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Vet23 conference unites multi-discipline vets for first time

A unique collaboration between Veterinary Ireland’s food-animal, companion-animal and equine groups, the conference facilitated the sharing of knowledge and practical information by multiple veterinary disciplines in one location. Expert speakers from practice, as well as from industry, research and academia, presented on key challenges in animal health and welfare.

Bringing colleagues together

President, Veterinary Ireland, Paul McDermott, said: “This is a period of significant change in veterinary medicine and the entire Irish veterinary community came together at Vet23 to provide Irish vets with the information and knowledge on how best to deal, at a practice level, with the issues that will arise due to these changes. 

“Providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, our aim was to bring colleagues together from across the profession to talk through common issues and establish strong professional ties that will drive the development of the profession and advance veterinary medicine.”

Experts shared the latest research and insights across a comprehensive range of the key issues facing the profession. Just some of the topics covered included:

  • Sustainable ruminant health and selective treatment of clinical mastitis;
  • Anaesthesia and sedation of respiratory compromised companion animal patients and decision making in small animal chest emergencies; and
  • Radiology in equine clinical practice and the role of sepsis in foal mortality.

There was also a presentation focussing on the most common injuries incurred by vets in practice, along with advice and guidance on how veterinary professionals can maintain their own wellbeing and physical resilience.

Harnessing a diverse network of expertise

Vet, Donal Lynch of the Cattle Association of Veterinary Ireland (CAVI) committee said “For the CAVI strand, we hosted leaders in their field in Ireland and from other countries within Europe. They addressed issues that we are affected by on a daily basis such as mastitis and fertility, as well as the sustainability challenges that face our agricultural sector.”

Allen Dunne of the Equine Committee said: “We had expert speakers on a wide range of topics including neonatal care, radiology, lameness, reproduction, parasitology and Cushing’s disease. The equine strand of the programme had plenty to appeal to both mixed and equine practitioners.”

Three parallel wet labs – on companion animal work, food animal skills, and equine work – acted as a curtain-raiser for the conference on day one. 

According to the Veterinary Ireland president, the accessibility and interactivity of these small group teaching sessions will make a vital contribution to the development of surgical and practical skills for all the veterinary professionals in attendance.

A major industry exhibition took place in conjunction with the conference featuring leading-edge innovation from leaders in veterinary technologies, equipment and medicines.