However, many of the causes of above-inflation increases in the cost of veterinary care go well beyond the remit of the CMA and it therefore has limited scope to propose or enforce changes that will likely have any significant impact on costs.
The CMA concluded that the main barriers to healthy competition are: owners not being given enough information, barriers to owners being able to make appropriate choices and an out-of-date regulatory environment.
To correct these issues, the CMA has proposed that veterinary practices should be compelled to:
Given that treatment inflation, rather than a lack of competition, is likely the biggest contributory factor to rising veterinary costs, it seems unlikely that providing price lists, itemised bills or written estimates will do much more than increase the administrative burden on veterinary practices.
What's more, it is very hard to see how price lists and estimates can ever be truly representative in such a complex area as medicine.
So these proposed measures are no more than rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic.
To switch metaphors, the problem is less that pet owners don't know what they're buying and more that the veterinary profession is trying to sell caviar to people who only want or can afford a Big Mac and large fries.
Real change can only be driven by the veterinary profession - not just veterinary surgeons, but the regulator, universities, manufacturers and others, after reflecting on the real, rather than assumed needs of its clients and patients, together with the ethical issues in play.
A good starting point for that reflection is the new book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, available now: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863
The company says Nutramed kills over 99.9% of known bacteria and fungal spores whilst being safe and gentle enough for use on sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth.
Lianne O’Boyle RVN and Clinical Lead at Nutravet, said: “Veterinary professionals need a reliable, safe and effective solution for minor wound management and first aid.
"Nutramed hypochlorous spray and gel combine powerful antimicrobial performance with a gentle formula, making it a must-have in every practice and pet owner’s first aid kit.
“Designed to support everyday veterinary care, Nutramed provides peace of mind for professionals and pet owners alike by ensuring minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions are treated quickly and effectively.”
www.nutravet.com.
The new resource contains webinars, vet-written articles and podcasts covering topics including the microbiome, the gut’s role in immunity and toxin ingestion.
The resources support NVS's range of dietary products: Prorestore +, Movipet, Duostart, Glandvet, Activated Charcoal, Duotox and Digestive Paste.
Malcolm Dickinson, Head of Product Management at NVS, said: “The new products are all designed with vets and their patients in mind.
"They’re useful everyday products to help combat some of the most commonly seen conditions in practice.
“We hope the hub will act as a central base of knowledge that veterinary teams can refer back to time and time again.
"The webinar and podcasts in particular are well worth a listen and a watch as they are full of useful information delivered by vets.”
https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/our-brands/select-from-nvs/digestive-health-hub
The College says that its new WhatsApp channel will give alerts of upcoming RCVS events, feature articles, blogs, videos and podcasts.
To follow the RCVS on WhatsApp, you would normally click 'Updates' at the foot of the app and search for "Royal College of ...", but as of today, the channel is still so new, it is not yet listed in the search results.
Until it is, you can follow the RCVS on WhatsApp using this link: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07
The College's relaunched podcast will start with a news segment before going on to a more in-depth discussion on a specific topic.
The first episode - ‘Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective’ - discusses the integral role of research in supporting veterinary professionals in the workplace, as well as busting some common workforce myths.
Listening to the podcast can also count towards your CPD requirements.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, said: “We understand how busy veterinary professionals are and how challenging it can be to stay up to date with College updates – particularly for those working in settings with limited access to emails.
"By reintroducing our podcast and launching a WhatsApp channel, we aim to make information more accessible, giving professionals and animal owners alike new and more flexible ways to engage with us in a way that suits them.”
The company says it will be introducing a UK-specific brand in the coming months, but that each practice will retain its independence and culture.
Ben (pictured) started his career in clinical practice but has spent the past decade building and leading organisations across the veterinary and dental sectors, including laboratory services.
Ben Hanning said: “Veterinary professionals are under more pressure than ever – and I’ve lived that reality.
"Vetopia’s UK launch is about creating a new way forward: empowering vets to focus on exceptional care while giving them the support, resources and ownership opportunities that they deserve.
“Our approach is designed to provide the right balance between autonomy and collaboration.
"Together, we can nurture what makes each clinic special while ensuring every team has the tools to thrive.”
A point of difference which Vetopia says sets it apart is its ownership model, through which more than half of the company’s shares are owned by employees.
This enables vets and clinic leaders to benefit directly from the group’s success, while fostering long-term value, collective commitment and a sense of shared purpose across the network.
