Veterinary Voices UK

Home
Veterinary Voices UK

Veterinary Voices UK We inform and engage with animal owners by providing a balanced view on medical and veterinary issues

We share posts, articles and information on campaigns and issues that the 18000+ members of Veterinary Voices UK believe would be of interest to animal owners.

11/03/2025

Navigating conversations around su***de and the impact of social media, there has been lots of posts shared recently, which although the intention is one of love, grief and bereavement, is also a risk factor for su***de contagion. So, how do we navigate this conversation?

***Sensitive Topic Discussion***
Listener discretion advised

It is important to note that this podcast discusses the sensitive subject of veterinary mental health and su***de. If you feel affected by any of this, please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or via email:

✅https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/

Rosie Allister and James Russell bring their wealth of experience alongside evidence-based information about how best to talk about su***de within the veterinary profession both broadly on social media and when engaging with vulnerable individuals.

Robyn Lowe BSc(Hons), Dip AVN, Dip HE CVN, RVN talks to James Russell BVetMed FRCVS, president of Vetlife and Rosie Allister BSc(Hons) BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS. Rosie has extensive experience in veterinary mental health research and its implementation, including su***de prevention and postvention. She is also the Consulting Manager for Vetlife Helpline and has 20 years of experience working with Samaritans

We discuss the importance of talking to an individual who is experiencing mental distress about whether they want to end their life, and how by being caring and supportive in how we approach this, makes it a safe and positive thing to do.

We also talk about the impact of posting comments involving su***de online, though unintentional it can be actively damaging and may be causal to additional subsequent suicidal behaviour.

We explain the evidence base behind what is being shared online, and discuss how improving how and what is shared can be protective for veterinary mental health and su***de.

💚So, how can we talk about su***de safely?

Because it is so important to talk about it! We need to be conscious of what language we use and be careful not to minimise the cause to one specific factor. Su***de is complex and nuanced. Oversimplifying it can be linked to deaths that would not otherwise have happened.

We need to focus on where help can be found and that THERE IS HOPE.

Join us in this fascinating and educational podcast to learn how we can support and protect vulnerable individuals who may be affected by what we post online and by the media in ways that may not be easily foreseen.

For further support following this podcast, please see the following mental health support links:

✅Vetlife
⁠https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/⁠

✅Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/Navigating-conversations-around-su***de-and-the-impact-of-social-media-e2qqtkr

11/03/2025

The human animal bond is an incredible connection, and it brings both humans and their animals so many physical and mental benefits.

However, it can also lead to problems such as overfeeding, because we love the feeling and happiness of giving our pets treats and when our pets beg we feel guilty.

But remember, 40-60% of our UK pet population could be overweight and this has been shown to reduce quality of life, increase the prevalence of certain diseases and shorten lifespan.

So, if we want to try to change OUR behaviour, to benefit our pets, here are a few ideas:

➡️ Change your behaviour from treat giving to another happy and positive bonding experience such as walking or training

➡️ Weigh their food out every day and use part of that for giving out when they beg you - they think they're getting extra, but they're actually only getting part of their normal balanced diet

➡️ Use puzzle feeders and enrichment to slow down feeding times, keep them entertained while you eat, so they reduce the begging behaviour that makes you feel guilty

➡️ Swap high calorie treats for (minimal) low calorie treats

Read more below

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/get-hand-on-with-your-pets-weight

10/03/2025

Arthritis in dogs: Tell us about the first signs of osteoarthritis in your dog. Did it surprise you?❓

From behaviour changes, new anxieties, reluctance to play, avoiding walks, or even licking themselves or panting and pacing at night – for those of us (humans) who have chronic pain, we know that the experience impacts us both mentally and physically, and the same is for our animals.

❓What signs did your dog show?

There are many conditions and diseases in animals that cause pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in dogs and is the leading cause of chronic pain. It is a disease of the joints that gets worse over time and can result in loss of joint mobility and lameness, making it harder for a dog to do normal everyday activities.

According to the Animal Welfare Act, it is your duty of care to ensure you take reasonable steps to meet the welfare needs of your animal, including.....need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease!

However, chronic pain is much harder to recognise than acute pain; here's why…

➡ACUTE PAIN

✅Acute pain is an emergency strategy to help remove ourselves from a noxious (painful) stimulus to protect the body from harm!
✅Acute pain is self-limiting and is provoked by a specific disease or injury; as stated above, it serves a useful biological purpose... To keep us alive and free from traumatic injuries!
✅Dogs will typically vocalise, guard the area, show very overt signs of being ‘in pain’!

