Tim Hutchinson becomes 150th RCVS President
Tim Hutchinson has become the 150th president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) at the regulator’s annual Royal College Day.
In his inaugural speech, which set out his presidential vision for the year, Mr Hutchinson reflected on the ‘greater complexity’ faced by the veterinary profession.
Referencing Joseph Tainter’s 1988 book The Collapse of Complex Societies, the new president discussed how complex treatment options, demands and animal populations had changed the landscape. He also addressed ‘increasingly complex’ regulatory, legislative and business framework, which would require more time and resources to navigate.
However, Mr Hutchinson described how contextualised care could be the solution to prevent the sector from a ‘collapse under the weight of complexity’, setting this as his presidential theme.
Contextualised care describes a way of providing veterinary treatment that accounts for the needs and circumstances of each animal. He explained how, economically, not all tools and interventions will be available to all animals.
As such, Mr Hutchinson said practices must provide a range of approaches and treatments to ensure there are appropriate options for all animals and owners.
Mr Hutchinson said: “Developing the art of contextualised care requires years of experience. For recent graduates, the juxtaposition of the demands for contextualisation with the completely understandable clinical naivety can lead to stress for clinicians. Consequently, the solution to a sustainable future for our profession lies in ensuring that the wisdom of experience can be passed down the generations with kindness and support.
“And given that so much of the art of contextualised care revolves around human factors, specifically communication, we can help by ensuring that all professionals feel empowered to give themselves the permission to recognise that focusing CPD on elements such as communication skills are equally, if not more valuable, than learning more clinical material.”
Reflecting on his presidential year, outgoing president Tim Parkin discussed how work with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) had dominated the College’s year.
Dr Parkin said: “An enormous amount of credit must go to the teams at the College for dealing with requests and needs to respond, sometimes in haste.
“The volume of additional work created by the CMA and VSA work is not sustainable and I think all at the College are looking forward to getting close to the end of the beginning – as we all recognise there will be significant additional work to undertake over the next few months and years to both monitor CMA remedies and put into place what comes from a reformed VSA.”
Image © RCVS
Government publishes White Paper on vet regulation reform
The government has officially published its White Paper for the veterinary sector, which sets out a number of reforms for the profession.
The document addresses several elements of the CMA remedy package, but has been praised for its approach to the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. This follows a consultation conducted earlier this year.
A consultation into the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 sought views on proposals for the regulation of professionals and businesses, fitness to practice and governance of the regulator. The government has also today published a summary of these responses and details of its own response.
In its statement alongside the White Paper, Defra says the profession is ‘radically different’ from when the Veterinary Surgeons Act was produced and that legislation ‘has not kept pace’.
Proposals in the document include statutory regulation for veterinary businesses, protection for the veterinary nurse title and considerations for an independent veterinary ombudsman.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “The veterinary profession has changed enormously over the past 60 years, but the legislation underpinning it has not kept pace.
“This new framework will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals.”
The White Paper has been welcomed by a number of veterinary organisations, including the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The BVA has particularly praised considerations for an ‘independent veterinary ombudsman’, which is proposed to make binding decisions when resolving complaints outside of practices. The organisation says this new regulator must be trusted by both the public and the profession.
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns and proposed a separation of the regulatory and professional leadership functions, with an independent oversight body to review the regulator’s performance.
“We also back proposals for the ultimate decision-making power of the regulator to rest with an appointed Board that will include a mix of lay and professional members, a requirement for veterinary businesses and individual registered professionals to pay a licence fee.”
The RCVS has similarly welcomed the proposals in the government’s White Paper, which it says will ‘revolutionise’ veterinary regulation.
Tim Hutchinson, RCVS president, said: "These changes will be a step-change in how we regulate, but we remain confident in the College's capacity to do so alongside our other public interest activities; we already have experience of regulating multiple professions, and of accrediting veterinary practices under our voluntary Practice Standards Scheme.
“We look forward to working with Defra and stakeholders across the sector to help turn these recommendations into a regulatory framework fit for the 21st century."
Image © Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com
Study highlights health challenges of giant dog breeds
The findings raise welfare concerns about breeding for extreme size.
Giant dog breeds in the UK live substantially shorter lives than the general dog population and experience higher levels of some disorders, according to new research.
The study by the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) VetCompass Programme analysed veterinary records from 2.25 million dogs that attended UK primary care practices during 2019. The team found that 8.9 years was the average lifespan of giant dogs, more than three years shorter than the average lifespan for dogs overall in England.