Peter Thomsen, Group CEO at Vetopia, said: “Vetopia’s success across Europe shows that veterinary excellence thrives when clinicians lead the way.
"Our country-led model combines local decision-making with the benefits of being part of a larger network, giving practices the freedom to deliver care their way while accessing shared expertise, investment and resources.
www.vetopia.com
The RCVS Honours and Awards programme recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople, both in the UK and overseas, who are carrying out exemplary work across the breadth of veterinary endeavour.
This year, there's a new Collaboration Award to recognise best practice in collaboration – whether that’s bringing together veterinary professionals working in different organisations or disparate fields, or veterinary professionals working with human medics, scientists, lawyers, or law enforcement to improve the health of people, animals and the environment.
In addition to the Collaboration Award, the RCVS awards for which nominations can be made this year are:
The deadline for submitting a nomination for the 2026 RCVS awards is Wednesday 7 January 2026.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/rcvs-honours-awards
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/forms/honours-and-awards-2026
Founded in 2105 by Merel Taal MRCVS, Dignipets already has 5 partners leading teams from 15 locations, with a 24/7 reception team trained to help clients experiencing shock or anticipatory grief, and a hospice nursing team offering online video consultations and quality-of-life assessments.
Dignipets says that by collaborating with practices, it also helps reduce the moral stress many vets face when they are unable to provide home visits for euthanasia themselves and completes the circle of care for GP vets without concerns about client retention.
Lucian Cracuin MRCVS is a Dignipets partner. He said: "I enjoy helping owners to come to decisions with dignity and respect for their long-loved pets. Partnering with Dignipets has brought great rewards for my family and me."
Merel said: "From the very beginning, my aim was to create a service built on compassion, community and collaboration.
"It has been inspiring to see our partners develop their own local teams with our active support and training programme.
"Together, we are building something lasting – purposeful services that belong to the vets who run them, and that bring dignity and comfort to families in their care.”
https://dignipetspartners.co.uk/
Harper & Keele Veterinary School is a collaboration between Harper Adams University in Shropshire and Keele University in Staffordshire, and the BVetMS is the first UK veterinary degree to receive RCVS accreditation since the University of Surrey’s in 2019, as well as the first based in the West Midlands region.
Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS, RCVS President and Chair of the Education Committee (pictured right), said: “We would like to congratulate the staff at Harper & Keele Veterinary School for their hard work in ensuring that the school’s veterinary degree met our stringent accreditation standards, and welcome Harper & Keele graduates to their membership of the Royal College.
“Our accreditation panel found some very commendable aspects to the school, such as a commitment to inclusion and widening participation, how it supports students in finding non-clinical and clinical placements, and its use of innovation to support learning.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Harper & Keele over the coming months and years to ensure that high standards continue to be met.”
Professor Matt Jones MRCVS, an RCVS Council member and Head of School at Harper & Keele (pictured left), said: “We are delighted to receive the accreditation decision, which recognises our innovative approach to veterinary education and the huge commitment from our colleagues and partners that underpins it.
A Recognition Order to recognise the university’s degree will now be put before the Privy Council and, if it approves the Order, this will then be laid before Parliament.
If the Order is approved by both the Privy Council and Parliament, Harper & Keele’s degree will enter the cyclical RCVS accreditation process and be subject to annual monitoring.
The three factsheet chapters cover understanding OA, creating a management plan and supporting pets and their owners.
Krka says each section is grounded in evidence-based approaches and was shaped by Professor Carmichael’s extensive knowledge of the pathogenesis of pain in patients with OA and experience in the diagnosis, contextualised treatment, and long-term care of patients with OA.
The resources encourage veterinary teams to adapt their approach to the needs of each case - supporting a flexible, patient-centred mindset in everyday consults.
Stuart said: “What works is the thing that works best for the dog, the owner and the practice in that moment.
“And part of the art is trying to get that right rather than being dogmatic about a certain type of treatment.”
Renzo Di Florio, Krka’s Technical Veterinary Adviser, said: “In first-opinion practice, consult time is limited and there’s a lot to cover.
"These factsheets bring together expert advice in a format that’s quick to reference and easy to apply in consults.
"They’re designed to help vets feel more confident in their approach to OA, especially when time is tight.”
To further support veterinary professionals in managing OA, Professor Carmichael has delivered a webinar, available here: https://membership.elearning.vet/rethinking-canine-oa-login.
