The Equine Veterinary Journal has published a collection of 20 papers in which researchers shed light on advancements in the cardiac physiology, diagnostic techniques and management of various conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AF).

The collection, which is free to read until 7th January 2026, explores:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cause of poor performance in the equine athlete. 
• The high prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in exercising horses, with a need for further validated, equine-specific electrophysiological tools.
• The association of peak heart rate with the presence of arrhythmias.
• Association between cardiac arrhythmias and other conditions, specifically the relationship between upper respiratory obstructions and ectopic/re-entrant rhythms that can occur during any exercise phase.
• The relationship between atrial premature depolarisations and atrial fibrillatory rate (AFR) to assess AF recurrence risk in horses, supporting the ability to predict the likelihood of AF recurrence before initiating treatment.
• Structural cardiac differences, including the presence of accessory leaflets in the atrioventricular valves in 39/40 valves studied provide further information to aid diagnostic interpretation. 
• Advancing techniques in electro-anatomical mapping focusing on the pulmonary veins, where the presence of muscle sleeves of myocardial tissue in pulmonary vein ostia, with the presence of adrenergic and non-adrenergic nerve fibres within the muscle sleeves, suggests this tissue has the potential to trigger arrhythmias.  

Laura Nath said: “This collection highlights important and exciting work and improves our understanding of arrhythmogenic mechanisms, diagnosis of arrhythmias and recognition of cardiac pathology in both clinical and research settings.”

https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.current-progress-in-equine-cardiology 

The BSAVA has opened nominations for its 2026 Awards.

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:

• The Bourgelat Award - For outstanding international contribution to small animal practice or science in their widest context.
• The Simon Award - Recognising contributions to the advancement of all aspects of small animal surgery
• The Woodrow Award - For significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine.
• The Des Thompson Award - New for 2026, this award recognises individuals who have had a significant impact upon general practice and/or their community.
• The Blaine Award - For contributions to the advancement of all aspects of non‑client facing small animal veterinary medicine.
• The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award - Recognising outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing.
• The Ray Butcher Award - For a non-veterinary individual who has been an ‘unsung hero’ by making a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community.
• The J.A. Wight Memorial Award - For a qualified veterinarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of companion animals. Presented by the Blue Cross.

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 

Zoetis has strengthened its diagnostics portfolio with the acquisition of Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG), a veterinary diagnostic laboratory group with multiple locations across the UK and Ireland.

Mike Ellinger, Business Unit Director, UK Diagnostics at Zoetis said: “VPG’s national reputation for quality and deep expertise strengthens our ability to innovate and expand our diagnostic offerings to better serve the veterinary community in the UK and Ireland.

“Our shared commitment to service excellence means we can continue to support veterinary customers seamlessly from day one.

"This acquisition strengthens our ability to innovate and expand our diagnostic offerings to better serve the veterinary community’s point-of-care and reference lab needs in the UK and Ireland.”

https://thevpg.co.uk