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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.