Two equine journals have joined forces to create a free online collection of their recent articles on endocrinology to raise awareness of these common disorders and to provide veterinary surgeons with what they say is a definitive source of references all in one place.
The collection of references published by Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) and Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) covers a range of topics within the field of endocrinology and includes authoritative review articles on insulin dysregulation2, glucocorticoids and laminitis3 and paraneoplastic syndromes4.
The initiative has been made possible with the support of British Equine Veterinary Association Trust and has been compiled by leading international authorities on equine endocrinology, Professor Philip Johnson, of University of Missouri and Professor Nicholas Frank of Tufts University, Boston and the University of Nottingham.
They say that equine endocrine disorders, such as Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), are becoming more promptly identified and treated, thanks to ongoing research and advances in diagnosis, pharmacokinetics and management protocols.
PPID, or Cushing's, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is more easily recognised in its advanced form in older horses. Surveys show a PPID prevalence rate of up to 22% in horses over the age of 155, with the odds of developing clinical signs associated with PPID increasing by approximately 20% per year after this age.
Insulin dysregulation (ID), characterised by increased insulin response to oral sugars, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance, is identified in both PPID and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)2. Both PPID and EMS have been linked to the development of recurrent laminitis with subsequent high risk of mortality6. The exact mechanisms which link insulin to laminitis remain to be clarified1 but this online collection highlights several studies, which partially address this important jigsaw7-12.
Best practice for the management of EMS is outlined by Professors Nick Frank and Ray Geor in the December issue of EVE13. The first goal is to induce weight loss, and guidelines for designing diets for obese equids are provided. Exercise and dietary management14 have been shown to reduce the clinical signs and indices of inflammation in equine metabolic syndrome13 - 15, however, further studies are needed to quantify the efficacy of these management changes on long-term outcomes.
The online collection also includes several studies addressing the diagnosis of PPID. The value of plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), when interpreted with seasonally adjusted reference ranges, is discussed by several authors18-20. Professors Frank and Geor advocate it as the most readily accessible test for monitoring PPID cases in a field setting, although they maintain that the thyrotropin- releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is more sensitive and therefore has advantages when diagnosing PPID in its early stages13.
Pergolide has emerged as the drug of first choice for treatment of PPID13. While many vets recommend the early introduction of medication in the hope that it may avert the specter of laminitis, at present, there are no trials comparing pergolide with alternatives. Furthermore, there have been no long-term studies to show that horses treated with pergolide before the onset of clinical signs of PPID have better outcomes, including a reduced incidence of developing laminitis, than horses in which treatment is delayed until clinical signs become apparent.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "Better control of PPID and insulin dysregulation should lower the risk of laminitis to help improve the health and longevity of many predisposed horses and ponies.
"Raising awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis and sharing the latest research on these and other associated conditions are imperative to provide horse owners with the best diagnostic and treatment programmes for their horses. However, it is easy to under-estimate obesity: horse owners need to think about improving management of their horses' feeding and exercise in order to avert problems before they become a veterinary issue."
References
The solution is designed to streamline Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP) reviews, from on-farm sampling through to laboratory results, reporting, vet attestation and DEFRA compliance, by integrating faecal egg count testing at Sandhill Laboratories with the VetDX app,
VetDX says that by integrating every stage of the review process into a single digital workflow, the VetDX platform allows practices to carry out efficient, compliant visits with a reduced administrative burden.
Laura Eden MRCVS (pictured), farm animal vet at Bishopton Vets said: “What’s really improved the process for us is how straightforward it is to submit samples and how quickly we get results back from Sandhill.
"It takes a lot of the hassle out of coordinating AHWP visits and lets us focus on the clinical side.”
Rachel Kirkby MRCVS, Business Development Director at VetDX, said: “The AHWP is a real opportunity to tackle issues like anthelmintic resistance in a structured, funded way - but only if the process is workable on the ground.
"That’s why we’ve built the platform to fit naturally into how vets carry out these visits, supporting accurate on-farm data capture with features like in-app QR code scanning.
"It means lab results are securely linked to the right animals or groups, without the risk of transcription errors or lost paperwork.”
https://vetdxs.com
Pete Wedderburn MRCVS is reporting on the latest veterinary developments in the USA, with a daily blog from the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas.
You can read / subscribe to Pete's engaging blog here.