➡CHRONIC PAIN

✅The pain that is often under recognised but equally important in animal health and welfare is chronic (long-term) pain. Chronic pain, in contrast to acute pain, may be considered a disease state; it is a pain that lasts for 3 months or more.
✅With chronic pain there are also changes in the brain and spinal cord that can cause pain ‘wind up’, leading to an exaggerated pain response.
✅The pain outlasts the normal or usual time of healing and is associated with a disease or injury. It serves no biological purpose and has no recognisable end-point, which is why it is extremely important to manage it to the best of our ability for your pet's quality of life.
✅Commonly seen in diseases like osteoarthritis, it is often picked up late because the symptoms can be subtle and vague.

➡CLINICAL SIGNS

Clinical signs of pain depend on a number of factors; however, they are typically very subtle!

✅Exercise intolerance
✅Reluctance to exercise
✅Stopping, sitting or turning around on walks
✅Licking certain areas of their body
✅Lethargy and sleeping more
✅Behaviour changes
✅Becoming more reactive or anxious
✅Reluctance to play or engage
✅Muscle loss (atrophy)
✅Struggling to jump into cars or go upstairs
✅Stumbling over uneven ground
✅Existing pain can make other sensations worse

➡If your pet experiences chronic (long-term) pain, the repeated and sustained stimulation of their pain receptors can result in peripheral and central sensitisation or pain 'wind up'.

➡This results in a non-painful stimulus being perceived as pain by your pet, such as allodynia, a condition where pain is experienced from stimuli that do not normally cause pain and hyperalgesia is a condition where a pet develops an increased sensitivity to pain.

✅Check out this page by Elanco that helps explain more about how we can support our arthritic dogs:

https://mypetandi.elanco.com/en_gb/our-product/canine-osteoarthritis

10/03/2025

How do you see the Veterinary Nursing profession changing in the next few years?

It's been two years since we asked this question on Veterinary Voices UK - as part of a piece to educate on Veterinary Nurses.

We asked, 'should the title be protected?' The resounding answer, as it has been for many years was - yes!

You might not even know that the title isn't currently protected, anyone can call themselves a Veterinary Nurse, even if they aren't registered and aren't governed by the RCVS - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. These people who work under this title, lets be honest, are absolutely integral to their teams and their years of dedication to animal health and welfare is incredible, however, it can cause some ambiguity for public understanding of the role.

The title not being protected may have been leading to perception and understanding issues with clients surrounding the role of a veterinary nurse, and lack of understanding about the training, education and professional requirements that RVNs undertake.

However, for many years the regulatory framework has been prohibitive to professional progression. Something the CMA has noted as a small part of their inquiry.

Although the RCVS VN council raised concerns about this being perceived as “cheap mini-vets”, the BVNA (The British Veterinary Nursing Association) argued the authority’s observations potentially offered a “significant opportunity” for their profession.

Some of the CMA proposals are around the role of veterinary nurses, protection of the veterinary nurse title and the benefits of greater utilisation of vet nurses.

Talking about the veterinary nursing profession, empowering nurses and promoting public awareness is important, lets keep our eyes on updates and news from the RCVS, legislative reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and CMA proposals.

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/rcvs-responds-to-cmas-working-papers/

09/03/2025

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that will take place between 7-16 March 2025!

Forgive us for celebrating our profession, but thank you to everyone who contributes to the Veterinary Sciences!

Veterinary medicine is a fast moving profession, with regular updates to research bases providing us with new information to change and adapt to.

Everyone in our team is responsible for supporting this, from the Veterinary Receptionists, Care Assistants and Kennel Assistants, Registered Veterinary Nurses and the Surgeons (and everything in between).

Whether non clinical or clinical, and even those who have diversified, science has usually always been a fascination to many.

08/03/2025

Sun! 🌞

And as much as we ADORE our current cover photo, it's time to change to SPRING 🌱🌼

Please share your photos for a chance to be our next cover photo

Good quality, landscape, spring, animal themed photos.

By sharing below you're giving us permission to use your gorgeous photo in pride of place on our page.

We can't wait, these pictures always give us the biggest smile!

What a brilliant time to celebrate the profession and animals

08/03/2025

Making people laugh is one of the best things, and often comedians like to interact with their audience and one of the most common lines of inquiry is a person's job.

