Background : Heifer rearing generates substantial on‐farm data, which is frequently under used by both farmers and veterinary surgeons. Effective data analysis is a critical component of cattle practice, enhancing youngstock rearing efficiency. When combined with clear communication, it facilitates on‐farm improvements and strengthens the veterinary–farmer relationship. Aim of the article : This is the second in a two‐part series reviewing an evidence‐based, practical approach to monitoring the performance, health and welfare of dairy youngstock from birth to first lactation. Using case‐based examples, it guides farm clinicians in applying key performance indicators to improve rearing efficiency. This article focuses on the postweaning period through to first calving, centring on data around daily liveweight gain, fertility and economics, and how to tackle issues on farm.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming veterinary medicine by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and prognosis prediction. This article – the fourth in a five‐part series on AI in the veterinary profession – aims to explore how AI can aid clinical decision making and veterinary diagnostics, and how AI tools are evaluated to ensure that standards are maintained.
Background : Fractures of the canine humeral condyle are common; they are articular fractures that require early diagnosis, accurate anatomic reconstruction and stable fixation to allow the best possible chance of a functional outcome. They most commonly occur in puppies, but can affect adult dogs too. Strong breed predispositions are recognised, with spaniel breeds accounting for most adult fractures. Many fractures in adults are preceded by humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF), a radiolucent ‘cleft’ at or near the isthmus of the humeral condyle. HIF can be a cause of forelimb lameness, even when it does not result in complete fracture. Aim of the article : This article reviews the current understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of HIF and condylar fractures in dogs, describes the clinical features of both, explores decision making in diagnosis and treatment, and describes the reported outcomes.
What do you do if an authorised veterinary medicine is not available for the animal you're treating? You can use the prescribing cascade to support you when considering your options. This article takes you through the what, why and how of the cascade.
Background : Pigeons and collared doves are two of the most frequent species of casualty in the UK. Common reasons for admission include injury (eg, being caught by cats) and being ‘orphaned’. Despite the frequency of admission, knowledge of how to triage and provide care for wildlife is often inadequate because wildlife veterinary care is commonly not included in the core veterinary curriculum. Aim of the article : This article, the second part in a three‐part series, focuses on pigeons that have suffered a traumatic injury, and provides an overview of basic diagnostics, common conditions, wound management and fracture immobilisation. Part three, which will be published in a subsequent issue, will focus on pigeons presenting as sick birds, covering basic diagnostic techniques and common conditions, as well as how to refer to a wildlife hospital or rehabilitator. The first part of this series, which was published in the October 2025 issue of In Practice , looked at triage, handling, housing, first aid and care of neonatal pigeons, and euthanasia techniques.
Background : For decades, equine parasite control has relied heavily on routine anthelmintic administration. As resistance to multiple medicine classes becomes increasingly widespread, first‐opinion practitioners face the challenge of balancing effective parasite control with preserving the efficacy of the treatments that remain available. Aim of the article : This article discusses the epidemiology of the major equine helminths, summarises current knowledge on anthelmintic resistance and provides practical guidance on implementing sustainable parasite control programmes in clinical practice.
Background : Critically unwell dogs and cats commonly develop secondary cardiovascular complications, including fluid overload, pulmonary hypertension and myocardial dysfunction. Early recognition of these conditions is essential, as they can substantially worsen patient outcomes but are often under‐recognised in first‐opinion practice. Aim of the article : This article reviews the pathophysiology, recognition and practical management of these secondary cardiac complications, with an emphasis on bedside assessment and point‐of‐care ultrasound to support clinical decision‐making in critically ill patients.
Background : Ocular ultrasound is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of equine ophthalmic conditions, especially where opacity of the cornea or lens prohibits complete ophthalmic examination. This non‐invasive imaging technique can be easily performed with minimal equipment. Aim of the article : This article provides a comprehensive review of the technique of equine ocular ultrasound and indications for its use.
As the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) moves towards its final orders for veterinary services for household pets, it is a good time to consider how these changes might be implemented by veterinary practices and individual vets. Although the final reports will be consulted upon before becoming legal orders later this year, the main headlines will remain the same and there is much that can be done now ahead of the CMA's deadline in September. In this article we outline how we got to the current stage, what the remedies include and what everyone can do now to be CMA compliant.
It is likely that in the near future many practices and practice‐based veterinarians will be directly involved in the workplace‐based core clinical training of veterinary students. An understanding of what is involved is important so that informed decisions regarding participation can be made. This article – the first in a two‐part series – describes the advantages of workplace‐based clinical training and the operational infrastructure and processes required to build a practice network and support the delivery of a workplace‐based clinical model of clinical training.
Background : Pleural and peritoneal effusions in dogs and cats can be caused by several diseases and can present diagnostic challenges. A logical approach to investigation and an understanding of the pathophysiology of fluid accumulation is helpful to support reaching a diagnosis and therapeutic plan. Aim of the article : This article outlines the pathophysiology of fluid accumulation, the clinical presentation and approach to diagnostics, including the laboratory analysis of the fluid.
Background : Early life performance in heifer calves has a pivotal role in determining long‐term productivity, health and overall efficiency within a dairy herd. A successful preweaning period ensures calves have not suffered from disease, have grown at the target daily liveweight gain and have sufficient rumen development. Failure to achieve this has an impact on the welfare, sustainability and profitability of the farm. Support of dairy clients in assessment and benchmarking all aspects of heifer performance is key to the expanding role of the cattle practitioner, in helping herds maximise their health, welfare and sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aim of the article : This article demonstrates simple methods for using commonly recorded farm data, evidence‐based interpretation of key performance indicators and integration in real case‐based examples.
Great Workplaces by BVA is an accreditation scheme that launched in June 2024. The culmination of years of industry research and thorough development, it is a novel tool for examining workplace culture and the role it plays in helping veterinary teams, and by extension veterinary businesses, thrive. Alongside positive workplace culture, the scheme is designed to focus on leadership and management qualities, team wellbeing, and individual and organisational learning and development opportunities. It has now successfully been applied to many different types and sizes of clinical and non-clinical vet teams across the UK, from mixed practice to public health organisations. Two years on from its launch, this article reflects on the impact of the Great Workplaces accreditation scheme and discusses whether it has fulfilled its aims: to support recruitment and retention by helping veterinary teams to thrive, and to provide meaningful, achievable cultural change for the veterinary professions.
