January 2019

Canine and feline obesity – slimming down a growing problem

Emma Gerrard discusses how to go about approaching this subject with pet owners and giving suitable advice, including what’s too fat and what’s too thin.

36 mins
My Bursary Diary: January

Bursary winner Martin Peters reflects on his hopes for the future and acknowledge the presence of a few butterflies as he embarks on his new adventure in emergency and critical care.

8 mins

December 2018

Specialising from across the pond

RVN Sophie McMurrough is a veterinary technician specialist in small animal medicine – a qualification gained in Washington DC. She explains the origins of the “exciting” role, why no day is the same, and how holding the qualification could enable VNs to progress and get the “recognition they deserve”.

18 mins
The Consult: Beth Acton

In our final column of the year, a deaf RVN shares her journey and undeterred determination to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

18 mins
Cystitis in cats and dogs – management and treatment

Emma Gerrard explores two forms of this inflammatory condition – idiopathic in cats and bacterial in dogs – as well as what helps resolve them.

29 mins
VN Voice: help for nurses only a telephone call away

This month, RVN and BVNA council member Gemma Reeve reaches out to colleagues to remind them that, even at the toughest times of the year, the association is there for them.

5 mins
Digestive disorders: strategies in cats and dogs

Kit Sturgess discusses the causes, management and treatment of gastrointestinal issues in small animal patients.

48 mins
Eye on EBVM: taking the lead on quality improvement

This month, VN council vice-chairman Liz Cox throws down the gauntlet to fellow veterinary nurses to take the lead on quality improvement in practice for the benefit of all.

7 mins

November 2018

All aboard! Life on the BVNA bus

Stacey Blease was appointed BVNA head of learning and development six months ago. Here, she reflects on her journey so far, what she has achieved since boarding the "BVNA bus", and considers what the future may hold for the organisation.

16 mins
My bursary journey

Julii Elliott was the winner of last year's £1,000 bursary for the Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care course, courtesy of VN Times and Vets Now. Here, the RVN reflects on her experience, the challenges of study and the joys of completion.

27 mins
The Consult: Heather MacIntosh

This month we are joined by a ZSL London Zoo RVN, who talks about life on the wild side of animal care.

17 mins
Managing otitis externa: clinical approach

Gayle Morrison and Peter Forsythe outline a strategy for dealing with this ear disease in small animals to maximise the chances of a successful outcome and minimise the likelihood of chronic disease onset.

38 mins

In this month's Practice Champions feature, we’ve teamed up with Virbac and hear from Louise Manton, who discusses the importance of feeding pets the right diet for their age, breed size and lifestyle.

9 mins
A walk on the wild side

From treating lemurs with lasers and checking penguin chicks, to scanning pregnant sloths while up stepladders, and caring for poorly pigs, no two days are the same for a zoo RVN. Holly Kernot visited ZSL London Zoo to find out more...

49 mins
VN Voice: avoiding overworking

BVNA honorary treasurer Erika Feilberg discusses work-life balance and how sometimes, you have to say no.

8 mins
Small animal dentistry – VN practice and home care role

Claire Bloor explores the significance of veterinary nurses’ involvement in the provision of dental services – both in the veterinary surgery environment and take-home advice for owners.

30 mins

October 2018

Practice Champions: hyperthyroidism knowledge tips to raise your game

Jen Oliver discusses the intricacies of hyperthyroid cases and the VN role within them – from assisting early detection to client education.

15 mins
Canine and feline foods: helping owners negotiate options

Marge Chandler breaks down the never-ending myriad of pet dietary offerings to aid veterinary nurses in helping their clients make nutritional choices.

50 mins
Dive into a career in canine hydrotherapy

Canine hydrotherapy has been a treatment option for more than two decades, yet the canine hydrotherapist's role remains unregulated. Angela Griffiths, owner and chief executive of Greyfriars Veterinary Rehabilitation Referrals in Surrey, explains why she is leading a revolution for regulation.

17 mins
‘I want VNs to feel proud’

Emma Goodman Milne – well known for her appearances on BBC1’s Vets in Practice – is the BVNA Congress keynote speaker. She talks to Congress Times about how the profession has changed since the programme, the role of VNs in practice, the importance of work-life balance, and her series of children’s books.

22 mins