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VetSurgeon.org publishes a curated feed of veterinary news for practising veterinary surgeons, with a primary focus on the UK profession.
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We report across all areas of practice, including companion animal, farm, equine and exotic species.
Our editorial approach is deliberately selective and concise. We prioritise clarity and relevance over volume, aiming to make each story worth your time.
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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 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
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."
Reference
The programme features more than 30 speakers from the UK and overseas covering ECC anaesthesia, advanced surgical techniques, oncology, diagnostics, sepsis, nursing care and complex case management.
This year's keynote speaker is Professor Patrick Pollock, Professor at the University of Glasgow, and confirmed speakers also include Professor Kate Hopper, Associate Professor Claire Sharp and Marlaina Hrosch.
The programme includes practical workshops, case-based discussion and non-technical sessions on communication, teamwork and wellbeing.
The event includes access to session recordings after the congress, allowing delegates to revisit content.
Tickets are available now.
www.vets-now.com/congress-2026
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
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 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 clinic sits within the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals’ Nephrology and Urology service and will monitor dogs during the three months after an AKI episode, when ongoing complications such as high blood pressure can emerge.
Access is via referral from the patient’s primary care veterinary practice.
Ahead of each appointment, owners complete a pre-appointment questionnaire about the dog’s wellbeing at home.
Patients then receive a clinical re-examination with the Nephrology and Urology team, with support from Emergency and Critical Care specialists.
Monitoring includes blood and urine testing and blood pressure measurement, with ultrasound considered depending on discussion at the appointment.
Owners attending the clinic can opt into a longitudinal research study looking at longer-term outcomes after AKI.
Professor Rosanne Jepson, Professor in Small Animal Nephrology and Internal Medicine at the RVC, said: “We hope that clients who are keen to attend this clinic will be willing to also participate in a study so that we can keep in touch with owners and dogs that have been treated for AKI, monitoring their clinical response and also quality of life, so that in the future we can better understand and continually give the very best care in this important recovery period.”
https://rvc.uk.com/renal-clinic
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 study1 was led by Dr Zoe Davies, a former Postdoctoral Researcher at the RVC, supervised by Jim Usherwood, Professor in Locomotor Biomechanics at the RVC, and co-authored by Aimee Savage, who was an RVC undergraduate at the time.
It involved six dogs with forelimb amputations and six with hindlimb amputations recruited from across the UK through the RVC's social media channels.
Using a 3D motion capture system and force plates in the RVC's Structure and Motion Laboratory, researchers analysed how the dogs adapted their bodies at different speeds.
At higher speeds, the dogs used a gallop-like gait similar to that seen in four-legged dogs.
At slower speeds, the dogs adopted two different movement strategies.
One involved a slowed-down version of the gallop.
The other involved a gait in which the pair of remaining limbs moved in a walking pattern, while the single remaining limb contacted the ground more than once during each stride.
When analysing forces acting on the limbs, the researchers found that forelimb amputee dogs placed around 50% of their bodyweight through their single remaining front limb, whereas weight in hindlimb amputee dogs was distributed more evenly across their three remaining limbs.
The RVC said the research provides a foundation for future work into rehabilitation and mobility support for canine amputees and may also inform the development of adaptive legged robots capable of responding to limb loss.
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article/293/2069/20253159/481426/Locomotion-on-three-legs-the-tripedal-gaits-of
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
The annual survey captures data including basic salaries, bonuses, dividends, overtime, and benefits such as accommodation, company vehicles, car allowances and pension contributions.
SPVS is inviting responses from everyone working in the veterinary sector, including veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers, support staff, and those working in industry or non-clinical roles.
The main findings will be published in a summary report, which will be made freely available to all participants who provide their email address at the end of the survey.
SPVS members will be able to access the full report, including detailed analysis and expert commentary.
Participants will also have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a Bose SoundLink Plus portable speaker.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/3YMX1O/
The event, titled "Confident Communication in Equine Veterinary Practice", will run from 10am to 4.30pm at the Orida Hotel, Oxford Road, Newbury, RG20 8XY.
The programme is split into two sessions, with the morning covering "Pursuing Compliance With Your Recommendation" and the afternoon focusing on "The Psychology of Confidence".
Morning topics include: "The four outcomes of successful visits/consultations", "Articulating clinical strategies succinctly", "Discussing the 'pros, cons and costs' of options succinctly" and "Helping clients understand options and reach an informed decision".
Delegates will also hear from Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis, who will present findings from the Equine Herpes Virus Horse Owner Survey Results 2025.
In the afternoon, the session will cover: "Definitions of confidence", "Understanding the link between self-doubt and confidence", "The difference between doubt and self-doubt", "Mindsets that enable or undermine confidence" and "The surprising impact of language on facilitating/undermining confidence".
https://cloud.mc.zoetis.com/UKEquineConfidentCommunication2026
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/
Anna, a farm vet in Shepton Mallet, qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2022 and joined Shepton Vets, where she runs the practice's Youngstock Club, developing it into a more collaborative and effective programme by restructuring the scheme to encourage closer working relationships between vets, technicians and farmers.
The award, supported by Zoetis, was presented at the BVA Awards Dinner 2026.
Anna said: "I cannot believe that I have won this award and feel incredibly honoured."
"It is especially meaningful given the high standard of nominees."
"I genuinely love being a farm vet and find it hugely rewarding."
"I'm extremely grateful to my colleagues at Shepton Vets for their support, encouragement and the knowledge they have shared with me throughout my career so far."
"They have provided me with fantastic opportunities to learn and develop, and this award is very much a reflection of that."
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: "Anna is an outstanding veterinary surgeon, and her clinical excellence and leadership is impressive at such a young age and so early in her career."
"It's inspiring how dedicated she is to developing her skills and strengthening relationships and collaboration with farmers, other veterinary professionals and her team."
"She should be exceptionally proud of her achievements so far and we're delighted to award her this prestigious title - it's very well deserved."
Other BVA award winners this year were: