The new edition includes five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.
The accompanying videos offer demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations, diagnostic procedures and case management.
Nicola Lloyd, Publishing Manager said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."
The manual is available to buy from the BSAVA store, priced at £61.75 for BSAVA members and £95.00 for non-members.
https://bsavaportal.bsava.com/s/store?#/store/browse/detail/a1BTw0000097b5hMAA
The drug monographs in Part A were revised and updated by the Editorial Panel during 2025, and new monographs include citalopram, enflicoxib, ilunocitinib and verdinexor.
Part A also denotes drugs available as extemporaneous products, also called "veterinary specials", as VSP in the formulations section of the monographs.
Additional content in Part A includes information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence, while the Appendix now includes a seizure algorithm, guidance on supplements and nutraceuticals, and expanded information on contrast agents.
There are also 7 new client information leaflets in Part A, including bezafibrate, chloramphenicol, clomipramine and memantine.
Part B covers mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and its drug monographs were reviewed and updated by the Editorial Panel during 2025 under Editor-in-Chief Joanna Hedley.
New monographs in Part B include afoxolaner, atorvastatin and danofloxacin, and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, ferrets, birds and reptiles have been added to the inside front cover.
Part B also adds Appendix information on barium and iodinated contrast agents for diagnostic imaging, and includes client information leaflets on inhaled medications, injectable medications, oral medications, topical ear medications and topical eye medications.
Additional information on proprietary fish medicines and drug doses for different species of British wildlife, including badgers, deer, foxes and hedgehogs, is available via the BSAVA library.
Eligible BSAVA members will receive a printed copy of Part A: Canine and Feline as part of their membership from April 2026 onwards, while all BSAVA members will have access to the online version via the BSAVA library and the BSAVA app from mid-April.
Printed copies are available for £37.70 for BSAVA members and £58.00 for non-members.
https://bsavaportal.bsava.com/s/store#/store/browse/cat/a0w8d000000Mh3FAAS/tiles
The plan includes a redesigned digital experience to give members access to BSAVA clinical resources and the launch of LUMOS, which is billed as a new, modern, flexible CPD programme and platform.
The Association is also developing its AI-powered search tool call Rover, which will help clinicians navigate BSAVA resources at the point of care, including the Formulary, Manuals and Library content.
A redesigned BSAVA mobile app is also in the pipeline, along with regional and digital community spaces to help members stay connected between events.
Stacy Woodman, Interim CEO of the BSAVA, said: "The small animal veterinary profession is evolving rapidly, and the BSAVA must evolve with it.
"Our new strategy focuses on making knowledge, learning and professional support easier to access throughout a veterinary professional's career."
She added: "We're revitalising our simple but powerful premise of 'the profession supporting the profession' and are encouraging our members to share their views by taking part in our ongoing Membership Survey and helping to create a BSAVA for the future."
https://research.potentia-insight.co.uk/survey/selfserve/53b/2602105?list=1
The awards cover a range of professional areas including small animal medicine, surgery, welfare science, practice leadership and veterinary nursing.
Ian Ramsey (pictured), Professor of Small Animal Medicine at Glasgow University Veterinary School, received the Bourgelat Award for his outstanding contributions to all areas of internal medicine, particularly in the field of endocrinology.
Matteo Rossanese, senior lecturer in Small Animal Surgery and co-head of Soft Tissue Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College, received the Simon Award for his exceptional contribution to small animal surgery, particularly in cardiothoracic procedures.
Lyndsay Hughes, a Small Animal Director at Drove Veterinary Hospital and former BVNA President (2023-2025), received the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award for her exceptional contribution to the veterinary nursing profession
Other recipients include Madonna Livingstone, Head Vet and Head of Exotics at Ark Veterinary Clinics Ltd, and Rowena Packer, a companion animal behaviour and welfare scientist at the Royal Veterinary College.
Jon Fitzmaurice, who has worked at the RSPCA in South Wales for more than 10 years, also received an award for his dedication over more than a decade at the RSPCA South Wales.
Several awards recognised research published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), including work by Stefano Zanardi, Karen Fong and Sze Lynn Yuen.
BSAVA Honorary Secretary Adam Gow said: "We were delighted to receive so many inspiring nominations this year, highlighting just how much outstanding work is happening across the veterinary community."
The new book is written and edited by leading international experts, including John Chitty, Deborah Monks, Anna Meredith, and Bob Doneley.
The manual begins with chapters on the fundamental needs of guinea pigs, offering guidance on adapting routine examinations, basic techniques, and diagnostic processes for this species.