Their findings also reveal that three-quarters of giant dogs (73.8%) had at least one disorder recorded annually, significantly higher than the average for all dog breeds (65.8%).
Among the most common general groups of disorders were skin disorders, musculoskeletal disease and ear disease. Ear infections, overweight or obesity and aggression were the most common specific diseases.
Lead author Professor Dan O’Neill, professor of companion animal epidemiology at the RVC, hopes the findings will prompt wider discussion on the welfare limits of selective breeding towards extreme giantism.
“To protect these cherished breeds and make them sustainable for the future, moving towards more moderate body sizes within these breeds may help to improve both the quality and length of life for these dogs, while still giving owners a fulfilling dog-ownership experience,” he said.
The study, published in Companion Animal Health and Genetics, identified the most common giant dog breeds in the UK as the Dogue de Bordeaux, Alaskan Malamute and Akita.
Female giant dogs were found to live 0.8 years longer on than males (9.3 years compared to 8.5 years), suggesting that acquiring a female could give owners more time with their new dog.
Some giant breeds in the study showed extremely short average lifespans, including Tibetan Mastiffs at just 4.8 years. Cancer was identified as the leading cause of death in giant dogs overall, while Great Danes (60.5kg), Irish Wolfhounds (64.0kg) and Saint Bernards (65.1kg) were the heaviest of the 29 giant breeds recorded.
BSAVA senior vice president, Dr Julian Hoad, said: “BSAVA welcomes this research, which adds to the growing evidence base needed to improve canine health and welfare. The veterinary profession remains concerned about the health consequences associated with extreme conformations and is committed to supporting reforms through research, education and evidence-based breeding practices.”
Image (C) BIGANDT.com/Shutterstock
Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice
Record high temperatures spark illness concerns.
With temperatures forecast to soar this week, the BVA has issued an urgent reminder to pet owners to prevent potentially fatal heat-related illnesses.
The organisation is advising owners to stick to walks early in the morning or late evening for dogs and to avoid exercising them in the hottest parts of the day.
BVA President Dr Rob Williams said: “Like us, our pets will need extra care to be safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses during this week’s scorching heat. Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day - stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.”
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey, carried out during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave, revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness.
Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions, reported by 51 per cent of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (nine per cent) and cats (six per cent).
Dr Williams added: “It helps to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
“If you suspect heatstroke, take your dog to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink if possible, and pour cold water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”
Image (C) Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com
Articles by
Steph Cook
R Eddie Clutton
Clinical director
Siuna A Reid
Exotics specialist
Stephenie Malone
Specialist employment solicitor
Karen Wild
Clinical animal behaviourist
Claire Hodgson
Equine clinician
Kerry Doolin
Emergency and critical care clinician
Hilary Orpet
Senior lecturer and veterinary nurse
Clara Ashcroft
Marketing and communications writer and journalist
Jemma Fry
Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
Diagnostic radiographer
Norman Johnston
Dental and oral surgery specialist
Kieran Borgeat
Specialist in veterinary cardiology
Claire Hargrave
Animal behaviourist and lecturer
Emma Purnell
Veterinary nurse
John Hill
Bee enthusiast and experienced veterinary surgeon
John Matthews
Veterinary surgeon with a specific interest in goat care
Hayley Walters
Welfare and anaesthesia veterinary nurse
Helen Ballantyne
Human and veterinary nurse
Rob Tillyard
Specialising in veterinary practice management systems
Jane Ellison
Senior information scientist at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Alice Allbrook
James Yeates
Chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA
Joanne Webster
Head RVN, specialist in veterinary nurse training
Clinical Abstracts and blogs
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Locating neurological lesions
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A forelimb amputation in a guinea pig with osteomyelitis
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Poisoning – the bigger picture: pigs, sheep, goats and horses
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service answer enquiries about any animal – big or small – and although larger animals represent...
Team member disputes – managing difficult employment relationships before they affect the wider practice
Stephenie Malone, specialist employment solicitor at Harrison Clark Rickerbys solicitors, discusses team member disputes in the veterinary practice. Difference and...
Whom to choose? Clearing confusion about appropriate behaviour and training referral services
In this article, Karen Wild, ASAB-Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist, explores the options for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and owners regarding the...
Goats can follow the direction of human voice, study finds
Researchers highlight the role of domestication in the emergence of this ability.
