Vetcpd Congress

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Vetcpd Congress

Two days of top-class cpd Experienced speakers will provide a balanced review of recent clinical advances and new medications.

Aimed at small animal practitioners and veterinary nurses, this interactive lecture series will be presented by specialists in the ﬁelds of internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, clinical pathology, anaesthesia, cardiology and ophthalmology. They will provide practical, relevant advice enabling you to offer the most current treatment recommendations to your clients. Multiple interactive sessions

using audience polling will take the stress out of examining blood smears and effusion samples and help you to get the most from thoracic and abdominal radiographs. Join us in the historic Bath Assembly Rooms on the 21st and 22nd September 2017.

11/12/2025

📈 Management Matters: Turning Stress into Strength

In the December issue of The Veterinary Edge, Debbie Robinson explores how practices can use anti-fragility thinking to grow stronger during the CMA reforms. Instead of viewing pricing transparency, medicine supply separation and digital service shifts as threats, Debbie argues they can become catalysts for better communication, smarter workflows and stronger leadership.

Highlights include:

💬 Using client pricing questions to clarify value and refine communication
🩺 Diversifying services as medicine sales evolve
🌐 Trialling hybrid digital models to boost engagement
🧩 Introducing Kaizen-style small improvements to build adaptability
🧠 Encouraging leaders to reframe change as opportunity

Anti-fragility is more than resilience, it is about improving because of stress, not in spite of it. Debbie sets out practical steps any team can use to adapt, learn and thrive in the months ahead.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

10/12/2025

🏢 Company Profile: Small, Significant and Nimble

In the December issue of The Veterinary Edge, we meet Duncan Henderson, founder and MD of DVH Veterinary Sales, a compact but highly specialised supplier that has carved out a distinct space in a market dominated by large wholesalers.

Since 2009, DVH has grown through reputation rather than reps, building a loyal customer base from the south-west of England to Europe and Australia. Duncan’s strategy is simple: provide niche and hard-to-source surgical equipment, focus on service, and stay agile where bigger players cannot.

DVH now supplies everything from sutures, drapes and drains to reconditioned electrosurgery units, offering cost-effective access to advanced equipment. The company has also expanded beyond referral centres and vet schools into first opinion and equine practices.

With a small team and strong global manufacturer links, DVH continues to grow, supported by part-time training from vet surgeon Julian Hoad, helping practitioners get the most from advanced surgical tools.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

09/12/2025

🧪 Science Briefs: Diagnostic Imaging Highlights

The new issue of The Veterinary Edge brings a round-up of the latest research in diagnostic imaging, covering cardiology, neurology, oncology and more.

Inside this month’s Science Briefs:

🐶 Dilated cardiomyopathy: a study of 97 dogs shows a distinctive ventral interstitial pulmonary pattern that differs from mitral valve disease, helping refine diagnosis and treatment.

🐈 Feline intramedullary disc extrusion: MRI findings from 12 cats reveal excellent outcomes after surgical removal, with most returning to normal mobility.

🐾 Mediastinal masses vs pleural effusion: simple thoracic radiographic measurements may help vets decide when advanced imaging is needed.

🧠 Canine gliomatosis cerebri: proton MR spectroscopy identified metabolite changes that could improve diagnosis and case planning.

🐈 Traumatic ocular injury: ultrasound and CT enabled diagnosis of complex bilateral eye trauma in a cat when routine ocular exams were inconclusive.

🐕 Sialadenitis imaging: MRI and CT features from 20 dogs highlight characteristic changes in zygomatic gland inflammation.

🐩 Subdural haematoma: MRI provided key diagnostic clues in a Pomeranian with necrotising encephalitis.

Plus: a new minimally-invasive surgical option for mitral valve disease, TEER, now available at Bristol Vet Specialists with fast recovery times and promising survival data.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

08/12/2025

🌍 European Eye: Navigating One Health Under the Trump Administration

In the December issue of The Veterinary Edge, Alexia Yiannouli examines how recent US policy shifts are reshaping global One Health efforts. From the decision for the US to leave the WHO to deep cuts at USAID, NIH and the CDC, the new administration has created a fragmented landscape for disease surveillance and international collaboration.