It then explores anaesthesia and analgesia, nursing care and hospital management, diagnostic imaging, and both soft and hard tissue surgery.
The final section focuses on the management of diseases and disorders across all the body systems.
There are three appendices which provide a step-by-step guide to investigating thin and anorexic guinea pigs, a formulary of drugs with doses and usage notes, and a guide to toxic plants and substances.
John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed CBiol MRSB MRCVS, Editor of the manual said: “Guinea pig ownership has evolved significantly in recent years, with many owners deeply committed to providing the very best care.
"This manual delivers the essential knowledge needed to meet those expectations.
"If you see guinea pigs in your practice, you’ll find this resource invaluable.”
The BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs costs £58.50 for BSAVA members; £90.00 for non-members.
Print copies are available through the BSAVA store, you can also access the digital version in the BSAVA Library.
Providing an opportunity to present new research to the veterinary community, the Clinical Research Abstracts can be on any veterinary subject, whether it’s the preliminary results of a new study, a discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.
Each application should be based on high-quality clinical research undertaken in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words
Applications are welcome from vets, veterinary nurses, practice managers and students, with applications from those working in general practice especially encouraged.
Researchers with research of direct relevance to veterinary practice may also submit an abstract for consideration.
Those who are selected to present will receive a free complimentary ticket to BVA Live.
The Clinical Research Abstract awards will also give researchers the opportunity to present their winning abstract at London Vet Show 2026.
Julian Hoad, BSAVA President said: "We’re delighted to invite veterinary professionals to share their latest research with the wider community.
"The Clinical Research Abstracts offer a unique platform to showcase innovation, spark discussion, and contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine. We look forward to seeing fresh ideas and emerging techniques that can shape the future of clinical practice. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!"
Submissions are open until 6th March 2025.
https://www.bsavaclinicalabstracts.com
The awards are an opportunity to acknowledged unsung heroes within the veterinary profession, celebrating those who have made significant contributions to veterinary science, research, clinical practice, education and the welfare of small animals.
The award categories are:
Nominations are welcome from both BSAVA members and non-members.
Nominations will close on 9th January 2026 and the winners will be announced in February 2026.
Adam Gow, BSAVA Honorary Secretary said: “Each year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on individuals who have truly made a difference in our profession.
"Nominating a colleague is a meaningful way to show appreciation and celebrate the impact they’ve had, so we encourage everyone to get involved and put forward those who inspire them.”
https://www.bsava.com/awards
The answers you get are all linked to their original sources in the BSAVA Library and website.
All BSAVA members get 25 free queries per month, whilst non-members get five.
Queries can also be bought in packs of 25, 50 and 100 searches which have no expiry, priced between £10 and £25 for members.
Alternatively, Rover Unleashed gives unlimited access.
Ian Mellor, Head of Publications at BSAVA said: “In a fast-paced clinical environment, we know that time is precious.
"Rover is a fantastic leap forward in how we support our members, combining innovation with reliability.
"All backed by our trusted resources, we’re confident that Rover will help you to easily cut through the noise and get straight to the information that matters.”
https://rover.bsava.com/pages/about
The guide covers the importance of nutrition and nutritional assessment, diet types, feeding for different life stages, feeding for specific situations and feeding for specific diseases.
There are a number of online resources to accompany the guide, including client handouts and videos, available in the BSAVA Library.
Julian Hoad, BSAVA President, said: “The guide has been put together by a panel who are very competent in their field and wish for the reader to become confident and competent as well.
"What really stands out to me is the level of detail included in the guide.
"There is ample explanation of the underlying principles of nutrition, as well as formulae for specific nutritional plans.
"Where there may be confusion, or potential errors in calculating nutritional requirements, there are practical hints and tips for avoiding those pitfalls.”
The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice costs £32.50 for BSAVA members and £50 for everyone else.
www.bsava.com/store
The BSAVA says there unique opportunities and risks to the use of antibiotics in rabbits.
For example, antibiotic combination therapy, which is discouraged in dogs and cats, can be safe and effective in this species.
Also, careful selection of appropriate antibiotics, in terms of active substance, dose and route of administration, is crucial when treating rabbits due to the risk of enterotoxaemia. The new guide gives advice on diagnosing bacterial infections, likely causal organisms and appropriate antibiotic and non-antibiotic management.
The guide covers dacryocystitis, ear disease, facial abscesses, enteritis, urinary tract disease, and upper and lower respiratory tract disease. John Chitty, one of the authors, said: “Choosing an antibiotic for rabbits is not simple.
