CPD Conference
VET Festival 2022 is delivering a world-class CPD programme across 16 streams. Our programme features thought leaders delivering practical, clinically relevant advice for any practitioner involved in companion animal veterinary practice.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to keep up-to-date with an explosion of knowledge, techniques and drug availability, plus business models, financial concerns and client demands. Our 2022 conference programme has been curated to help you deal with the challenges you face within your field. We guarantee you’ll come out of our lecture theatres inspired to be the best you can be in practice. Take a look below at our interactive programme.
CPD Hours at VET Festival
VET Festival is certified by the CPD Standards Office. If you attend the two-day conference, you will receive 14 CPD hours, and if you attend just one day it is 7 CPD Hours.
Certificates are issued after the event via email, which can then be kept by the individual to show the CPD hours gained from attending. If you have any queries about the CPD at VET Festival, please contact us.
Filter by conference topic
- FRIDAY
- SATURDAY
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09.30 - 09.40
09.45 - 10.15
Utilising canine natural balanced motion to optimise rehabilitation
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.15Lecture summary to be confirmed.
09.45 - 10.30
A preventive approach to orthopaedic disease in young dogs
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Lecture summary
Preventive medicine in the veterinary field is carried out for infectious disease with vaccine prophylaxis and for general health conditions with haematological check-ups. In the field instead of orthopaedics, there is still no preventive medicine culture among veterinary surgeons that allows identification of orthopaedic pathologies at their beginning through scheduled screening.
The current approach is still only of a therapeutic type, undertaken once the orthopaedic problem has manifested itself through persistent clinical signs. On the other hand, it is of fundamental importance to be able to intercept all orthopaedic diseases at their onset, before the arthritic degeneration that is their consequence has been established.
Osteoarthritis can be defined as a one-way street since once established it can only progress and never regress. Treatments whether pharmacological, surgical or physiotherapeutic can reduce or, at best, stop this evolution but never restore the original joint condition.
Communication in veterinary oncology: how to have difficult conversations successfully
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Nurse clinics: Chronic medical conditions
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30There are some medical nurse clinics that do lend themselves to a more formulaic setting; diabetic clinics being one of these. A set protocol of what needs to be included in these clinics can easily be achieved. Whereas a medical clinic for a cat diagnosed with urinary tract issues can be more problematic, due to the wide nature of environmental aspects that influence the cat, behavioural aspects, alongside medications, diet and water intake. The content of the medical clinics will very much depend on your practice’s protocol for the treatment and management of certain diseases/disorders. Discussion with the veterinary team is required to develop a protocol, so that everyone; the veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse and client can see what is expected. A protocol will also help the receptionists know who to book in appointments with.
Medical clinics can be run for every medical condition. As soon as any patient is diagnosed, it should be referred to a nurse clinic. RVNs need to have a good underpinning knowledge of the condition and have good up-to-date knowledge on new treatments and management regimes. All personnel need to ensure that all advice given is the constant, hence the importance of protocols.
Feline diabetes - are cats just small dogs?
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine condition in both cats and dogs however the pathogenesis varies between species, with ‘type 1’ diabetes more common in the canine population and ‘type 2’ diabetes being more common in the feline population. This lecture will expand on these differences between species and explain why different types of insulin may be required in cats compared to dogs, as well as discussing the different nutritional management for cats. The utility and futility of blood glucose curves will be discussed, along with other methods of monitoring treatment.
Learning outcomes:
- To understand the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in cats compared to dogs, and the potential for resolution in cats
- To understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of insulin
- To appreciate the importance of subjective information as well as objective data in monitoring diabetic cats.
MIND: Challenge of Change
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30- Popularity of building resilience
- What it isn’t; i.e., an excuse for poor behaviour by others and a way of overburdening people with more and more demands.
- What is emotional resilience? Idea of the Weeble, a 1970s children’s toy which those of a certain age will know the strap line instinctively, ‘Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!’ This is the definition of emotional resilience according to the Challenge of Change model.
