VetNI

Veterinary Northern Ireland

Please take a few minutes to complete Bristol university research survey investigating consultation techniques in veterinary practice, including quality of life scoring.

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A group of researchers at the University of Bristol are investigating consultation techniques in veterinary practice, including quality of life scoring.   If you are a Vet or Vet Nurse working with dogs please take a few minutes to complete the survey below:
The survey can be accessed at https://svs.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/dogs

 

 

Support #ColostrumIsGold this February

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Raising awareness that feeding the right quantity of colostrum, of the right quality, quickly enough after birth, reduces the chances of new-born animals needing antibiotic treatments at any point in their lives. Find out how to support #ColostrumIsGold by reading on…   https://www.colostrumisgold.org

Also check out BVA’S Blog Written by John Fishwick – BVA President from September 2017 to September 2018.  John is senior lecturer in Dairy Herd Medicine and former head of the Department of Production and Population Health at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). He is a former President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

BVA blog on the subject here:
http://bit.ly/2BL9xlw

Treenie Bowser wins trophy and Phil Walsh installed as President at AVSPNI Omagh Day & AGM 2018

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Seamus O’Kane outgoing president of AVSPNI welcomed over 110 vets to the AFBI laboratories, Omagh on 10th January.  They had turned out to listen to the four local practitioners who gave presentations on a variety of subjects.  Esther Skelly-Smith from Shanaghan Veterinary Services kicked off the day educating the vets on equine pain; this included the understanding of pain and its assessment and management in the horse over recent years. The talk also provided evidence-based updates on equine pain assessment and its application for the practitioners.
Treenie Bowser from Parklands Veterinary Practice, Portglenone spoke next.  Treenie’s talk on dairy herd fertility gave her colleagues an overview of genomics in Holstein herds, and tips how they can apply this new technology to farms to assist breeding decisions.
After a quick cup of tea or coffee in the break the vets heard a short presentation from Sarah Campbell of MSD, the sponsors for the day.  AVSPNI would like to take the opportunity to thank MSD for their continued support and for helping make events such as this one such a great success.
John Hill then gave a very informative talk outlining some of the challenges facing bees.  The talk covered the antimicrobial properties of honey and propolis as well as lots of other very interesting facts.
Brian Jones brought this part of the day to a conclusion with his talk on reproduction in dogs.  His talk covered collection, preparation, shipping and storage of fresh, chilled and frozen semen as well as A.I. and causes of infertility in dogs.
When the presentations were finished, the speakers had a chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the day which included the AVSPNI AGM at which Phil Walsh was installed as 2018 President.  This was followed by the adjudication and award presentation of the winner’s trophy by RCVS President Stephen May and a three course dinner.  Professor May commented on how much he had enjoyed the day.  He commended all of the speakers and awarded the Frank Mullan memorial trophy to Treenie for her excellent presentation, rounding up an enjoyable and educational day.

Photo credits: David McKeown

Seamus O’Kane represents local vet associations at Veterinary Ireland Annual Presidents Dinner

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Seamus O’Kane, AVSPNI President and NIVA Junior Vice President, recently represented local vet associations at the Veterinary Ireland Annual Presidents’ Dinner in Kilkenny.  As well as a great dinner, the event provided opportunity for networking with Veterinary Ireland peers, discussion on common issues and in depth debate on the impact of Brexit on animal health and welfare.  Seamus also found time for a morning walk to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the Lyrath Estate.  AVSPNI and NIVA are grateful for the invitation from John O’Connor, outgoing President of Veterinary Ireland.

Northern Ireland Veterinary Nurse Awards

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All veterinary nurses are dedicated to caring for animals, but just sometimes there’s a special someone who has given exceptional services in caring for pets.  It could be for example the set-up and running of a new client education focus in the practice, or helping to spread the message of pet welfare in the community. Perhaps they simply gave you some extra special help when you most needed it.  In fact, any action or contribution that you think deserves special recognition.  Nominations are welcome from pet owners or practice staff.

Click here for more info and to find out how to nominate