"Their diseases do not necessarily mirror those of dogs and cats, and they do have gut sensitivities to certain antimicrobials.
"However, like dogs and cats, there are situations where antibiotics are not needed where we once thought they were.
"This is especially important in reducing antibiotic usage in rabbits and, of course, in reducing use of critically important antibiotics in them as well.
"We hope this guide will help practitioners to see when antibiosis is needed, what choices are available and how to sample and select the most appropriate drug if needed.” The new guide is free to all and can be accessed at bsavalibrary.com/protectme.
Taking over the Presidency from Julian Hoad, David will continue to focus on the Programme of Change and the BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes some new products and services.
David qualified from the RVC in 1988 and has had a career largely in small animal practice, including a year in Canada.
He and his wife Rosie started the first feline-only practice in England and David is now an Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology.
He has postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine, becoming board certified in feline practice, and has an RCVS Fellowship on Feline Osteoarthritis.
David helped to set up the BSAVA West Midlands committee, before then becoming a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the Regions for three years before joining the Board and the presidential ladder.
David said: “It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me.
"It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”
Julian Hoad will now move into the role of Senior Vice President, whilst Niall Connell begins his new role as Junior Vice President alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the Board as Honorary Treasurer.
BSAVA Congress was first held in London in 1958, when 245 vets attended.
In 1991, it became the first organisation to host its annual congress at the newly-built ICC Birmingham, where it remained for nearly three decades, growing from an initial 1,800 delegates to welcoming 10,000 delegates and exhibitors in 2012.
Somehow, though, it never lost that sense of community that came with it being the annual event of a membership association.
The editor of this website has many fond memories, including delivering bottles of 'Bugwiser', 'Kronenbug', 'Carlsbug', 'Catfleas' (Caffreys) and 'Bug Iced' to delegates' hotel bedrooms to promote Program flea treatment and organising a spoof protest march against fleas with the charity Dogs for the Disabled, which proved immune to the ICC security team (one of whom was heard radioing: "But we can't move them on, they're in wheelchairs".
However, in 2009, competition arrived in the form of the London Vet Show.
In 2018, the decision was made to move Congress North to Manchester, but then of course COVID hit, forcing the cancellation of the last Birmingham Congress and the first Manchester one in 2021.
Sadly, there was probably never going to be room for two major congresses for the veterinary profession - especially with the rise of online learning - and the one in the capital city was always likely to win that particular battle.
BSAVA says it is now focussing its resources on new initiatives that it believes will better serve its members.
President Julian Hoad said: “The BSAVA needs to adapt as the landscape changes and as the profession continues to innovate and grow.
"We’ve conducted extensive research with our members on their education and development needs and the future requirements of the wider profession.
"It’s clear that we need to adapt to offer more agile solutions which will bring huge benefits to vets and veterinary nurses.
"With that in mind, the BSAVA has decided that it’s time to retire Congress.
"We believe we will deliver better value to our members by pursuing new opportunities and developing more versatile product innovations.
"As an organisation we’re extremely proud of the legacy Congress leaves behind.
"It's been a cherished and valuable event for the profession over the last 68 years, and we want to thank all who’ve been part of that legacy.”
Undertaken in practice, industry and academia, submissions are open each year offering the chance to present a Clinical Abstract, presented as a poster or an oral presentation.
Christine Pye won the Medicine Award for her longitudinal study of age, sex and health-related changes in physical biomarkers in pet cats
Alberto Sesana won the Surgery Award for his abstract: "Outcome of lip-to-lid subdermal plexus flaps to reconstruct defects of the lower eyelid in dogs and cats: 46 cases (2005-2022)."
Deborah Komianos won the Practitioner Award for "Reducing use of critically important antibiotics: A clinician-led improvement project across 21 UK small animal veterinary practices."
Rosemary Perkins won the Poster Award for: "Swimming emissions from dogs treated with spot-on fipronil and imidacloprid: assessing the environmental risk."
Lastly but not leastly, Claudia Franzini won the Student Award for: "Does the surgical method for management of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in dogs affect clinical outcome?"
Submissions for the 2026 Clinical Abstracts will open on 8th September 2025.
https://www.bsavacongress.com
Photo: L-R, Alberto Sesana, Deborah Komianos, Christine Pye, Rosemary Perkins, Claudia Franzini
Delegates will have the opportunity to gain up to 16 hours of CPD, explore a bustling exhibition with 20+ industry-leading exhibitors, and connect and network with colleagues and renowned speakers.