Next time you’re working with goats and want to lure them in with a tasty treat, just speak a bit louder! That’s according to a new study led by researchers in Zürich, which concludes that goats can follow the direction of human voices.
In the study, researchers tested 29 goats from a sanctuary in the UK using a hidden-object task. In a series of experiments, a human researcher hid behind a barrier out of the goat’s sight. Two identical containers were placed on either side, one of which was baited with food.
In the ‘reward-directed’ speech experiment, the hidden person spoke excitedly towards the baited container, while actually sitting closer to the empty one. In the second experiment, the researcher stayed completely silent, and in the third, they spoke excitedly but directed the voice away from both containers.
The team found that in the reward-directed experiment, the goats chose the food-filled container around 60 per cent of the time. This was well above the chance level and significantly higher than both control conditions.
While this kind of vocal comprehension has been proven in domestic dogs, it has not been found in chimpanzees. Researchers say that discovering this trait in goats suggests that domestication, or close proximity to people, plays a major role in an animal’s ability to decipher human communication.
The team concludes: ‘Some goats are able and spontaneously motivated to use the directionality of human speech to infer the presence and location of food. These data add to the accumulating body of literature examining this largely unexplored aspect of referential processing and provide further evidence that goats are capable of high sensitivity to human social cues.
‘While the exact roles of domestication and experience with humans in the emergence of this trait are unclear, further insight can be provided by broadening the taxonomic survey of these abilities to yet further domesticated and non-domesticated species.'
The study, Domestic goats can follow the direction of human voices to solves a hidden-object task, is published in Royal Society Open Science.
Image (C) Claudia Ayus/Shutterstock.
Update to TB Advice services
Vets can now use new digital contact form.
Vets wishing to access TB Advice services can now use a digital contact form, following updates announced by the APHA.
This new, streamlined service allows customers to provide all necessary information upfront, minimising additional contact between the APHA and the customer. It also ensures questions are directed to the right team, significantly reducing response times.
More contact forms are expected to be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit Gov.uk
Image (C) SeventyFour/Shutterstock
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers
The change only applies to new applicants.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.
The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD’s ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.
The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD’s Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.
Image (C) NatliaK/Shutterstock
British Equestrian reflects on Horses for All strategy
British Equestrian has published an update to its Horses for All strategy, as well as its long-term commitment to inclusivity in the equestrian community.
Image © SeventyFour/Shutterstock.com
RCVS Fellows invited to stand for election
Elected candidates will help shape the direction of the board.
RCVS Fellows are being invited to stand for election for two positions on the RCVS Fellowship Board.
The positions are Projects and Engagement Officer for the Board and Chair of the Fellowship Science Advisory Panel’s subgroup of the Board.
Elected candidates will be tasked with shaping the direction of the Board and will help lead the Fellowship’s ongoing work.
Dr Niall Connell FRCVS, Chair of the Fellowship Board, said: “The upcoming elections for Projects and Engagement Officer and Chair of the Fellowship Science Advisory Panel offer Fellows two excellent opportunities to join dedicated teams advancing veterinary standards.
“The Fellowship is seeking passionate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to improve output and broaden communication. Regardless of their current role or path to Fellowship, all Fellows are encouraged to apply and help promote knowledge sharing, champion impactful activities, and facilitate conversations on challenging issues.”
Fellows interested in standing for election will need to complete an online form, including a statement that outlines why they should be elected. More information is available on the RCVS website.
Image (C) RCVS.
Cats helping child development, parents say
A survey from Cats Protection has suggested that cat ownership could be helping children to better understand boundaries and respect.
New findings published on alcohol use in vet sector
The findings of an alcohol-focused study has revealed the proportion of vets which may be drinking at risk.
Image © RCVS
Emeritus professor honoured by RCVS
Professor Lance Lanyon CBE, Emeritus Professor of the University of London at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Medal for outstanding contributions to the profession at Royal College Day (3 July).
The prestigious award, launched by the late Queen Elizabeth II, recognises a veterinary surgeon who has achieved a highly distinguished career with sustained and outstanding achievements.
Lance’s nominator, Tim Skerry, Emeritus Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Sheffield, said: “Lance’s career has been so impactful because he has influenced many people within and outside the profession to aspire to high goals, providing a role model for many other researchers’
“His extraordinary ability to manage and solve complex problems led to major regeneration of the RVC, developing modern research- led teaching, and increasing student numbers to fill growing needs for UK veterinary graduates. In research, Lance’s discoveries are fundamental to all today’s researchers in bone biology/osteoporosis internationally. He changed views and altered understanding profoundly and to the benefit of humans and animals.”
