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BSAVA Congress to shine spotlight on geriatric cats
Former BVNA president Alex Taylor will be joining the panel discussion at BSAVA Congress.

A panel discussion will explore meeting the needs of older felines.

Environmental changes for geriatric cats will be discussed at the 2023 BSAVA Congress.

Speakers will include three veterinary nurses, a veterinary physiotherapist and a veterinary surgeon, who will each share their viewpoints on the challenges associated with identifying and meeting the needs of older felines. 

Registered veterinary nurse Kelly Eyre will be joined by nutrition expert Georgia Woods-Lee RVN and former BVNA president and feline RVN advocate Alex Taylor. Veterinary physiotherapist Emily Cowderoy and veterinary surgeon Zoe Belshaw will also be joining the panel.

Alex, Kelly and Georgia believe that the first step in making environmental modifications for older cats is helping the owners realise that there is an issue. 

Kelly said: “Often it is veterinary nurses that are best placed to speak with owners about making environmental modifications for senior and super-senior cats. They usually have more time with owners, and clients tend to open up with them.

“Conversations which invest in the clients’ knowledge, can strengthen the relationship between client and practice, adding value and helping to improve retention, but ultimately, it is about improving welfare.”

Alex added: “I might see a little muscle wastage and ask owners if they’ve seen any changes. Usually, the answer is no until we go through a mobility checklist.”

For Georgia, it is about having the time to spend with owners and asking the right questions, such as "Are they using their litter tray properly? Is there any inappropriate urination or defecation? Are they using the same number of rooms in the house, including the upstairs? Are they going outdoors as much as they used to?”

The panel discussion, ‘Small changes, big impact for the geriatric cat’, will take place at BSAVA Congress, Manchester Central, on 23rd-25th March 2023. More information is available at bsavaevents.com

Image (C)  BSAVA.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.