Jimmy has the privilege of having a Veterinary Nurse in the audience.

He thought it was the 'worst job' in the world because we go into this job because we love animals and then asked 'how many cats have you killed this week?'.

Guess what?

The euthanasia of a cat, or any animal, is one of the biggest privileges we have delegated to us. Allowing the peaceful passing of someone's beloved pet, in a calm and respectful environment, will never make it the worst job.

The hours, the pay, the emotional cases, the attachment we get to your pets, the way we worry about them when we leave a shift and come in early the next day hoping they made it through the night with the night team, the variety, the mental acrobatics we do on cases, the surgery, the anesthesia, the busy wards and the back to back consultations, the pressure we put on ourselves, the standard at which we are held to.... It might be a tough job but you're wrong Jimmy, it's not the worst job, for some of us, it's the best job in the world, it's the job we dreamed of, and it's our life.

Don't get us wrong, comedy is needed. Laughter is needed, but you're wrong on this one;

We are, Registered Veterinary Nurses, and it is a privilege to serve our nations animal health and welfare.

06/03/2025

The weather is beautiful, lambs are in the fields, has spring arrived?

➡️ Please share this important message

If you are out and about, perhaps walking your dog, and you find a sheep stuck on her back, please tip or roll her over so she is the right way up.

This time of year sheep are often gravid (pregnant and very soon to give birth to little lambs) - and struggle to get over if they get rolled onto their backs.

This position can be fatal or very damaging for a sheep if they are left on their backs too long - fermenting grass in its stomach produces gas, if this cannot escape it begins to put pressure on the lungs, sheep in this position can also suffer exhaustion and dehydration.

Once the sheep is the right way up, you should encourage them to sit in this position for a few minutes - It then may take her a while to be able to stand and she may be wobbly or weak.

If you are unable to tip or roll the sheep by yourself, try and find the farmer or someone to help you, or call a local farm vets. If you give your location, they may know the farmer, and inform them of the situation. Please don't leave her.

You can also use the app 'what3words' to aid you in detailing your position if you require assistance.

Always keep dogs on leads around livestock and keep them in your line of vision when walking near fields.

06/03/2025

Crufts 2025 will take place from Thursday, March 6 to Sunday, March 9 at the NEC in Birmingham.

We are looking forward to seeing the incredible veterinary team and beautiful breeds across the show!

Yet, every year there are decisions made that worry people who are advocating for less extreme conformation and improved health and welfare of breeds.

In this podcast episode we reflect on the decisions made in 2024 and veterinary surgeon Alison Skipper highlights the incredible work the veterinary community alongside the Kennel Club are doing to put in place measures to improve health and welfare.

Crufts - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Last year, In the bustling arena of Crufts 2024, over 24,000 dogs proudly strutted their stuff.

But amidst the glitz and glamour, there's a sobering reality.

Some veterinary professionals voiced concerns over the slow progress in improving breed health - Dachshunds with very long backs or French Bulldogs with very flat faces.

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.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/Crufts---the-good--the-bad--and-the-ugly-e2i3g6g

05/03/2025

My pet has cancer, what next? A diagnosis of cancer in pets can be devastating to face, but know that you're not alone and there is lots of support available - what did you experience?

"Will my dog lose his hair?"

"Is my dog too old for cancer treatment?"

"How big should we let this lump grow before we remove it?"

"Does a high protein, low starch diet help treat cancer?"

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 Referrals Veterinary Hospital.

Together, they delve into the ethical considerations surrounding cancer treatment in companion animals, debunking common myths that often cloud judgment.

Listen to the most recent episode of our podcast:
Debunking Myths in Veterinary Cancer Care ⬇️
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/Better-Pred-Than-Dead--Debunking-Myths-in-Veterinary-Cancer-Care-e2ivler

04/03/2025

Puppy yoga, and now we hear about cocktails with puppies.

In recent years, the RSPCA (England & Wales) , British Veterinary Association - BVA , Naturewatch Foundation ,PDSA , The Kennel Club and more have raised concerns about classes and events containing puppies.

During an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (DEFRA) meeting Dr Justine Shotton, Senior Vice President at the time of the British Veterinary Association said "we have serious concerns about the welfare of those puppies."

Shotton added that their concerns would be that "it's a sort of marketing tool for puppy sales and irresponsible puppy sales."