Lance’s career included being Principal of the Royal Veterinary College from 1989 to 2004, as well as groundbreaking research on bone biology and osteoporosis. He also served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of London (1997-1999).
A member of RCVS Council from 1989-2004, Lance chaired RCVS visitations to the Universities of Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cambridge, Nottingham, Pretoria, Brisbane and Sydney.
Upon receiving the Queen's Medal, Lance commented that he became a veterinary surgeon aged 22 in 1966, just as the England men’s football team were winning the World Cup. He described the journey he had been on since that point, noting the support he had from colleagues, friends and family.
The winners of several other prestigious awards were also announced at RCVS Day, including Samantha Fontaine DipAVN, who was bestowed the VN Golden Jubilee Award.
Samantha, who is currently in her third year of a doctorate in education, received the accolade for her collaborative and supportive approach to veterinary nurse training.
Her nominator, Dr Mary Fraser, Director of Education, Training and Assessment at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “Throughout her career, Sam has strived to further develop, highlight and advance the subject of veterinary nursing and the role of the veterinary nurse in practice.
“She has shown by her own example what is possible and, alongside this, has always brought her colleagues with her. She is approachable, interested in hearing what others have to say, and focuses on finding solutions.”
The full list of award winners can be found in the Royal College Day 2026 Programme.
Roslin Institute joins collective research alliance
The Roslin Institute has become part of an alliance of more than 40 institutions dedicated to the advancement of science and research.
The National Research Organisation (NRO) Group, supported by science minister Patrick Vallance, will seek to benefit people, communities, the economy, the environment and national resilience.
The collaboration was devised amid as part of plans to strengthen the United Kingdom’s research landscape. It was suggested it would benefit from stronger strategic alignment, clearer governance and greater visibility into the abilities of national research organisations.
The alliance will now work to provide ‘a coherent, authoritative voice on science, research policy and long-term investment’.
Among the priorities set out by the alliance is the goal of delivering a measurable impact against government priorities, aligning research projects with national needs and securing sustainable investment. It will also hope to foster innovation and skills, as well as strengthening the UK’s global scientific leadership.
Lord Patrick Vallance, Science Minister, said: “The UK's strength in science and innovation depends on collaboration across our research ecosystem. National research organisations play a vital role in generating the knowledge, infrastructure and expertise that support economic growth, improve lives and help address the major challenges facing the country.
“I welcome the launch of the National Research Organisations Group and look forward to working with its members to maximise the impact of UK science and research.”
Prof John Hammond, director of the Roslin Institute, added: “Roslin offers national capability to achieve sustainable agriculture, control diseases and enhance health through pioneering animal bioscience. We look forward to working with the NRO group to amplify this capability and deliver benefits for the UK in support of Government strategic priorities.”
Image © Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff
Funding boost for Chester Zoo
The money will benefit two ambitious conservation projects.
Chester Zoo has been awarded funding as part of the largest ever UK government investment in species recovery.
Specifically, the grant will fund two ambitious conservation projects to help bring some of England’s most threatened wildlife back from the brink — including a snail found only at one lake in Wales.
It forms part of Natural England's £60 million Species Recovery Programme, which is funding 130 projects across the country to protect 364 threatened species.
Luci Rampling, trusts & foundations manager at Chester Zoo, said: “This funding will have a huge impact in helping conservation organisations like Chester Zoo safeguard these incredible species for generations to come.”
Working alongside Wildwood Trust, Chester Zoo will establish conservation breeding programmes for native invertebrates, which are historically overlooked in conservation.
The Recovery Hub will focus on glutinous snails (Myxas glutinosa), which are found only at Bala Lake in Gwynedd, Wales. The snails will be bred as part of a collaborative British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums project and two other highly threatened species.
The funds will also help drive forward Chester Zoo’s work to save the lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), one of the UK's most critically endangered floral species.
Once widespread through the UK, this delicate and colourful plant once had a wide range, particularly in the limestone districts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, County Durham and Cumbria. However, habitat change, including the loss of UK woodlands, and over-collection by orchid enthusiasts in the 1800s and 1900s devastated the species.
Phil Esseen, head of plants at Chester Zoo, said: “Our partnership has prevented the extinction of the orchid, and we’re on the brink of achieving self-sustaining populations in the wild.
