Beyond the Clinic - a podcast by and for vet professionals

Host Daniella speaks to the team involved in developing IVC Evidensia's newly launched Care Frameworks. The team describe what a Care Framework is, how and why these have been developed and how can they help us in practice. These evidence-based resources target specific clinical conditions to address gaps in care, making use of recent research and expert opinion to boost the veterinary team's conf...

Arlene Connor interviews Andrew Whitfield-Roberts about Safari Consulting in veterinary practices. This innovative model involves Registered Veterinary Nurses taking a more active role in consultations and client interactions. By supporting nurses to handle routine check-ups and booster appointments, clinics can reduce the workload on veterinary surgeons and improve overall efficiency. Arlene and...

Daniella Dos Santos talks with National Lead for Medicine, Lucie Goodwin about Cushing's Syndrome. Lucie shares her expertise on what Cushing's is, emphasising the importance of understanding the physiology behind it. They discuss the typical signs to look out for, alongside key diagnostic tests. They explore how to best explain the diagnostic process to pet owners, especially when multiple tests...

How can we support colleagues dealing with menopause, and what resources are available to those experiencing it? Host Daniella Dos Santos and guests Sadie and Scott discuss these questions. Menopause symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, and low mood can have a huge impact. Sadie shares her personal experiences with perimenopause, highlighting the importance of open communication and support from c...

Farm animal welfare presents unique challenges that differ from those in small animal care. Vets Paul Horwood, Gill Whitehurst, and Dave Martin discuss these challenges. They explore how the vet-farmer relationship can support welfare improvements, and stress the importance of understanding the farmer’s perspective. The episode uncovers practical approaches to resolving chronic welfare issues, man...

Host Arlene Connor sits down with Liz Cox, IVC Evidensia's Group Veterinary Nursing Advisor, to discuss the details of Schedule Three legislation in practice. Liz explains how this legislation allows vets to delegate certain tasks to registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and student veterinary nurses (SVNs). They also explore the challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and RVNs, emphasising the impo...

Orthopaedic specialists Padraig Egan and Jamie McClement join host Daniella Dos Santos to discuss forelimb lameness in dogs. They stress the importance of taking young dog lameness seriously to catch developmental diseases early. They also explore why imaging should complement, not replace, a thorough clinical examination. Padraig Egan Padraig is a European Diplomat in Small Animal Surgery. He cur...

Recapping memorable moments from season two and providing a sneak peek into our upcoming new season. We've got orthopaedic specialists Padraig Egan and Jamie McClement discussing forelimb lameness, while Liz Cox clarifies the schedule three legislation's relevance for RVNs. Andy Kent critically examines the use of antibiotics in gastrointestinal diseases, and Laura Playforth emphasises the role of...

On the final episode of season 2, host Daniella Dos Santos and neurology referral clinician Emma Suiter explore the concept of 'neurophobia' - the fear of clinical neurology. Emma shares practical tips on performing the neurological exam efficiently in first-opinion practice. By simplifying the process and prioritising, learn how to gain confidence in managing neurological cases and provide the be...

Paul Horwood and Jim Hopkins explore the increasing importance of sustainability in farming. Jim is Chair of the Farm Animal Clinical Board at IVC Evidensia and he breaks down how being sustainable is often synonymous with being efficient.. Together, they discuss how vets can influence farm practices to optimise resource use, improve animal welfare, and meet environmental goals. Jim explains the v...

Host Arlene Connor interviews Carrie Sidden, head nurse at Rowe Vets, on pain management for veterinary patients. Carrie explains the importance of multimodal analgesia and the important role of vet nurses in pain assessment and treatment. She shares practical techniques for pain management, including local anaesthesia. Carrie also discusses integrating new pain protocols through auditing and clin...

Host Daniella and emergency specialist Dan Lewis discuss heatstroke in pets. They cover causes and early signs of heatstroke and the importance of immediate first aid. They also discuss clinical and at-home cooling methods, interventions for severe cases, and considerations for brachycephalic dogs. They emphasise the veterinary team's critical role in preventing this life-threatening condition. Da...