💬 That's at least nine lessons they took part in before they were eight weeks old, up to three times a day. That’s up to four hours in these spaces with a fifteen minute gap inbetween.

There are now events for 'hen dos' with puppies, cocktails nights and party events.
There are some SERIOUS questions we need to be asking ourselves and those running them before engaging. These events are unlikely to be in the best interests of the puppies involved and could be supporting unethical breeding practices.

https://www.itv.com/news/2023-07-04/puppy-yoga-commodifying-cute-animals-mps-warned

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/13/puppy-yoga-dog-welfare-documentary-animal-welfare

04/03/2025

In response to emerging evidence on a change in the distribution of Echinococcus granulosus - a dog tapeworm which can cause disease in humans - Elanco Animal Health will be hosting a discussion panel on the topic on Friday 21st March, at BSAVA Congress and Expo 2025.

Given the seriousness of a potential spread in people, Elanco is facilitating a cross-disciplinary discussion of the issue, with leading experts from both human and veterinary medicine.

We are looking forward to hearing about the new and emerging evidence around distribution of these parasites. The panel will present the latest information on the prevalence of this zoonotic disease, review prevention strategies, and highlight the significance of cystic echinococcosis in humans through real world case studies.

See this article below with some thoughts around worming in companion animals 👇

There is a wide range of helminths (parasitic worms) including roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms (cestodes) and even flukes (trematodes) that can infect dogs and cats in Europe. Commonly we hear about intestinal worms such as Ascarids (roundworms), Tapeworms, Hookworms and Whipworm.

Then we also have non-intestinal worms. And in the UK the most talked about is Lungworms, or French heartworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum).

And the lifecycle of worms that impact them are likely to occur from a much more varied source geographically and by the host, than in horses. That’s not to say resistance will not occur. One paper noted that anthelmintic resistance has thus far only rarely been reported (mainly only in rare cases in the USA) for intestinal helminths of dogs and cats, in contrast to parasites of livestock and horses.

Anthelmintic (dewormer) effectiveness field surveys in dogs and cats are sparse. However there have been two, one in Germany and one in Spain. And neither showed evidence of anthelmintic resistance concerning benzimidazole drugs against the present intestinal nematodes (roundworm), or for praziquantel against cestodes (tapeworm).

Overall, resistance has probably not been seen yet due to a number of factors including major epidemiological and biological differences; significantly different husbandry settings such as individual rather than herd keepings and better hygiene options; overall lower anthelmintic treatment frequency in most circumstances (apart from in high risk areas;, plus a smaller parasite population size leading to a comparatively low genetic diversity in the parasite populations.

The European Scientific Council on Companion Animal Parasites, ESCCAP, suggest treating depending on risk factors, and based on faecal analysis. ESCCAP state that indoor animals with no access to other cats/dogs, parks, sandpits, playgrounds, snails and slugs, raw meat or prey animals may only be advised to be wormed for roundworm 1-2 times a year, or after faecal examination. Whereas those who eats prey animals and/or goes outdoors to hunt without supervision may be suggested to treat monthly against tapeworms; 4–12 times a year against roundworms depending on risk analysis.

As with all things, our pets are individual and the way they interact in our lives and who they interact with are so unique. We should ensure we have discussions on a case-by-case basis.

https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2024/06/26/are-we-over-worming-our-cats-and-dogs/

03/03/2025

Prioritise health, or lose the breed?

➡️A recent study results suggest that the health of English Bulldogs is substantially lower than other dogs.

➡️Many predispositions in the breed are driven by the extreme conformation of these dogs.

➡️Consequently the study concluded that immediate redefinition of the breed is needed to avoid the UK joining the growing list of countries where breeding of English Bulldogs is banned.

➡️ Want to save the breed? Stop breeding with poor conformation and low health and welfare.

✅ The time to act is now

⬇️Read more below:

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/post/prioritise-health-or-lose-the-breed

But here's 'The Puppy Conundrum': What is ethical breeding?

As the Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme closed down at the end of 2024, how do we ensure that prospective puppy owners are educated on what constitutes an ‘ethical breeder’.

Do you believe that there is such a thing as ‘ethical breeders’?

Join Veterinary Surgeons Sean McCormack and Alison Skipper, with Veterinary Voices own Robyn Lowe, as they delve into challenging topics around the Kennel Club, pedigree dogs, health testing, societies purchase habits (sometimes compulsive, and based on aesthetic and fashionable breeds over health) and the future of puppy breeding and purchasing.

What are the ‘green flags’ of a good breeder - how do we stop the UK puppy demand supporting illegally imported puppies, or unethical and unscrupulous breeding methods and establishments or organisations?

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/The-Puppy-Conundrum-What-is-ethical-breeding-e2smv85

02/03/2025

WARNING!

Pictures like this, shared under accounts for 'pet lovers' claiming to be cute, the best photo, gorgeous, sweet....

THIS IS DANGEROUS

This is how children get bitten. This is how children are taught not to respect dogs. This is how children end up with life altering injuries. This is how a dog is forced into an uncomfortable situation and escalate their response.

Please, teach your children to respect animals. Teach them to respond to dogs body language. Educate yourself as a caregiver. Just because your dog tolerates behaviour does not mean you shouldn't be their advocate.

02/03/2025

Has a diagnosis of neurodiversity changed your outlook and understanding of yourself, and how you are able to advocate for reasonable adjustments ?

Our very own Robyn Lowe hosts this week’s podcast in which we discuss the work done by the Vet Project, with Helen Allwood and Daniel Keating-Roberts. Both with a personal understanding of neurodiversity, they discuss how they decided to set up the Vet Project, to help with the challenges of life in veterinary practice. They give advice and insight into how to improve the workplace for neurodivergent individuals.

We touch on how, due to the nature of neurodiversity, every individual and their needs are different and as a result placing someone into a category based on diagnosis and assuming what they will need can be really unhelpful. It is important that individuals feel able to self-advocate for their needs, and for leadership to educate themselves and make themselves aware of the lived experience of neurodiversity, and to be led by the individual.

We talk about how to ask for reasonable adjustments at work, highlighting that you do not need a formal diagnosis to ask for this support.

Along with this is the need to reduce the stigma around neurodiversity, increasing our understanding and awareness.

We explain the double empathy mismatch, where due to differences in communication styles neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals may not recognise the others empathy, but that does not mean that empathy is not there.

This is not an issue unique to the veterinary profession and is on a societal level. But there are a high proportion of veterinary professionals who are neurodivergent and it is so important for us all to understand what this means as it can be a wonderfully enriching thing. Variety is the spice of life!

Listen here 🎙️

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/Variety-is-the-spice-of-life-e2vi628

Vetlife

💚https://www.vetlife.org.uk/neurodiversity/

💚 https://www.vetlife.org.uk/work-issues/supporting-neurodivergence/

The Vet Project

https://www.thevetproject.co.uk/

28/02/2025

Could you be an interviewee for PhD research?

This PhD student would love to chat to UK residents (18+) who bought, sold or rehomed a dog in 2023 or 2024, using an online selling site (so something like Pets4Homes or Gumtree, rather than social media).

Please share this post, to help with the research base into UK purchasing habits of puppies and dogs.

⬇️ If you are interested in being interviewed, the full details and form to register your interest are here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/pre-owned-interviewbm

Thank you!

Address

Website

https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Veterinary Voices UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Veterinary Voices UK:

Videos

Do you need to rediscover your passion for veterinary medicine? Danny Chambers and Jenny Guyat from Vet Harmony discuss the career rut many vets and nurses find themselves in at 5-10 years graduated. Listen to "I’m not sure I want to be a vet anymore" here ⬇️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/veterinary-voices/episodes/Im-not-sure-I-want-to-be-a-vet-anymore---Rediscovering-Your-Passion-e2ji8t4

As animal athletes, we understand that Santa's Reindeer needs good quality nutrition. Veterinary professionals are very knowledgeable on nutrition matters in numerous species, which is why we want to send our Reindeer feeders a special notice. Some 'Reindeer feed' sold in shops, contain raisins. Although Dancer and Prancer have a soft spot for this dried fruit, if your pet dogs gets into the garden BEFORE Santa has come then we risk them eating the Reindeer food. This may contain harmful substances - such as raisins. Can our parents, guardians and caregivers ensure that our reindeer food is scattered where dogs cannot access it! Happy Christmas Eve 🎄❄️🩵

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City:

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

10/03/2025

10/03/2025

09/03/2025

08/03/2025

08/03/2025

06/03/2025

06/03/2025

05/03/2025

04/03/2025

04/03/2025

03/03/2025

02/03/2025

02/03/2025

28/02/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Shortcuts

Share