One of the most anticipated veterinary events is just around the corner: the London Vet Show returns on 17 and 18 November 2022 at the ExCeL London. Covering not only small and large animal medicine, exotics, farm and equine practice but veterinary nursing and practice management, alongside exciting industry innovations, there is content for every team member.
The event boasts over 200 seminars given by internationally renowned speakers, with delegates able to gain up to 17 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) over the two days. But with 21 strands of content – both clinical and non-clinical – the programme is packed (before you even consider networking and socials). So, where should you start, and how can you make the most of your two days at the show?
Lectures
This year’s programme is chock-full of content, with even more than the many clinical streams dedicated to small animal, equine, exotics, farm and nursing. Alongside these, wet labs are available to help delegates enhance their practical skills. Applicable irrelevant of specialism, non-clinical content – including a focus on well-being – will also be on offer across multiple theatres. Keep your eyes peeled for the CPD sessions on offer in the exhibitor showcase theatres – with a range of content, from animal chiropractic and physiotherapy to cutting anaesthetic risks, these events should not be missed!
Delegates are encouraged to tailor-make their own conference programme, with delegates easily able to switch across the 21 streams. Lectures are recorded so delegates will be able to catch up on any sessions they miss.
| For more information, the full 2022 programme can be found on the London Vet Show website. |
Post-COVID behaviour, parasites and more in companion animals
With an increase in pet ownership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, several sessions will focus on the ramifications this unique environment has had on companion animals, their owners and the choice of veterinary care. Clinical animal behaviourist Loni Loftus will outline the factors that have led to wide-ranging social interactions and the emotional components motivating unwanted behaviour. This includes some less expected outcomes, such as increased sensitivity to the soundscape, which will be presented by certified clinical animal behaviourist Clare Hargrave. As with our wider understanding of the world post-COVID, what is understood about behaviour and how we manage it is having to be revised.
Along a similar vein, when new owners have limited finances, what does this mean for essential screening for imported dogs? As the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCAPP) UK and Ireland recommends testing for more than half a dozen different parasites, Ian Wright, head of ESCAPP UK and Ireland, explores how to prioritise what to test for, considering the value of blood smears, grouping of tests and in-house testing to maximise cost-efficiency with clinical diagnosis.
Other themes of note encompass cardiology (including triaging congenital heart disease), the latest understandings on nutrition and renal health and reflections on surgical complications.
Emergency care for exotics and big questions for farm vets
With a plethora of exotic species to care for, veterinary treatment of the exotic patient can be a challenge, especially for the general practitioner. Vicki Baldrey will discuss how to develop a better understanding of the anatomical and physiological differences between common birds and reptiles and create the best therapeutic plan. She will also be presenting on emergency and critical care, advising on how to triage and undertake initial diagnostics in emergency bird, reptile and small mammal cases.
While the UK farming sector is facing one of the most difficult economic and business climates, sessions will focus on the need for vets to maintain and indeed act as the change makers to encourage high standards of care for farm animals in the face of the continuing cost-of-living crisis
These are especially challenging times for farm vets, and the LVS farm animal stream reflects this. While the UK farming sector is facing one of the most difficult economic and business climates, sessions will focus on the need for vets to maintain and indeed act as the change makers to encourage high standards of care for farm animals in the face of the continuing cost-of-living crisis.
Beyond these demands, recognised specialist in sheep health and production Fiona Lovatt explores the continued focus on responsible use of anthelmintics and antibiotics. David Black of Vet Sustain will consider how veterinary professionals with a unique One Health perspective can be a leading force to embed sustainable farm practices at the individual and business levels.
Everything equine
With three dedicated streams, equine boasts the most content for general practitioner and specialist alike. Notable themes include obesity, dermatology and cardiology. With a focus on dentistry, director of the Equine Dental Clinic Nicole du Toit will explore how the speciality has evolved over the last 25 years. She will also advise delegates on how to perform a routine dental examination and odontoplasty to ensure that the highest standard of routine dental care can be provided. Orthopaedics and sports medicine also feature, with professor of equine medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, Nicola Menzies-Gow, exploring the effects of laminitis and how medical treatment and farriery can help from first aid through to recovery.
Maintain job satisfaction and more in nursing and non-clinical
Both clinical and non-clinical topics will be covered in the nursing stream. As ever, anaesthesia is a leading theme, with sustainability discussions ebbing in due to the recognised greenhouse gas contributions of volatile anaesthesia. Although not recent, the concept of low-flow anaesthesia has yet to be widely applied in practice; Carina Costa, anaesthesia RVN at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, will discuss how low-flow anaesthesia can be used without compromising patient safety or the environment.
Nurses may also benefit from the non-clinical sessions looking at how to develop within their roles. This includes how to identify the skills of your team, and how to empower them and help them maintain job satisfaction. The latter point is a prominent issue for the veterinary industry at large and is at the heart of the business and career development streams for all. Sessions will discuss how to regain the pleasure from your work by focusing on what brings you joy and eliminating what does not, wherever possible.
Other non-clinical sessions will help veterinary leaders better understand different personality types. Paul Harwood of IVC Evidensia offers tips that can help tailor interactions depending on personality type, ultimately enabling more positive relationships and successful outcomes. In addition to personal communication and leadership styles, there will be sessions on finance and recruitment as well as the locum profession and a discussion of under-care proposals.
Exhibitions, socials and much, much more
The LVS exhibition represents Europe’s largest exhibition, with a vast range of ground-breaking technologies, products and services on show. No matter what challenges you face in daily practice or what stage you are at in your career, you will find answers in the world-famous exhibition. Also on the exhibition floor will be the Happy Hour taking place from 17.30 to 18.45 on Thursday 17 November.
30 under 30
The 2022 programme also boasts a brand-new initiative – the Vet Show 30 under 30 (VS30) – to foster talent in the vet industry. Charlotte Ellicott, head of marketing and content for the vet show, says: “All veterinary professionals have had a particularly tough few years, especially those early in their career who have missed out on key milestones. This initiative is designed to give them a real boost.”
The initiative is set to become an annual feature to give young veterinary professionals a clear set of role models – including regular Veterinary Practice contributor and exotics specialist Ashton Hollwarth! Charlotte continues: “Our aim is to create long-term communities of like-minded, passionate people who will use collaboration and share best practices to drive the profession forward.”
The VS30 2022 cohort will be presented at the VS30 induction ceremony from 16.00 to 16.50 on Thursday 17 November in the business theatre.
| Further information on the London Vet Show and ticket purchases can be made on the website. Improve Veterinary Practice and Improve International will be attending the event as well, so be sure to come and visit us on stand F20 to say hello and discover the exciting new plans we have in store. We look forward to seeing you there! |
