a lead interview with RVN Kirsty Cavill and an expert panel comprising Nicola Lakeman and Emma Gerrard.
Jun 04, 2021•34 min
VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel sits down with RVN and university lecturer Amanda Curtis to discuss wound care, management and the VN’s role in this complicated process. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to wound care and it is important vet nurses understand what can go wrong when caring for these injuries. Amanda Curtis talks us through the process and, in particular, how to keep a step ahead of the sometimes tricky biofilms. _________________ 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 This month’s ...
May 27, 2021•27 min
In the third and final part of our series on telehealth – brought to you by Vets Now, the UK's leading provider of emergency and critical care – we sit down once again with Dave Leicester to review how well the service has been received. And Dave is definitely the man to speak to; as the head of telehealth at Vets Now, he has been involved with the service since the ECC provider began planning a telemedicine service in 2017. However, Vets Now was putting the final elements in place with a view t...
May 24, 2021•19 min
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common cardiovascular disease and the most frequent cause of congestive heart failure in dogs. European and RCVS specialist in veterinary cardiologist Luca Ferasin joins the podcast again, this time to discuss this chronic degenerative disorder. Prevalence of MVD varies with age, and most geriatric dogs, especially those in small breeds, will eventually develop the condition. In this podcast, Dr Ferasin will discuss staging criteria, prognosis and changes t...
May 14, 2021•18 min
To promote the upcoming VMG-SPVS Virtual Congress (13-14 May 2021), VBJ sat down with chief executive officer at The Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett. Craig will be opening congress at 9am on 13 May, but spoke to James Westgate in advance of his appearance to offer a sneak preview of some of his key messages and themes.
May 07, 2021•26 min
This month VN Times editor Rachael Buzzel is joined by locum RVN Molly Fiander to chat about life as a locum, coping through COVID-19, and her love for helping VNs find/rediscover their passion and get the most out of their qualification. Molly qualified as a vet nurse in 2017, but has had a huge passion for animal welfare since she was a little girl. In 2018 she “fell” into locum life, but hasn’t looked back. Molly is super passionate about teaching other veterinary professionals about locuming...
Apr 30, 2021•21 min
With an increase in popularity of breeds that are prone to allergic skin disease, such as the French bulldog and Labrador retriever, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more of these tricky cases over the coming months to years. Diagnosis isn’t always easy, taking time, care, compliance and excellent communication. Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete makes choosing a therapeutic diet easy early on in the diagnostic process by helping to manage up to 99.6% of canine skin disease. Visit www.hillsvet.co...
Apr 23, 2021•25 min
VN Happy Hour 4.0 saw vet nurse, writer, educator and leading blogger Jane Davidson feature in our main interview to discuss her perspective on physical and mental well-being, before joining our expert panel for a broader debate on some of the big issues in the veterinary nursing profession. RVN panellists Aoife Smith, Elle Payne, Jane Davidson, Zara Livingstone and veterinary nurse-turned personal trainer Adam Robinson – all leading experts in their fields of well-being and health – answered de...
Apr 21, 2021•40 min