“Thanks to this support, we will be able to intensify the work we’re doing to research the species’ habitat preferences, how it interacts with soil microbiomes, how best to germinate seeds and in building community support for the protection of these beautiful orchids.”
Image (C) Chester Zoo.
Volunteer vets deliver inaugural outreach programme
The team treated over 750 animals in the remote Seronga region of Botswana.
Volunteer veterinary surgeons from the UK have helped deliver one of the first-ever veterinary outreach programmes to six isolated villages in Botswana.
Vets Wendy Furness and Michael Colgan joined veterinary charity Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) to establish temporary veterinary clinics in the remote Seronga region – a panhandle of the Okavango Delta, where access to veterinary care is extremely limited.
Working alongside local village leaders and community partners, the team travelled more than six hours over rough terrain before completing the journey by boat. Much of their work also took place in the heart of major wildlife corridors, so the team had to be wary of potential wildlife, including elephants and wild dogs.
The team treated over 750 animals during the course of the week, and the cases were rich and varied. From dog and cat neutering and parasite control, they also provided essential preventative healthcare and welfare advice for owners.
The veterinary team included MAWS veterinary support team, Carmen and Vasco, and volunteer Ansie and Thomas, a local farrier.
Dr Wendy Furness said: “This was the third time we have volunteered with MAWS, and it was by far the most logistically challenging project we have undertaken. Once we reached the villages there was no possibility of returning for forgotten equipment, so every aspect of the clinics had to be meticulously planned by Carmen and Vasco.
“In addition, the local team from conservation charity Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) had put in a lot of work in advance on the ground to ensure we could work alongside them, and that the people from the villages we were visiting were able to make the most of what we had to offer. Cases were rich and varied – from straightforward rabies vaccinations to more unusual cases such as a horse that had been attacked by a crocodile, severe eye injuries and a kitten that had been attacked by a monitor lizard.”
She added: “Many of the routine operations are more complicated than normal as tick-borne disease increases the risks of bleeding. All part of a day’s work in such a remote location without access to regular vet care, often with an impromptu audience.”
Dawn Torre, Chair of MAWS, said: “We are so grateful for the support and expertise of people like Wendy and Michael who become part of our team for a short space of time and really help make a difference to our communities.
“We are also delighted the outreach programme has enabled us to assess community demand for future preventative veterinary care, particularly rabies vaccination and sterilisation. The exceptional attendance demonstrated strong local demand, while also highlighting the limited availability of rabies vaccines and post-exposure treatment for people in these remote communities - an important public and veterinary health challenge.”
Image (C) Wendy Furness.
Sam Dracott joins Brooke as new ambassador
Brooke has appointed Sam Dracott, a farrier and social media educator, as its new farriery ambassador.
His partnership with the international working animal charity will utilise his experience and reach to spread Brooke’s animal welfare messages to a wider audience.
Mr Dracott has a large social media following for his farriery videos, which have drawn viewers for their educational content and ‘oddly satisfying’ nature. In 2022, a video of him cleaning and trimming a horse’s hoof became the most watched UK TikTok upload for the year with more than 273 million views.
Brooke is hoping this following will enable them to share their welfare messages to wider equine, veterinary and mainstream audiences.
The charity says that effective hoof care is essential to the welfare and working ability of working horses, donkeys and mules. It works globally to raise awareness of the common welfare issues affecting these animals, including hoof problems and lameness.
These conditions can cause pain and reduced mobility, limiting their ability to work in their communities.
Klare Kennett, head of communications at Brooke, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sam Dracott as Brooke’s farriery ambassador. Sam has an extraordinary ability to make farriery engaging, understandable and relevant to a wide audience, while keeping horse welfare at the heart of the conversation.
“For millions of working horses, donkeys and mules, good hoof care can mean the difference between pain and comfort, immobility and the ability to work safely. By working with Sam, we hope to reach new audiences and show why skilled, compassionate farriery is such a vital part of animal welfare.”
Sam Dracott said: “One good farrier can completely change a horse's quality of life, and that is why I am proud to be an ambassador for Brooke. Every day I see how much good hoof care can change a horse's comfort, movement and well-being.
“In many parts of the world, farriers work without proper education, support, or even the right tools, and that is what drew me to Brooke, as they help global farriers achieve true change for working equines. I’m so excited to share more of Brooke’s work around the world.”
