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New obesity insights to be shared at BVNA Congress
"Nurses play a key role here in providing ongoing owner support." - Dr Libby Sheridan.
The research will be delivered by the Purina Institute and authors. 

New research into obesity management will be delivered by the Purina Institute at the BVNA Congress.

The session will be delivered together with research authors, and will explore the role of behavioural science in achieving pet weight management, with speakers sharing their insight into how nurses can use the findings to support pet owners with weight management.

Behavioural psychologist Dr Thomas Webb and Purina corporate affairs manager Hugues du Plessis will speak on a new research project that advances understanding of how owners beliefs and behaviours are associated with canine obesity. 

Attendees will learn how psychology has the potential to aid in understanding owner beliefs and motivations, and how behavioural science can be used to assist pet owners in changing their actions. 

Dr Libby Sheridan, Purina scientific affairs manager, will host the symposium. She commented on the usefulness of these insights for veterinary nurses: “Veterinary teams know that successful obesity management depends upon owners changing their habits and routines, but this can be very challenging to achieve.

“Nurses play a key role here in providing ongoing owner support. At Purina we’re delighted to share our latest research to help nurses learn how to do this most effectively.”

Consisting of three twenty minute talks, each followed by a ten minute Q&A session, the symposium will last for 90 minutes, beginning at 11am on Saturday 2 October.

Pre-registration is not necessary for the Purina Institute symposium, but all attendees must have a ticket for the BVNA Congress. 

Those interested in attending can sign up for the BVNA Congress here

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.