Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Click here to become a member

The first students were awarded the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in summer 2013.

A round-up of the top ten veterinary nursing stories

During 2013, the vital role played by veterinary nurses in practice has been a prominent theme. It was a period of change for the profession, with the first cohort of veterinary nursing students being recognised with the DipVN post-nominals - a significant step forward.

Summer 2013 marked a turning point in the veterinary nursing profession, as Suffolk-based awarding body, Central Qualifications (CQ), announced the first set of students to be awarded the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN).

The students, who qualified from Bicton College in Devon and Abbeydale Vetlink Veterinary Training Ltd in Monmouth, were the first vocationally trained veterinary nurses to be able to use the DipVN post-nominal letters, which were selected by CQ to recognise candidates' high level of achievement.

Another important milestone of 2013 was the 40th BVNA Congress, at which the value of veterinary nurses was a key theme. The event kicked off with a keynote speech from James Yeates, chief veterinary officer for the RSPCA. He focused on the power of nurses and their key role as “empathetic eyes” within the practice, which allows them to build up a rapport with clients and offer “bespoke care” for patients.

The first cohort of veterinary nursing students were recognised with the DipVN post-nominals - a significant step forward.

Earlier in the year at BSAVA Congress, the importance of the veterinary nurse as a confidante to clients was also celebrated, as the Domestic Abuse Veterinary Initiative launched to highlight the veterinary role in recognising abuse in patients and clients. During the session, Freda Scott-Park of the Links Group said veterinary nurses are “crucial” when it comes to extending the hand of friendship and possibly making a difference to a victim of abuse.

At the same congress in April, nurses were also celebrated as a significant part of feline-friendly practice. Introducing the BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice, editors Sev Tasker and Andrea Harvey said nurses are integral to raising the level of feline care in practice.

Towards the end of 2013, the RCVS proposed a new Royal Charter which seeks to give the college formal recognition as a regulator of the veterinary nursing profession, meaning the 1,100 listed veterinary nurses will join the 10,500 on the register. Under new proposals, nurses who are removed from the register for serious professional misconduct will no longer be able to give medical treatment or carry out minor surgery under veterinary direction. Veterinary nurses, surgeons and members of the public have been asked to submit their views on the charter by February 7, 2014.

The latest PDSA report suggests a quarter of dogs are left alone for longer than recommended.

Elsewhere in the news, 2013 saw the introduction of compulsory dog microchipping in England and Wales. The law will come into force from April 2016 in England and March 2015 in Wales. Towards the end of 2013, the Scottish government also launched a consultation on dog microchipping. Veterinary organisations and animal welfare charities alike hailed the move as a leap forward in dog welfare.

A PDSA Animal Welfare (PAW) Report released towards the end of last year revealed a concerning dip in pet owners' understanding of the five welfare needs of animals. For example, the report found 18 per cent of rabbits are not given daily opportunities for exercise, compared to 4 per cent in 2011. In addition, one in four dogs are regularly left alone for five hours or more, with potentially serious behavioural consequences. Furthermore, 4.5 million dogs did not attend training classes before they were six-months-old.

The report also revealed some concerning statistics regarding lack of owner understanding when it comes to pet obesity – another prominent issue of 2013. A Cats Protection survey at the start of the year highlighted 23 per cent of owners to participate considered their cat overweight. Yet 70 per cent of these admitted to feeding an edible treat at least once a week. Shortly after this, a PAW Report in March 2013 warned 18.5 million pets in the UK faced early death due to an unhealthy, inappropriate diet.

Puppy farming was in the spotlight during 2013 as TV vet Marc Abraham launched a government e-petition calling for a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens without the mother being present. Just six months in, the petition achieved its target of 100,000 signatures and will be debated in parliament in spring 2014.

In addition, a set of minimum standards for UK websites carrying adverts for pet sales was launched by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group. Data gathered by the group suggested online advertising was allowing anything from banned breeds and endangered species to underage and illegally imported animals. The standards aim to improve animal welfare and help prevent members of the public from buying sick, dangerous or even illegal animals.

Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Log in to vnonline