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University launches free online resource for vet nurses
The new material includes downloadable fact sheets, video tutorials and interactive quizzes.

New educational tool aims to boost vet nurses’ skills

A new online resource, aimed at both qualified and student veterinary nurses, has been released by the University of Edinburgh to mark Veterinary Nurses Day.

The resource, titled Veterinary Nursing Skills, covers the principles and practice of nursing companion animals in a clinical setting. It is provided by the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education at the university’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Content included in the module will highlight how focusing on the interactions between nursing care, animal health and patient behaviour can improve patient welfare and clinical outcomes.

The university hopes that veterinary technicians and assistants will also benefit from the new material, which includes downloadable fact sheets, video tutorials and interactive quizzes.

Topics covered include:

  • clinical skills
  • animal handling and behaviour
  • emergency and critical care
  • animal welfare
  • inpatient care.

Hayley Walters, the Royal (Dick) School’s welfare and anaesthesia nurse, said that the aim of the new resource was to provide support to veterinary nurses across the world who may not have access to the same professional training resources as others.

Ms Walters added: “Knowledge and compassionate veterinary nurses improve patient welfare, so we want to share some of our educational and animal welfare expertise with a global audience, this new resource will help to promote the role of the veterinary nurse as a para-professional who is an essential part of the veterinary team.”

For more information and to register for free, please visit the university’s website.

 

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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
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.