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
Research published online in the Veterinary Record has revealed that one in four dogs competing in Crufts is overweight, despite the perception that entrants are supposed to represent ideal specimens of their breed1.
The researchers based their findings on 1120 online images of dogs from 28 breeds —- half of which are prone to obesity — that had appeared at Crufts, the largest dog show of its kind in the world.
Only adult dogs that had been placed between first and fifth in their class between 2001 and 2013 were included in the study.
The images were coded and anonymised, and 960 were deemed suitable for assessment. A second person then graded the body condition of each dog in one sitting, using a previously validated method. One in four (252; 26%) was found to be overweight.
Pugs, basset hounds, and Labrador retrievers were the breeds most likely to be assessed as being overweight. Dogs were overweight in 80% of the pug images, 68% of the Basset Hound and 63% of the Labrador images.
The researchers said that the three breeds with the highest prevalence of being overweight among the online images are prone to excess weight. Nevertheless, since pugs were originally bred to be a companion dog, while hounds and Labradors were bred for hunting and fieldwork respectively, being overweight would not be advantageous.
Standard poodles, border terriers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Hungarian vizlas and Dobermanns were the least likely breeds to be overweight.
The prevalence of being overweight among the show dogs was less than that reported generally for pet dogs in the UK. Nevertheless, the researchers say the fact that a quarter were above ideal weight is still a cause for concern: “These dogs showcase the ideal characteristics of the pedigree breed, and there is a danger that widespread media exposure might adversely influence owner perception of optimal body shape.”
The Kennel Club has recently introduced changes in policy for judging criteria, to emphasise characteristics that promote good health in dogs. However, the researchers say that breed standards of optimal condition should be reinforced for competition, to ensure consistency: “Further effort is now required to educate owners, breeders and show judges so that they can all better recognise overweight condition, thus helping to prevent the development of obesity.”
Reference
Best in show but not best in shape: a photographic assessment of show dog body condition doi 10.1136/vr.103093
The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, celebrates vets in the first eight years of their career who have shown outstanding care, dedication or success.
Nominees may have delivered exceptional care to a patient, made a positive contribution to their community or the wider veterinary profession, or shown their dedication to a cause.
Early career vets who are keen to demonstrate their ambition and dedication to the profession can also self-nominate for the award.
British Veterinary Association President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “We know how hard all vets work to care for the UK’s animals and to protect both human and animal health and welfare.
"Our young and early career vets deserve to have their incredible work recognised and this award is an opportunity to highlight their compassion, skills and positive contribution to the profession.”
The winner will be announced on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the BVA Awards in London, where they will be awarded a prize package which includes £1,000, a year of free BVA membership and mentoring/engagement opportunity with Zoetis.
The deadline for entries is 9am on Monday 4th August 2025.
www.bva.co.uk/YVOTY
Photo: Last year's winner, David Charles.
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/.