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Supporting pet owners during cancer treatment
One in five cats will experience cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Vicki Adams concludes oncology stream at BVNA Congress

One in three dogs and one in five cats will experience cancer at some point in their lifetime. That's according to Vicki Adams of the Animal Cancer Trust.

Wrapping up the first day of lectures at BVNA Congress in Telford, Ms Adams delivered an informative and interesting lecture on how to support owners during treatment of the pet with cancer.

She began by looking at what cancer is and how it is one of the most treatable of all the chronic diseases.

Describing the VNs role in how to support the pet with cancer, Vicki said the most important thing to remember is that you are not aiming for a cure, rather you are aiming to prolong the animal's life for as much as possible.

The VNs role, Vicki explained, is 'to support the patient, to support other pets at home, to support the owner and caregivers, and to support the veterinary team'.

She added that VNs should aim to help owners understand that the goal is to obtain a good quality of life.

VNs can also help owners by telling them what to expect during treatment, what the prognosis might be, explaining any potential side effects as well as any health and safety issues the owner should be aware of.

Useful resources: Withrow and MacEwen's 'Small Animal Clinical Oncology'
& 'Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses' by Anony S. Moore and Angela E. Frimberger

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Two new roles on BEVA Nurse Committee

News Story 1
 The BEVA has opened two new roles on its Nurse Committee.

There is one role available for a full member (for three years) and one role for a student member (until they qualify).

Members must attend all meetings, occurring four times a year. They will assist the committee in understanding the field, identifying issues and engaging with external parties.

More details can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.