Introduction to the Challenge of Change; thirty years of empirical research based on immunology and cardiovascular measurements (scientific rather than anecdotal) in response to the question, ‘What is it that makes some more emotionally resilient and others more vulnerable to stress?’ based on the premise that resilience is something we can learn and develop in ourselves, not something we are either born with or we aren’t (this therefore is a very empowering approach). Five factors/behaviours have been identified as compromising emotional resilience; rumination, perfect control, toxic achieving, avoidance coping and emotional inhibition, and three factors/behaviours that support emotional resilience; detached coping, sensitivity and flexibility. Emphasis is made that all of these factors are learned behaviours (even if there is a genetic element, we still learn them through relationships) and so with practice, we are able to promote the healthy ones and reduce the unhealthy ones. In order to do this practice, the Challenge of Change has a four step programme; waking up and staying awake, controlling attention, detaching and letting go. Time will be given to introduce the eight factors/behaviours and the four step programme.
Allergies in dogs: Drawbacks in the diagnosis of allergic skin disease
DAY: FridayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Allergic skin diseases are very commonly seen in general practice. Reaching a diagnosis is requires correct interpretation of the clinical history and dermatological symptoms. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary lifelong treatment.
Over the last decade, new diagnostic tests for food and environmental allergens have been marketed by laboratories, yet we fail to make a definitive diagnosis in many cases. Reasons for this include a lack of standardisation in allergen selection, different methodologies and reference ranges used and lack of international standards. These all result in poor inter-laboratory comparability. Other reasons for misdiagnoses include inappropriate drug withdrawal, seasonal allergen variation and the presence of IgE antibodies against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants etc.
This lecture highlights the limitations of the available diagnostic tests and the drawbacks of relying on laboratory test results alone. It will discuss how to interpret test results correctly, taking into consideration the patient history, clinical signs and exposure.
10.40 - 11.25
Early screening and treatment for hip dysplasia in puppies: Why and how?
DAY: FridayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25Lecture Summary
Since hip dysplasia is a progressive disease that develops as the puppy’s skeleton matures, evaluation of the hip joints during growth enables the condition to be picked up at its onset and to determine, therefore, whether or not the dog will have dysplasia.
The first and foremost aim of early assessment of CHD is preventive: the detection of the first signs of hip dysplasia, prediction of its development and the possibility of, prompt preventive interventions to minimise or arrest expression of the disease.
Chewing the fat: Difficult obesity clinics
DAY: FridayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25The base cause of obesity is expending fewer calories than are consumed, though there are many factors that can contribute towards obesity. Any changes in metabolism will alter the number of calories utilised for daily requirements. Neutering is the main cause of metabolic changes in young healthy animals, and care needs to be taken around this period that energy requirements for a neutered, yet still potentially growing animal, are taken into consideration. This highlights the importance of regular weight checks with a veterinary nurse who can offer guidance at this time. Therefore, when tackling difficult obesity cases all of these aspects need to be considered.
Obesity is a complex chronic medical disease in all species, understanding the complex relationships between diet, exercise and social aspects is important in order to help devise weight loss programmes for dogs and cats.
MIND: Resourcing
DAY: FridayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25- Looking at what resources are; internal and external (although for all to have benefit they will ultimately be internalised…how they make us feel better is the crucial quality of a resource) and identifying our own personal resources using guided imagery.
- The theories behind resourcing (Levine, 2005; Sills, 2009).
- Identifying resources and what they do for us.
- The difficulties we might have remembering and accessing resources when we need them most.
- One important resource we can develop is our imagination. We can, with focused practice, use our imagination to serve us rather than disempower us (this is rumination, where our imagination is hijacked into catastrophising).
- Recognising that resourcing is an ongoing practice.
Hydrotherapy treatment techniques for the elderly dog
DAY: FridayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Getting started with flexible endoscopy
DAY: FridayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25For the budding enthusiast getting started with flexible endoscopy can seem quite daunting. Practical training in a wet lab environment is essential in order to understand your own capabilities and the potential value of the equipment for your practice. Endoscopy is a very practical skill that cannot be learned from textbooks or lectures alone.
Selecting the correct equipment at an affordable cost is the next most important factor. This lecture will provide guidance on equipment selection for gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscopy and bronchoscopy as well as tips and tricks for successful upper GI endoscopy.
11.35 - 12.20
Metronomic chemotherapy: principles, protocols and practice
DAY: FridayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Triaditis - what do we really know?
DAY: FridayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Triaditis is a common clinical complaint in feline medicine. During this lecture we will unpick the relevant research to investigate what we really know about this disease, and how best to investigate and treat it.