They include a webinar from In Communication, a company which specialises in veterinary client communications, which covers things like how to broach costs with clients, communicating treatment options succinctly and time-blind shared decision-making.
The Society has also published eight questions which the public may ask about the investigation, with model responses.
The resources also include a summary of the five concerns raised by the CMA, and advice about how to discuss them with practice staff.
Finally, you can download SPVS' presentation to the CMA which talks about the drivers for fee increases.
https://spvs.org.uk/cma-spvs-response
The Bella Moss Foundation and the Royal Society of Medicine have announced 'One Health', a conference which will bring together experts from the veterinary and medical sectors to collaborate on infectious disease.
Subjects under discussion will include infection control, antimicrobial resistance and the threats posed by emerging zoonotic diseases. Amongst the speakers will be Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Professor Anthony Kessel, Director of Public Health England. The audience will include policy makers and clinicians together with researchers and academics from both human and veterinary medicine.
Jill Moss, President of the Bella Moss Foundation, said: "With antimicrobial resistance and updated protocols hitting the headlines regularly, our speakers will discuss the key issues. For instance, what exactly is the current status of antimicrobial resistance? How is it affecting our lives? What are the veterinary, medical and research professions doing to resolve the challenges we face - and how can they persuade policy makers to take a united stand on the issue?"
Tom Keith - Welsh president of comparative medicine network, Royal Society of Medicine, said: "Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue requiring education, information and action. The conference programme will provide anyone with an interest in antimicrobial resistance a current and rounded perspective on this important and pressing issue."
For more information, visit: www.onehealthbmf.com.
The modules are 20 minutes long each.
The first: "The Key Components of Successful Anaesthesia", covers the basics of companion animal anaesthesia and analgesia.
The second module: "The Benefits of Zoletil", looks at Zoletil as an anaesthetic and explains the advantages it offers.
Licensed for cats and dogs, Zoletil comprises a coactive balance between Tiletamine & Zolazepam.
Virbac says it is ideal for short and medium duration anaesthesia with multiple administration routes including IV or IM administration, making it a versatile choice of anaesthetic.
https://vet-uk.virbac.com/home/products/dogs/anaesthetics--analgesics/zoletil-100.html
The Awards are open to all organisations and practice teams across the UK who are using recognised QI techniques to improve outcomes.
The Award categories are as follows:
Ashley Doorly, Head of Quality Improvement at RCVS Knowledge, said: “Now in its seventh year, the RCVS Knowledge Awards continue to highlight the incredible work being done across the veterinary professions to improve patient safety and outcomes, boost team morale, embed evidence-based veterinary medicine, and support more fulfilling careers.
"Over the years, we’ve seen how strong team culture lays the foundation for successful Quality Improvement projects.
“This year, we’re especially excited to receive applications that explore emerging priorities such as sustainability, One Health, and contextualised care.”
https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/awards/rcvs-knowledge-awards
Designed to help veterinary teams make clearer, more confident clinical decisions, the flowchart provides a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing ear disease in dogs and cats.
Renzo Di Florio, Technical Veterinary Adviser at Krka UK, said: “It takes you through each step, from diagnosis to treatment and long-term management, including identifying cases that might benefit from referral.
"It can also help practices to develop an otitis externa management plan protocol that’s useful for the whole team, and that’s practical and easy to integrate into existing workflows.”
One of the main messages in the flowchart is the central role of cytology in otitis management.
Tim said: “Cytology is essential to assess the level of inflammation and detect the presence of bacteria or Malassezia.
"This helps clinicians make informed decisions about whether antibiotics are truly needed.
"In contrast, culture and sensitivity testing can be misleading when used to guide topical therapy.”
https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub
The theme of Congress this year is 'Adapt, Evolve, Succeed', considering how we can succeed both professionally and personally by embracing growth and change.
Billed as one of the most influential experts on change and human leadership in the world, Richard has advised governments and corporations such as Google and Microsoft
Early-bird prices start at £395 for the full event, with further group bundles and day tickets available.
www.spvs-congress.co.uk
richardgerver.com
BBC Entertainment is looking for fresh veterinary talent to be part of an exciting new show that it is developing.
