Podcast due for release on the 28/6/26 The launch of the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) has sparked a passionate debate in the dog world. Supporters see it as a practical, simple tool to help improve canine welfare by addressing extreme conformation. Critics have raised concerns about fairness, scientific validity, breed identity, and fears that it could ultimately threaten certain breeds. To separate fact from fiction, Veterinary Voices UK sat down with Professor Dan O'Neill

Blog Supported by PG Mutual Veterinary professionals deal with physical demands, emotional pressure and unpredictable workloads every day. But one thing many don’t realise is just how financially vulnerable they can become if illness or injury suddenly stops them working. When your ability to earn is tied directly to your ability to turn up, income protection becomes a conversation worth having. The reality of being unable to work Veterinary work is tough on both body and min

Veterinary Voices UK Find our podcast on Vet Voices On Air. Due for release Sunday 31st May It is increasingly common for owners to feed their pet a ‘home-prepared’ diet. As veterinary professionals, many of us have a strong interest in nutrition and work hard to keep up with research and new evidence. However, when we dig deeper into how these diets are formulated, what we hear is often worrying. In fact, in many cases, the nutritional adequacy of these diets is deeply conce

Discovering that your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming. The good news is that feline diabetes is well understood. With the right care, clinical signs of diabetes can be managed and many cats continue to live happy, comfortable lives. Diabetes mellitus occurs when your cat’s body struggles to balance their blood glucose levels. You might have noticed that your cat is drinking and urinating a lot more than they used to, that they are losing weight despit

The veterinary profession is filled with extraordinary people — compassionate, intelligent, resilient individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for animals and supporting others. Yet behind that dedication, many veterinary professionals quietly struggle with stress, burnout, isolation and loneliness. The Veterinary Voices Hiking Group was created to help change that. Founded by RVN Robyn Lowe alongside veterinary surgeon Paul Horwood, the group was born from a simple but

The Veterinary Voices Hiking Group took to the Brecon Beacons this April for a two-day navigation event that delivered far more than just map-reading skills—it gave us an unforgettable adventure. Blessed with incredible weather, the group gathered on Friday morning full of energy and anticipation. After brushing up on navigation theory over breakfast at the Dovers Arms (Newgate St, Brecon), we headed out into the hills to put those new skills to the test. What followed was a

Feline FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) If your cat is hopping in and out of the litter tray, visiting the garden constantly, straining to pass urine or passing small amounts of urine frequently, they may be showing symptoms of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You may even notice that their urine is blood-tinged. One serious complication of FLUTD is urethral obstruction, commonly known as a blocked bladder. Male neutered cats are especially at risk of bec

Article supported by Purina Petcare 2026 As our pets enter their golden years, their bodies - and their nutritional needs - begin to change. They may move a little slower, seem a bit stiff, or lose muscle tone. Their appetite may shift, and you may notice changes in their weight or body shape. Just like us, ageing brings natural changes that require extra support. It’s important to discuss any changes you’ve noticed with your veterinary team, rather than assuming that they ar

Written by Robyn Lowe BSc Hons, Dip AVN (Surgery, Medicine, Anaesthesia) DipHE CVN, RVN Director: Veterinary Voices UK As part of our SPVS Congress Special with Paul Horwood - Podcast (due to be published on Sunday the 22nd February) and SPVS Congress Talk (Friday 27th February) We are in the era now of veterinary professionals who have started out their veterinary journey because of the deep love of James Herriot and the idealistic views of his adventures, anecdotes, and tra

Christmas can be an exciting time for all the family, so it’s not surprising that people want to include their four-legged family members in the festivities. This may include feeding a few yuletide treats, but be warned, some of our favourite seasonal foods could spoil your dog’s day very quickly! Common Christmas foods can cause anything from digestive upset to serious, life-threatening toxicity. Firstly, there’s absolutely no need to feed your dog anything in addition to th

Summary: Key Statistics on Antibiotic Resistance and Use (UK, 2024) 17% increase in deaths linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs in England (2024). 22% of antibiotics dispensed through private (human) prescriptions in 2024. 30% of all UK antibiotic use attributed to farm animals (2017 data). 96% reduction in injectable Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics (HPCIAs) on UK dairy farms (2017–2020). 55% reduction in total antibiotic sales for livestock sinc

INTRODUCTION Mobility can be defined as the ability to move without restriction or pain. 1 Animals may alter the way they move to avoid pain or discomfort. Owners may notice that their pet has been struggling to climb stairs, is unable to climb into the car, showing occasional stiffness, reluctant to exercise or is taking longer to get up when lying down. Changes to an animal’s mobility capabilities may be an indication of injury or disease. 2 Diseases affecting the mechanica

In an episode of Vet Voices On Air , Robyn talks with Professor Dan O’Neill (RVC; co-lead, VetCompass ) about a powerful idea reshaping small-animal welfare: innate health . Instead of asking, “Does this dog have a disease today?”, innate health asks, “Does this dog have the capacity to live the full life a dog should?” That means breathing, blinking, sleeping, running, communicating, and self-care without compromise—across a normal lifespan. Listen Here: https://open.spoti

Dog breeding has always been a topic of passionate debate. For some, it represents the preservation of heritage and the careful refinement of canine traits. For others, it highlights the dangers of prioritising aesthetics over welfare. While opinions differ, one fact remains clear: breeding practices can either support or seriously compromise canine health and welfare . The Changing Landscape of Dog Breeding Kennel clubs and pedigree registration systems once defined the bree

Today the CMA has released more information on their provisional decision. You have until 12th November to respond. Many of the suggestions are things many practices have already been doing, although there are certainly some suggestions that centralise information. Some of the suggestions have wider implications that perhaps the CMA has not considered; this is your chance to let them know more about the realities of working in veterinary practice, and how some of these change

The Veterinary Voices Hiking Group laced up their boots this month to take part in a special two-day charity challenge in the beautiful...

Pet owners have to navigate many decisions when choosing a pet food - however, care should be taken when deciding how much to feed. A...

What causes itching (pruritus) in dogs? Skin problems are one of the most common reasons for dogs to be presented at the vets, and...

Much like in humans, our dogs’ brains develop metabolic, functional and physical changes with age. Many of these are unwanted and can...

Is being overweight a problem for dogs and cats? The increasing number of overweight and obese pets is an area of concern for veterinary...