Vet Voices On Air – Details, episodes & analysis

***Trigger Warning***

It is important to note that this podcast discusses the sensitive subject of veterinary mental health and suicide. If you feel affected by any of this, please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or via email: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/

Rosie Allister and James Russell bring their wealth of experience alongside evidence-based information about how best to talk about suicide within the veterinary profession both broadly on social media and when engaging with vulnerable individuals.

Robyn Lowe BSc(Hons), Dip AVN, Dip HE CVN, RVN talks to James Russell BVetMed FRCVS, president of Vetlife and Rosie Allister BSc(Hons) BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS. Rosie has extensive experience in veterinary mental health research and its implementation, including suicide prevention and postvention. She is also the Consulting Manager for Vetlife Helpline and has 20 years of experience working with Samaritans.

We discuss the importance of talking to an individual who is experiencing mental distress about whether they want to end their life, and how by being caring and supportive in how we approach this, makes it a safe and positive thing to do.

We also talk about the impact of posting comments involving suicide online, though unintentional it can be actively damaging and may be causal to additional subsequent suicidal behaviour.

We explain the evidence base behind what is being shared online, and discuss how improving how and what is shared can be protective for veterinary mental health and suicide.  

So, how can we talk about suicide safely? Because it is so important to talk about it! We need to be conscious of what language we use and be careful not to minimise the cause to one specific factor. Suicide is complex and nuanced. Oversimplifying it can be linked to deaths that would not otherwise have happened.

We need to focus on where help can be found and that THERE IS HOPE. 

Join us in this fascinating and educational podcast to learn how we can support and protect vulnerable individuals who may be affected by what we post online and by the media in ways that may not be easily foreseen. 

For further support following this podcast, please see the following mental health support links:

Vetlife:

https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/ 

Samaritans:

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq_G1BhCSARIsACc7NxqOIOLmy34y3B3NcHxrJ4ff8XnjKLSYF1NDaSPsvoHe-Aq1_GC7PZcaAitZEALw_wcB

Navaratnam Partheeban BVM&S BSc MRCVS OBE, (known as Theeb), co-founder British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS) brings a varied background of clinical farm practice and industry including research and pharmaceuticals and a wealth of knowledge and fascination with equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the veterinary profession, alongside our very own Ami Sawran BVSc PgCertVPS CertAVP(CP) PhD FRCVS making this a must-listen podcast!

Join us as we reflect on what EDI really means, and the importance of personal introspection to consider our individual privileges and barriers to then appreciate the privileges and barriers of those around us, and how they may affect equality, diversity and inclusivity of the veterinary profession.

Though the veterinary profession and agricultural sector is improving, we are still a very un-diverse population, which needs to be recognised. We discuss simple inclusive language changes as well as easy ways to connect with clients, particularly on farm or in ambulatory practice, a technique that can help minimise the differences we may otherwise have.

Sexism is still the most reported type of discrimination both across the board and in veterinary practice, despite the feminisation of the workforce. We talk about how this can be prevented through communication, self-education and allyship. Allyship can mean different things in different scenarios. It may not always be safe to speak out, but small changes with trusted peers and loved ones, conversations with clients and good leadership are some of them. Tune in to find out more!

Want to know more? Check out the Agdiversity online awareness course for EDI by following this link:

https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/agdiversity

Offering gold standard treatments but not getting the outcomes you would expect?

We discuss the importance of contextualised care: a holistic consideration of both patient and client needs and capability.

A contextualised care approach can help us provide individuals with the right treatment for their situation, maximising client compliance and ultimately getting the best patient outcomes possible. 

Old friends, Dr Hannah Capon, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and Veterinary Voices very own Robyn Lowe RVN, use their experiences of multimodal management of osteoarthritis (OA) cases in practice to explore this fascinating topic.

Their infectious mutual passion to improve client communications to enable the best patient care is hard to resist!

For many of us, being a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse is more than just a job - it's our whole identity!

But what happens when doubts creep in, and the passion fades?

