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EVJ highlights benefits of evidence synthesis
Evidence synthesis is not widely used in the equine veterinary sphere.

The collection provides free access to evidence reviews.

The Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) has announced a new virtual collection exploring evidence synthesis and its importance as an evaluation tool.

Evidence synthesis is a term used to describe various methodological approaches to systematically review, appraise, and summarise evidence in specific area. The method is not widely used in the equine veterinary sphere and differs from conventional literature or narrative reviews, which are not required to have a specified search strategy or methodology.

The EVJ special virtual collection provides free access to evidence reviews on diverse areas in which evidence synthesis has been used, including the recovery of horses from general anaesthesia and the efficacy of furosemide for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

The collection will expand as new reviews become available and includes an introduction by Sarah Freeman, a professor of Veterinary Surgery at the Univerity of Nottingham. 

Professor Freeman said: “Evidence synthesis makes an important contribution towards generating the evidence base which underpins equine clinical practice. The challenge compared to human medicine is that equine veterinary data sets are much smaller, and study approaches and methodologies often vary significantly, which means that it may not be possible to combine or collate data sets.

“Given this shortfall, scoping reviews can be helpful to identify what information is out there, find areas where a systematic review could be performed, and provide a useful summary for all the studies in a particular area.”

Professor Celia Marr, editor of the EVJ, added: “As increasing numbers of evidence syntheses are published, they will expand our understanding of the current bodies of evidence in veterinary medicine.

“The existing studies are already informing us on how we use evidence in our practices and policies, and it is encouraging to anticipate how they will shape our development of future research, to generate the best evidence as the norm, in every case.”

The virtual issue is available at beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Image (C) BEVA.

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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...
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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.