If you're passionate about pet health and would jump at the chance to help animals on screen, please call 0161 244 3718 as soon as possible or alternatively email alexis.price@bbc.co.uk
With four sessions having taken place throughout May and June this year, the autumn sessions will focus on:
RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, Angharad Belcher (pictured), said: “We recognise that change cannot happen without collaboration – no one organisation can solve as complicated and multi-factorial an issue as the workforce challenge on their own.
"We hope to welcome you to these sessions to share your insights and contribute to the ongoing conversation around this important topic."
The webinars are free, last an hour and 15 minutes and count as CPD.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/workforce-ambitions-sessions/
ParaProtect offers bitesize interactive learning modules, each taking 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
The programme is open to all practice staff, from vets and nurses to client care teams, and aims to advance parasitology expertise and build further confidence in risk-based parasite protection.
Elanco says each module includes expert insights, real-world case studies and practical advice that can be applied immediately in practice.
The first module: ‘Parasite Control in a One Health World’, explores the wider implications of parasite control, including risks to public health from parasites, and consideration for the environment when selecting and using parasiticides.
Later modules will cover topics such as the impact of climate and travel on parasite spread, myth-busting, emerging risks, and how to improve client communication and compliance.
Jacqui Skelly, Head of Veterinary Technical Services, UK & Ireland at Elanco, said: “Parasitology is a field of medicine that most vets are practicing many times a day, yet it’s easy to neglect when it comes to CPD.
“As parasite risks evolve alongside climate and behavioural change, there’s growing demand for CPD that reflects current science and supports evidence-based decision making in practice.
"With ParaProtect, we aim to service that need with a different kind of programme.
"It’s short, practical, relevant and designed to be used straight away in the consulting room.
"It has principles of responsible use of parasiticides built into the core of the learning, and helps teams move beyond routine treatment to deliver advice that protects pets and their families, especially as summer travel increases parasite risks.”
https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/campaign/pet/paraprotect
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The films, which include information and practical advice based on the pillars of lifestyle medicine and the neuropsychology of hormones, are aimed both at individuals who are directly affected and those who want to support them.
Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton said: “We now know that nearly half of veterinary team members experience a moderate-severe impact of perimenopause symptoms on their mental health, and a third report a significant impact on their working life and career."
Dr. Claire Gillvray, GP, Lifestyle Medicine specialist and psychiatrist with a special interest in women’s health, who introduces the films, said: “While we tend to focus on the individual, we all have friends, family, colleagues and clients who will experience symptoms impacting their mental and physical health and relationships.
"Although some women transition through the menopause with no problems, many women suffer a multiplicity of debilitating symptoms.
"These symptoms can be devastating and the medical advice they receive can be extremely variable, with some doctors dismissing perimenopause.
"Though onset can be earlier, symptoms typically occur between the ages of 40-60 years and can last for a decade or more, and there can be severe health impacts including cardiovascular, neurological and orthopaedic disease."
“These videos will empower individuals to take control of their symptom monitoring, have meaningful conversations with medical professionals, and trial lifestyle adjustments that may improve their health and wellbeing.”
The first instalment of nine 5-30 minute bitesize videos are accessible now on the WellVet website: https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/.
Once again, there are awards for both individual receptionists and reception teams
The winners will receive trophies and Amazon vouchers.
Emma Coole, Account Manager for the South West of the UK at KRKA UK said: "Reception teams are the glue that holds a busy practice together.
"They’re juggling phone calls, managing appointments, supporting worried pet owners at the front desk - and doing it all with empathy and professionalism.
"I regularly see and hear first-hand how much the wider vet practice depends on their calm, capable presence.
"These awards are a chance to recognise the people who make that happen every single day.”
Practices are encouraged to nominate receptionists or teams who make a real difference – whether through kindness, a cool head under pressure or simply keeping everything running smoothly.
Nominations are now open and will close on Friday 26th September 2025.
Winners and runners-up will be announced on Wednesday 1st October 2025.
To submit a nomination or learn more about the awards, visit https://bit.ly/receptionist-team-hero-awards-2025
The College says the course breaks down the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct into clear, practical advice that can be easily applied in daily practice.
It covers areas such as advertising, endorsing products and services, and using social media in a way that upholds professional standards, including:
The course begins with a short test to assess your current understanding of the topic, followed by three bite-sized modules and a final reflection section.
The course takes about an hour to complete and counts towards your CPD requirements.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
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