Key points include:

⚠️ Reduced global surveillance: with funding cuts slowing outbreak detection and limiting data sharing

🌡 Environmental rollbacks: including renewed fossil fuel expansion and weakened pollution standards, raising risks of zoonotic spillover

🐾 Direct impacts on vets: from workplace safety changes to potential medicines availability issues

🇺🇸 A brief bright spot: the appointment of veterinary epidemiologist Gerald Parker to lead pandemic preparedness, followed by his rapid resignation

🔍 The wider picture: political decisions are already affecting research, surveillance and interagency co-operation, despite the launch of the US National One Health Framework just days before the policy reversals began

Alexia argues that now more than ever, international collaboration, evidence-based policymaking and strong veterinary representation in One Health decisions are essential.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

07/12/2025

🎓 Courses and Events in the December Issue

This month in The Veterinary Edge we spotlight a remarkable hands-on opportunity and two major events shaping the 2025–26 CPD calendar.

🐾 Advanced Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Thailand

A unique one-week course at the WFFT Wildlife Rescue Center offers vets the chance to perform a minimum of 10 supervised laparoscopic ovariectomies using the 3x5mm portal technique, with luxury on-site accommodation and access to a state-of-the-art wildlife clinic. Led by Dr M. Hoynck van Papendrecht, who has completed over 25,000 laparoscopic procedures, the course runs from late February to mid-March. Partner stays, wildlife experiences and pre-course training are available.

🎤 VetEdge Congress 2025

Formerly VETcpd Congress, the re-branded VetEdge Congress returns to Exeter with three streams and up to 14 hours of CPD. Super early-bird rates run until 31 January.

🌟 SPVS Congress 2026

A dynamic non-clinical programme featuring leadership expert Richard Gerver, business growth sessions, Business Club Live networking, product demos, a full exhibition and an excellent social programme. Team bundles start from £345.

📚 Plus

Reports from September’s Vetcpd Congress on chronic pain science with Gwen Covey-Crump and VN-led obesity management with Nicola Lakeman.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

06/12/2025

🌍 Sustainability in the Veterinary World

In the December issue of The Veterinary Edge, Emma Chandley explores the latest shifts in environmental responsibility across the profession, from carbon pawprints to captured gases. Sustainability is no longer an optional extra, it is becoming part of everyday veterinary decision making, from clinical work to procurement and client education.

Highlights include:

🐾 BVA Pet Environmental Impact Resource: a new tool created with Vet Sustain that helps teams guide owners on reducing the environmental pawprint of their pets, with downloadable materials and practical tips for everyday conversations

🌱 IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint: a global programme with real metrics, including a 12 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, 85 per cent renewable electricity, 1.5 million blister packs recycled and more than 200 clinics using its sustainability toolkit

💡 Why it matters: sustainability cuts emissions, reduces waste, saves costs and strengthens One Health values, while clients increasingly expect visible green credentials

📊 Understanding your footprint: from heating and anaesthetic gases to energy use and procurement choices, Emma outlines how practices can begin calculating and reducing their environmental impact
We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

05/12/2025

🏆 What a challenge! Recognising excellence in practice design

In the December issue of The Veterinary Edge, we celebrate the creativity and innovation showcased in this year’s Practice Design Awards, organised by the British Veterinary Hospitals Association in association with The Veterinary Edge.

Since their launch in the late 1990s, the awards have recognised outstanding design across new builds, conversions and refurbishments, highlighting practices that combine ingenuity, practicality and style. The 2025 judges faced a particularly tough task selecting finalists and winners from an exceptionally high standard of entries.

The panel, made up of current and former practice owners, nurses and independent advisers, assessed each project for innovation, efficient use of space, logical flow and value for money. They also looked for standout features that earned the coveted BVHA President’s Awards, from green initiatives to outstanding staff environments.