Image © Brooke
Entries open for SPVS Veterinary Business Awards 2026
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has officially opened entries for this year’s Veterinary Business Excellence Awards.
Members and non-members are invited to submit their entry for the awards before the deadline at 5pm on 9 October 2026.
The initiative is intended to ‘celebrate and honour’ veterinary practices which are able to demonstrate exceptional performance and innovation in key areas. SPVS hopes applicants will showcase how they are using SPVS resources.
The awards will be presented across three different categories:
• Leadership and Management Skills – practices exhibiting visionary leadership, strategic planning, management and practice development
• Team and Self-Development – practices demonstrating excellent morale, collaborative team working and effective communication.
• Veterinary Start-ups – honouring practice, started in the past 2.5 years, which have developed quickly and achieved a profitable and sustainable business model.
Practices are only permitted to submit an application for one category. The SPVS Board will then choose five practices from each category to submit a 90-second video to showcase their achievements.
The five shortlisted practices for each category will each receive a book of their choice, courtesy of 5M Books.
From there, the three category winners will be presented with full day and evening tickets to SPVS Congress 2027 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, plus overnight accommodation. The overall winner will announced at the event.
Last year’s winner was PetPeople Vets, an independent practice with two clinics in London.
Amy Owens, a veterinary surgeon at the practice, said: “We entered the SPVS Business Excellence Awards to celebrate the culture our team has worked hard to build. The awards recognise the people and values behind successful practices, and the process gave us a chance to reflect on our journey and achievements.
“Winning was a fantastic honour and a real boost for the whole team. We’d encourage any practice proud of its culture to enter.”
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit the SPVS website.
Image © SPVS
'Highly accurate' biomarker identified for pyelonephritis
The condition can be hard to distinguish from other urological issues.
New research has identified serum amyloid A (SAA) as an accurate biomarker of pyelonephritis in cats.
Researchers describe SAA as having ‘high diagnostic accuracy’, which could support veterinary surgeons in distinguishing pyelonephritis from other urological conditions.
Pyelonephritis is a serious bacterial infection of the kidneys, caused by bacteria from the lower urinary tract. It is considered challenging to diagnose, with its clinical signs overlapping with conditions such as chronic disease and ureteral obstruction.
The diagnosis of the condition will usually rely on a positive bladder urine culture. This is considered alongside clinical, laboratory or ultrasonographic signs usually suggestive of upper urinary tract infections.
To improve the diagnostic process of identifying pyelonephritis, researchers studied how SAA and leukocyte ratios may help distinguish between the condition and other similar urological diseases.
The research team, from the University of Copenhagen, analysed the urine and blood samples of 71 cats. The cats had either been enrolled in this study from 2020-2024, or enrolled in previous studies from 2015-2019 with stored urine and blood samples.
Cats were either classified as having confirmed pyelonephritis, presumptive pyelonephritis, having other urological disorders or being clinically healthy. Serum amyloid A was assessed at enrolment, with neutrophil:lymphocyte and monocyte:lymphocyte ratios calculated for each cat.
The median SAA concentrations were found to be significantly higher in cats with confirmed pyelonephritis and presumptive pyelonephritis. There was minimal overlap compared to cats which had other urological conditions or healthy cats.
Following antimicrobial treatment, SAA levels went on to decline and normalise in the vast majority of cats.
Meanwhile the neutrophil:lymphocyte and monocyte:lymphocyte ratios, despite being significantly higher in cats with pyelonephritis, had a substantial overlap with other urological conditions. This limited their usefulness as a diagnostic tool.
Dr Lisbeth Jessen, lead author of the study, said: “Our findings closely align with those reported by the French research group led by Kurtz et al. 2024, who also identified SAA as a useful indicator of pyelonephritis at a similar threshold of 51 mg/L. This consistency strengthens our confidence in the robustness of the results.
“As an acute-phase protein, SAA is not specific to pyelonephritis, and results should always be interpreted alongside other clinical and paraclinical findings”.
The full study can be found in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Image © Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com
Vigilance urged over deadly red squirrel virus
Experts confirm new case of Squirrelpox in Dollar Glen, Scotland.
Residents in the north of Scotland are being urged to be vigilant following a newly confirmed case of squirrelpox.
The warning comes after wildlife experts confirmed the fatal disease in the north of Scotland’s central belt for the second time in two years.
A post-mortem examination of a red squirrel found in Dollar Glenn, Clackmannanshire, conducted by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, confirmed the presence of the virus.
Video evidence has since captured further spread in the area, posing what experts call a “major threat” to Scotland’s most northerly red squirrels.
To help contain the outbreak, residents are being asked to record sightings of affected squirrels and temporarily remove garden feeders, which can enable the spread of the disease.
Liam Wilson, a veterinary pathology lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “This newly confirmed case in Dollar Glen indicates that squirrelpox has spread further north in Scotland.
“Images of other red squirrels from this area with similar facial lesions also raise concerns regarding a more widespread outbreak than the single case identified in March 2024, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and intervention.
“We are urging members of the public to submit any suspected cases for post-mortem confirmation, as this will help strengthen surveillance and support efforts to limit the spread of squirrelpox in Dollar Glen and the surrounding areas.”
Squirrelpox is a virus carried by grey squirrels, but it does not affect them. However, it can be fatal when passed to red squirrels. Symptoms include ulcers, scabs and weeping lesions in the face, particularly around the mouth and eyes.
The virus is rapidly lethal and can cause local populations to crash if left unmanaged.
Image (C) Karin Greevy/Shutterstock.com
Police dog recovering after specialist spine surgery
A German shepherd is recovering after undergoing major surgery, following spinal damage caused by years of police service.
Nine-year-old Captain’s time in service with West Midlands Police had caused degeneration to the discs in his spine.
Captain served in West Midlands Police for three years, until he was forced to retire early due to injury. He had ruptured his cruciate ligament in 2021 but, despite surgery, he had to leave his career as a general purpose dog.
However, his strenuous career had also led to significant damage to his spine. The discs in his spine had degenerated, putting pressure on his spinal cord.
Captain had six damaged discs in his spine, with MRI scans revealing that two other discs were significantly degenerated. The resulting pressure on his spine was causing him problems in his back legs.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation supports retired police dogs with veterinary treatment after their retirement. The charity launched a fundraising appeal in 2024 to pay for the specialist operation.
However, veterinary surgeons soon determined that Captain was not strong enough to undergo treatment.
To prepare him for surgery, Captain was prescribed therapeutic treatments. This included twice weekly hydrotherapy, which improved his mobility and built up his strength, and daily medication to manage the pain.
Kieran Stanbridge, founder of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, said: “The Foundation has funded all of his treatment to date, including diagnostic tests and consultations, two MRI scans, 198 hydrotherapy sessions and the pioneering surgery, at a total cost of around £20,000. Thankfully, the hydrotherapy helped prepare Captain and he had his surgery on Tuesday (26 June) before returning home to recover.”
The surgery took four hours to complete, with surgeons repairing two spinal discs and removing some bone. He then had to stay at the veterinary practice for a further five days before he was discharged.
According to his surgeons, a further three to six months would have been a less positive prognosis.
Mr Stanbridge added: “His owner Marcus, who also handled him during his police career, has been by his side throughout his life and has been sleeping on the sofa to keep Captain company while he has to take it easy.
“The bond they have is so special and it’s wonderful to see them back together and Captain well on his way to recovery.”
Captain’s owner, PC Marcus Cottrell, said: “I will be eternally grateful for the charity and its supporters for giving Captain a second chance at having a happy retirement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Quality Improvement awards open for applications
The awards celebrate creativity, courage and dedication.
Veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge has announced that its 2027 Quality Improvement (QI) Awards are open for applications.
While previously focused on clinical audit, this year’s awards have been refreshed to provide greater recognition for different areas of QI. The award categories include:
Improving patient outcomes: open to projects that have improved the safety, health and welfare or quality of life of veterinary patients.
Improving veterinary teamwork: open to initiatives that have strengthened communication, collaboration, psychological safety, leadership or workplace culture within veterinary teams.
Improving service delivery: open to projects that have enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, reliability or overall experience of veterinary services to those that use them.
Improving antimicrobial stewardship: open to practical examples where teams are improving antimicrobial stewardship using recognised quality improvement methods.
Julie Gibson, quality improvement clinical lead at RCVS Knowledge, said: “For me, the awards have always recognised the excellence of locally led projects and provided a platform to showcase the very best. In that respect, this year is no different. However, to better reflect the wide range of quality improvement projects, we’ve restructured our award categories.
“The heart of the awards remains; a belief that veterinary care is safer, kinder and more effective for animals, the people who care for them and the environment when those delivering it are empowered to work collaboratively on improvements. We very much look forward to receiving your team’s entry!”