He and Renzo will also be presenting together at the London Vet Show this November, delivering a session focused on osteoarthritis in practice on Thursday 20th November at 14.00 in Exhibitor Showcase Theatre 2.
The OA factsheets are available here: https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub/
WellVet suggests a variety of activities that practices might like to run, including coffee and chat sessions where everyone can sit together, have an informal chat and share experiences about the menopause.
That might provide a perfect opportunity for everyone to watch the WellVet animation which summarises the impact of the menopause on veterinary teams.
In addition, practices can use the free educational videos on the WellVet website to learn how the symptoms of perimenopause can be managed through lifestyle adjustments.
Alternatively you might like to just share the link to the WellVet Menopause Resources page with your team, allowing individuals to explore the information at their own pace.
Liz Barton, Director of WellVet, said: “Creating an open and understanding environment around health topics like perimenopause is crucial for the well-being of our teams.
“While perimenopause is a natural life stage, symptoms and long-term effects of hormonal changes adversely affect a significant portion of the workforce, yet it is a topic that is rarely discussed.
"There is growing interest from veterinary teams about how to start this conversation and provide peer support.
"We hope that by highlighting World Menopause Awareness Day, we can encourage colleagues in the veterinary community to take a moment to explore these resources to help individuals and foster a more supportive culture.”
https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/
The campaign aims to demonstrate the direct link between proactive parasite management and flock performance, while also providing tools for vets to engage farmers in conversations around worm control on-farm.
Fiona Hutchings (pictured), ruminant technical manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “The Better Butt campaign encourages vets and farmers to work together to strategically plan mid- to late-season break doses and quarantine treatments, using the newer group wormers, such as Zolvix, to minimise worm burdens and support healthy growth.”
Fiona says the campaign advises farmers to move away from solely relying on visible signs of worm burdens before taking action, because lamb performance has already been compromised by the time visible signs are present: “Even the best stockman, or experienced sheep person, will struggle to spot an early worm burden, and by the time it’s visible, the burden is usually high.”
“Reductions of up to 50% in growth rates can occur before visible symptoms appear1, resulting in extended finishing times and higher feed demands.”
The campaign uses a traffic light system to help farmers understand worm burden impacts and encourages treatment interventions when animals tip into the amber zone.
“When lambs have a low worm burden, they’re in what we call the green zone, which means they have enough energy for both maintenance and growth.
“However, when this burden increases and they tip into the amber zone, this is when you’ll start noticing changes in the time taken for lambs to finish as worms begin to damage the gut meaning the lambs can’t utilise their feed as well.”
Fiona added: “Many sheep farmers are already doing a brilliant job of managing their stock, but we want to show them that there could be an opportunity to unlock more potential from their flock.”
https://farmanimal.elanco.com/en_gb/sheep/sheep-worms/zolvix-worth-every-penny
RCVS President Tim Parkin said: “The aim of our brand review was to make it easier for people to understand our purpose and the unique role we have as a Royal College that regulates.
“Our new strapline – ‘Inspiring confidence in veterinary care’ – looks to maintain animal health and welfare at our heart and to connect veterinary professionals and animal owners to that purpose.
“I’m delighted to see our new livery now in place around this fantastic new building, along with a number of different artworks that illustrate the College’s heritage and impact on society, and reflect all those with whom, and on whose behalf, we work.”
The College’s new look is has a contemporary feel, but features a shield device based on the original coat of arms granted to the RCVS in 1844, a nod to its history and heritage.
Updates to its overall visual identity include new logos, iconography, typography and colours, although the main blue and gold will remain.
These elements will be used together but in different ways to denote the College’s different initiatives, in order to make it easier for people to recognise the College’s different services.
The full rollout will take place over the coming months, with the design approach also applied to the RCVS Academy later this year and RCVS Mind Matters in 2026.
Branding for the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) will remain unchanged at least until after the current PSS review has concluded.
RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett, said: “Our previous look and feel had been in place for over 14 years and had served us well, but the modern, largely digital, communications landscape has evolved significantly in that time.
“We now also undertake a wider range of activities and initiatives and, against the current backdrop of the Competition and Markets Authority review and potential legislative reform, we may need to adapt to further changes ahead.
“It is therefore essential that our visual identity remains fit for purpose now and flexible for the way we work, both now and in the future.”
PSS accredited practices are required to nominate an Appointed Senior Veterinary Surgeon, and under the RCVS Guidance, the College expects all veterinary service providers to do likewise.
