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Study into original Veterinary Surgeons Act

Historical archives to be scrutinised in collaborative effort

A joint doctoral initiative between RCVS Knowledge and the University of Kent will delve into the professional roots of veterinary medicine by examining archives relating to the first Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1881.
 
Analysing how and why the medical treatment of animals came to be professionalised, the project seeks to understand the reasons for – and effects of – the 1881 Act, which formally established the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) authority to distinguish between qualified and unqualified practitioners.

Neatly beginning in the same year as the RCVS celebrates 175 years since it was granted the foundational charter in 1844, the doctoral research will consider the following questions:

  • How were the interests of the RCVS and its leading members involved in the drawing up and implementation of the 1881 Act?
  • What was the background and status of the people who practised veterinary medicine at this time, and what was the nature of their practice?
  • How deliberate was the process of professionalisation, and what was its significance to the RCVS? If it was seen as important, why?
  • What was the experience of the RCVS following the implementation of the Act?
  • Was the College committed to ensuring adherence to the Act?
  • Did the Act lead to an improvement in the standard of veterinary education, and how did it change the role of the vet within society?

The doctorate will draw on the rich archival material maintained by RCVS Knowledge, the charity partner of the RCVS and custodian of its Historical Collections. It will be undertaken by veterinary nurse, Jane Davidson, a prominent blogger and recent appointee to the VN Council.

Known to many through the online community, #planetrvn, Jane said: “I’m very excited to be undertaking this PhD with RCVS Knowledge and the University of Kent. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to work with the newly catalogued archives.”
 
Whether you are a historian, researcher or a layperson, you can view the Digital Collections and follow Jane’s real-time updates from the PhD with the Twitter hashtag #PhDbytheSea

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.