Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th November 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.