People often find that neurology is one of the mysteries of veterinary medicine, when in fact it is like a puzzle; you just need to put all the pieces together!

There are two vital pieces of information, which are required before even starting the neurological examination. The first is a detailed history of the problem from the owner’s perspective. Many patients are nervous in the consulting room and may not demonstrate subtle abnormalities, which the owner has witnessed at home. It is also important to assess the extent of the problem. The history can help you to ultimately compile a differential diagnosis list and diagnostic plan.

The other very important piece of information is the result of the clinical examination. There are certain conditions, which can mimic a neurological problem. For example bilateral cruciate rupture can certainly appear as a spinal lesion. Cardiac disease resulting in syncope can manifest as a type of seizure. The general health of the patient is important to help you compile a diagnostic plan. Is the patient safe for anesthesia?

During this talk, we will run through the neurological examination and identify tips for getting the most out of the examination. We will discuss how to use this information to localize the lesion, which is a vital step in working out the diagnostic plan. Does the patient really need an MRI?

Archived Under: Neurology

Shaun McKane will discuss Sarcoids & Other Dermal Tumours during this webinar. Dermal tumours such as sarcoids, melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas are common conditions presented to veterinarians. In this talk we will look at the hot tips for diagnosing these conditions and the logical approach to the treatment of them. The key to improving the welfare of horses with tumours is the early recognition and therapeutic action of the vet. After this talk you will be faster at both recognising the problem and responding. In doing so you will improve your success rates and reduce the owner fear associated with these conditions.

Shaun got his veterinary degree from the University of Sydney in 1993, where he also completed an intercalating degree in equine respiratory responses to exercise with Prof. Reuben Rose. After a time in equine practice he moved to take up a PhD at the University of Melbourne, centred on the affects of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage on racehorse lungs.

Wanting to continue his development as an equine Specialist, he moved to Oregon State University in 1999, to undertake a residency position and become a Boarded Specialist with the American College of Equine Internal Medicine. In 2002 he moved to the University of Liverpool, Leahurst where he has worked as a senior lecturer in equine medicine and has become a European College Specialist in Equine Medicine. He has recently moved back into private equine practice at Cotts Equine Hospital in West Wales to provide a specialist medical and intensive care service to the growing racing and pleasure horse population in that region.

Archived Under: Equine

This Webinar is aimed at students/beginners and may even involve some revision (depending on which VetSchool you call home).   We will cover a basic eye examination, a guide to the presenting signs of some of the common conditions and a suggested treatment/action plan.  Where possible we will avoid jargon as the speaker is a general practitioner himself as well as an eye vet and there'll be poll questions along the way to keep you participating.

Gareth Jones works in a large mixed practice based in Leicester. He takes eye referrals from many vets around the East Midlands and is Special Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthalmology at NottinghamVetSchool.  He undertook the Residency at the RoyalVeterinaryCollege and gained Certificate in Ophthalmology in 1993.

Archived Under: Ophthalmology

In the first part of this joint presentation Adam Bell, Director of Medicine at Calder Vets in Dewsbury discusses the indications, equipment and techniques required for obtaining good quality bone marrow aspirate samples in general practice. When and where to sample, the differences between aspirates and core biopsies and how to prepare and submit samples will be reviewed along with a step by step visual guide to the techniques needed for good results. In short, everything you need to know about taking great bone marrows but were afraid to ask!

In the second part Nick Carmichael, Veterinary Director at CTDS will discuss what clinical pathologists look for in the material from bone marrow and show examples of cases where taking a marrow provides invaluable information for the diagnosis and management of the case. There will also be an introduction to what new techniques such as flow cytometry can add to analysis of blood and bone marrow If you want to know what goes on inside bone marrow and how you can take the samples that provide the answers join us on 9th May.

Archived Under: Clinical Pathology

Dr Remo Lobetti will discuss Proteinuria.

Dr Remo Lobetti graduated in 1987 with a BVSc degree. He spent the next 2 years in the Veterinary section of the South African Defense Force. Then in private practice for 2 years at Orange Grove Veterinary Hospital in JHB. He joined the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of PTA, as a senior lecturer in 1992 and was promoted to associate professor in 1997. From 1997 -2000 he was Section Head of Small Animal Medicine at the Faculty. In 2001, he moved to Bryanston Veterinary Hospital as a specialist physician but is still appointed as a Professor in the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Pretoria.

Archived Under: South Africa

Professor Lloyd is a former President of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, the European College of Veterinary Dermatology and the Veterinary Wound Healing Association, and founding editor of the journal Veterinary
Dermatology.

Professor Lloyd’s research interests are focused on cutaneous infection and immune responses in companion and farm animals with special interest in colonisation, transmission and pathogenesis of infection by staphylococci, including the
emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in domestic animals, antimicrobial resistance and yeasts of the genus Malassezia

Archived Under: Dermatology

When many business owners think of structures through which to run their business, most will think of limited companies or simple self-employment structures such as a sole trade or partnership. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but is it possible to combine the two? In short, yes and this webinar will show you the greater flexibility (and possible tax efficiencies) afforded by using a ‘hybrid’ structure.

Wes Mason FCA is a senior partner in A4G LLP, an established accountancy practice specialising in business structuring for a range of industries, but particularly for professional practices including veterinary practices. Whilst based in Kent,A4G LLP have clients throughout the country and provide a pro-active rather than reactive service to their clients to ensure profits are maximised and tax liabilities kept to a legal minimum.

Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2002, Wes has gained experience through acting for clients in many different industries, and has combined this with his tax planning speciality to give ‘cross-industry’ advice to his clients.

Archived Under: Veterinary Practice Management

In the first part of this joint presentation Adam Bell, Director of Medicine at Calder Vets in Dewsbury discusses the indications, equipment and techniques required for obtaining good quality bronchoalveolar lavage samples in practice. When and where to sample, fluid volumes to use and blind and endoscopic techniques will be reviewed along with a step by step visual guide to techniques for optimal sample recovery.

In short, everything you need to know about taking great BALs but were afraid to ask! In the second part Nick Carmichael, Veterinary Director at CTDS laboratories will discuss what happens at the lab to turn the sample into meaningful results and will talk through cases showing common features in BAL cytology and what they mean for the patient’s final diagnosis and their care.

There will also be a brief discussion of what PCR analysis of BAL samples can offer including the new Angiostrongylus vasorum PCR which has recently become available. If you thought pouring liquid into lungs was bad for them, think again and join us on 2 nd May.

Archived Under: Clinical Pathology

This is one of our Nurse webinars.

Archived Under: Nurse

Dan Holden will present a webinar on ‘Induction agents in anaesthesia- which one should I choose’

Dan qualified from the RVC in 1991. He has spent the vast majority of his professional career working as a clinician in referral centres, both in academia and private practice. He was involved in the establishment of the ICU at the RVC and spent eight years at the University of Bristol, where he was responsible for the internal medicine emergency service and the small animal intensive care unit. As well as his expertise in intensive care, Dan has a wealth of experience in internal and emergency medicine and has lectured widely throughout the UK and abroad.

In addition, Dan also provides an independent veterinary anaesthesia consultancy service, providing advice on equipment, staff training and in-house CPD, as well as specialist locum services and a clinical anaesthesia referral service for more complex cases.

Archived Under: Anaesthesia