MIND: Resilience For You & Your Team
DAY: FridayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Allergies in dogs: Incurable but manageable, how?
DAY: FridayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Atopic dermatitis is an incurable, but a manageable, inflammatory and pruritic skin condition. It has complex pathomechanisms requiring a multimodal approach to its treatment and management. This approach includes treating and managing recurrent infections, controlling pruritus, taking preventative measures and managing owner compliance and expectations.
Depending on the severity of the clinical signs, symptomatic treatment and/or preventative measures may be implemented. Preventative measures include allergen-specific immunotherapy, maintenance of the epidermal barrier and allergen avoidance. Symptomatic treatments to manage pruritus include the use of oclacitinib, lokivetmab, glucocorticoids and ciclosporin.
Other treatments, which include prescribing antihistamines, essential fatty acid supplements, shampoo treatments and specific diets, are also used concurrently in the multimodal approach for the management of atopic dermatitis.
This lecture discusses the reactive measures when dealing with acute and chronic atopic dermatitis and taking proactive measures that could reduce the incidence and severity of flare-ups.
Getting started with rigid endoscopy
DAY: FridayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Many people start out with rigid endoscopy in order to perform laparoscopic bitch spays. This procedure has many advantages over traditional open spays and also provides excellent training in laparoscopic techniques that can be applied to many other abdominal procedures. Furthermore, with minimal additional outlay, many other procedures can be added to the minimally invasive spectrum offered by the general practitioner including urethrocystoscopy, rhinoscopy, sinusoscopy, otoscopy, tracheoscopy, fistuloscopy, arthroscopy and thoracoscopy.
This lecture will provide guidance on equipment selection for many routine rigid endoscopic procedures and an overview of the procedures that can be performed in general practice. Expanding the range of procedures offered enables the practice to maximise the use of the equipment and in some cases, retain cases in house rather than referring them externally.
12.30 - 13.15
Early screening and treatment for elbow dysplasia in puppies: Why and how?
DAY: FridayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Lecture Summary
Elbow dysplasia is a major cause of front limb lameness in medium to large breed dogs. Underlying causes of elbow dysplasia include ununited anconeal process (UAP), medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle.
In view of a preventive medicine approach for all developmental skeletal diseases, early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment. Later in life, the degenerative joint disease could become severe and invalidating with a very poor quality of life, with limited possibilities of treatment. Early diagnosis of elbow dysplasia allows prompt surgical treatment, which is aimed at restoring joint congruity. As well, the progression of the disease and osteoarthrosis may be prevented or reduced.
What to do when resection margins are dirty
DAY: FridayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Lecture summary to be confirmed
Feline hyperthyroidism - what are the options?
DAY: FridayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Hyperthyroidism is currently the most commonly diagnosed feline endocrinopathy. In the majority of cases diagnosis is relatively straightforward, therefore this lecture will focus on the treatment options available. Despite several different treatments being available, the majority of cats continue to be managed medically in the UK. The advantages and disadvantages of this and other options, both for initial stabilisation and subsequent long-term management will be discussed.
Learning outcomes:
- To be aware of all the treatment options available, in order that clients can be fully informed.
- To be able to recognise the most suitable treatment option(s) for an individual case
- To recognise the problems that may be associated with long-term medical management compared to definitive treatment
MIND: Understanding Self-Doubt
DAY: FridayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15This talk is the first of two, the second of which is at the same time on Saturday 21st May. There is a significant difference between doubt and self-doubt. Doubt and uncertainty are a normal feature of everyday life. Feelings of doubt have both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include caution before action – “Look before you leap” as the saying goes. But doubt can also lead to uncomfortable feelings of anxiety. This is neatly captured in my stress equation; Stress + Uncertainty x Urgency. Whilst feelings of doubt are bad enough, when we allow our feelings of doubt to migrate into feelings of self-doubt we experience a significantly different state of psychological unrest. I refer to self-doubt as confidence-cancer as it can significantly affect our entire self-confidence. Unfortunately when people get trapped within feelings of self-doubt they can adopt strategies to cope with these feelings, such as perfectionism and narcissism, which are ultimately counterproductive in the long term. This talk will discuss and explain the connection between these themes as well as describing how to avoid slipping into their counter-productive strategies when experiencing doubt and self-doubt.
Itchy cat: Is it feline atopic skin syndrome?
