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Supporting pet owners during cancer treatment
One in five cats will experience cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Vicki Adams concludes oncology stream at BVNA Congress

One in three dogs and one in five cats will experience cancer at some point in their lifetime. That's according to Vicki Adams of the Animal Cancer Trust.

Wrapping up the first day of lectures at BVNA Congress in Telford, Ms Adams delivered an informative and interesting lecture on how to support owners during treatment of the pet with cancer.

She began by looking at what cancer is and how it is one of the most treatable of all the chronic diseases.

Describing the VNs role in how to support the pet with cancer, Vicki said the most important thing to remember is that you are not aiming for a cure, rather you are aiming to prolong the animal's life for as much as possible.

The VNs role, Vicki explained, is 'to support the patient, to support other pets at home, to support the owner and caregivers, and to support the veterinary team'.

She added that VNs should aim to help owners understand that the goal is to obtain a good quality of life.

VNs can also help owners by telling them what to expect during treatment, what the prognosis might be, explaining any potential side effects as well as any health and safety issues the owner should be aware of.

Useful resources: Withrow and MacEwen's 'Small Animal Clinical Oncology'
& 'Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses' by Anony S. Moore and Angela E. Frimberger

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.