Vet Times Podcast

In this sponsored Vet Times Extra podcast, Ginny Sherwin and Kath Aplin join us to discuss NSAID use and pain relief in calves. For more than 20 years Metacam has been at the forefront of cattle well-being. The proven and trusted anti-inflammatory pain relief provided by Metacam supports farmers and veterinarians in their efforts to maintain well-being across many indications. Contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim ruminant specialist or [email protected] for further advice and resources. ••• 𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗠𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗕𝗛𝗠, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Ginny qualified from the University of Cambridge in 2011 and completed a farm animal internship before going into private practice. In 2014  she undertook a residency, then a PhD, at the University of Nottingham, becoming a European specialist in 2017. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, focusing on herd health, especially youngstock management.   ••• 𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗖𝗛𝗣, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Kath is a veterinary advisor with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, providing technical support for Boehringer’s ruminant range of medicines. Before joining Boehringer, Kath spent 20 years as a farm vet in Somerset, New Zealand and Cumbria. Kath has a particular interest in knowledge exchange and improving health and well-being in agriculture and recently gained an MSc in sustainable food and agriculture policy.

In this VN Times podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses the broad opportunities of a vet nurse passport with Donna Wills, an RVN and animal physiotherapist. Donna shares her career pivots and the decisions that have led her to now support from the other side of the consult table to provide more holistic care for animals and their people. ••• 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗩𝗡, 𝗣𝗴𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗔 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀, 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗩𝗔𝗣(𝗩𝗣) Donna qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003 and has worked in small animal practices, veterinary hospitals, ECC and rescue homes. Having qualified as an animal physiotherapist in 2005, Donna set up Animal Physiotherapy Ltd and went on to establish physio clinics in the south of England, hosted by five veterinary practices and the Pet Spa at Harrods – the latter of which led to media work. Outside of work, Donna is a keen gymnast, and is proud to have represented Britain in the Masters Cup at the age of 42.

In this Vet Times Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Eric Morgan, professor of veterinary parasitology at Queen’s University Belfast, discusses the prevalence of Toxocara in the environment and why vets should care. Toxocara is a zoonotic parasite endemic throughout the UK and Ireland and has been associated with multiple human health conditions including asthma and reduced cognitive function. Eric, a recognised specialist in parasitology, brings insights from his research into parasites, especially helminths, to advise what can be done, such as the importance of monthly worming, to reduce the risk of Toxocara spread and infection. The podcast is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s support for vets to improve health and well-being of pets and pet owners through their range of medicines. ••• 𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗩𝗣𝗖, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 A professor in veterinary parasitology at Queen’s University Belfast, Eric Morgan is a diplomate of the European Veterinary Parasitology College (DipEVPC). His research interests centre on the epidemiology of animal diseases under climate change, and consequences for their management. Over the past 20 years he has developed a research programme on the dog lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum, involving studies on the epidemiology of this emerging infection in dogs, foxes and gastropod intermediate hosts. Prof Morgan supports the development and dissemination of best practice in parasite control through industry and government bodies, including the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP).

Refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy affects one in three dogs with epilepsy, and defines them as having frequent and severe seizures, despite appropriate drug therapy. Specialist vet Mark Lowrie joins the Vet Times Podcast to explain some of the challenges for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of the condition Dr Lowrie has written an article on this topic for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 18, Pages 6-12), called “Canine refractory epilepsy – management considerations”, which is available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/canine-refractory-epilepsy-management-considerations/ ••• 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗘, 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗠𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗡, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 An RCVS specialist in veterinary neurology, Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice. Following an internship at the RVC, he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology. He has a master’s degree in steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has a particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology. He is a director at Movement Referrals, a veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine and Petplan’s “Vet of the Year” 2022.

Worms are evolving and sheep farming methods are changing – but how are vets to keep pace? In this Vet Times Extra podcast, sponsored by Zolvix from Elanco, we speak to Davinia Hinde of Bainbridge Vets and sheep consultant Dr Nerys Wright, who address the question. We cover everything from the business challenges of encouraging best practice worm management, and what that looks like. The pair also share their ideas and experiences on how to encourage better engagement from sheep farmers. ••• 𝗗𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗔𝗩𝗣(𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗽), 𝗠𝗦𝗰, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Davinia qualified from the RVC in 2006 where she entered mixed practice at Bainbridge Vets, North Yorkshire and has been in the Dales ever since. An RCVS advanced practitioner in sheep health and production and has an MSc in ruminant nutrition, Davinia was the second vet in the UK to hold a certificate in advanced veterinary practice in sheep. She is a European College of Small Ruminant Health Management resident in small ruminant health and production and a member of the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) executive committee. Davinia is also a member of the Sheep Veterinary Society’s executive committee and an assessor for the RCVS on the advanced practitioner panel. ••• 𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗦 𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗕𝗦𝗰, 𝗣𝗵𝗗 An independent sheep consultant with 17 years’ experience in the industry, Nerys is a technical advisor to SCOPS and obtained her farm animal SQP qualification in 2012. Brought up on a beef and sheep farm in Wales, Nerys completed her undergraduate and, later, her PhD in sheep production at The University of Nottingham. ••• Resources for further information to this podcast can be found at the following links: https://www.scops.org.uk/ https://www.nadis.org.uk/ https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/parasite-control-guide https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/worm-control-in-sheep https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-health-and-welfare-pathway/animal-health-and-welfare-pathway https://www.MyElanco.co.uk https://www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk

Otitis externa is a common condition in dogs and cats and one requiring much veterinary input to treat and manage. To share some of her thoughts on the disorder, European veterinary dermatology specialist Irina Matricoti joins the Vet Times Podcast. 𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗜 𝗗𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗗 Irina obtained her degree in 2008 from the University of Bologna. Afterwards, she worked in small animal practice and, during 2008-10, completed a postgraduate programme in veterinary cytology. More recently, between 2016-19, she completed a residency programme in veterinary dermatology and became a European-certified specialist. Irina now works as a dermatology specialist in private practice and at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Bologna. Her article for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 22, Pages 8-11), “Otitis externa – treating and managing a painful condition”, is online at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/otitis-externa-treating-and-managing-a-painful-condition/

Hypertension is serious condition in cats, and likely under-diagnosed in practice. Feline specialist Sam Taylor joins the Vet Times Podcast to run through some of the diagnostic and treatment considerations. 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗦𝗔𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗜𝗠-𝗖𝗔, 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗖𝗩𝗦(𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘀), 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Sam is a feline specialist working for the International Society of Feline Medicine as its academy lead, and also at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists as a medicine specialist. She also works clinically as a locum specialist in various clinics, seeing canine and feline medicine cases. She wrote the article, “Feline hypertension – latest on diagnostics and treatment”, in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 15, Pages 6-10), which is also available at www.vettimes.co.uk/article/feline-hypertension-latest-on-diagnostics-and-treatment/

VN Happy Hour made a triumphant return for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2024, tackling the topic of parenting in the profession and asking, are we progressing? VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher was joined by a brilliant panel who shared their wisdom and candour to bring the community together and answer some tricky questions. Guests included @mortagefreeleigh – a content creator passionate about tax-free childcare and making things less overwhelming – who provided our audience with some great advice and signposting. Lianne then joined our panel of Emma Townson and Miles Asteri, both experienced RVNs who have worked in a range of roles to unpack key themes such as flexible working. Happy Hour returned with a bang and we hope you enjoy the conversation. Useful links: https://mortgagefreeleigh.com/ https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/tax-free-childcare/ https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/find-information/?information_filter_search=1&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4230&tags%5B%5D=g_0_4219&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNbsbBheL94I_eHwPc3pNKHHT6d8l5Za2UbXP3ZEv2u9d77DWQu__qRoCFf8QAvD_BwE https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/flexible-working-factsheet/ Sponsor https://www.lintbellsvet.com/pages/mobility-library https://vetactivelife.com/

In this episode of the VN Times podcast editor Lacey discusses leaving clinical work with Sophie Giddens, a former Equine RVN who has forged a career supporting veterinary clinics while utilising many of her skills acquired in practice. Sophie reflects candidly on not necessarily having a plan which leaving a role and the power of community and networks while making career connections. 𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗗𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 Sophie works at VET.CT as a group case manager and trainer, helping with the training of the case manager team and taking responsibility for IT design and developments that improve the operations team workflows. After working at an equine hospital as a nurse for 12 years Sophie made the move to a non-clinical role at VET.CT. Being able to move out of clinical practice while still being able to work closely with, and positively impact, the veterinary industry has made the change in career a successful one.

Chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats are characterised by gastrointestinal problems that manifest over a period of three weeks or longer. Dietary strategies are key, so specialist vet Cecilia Villaverde, board-certified in veterinary nutrition, runs us through some of these considerations and more in this Vet Times Podcast. Her article to accompany this podcast, “Gastrointestinal problems and latest thinking in pets”, was in Vet Times Volume 54, Issue 11, Pages 6-10 and is online now at https://bit.ly/4b9N82k ••••••••••••••••• 𝗖𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗖𝗡, 𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗩𝗜𝗠(𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻) Cecilia obtained a veterinary degree in 2000 and a PhD in animal nutrition in 2005 by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain. She worked as a post-doctoral researcher in feline nutrition at the University of California, Davis, where she also completed a residency in small animal clinical nutrition at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She is board certified in veterinary nutrition by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Nutrition) and by the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition since 2010. After working as the chief of service of the veterinary teaching hospital nutrition service in UAB for six years, Cecilia is now a consultant in clinical nutrition for Expert Pet Nutrition and Veterinary Information Network. She is the co-chair of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee and has written several articles and book chapters on the topic of companion animal nutrition.