DAY: FridayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Feline atopic skin syndrome is not as well defined as canine atopic dermatitis. To reach a final diagnosis of feline atopic skin syndrome, all the other causes of pruritus in the cat need to be excluded in a systematic manner.
The syndrome is poorly defined for several reasons:
- It manifests in the form of reaction patterns seen in many other diseases. These reaction patterns include; miliary dermatitis, symmetrical alopecia, eosinophilic granuloma complex (that is subdivided into indolent ulcer, linear granuloma, eosinophilic plaque), and finally head and neck pruritus.
- Clear distribution patterns are not seen
- The role of IgE in feline atopic dermatitis has not been fully established
Many other conditions can result in pruritus and these reaction patterns. For example, Ectoparasites, food induced hypersensitivity dermatitis (FIHD) and flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH) can all manifest similar clinical signs.
This lecture discusses the need for a systematic approach to reach that final diagnosis of feline atopic skin syndrome. A subset of these cats may have IgE antibodies against environmental allergens where we can make that final diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
13.25 - 14.10
My elbow hurts: A patient journey through the different stages of elbow disease
DAY: FridayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Acute spinal cord lesions - The fundamental role of a neurology nurse
DAY: FridayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Neurological patients can be difficult to manage, and good nursing care reduces the many complications that can occur with prolonged hospitalisation and overall improve the quality of life of the patient. Acute spinal cord diseases are commonly encountered in clinical practice. This lecture will mainly focus on the clinical and diagnostic approach to acute spinal cord diseases in dogs and cats and describes pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and prognosis of specific disorders and the fundamental role of nurses in their treatment.
Pathogenesis and surgical options for cranial cruciate ligament rupture
DAY: FridayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Cranial cruciate ligament disease is one of the most common conditions encountered in canine orthopaedics. In this lecture we will review the pathogenesis and most common surgical options. A focus will be put on how to explain this complex condition and atypical surgical options to clients. Improving client understanding will enhance their engagement with surgeon and rehabilitation therapist recommendations, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Now urine trouble - time to consider cystoscopy?
DAY: FridayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Lecture summary to be confirmed
14.20 - 15.05
Surgical and medical oncology: collaboration before and after surgery
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed
Yellow cats - approaching the jaundiced patient
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Being presented with a jaundiced cat can be daunting. During this lecture we will discuss a logical approach to the jaundice patient and appropriate treatment for the most common underlying aetiologies.
BODY: Keeping your back in action: What can Vets learn from Professional Football
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Pathogenesis of muscle and tendon injuries in dogs
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Injuries to muscle and tendons are common in the canine patient and fortunately most are mild and heal without any significant intervention. When injuries are more severe, or chronic, their treatment becomes problematic and a challenge. In this lecture we’ll dive into the mechanisms behind these injuries and how knowledge of this plays a key role in our therapeutic options.
Feline Dental Disease; An overview of common pathologies and current therapies
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Gastrointestinal endoscopy - how, why and to what end?
DAY: FridayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed
15.15 - 16.00
Surgical approach to patellar luxation in puppies
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopaedic problems in the dog. Medial patellar luxation is more common (80%) than lateral patellar luxation (20%). Small breeds are usually affected by medial patellar luxation, but large breed dogs like Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, Bullmastiffs and Pitbulls can be affected too. Other large and giant breeds (Newfoundlands, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Caucasian Shepherd dogs and others) are more predisposed to lateral patellar luxation.
Surgical treatment of patellar luxation is a very common procedure but has a high percentage (20% or more) of failure and recurrence. Understanding the underlying predisposing factors for patellar luxation in each patient and addressing them with custom-made treatments can help in improving the success of the surgical treatment.
Early treatment in puppies can be less invasive compared to surgical treatment in adult dogs and can affect the residual growth to correct predisposing skeletal deformities.
Imaging in the cancer patient; what does metastasis look like?
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Lecture summary to be confirmed
The magic of the practice microscope: how YOU can help both the pet and the vet
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00The microscope is one of the most useful pieces of equipment in the practice for investigating skin cases. Many of the investigations can be carried out by nurses to aid both the vet and the patient.
Often, vets are pushed for time and are unable to perform in house investigations there and then. Many of these investigations can be easily passed onto the nurse to perform the tests. The time needed to providing better targeted treatment is thus shortened, which is in the best interest of both the patient and the vet.
