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BSAVA releases new Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses
The BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses has been updated to reflect the expanding responsibilities of the nursing profession.

Second edition adds new information and tools to support nurses.

The BSAVA has released a new, updated version of its Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses, which aims to provide essential information, guidance and practical advice in an easily accessible format.

The BSAVA have built upon the work of Louise O’Dwyer, who edited the first edition, to produce a more up-to-date, in-depth version which reflects the expanding responsibilities of the veterinary nursing profession.

This second edition is edited by Emma Gerrard; a BSAVA Committee member and recently elected chair of Cymru/Wales region.

The book contains key information from a range of BSAVA titles, including the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, with extra sections written by Ms Gerrard and external sources.

Notable additions to the updated Pocketbook include:

  • surgical and anaesthetic checklists
  • pain scales for dogs, cats and rabbits
  • dental recording charts
  • PROTECT ME information on antimicrobial resistance.

It features multiple helpful illustrations and tools and sections are arranged alphabetically, with cross-references for ease of use.

Ian Ramsey, BSAVA president for the years 2020 – 2021, said: “Animals are more likely to get better, and get better faster, if they have good nursing care.

“This book is packed with the sort of information that allows nurses to deliver that care. It is presented in a format that makes it easy to carry around, but it will find its home at the heart of the clinic.”

The BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses, 2nd edition is now available from the BSAVA website.

Images (c) BSAVA.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."