Vet Voices On Air (Veterinary Voices UK)

Navaratnam Partheeban BVM&S BSc MRCVS OBE, (known as Theeb), co-founder British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS) brings a varied background of clinical farm practice and industry including research and pharmaceuticals and a wealth of knowledge and fascination with equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the veterinary profession, alongside our very own Ami Sawran BVSc PgCertVPS CertAVP(CP) PhD FRCVS making this a must-listen podcast!

Join us as we reflect on what EDI really means, and the importance of personal introspection to consider our individual privileges and barriers to then appreciate the privileges and barriers of those around us, and how they may affect equality, diversity and inclusivity of the veterinary profession.

Though the veterinary profession and agricultural sector is improving, we are still a very un-diverse population, which needs to be recognised. We discuss simple inclusive language changes as well as easy ways to connect with clients, particularly on farm or in ambulatory practice, a technique that can help minimise the differences we may otherwise have.

Sexism is still the most reported type of discrimination both across the board and in veterinary practice, despite the feminisation of the workforce. We talk about how this can be prevented through communication, self-education and allyship. Allyship can mean different things in different scenarios. It may not always be safe to speak out, but small changes with trusted peers and loved ones, conversations with clients and good leadership are some of them. Tune in to find out more!

Want to know more? Check out the Agdiversity online awareness course for EDI by following this link:

https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/agdiversity

How do we protect ourselves from dog bites?

Dog bites and attacks have been in the news more frequently over the last few months. The majority of dog bites occur in the home with dogs biting their owners or family members.

Why would a dog bite the hand that feeds them?

According to Sophie White, a vet from Veterinary Behaviour Support, many dog bites occur because we fail to understand the warning signs.

Sophie explains to Danny that by improving our understanding of dog body language our ability to read how dogs are feeling in various situations, the majority of dog bites can be prevented altogether.

Sophie and Danny also discuss how some common training techniques which have been popularised by social media and TV shows can actually increase dog aggression.

More at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Listen to John Chitty and Robyn Lowe chatting about their mutual love of all things guinea pig.

Small animal and exotics vetJohn Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS and Veterinary Voices' very own Robyn Lowe BSc (Hons), Dip AVN (Small Animal), Dip HE CVN, RVN tackle the common misconceptions around guinea pigs and delve into the wonderful world of cystitis.

Could a holistic approach be more successful? Could reducing stress with changes in husbandry trump antimicrobials? And are they just really cats in disguise?! Catch up on the latest tips and tricks with us.

If you are as enthusiastic about small furries as these guys this is a podcast you won’t want to miss it. Robyn and John share their wealth of experience, discussing everything from the colourful descriptions of bedding to the sludgey joys of urine!

If you enjoyed this podcast and want to learn more, come to the Guinea Pig Welfare Forum, in Birmingham on the 19th September, sponsored by Burgess Pet Care!

See the link to sign up: https://guineapigalliance.com/guinea-pig-welfare-forum/

"Around 75- 80% of adverse outcomes in aviation are due to human factors - not due to a lack of skill or knowledge, but due to problems with communication, leadership, or decision making. This figure seems to be the same in veterinary medicine."

Dan Tipney, a former flying instructor, speaks to Danny Chambers as we unravel the benefits of integrating checklists and fostering a just culture within veterinary practices to improve patient safety and improve mental health of the veterinary team.

It's very rare that a lack of clinical knowledge or technical skill leads to complications or deaths of animals in a veterinary practice. Dan and Danny explore real-world scenarios, such as the case of a dog being discharged from surgery without antibiotics because of the a change in a team member on that particular day, and how these situations can be avoided.

Dan Tipney is one of the team at VetLed, who believe passionately that a Human Factors approach is a significant part of a long-term and sustainable solution to the challenges that the veterinary profession faces today. More podcasts at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

We know many animal owners use alternative medicines on their animals, including homeopathy and reiki. There is also a growing anti-vaxxer movement among some pet owners. Sometimes these non-scientific beliefs can have devastating effects.

In this enlightening episode, Danny Chambers engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Michael Marshall.

Marsh, as he is known, is a renowned campaigner on pseudoscience and advocate for evidence-based healthcare. He is Editor of the Skeptic Magazine, which has the tagline Reason with compassion, and he also serves as the Project Director of the Good Thinking Society.

Together, Danny and Marsh delve into the challenges of combating misinformation and pseudoscience within veterinary care.

