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New tools help vets promote nutrition
Dr Marge Chandler

WSAVA Nutrition Toolkit extended

New tools have been added to a Nutrition Toolkit, launched to help the veterinary team promote the importance of nutrition to pet health.

The toolkit was introduced at the recent British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress in April, having been developed by the WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC).

Since then, body condition score charts for cats and dogs have been added to the toolkit. Further, a body condition video - currently available in English, Spanish and Japanese - demonstrates how veterinary staff or owners can carry out a body condition check.

A new muscle condition score chart has also been included to help the veterinary team to assess muscle condition.

Co-chair of GNC, Dr Marge Chandler, noted the importance of measuring this as muscle loss has a negative impact on strength, immunity and wound healing.

Commenting on the response to the toolkit so far, Dr Chandler said: "Veterinary staff tell us that the tools are helping them to provide better care for patients.

"[It helps them] to feel more confidant in answering questions about pet food and to suggest useful and accurate nutrition websites to which they can direct owners."

Dr Chandler says that the GNC will continue to add further tools and translate them into more languages to benefit owners and vets across the world.

The launch of the toolkit followed the GNC's creation of Nutrition Guidelines in 2011, which aimed to improve pet nutrition.

Click here to download the toolkit. The Nutrition Guidelines are also available here.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

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 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...
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BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.