Animal welfare

ANDREW KNIGHT reports on a recent meeting which looked at principles of welfare assessment and their application to dairy cattle, farmed pigs, small ruminants, shelter animals and elephants in zoos

Dr JO MURRELL discusses the use of pain scoring tools in various species and says that more widespread adoption of them in veterinary practice would bring significant benefits to animal welfare

STUART CARMICHAEL discusses the need for improved awareness and skill in identifying the signs of pain and discomfort and treating with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures

GWEN COVEY-CRUMP examines the myriad of considerations and treatment options available to veterinary surgeons as pets live longer, beginning in the home with client education

JOHN BONNER reports on the latest One Health Congress where it was noted that many in the human medical profession still fail to understand the importance of zoonotic diseases for their patients

David Grant reports on the 16th international companion animal welfare conference held in Istanbul last month – and the introduction of a new award in recognition of the retiring CEO of Dogs Trust.

Pete Wedderburn continues the report of his trip to Delhi with ASHA where he found a high level of ignorance about rabies with many not knowing what to do if bitten by a dog.

THERAPIES used extensively in treating chronic pain in human patients may soon be available for the small animal market, according to one of the speakers in the “exhibitor stream” at the BSAVA congres…

Miguel Martinez discusses the use of opioid analgesic drugs and compares two which are currently licensed for the provision of perioperative pain relief in cats and dogs

Efficacy and safety of meloxicam administered as a transmucosal oral spray Elizabeth Cozzi and Michael Spensley, Abbot Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois Oral transmucosal delivery of drugs has a num…

DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency are investigating claims that they were warned nearly two years ago about horse meat entering the food chain in the UK and failings with horse passports. John Young…

VETERINARY PRACTICE looks through the summary produced by the AHWBE following its ‘call for views’ on ‘strengthening the TB eradication programme’

A NUMBER of changes came into effect last month for cattle farmers in England in relation to bovine TB. Among the changes, the parish system for TB testing is being replaced with a country-wide system…

GRAHAM DUNCANSON reports on the latest conference of World Horse Welfare where it was revealed that equine charities are likely to be overwhelmed this winter by animals needing sanctuary

MARION McCULLAGH concludes her reports on the 2012 BEVA congress with a summary of papers on improving welfare during transport, and dealing with medical emergencies

VETERINARY PRACTICE visits a practice which has taken steps to improve the standard of rabbit care – and knowledge of the species – among its clients

The Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) published its Report on Farm Animal Welfare: Health and Disease at the end of November. The report aims, says the committee, to highlight the welfare issues th…

“IMPROVED animal welfare cannot be achieved by constantly preaching to the converted. The profession must find a way to contact those pet owners who don’t understand their responsibilities to their an…

ANDREW KNIGHT recently found himself in church for the first time in living memory, for the RSPCA service for animals in the historical setting of Westminster Abbey

CATHERINE-MARY HOWARD believes veterinary professionals should play a key role in helping to change the mindset of owners through education on obesity recognition, diet and exercise