Tickets have gone on sale for Vets Now's annual Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) Congress, taking place on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th November 2025 at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.

The 2025 programme features 35 speakers from across the globe, delivering content across seven learning streams tailored to all levels of ECC experience—from new graduates to advanced practitioners.

Among the speakers this year are Elle Haskey, ECC specialist and RVN at the Royal Veterinary College, Helen Philp a Critical Care specialist at UC Davis in California, and Matt Rendle an RVN with experience in nursing care for many species from ants to elephants.

 Simon Hagley, ECC Specialist and Clinical Director at Vets Now Manchester, who co-led the programme design with Racheal Marshall, RVN and Head of Clinic Nursing Standards, said: “We’ve built this year’s programme around delegate feedback, bringing back favourites like our ‘Controversies’ and ‘Joined Up Thinking’ sessions, while introducing new content that reflects the evolving landscape of ECC such as antimicrobial theory and practice,
discussion panels on important consensus statements, and a stream looking at cutting edge medical developments and treatment modalities.

"Whether you’re just starting out or working at an advanced level, there’s something here for you.”

Racheal added: “Our goal is to create a dynamic, interactive learning environment. From practical workshops to non-clinical sessions on wellbeing and communication, we’re equipping delegates with the tools they need to thrive in high-pressure ECC settings.”

ECC Congress 2025 is open to all veterinary professionals, including vets, vet nurses, students, and graduates.

Animal Care Assistants and Veterinary Care Assistants can attend for the same rate as students.

Tickets range from £60+VAT for exhibition-only access to £575+VAT for full two-day attendance.

Gala Dinner tickets are sold separately.

vets-now.com/congress

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

The 2011 AGM meeting minutes have now been uploaded to the media section of the SAMSoc website on vetsurgeon.org

Alex Gough

Hi everyone

thought i would refresh everyones memories of the projects ( looking to recruit samples, cases or complete questionaires) . Listed in the SAMSoc Wiki section. More detail can be found on the project you may find interesting  including contacts etc within the Wiki.

If you have a project that you would like to list please post away or contact me via a vetsurgeon conversation link or by e mailing me directly at iab@vetspecialists.co.uk 

all the best

Ian

Free plasma metanephrines – a novel diagnostic approach for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in dogs

The Royal Veterinary College is investigating whether an increased plasma metanephrine concentration can be used to identify pheochromocytomas in dogs. We hope this will provide a useful indicator for pheochromocytomas, which are otherwise challenging to diagnose and our preliminary data suggests that plasma metanephrine concentrations increase in affected dogs.

We would welcome EDTA plasma samples from dogs undergoing investigation of adrenal masses, especially if pheochromocytoma is strongly suspected. The full cost of this test will be covered by the project grant and HPLC results are usually available within 7 days.

Petplan Charitable Trust PhD Study
to Investigate Feline Infectious Peritonitis-Specific Nucleotide Motifs

A three-year study, leading to a PhD, is being funded by the Petplan Charitable Trust and is available to commence on 1^st February 2011 in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford at the University of Bristol.  The aim of the project is to define nucleotide sequence motifs in feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and to then develop a diagnostic test for the confirmation of FIP.  The applicant will gain extensive experience in molecular-based techniques and bioinformatic analysis.  Furthermore, the applicant will receive training in the design, conduct and presentation of research. Practical work will be done in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford and the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol. The work will be jointly supervised by Professor Stuart Siddell and Drs Chris Helps and Séverine Tasker, supported by collaborators both within the University of Bristol and in other Universities.  Good computer skills are essential, and some experience of molecular research and feline medicine is desirable.  The successful applicant will have a high level of literacy and numeracy, good organisation skills and a willingness to learn and develop research skills to a high standard.  The successful applicant will also have excellent communication skills and confidence in making contact with cat owners and veterinary surgeons.

Applicants must possess, or expect to obtain, a first class, or good upper second class, degree in a biological related subject, or a degree in a veterinary science, and be able to demonstrate a clear interest in FIP.  This project is available to citizens of a number of European countries (including the UK) who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more.

Informal enquiries about the project are encouraged and can be made to Dr Séverine Tasker (email: s.tasker@bristol.ac.uk).

To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, and the names and addresses of two referees to Alison Foxwell, Head of Department’s Office, School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU (email: cvs-hod-office@bristol.ac.uk), quoting reference SCH/10/09, by December 15^th 2010.