Listeners are invited to explore the detrimental effects psudeoscientific practices like homeopathy, chiropractic treatments can have on animal welfare, and how best to engage with owners who wish to use these alternative medicines.

Through candid discussions and evidence-based perspectives, we highlight the importance of upholding scientific rigor and ethical standards to ensure the veterinary profession are safeguarding the well-being of animals everywhere. More at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"We're concerned about the rise in self-proclaimed dog trainers on social media sharing downright dangerous misinformation."

• Is it necessary to assert dominance over our dogs like a wolf pack leader?
• Should we allow a new puppy to sleep in our bedroom during their initial nights?

Tune in as Rosie Bescoby, clinical animal behaviorist and dog trainer from ⁠Pet Sense,⁠ debunks some behaviour and training myths with Danny Chambers.

Rosie shares her expertise, providing invaluable insights into responsible and effective training, and discusses the link between pain and behavioural problems.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"Will my dog lose his hair?"

"Should we just put him on steroids?"

Facing a cancer diagnosis in a beloved pet can be overwhelming, with owners and vets often harbouring misconceptions about the treatment journey ahead.

In this insightful episode, vet Danny Chambers engages in a candid conversation with Aaron Harper, a specialist in veterinary oncologist at Wear Veterinary Referrals.

Together, they delve into the ethical considerations surrounding cancer treatment in companion animals, debunking prevalent myths that often cloud judgment.

Owners often ask questions like, "Will my dog lose their hair?" and "Is chemotherapy appropriate for older pets?" and we discuss these with clarity and compassion.

Join us as we navigate the ethics and practical considerations of animal cancer care, shedding light on the reality behind common misconceptions, empowering owners and veterinarians alike with accurate information and compassionate guidance.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Offering gold standard treatments but not getting the outcomes you would expect?

We discuss the importance of contextualised care: a holistic consideration of both patient and client needs and capability.

A contextualised care approach can help us provide individuals with the right treatment for their situation, maximising client compliance and ultimately getting the best patient outcomes possible. 

Old friends, Dr Hannah Capon, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and Veterinary Voices very own Robyn Lowe RVN, use their experiences of multimodal management of osteoarthritis (OA) cases in practice to explore this fascinating topic.

Their infectious mutual passion to improve client communications to enable the best patient care is hard to resist!

This podcast needs to be next up on your playlist! Listen in to Robyn Lowe in conversation with Kirstie Pickles, as she shares both evidence-based and personal insight on the topic of neurodiversity within the veterinary profession.

In open and candid conversation, Kirstie Pickles BVMS MSc PgCert(CounsSkills) PhD CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS describes her own later-in-life diagnosis of autism and her mental health journey before and after this.

As many as 1 in 6 of us are thought to be neurodivergent, making it imperative for us as a profession to be educated and aware, to be best placed to support those experiencing neurodiversity and allow them to thrive in practice.

Through her research, Kirstie found the lack of awareness of neurodiversity amongst colleagues was one of the most commonly reported stressors. To address this finding, Kirstie and a large team at Vetlife has developed a free veterinary-specific neurodiversity guidance detailing information about different neurodivergent conditions and explaining how neurodivergent individuals both may excel and face challenges within veterinary practice and how we can implement reasonable adjustments in the workplace.  Yo can view it by following this link: 

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/neurodiversity/

This podcast discusses the new Vetlife Neurodiversity guidance and more. We touch on the communication mismatch between neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, the importance of being open and non-judgmental of behaviours in the workplace.

We talk about how the stigma that surrounds neurodiversity at management level is the biggest reason for individuals not to seek help, having a negative impact on their mental health. It is jam-packed with useful, practical advice.

For further help and information, Kirstie is founder of unedited minds, which provides neurodiversity awareness training for organisations and coaching for neurodivergent individuals: 

https://uneditedminds.co.uk

Some more links for support include: 

The National Autism Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/

The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnqK1BhBvEiwAi7o0Xw7-bl52jxdQAZszrGTLX7vez0Dy65DkeV-NNKvTVD-rnwzOo7pCqhoCjsYQAvD_BwE

The British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/ 

ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/

"There's nothing selfish about prioritising your mental health because others will suffer, not just you."

It's a shocking statistic that veterinary surgeons are four times more likely to take their own life than the national average.

Fortunately there is support available.

Join us as we discuss the work of the charity Vetlife, who are dedicated to providing crucial mental health support to over 4000 members of the veterinary profession every year.

Through heartfelt conversation, James Russell (President of Vetlife) and Danny Chambers (trustee of Vetlife) open up about their personal motivations and stories that led them to champion mental health support within the veterinary community, and how you can get involved.

www.vetlife.org.uk

More at https://www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Join Ami Sawran and Robyn Lowe on 04.09.24 for some update information on the most recent BTV-3 outbreaks. In this podcast we discuss historical Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Bluetongue virus surveillance and frameworks put in place to plan interventions and strategies for the next BTV outbreak, and how the current outbreak fits with what we expected.

Ami Sawran BVSc PgCertVPS CertAVP(CP) PhD FRCVS, explains the current restricted zones in East Anglia and the unexpected outbreak in Yorkshire and how the 2 different scenarios (expected/ unexpected) will be handled. For up to date and clear representation of this, please see the APHA interactive Bluetongue virus map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=514ec88edec74575958d860f0196d2ea

How sheep, cattle and camelids present with BTV-3 is discussed, including the high incidence of lameness. For more information on this please follow the link to an In Practice article: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/inpr.429

Take home messages:

·     If in doubt report it!

·     Restricted areas include Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex

·     20km restriction zone around Yorkshire outbreak

·     As BTV is circulating the UK midge population, culling is NO longer necessary

·     Treat the animal with supportive medicine including pain relief

·     Check the APHA or ring their helpline for advice

·     3 unauthorised vaccines in the pipeline, if you are interested in trialling them please get in touch

 Where can I find support?

https://ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-virus/

BTV hotline: 024 7771 0386 (chose APHA option) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bluetongue-information-and-guidance-for-livestock-keepers

Join good friends Danny Chambers and Gwen Rees BVSc(Hons) PhD MRCVS, chatting about her fascinating PhD into the sociology of what happens on farms after treatment plans and medications are dispensed, and the reasons compliance may not always be met. By understanding these factors and implementing change, might we improve compliance, animal welfare and antimicrobial stewardship?

Gwen presents the evidence towards empathetic collaboration, how veering away from a paternalistic culture between both government and vet/ vet and farmer can provide a tailored treatment plan that fits the context of individual farms.

Through jovial self-reflection we tackle the topic of ‘main character syndrome.’ Are we as vets more prone to this?! Could greater awareness of this improve client compliance across all veterinary sectors?

Join farm vets Paul Horwood and Matt Dobbs in lively conversation about how the farm animal sector has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, embracing futuristic technology to provide comprehensive herd health advice, increasing animal welfare, productivity efficiency, profitability and sustainability.

Matt Dobbs BVM&S CertCHP MRCVS, is both farm vet and CEO of the agritech company Agsenze, has particular insight into the agritech world. In this podcast we consider how advancements in agritech relate to us as veterinarians: could AI take over our role? Or could in fact AI support vets to process diverse and large volumes of data to provide faster, more accurate decision-making?

In debate with Paul Horwood BVetMed DBR MRCVS, we discuss how well we are harnessing available technology in the UK, is there room for improvement to make UK farming become more efficient?

We describe the fascinating new developments in technology that allow analysis of all aspects of herd health and discuss how prediction of production disease may become possible. Could this allow us to initiate on farm changes before output is affected?

For more information, please see this article, ‘Agri-tech: will technology help or hinder food production and animal welfare?’:

https://www.skeptic.org.uk/2024/05/agr-tech-will-technology-help-or-hinder-food-production-and-animal-welfare/

We get some top tips from financial advisor Ruth Downs and Katie Ford on how anyone can kickstart their financial planning.

 Ruth Downs BA(Hons) DipPFS and Katie Ford BVSc(Hons) CertAVP(SAM) PGCert MRCVS MCMA from VetYou Ltd, that offers veterinary-specific financial advice chat alongside Veterinary Voices’ Robyn Lowe BSc (Hons), Dip AVN (Small Animal), Dip HE CVN, RVN.

They discuss the value of financial clarity: knowing where you are with your money, what is coming in Vs what coming out. How splitting expenditure to non-negotiable payments (like council tax) and the stuff we spend for fun, to work out what wiggle room we have and come up with a plan for our financial future, what goals might we have and how can we achieve them.

Starting to save can seem daunting especially in the current financial climate where wages are not stretching as far as they used to.

Everyone is worthy of financial planning advice and to have personal goals to future proof ourselves. We talk automatic roundups, which can be organised through your bank, to put the extra pennies to one side and discuss the benefits of income protection.

If you are a vet or vet nurse experiencing concerns over your finances you may like to contact Vetlife, who offer a dedicated financial support service:

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/vetlife-services-financial-support/

Is a pedigree synonymous with good health? In the bustling halls of Crufts 2024, where over 24,000 dogs proudly strutted their stuff, breeders, owners, the international media and dog lovers met to celebrate over 200 dog breeds. But amidst the glitz and glamour, there's a sobering reality. Some animal welfare advocates and veterinary professionals voiced concerns over the slow progress in breed health, questioning the decisions to crown dogs with extreme conformation as best of breed. Our guests are Alison Skipper, who has a PhD in the history of dog breeding and who is also a member of the veterinary team at Crufts, and Sean McCormack, a media vet who is also a passionate welfare advocate. Join Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers in this thought-provoking debate as we navigate the complexities and nuances of pedigree, health, and ethics in the world of competitive dog breeding. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

For many of us, being a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse is more than just a job - it's our whole identity!

But what happens when doubts creep in, and the passion fades?

In this episode, join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complexities of veterinary identity with Jenny Guyat from Vet Harmony.

Whether it's questioning your career path, navigating the impact of parenthood's, or just feeling stuck in a rut, you're not alone.

Jenny shares insights on how personal development is just as crucial as clinical CPD. Together, they explore strategies for self-reflection, career pivots, and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance.

Tune in as we redefine success and uncover the keys to thriving, not just surviving, in the world of veterinary medicine.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"All I do is fight fires." The popularity of brachycephalic dogs has soared over the past decade, and the pet owning public seem to be largely unaware of the suffering these dogs endure due to their extreme conformation. Why do people want to breed and own dogs born into a lifetime of suffering? What is the effect on vets and vet nurses who have to regularly deal with the severe health problems associated with this breed? The Veterinary Voices team Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers chat to Dan O'Neill from the RVC and VetCompass about his new paper in the Veterinary Record 'All I do is fight fires' which explores why the veterinary profession is struggling to deal with the 'brachycephalic crisis.'

There have been a lot of changes and challenges in the veterinary profession over the last few years - how do we best adapt to the change?

Malcolm Morley, senior BVA President, chats to Danny Chambers about the various challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession right now - a younger workforce requiring more flexible working patterns, Brexit, Covid, workforce shortages, the CMA review, legislation reform, and supporting women through menopause.

More at www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Why is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigating the veterinary industry, and what exactly do they aim to uncover?

Why are prices for veterinary treatment so emotive compared to other professions and services?

In this 20 minute chat, Paul Horwood and Danny Chambers discuss all you need to know to understand the CMA's investigation and how there may well be long-term benefits for the veterinary profession.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

***Trigger Warning***

It is important to note that this podcast discusses the sensitive subject of veterinary mental health and suicide. If you feel affected by any of this, please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or via email: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/

Rosie Allister and James Russell bring their wealth of experience alongside evidence-based information about how best to talk about suicide within the veterinary profession both broadly on social media and when engaging with vulnerable individuals.

Robyn Lowe BSc(Hons), Dip AVN, Dip HE CVN, RVN talks to James Russell BVetMed FRCVS, president of Vetlife and Rosie Allister BSc(Hons) BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS. Rosie has extensive experience in veterinary mental health research and its implementation, including suicide prevention and postvention. She is also the Consulting Manager for Vetlife Helpline and has 20 years of experience working with Samaritans.

We discuss the importance of talking to an individual who is experiencing mental distress about whether they want to end their life, and how by being caring and supportive in how we approach this, makes it a safe and positive thing to do.

We also talk about the impact of posting comments involving suicide online, though unintentional it can be actively damaging and may be causal to additional subsequent suicidal behaviour.

We explain the evidence base behind what is being shared online, and discuss how improving how and what is shared can be protective for veterinary mental health and suicide.  

So, how can we talk about suicide safely? Because it is so important to talk about it! We need to be conscious of what language we use and be careful not to minimise the cause to one specific factor. Suicide is complex and nuanced. Oversimplifying it can be linked to deaths that would not otherwise have happened.

We need to focus on where help can be found and that THERE IS HOPE. 

Join us in this fascinating and educational podcast to learn how we can support and protect vulnerable individuals who may be affected by what we post online and by the media in ways that may not be easily foreseen. 

For further support following this podcast, please see the following mental health support links:

Vetlife:

https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/ 

Samaritans:

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq_G1BhCSARIsACc7NxqOIOLmy34y3B3NcHxrJ4ff8XnjKLSYF1NDaSPsvoHe-Aq1_GC7PZcaAitZEALw_wcB

"Imposter syndrome is often the curse of high achievers."

Despite passing all their exams and being fully qualified, many veterinary professionals feel as though they are somehow a fraud, not capable of doing their job to a high enough standard, and going to be found out.

In this humourous and personal discussion, Danny Chambers and Katie Ford discuss how vets can identify and deal with Imposter Syndrome.

Katie Ford is a vet, a coach, and an expert in dealing with Imposter Syndrome. More info at www.katiefordvet.com and www.vetvoices.co.uk

Did you know that a staggering 40-60% of dogs are overweight?

In this eye-opening episode, we confront the startling statistic when we analyse 'complete' diets, only 35% of dry food and a mere 6% of wet food meet FEDIAF guidelines.

But what about alternative diets like raw meat? Are they any better, or are they just too big a risk to human health?

And are vegan diets actually better for sustainability?

Join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complex world of pet nutrition with Mike Davies, RCVS Specialist in Clinical Nutrition.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

In moments of crisis, split-second decisions can make all the difference between life and death.

But how do we equip ourselves to navigate emergencies with clarity and confidence?

Join Danny Chambers, an emergency out-of-hours equine vet, as he delves into the art of thriving under pressure with Duana McBride, an specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care from Vetled.

Together, they explore proactive strategies for preparation, maintaining a composed mindset amidst chaos, and the implementation of effective protocols to alleviate the weight of emergencies.

Discover invaluable insights that not only enable you to manage high-stakes situations but to find fulfillment in the process.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

In this podcast we hear Carrie Kearns, a Pet Bereavement Councillor, passionately advocate for those experiencing pet bereavement. In conversation with Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers, who bring their experiences of small animal and equine euthanasia’s, Carrie Kearns ACC Dip PBC, MHS provides compassionate insight into owner experience after pet loss giving useful tips and advice to support our clients through animal euthanasia, including making the decision, the actual procedure and coping afterwards.

We discuss subjects such as disenfranchised grief, where society doesn’t allow us to validate our grief and how this can relate to losing our animals. We have a unique and special co-dependent relationship with our pets and part of ownership is a caregiving role, ensuring their needs are met, often bringing us closer together.

We talk about approaching the decision to euthanise an animal, and how we as members of the veterinary team can support owners so they do not feel alone in this. We also cover simple tips like dressing a catheter can make a big difference to owner experience. Tune in to hear more!

Carrie also highlights her role as a pet bereavement councillor, and how she may be able to assist both clients and veterinary staff. Carrie is a member of the newly launched Association of Pet Bereavement Councillors: a self-regulating body setup to acknowledge the relevance and value of pet bereavement councillors, who can provide niche client support. To become an accredited member, individuals must fulfil specific criteria, and they are listed with details of their location and credentials, so clients can pick a councillor tailored to their needs.

Please follow the following link to view this:

https://apbcounsellors.co.uk/find-a-counsellor

In frank conversation, Liz Barton and Ami Sawran discuss the “hot” topic of the menopause.

Do you think this podcast won’t apply to you? Think again! Every single one of us will be impacted by menopause, whether it be ourselves or our partners, colleagues and clients.

So, let’s get these menopause facts on the table. Normalise it to break the taboo surrounding it. Did you know there are 34 listed symptoms? This makes the menopause a unique experience for all. 75% of people will experience perimenopausal symptoms that will negatively impact them, lasting on average a whole decade.

Liz Barton MA VetMB MRCVS, co-founder of Wellvet and Vetmums and Head of Communications for VetCT describes how for her the menopause was a crouching tiger, hidden dragon, affecting her veterinary career when she wasn’t expecting it. With Veterinary Voices’ very own Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP PGCert VPS PhD MRCVS, this podcast discusses the experiences of menopause for women in the profession and the impact it has on the profession through mental health and retention issues.  

We talk about the positive adjustments that can be made in the veterinary workplace and Liz provides details about the first veterinary-specific menopause resources that are now freely available online through Wellvet.

Let’s feed this tiger and let it sit quietly in the corner!

Please see free Veterinary-specific resources on:

https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/