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WVS launches equine training course for veterinary students
Students will gain practical hands-on experience in managing caseloads.

Course designed to support national shortage of practical placements. 

A five-day crash course in equine ambulatory essentials is being launched by veterinary charity Worldwide Veterinary Services (WVS) in collaboration with the Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme (HEROS).

The course, based in Wantage, Oxfordshire, aims to support veterinary students facing a national shortage of practical placements in equine care, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It will run throughout the year, with training based around how WVS delivers equine care abroad.

Students will learn how to overcome obstacles such as a lack of equipment and a shortage of consumables. Experienced equine clinicians will also guide students through a variety of cases, where participants will gain practical hands-on experience in triage, treatment and management.

“Attendees should expect to deal with all types of scenarios and emergencies – from wound and colic care to lameness cases and other common scenarios seen on ambulatory clinics,” explained Dr Francesca Compostella, international project director for WVS and course director. “This course will be an unforgettable experience for any vet – students or graduate – willing to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of all aspects of working abroad.”

The course will be situated at HEROS North Stud Farm - home to more than 120 horses, including rescues, athletes and geriatric. It is suited to veterinary students from their third year upwards, as well as new veterinary graduates or veterinarians seeking a change of specialities.

“We have been taking veterinary students for handling and work experience for over 15 years, and are therefore thrilled to partner with WVS in this new venture,” commented Grace Muir, CEO for HEROS.

“This course will provide essential training at HEROS Charity for young vets. The horses we get presented with are so diverse, that participants will gain a widespread view of many different ailments and emergencies which will allow them to gain quality knowledge and experience.”

For more information about the course and to sign up, visit wvs.org.uk/training

Image (C) WVS.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
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Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com