Hi all,

Just wanted to thank everyone again who came along to the satelitte meeting. I am sure you will agree it was a great day and we heard some interesting talks.

The results for the case report competition are below - Much to the relief of the presenters i forgot my camera so there is no photo to follow.

1st Place - Deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal carcinoma causing signs of mineralocorticoid excess and hypokalaemic myopathy in a dog

Ruth Gostelow (RVC - Medicine resident )

Second Place - Abdominal mycetoma in a dog caused by Scedosporium apiospermum Rosanne  Jepson (RVC - Medicine Resident)

3rd place - Colonic candidiasis in a dog - Caroline Kisielewicz (Glasgow University - Medicine Resident)

4th place - Four cases of feline hyperprogesteronism - Natasha Hetzel (Bristol University - Medicine Resident)

In total we had 10 excellent submission from practioners and residents - whioch ave the commitee a nice but difficult task of slecting the top 3 . infact we expanded it to four. We hope to secure funding for the competition, so keep the competition in mind when you are on clinics.

Other news is that the commmitee has had alittle re shuffle

Marge Chandler and Clive Elwood have stepped down. Again the Commitee would like to thank them for their hard work and input over the last 4-5 years.

New members of the commitee

Mark Dunning - has joined the program commitee

David Walker - has taken over the PR role from me

My role will change and I  will be keeping an eye on the website and hopefully coming up with some new ideas to make it more interesting ( let me know if you have any) and focusing on the antibiotic usage project.

All the best

Ian

WellVet has published a series of films about the menopause which aim to help reduce the impact of physical and psychological symptoms associated with perimenopause for veterinary team members.

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/.

Petplan Charitable Trust PhD Study
to Investigate Feline Infectious Peritonitis-Specific Nucleotide Motifs

A three-year study, leading to a PhD, is being funded by the Petplan Charitable Trust and is available to commence on 1^st February 2011 in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford at the University of Bristol.  The aim of the project is to define nucleotide sequence motifs in feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and to then develop a diagnostic test for the confirmation of FIP.  The applicant will gain extensive experience in molecular-based techniques and bioinformatic analysis.  Furthermore, the applicant will receive training in the design, conduct and presentation of research. Practical work will be done in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford and the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol. The work will be jointly supervised by Professor Stuart Siddell and Drs Chris Helps and Séverine Tasker, supported by collaborators both within the University of Bristol and in other Universities.  Good computer skills are essential, and some experience of molecular research and feline medicine is desirable.  The successful applicant will have a high level of literacy and numeracy, good organisation skills and a willingness to learn and develop research skills to a high standard.  The successful applicant will also have excellent communication skills and confidence in making contact with cat owners and veterinary surgeons.

Applicants must possess, or expect to obtain, a first class, or good upper second class, degree in a biological related subject, or a degree in a veterinary science, and be able to demonstrate a clear interest in FIP.  This project is available to citizens of a number of European countries (including the UK) who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more.

Informal enquiries about the project are encouraged and can be made to Dr Séverine Tasker (email: s.tasker@bristol.ac.uk).

To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, and the names and addresses of two referees to Alison Foxwell, Head of Department’s Office, School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU (email: cvs-hod-office@bristol.ac.uk), quoting reference SCH/10/09, by December 15^th 2010

Thought i would let you all know, that we have now reach the milestone of 100  SAMSOC members registered on the site.

The commitee is now starting to look for new ideas to develop within the site that will benefit members. Current features include - the forum, a wiki for listing projects that are recruiting cases and a media section for interesting radiographs/case material.

If you have any good ideas please contact us and we will see what we can do

All the best and see you tommorow

Ian

PS- There are still some members have yet to register on the site. So if you know one of them give them a nudge. 

SAMSoc Travel Scholarship 2011

• The scholarship, worth £500, can be awarded to ANY SAMSoc member undertaking international CPD in 2011.
• Applicants should describe how they would intend to use the award in no more than 400 words. Recipients of the award are required to undertake the CPD within a 12 month time period.
• Following completion of their trip the recipient is required to write a short summary article (approx. 1000 words) which will be submitted to the Veterinary press for publication.
• The award is ONLY open to SAMSoc members.
• Last year the travel scholarship was not awarded as nobody applied! Applications should be sent to David Walker (dwalker@ndsr.co.uk) to arrive no later than 31st December 2010; the successful applicant will be notified within 8 weeks of this date. 

 The award will be presented at the pre-BSAVA SAMSoc meeting on 30th March 2011. The award is kindly sponsored by Pfizer.