Focusing on equine radiography, Maty Looijen and Judith Findlay highlight key practices for pre-purchase examinations and improving radiation safety. They discuss the importance of shielding with fixed barriers and personal protective equipment, maintaining safe distances from the x-ray machine, and the use of goggles in equine radiography. They underscore the role of equine nurses and vet techs i...

Veterinary Quality Improvement (QI) is an essential aspect of delivering optimal care and ensuring patient safety. Laura Playforth, IVC Evidensia's Group Quality Improvement Director, shares her experiences and passion for QI. Laura emphasises the need for a systematic approach to QI, involving measurement, change, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Laura looks forward to a future with an int...

Kath Howie, Clinical Nursing Manager at Vets Now Glasgow, shares her top tips around triage. Kath emphasises the vital role of the RVN in ensuring that patients are always prioritised based on clinical need, to maximize outcomes for all patients. We discuss the triaging system she uses in her clinic. Kath offers tips on communicating well with our colleagues and using the whole practice team, part...

Andy Kent, Clinical Director at the new IVC Evidensia Blaise Referral Hospital and Daniella dos Santos explore antibiotics in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Andy highlights the lack of evidence supporting the use of antibiotics in both acute and chronic cases. Andy and Daniella explore the barriers faced by clinicians in reducing antibiotic use, including client expectations and a lack...

Rachel Forster and Paul Horwood reflect on the significant reduction in antibiotic usage in farming over recent decades. Rachel discusses her work with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board ( AHDB) and the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group, which focused on improving management practices to reduce reliance on antibiotics without compromising lamb health. She describes how education and...

How can vet professionals best navigate challenging conversations? Daniella Dos Santos interviews Sharon Clack, Group Head of Leadership Development at IVC Evidensia. Together they explore this topic and how key it is for vet professionals to feel confident navigating these conversations effectively. Sharon emphasises the need for empathy, active listening, and finding common ground. She provides...

Host Arlene Connor and guest Helen Rooney discuss the crucial role of vet nurses in delivering safe and effective blood transfusions. Helen shares insights and recommendations for ensuring safe transfusions, including compatibility testing, proper product handling, storage of blood products, and careful delivery techniques. Vet nurses play a key part in monitoring patients undergoing transfusions....

In this episode, we welcome two European Diplomats in Small Animal Surgery: Padraig Egan, from the orthopaedic referral clinic East Neuk Vets, and Scott Rutherford, the founder and Clinical Director of Frank. Pet Surgery. Our experts discuss managing a dog’s orthopaedic health from a vet professional’s perspective throughout the dog's life. They address weight management, diet recommendations, bre...

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat in both human and veterinary medicine. In this episode, equine surgeon Bruce Bladon discusses the importance of addressing antibiotic use in equine practice. Bruce considers the challenges of monitoring and reducing antibiotic use, emphasising the need for a shift in attitude towards antibiotic prescription. Antibiotic licensing issues and the pract...

In this episode, we welcome Dave Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia. Dave discusses the differences in legislation across the UK and the responsibilities of veterinary professionals when handling and treating an XL Bully. He clarifies that vets are not legally required to police the legislation and explains in detail the legal requirements for keeping XL Bully dogs. Dave reflect...

In this episode, veterinary nurse Nicola Lakeman, Nutrition Manager for IVC Evidensia, shares tips for building confidence in the consulting room. She emphasises the importance of solid knowledge, continuous practice, observing others, and using clinical guidelines. She advises honesty with clients when feeling unsure and highlights the value of support from colleagues and the wider veterinary com...

In the first episode of the Beyond the Clinic podcast, host Daniella dos Santos talks with Marios Charalambous, lead author of the latest consensus statement on managing status epilepticus and cluster seizures in dogs and cats. They discuss the creation and importance of ACVIM statements in providing standardised, evidence-based clinical guidelines. Marios highlights the importance of early interv...

Welcome to Beyond the Clinic, a brand-new podcast by and for vet professionals. If you’re interested in hearing discussions and updates on the latest in animal care and the veterinary profession, this is the podcast for you. We’ll be bringing you insights, information, and advice from experts with first-hand experiences and knowledge. Hear from leading minds in the industry about the topics which...