The programme covers a range of topics including ECC, Cardiology, Imaging, Nutrition, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Dermatology and Professional Development all with discussion sessions to further explore how it all relates to real-world practice.
Programme highlights include:
Amelia Brunt, Events Manager for BSAVA said: “Our Scottish Committee has worked incredibly hard to make this event accessible to vets and nurses within the profession, and this year’s BSAVA Alba has more hours of CPD on offer than before.
Whether you’re local to Glasgow or are travelling to join us, this event promises to be a fantastic chance to gain some high-quality learning in a friendly and inclusive environment.”
Early bird tickets are available until 31st July, with prices starting at £108 for BSAVA Members and £126 for non-members.
www.bsavaalba.com/home/programme
Veterinary advice and care has, of course, always been contextual, but the term has gained greater traction due to the cost of living crisis and the Competition and Markets Authority investigation.
At Congress, there will be several "Big Issue" panel discussions on this subject, with speakers exploring how the profession can play a role in building a better understanding between vets and clients on the topic of vet fees.
On the afternoon of day two, delegates will be able to hear an update on the CMA review and what to expect from it over the next few months from Martin Coleman, Panel Chair and Panel Inquiry Chair of the CMA.
On the final day (Saturday 22nd), the Big Issues module will bring discussions from the RCVS on the latest under care guidelines, an update on Schedule 3, and a look at the future of the regulation changes.
The day will end with a panel discussion on the ethical challenges that professionals face in practice, and the impact that they can have on individuals within the practice team
Advance tickets available at: https://www.bsavacongress.com until 5th February.
Nominations close on 30th October 2024 and the winners will be announced on 16th January 2025.
The BSAVA awards ceremony will take place at the reinvented Congress and Expo 2025, taking place at Manchester Central in March.
https://www.bsava.com/awards.
The Clinical Abstracts provide an opportunity to present new research to the wider veterinary community at Congress and Expo 2025, taking place at Manchester Central on 20th - 22nd March 2025.
Abstracts can be on any veterinary subject, whether it’s the preliminary results of a new study, a discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.
Each application should be based on high-quality clinical research undertaken in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.
Applications are welcome from veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers and students, with applications from those working in general practice especially encouraged.
Andy Green, Chair of BSAVA’s Congress Committee said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for veterinary professionals to showcase their research to the global veterinary community, and a chance for delegates to learn about the latest concepts and thinkings in veterinary medicine from their peers.”
Entries for the Clinical Abstracts will close on Monday 18th November.
https://www.bsavacongress.com/clinical-abstracts
George won the Best Medicine Award for: 'Predictors of clinically significant bleeding in dogs with severe thrombocytopenia'.
Kathryn won the Best Practitioner Award for: 'Reflecting on first opinion clinical improvement project across 39 UK vet practices to support diagnosis and management of OA.'
Sebastian won the Best Surgery Award for: 'Complications and outcomes following surgical management of Achilles Tendon injury'
The Best Student Award was won by Michelle Demkova for: 'Lifting the flap on otitis externa in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK – the VetCompass view'.
In addition, Clare Jones RVN won the Best Poster Award for: 'Confidence with CPR within Veterinary Professionals. Would standardised CPR training help confidence within Veterinary Professionals?'
Submissions for the 2025 Clinical Abstracts will open on 9th September 2024, and will close on 18th October, and those chosen will present their work at BSAVA Congress 2025, in Manchester on 20th – 22nd March.
https://www.bsavacongress.com/register-interest
Taking over from Carl Gorman, Julian says his focus is to continue the work undertaken this year as part of a ‘programme of change’ for BSAVA, that will continue to promote the strong sense of community within the membership and the wider profession.
Speaking at the BSAVA AGM, Julian said: “I am very humbled as I stand here today as your 67th President. It is certainly the pinnacle of my veterinary career, and the greatest honour yet bestowed on me in life.
"We continue to live in exciting times at BSAVA, and as ever, I join a team of utterly amazing staff at Woodrow House.
“I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession.”
Julian started volunteering for the BSAVA after his graduation within the Southeastern Regional committee, becoming Chair of the committee after a few years.
He then became part of the BSAVA Education Committee, BSAVA PetSavers Grants Awarding Committee, and was lately part of the Publications Committee.
He then joined the Presidential ladder two years ago as Junior Vice President.
Outside of his volunteering for the BSAVA, he was at Crossways Vets in West Sussex for 17 years, initially as a partner, then as an owner, and finally as a Clinical Director.