In this episode, join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complexities of veterinary identity with Jenny Guyat from Vet Harmony.

Whether it's questioning your career path, navigating the impact of parenthood's, or just feeling stuck in a rut, you're not alone.

Jenny shares insights on how personal development is just as crucial as clinical CPD. Together, they explore strategies for self-reflection, career pivots, and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance.

Tune in as we redefine success and uncover the keys to thriving, not just surviving, in the world of veterinary medicine.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"We're concerned about the rise in self-proclaimed dog trainers on social media sharing downright dangerous misinformation."

• Is it necessary to assert dominance over our dogs like a wolf pack leader?
• Should we allow a new puppy to sleep in our bedroom during their initial nights?

Tune in as Rosie Bescoby, clinical animal behaviorist and dog trainer from ⁠Pet Sense,⁠ debunks some behaviour and training myths with Danny Chambers.

Rosie shares her expertise, providing invaluable insights into responsible and effective training, and discusses the link between pain and behavioural problems.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

"Will my dog lose his hair?"

"Should we just put him on steroids?"

Facing a cancer diagnosis in a beloved pet can be overwhelming, with owners and vets often harbouring misconceptions about the treatment journey ahead.

In this insightful episode, vet Danny Chambers engages in a candid conversation with Aaron Harper, a specialist in veterinary oncologist at Wear Veterinary Referrals.

Together, they delve into the ethical considerations surrounding cancer treatment in companion animals, debunking prevalent myths that often cloud judgment.

Owners often ask questions like, "Will my dog lose their hair?" and "Is chemotherapy appropriate for older pets?" and we discuss these with clarity and compassion.

Join us as we navigate the ethics and practical considerations of animal cancer care, shedding light on the reality behind common misconceptions, empowering owners and veterinarians alike with accurate information and compassionate guidance.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

In moments of crisis, split-second decisions can make all the difference between life and death.

But how do we equip ourselves to navigate emergencies with clarity and confidence?

Join Danny Chambers, an emergency out-of-hours equine vet, as he delves into the art of thriving under pressure with Duana McBride, an specialist in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care from Vetled.

Together, they explore proactive strategies for preparation, maintaining a composed mindset amidst chaos, and the implementation of effective protocols to alleviate the weight of emergencies.

Discover invaluable insights that not only enable you to manage high-stakes situations but to find fulfillment in the process.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Is a pedigree synonymous with good health? In the bustling halls of Crufts 2024, where over 24,000 dogs proudly strutted their stuff, breeders, owners, the international media and dog lovers met to celebrate over 200 dog breeds. But amidst the glitz and glamour, there's a sobering reality. Some animal welfare advocates and veterinary professionals voiced concerns over the slow progress in breed health, questioning the decisions to crown dogs with extreme conformation as best of breed. Our guests are Alison Skipper, who has a PhD in the history of dog breeding and who is also a member of the veterinary team at Crufts, and Sean McCormack, a media vet who is also a passionate welfare advocate. Join Robyn Lowe and Danny Chambers in this thought-provoking debate as we navigate the complexities and nuances of pedigree, health, and ethics in the world of competitive dog breeding. www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Did you know that a staggering 40-60% of dogs are overweight?

In this eye-opening episode, we confront the startling statistic when we analyse 'complete' diets, only 35% of dry food and a mere 6% of wet food meet FEDIAF guidelines.

But what about alternative diets like raw meat? Are they any better, or are they just too big a risk to human health?

And are vegan diets actually better for sustainability?

Join Danny Chambers as he delves into the complex world of pet nutrition with Mike Davies, RCVS Specialist in Clinical Nutrition.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts

Why is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigating the veterinary industry, and what exactly do they aim to uncover?

Why are prices for veterinary treatment so emotive compared to other professions and services?

In this 20 minute chat, Paul Horwood and Danny Chambers discuss all you need to know to understand the CMA's investigation and how there may well be long-term benefits for the veterinary profession.

www.vetvoices.co.uk/podcasts