Nikki Ruedisueli , RVN | VNJ Editor | nicola @ bvna . co . uk

We finish the trio of articles on pain in ferrets with Aneesa Malik and Sofia Saraiva ' s review of chronic pain in the species . Jade Mayes takes us through Giardia infection , Jemma Thorogood evaluates the anaesthesia and nursing care of a donkey , and Simone Wood and Perdi Welsh look at the factors affecting the willingness of veterinary nurses ( VNs ) to respond to a job advertisement .

Sarah Vivian reminds us about one of our main professional duties – reducing the transmission of pathogens – with a focus on jewellery , nail varnish and nail art . In another article , Zoe Chapman evaluates the care given to a patient with polyradiculoneuritis . And if you ' ve ever considered setting up a learning club in your practice ( where VNs can meet to discuss journal articles , cases or areas of interest ), check out Jamielee Garland ' s interview .

Don ' t forget to save the dates for BVNA Congress : 10 – 12 October 2025 . There will be over 20 lecture streams dedicated to RVNs , SVNs and VCAs . The programme is fully inclusive so , whatever your job role and whether it ' s clinical or non-clinical , you ' ll be welcome at any of the sessions . Alongside the learning , there ' ll be plenty of socialising in the exhibition hall and on the dance floor . Tickets are on sale now and you ' ll save money by booking the early-bird rate . Visit https :// bvna . org . uk / bvnacongress-2025 / for information on the programme , workshops and social events .

A couple of interesting events are being held over the coming months to support your continuing professional development . On 15 May , there is an online webinar titled ‘ Overcoming Obstacles in Obesity ’. And on 14 June , Bristol Vet Specialists is hosting an in-person event , ‘ A Traumatic Saturday ’, about the triage and management of trauma cases .

Remember to plan your events for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month ( VNAM ) in May . Check the BVNA website to find out how to get involved . The campaign is particularly special this year as BVNA celebrates 60 years . Find out more at https :// bvna . org . uk / blog / bvna-is-60-celebrate-our-diamond-year-with-usin-2025 /.

BVNA is currently engaging with Defra , other government agencies and key stakeholders in the veterinary profession to discuss the necessity to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 . These groups are working together to secure a sustainable solution for the continued provision of high-quality veterinary services .

To ensure VNs are represented effectively in this work , BVNA has formed a small Legislation Working Group ( LWG ) to gain feedback from members across a variety of sectors and roles within the veterinary nursing profession . The BVNA LWG will work in parallel with BVNA ' s engagement with Defra , and provide feedback on the legislative issues raised . Please engage with any surveys or polls for a direct impact on the future of our profession .

Scan the QR code to access the digital version of VNJ with keyword search facility and hyperlinks to websites and references .

Volume 40 ( 2 ) • April 2025

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