A diamond-rated programme of speakers has been confirmed for the 60th BEVA Congress, Europe’s largest equine veterinary event. It will take place live from 5 to 7 September 2021 at the ICC, Birmingham and will celebrate BEVA’s diamond anniversary with the theme of 60 years of teamwork within the profession.
The full programme is now available online and involves a line-up of outstanding speakers from the UK and around the world. The 13th International Equine Colic Symposium will also take place during this BEVA event.
This year’s plenary lecture will be given by Tim Greet, Consultant at Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, who will be sharing his thoughts and experiences on working as a part of a team. A second plenary lecture, postponed from 2020, will be given by Jean-Marie Denoix, Professor of Veterinary Anatomy at the Centre for Imaging and Research in Equine Locomotor Disorders (CIRALE), Normandy. Jean-Marie will present his expert views on how clinical manifestations help with the management of musculoskeletal injuries.
Clinical highlights include a potentially provocative afternoon discussing the “controversies amongst us” which will include Ben Sykes (Associate Professor in Equine Internal Medicine, Coffs Harbour, Australia) answering the question “How strong is the evidence that gastric ulceration causes performance/behavioural problems?”, and Maren Hellige (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover) exploring how useful the PPE radiographs may, or may not, be. In the session, “Orthopaedics – what, why, when“, Roger Smith, Professor of Equine Orthopaedics at the Royal Veterinary College, London, will discuss “the use of stem cells or PRP for tendon/ligament injuries”.
In the “Medicine Hot Topics” session Thomas Divers (Department of Clinical Sciences Diplomate and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomate, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, New York) will delve into the facts about the West Nile Virus. A highlight of the “Anaesthesia Hot Topics” session includes Mark Senior, Professor in Equine Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool, discussing complications after sedation. David Rendle (Equine Internal Medicine Specialist), Jacqui Matthews (Chief Scientific Officer, Roslin Technologies, Edinburgh) and Bryony Sands (Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol) will cover the latest knowledge on parasite control and the environmental effects of anthelmintics.
A morning session on a team approach to dental health will include John Mark O’Leary (UCD Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dublin) explaining what every GP should be looking for in the horse’s mouth and the role of the dental specialist in treating dental disease.
From a practical perspective especially relevant to ambulatory vets, Celia Marr (Equine Internal Medicine Specialist, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons) will share her knowledge to help vets advise their clients on whether it is OK to keep riding a horse with a heart murmur. Scott Morrison (Partner, Rood & Riddle, Kentucky) will discuss footcare for the acute laminitic, and Tamzin Furtado (Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Liverpool) will present her insight on dealing with owner perceptions of obesity.
A full afternoon on current concepts in endocrine disease will include an update on the diagnosis of EMS and PPID from Kelsey Hart (Associate Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens). In the pregnancy and parturition session, David Freeman, Professor in Equine Studies, and Director of the Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory at the University of Florida will help with the decision-making process “is she foaling or is she colicking”.
Non-clinical sessions include the timelessly popular Moral Maze which will debate the challenges of achieving the perfect work/life balance. Catherine Oxtoby, Risk Manager at the Veterinary Defence Society will prove the accuracy of the maxim “your best teacher is your last mistake” with an interactive session on managing a meeting when everything has gone wrong. Ellie West, Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Sustainability Lead at Davies Veterinary Specialists, will be looking at how to promote environmentally friendly initiatives in veterinary practice. Staying safe at work will also be explored, and will include Surgeon and Director of Equine Medicine on the Move Ltd, Tim Brazil’s guidance on safeguarding yourself against client complaints.
A stream dedicated for vet nurses on the final day includes an intriguing session by Dot Creighton, past BVNA President and Veterinary Nurse at Millennium Veterinary Practice, Essex. As well as a talk by Equine Veterinary Nurse Marie Rippingale, lecturer at Bottle Green Training, on the options for EVNs, post qualification, and whether there is a place for a district nurse type position in equine nursing.
Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available now, until 16 August 2021. Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets, and £187 for vet nurses covering all 3 days, with concessions available for those in their first three years of graduation or on a lower salary. Tickets provide access to all three lecture halls as well as the exhibition halls, and grant full access to the virtual congress hub. They also include a complimentary ticket to the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium.
Virtual tickets are £99 for BEVA members and provide full access to the virtual congress hub only.
BEVA has also introduced a “peace of mind” booking policy to reassure those individuals whose personal situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
To find out more and to book your tickets visit the BEVA congress website.