Janine Susan Parody MRCVS has been reprimanded by the RCVS Disciplinary Committee for dishonesty in relation to her treatment of a cat. Ms Parody faced two charges, the first of which related to her treatment of a cat named Shadow, which had multiple elements:  She failed to euthanise Shadow; She failed to inform Shadow’s owner, who had presented the cat for euthanasia, that the procedure had not been carried out; She undertook a treatment plan for Shadow, including sedation and castration, without informing or obtaining consent from his owner; She was later involved in an ..read more

Molly Varga, an RCVS recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, will be presenting a talk about the emergency and critical care of rabbits and rodents at the London Vet Show on November 14th. The talk, which is sponsored by Supreme Petfoods, will be co-delivered by Craig Tessyman, who works alongside Molly as Exotics Veterinary Nurse Team Leader at Rutland House Veterinary Referrals. The presentation will focus on the main aspects of emergency care, including best practice for managing these cases in first opinion practice. Topics will include restoring and maintaining fluid bala ..read more

A study by Gnanadesikan et al, supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and published in Psychoneuroendocrinology has found higher levels of the so-called 'love hormone', oxytocin, in children after they interacted with dogs. In the study: "Effects of human-animal interaction on salivary and urinary oxytocin in children and dogs1", oxytocin levels were recorded in 55 children and their pet dogs. Oxytocin is associated with positive emotions, the reduction of stress and the formation of social bonds. Oxytocin levels were tracked in both the children’s and dogs ..read more

The RCVS has published a short guide to help veterinary professionals understand, interpret and act upon some of the significant changes to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations that were introduced earlier this year by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. The guide explains: new offences for going outside the Cascade and prescription fraud. that wholesale deliveries of veterinary medicines can now only be made to a registered veterinary premises. that you must conduct a clinical exam before prescribing under the Cascade. new rules about prescribing antibiotics. new rules about written p ..read more

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association has opened nominations for its 2025 awards. 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 Amoroso Award - Honouring contributions to undergraduate teaching of small animal studies. Presented by Hill’s. The Blaine Award - For contributions to t ..read more

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 MRCVS said: “We now know that nearly half of veterinary team members experience a moderate-severe impact of perimeno ..read more

Krka has launched 'Ears to Tail', a range of veterinary practice resources designed to encourage a responsible, risk-based approach to the use of parasiticides. The materials include pet owner guides, reception posters and slides to display on waiting room TV. They complement the Krka veterinary professional guide on responsible risk-based parasiticide use for cats and dogs that was developed in conjunction with Ian Wright BVMS MSc MRCVS and launched last year. Renzo Di Florio, Krka’s Technical Veterinary Adviser said:  “In first opinion veterinary practice, where the majority of consulta ..read more

Francesca Beorby, Head Veterinary Nurse at Putlands Veterinary Centre, has performed a clinical audit which has revealed that neutering patients premedicated with medetomidine and methadone were significantly less likely to become hypotensive than when ACP and methadone were used. Francesca's initiative was recognised with a RCVS Knowledge ‘Highly Commended’ status at its 2024 awards. The idea for the audit came about after Francesca noticed a trend for patients to become hypotensive during anaesthesia for routine feline neutering and need additional treatment. CVS says cli ..read more

Dechra has launched Furosoral for the initial treatment or maintenance therapy of conditions associated with fluid build-up in cats and dogs. Furosoral contains furosemide and is indicated for the treatment of hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites and oedema, particularly in animals where these conditions are associated with cardiac insufficiency and renal dysfunction. Furosoral replaces Dechra’s previous diuretic treatment, Frusedale.  It is available in both 10 mg and 40 mg double-divisable tablets.  The recommended daily starting dose for cats and dogs is 2.5 mg per kg of body we ..read more

The British Equine Veterinary Association has passed a resolution giving veterinary nurse members the right to vote and stand for BEVA council. The move enables RVNs to participate in major decision-making processes for the Association. Marie Rippingale, Chair of BEVA’s Nurse Committee, said: “The resolutions regarding nurses being able to vote and stand for BEVA council are a landmark change and very welcome from the viewpoint of Registered Veterinary Nurses. “I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.  This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, bu ..read more