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

An RVN has faced disciplinary proceedings over an incident for which he was jailed before he registered with the RCVS. A committee concluded Kai Murray was unfit to practise because of his criminal conviction, even though its members were “not satisfied” that any further sanctions would be in the public interest. But an application for anonymity made on his behalf was rejected by the panel, who found there were no “exceptional circumstances” that would justify such a step. Sword attack Mr Murray was sentenced to nine months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court in December 2021, after he admitte ..read more

A new training programme focusing on sustainability in veterinary work is opening today (22 April) to coincide with the annual Earth Day. Vet Sustain officials say the programme, called “A sustainable approach to clinical veterinary practice”, will offer 35 hours of CPD across 10 modules. Topics to be covered include carbon footprinting, responsible use of medicines and other resources, waste management and behavioural change. Complements schemes The group said: “The course has been designed for anyone working in clinical veterinary practice; vets and nurses, and members of the management or a ..read more

Vets at a US vet school have developed a jaw joint replacement implant they hope will revolutionise treatment for cats and dogs with end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. A team at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine has gained patent pending status on a TMJ replacement (TMJR) prosthesis that could aid pets with non-functioning TMJs due to injury or disease. Initial research about the TMJR has been published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Replacement Boaz Arzi, chief of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service at UC Davis, sa ..read more

A scheme to provide free veterinary care for pet owners who are either homeless or at risk of becoming so has supported its 10,000th dog. Officials from the Together Through Homelessness project, which is run by Dogs Trust, estimate they have now provided more than 30,000 free treatments since its launch 30 years ago. The initiative also works with the providers of services for homeless people to make them dog friendly. ‘Faithful companion’ James Hickman, Dogs Trust’s head of outreach projects, said the organisation was “proud” of the project’s record. He added: “For many people experiencing h ..read more

A Kent veterinary practice is set to move to new premises in the coming weeks following a building project costing more than £1 million. The team members at the Maison Dieu Vets practice in Dover say the project will enable them to offer improved services to more patients at a prominent site in the port town. Work is ongoing at the practice’s new Granville Street home and its owners, the CVS Group, are hopeful it will open to clients in mid-May. ‘Larger practice’ Practice director Carol Eales said: “We are outgrowing our existing practice on Maison Dieu Road. “We need a larger practice to cont ..read more