The lecture will show you the sampling techniques for trichography, skin scrapings and skin cytology; and what you might find under the microscope lens to help the vet make a diagnosis.
Pale cats - feline anaemia
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Anaemia is not a diagnosis in itself, rather a clinical sign resulting from a number of causes. Anaemic cats may present with signs that make the cause apparent e.g. blood loss from trauma, or may have a more insidious onset of vague signs such as inappetence and lethargy, sometimes precipitating in an apparently sudden deterioration when the haematocrit becomes profoundly low. Causes of anaemia, especially those specific to cats will be given, and the diagnostic approach to anaemia will be discussed. Stabilisation with blood products may be required to enable diagnostic tests to be performed, and options available for this will be covered.
Learning outcomes:
- To be able to identify the different categories of anaemia
- To have a logical approach to diagnostic tests
- Understand the treatment options available for different types of anaemia
Good Health, Good Balance
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Advances in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
DAY: FridayTIME: 15.15 - 16.0016.10 - 16.55
Help! Which technique should I choose to manage CCLD?
DAY: FridayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Sarah is Senior Surgeon Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology, Godalming, UK
Talking tendons: Advances in the management of tendon injuries
DAY: FridayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Rhinoscopy
DAY: FridayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55The nose is a difficult place to access surgically without significant trauma to the patient. Diagnosis of nasal disease can be greatly aided by advanced imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, but in most cases direct visualisation of the lesions and physical biopsies will be needed for definitive diagnosis. Rhinoscopy is a relatively simple procedure that can be carried out in general practice and greatly assists in the diagnosis and management of nasal disease.
This lecture will provide guidance on equipment selection for rhinoscopy, practical tips on carrying out a safe rhinoscopy and an overview of the procedures that can be performed in general practice.
17.05 - 17.50
Isn’t metastasis a bad thing…?
DAY: FridayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed
An update on Feline Infectious Peritonitis
DAY: FridayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Brace yourself: Orthoses in canine practice
DAY: FridayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Extraction Virtuosity; tips to improve extraction skills
DAY: FridayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Minimally invasive management of stone disease
DAY: FridayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed
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09.45 - 10.15
The athletic dog and hydrotherapy
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.15Lecture summary to be confirmed.
09.45 - 10.30
Feline nursing clinics: What should we be doing
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Nursing clinics for canine patients have been conducted for a number of decades now and can add a lot to client perception of a practice; by generating more bonded clients, practice income can increase. In addition, they enhance status of the nurses within the practice by enabling them to use skills they have learnt and developed. Feline nursing clinics have been less utilised, most likely as a result of difficulties owners perceive in getting cats to the veterinary practice and by potential infectious disease risk. However, kitten socialisation groups, preventative health clinics, weight clinics and senior health clinics, are just some examples of opportunities to improve the health and well-being of the feline population. Blood pressure clinics are vastly under-utilised and could potentially be a major step forward in feline nursing clinics.
Learning outcomes:
- Identification of areas that may be amenable to nurse clinics
- How to plan and implement a nurse clinic
- The indications for blood pressure clinics
PERSPECTIVE: Have courage and be kind: reimagining 21st century vet practice
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Many of us will have heard of the philosophic phrase, the only constant is change. It still makes perfect sense, especially today. If you were to describe the workplace and world in general over recent years, what words would you use? Perhaps delicate, nervous, knotted, and perplexing?
The acronym BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) may be used to explain complex changes, such as those triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world of constant change, it helps to describe the current state of things. If BANI is a good description of work and play in 2022, then we may be able to use it as a starting point to build on and come up with proactive solutions and roadmaps to this overwhelming new world.
In this lecture we’ll attempt to:
- Validate whether BANI has parallels with how we’re living and working today.
- Acknowledge the impact this way of working may have on you, your colleagues, clients, business, and ultimately, patients.
- Design a new narrative for veterinary leadership which describes the role we all play in succeeding in a BANI world.
- Introduce simple tools to help strengthen your own courage and be an advocate for kindness.
Reptile emergency presentations
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Reptiles are increasingly common patients in veterinary practice. This lecture will help to ensure delegates are able to manage our scaly patients effectively when they present as emergencies.
How the Thai cave rescue highlighted the importance of ketamine in anaesthesia
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Imaging of the hepatobiliary system
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.30Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Ophthalmic examination: How to do a good exam with basic ophthalmic equipment.