He has since stepped down from the practice to devote his time to being BSAVA President this year.
The aim of the tool is to enhance the confidence of veterinary professionals in deciding when to prescribe and when to withhold antibiotics.
The tool is the next step in the PROTECT ME initiative, the core of which is the BSAVA/SAMSoc Guide to Responsible Use of Antibiotics: PROTECT ME guide in the BSAVA Library and the accompanying ‘Antibiotic use in our practice’ poster.
The current demo version of the tool provides advice on gastrointestinal infections.
Work is underway to cover all areas of the PROTECT ME guide.
Cameron Shuttlewood, Production Editor at BSAVA said: “Responsible use of veterinary medicines is key in supporting One Health and in retaining the right to prescribe antibiotics that are important in human medicine.
“We are pleased that the small animal veterinary community is embracing the importance of antibiotic stewardship, and we want this tool to make it quick and easy to follow existing evidence-based guidance.”
The full PROTECT ME guide, including printable posters and non-prescription forms, is available from www.bsavalibrary.com/PROTECTME.
BSAVA members can request free printed copies of the poster for their practice.
Non-members can purchase copies from www.bsava.com/shop for £5.
bsava.fillout.com/protectme
Data for 2023 from UK Pet Food research found that around 5% of UK households own a reptile, up from 3.4% in 2022.
The new leaflets have been created using information from the BSAVA Manual of Reptiles and reviewed by Simon Girling, reptile specialist at The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
They cover things like housing, feeding, handling, medication and spotting health concerns, and are now available for veterinary surgeons to download and print out for clients thinking about getting a reptile.
There are currently leaflets for the following species:
BSAVA members can download the leaflets free from the BSAVA library.
Subscription access for 12 months to BSAVA’s collection of over 170 client information leaflets is available to non-members for £40+VAT here.
Four new procedures have been added: cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and wet-to-dry dressings.
The new video content, access to which is included with the printed book, has been designed as a ‘go to’ resource to reference prior to performing a procedure.
Nick Bexfield, one of the editors of the new edition, said: “We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed.”
Prices are £45.50 for BSAVA members; £70.00 for non-members.
The poster was put together by a team of 55 specialists and general practitioners led by Fergus Allerton.
It includes an outline of the new European Medicines Agency advice on categorising antibiotics, a new section on wounds and surgical site infections, updated advice on life-threatening infections and identifying/treating sepsis, and more advice for owners.
Fergus said: “The latest iteration of the PROTECT ME poster incorporates updated information and offers recommendations to support vets to optimise their antibiotic use.
"I hope this will be a valuable resource for vets in practice.”
The new posters will be distributed with Companion in December.
Free printable posters are available from: www.bsavalibrary.com/protectme
Printed copies can be purchased from the BSAVA store: www.bsava.com/store.
BSAVA members are also able to request free printed copies.
Open to everyone in the profession, Congress '24 will include over 130 hours of CPD across 32 different modules covering topics such as advanced diabetes, dermatology, nursing clinics, EDI and more.
The programme format caters to a variety of learning styles, from lectures and panel discussions to interactive sessions and free CPD workshops.
There'll be over 120 exhibitors in three commercial exhibition, offering insights into some of the latest industry innovations, from pharmaceuticals to cutting-edge equipment.
Andy Green, Chair of the Congress Committee said: "We know it's a significant commitment for individuals to give up one to three days, plus travel time, to join us, and we don't just aim to educate; we want our attendees to enjoy the experience.
"Our aspiration is not just to meet their expectations but to exceed them.
"The veterinary profession faces challenges, but we have so much to celebrate, and what better place to come together with many like-minded individuals to remind yourself why you wanted to be in this profession in the first place."
Early bird registration is open until 31st January, and prices start at £93 +VAT for BSAVA members for a one-day pass.
www.bsavacongress.com
The BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines has been developed to help veterinary professionals navigate the regulations, changes and issues that face the profession when it comes to the use of veterinary medicines.
Edited by David Harris and Pam Mosedale, there are three new sections which cover:
The BSAVA also highlights that the law in the UK relating to the use of veterinary medicines will be updated when the VMD completes its review.
In addition changes to the RCVS Code of Conduct concerning under care are due to come into force in September.
This, the Association says, will lead to significant changes in medicines use, as well as legal and ethical dilemmas.
As a result, the new guide includes a section at the beginning of the Guide that will be updated as required and the editors encourage all veterinary professionals to stay up to date with the progress of these reviews.
The new BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary medicines is freely available to all via the BSAVA Library.