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Isoflurane shortage: Webinar launched to help vets
The webinar covers the use of low flow anaesthesia and monitoring techniques.
Professor discusses alternative solutions 

The nationwide shortage of isoflurane has prompted the BSAVA to commission a webinar discussing alternative solutions for vets.

It was announced last month that the third-party manufacturer of isoflurane had to cease production, owing to a mechanical problem on the production line.

The webinar, ‘Anaesthesia without isoflurane’, was delivered by Ian Self, a European and RCVS specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia at the University of Nottingham.

It was designed to answer questions supplied by BSAVA members since the shortage was announced. It covers the use of low flow anaesthesia and monitoring techniques, to spare gaseous anaesthetic agents and offers tips on partial and total intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA and TIVA).

The webinar will be available online until March and is free for BSAVA members, costing £25+VAT for non-members. BSAVA is also offering free access to a chapter on ‘Injectable anaesthetics’ from the Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 3rd edition.

Both are available as a collection in the BSAVA library.

Lucie Goodwin, BSAVA head of education, said: “BSAVA is taking important action to ensure we support the whole veterinary profession during these challenging times, and the information we have made available has been tremendously well received.
 
“The webinar hopefully answers many of the questions the profession has about what to do during this nationwide shortage of isoflurane, and the manual chapter is a useful additional resource that offers practical advice throughout.”

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.