A meeting of academics and practitioners with an interest in equine obesity and obesity-related laminitis was convened for Vet Times Equine (sponsored by Bova UK) on 14 January 2020. Published evidence was reviewed and opinions were shared to provide the following summary for veterinary surgeons managing horses with obesity.

Sue Dyson discusses the need for equine vets to understand training principles and equine behavioural responses to recognise the difference between causes of pain.

In this article, Ann Derham provides an overview on current prevention protocols – including routine management, conformation assessments, diet and exercise.

Respiratory and reproductive disease in late summer 2020 is the focus of Axiom Veterinary Laboratories’ latest update.

David Rendle and Richard Newton use the 2019 virus outbreak to discuss the challenges of controlling future instances and the need for greater prevention.

From his Vet Times Diagnostic Dilemmas column – Francesco Cian discusses the case of an English springer spaniel presenting with a history of lethargy, polyuria and polydipsia.

Luca Motta uses the example of an eight‑month‑old bulldog to describe the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis for this issue.

Colin Capner BVetMed, CertVA, CertLAS, BSc, MRCVS, discusses the impact of this highly stigmatised condition in the veterinary profession, and practical advice for both positive vets and pet owners.

Roger Evans offers an overview of more topics from the farming world.

Renata Stavinohova, Davide Berlato, Roberta Rasotto and James Oliver begin a three-part article by detailing the examination and treatment of common and important presentations in dogs.

Simona Radaelli concludes this article by describing the most important tests to carry out to determine prognosis in these cases.

Mónica Guerrero Méndez suggests various stages required for diagnosing, treating and preventing this common condition in tortoises.

In his latest ECC Endeavours, Dave Beeston, BVetMed(Hons), PGDip(VCP), MRCVS reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the past few weeks.