Senior Veterinary Surgeons are responsible for making sure practice standards, policies and procedures are compliant with the Code and that legislation and guidance in areas such as veterinary medicines, consumer choice and professional autonomy are being met.
The new course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon, with examples and scenarios drawn from the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct.
Clare Paget, RCVS Registrar and Director of Legal Services, said: “The role of appointed senior veterinary surgeon is an absolutely crucial one in the veterinary clinical practice setting.
"Having an appointed senior veterinary surgeon ensures that veterinary teams are working under the guidance and direction of a senior clinical figure and that there is someone who has overall accountability for standards at a practice.
"The appointed senior veterinary surgeon also has the important role of ensuring that the clinical judgement of the veterinary team is paramount over, for example, any commercial pressures.
“This course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon and will help members of the vet team identify who they are within their organisation and, if relevant, recognise and implement the responsibilities of the role.”
The course takes around 30 minutes to complete, is free to access via the RCVS Academy, and counts towards annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
The company says that over that time, it has invested £122 million in sites, equipment and technology, but for some vets and nurses, a lack of training and confidence and a perceived lack of time has been a barrier to getting the most out of it.
The new CVS ‘Equipment Optimisation’ project will focus on CT, X-ray, dental X-ray, microscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy, aiming to maximise its value and longevity.
The project plans to do this by helping to increase colleague confidence in the equipment’s ability, and to improve its maintenance - thereby reducing down time.
Each CVS practice will select one piece of equipment as a focus area for the next 12 months.
Each practice will create a plan, set project goals and then evaluate and share what works.
To support practices in their work, CVS has created a new clinical projects hub offering information and guidance on equipment set up, use, clinical interpretation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The company is also offering additional training in the form of in-practice mentoring, radiation protection supervisor training, and a variety of online courses.
Lizzie McLennan Green, CVS Companion Animal UK Veterinary Director, said: “We’ve invested significantly in clinical equipment to improve patient diagnoses.
"And this project will help teams to feel confident in using and maintaining it.
"It offers a huge opportunity to continuously improve; offering better treatment and improved services to our clients and their animals.
“Each practice is being given the chance to select a piece of equipment that best fits their client base, their team and the way they work.
"We’re getting everyone involved from the start to tailor their own project – to make the process more targeted and meaningful.
“And to help colleagues, our clinical projects hub will be the go-to space containing all of the information, tools and support they need to get involved.
"It’ll also allow colleagues to connect with others, share ideas and build confidence as a wider team.”
The answers you get are all linked to their original sources in the BSAVA Library and website.
All BSAVA members get 25 free queries per month, whilst non-members get five.
Queries can also be bought in packs of 25, 50 and 100 searches which have no expiry, priced between £10 and £25 for members.
Alternatively, Rover Unleashed gives unlimited access.
Ian Mellor, Head of Publications at BSAVA said: “In a fast-paced clinical environment, we know that time is precious.
"Rover is a fantastic leap forward in how we support our members, combining innovation with reliability.
"All backed by our trusted resources, we’re confident that Rover will help you to easily cut through the noise and get straight to the information that matters.”
https://rover.bsava.com/pages/about
"Great Workplaces: Raising the Bar (Elevating Skills, Culture, and Leadership)" is a series of four in-depth conversations that will tackle themes that have an impact on recruitment and retention, uncovered through the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.
All members of the profession are welcome to join the 50-minute webinar, which will be hosted by Rob Williams, BVA President, and Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, ManyPets Consulting Veterinarian & Vet Engagement Lead.
Rob said: “Effective mentorship is the backbone of any thriving veterinary workplace.
"Whether you’re guiding others or building your own skills, strong mentoring relationships can make all the difference.
"We hope colleagues find the webinars engaging and informative. In our first session, we’ll explore the power of mentoring and work through common gaps revealed by the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.”
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/mentoring-matters.html
With contributions from 26 leading lights edited by Tanya Stephens, Eddie Clutton, Polly Taylor and Kathy L. Murphy, 'Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas - Provocative Reflections on Clinical Practice' is pitched as being designed to 'stimulate undergraduate thought and discussion', and as a reference for practitioners coming to terms with life in a post-truth era.
That, however, is a massive undersell of the importance and value of this book, which should be required reading for everyone in the profession; not just veterinary surgeons, but nurses, regulators and RCVS Councillors, teachers, pharma companies, practice managers (including corporates) and veterinary receptionists, all of whom would benefit from an informed understanding of the most important issues facing the profession today.
