Are Vets Money-Grabbers? The Reasons Behind the CMA Investigation

Join Ami Sawran and Robyn Lowe on 04.09.24 for some update information on the most recent BTV-3 outbreaks. In this podcast we discuss historical Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Bluetongue virus surveillance and frameworks put in place to plan interventions and strategies for the next BTV outbreak, and how the current outbreak fits with what we expected. Ami Sawran BVSc PgCertVPS CertAVP(CP) PhD FRCVS, explains the current restricted zones in East Anglia and the unexpected outbreak in Yorkshire and how the 2 different scenarios (expected/ unexpected) will be handled. For up to date and clear representation of this, please see the APHA interactive Bluetongue virus map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514ec88edec74575958d860f0196d2ea How sheep, cattle and camelids present with BTV-3 is discussed, including the high incidence of lameness. For more information on this please follow the link to an In Practice article: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/inpr.429 Take home messages: ·     If in doubt report it! ·     Restricted areas include Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex ·     20km restriction zone around Yorkshire outbreak ·     As BTV is circulating the UK midge population, culling is NO longer necessary ·     Treat the animal with supportive medicine including pain relief ·     Check the APHA or ring their helpline for advice ·     3 unauthorised vaccines in the pipeline, if you are interested in trialling them please get in touch  Where can I find support? https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/ BTV hotline: 024 7771 0386 (chose APHA option) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bluetongue-information-and-guidance-for-livestock-keepers

In frank conversation, Liz Barton and Ami Sawran discuss the “hot” topic of the menopause. Do you think this podcast won’t apply to you? Think again! Every single one of us will be impacted by menopause, whether it be ourselves or our partners, colleagues and clients. So, let’s get these menopause facts on the table. Normalise it to break the taboo surrounding it. Did you know there are 34 listed symptoms? This makes the menopause a unique experience for all. 75% of people will experience perimenopausal symptoms that will negatively impact them, lasting on average a whole decade. Liz Barton MA VetMB MRCVS, co-founder of Wellvet and Vetmums and Head of Communications for VetCT describes how for her the menopause was a crouching tiger, hidden dragon, affecting her veterinary career when she wasn’t expecting it. With Veterinary Voices’ very own Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP PGCert VPS PhD MRCVS, this podcast discusses the experiences of menopause for women in the profession and the impact it has on the profession through mental health and retention issues.   We talk about the positive adjustments that can be made in the veterinary workplace and Liz provides details about the first veterinary-specific menopause resources that are now freely available online through Wellvet. Let’s feed this tiger and let it sit quietly in the corner! Please see free Veterinary-specific resources on: https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/

Listen to John Chitty and Robyn Lowe chatting about their mutual love of all things guinea pig. Small animal and exotics vetJohn Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS and Veterinary Voices' very own Robyn Lowe BSc (Hons), Dip AVN (Small Animal), Dip HE CVN, RVN tackle the common misconceptions around guinea pigs and delve into the wonderful world of cystitis. Could a holistic approach be more successful? Could reducing stress with changes in husbandry trump antimicrobials? And are they just really cats in disguise?! Catch up on the latest tips and tricks with us. If you are as enthusiastic about small furries as these guys this is a podcast you won’t want to miss it. Robyn and John share their wealth of experience, discussing everything from the colourful descriptions of bedding to the sludgey joys of urine! If you enjoyed this podcast and want to learn more, come to the Guinea Pig Welfare Forum, in Birmingham on the 19th September, sponsored by Burgess Pet Care! See the link to sign up: https://guineapigalliance.com/guinea-pig-welfare-forum/

Offering gold standard treatments but not getting the outcomes you would expect? We discuss the importance of contextualised care: a holistic consideration of both patient and client needs and capability. A contextualised care approach can help us provide individuals with the right treatment for their situation, maximising client compliance and ultimately getting the best patient outcomes possible.  Old friends, Dr Hannah Capon, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and Veterinary Voices very own Robyn Lowe RVN, use their experiences of multimodal management of osteoarthritis (OA) cases in practice to explore this fascinating topic. Their infectious mutual passion to improve client communications to enable the best patient care is hard to resist!

For many of us, being a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse is more than just a job - it's our whole identity! But what happens when doubts creep in, and the passion fades? In this episode, join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complexities of veterinary identity with Jenny Guyat from Vet Harmony. Whether it's questioning your career path, navigating the impact of parenthood's, or just feeling stuck in a rut, you're not alone. Jenny shares insights on how personal development is just as crucial as clinical CPD. Together, they explore strategies for self-reflection, career pivots, and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Tune in as we redefine success and uncover the keys to thriving, not just surviving, in the world of veterinary medicine. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"We're concerned about the rise in self-proclaimed dog trainers on social media sharing downright dangerous misinformation." Is it necessary to assert dominance over our dogs like a wolf pack leader? Should we allow a new puppy to sleep in our bedroom during their initial nights? Tune in as Rosie Bescoby, clinical animal behaviorist and dog trainer from ⁠Pet Sense,⁠ debunks some behaviour and training myths with Danny Chambers. Rosie shares her expertise, providing invaluable insights into responsible and effective training, and discusses the link between pain and behavioural problems. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"Will my dog lose his hair?" "Should we just put him on steroids?" Facing a cancer diagnosis in a beloved pet can be overwhelming, with owners and vets often harbouring misconceptions about the treatment journey ahead. In this insightful episode, vet Danny Chambers engages in a candid conversation with Aaron Harper, a specialist in veterinary oncologist at Wear Veterinary Referrals. Together, they delve into the ethical considerations surrounding cancer treatment in companion animals, debunking prevalent myths that often cloud judgment. Owners often ask questions like, "Will my dog lose their hair?" and "Is chemotherapy appropriate for older pets?" and we discuss these with clarity and compassion. Join us as we navigate the ethics and practical considerations of animal cancer care, shedding light on the reality behind common misconceptions, empowering owners and veterinarians alike with accurate information and compassionate guidance. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

In moments of crisis, split-second decisions can make all the difference between life and death. But how do we equip ourselves to navigate emergencies with clarity and confidence? Join Danny Chambers, an emergency out-of-hours equine vet, as he delves into the art of thriving under pressure with Duana McBride, an specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care from Vetled. Together, they explore proactive strategies for preparation, maintaining a composed mindset amidst chaos, and the implementation of effective protocols to alleviate the weight of emergencies. Discover invaluable insights that not only enable you to manage high-stakes situations but to find fulfillment in the process. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Is a pedigree synonymous with good health? In the bustling halls of Crufts 2024, where over 24,000 dogs proudly strutted their stuff, breeders, owners, the international media and dog lovers met to celebrate over 200 dog breeds. But amidst the glitz and glamour, there's a sobering reality. Some animal welfare advocates and veterinary professionals voiced concerns over the slow progress in breed health, questioning the decisions to crown dogs with extreme conformation as best of breed. Our guests are Alison Skipper, who has a PhD in the history of dog breeding and who is also a member of the veterinary team at Crufts, and Sean McCormack, a media vet who is also a passionate welfare advocate. Join Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers in this thought-provoking debate as we navigate the complexities and nuances of pedigree, health, and ethics in the world of competitive dog breeding. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Did you know that a staggering 40-60% of dogs are overweight? In this eye-opening episode, we confront the startling statistic when we analyse 'complete' diets, only 35% of dry food and a mere 6% of wet food meet FEDIAF guidelines. But what about alternative diets like raw meat? Are they any better, or are they just too big a risk to human health? And are vegan diets actually better for sustainability? Join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complex world of pet nutrition with Mike Davies, RCVS Specialist in Clinical Nutrition. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts