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Equine Vet Wins BEVA Research Award
Dr Mair accepting the award on Dr Smith's behalf.
A practising vet from Essex is awarded an important BEVA Research Award.

The BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award has been awarded to Dr Luisa Smith, a practising equine vet from Essex, in recognition of her research on post-operative colic. The research was conducted alongside Dr Tim Mair, also a practising vet, who received the award on Dr Smith's behalf at BEVA Congress in Liverpool at the start of the month.

Dr Smith, of House & Jackson veterinary surgeons in Essex, won the award for her paper Are horses that undergo an exploratory laparotomy for correction of a right dorsal displacement of the large colon predisposed to post operative colic, compared to other forms of large colon displacement? which was published in the January 2010 issue of Equine Veterinary Journal.

The award is given in memory of Richard Hartley, a founder member of the British Equine Veterinary Association, and president from 1974 to 1975. It is awarded for evidence-based papers and the prize is intended to support travel of the senior author and/or co-authors.

Dr Smith expressed her delight at her and Dr Mair's work being recognised, describing it as "both a privilege and an honour to have won the Richard Hartley Award."

Deidre Carson, outgoing President of BEVA, called it a "particular pleasure" to present the award to a vet in a general practice. She explained: "Combining flagship research with the demanding day-to-day duties of a busy veterinary practice is commendable. This paper provides clinically applicable information for every vet who sees colic cases and needs to advise owners on the risks of surgery."

For further information on the BEVA awards, visit their website.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.