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 09.45 - 10.3010.40 - 11.25
Anisocoria: When the problem is in the neurology system
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25Anisocoria is a condition characterised by unequal pupil size. The resting pupil size and possible asymmetry should be assessed (by distant direct ophthalmoscopy) in normal light and then in a darkened room. The neurological causes of anisocoria with normal vision involve dysfunction on the parasympathetic tone to the iris constrictor muscles (mydriatic pupil) or dysfunction on the sympathetic tone to the iris dilator muscles (miotic pupil, Horner’s syndrome). This lecture will focus on the dysfunction of the autonomic system that innervates the iris, the clinical and diagnostic approach to deal with the most common underlying causes.
Making your clinic cat friendly
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25Bringing cats to the veterinary practice can be a daunting experience for both the owners and the cats themselves. This can potentially put off clients seeking veterinary advice unless it is an absolute emergency and can prevent cats from accessing the best possible healthcare. During this lecture we will discuss how to make the clinic cat friendly, all the way from getting the cat to the clinic in the first place, right through to the hospitalisation.
Working with ‘Difficult’ People: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Preventative Care
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25Is there such a thing as a ‘difficult’ person?
I’m pretty sure I’ve worked with a few in my time in the veterinary world, although I’m equally sure some of them feel the same about me…
Probably the better question would be: Is there such thing as a ‘reasonable’ person?
None of us really see the world as it is. Wikipedia list around 200 cognitive biases confirmed by replicable research – we perceive different things whilst each believing we are seeing the whole picture.
We talk about ‘Diversity’ and we talk about ‘Teamwork’, but do we really understand what they mean? And how we should play our part and support others to play theirs?
This lecture explores the nature and typology of unwanted behaviours and difficult situations and conversations, the different types of people we encounter and how best to respond to them.
It aims to equip you with some tips and techniques for dealing with people you find ‘difficult’, from day-to-day moments of conflict and challenge to full-blown breakdowns in relationships.
You can’t change people, but you can communicate with them in a way that they may change themselves and, in doing so, change yourself in the process.
Anaesthesia reptiles
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 10.40 - 11.25A talk providing practical tips and advice when anaesthetising reptiles in practice.
Incorporating ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia techniques into your anaesthesia practice
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 10.40 - 11.2511.35 - 12.20
Blindness from a neurologist point of view
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20The visual system is the part of the central nervous system that is needed for visual perception. The animal receives, processes and interprets visual information of the environment. The central visual pathways include: the optic nerve, the optic chiasm, the optic tract, the lateral geniculate nucleus, the optic radiation and the occipital cortex. Any structural or functional lesion at any point of the central visual pathways will cause some degree of visual deficits. This lecture will focus on the dysfunction of the visual system, the clinical and diagnostic approach to deal with the most common underlying causes of blindness from a neurologist’s point of view.
PERSPECTIVE: How to deal with stressors in the workplace
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Hepatobiliary disease - what do these bloods tell us?
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 11.35 - 12.20Lecture summary to be confirmed.
What is going on with the eye? What shall I do to help the animal prior to referral?
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 11.35 - 12.2012.30 - 13.15
Getting the most out of your ECG recording in practice
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15PERPESCTIVE: Developing Self-Confidence
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15This talk is the second of two, the first of which is at the same time on Friday 20th May. There are various types of confidence. Confidence can refer to our conviction regarding our knowledge and beliefs about how the world works in terms of ‘what something is’, ‘why something happened’ and ‘whether something will happen’ - even if we aren't directly involved with the situation. The second type of confidence is referred to as Self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to our beliefs and conviction about whether we feel we can Perform a task and achieve an outcome - in the physical sense. In other words do we believe we can do it!? The third type of confidence is referred to as self-confidence, aka self-worth or self-esteem. It is this type of confidence that most people crave and mean when they say they would like to become “more confident”. Whereas self-efficacy refers to our assessment about our ability to perform physical tasks, self-esteem refers to what we think and believe other people think about us. In order to understand, and develop a genuine ‘24-carat confidence’ we must understand the differences and relationship between these different concepts, which is the purpose of this talk.
Clinical reasoning in neurological physiotherapy: Function, Function and More Function
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Lecture summary to be confirmed.
