Young Vets Disinterested In Working With Farm Animals

Farmers across the UK have claimed that young vets are only interested in working with household pets, not farm animals- at least, according to the Telegraph.
In the article, the news outlet stated that graduates were prioritizing ‘profitable’ household pets and shying away from ‘dangerous’ procedures such as bull castrations and caesareans. This issue is being exacerbated by veterinary shortages across the nation.
‘Standing with your hand up a cow’s backside at four o’clock in the morning is probably less enjoyable than dealing with a cat who has a fever.’ said Adam Duguid, owner of Lincolnshire’s biggest dairy farm.
‘There are fewer and fewer [vets] dealing with large livestock because it just isn’t as profitable as charging ridiculous fortunes to do domestic animals. A lot of practices now are owned by private equity firms in the city, and that’s why they have all jacked their prices up. Veterinary prices have got stupid.’
Gareth Wyn Jones, the owner of a 350-year old farm in North Wales was also quoted, saying:
‘It is going to be difficult to get more big animal vets when they can have somebody coming in the morning to look at a cat or a budgie and make 200 quid in half an hour rather than traveling out to a farm to do a cesarean on a big cow or castrate a bull, which can be quite a dangerous job.’
To read the full article,click here. 

AAHA Outline Guidelines On How Vets Should Communicate With Clients

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), has issued recommendations regarding client communication in this year’s 2021 Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines.
With a 108% increase in dogs diagnosed as overweight or obese over the last ten years, more and more vets are having to have weight-related conversations with clients. The association recommends that vets avoid terminologies such as ‘chonk’ or ‘fat’ to not offend pet owners.
Martha Cline, DVM, DACVN, a committee chair of the organization implored vets to discuss weight in a ‘non-judgemental way’, respecting unconventional diets owners may have put their pets on.
‘Most of these clients have made that choice because they believe it’s in the best interests of their pets. And as veterinarians, we also have their pets’ best interest in mind.’
‘Having that shared goal and being able to communicate it is a great way to start having open conversations with clients’.
For more recommendations, click here.

Vet Group Invests $500 Million Into Veterinary Diversity, Sustainability, And Career Development

One of America’s largest employers of veterinary professionals has promised to increase wages, expand benefits, improve educational/career pathways, and relieve student debt.
Mars Veterinary Health North American has announced a $500 million multi-year commitment to improving working conditions in its 2,000 premier veterinary healthcare and diagnostic providers.
‘At Mars Veterinary Health, we recognize that to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™, we need to make a better world for the people who care for them,’ said Doug Drew, President of Mars Veterinary Health North America.
‘Recognizing the evolving needs of the veterinary profession and after considering feedback from more than 10,000 Associates, we are investing in programs that further enhance their health and wellbeing. While there is more work to do, we’re optimistic about the meaningful impact these changes will have in our Associates’ lives and look forward to collaborating with the veterinary profession for the health and wellbeing of people, pets, and the planet.’
For more on this story, click here.

Vets Step Up To Meet Rule Changes

Vets across the UK are getting set to support clients with documentation changes regarding exports in food and products of animal origin to the EU.
Businesses in England, Scotland, and Wales now have to apply in advance for new Export Health Certificates (EHCs) to sell their goods to the EU. This is the result of post-Brexit agreements regarding free trade across the European open market.
Because of the regulation changes, there has been a rise in demand for veterinarians in the food industry. Many regions (particularly in Northern Ireland) have experienced shortages in vets across the border, leading to recruitment pushes across the country.
To read more about this issue, click here.

Study Explores How Euthanasia Is Taught To Australasian Students

An Australian and New Zealand study has found that students lack practical teaching when it comes to euthanasia.
The paper, conducted by several universities and veterinary bodies in Australia and New Zealand found that most veterinary students were taught about euthanasia using lectures and written learning materials. An overreliance on presentations and clinical case studies meant that not all students were exposed to euthanasia cases in practice.
This means that many students are not able to make or assist in euthanasia decisions before they graduate- creating a knowledge deficiency in the area.
This has significant implications for graduates in practice and should be a cause of concern for veterinary schools.
For more on this story, click here.

How To Stay Well Rested During The Work Week

Whether it’s because we’re up at night worrying about patients or because we’re working out of hours, getting those 8 hours of sleep can be difficult.
Sleep is important for not just our physical health, but also our mental health. So learning how to get sufficient shut-eye is key for vets looking to function at their best.
For some tips and tricks on how to get better quality sleep, look below.

Let Off Some Steam

Can’t sleep? Get out of bed and move around! This may seem counterproductive, but laying in bed, eyes wide, and mind whirring will not help you drift off. Move around the room and stretch out your limbs. If intrusive thoughts are keeping you up (worrying about work etc.) moving around can help you physically get out of your head so you can relax.

Be Mindful Of Your Emotions

If you are struggling to relax, it may be worth checking in with yourself. Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable? Identify what exactly is keeping you awake and take action. If you’re feeling anxious, perhaps grab some water and meditate for five minutes. If you’re stressed, get out of bed and make yourself a nice hot drink to relax. If you’re irritable, let out some of that nervous energy by moving around.
For more tips and tricks, click here.