A roundup of recent news from the BVNA website

VNJ LIVE 2025 – BEST PRESENTATION VNJ LIVE 2025 – BEST POSTER 2025

The impact of medical castration( Suprelorin) on weight gain in male dogs when compared to surgically castrated and entire dogs

Holly Clayton( tutor: Helen Cartlidge) was awarded Best Presentation at VNJ Live at BVNA Congress 2025 for a retrospective study comparing weight gain in surgically castrated, Suprelorin-treated and entire male dogs over the 6 – 12-month post-procedure period. Clinical records from the three groups( 20 dogs each) showed mean weight increases of about 15 % in surgically castrated dogs, 5.5 % in Suprelorin-treated dogs and 3.2 % in entire dogs. Surgical castration caused significantly greater weight gain, whereas no significant difference was found between Suprelorin-treated and entire dogs. Despite most veterinary professionals believing medical castration( such as with Suprelorin) predisposes patients to obesity, similarly to surgery, the study concluded that Suprelorin does not produce the same degree of weight gain and appears comparable to remaining entire over this period.

Taking it out on the dog: an investigation into the links between domestic violence and animal abuse: the role of the veterinary professional

Jessica Ross( tutor: Jane Stirling) won the Best Poster award at VNJ Live at BVNA Congress 2025 for a project investigating how UK veterinary professionals understand and respond to the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. The study used an anonymous questionnaire covering awareness, reporting behaviour, barriers and views on further support. Respondents generally recognised the link but many did not report every suspected incident, often citing lack of evidence as a reason, along with uncertainty about the correct procedures and potential breaches of confidentiality, with most reporting no practice protocol on the subject. The study concluded that, despite good awareness, confidence and efficacy are low, and there is a clear need for formal guidelines, protocols and training to support reporting and to safeguard clients and animals.

Read the full article and see the other entries https:// bvna. org. uk / vnjlive-bvnacongress2025 /

Read the full article and see other entries https:// bvna. org. uk / vnjlive-bvnacongress2025 /

6 Veterinary Nursing Journal