How to manage patients undergoing anaesthesia for laparoscopic surgery
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15Feline hepatobiliary disease
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.15The unique feline anatomy renders cats more susceptible to primary biliary disease than primary hepatic disease, unlike their canine counterparts. Cats with hepatobiliary disease often present with anorexia, vomiting and jaundice, therefore the approach to these presenting signs and differential diagnoses will be discussed, with specific focus on cholangiohepatitis and hepatic lipidosis. The role of different medications in the management of hepatobiliary disease (with and without a definitive diagnosis) will be discussed.
Learning outcomes:
- To be aware of the diseases affecting the feline hepatobiliary system
- To understand the limitations of different diagnostic tests
- To understand the supportive and symptomatic treatments used in the management of feline hepatobiliary disease
Clinical case discussion - ophthalmic surgery
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 12.30 - 13.1513.25 - 14.10
The key points of observation during the neurological examination
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Nerve pain and neurodynamics
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 13.25 - 14.10Lecture summary to be confirmed.
A fresh approach to coughing in dogs and cats
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 13.25 - 14.1014.20 - 15.05
Intervertebral disc herniations, do they always need surgery?
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Sleep for the soul: High performance rest & recovery solutions
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Hormone testing in the bitch
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Canine hepatobiliary disease
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Ultrasound of the thorax – How useful can that be for my patients?
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 14.20 - 15.05Ultrasound is widely used in veterinary practice for the evaluation of abdominal and cardiac disease. The use of this imaging modality for assessment of thoracic disease not related with the heart is often overlooked but can also be very helpful. In this lecture we will discuss how ultrasound can help with the diagnosis, management and surgical planning of several conditions affecting the lung, the mediastinum, the pleural space and the thoracic boundaries. Case-studies will be presented to illustrate that besides X-rays and CT, ultrasound can be a very good option for patients with thoracic disease.
15.15 - 16.00
Broken bones, blocks and brains - anaesthetic management of orthopaedic and neurological patients Part 1
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Performance Nutrition - Using food to help you flourish
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Pathogenesis, surgical vs medical intervention for wobblers and lumbo-sacral degenerative stenosis
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00When to neuter the bitch and diagnosis of incomplete ovariectomy
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Lecture summary to be confirmed.
The secrets of heart murmurs in cats
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Hepatobiliary surgery for dummies
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Anaesthesia of the bleeding patient
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 15.15 - 16.00Lecture summary to be confirmed.
16.10 - 16.55
Spinal malformations: craniovertebral junction anomalies
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Broken bones, blocks and brains - anaesthetic management of orthopaedic and neurological patients Part 2
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Well-Living for the soul: Evidence-based mindfulness solutions
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Knowing your arse from your elbow; decision-making for developmental elbow disease
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 16.10 - 16.55Diagnosing and managing arrhythmias in small animal practice
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 16.10 - 16.5517.05 - 17.50
Spinal malformations: thoracolumbar malformations
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Hormonal manipulation of breeding
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Drugs and diet in liver disease
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Getting started in Thoracic surgery
DAY: SaturdayTIME: 17.05 - 17.50Lecture summary to be confirmed.
Barbara Houlding 
Aldo Vezzoni 
Iain Grant 
Nicola Lakeman 
Nicki Reed 
Di Gammage 
Carly Mason 
Philip Lhermette 
Steph Sorrell 
Rachel Morris MBE 
Anita Patel 
Jonathan Bray 
Jack Pye 
Brian Faulkner 
Sarah Girling 
Elsa Beltran 
James Guthrie 
Gerard McLauchlan 
Nick Bacon 
Catherine Quinn 
Andrew Perry 
Magda Gerou-Ferriani 
Audrey Petite 
Stuart Gordon 
Diane Messum 
Maria Johnston 
Rich Casey 
Tom Dutton 
Jacques Ferriera 
Renata Stavinohova 
Chris White 
Matthew Rendle 
Nick Bexfield 
Heidi Ferasin 
Melanie Haines 
Luca Ferasin 
Natalie Pennicotte-Collier 
Gary England 
Sérgio Guilherme 
Lauren McCarthy 
Charlie Beestone 
Noel Fitzpatrick 
Laurent Findji 
Daisy Norgate 
Joana Tabanez BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR VET FESTIVAL 2022
20-21 MAY 2022, LOSELEY PARK, SURREY
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