BVRSMA Puts Best Forelimb Forwards

Tamsin O’Brian, BVRSMA member and one of the vets at rehabilitation referral centre The SMART Clinic The British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association (BVRSMA) has taken a big step forwards, with the recent announcement of details about its annual CPD meeting. Focusing on the forelimb, the full day programme, sponsored by Hill’s, will take place on the 2nd October in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire. Open to vets, vet nurses and ACPAT physiotherapists, the programme brings together a wide range of animal health professionals to share their perspective and knowledge on veterinary rehabilitation. Veterinary rehabilitation is an area of veterinary medicine that is increasingly in demand from clients. It is also an area that many vets and nurses in first opinion practice are keen to learn more about. The BVRSMA was set up to enable veterinary professionals to learn about the myriad of rehabilitation techniques available, including how and when to apply them correctly. Another of the organisations main aims is to encourage the development of practicing regulations that would control who can prescribe and administer treatment. The CPD day has attracted top speakers, including leading orthopaedic specialist, Noel Fitzpatrick and specialist rehabilitation vet and current president of the BVRSMA, Lowri Davies. To reflect the BVRSMA view that successful veterinary rehabilitation requires input and collaboration from a wide variety of professionals, there will be practical sessions delivered by physiotherapists accredited by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT). Highlighting the importance of good nutrition in rehabilitation, the programme also includes a presentation about Hill’s™ Prescription Diet™ j/d and the role it can play in the long term success of orthopaedic cases. Tamsin O’Brian, BVRSMA member and one of the vets at rehabilitation referral centre The SMART Clinic, is organising the CPD day. “The day is designed to make people think outside the box a little and give a fresh perspective on lameness and rehabilitation. Lame animals are seen in first opinion practice frequently and forelimb cases in particular can be challenging. Attendees should take away something that really will help them every day in practice”, she says. At just £60 for BVRSMA members and £80 for non-members, the course offers excellent value for money. Tim Dobbins, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Veterinary Affairs Manager for the UK and Ireland is pleased to see that veterinary rehabilitation is receiving such attention. “It is fantastic to be involved with an organisation that is proactively improving the standards in our profession in an area that is increasingly important. Good nutrition has a vital part to play in the rehabilitation process and Hill’s is immensely proud to support the work of the BVRSMA”, he says. Further information about the CPD day and a registration form can be found at www.bvrsma.org.uk/downloads/.

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