There are too many subject areas in the book to list here, but some of the most eye-catching include the questions of:
It would be wrong to say that the veterinary profession is at a turning point. It has already turned. The question is whether it's heading in the right direction. This book provides a timely opportunity for everyone to reflect on that.
More practically, general practitioners should find this book hugely helpful in informing and shaping their own ethical positions on a variety of subjects, and to be able to express them to clients with more confidence, potentially with a real benefit to animal welfare.
The book is available direct from the publisher: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863
Or from Amazon and all good bookstores: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Veterinary-Controversies-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative/dp/1032579862
Photo: A gripping read.
A 2001 graduate of University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine with an RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, Rob has worked for many years in general and referral practice and as clinical director of a large hospital in York.
He is also a qualified HR professional and holds an MBA from York Business School.
Since 2016, Rob has worked with VetPartners in management roles, with a focus on graduate programmes management, colleague engagement and career development.
In a career spanning almost 25 years, Dr Williams has also been actively involved with veterinary and academic organisations in various voluntary roles, including as a member of BVA’s Member Benefits Committee for five years; board member for the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons; member of the RCVS VetGDP sub-committee; and member of the University of York Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body.
He is currently a member of the advisory board at York Business School.
The BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) is presented annually to the BVA Council member who has made an outstanding contribution at Council.
This year, the award went to Veselina Trufcheva.
Having qualified as a vet in 2006 from Trakia University in Bulgaria and with experience in both EU and UK practices, Veselina has been working as a small animal vet in the UK for 13 years, most recently as a senior vet in a West London small animal practice.
She was first elected for BVA Council as the representative for London in February 2023 and has since contributed actively to debates, and hosted many visits for BVA’s team, to give them an invaluable insight into veterinary life.
Veselina said: “I am honoured and at the same time deeply moved to receive the John Bleby Cup.
"I am grateful to be part of an organisation that shapes the future for the veterinary profession and honoured to represent the diverse voices of our London region.
"Working with like minded and passionate individuals, channelling all BVA tools to support others and representing members at council meetings to shape new policy, has been an empowering experience, both personally and professionally.”
Natalie Bubenheim has been awarded the BVA Research Travel Scholarship (Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund), to assist with her contribution to the project ‘Analysis of Performance and Health Indicators in a Commercial Goat and Sheep Herd/Flock in Malawi’.
Natalie has a strong interest in wildlife and livestock health in low-income regions.
During her first degree, she spent six months studying in South Africa, an experience that inspired her pursuit of veterinary medicine and a commitment to improving animal health in Southern Africa.
She is also a committee member of the Edinburgh Farm Animal Veterinary Society, and a member of the Dick Vet Wildlife and Zoological Society.
Natalie said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the funding which has made this project possible.
"Without this support, I would not have been able to travel to Malawi to carry out the research on-site.
"The opportunity to collaborate directly with local students and staff, visit the farms, and understand the real-world conditions is essential to the success and impact of the project.
"This funding is not only enabling valuable research into herd health and productivity but also helping strengthen veterinary education and food security in the Lilongwe community.”
Topics include:
Merel Taal, MRCVS DVM CHPV, Founder and Director at Dignipets, said: “Veterinary receptionists are often the unsung heroes of practice life.
"They are the first voice clients hear and often the last person they see when saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
"That emotional weight can be immense, which is why we believe in equipping them with training, resources and support to carry out their role with confidence and compassion.”
https://www.dignipets.co.uk/login
CharcoPet is a ready-to-use oral gel formulated with 50% activated charcoal and marine-derived polysaccharides.
Forte says Charcopet has a high concentration of activated charcoal per ml, which reduces the volume needed and minimises handling stress.
It's supplied in a 2 x 30ml dial-dose syringes, with each syringe suitable for up to 15 kg bodyweight, used at 2 ml/kg bodyweight orally, repeatable every 4–6 hours if clinically required.
Dr Lucy Chadwick MVB ACIM CMktr MRCVS, Global Partnerships Manager & Head of Technical Services at Forte Healthcare said: “CharcoPet represents a major step forward in veterinary care, offering practitioners a fast, precise, and reliable solution when faced with suspected or confirmed cases of toxin or medication ingestion."
https://fortehealthcare.com/product/charcopet
Ms Hickman was charged with leaving three dogs, two of which had undergone surgery the day before and one of which was in for monitoring, unattended for more than three hours on 8th November 2022, after falling asleep.