This year’s entries demonstrated remarkable creativity, with conversions ranging from a pizza restaurant to a 17th-century barn. Judges praised the imaginative layouts, bright and welcoming waiting areas, and cutting-edge clinical spaces. Many practices were described as “faultless”, reflecting how far veterinary design has evolved since the competition began.

The judges’ message to those who narrowly missed out? “You were pipped at the post.” Every entrant was highly commended for their hard work, vision and dedication to creating exceptional spaces for clients, patients and teams alike.

The BVHA and The Veterinary Edge extend sincere thanks to all who entered, and to Medifinance, this year’s principal sponsor.

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

04/12/2025

📘 The December issue of The Veterinary Edge is out now

Packed with insight, debate and practical guidance to round off 2025, this month’s edition brings together big ideas, real world challenges and standout stories from across the profession.
Inside this issue:

🏆 Practice Design Awards: a behind the scenes look at how judges sifted through an exceptional field of entries and the features that caught their eye

🌿 Going Green: our new columnist Emma Chandley reviews progress in sustainability across the sector, including the PEIR tool and IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint

🎓 Courses and Events: highlights from Vetcpd Congress on chronic pain and obesity, plus details of advanced laparoscopic OVH training in Thailand

🌍 European Eye: Alexia Yiannouli explores the One Health challenges emerging under the new Trump administration

🔬 Science Briefs: a round up of recent diagnostic imaging papers

🏪 Company Profile: Duncan Henderson of DVH Veterinary Sales on growing a small, nimble and impactful business

📈 Management Matters: Debbie Robinson explains how anti-fragility thinking can help practices face CMA reforms with confidence

💬 Well-being: peer support in practice with Monika Woolley, plus Marloes Baltus on understanding trauma and its lasting effects

➕ And the latest Product Launches, Learning Out Loud, and a thought provoking Last Words column on whether corporates are feeding stakeholders and neglecting CSR

We send free copies to vet practices across the UK, or explore the digital edition, packed with clickable content!

👉 Read it now: https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

29/11/2025

⚖️ A mixed reception for the CMA’s ‘remedies’

In the November issue of The Veterinary Edge, Last Words reviews the reaction to the CMA’s provisional decisions on ‘remedies’ for the veterinary sector.

The mid-October announcement drew strong responses, with independents outraged that large corporate groups saw the proposals early.

🏛️ Official responses

The RCVS “broadly welcomed” the recommendations and renewed its call for legislative reform. The BVA backed greater transparency in pricing and ownership but warned that compulsory price lists could confuse clients.

📣 From the profession

Matthew Flann of Pennard Vets welcomed clearer communication but warned new compliance demands could hit independents hardest. Dane Walker and Kate Higgins echoed concerns about added admin, reduced flexibility, and rising costs. The FIVP warned that lost medicine revenue could force independents to raise fees.

📰 Comment and critique

Arlo Guthrie called the CMA’s measures “rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic,” saying they add bureaucracy without fixing costs. Others urged practices to act early, with Will Stirling noting that transparency builds trust.

💬 Independent frustration

An open letter shared by the FIVP voiced fears that mandatory prescriptions could funnel clients to corporate-owned online pharmacies, threatening smaller practices.

The CMA’s final report is due March 2026, giving the profession time to push for fairer, more effective change.

🗞 Read the full piece in the November issue of The Veterinary Edge:

🔗 https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

25/11/2025

💚 Supporting minds in veterinary practice

In the November issue of The Veterinary Edge, Monika Woolley and Marloes Baltus (the NeuroSpicy RVN) explore how veterinary teams can build inclusive, compassionate workplaces that help every member thrive.

🧠 ADHD in practice

Monika explains how small, practical changes can make a big difference for colleagues with ADHD. Flexible scheduling, quieter workspaces, written follow-ups, and colour-coded task lists all help boost focus and reduce stress. She highlights the Access to Work scheme, which can fund coaching, training, and specialist tools at little or no cost, improving morale and teamwork across the clinic.

🌿 Creating a culture of mental health support

Marloes continues her well-being series by reviewing how major UK veterinary groups support mental health. All now offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with 24/7 helplines, counselling, and well-being resources.

