Veterinary sector leaders have been urged to make a pledge to support the development of the next generation of bosses. The plea was made by the incoming VMG president, Liz Somerville, on the opening day of the group’s annual congress in Stratford-upon-Avon today (25 April). In her first speech after succeeding Miles Russell, she drew on the experiences of being taken “under the wing” of another former president at the start of her career journey. ‘Feel supported’ She said: “The next generation of leaders are already working in veterinary teams. What they need is encouragement to take that nex ..read more

Southfields Veterinary Specialists in Essex remains temporarily closed following its evacuation due to a fire. Staff, clients and patients had to be evacuated from the multi-disciplinary referral hospital in Basildon on 18 April due to a fire in a nearby building. While Linnaeus-owned Southfields itself did not catch fire, the hospital was damaged by the incident and is expected to be closed for two weeks as site assessments take place to ensure the hospital is safe to enter. Patients at Southfields are being cared for at nearby veterinary practices until it is deemed safe to return to the hos ..read more

Campaigners against the ban on XL bully dogs in England and Wales have won the latest stage of their court battle on the issue. A judge has granted permission for a legal challenge against the legislation to proceed to trial after ruling that it made an “arguable” case in certain areas. A further hearing will now take place at a later date and Defra officials have stressed owners must still comply with the conditions of the ban. But the Don’t Ban Me, Licence Me group, which brought the action, said it was “elated” at the latest ruling, which followed a hearing in London yesterday (24 April). C ..read more

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices hopes the CMA process will improve eight key areas. A veterinary business group has urged its members to embrace the opportunities it believes are offered by the current review of companion animal services. The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has set out eight key areas where it hopes the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) work can lead to change. The process has been criticised by several prominent bodies and care providers in recent weeks, amid fears over how the sector has been portrayed. But FIVP has now defend ..read more

Forte Healthcare has announced the launch of a flavoured chewable tablet for pain in dogs. POM-V NSAID Ficoxil, which contains active ingredient firocoxib, is designed to provide relief from pain and inflammation associated with OA and postoperative recovery in dogs. It is available in two strengths – 57mg and 227mg – in packs of 30 to allow for a flexible, precise and effective dosing regime tailored to the dog’s size. Pain management The tablets are hypoallergenic, gluten-free and are beef flavoured of animal-free origin. Ficoxil is indicated for both long-term management of OA and postopera ..read more

A new report has concluded there are “significant opportunities for strengthening” the veterinary sector from doing more to enhance the knowledge and skills of its leaders. Veterinary Management Group (VMG) officials hope the paper, which will be formally unveiled at its annual congress this week, will be the starting point for a greater focus on the issue across the professions. Junior vice-president Liz Somerville said: “I think we have a responsibility to help them and have the right support and training in place to do it.” The report is based on more than 400 submissions made via an online ..read more

A “breakthrough in-hospital” canine cancer test has been launched in the European market. Antech said its Nu.Q was a “rapid, accurate targeted cancer screening tool” for aiding diagnosis in high-risk breeds and older dogs. The test covers prevalent cancer types and aims to help vets and owners make informed decisions about cancer care more quickly. ‘Exciting innovations’ Jimmy Barr – chief medical officer at Antech, which is part of Mars Science and Diagnostics – said: “It’s exciting to see innovations like Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test become more widely available to veterinary teams in Europe. “Wi ..read more

The RSPCA has launched an initiative to encourage candidates in next week’s local elections to commit themselves to advancing animal welfare in office. Contests are taking place in more than 100 council areas in England next Thursday (2 May) plus mayoral and police and crime commissioner polls. The charity has now launched a new local government manifesto and is urging candidates seeking council seats to commit themselves to working towards five main welfare goals. Welfare goals The objectives are: Educate, inspire, unite: advocate for animals and foster responsible pet ownership Preserve tod ..read more

RCVS leaders have announced plans for a round table discussion to explore how the use of AI in the veterinary sector might be regulated. Around 100 people – including representatives of the professions, technology companies and educational institutions – are expected to take part in the event in London next month. But college leaders have also invited vets and nurses who have expertise in the field to take part in the discussion, and help shape the future. Maximising use Chief executive Lizzie Lockett said: “We have a responsibility to make sure that we are maximising the use of AI for good, b ..read more

The RCVS has urged lawmakers not to combine new veterinary sector legislation with tougher regulation of canine fertility clinics (CFCs). The regulator has voiced its concerns after a recent report by the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee called for ministers to prioritise both issues within a new Veterinary Surgeons Act. It argued that “unscrupulous” operators had been helped by a lack of clear responsibility for the enforcement of present rules. But, while it welcomed the report’s recognition of the need for a new act “fit for the 21st century” regulating th ..read more