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Charity names Vet Nurse of the Year 2022
Kirsty Cavill receiving her award from Paul Manktelow at BVNA Congress.

“To be recognised by the Blue Cross in this way is an absolute honour” – Kirsty Cavill RVN.

A veterinary nurse from Leatherhead has won a prestigious award for her work to improve the welfare of senior patients. 

Head veterinary nurse Kirsty Cavill from The Vet Connection was named Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year 2022’ in recognition of the support she gives to pets in chronic pain from arthritis, and for going above and beyond in her volunteering roles.

Paul Manktelow, director of veterinary clinical services at Blue Cross said: “Kirsty has fully embraced the opportunity, potential and diversity that's possible within a veterinary nurse career. She continually demonstrates passion for animal welfare, for giving back to society and inspiring others in the profession. she truly deserves this award and is an inspiration to us all.” 

Kirsty is is a volunteer veterinary nurse advisor with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and also a volunteer Veterinary Street Nurse team lead and committee member, providing free veterinary care and support for homeless pet owners. By participating in frequent outreach sessions with her StreetVet colleagues in Plymouth, she supports senior dogs and those with mobility-related challenges living on the streets with their owners. 

Kirsty received her award at the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA) Congress in Telford on Saturday (8 October). 

She said: “I was extremely surprised and truly humbled to have been given this prestigious award. Being entrusted to care for an owner's beloved pet and helping to facilitate the human-animal bond is a privilege, which I never take for granted. To be recognised by the Blue Cross in this way is an absolute honour.” 

Image (C) Blue Cross.

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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.