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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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.