She was then charged with falsifying clinical records to suggest she had made the relevant clinical checks and offered them water when in fact, she'd been asleep.
The final charge was that her actions in falsifying the records were dishonest and misleading.
At the start of the hearing, Ms Hickman admitted all of the charges.
As the charges had been admitted, the Committee considered whether they amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In doing so it noted sections of the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses that relate to making animal health and welfare a veterinary nurse’s primary concern, the need to provide veterinary nursing care that is appropriate and adequate, and the need to keep clear, accurate and detailed clinical and client records.
Dr Kathryn Peaty MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee was in no doubt that the respondent’s failure to monitor properly three patients in an overnight ward in a hospital and the subsequent creation of false records to suggest that appropriate monitoring had taken place amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
Having found serious professional misconduct, the Committee then went on to consider the most appropriate sanction, taking into account both aggravating and mitigating factors.
The Committee found that an adverse health condition had influenced the conduct that had led to the disciplinary hearing – including that she had unintentionally fallen asleep while she should have been monitoring the animals – and so considered this a mitigating factor.
Also, by way of mitigation, the Committee considered that Miss Hickman had fully appreciated the implications of her conduct and expressed remorse at the impact it could have on the public’s trust for the veterinary nursing profession.
It also took into account positive testimonials from current and previous employers, her hitherto unblemished career, and the fact that there was no longer any risk of repetition.
However, in terms of aggravating factors, the Committee took into account that it was a case involving dishonesty, and dishonesty which had not been admitted to the RCVS at an early stage.
In addition, it noted that the conduct involved a risk of injury to animals and a breach of trust towards the owners of those animals.
Dr Peaty added: “The Committee was satisfied that a significant period of suspension would properly reflect the gravity of the respondent’s disgraceful conduct, serve to maintain the reputation of the profession and promote and maintain proper standards of conduct.
"The Committee considered that a period of suspension of six months was sufficient to satisfy this public interest.”
Miss Hickman has 28 days from the sanction being announced to appeal the Committee’s decision.
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Phacoemulsification uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and remove the cataract through small incisions on the eye, instead of requiring ophthalmologists to open 180 degrees of the eye.
It also allows for the placement of an artificial intraocular lens for the best possible visual outcome for patients.
This, says Chestergates, significantly reduces recovery time and complication rates compared to traditional methods.
Chestergates has invested over £130,000 in human-grade ophthalmic technology for its phacoemulsification patients, including an Alcon Centurion Vision System with Active Sentry Handpiece, a next-generation operating microscope, portable electroretinography (ReteVet), a Chromatic Pupillary Light Reflex (CPLR) tester and high-frequency ultrasound probes for ocular imaging.
Endika said: “Chestergates is one of the few specialist veterinary hospitals in the region to offer this new technique.
"It allows for safer, more precise removal of cataracts and placement of artificial intraocular lenses - restoring vision with minimal recovery time.
"We hope it will be of great benefit to pets suffering from cataracts across the region.”
Chestergates is offering fixed pricing for its new cataract surgery service using phacoemulsification.
The cost is £4,550 for one eye and £5,550 for both eyes, including all preoperative tests (electroretinography, gonioscopy, ultrasound, blood work), surgery, 24-hour hospitalisation, take-home medications, and 8 weeks of postoperative care.
The advice includes buying healthier breeds, not overfeeding, and reducing the amount of toys and accessories people buy for their pet.
BVA members can download other resources to help start conversations with clients, including a poster, which can be displayed in practice, and social media graphics.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Dr Anna Judson said: “We know many vets are concerned about the role the veterinary profession has in protecting the planet, with our Voice of the Veterinary Profession statistics showing 68% of vets feel that vets are either very responsible or quite responsible for prioritising and leading on environmental issues.
"It’s also clear that many pet owners are becoming more interested in being more sustainable and the impact of their pets on the world.
"This new resource aims to support vets to have those conversations with clients and inspire them to become more sustainable pet owners, right from the moment of choosing what pet to welcome into their family.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/client-guides/pet-sustainability
The nine-month course, which starts on 15th October, is designed to address the non-clinical challenges faced by vets in general practice — many of which SPVS says are still underrepresented in traditional CPD, including:
The course includes a two-day in-person launch in Solihull, monthly online group sessions till July 2026 and a mix of in-person, virtual and self-paced learning.
The course costs £1250 for SPVS members, £1,500 for non members.
https://spvs.org.uk/gp-mastery/