Highlights include:

🏥 Vet Partners - bespoke well-being pathway and open culture around mental health

💪 Linnaeus - in-house mental health trainers, gym discounts, and menopause toolkits

🌸 CVS - enhanced parental and fertility leave, compassionate leave for pregnancy loss

💼 IVC Evidensia - paid sick leave from day one and well-being hubs

💬 Medivet - cashback on holistic treatments and strong support for managers

“Be kind, be supportive, and be open,” says Marloes, summing up a shared message that awareness, empathy, and action are key to lasting change.

🗞 Read both articles in the November issue of The Veterinary Edge:

🔗 https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

21/11/2025

🦴 Supporting joint health in small pets - what does the evidence say?

As rabbits and guinea pigs live longer, thanks to better care and nutrition, age-related conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) are becoming increasingly common. Yet many cases still go undiagnosed.

RCVS specialist Molly Varga Smith explores the evidence behind nutritional supplements for managing OA in small pets and how a multimodal approach can improve comfort and mobility.

🐰 A hidden challenge

OA affects around 40% of rabbits, but subtle signs often go unnoticed. Guinea pigs, too, are prone to joint disease, often worsened by vitamin C deficiency.

🌿 Supplements and botanicals

Glucosamine and chondroitin - mixed evidence, but safe and widely used for joint support

Turmeric (curcumin) - shown to reduce inflammation and cartilage erosion

Rosehip, echinacea, cranberry, dandelion and mint - long-standing traditional ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

🧠 Takeaway message

With early diagnosis, effective pain management and targeted supplements, small pets can enjoy better mobility and quality of life. Combining traditional and emerging ingredients offers new potential for gentle, evidence-informed care.

📣 “A multimodal approach works best - pain control, nutrition and thoughtful supplementation can make all the difference,” says Molly.

🗞 Read the full article by Molly Varga Smith in the November issue of The Veterinary Edge:

🔗 https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

17/11/2025

💊 Guiding NSAID use with smarter monitoring

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) remain a cornerstone of pain management in small animal practice, essential for mobility and quality of life in senior dogs. But while most patients tolerate them well, subclinical gastrointestinal (GI) damage can often go unnoticed.

Lucy Williams of Carus Animal Health explains how faecal calprotectin testing is helping vets detect inflammation earlier and use NSAIDs more safely.

🔬 What the science shows

📈 Dogs on NSAIDs for just two weeks showed significant rises in faecal calprotectin levels

🐕 Around 25% exceeded the threshold for inflammatory enteropathy - despite no visible signs

💡 Early detection allows vets to adjust treatment before serious GI damage occurs

Faecal calprotectin offers a non-invasive, practical biomarker for intestinal inflammation, giving clinicians a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the gut without the need for endoscopy. Regular testing can help guide NSAID choice, timing, and dose, while supporting proactive client communication.

📣 “Awareness, not avoidance, is key. With careful monitoring, we can preserve the benefits of NSAID therapy while protecting our patients’ gastrointestinal health,” says Lucy.

🗞 Read the full article by Lucy Williams in the November issue of The Veterinary Edge:

🔗 https://www.theveterinaryedge.com/

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About VetCPD Congress

VetCPD Congress is an educational meeting, exhibition and Vet CPD lecture series, held in the prestigious World Heritage City of Bath, UK. Aimed at small animal Vets and Vet Nurses, held in the historic Bath Assembly Rooms - and it returns this year on 19-20th September 2019.

This interactive lecture series is presented by specialists in the ﬁelds of internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, clinical pathology, anaesthesia, cardiology and ophthalmology. Experienced speakers will provide a balanced review of recent clinical advances and new medications. They will provide practical, relevant advice enabling you to offer the most current treatment recommendations to your clients.

The 2018 event was a resounding success with over 26 exhibitors and over 360 delegates welcomed. The Vet and Vet Nurse lecture series were well attended and feedback was very positive from delegates who attended the lectures. They praised the speakers’ expertise in their subject areas and interactive presentations, which enabled delegates to take useful and practical CPD knowledge away with them, as well as helpful advice for them to put into practice in their daily working lives.