All members of the veterinary practice team are encouraged to apply, with projects involving any species. Projects can span a diverse range of settings including first opinion referral and peripatetic services, higher education facilities and both clinic-based and ambulatory practices.
Successful applicants in each category will receive one of three awards — Champion, Second and Third Place, and Commended — marking them out as one of the very best practitioners of QI in the veterinary profession.
Image (C) Gonzalo Infiesta/Shutterstock.com
Sheep lameness assessments highlight Five Point Plan
An analysis of lameness assessment results has revealed the benefits of the Five Point Plan in reducing lameness levels in affected sheep.
Results from more than 21,000 sheep has found that the five elements of the plan resulted in a reduction of over two-thirds in lameness cases.
The Five Point Plan is used across the industry to support farmers and animal health advisors to assess and improve lameness control. It addresses five areas: vaccinate, avoid, treat, quarantine and cull.
Researchers from MSD Animal Health analysed findings from 83 on-farm assessments, conducted across 24 farms between 2021 and 2024.
When all five elements of the plans were followed, farms saw lameness reductions between 57 per cent and 67 per cent. This marks an average 63 per cent reduction in lameness.
The average lameness scores improved from 13.4 out of 25, to 22.9 – a gain of 9.5 points.
It is hoped that the use of this approach will help farmers to reach the Farm Animal Welfare Committee target reducing lameness to two per cent or less.
Duncan Sinclair, associate director of MSD Animal Health’s Market Access Team, said: “The Five Point Plan has been established for many years, yet lameness remains a persistent issue. These results show the impact of addressing key risk factors in a structured and consistent way.”
However, MSD Animal Health has also raised three areas from its assessments where it believes improvements can be made.
One such improvement is the use of more consistent vaccination against footrot. This is particularly key ahead of high-risk periods, with booster timing essential when prevalence is high.
MSD Animal Health has also flagged gaps in ‘avoid’ measures, such as inconsistent use of lime in high-traffic areas and irregular movement of mineral buckets.
Finally, the organisation warns against delays when treating lame sheep and the inconsistent recording of affected animals and limbs. It says that this could cause limited follow-up action.
Mr Sinclair suggests that improved recording, alongside compulsory Electronic Identification (EID) systems, could help in identifying sheep prone to lameness and strengthening the culling stage of the Five Point Plan.
He added: “EID allows farmers to identify repeat offenders more easily and remove them from the flock. It also supports accurate recording of cases and treatment history.
“With footrot resistance estimated to be moderately heritable, between 15 per cent and 30 per cent, this information is increasingly valuable for breeding decisions.”
Image © MSD Animal Health
Conservationists launch plan to save rare bird species
The Javan green magpie is threatened by habitat loss and illegal online trade.
Conservationists, including experts from Chester Zoo, have launched an international action plan to save one of the world’s most endangered birds.
Bringing together 48 experts from across the globe, the plan aims to pull the Javan green magpie back from the brink of extinction — a species so rare that fewer than 250 are thought to remain in the wild.
The plan sets out more than 80 actions to be implemented over the next decade, including targeting illegal online trade networks and working alongside mountain hiking communities. It will also expand the coordinated breeding programme and develop plans for the eventual reintroduction of captive-bred birds into protected wild habitats.
Andrew Owen, Chester Zoo's Head of Birds, who has led the zoo's involvement with the species since its earliest days and co-authored the plan, said: “This is a bird that most people have never heard of, and that's part of the problem.
“The Javan green magpie is running out of time - and running out of places to hide. When survey teams searched across mountain after mountain in Java and found nothing, it brought home just how desperate the situation has become”.
He added: “Chester Zoo has been fighting for this species for over a decade. We helped build the breeding programme that now holds almost every individual known to exist. But while conservation breeding buys time, it isn't a solution on its own. This new action plan is about giving the species a future in the wild. That's what drives us.”
Habitat loss, bird trapping, and illegal online trade are considered the main drivers of the species’ decline. Currently, Chester Zoo cares for 12 of the approximately 130 Javan green magpies within the entire global conservation breeding programme.
Corinne Bailey, regional field programme senior manager for South East Asia at Chester Zoo, said: “We are now planning the final details of conservation translocations, drawing on conservation breeding of the Javan green magpie, as well as preparing in situ community and poacher engagement to reduce the threat posed by the illegal wild songbird trade.”
Image (C) Chester Zoo.