Page 3 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Inspiration that drives us
nspiration is such an important thing in the own experiences. Whatever their particular
veterinary world, and perhaps not spoken interests are in veterinary medicine, surgery
I about enough. So many budding vets and care, there is much to inspire attendees.
decide on their career at the point when they I hope you are also inspired by articles in
are about as tall as a family dog. Compassion this issue of Clinical Connections. We like to
for and fascination of their own family pets or include articles from a range of colleagues
other animals they encounter is routinely the talking about fascinating cases, developments
fundamental driver that sends children off on just on the horizon, pertinent research
the long, arduous and complicated journey to relevant to practice, veterinary specialist and
become a veterinary professional – usually advanced nurse training and developments in
before they can say the words veterinary different areas of pathology. I will flag up a few
professional, let alone spell them! highlights of this issue.
I have found over many years as a We lead with an article about the
veterinary clinician, researcher and educator development and value to the wider veterinary
that for most of us that early inspiration which drove the journey world of a pericardial effusion biobank. This is set to enable
from small animal-loving child to knowledgeable and productive pioneering research aimed at developing new diagnostic tests to
veterinarian doesn’t diminish with time. It’s a tough job and help dogs at the RVC and beyond. It’s a very exciting development
requires constant development but that enduring commitment to and we will keep you informed as it progresses, as developments
help animals to a better quality of life as well as the fascination will be of interest to any vet who treats dogs.
and desire to do complicated things extremely well drives us all This issue’s equine article is about computed tomography
on. At CPD events I see the same intense enthusiasm in mature myelography of the cervical spine. By visualising lesions
vets and veterinary nurses as we’ve all seen in small children accurately with this advanced technique and technology, we can
asking us how to become a vet. improve our understanding of cervical spine pathologies, treat
The autumn issue of Clinical Connections is always timed to lesions more precisely and develop new treatments.
coincide with London Vet Show (LVS). The RVC is proud to have One of our veterinary specialists-in-training, Steph Prior, has
been associated with developing and providing the main parts written a very interesting article about being an RVC production
of LVS’s CPD programme since its inception in 2009; ensuring animal resident. Our production animal residencies are practice-
the topics covered remain relevant to general practitioners and is based as much as possible to offer them maximum exposure to
delivered by innovative and inspiring speakers who are actively a wide range of cases in areas of high cattle density. Steph is
engaged in the clinical aspects they are presenting. based at Torch Vets, which spans Devon and Cornwall. Other
This year is expected to be one of the busiest ever and hopefully RVC production animal residents are based at various settings,
many of you will get to see again or for the first time some of and they return to our Hawkshead Campus from time to time for
the RVC’s veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses speaking various experiences that also encourage their development.
at the ExCeL Centre. The RVC team-led sessions include From large animals to the dangers of small things. I’d urge you
Complications in the OR – reflections from the surgical team, to read the fascinating ophthalmology case of Marvin the cocker
Neurological emergencies in general practice, Managing feline spaniel who had a grass seed behind his eye. As a family pet who
trauma - a multidisciplinary approach, Anaesthetic management was deaf from birth, the seed and resultant deterioration of his
of trauma patients, Pitfalls to avoid in managing birds and reptiles, eye was having quite an impact on the quality of Marvin’s life. Our
Managing the emergency exotic patient in general practice and radiologists identified a dorsal lateral subcutaneous abscess as
a Medical Mystery Tour by myself. I hope to see you there and a result of an embedded grass seed, which was removed under
please say hello and give me feedback on your experiences in general anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance. A cool case!!!
referring to the QMHA and what you think we could do better.
There are also, of course, several inspiring speakers from other Professor David Church, Deputy Principal and Acting Vice
veterinary schools and practices – and plenty of opportunities for Principal (Clinical Affairs)
audience members to get involved in discussions and share their

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