The Brachycephalic Crisis - How Should the Veterinary Profession Respond?

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

Why is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigating the veterinary industry, and what exactly do they aim to uncover? Why are prices for veterinary treatment so emotive compared to other professions and services? In this 20 minute chat, Paul Horwood and Danny Chambers discuss all you need to know to understand the CMA's investigation and how there may well be long-term benefits for the veterinary profession. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

There have been a lot of changes and challenges in the veterinary profession over the last few years - how do we best adapt to the change? Malcolm Morley, senior BVA President, chats to Danny Chambers about the various challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession right now - a younger workforce requiring more flexible working patterns, Brexit, Covid, workforce shortages, the CMA review, legislation reform, and supporting women through menopause. More at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"All I do is fight fires." The popularity of brachycephalic dogs has soared over the past decade, and the pet owning public seem to be largely unaware of the suffering these dogs endure due to their extreme conformation. Why do people want to breed and own dogs born into a lifetime of suffering? What is the effect on vets and vet nurses who have to regularly deal with the severe health problems associated with this breed? The Veterinary Voices team Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers chat to Dan O'Neill from the RVC and VetCompass about his new paper in the Veterinary Record 'All I do is fight fires' which explores why the veterinary profession is struggling to deal with the 'brachycephalic crisis.'

"Around 75- 80% of adverse outcomes in aviation are due to human factors - not due to a lack of skill or knowledge, but due to problems with communication, leadership, or decision making. This figure seems to be the same in veterinary medicine." Dan Tipney, a former flying instructor, speaks to Danny Chambers as we unravel the benefits of integrating checklists and fostering a just culture within veterinary practices to improve patient safety and improve mental health of the veterinary team. It's very rare that a lack of clinical knowledge or technical skill leads to complications or deaths of animals in a veterinary practice. Dan and Danny explore real-world scenarios, such as the case of a dog being discharged from surgery without antibiotics because of the a change in a team member on that particular day, and how these situations can be avoided. Dan Tipney is one of the team at VetLed, who believe passionately that a Human Factors approach is a significant part of a long-term and sustainable solution to the challenges that the veterinary profession faces today. More podcasts at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts