Ceva Animal Health is passionate about supporting the pet and their owner through diagnosis and management of congestive heart failure, which is why it is supporting this podcast. 

Alison Lambert (founder of Onswitch) will share the results from Ceva’s novel pet owner research that helps you understand what matters to owners when their pet is diagnosed with this common condition.
_____________________

𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰 𝗖𝗠𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 
Alison is a Yorkshire farmer's daughter, who qualified as a vet from the University of Liverpool in 1989. She worked in practice for several years before pursuing a career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Mars, discovering the customer experience passion that led her to establish Onswitch in 2001.

Alison is honorary associate professor at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. She is published widely, regularly speaks at key international veterinary congresses and events, and was given the Australian Veterinary Assocation’s Veterinary Business Thought Leader award in 2019.
_____________________

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 
Based on the research insights discussed, Ceva has developed an owner roadmap leaflet describing all the stages of mitral valve disease. The mitral valve disease owner roadmap is downloadable from the Vet Times media library [https://www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/02/mvd-client-leaflet.pdf].

To download the sleeping respiratory rate app visit the App or Google Play store and search for “Cardalis”. Finally to complete the Managing Mitral Valve Disease CPD miniseries with Alison Lambert and Mike Martin click here. [https://veterinarywebinars.com/community/ceva/] 

This podcast is brought to you by Ceva Animal Health, experts in veterinary cardiology, and manufacturers of Cardalis, Isemid, Libeo and now Zelys.

160,000 users is combined download data for the Cardalis App as of 9 February 2022.

Vet Times Extra: Alison Lambert on communication in the cardio consult – owner insights

The VN Times VN Happy Hour broadcast on 28 April 2002, entitled “Finding your nursing niche”, looked at how developing a nursing specialism can enhance your clinical career.

Guests this month included Emma Gerrard, a specialist staff theatre nurse at a not-for-profit community interest practice and the first VN to hold an officer position for the BSAVA when she was elected regional chairperson and council representative for the Cymru/Wales region.

April’s VN Happy Hour also saw the return of Jack Pye, who discussed his nursing niche in the world of diagnostic imaging, as well as his latest career development as a much sought-after provider of in-house and online ultrasonography CPD. 

Abi Edis rounded up April’s exciting panel. She qualified as a nurse in 2010 and, after three years, pursued her career with exotic medicine. Abi has worked as an exotic species veterinary nurse at the RVC’s Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital for more than eight years, has lectured at both national and international conferences, and enjoys clinical research in practice.

VN Times Podcast, Ep 29: Happy Hour 13 – finding your nursing niche

With a growing number of practices being acquired by corporate groups, the age-old tradition of buying into an independent practice is slowly becoming a thing of the past, leaving many ambitious young vets with little option but to start from scratch.

In this VBJ First Opinions Podcast, editor James Westgate talks to a young couple who did just that – building their “dream practice” from the ground up, with a little help from VetDynamics along the way.

Claire Smith and Josh Willmot from Beacon View Veterinary Clinic join First Opinions to discuss the ins and outs, and ups and downs, of going it alone – from the inauspicious start that saw them open their doors to the public just a month before COVID forced them closed again, to the pride at building a successful, thriving business under the most difficult of conditions.

They are joined by veterinary business expert Alan Robinson, who offers his thoughts on the processes of starting a practice and some important tips for those considering this route for themselves.

VBJ First Opinions, Ep 19: Starting your own practice

London Vet Show 2023 saw Vet Times and the Big 6 panel discuss the thorny topic of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review of the veterinary profession, specifically focusing on the opportunities it could provide the sector.

Led by Vet Times editor James Westgate, the session looked at how the professions could change for the better, with industry experts including VMG president Miles Russell, BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes, XLVets chief executive Andrew Curwen, British Veterinary Union chair Suzanna Hudson-Cooke, SPVS board chair Peter Orpin and BVA senior vice president Malcolm Morley.

Ep 103: Big 6 Live at London Vet Show 2023

On 12 March 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its main concerns following an initial review into the veterinary sector, which prompted more than 56,000 responses from the UK public and veterinary industry.

The body announced it had provisionally decided that it should launch a formal Market Investigation focused on its analysis of the issues in the sector, and has begun to consult on this proposal. 

On 19 March, Vet Times, in partnership with the BVA and CloserStill Media, gathered together a hand-picked panel of experts to dissect the CMA's investigation and discuss its implications for the professions.

Vet Times editor James Westgate was joined by RCVS president Susan Paterson, BVA senior vice president Malcolm Morley, BVNA president Lyndsay Hughes and independent practice owner Kate Higgins (Village Vets Formby) to answer questions submitted by an invited audience, gain clarity and guidance on the review's implications, explore what it all means for the UK veterinary professions and consider what the next steps are.

***********

Details of the consultation on whether to launch a market investigation into the veterinary services market for household pets can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk

This consultation closes at 5pm on 11 April 2024 .

CMA Live Discussion: Thoughts from the profession

A problem in dogs and cats, as well as horses, corneal ulcers can be a common and potentially serious condition to face in general practice.

Chris Dixon, clinical director at referral practice Veterinary Vision, runs through some of the considerations for the Vet Times Podcast.

He wrote the article “Corneal ulcers update in canine and feline pets” in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 09, Pages 8-12), which is online now at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/corneal-ulcers-update-in-canine-and-feline-pets/

*************

𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗫𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗩𝗢𝗽𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 
Chris graduated from the University of Bristol and spent several years working in first opinion mixed practice in the North York Moors and Cumbria before deciding to focus on ophthalmology.

He is a clinical director of Veterinary Vision, a dedicated ophthalmology referral practice within the Linnaeus group. Chris has a particular interest in advanced ocular imaging, corneal cross-linking and retinal detachment surgery.

Ep 108: Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats, with Chris Dixon

This Vet Times Extra Podcast, sponsored by IDEXX, sees editor James Westgate discuss the benefits of wellness plans and the important part played by diagnostic testing in wellness clinics.

To offer their expert insights, James is joined by Carole MacColl, professional services vet at IDEXX, and Ben Sweeney, vet and founder of telehealth platform VidiVet, which works increasingly with veterinary practices as part of health and wellness planning.

In the first of this two-part series, topics discussed include:

• What are the main benefits of wellness clinics?
• Which pets benefit most?
• How can wellness clinics benefit younger animals?
• What should vets be looking for in wellness clinics?
• What diagnostic tests should be included? 
• What do we do if we find something?

•••••••••••••••••

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟 𝖡𝖵𝖬𝖲, 𝖯𝖦𝖢𝖾𝗋𝗍, 𝖵𝖾𝗍 𝖤𝖽, 𝖥𝖧𝖤𝖠, 𝖬𝖱𝖢𝖵𝖲 
Carole graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011, and gained experience in first opinion practice before undertaking a rotating internship with a focus on emergency and critical care. 

She spent time as an ECC clinician in referral hospitals throughout Australia and the UK, before accepting a role as a senior vet in the RVC’s first opinion teaching hospital.

Carole joined IDEXX as a Professional Services Veterinarian covering the South of the UK in 2021. 

𝗕𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝖡𝖵𝖲𝖼, 𝖬𝖲𝖼, 𝖢𝖾𝗋𝗍𝖠𝖵𝖯, 𝖬𝖱𝖢𝖵𝖲 
Ben graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2008 and is passionate about positive innovation and using insights from the veterinary profession and pet-owning population to fuel evolution in how we offer veterinary services.

Ben founded VidiVet, a tele-triage app that works with vet practices to support their customers 24/7 – www.vidivet.com

•••••••••••••••••

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗫𝗫
IDEXX offers a comprehensive veterinary wellness care diagnostic solution, which gives deeper medical insights into your patients’ health, helping them live happier lives.

Our Preventative Care solutions contain our Faecal Dx antigen test, to enquire about an 8-week no-cost trial for your clinic, visit https://pages.idexx.com/fecal-dx_free-trial_en-uk#contact-form

Vet Times Extra: Test for success, part 1

In this VN Times Podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses careers with Kirsty Cavill.

Kirsty has a passion for veterinary nursing that has allowed her to develop and utilise her skills in a variety of ways to not only help improve animal welfare but also provide accessible care in a variety of ways.

Kirsty, an award-winning vet nurse, shares her advice and insight to help other consider how they can support and nurture the human-animal bond.

𝘕𝘖𝘛𝘌: 𝘋𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳.

VN Times Podcast, Ep 45: The human-animal bond, a vet nurse’s role

Refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy affects one in three dogs with epilepsy, and defines them as having frequent and severe seizures, despite appropriate drug therapy.

Specialist vet Mark Lowrie joins the Vet Times Podcast to explain some of the challenges for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of the condition

Dr Lowrie has written an article on this topic for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 18, Pages 6-12), called “Canine refractory epilepsy – management considerations”, which is available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/canine-refractory-epilepsy-management-considerations/

•••

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗘, 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗠𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗡, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 
An RCVS specialist in veterinary neurology, Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice.

Following an internship at the RVC, he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology.

He has a master’s degree in steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has a particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology.

He is a director at Movement Referrals, a veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine and Petplan’s “Vet of the Year” 2022.

Ep 112: Managing refractory epilepsy in dogs, with Mark Lowrie

Speaking to editor James Westgate, Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton delves into the often tricky topic of menopause and discusses what can be done to support veterinary professionals impacted by perimenopausal symptoms.

Liz also introduces Wellvet’s free expert menopause resources for veterinary teams, designed to help reduce the impact of physical and psychological symptoms in the clinic and beyond....

For access to these resources, visit https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/

VBJ First Opinions, Ep 20: Managing the menopause, with Liz Barton

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Stephanie Armstrong, regional president at Zoetis, explores the mental health landscape in today’s veterinary profession, including the challenges and possible counteractions.

Sponsored: 

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals.

After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers.

The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in more than 100 countries.

About the interviewee:

Stephanie Armstrong is regional president at Zoetis, part of the Zoetis senior leadership team, where she oversees operations and growth across her team. 

A trained veterinarian and successful business leader, Stephanie encompasses a rare combination of frontline veterinary experience and strategic acumen in the animal pharmaceutical industry, making her uniquely positioned to drive innovation and impact across the animal health sector.

An advocate for positive change with a one health approach, Stephanie is also deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterinarians, recognising the unique challenges they face. Stephanie is headstrong in her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, as it is a topic she is particularly passionate about, often talking about this global issue from a thought leadership perspective.

Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession by elevating the voices of industry talent, advocating for vets, and shining a light on the critical challenges faced by both vets and livestock farmers today. 

As a member of the council at the RVC, Stephanie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary education and advancing initiatives that bridge the academic and practical applications of animal care.

Vet Times Extra: Mental health and the profession – with Stephanie Armstrong, Zoetis

In this podcast Phil Elkins discusses respiratory diseases in cattle, essentially preventive versus reactive care, and ensuring farm vets and farmers engage on countering the threats.

Phil Elkins qualified in 2005 from The University of Edinburgh and, following stints in Cheshire and New Zealand, spent the majority of his career in clinical practice in Cornwall, during which time he gained a certificate in advanced veterinary practice in cattle.

Following 15 years in clinical practice and a stint working for an agri-tech company, Phil now works as an independent consultant to both farms and industry bodies. He is a former council member of the BVA.

He wrote “Respiratory disease in cattle: preventive versus reactive care” for Vet Times Livestock (2025), Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 9-10 (which went out with Vet Times Volume 55, Issue 12). The article is available online at vettimes.com [https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/livestock/respiratory-disease-in-cattle-preventive-versus-reactive-care]

SPONSORED

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, which has recently launched Protivity, the UK’s first authorised Mycoplasma bovis vaccine for cattle.

What if you could be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to Mycoplasma bovis?
Protivity, the first modified-live vaccine for Mycoplasma bovis in cattle, is now available in the UK. 

The days of relying on antibiotics alone to help control Mycoplasma bovis are over. It’s time to change the game for your herds with Protivity.

To learn more, UK veterinary professionals can visit the website. [https://bit.ly/4jRJxv3]

Ep121: Respiratory disease in cattle, with Phil Elkins

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're delving into the pivotal role that research plays in building our understanding of the human-animal bond. Dr Tammie King, senior research manager, and Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction technical leader, are both experts from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

SPONSORED

The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare’s science centre, where their mission is to improve the lives of pets through science, in support of their purpose of creating a better world for pets. 

Researchers at Waltham have recently launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study programme, known as PAWS. Working in collaboration with leading global academic institutions and experts, the multi-study PAWS programme will explore the relationships between pets and people and the role pets play in well-being across multiple geographies and demographics.

Engaging more than 35,000 pet owners across more than 20 countries, this ambitious research programme aims to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond through robust scientific data.

Dr Tammie King is a member of the research leadership team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

Her passion lies in improving dog and cat health through evidence-based knowledge. In fact, Dr King holds a PhD in anthrozoology – the study of human-animal interactions – and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in animal behaviour.

Vanessa Ashall is technical lead for the PAWS research programme and is central to defining the research strategy. It’s Vanessa who holds responsibility for ensuring the portfolio of projects truly demonstrate Waltham’s commitment to robust, innovative and impactful research into the human-animal bond.

Vanessa is a European veterinary specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law, a bioethicist, a social scientist and a cross disciplinary HAI researcher.

Vet Times Extra: Researching human-animal bond, with Tammie King and Vanessa Ashall

Ixodes species ticks have been spreading tick-borne encephalitis virus throughout Europe, and there are concerns about the zoonotic potential for the UK.

Parasitologist Ian Wright discusses the latest situation in this Vet Times Podcast.

Ian Wright, BVMS, BSc, MSc, MRCVS is a practising vet and co-owner of The Mount Veterinary Practice in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

He has a master’s degree in veterinary parasitology and is head of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK and Ireland, and guidelines director for ESCCAP Europe.

An accompanying article to this podcast, “The rise and rise of tick-borne flaviviruses”, is in Vet Times (2025), Volume 55, Issue 25, Pages 6-10. 

It is online at vettimes.com at https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/small-animal/the-rise-and-rise-of-tick-borne-flaviviruses

Ep 122: Tick-borne flaviviruses in the UK, with Ian Wright

With thousands of aspiring students waiting to hear if they’ve achieved the grades they need to go to vet school this autumn, Allister Webb takes a look behind the scenes at the University of Central Lancashire’s new veterinary training facilities in Preston.

The department, which is preparing to welcome its third cohort in September, recently opened its new school building following a £40 million building project.

Pete Holland, UCLan’s director of veterinary partnerships, joins Allister to discuss the school’s continuing development and some of the key issues currently facing the veterinary education sector.

Podcast music: "Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep 123: Future of veterinary education, with Pete Holland

As the Government issues a plea to holiday makers not to bring back meat and dairy products from Europe amid concerns over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Chris Simpson speaks to the UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss.

The plea comes as the Government launches an updated FMD control strategy to enhance its ability to prevent or respond to FMD outbreaks.

An EU-wide ban on personal imports of meat and dairy was issued by Defra in April after a wave of cases were discovered in several countries across the continent.

Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep 124: Control strategy to prevent FMD in UK, with CVO Christine Middlemiss

With avian flu and bluetongue continuing to pose challenges, plus the re-emergence of foot and mouth disease in mainland Europe, 2025 has so far been a year of growing unease at the threat from animal diseases.

As politicians and industry groups voice their concerns about present and future challenges, Allister Webb asks what should vets really be concerned about and how ready are we to respond to the next major disease outbreak?

Loic Jégou, Ceva Animal Health’s vice-president for Europe, joins Allister to share his thoughts on the current situation and what needs to be done to prevent a future crisis.

Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep 125: Present and future disease challenges, with Ceva’s Loic Jégou

In today’s episode, sponsored by Droncit, from global animal health company Vetoquinol, we uncover a hidden but significant issue: tapeworm infections in pets and the serious consequences they can have for farmers.
 
While often overlooked, untreated tapeworms in pets can contribute to the spread of disease to livestock, threatening farm productivity and livelihoods.
 
Many commonly used ‘all-in-one’ parasite treatments don’t target tapeworms, which is why Droncit is calling on small animal vets to take the lead by raising awareness during consults and helping pet owners protect both their pets and the rural communities that depend on healthy livestock.
 
Join us as we hear how farmers are impacted by tapeworm infections in pets and how small animal vet professionals can be a vital link in safeguarding farms from this often overlooked threat.

Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS is a graduate of the University of Bristol’s vet school and has worked ever since in first opinion small animal practice.

She has recently opened her own clinic with her husband and is enjoying the challenge. Her interests have always been in client communication and collaboration and she loves being able to work as a team with owners to help their pets get better. In addition to her real-life vetting, she also has a significant online presence as ‘Cat The Vet’, where she shares this passion, and many others, with her audience.
 
Hannah Jackson main two passions in life are animals and adventure. In 2019 adventure loving Hannah completed the selection process for SAS-Who-Dares Wins. Surviving in arctic conditions in the Chilean Andes, Hannah was the first intake which included female recruits and was one of only two females to complete the course. She thrives on the extreme challenges and the ability to test both her physical and mental resilience and strength.
 
As a farmer, Hannah’s love of wildlife has seen her complete a number of projects including contributing to a Killer Whale research project for Orca Lab, where she lived for weeks on a cliff in British Columbia in a tent with no running water or electricity whilst observing the impact of tourism on whale’s behaviour.
 
Hannah has appeared on ‘Emma and AJ Get to Work’, ‘Countryfile’, ‘Country Showdown’, ‘Inside Out’ along with various other shows across the channels.

Vet Times Extra: Tackling tapeworm topics and treatments – with Cat Henstridge and Hannah Jackson

With an expected shortage of 24,000 companion animal veterinarians expected in the United States by 2030, the pressure is mounting on veterinary technicians to plug the gap.

At the same time, vet techs are also dealing with familiar issues with retention, burnout, and underutilisation.

Danielle Chesek, a certified vet tech and team lead for the vet tech programme at Penn Foster Group, joins Chris Simpson to discuss the role of veterinary technicians and the issues they’re facing.

Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Ep 126: Vet technicians and the issues they are facing, with Danielle Chesek

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by Stephen Maxwell, veterinary advisor from MSD Animal Health, to discuss some of the queries to MSD Animal Health’s veterinary support line.

SPONSORED

Caninsulin has been a trusted brand for over 30 years and is used to treat diabetic cats and dogs. In the lead up to Pet Diabetes Month, we’ll talk through some common queries from MSD Animal Health’s Veterinary support service.

MSD also offer a range of free diabetes resources designed to support practices and owners, as well as free diabetes CPD courses. To access these, visit the links below or contact your MSD Account Manager.

https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/ahp/caninsulin/tools
https://msdchameleon.cordeo.net/ (printed materials)

Stephen Maxwell is an MSD veterinary advisor and during the past year has been helping front-line veterinarians in the UK with their diabetic cases through technical product support.

NOTE: All pets’ names in this broadcast have been changed to protect identities. 

Caninsulin® 40 IU/ml Suspension for Injection contains porcine insulin. POM-V.
Further information is available from the SPC, datasheet or package leaflet.
Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber.
Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.
Use Medicines Responsibly.
© MSD Animal Health UK Limited. UK-NON-250900041.




Vet Times Extra: Addressing common diabetes dilemmas, with MSD’s Stephen Maxwell

Speaking at BEVA Congress in September, vet and leading antimicrobial expert Scott Weese challenged current thinking on antibiotic course length and called for evidence to show that shortening courses can lead to the development of resistance.

“How does [administering antibiotics] less cause more resistance?” he asked the packed amphitheatre (https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/equine/vets-urged-to-treat-patients-not-lab-results-in-fight-against-amr) at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre. “It doesn’t. I’ll buy you a beer if you can give me a plausible explanation for that.”

Here, Prof Weese and fellow antimicrobial expert Ian Battersby join Vet Times’ Chris Simpson to discuss the issue and the ongoing challenges surrounding antimicrobial stewardship.

Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Ep 127: AMR discussions, with Ian Battersby and Scott Weese

New BVA President Rob Williams joins Allister Webb to discuss his first few weeks in the role and the challenges facing the UK veterinary sector right now.

Rob shares his thoughts on the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional remedy recommendations, how the professions can help to secure legislative reform and how clinicians can help to shape a brighter future in their practice.

Credit for music
"Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep 128: BVA president Rob Williams on CMA and first weeks in job

With more than 40,000 cases reported in Central America and Mexico since July 2023, the United States is preparing for a potential outbreak of the New World screwworm fly.

The parasitic blowfly – whose flesh-eating larvae feed on the live tissue of warm-blooded animals – was officially eradicated from the US in 1966, but with a case in September less than 70 miles from the border, alarm bells are ringing.

Texas vet Will McCauley joins Chris Simpson to discuss the role veterinarians will have to play in detecting and combating any potential outbreaks.

Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Ep 129: US New World screwworm fly concerns, with Will McCauley

As the veterinary sector considers its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional remedy decisions, a new Big 6 podcast panel considers the current state of play and likely areas of ongoing debate.

Joining Allister Webb are RCVS senior vice-president Linda Belton; SPVS board member Kate Higgins; BSAVA president Julian Hoad; British Veterinary Union chair Suzy Hudson-Cooke; IVC Evidensia CVO Gudrun Ravetz; and competition law academic David Reader.

Credit for music:
"Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Ep 130: Big 6 panel discusses CMA remedies – and what's next

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite affecting dogs in the UK often with devastating consequences. Over recent years we have seen an increase in prevalence of lungworm disease.

In this podcast, veterinary parasitologist and professor Eric Morgan and Jenny Helm, RCVS specialist in small animal medicine and oncology referral clinician, discuss the prevalence of A vasorum in the UK, the gaps we have in the evidence to date, routine prevention for dogs and novel options for treatment.

SPONSORED

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, makers of Simparica Trio – the only oral moxidectin licensed to treat lungworm in dogs.

Simparica Trio is licensed for the treatment of flea and tick infestations, the treatment and prevention of angiostrongylosis and the treatment of gastrointestinal roundworm and hookworm infections1.

For more information on Simparica Trio, speak to your Zoetis account manager to learn more or visit the website (https://www2.zoetis.co.uk/veterinary-hub/companion-animal/dogs/products-and-solutions/simparica-trio/)

References:
1. Simparica Trio SPC
MM-44029

Eric Morgan MA, VetMB, PhD, DipEVPC, MRCVS qualified from the University of Cambridge vet school in 1997 and left mixed practice in Wales to complete a PhD at Warwick and Imperial College London on parasite ecology and epidemiology in Kazakhstan, joining the University of Bristol’s veterinary school in 2003.

There he further developed teaching and research interests in parasite transmission, moving to Queen’s University Belfast in 2017.

He is co-author of more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, seeking especially to understand the impact of weather and climate change on parasite infection patterns and how these can be managed, including for emerging parasites such as A vasorum. As diplomate of the European Veterinary Parasitology College and member of various national and international initiatives, he contributes to the development of sustainable parasite control strategies and their translation into practice.

Jenny Helm, BVMS, CertSAM, Dip-ECVIM, CA FHEA, MRCVS, graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow in 2005, and following this undertook a small animal rotating internship at the RVC in London.

She then spent a short spell in small animal practice before returning to Glasgow to undertake a residency in oncology and internal medicine at the University of Glasgow in 2006.

Jenny obtained her RCVS certificate in small animal medicine in 2008 and passed her European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) certifying examination and became a diplomate of the ECVIM in September 2012.

Jenny is interested in small animal oncology (especially promoting  good quality of life and haematology) and has several academic publications in the fields of internal medicine and oncology, as well as an active research interest in canine lungworm (specifically A vasorum). 


Vet Times Extra: UK Lungworm prevalence, with Jenny Helm and Eric Morgan

With many owners still struggling with the cost of caring for their pets, the crisis, together with wider economic pressures, is also having a significant impact on the charitable sector.

Blue Cross director of veterinary services Paul Manktelow joins Allister Webb to discuss the issue and the radical changes his organisation is making in a bid to tackle it.
 
Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep 131: Cost of caring for pets crisis, with Paul Manktelow

Despite growing interest in preventive care, many veterinary teams face a tough reality: wellness testing isn’t always viable, and the data linking it to better patient outcomes is still emerging.

Yet the logic remains compelling – earlier detection should mean earlier intervention – but should wellness testing become the norm in general practice?
 
This episode explores the clinical value and operational realities when it comes to replacing the ‘wait and see’ with ‘track and find out.’
 
SPONSORED
This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, makers of the vetscan range of AI-powered diagnostic analysers, which includes the vetscan Imagyst, vetscan Opticell and vetscan VS2.

For more information on the full range, speak to your Zoetis account manager to learn more or visit the website. (zoetisdiagnostics.com/us/point-of-care/chemistry/vetscan-vs2)

Rory Cowlam BVetMed, PgCert, MRCVS, is a graduate of the RVC with more than a decade’s worth of experience in companion animal veterinary care. 

He is a certificate holder in small animal surgery and has a particular interest in preventative care.

Rory works as clinical director of Pickles Vets in Fulham London and, as well as being known for his TV work with Pets Factor and more recently Blue Peter, he also serves as a charity ambassador for the RSPCA and StreetVet.

Vet Times Extra: talking wellness testing with Rory Cowlam

For this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal practice Richard Sanderson and professional services vet for IDEXX Carole MacColl to discuss faecal antigen testing.

SPONSORED

Parasites pose a serious threat to pets and people. But prevention alone may not be 100% effective.

Updated industry guidelines now recommend intestinal parasite testing at least once a year, regardless of deworming.

Combine your preventives with Faecal Dx antigen testing, and parasites don’t stand a chance.

Faecal Dx antigen testing offers early, accurate detection of the most common intestinal parasites, even in well cats and dogs. Learn more at https://www.idexx.co.uk/en-gb/veterinary/reference-laboratories/fecal-testing/fecal-dx-antigen-test/?utm_source=vet_times&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=rlb_fecaldx_2025

The views and opinions in this recorded conversation expressed by the guest interviewee are the guest interviewee's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of IDEXX.

Richard Sanderson, BVSc, CertAVP(SAP), MRCVS, is an RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal practice and director of Peninsula Vet Referrals.

He graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2009. An advocate for independent veterinary practice, he founded Sanderson Vet in 2016. This started as a mobile vet and has developed into a 24-hour first opinion clinic.

Already accepting a wide range of referrals, he formalised their referral services and opened Peninsula Vet Referrals, which focuses on offering “Affordable experience and accessible expertise”, aiming to make referrals more affordable and easier to access.
 
Carole MacColl BVMS, PGCert, VetEd FHEA, MRCVS graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011, and gained experience in first opinion practice before undertaking a rotating internship with a focus on emergency and critical care.

She spent time as an ECC clinician in referral hospitals throughout Australia and the UK, before a role as a senior veterinarian in the RVC’s first opinion teaching hospital.

Carole joined IDEXX as a professional services veterinarian covering the south of the UK in 2021.

Vet Times Extra: Importance of faecal antigen testing, with Richard Sanderson and Carole MacColl

SPONSORED

In today’s episode, sponsored by Royal Canin, we celebrate 20 years of Royal Canin’s partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Obesity Care Clinic – the world’s first specialist weight loss clinic for cats and dogs. 
 
This pioneering collaboration has transformed obesity care, combining expert research with exceptional service for clients and referring vet practices.

Join us as Georgia Woods-Lee and Professor Alex German share how the Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic is shaping the future of pet health and the vital role vets can play in tackling obesity.

In 2015, Georgia Woods-Lee took the position of clinical lead for the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic (recently renamed the Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic) at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she is now dealing exclusively with pet obesity care and nutrition.

Georgia was awarded her Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition in 2017, the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in nutrition certificate in 2019 , and her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) degree in 2022. Georgia is currently working towards a PhD in pet obesity.
 
Alex German holds the position of Royal Canin professor of small animal medicine at the University of Liverpool.

He is a 1994 graduate of the University of Bristol and, after spending two years in mixed practice, returned to Bristol to undertake a PhD in mucosal immunology, and then a residency in small animal internal medicine.

He is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and also a RCVS-recognised specialist in internal medicine.

His clinical and research interests include comparative obesity biology, ageing, preventing chronic disease, gastroenterology, and evidence-based veterinary medicine.

For more on the clinic, visit its website at https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/small-animal-teaching-hospital/clinical-services/weight-management/

Vet Times Extra: 20 years of University of Liverpool’s Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic, with Georgia Woods-Lee and Alex German

Allergic dermatitis is one of the most challenging chronic conditions we face in practice. Not just clinically, but because owners expect their dogs to return to “normal.”  

In this podcast with Darren Berger, US board certified dermatologist and Elanco’s head of allergy and dermatology, we’ll look at the science behind Zenrelia, the new JAK inhibitor helping dogs get back to normal, and how it’s changing how we manage itchy dogs and their owners.

Dr Berger is a American board-certified veterinary dermatologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, research and education.

He is an accomplished speaker and an author and editor, having written many journal articles and his own textbook. He has special interests in clinical pharmacology and the management of allergic skin diseases and prior to joining Elanco Animal Health, he was a tenured professor at Iowa State University.

Dr Berger resides in Iowa with his family, but you will often find him sharing his passion for dermatology through speaking events around the country and internationally.

SPONSORED

This podcast is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, the company behind Zenrelia.

Zenrelia™ film coated tablets contain ilunocitinib. Legal category POM-V in UK, POM in IE.

For further information call Elanco Animal Health on +44(0)1256 353131 or write to: Elanco UK AH Limited, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, RG27 9XA, United Kingdom.

For further information, consult the product SPC. Zenrelia, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2025 Elanco or its affiliates  Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber prior to use. Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.

Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible or www.apha.ie 

References
Forster S et al (2025). Comparative efficacy and safety of ilunocitinib and oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis, Vet Dermatol 36(2): 165-176.

Olivry T, Bensignor E, Favrot C et al (2018). Development of a core outcome set for therapeutic clinical trials enrolling dogs with atopic dermatitis (COSCAD’18), BMC Vet Res 14(1): 238.
 
Links
MyElanco: Zenrelia | New once-daily treatment for itchy dogs (https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/product-support/pet/zenrelia)
 
Zenrelia SPC information can be found on MyElanco using the link above or on the VMD Product Information Database: Product Information Database - Home (https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/)



Vet Times Extra: JAK inhibitors and veterinary dermatology, with Darren Berger

The Vet Times podcast is a regular show in which we speak to individuals making the headlines or providing valuable information for Vet Times readers, delving into the subjects that matter to the UK veterinary profession.

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