Vet Times Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
The Vet Times podcast is a regular show in which we speak to individuals making the headlines or providing valuable information for Vet Times readers, delving into the subjects that matter to the UK veterinary profession.
Episodes
- Ep 140: Mentorship and NAVC plans, with Jon Townsend
In this episode of the Vet Times Podcast, Chris Simpson talks with Jon Townsend, the new president of the NAVC board. They cover Townsend's plans to enhance mentorship opportunities, recent developments in U.S. dairy herd avian influenza o…
- Ep 139: Thoughts on CMA measures and process, with VMG president Rebecca Robinson
VMG president Rebecca Robinson shares her thoughts on the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) measures for the UK pet sector and the CMA process, during a discussion with Chris Simpson at VMG Congress.
- Ep 138: Cats with extreme conformations, with Claire Roberts and Madison Rogers
Vet Times Podcast episode 138 features feline welfare researcher Claire Roberts discussing welfare concerns associated with purebred cats with extreme features. Advocacy director Madison Rogers also covers Cats Protection’s campaign for ca…
- Ep 137: US veterinary issues, with AVMA president Michael Bailey
In episode 137 of the Vet Times Podcast, AVMA president Michael Q Bailey speaks with Chris Simpson about issues facing US veterinarians. Topics include rural workforce shortages, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, and efforts against New…
- Vet Times Big 6 2026: How sector moves on post-CMA
Allister Webb and James Westgate lead a discussion with industry experts on how the veterinary sector can progress after the CMA investigation. The conversation was recorded at SPVS Congress.
- Ep 136: Mixed practice life and award win a year on, with Leah Hunter
With the nomination deadline for the 2026 BVA Awards looming on 16 March, last year’s BVA Young Vet of the Year winner Leah Hunter joins Chris Simpson to talk about her experiences of winning the accolade and life as a mixed practice vet i…
- Ep 135: Veterinary Surgeons Act reform, with BVA president Rob Williams
With consultations on reforming veterinary legislation now finally underway, BVA president Rob Williams returns to the podcast to discuss his hopes and fears for the process with Allister Webb. The consultation (https://consult.defra.gov.u…
- Ep 134: Veterinary legislative reform plans, with deputy CVO Ele Brown
With a long-awaited consultation on veterinary legislative reform now finally underway, Allister Webb is joined by Defra’s deputy chief veterinary officer Ele Brown to discuss what change might achieve for the sector. The consultation (htt…
- Ep 133: Vets on the Ukraine front line, with Daria Ponomarenko and Mark Johnston
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine approaches, vets in the country – many of whom are fighting or serving as combat medics on the front lines as well as managing their clinics – are facing shortages of vital medicine…
- Ep 132: Vet nurse burnout prevention survey, with Angela Chapman
Burnout, mental health issues and staff turnover are challenges that continue to affect the veterinary profession. Angela Chapman, senior veterinary nursing lecturer at Melbourne Polytechnic and graduate researcher at La Trobe University,…
- Vet Times Extra: JAK inhibitors and veterinary dermatology, with Darren Berger
Allergic dermatitis is one of the most challenging chronic conditions we face in practice. Not just clinically, but because owners expect their dogs to return to “normal.” In this podcast with Darren Berger, US board certified dermatologis…
- Vet Times Extra: 20 years of University of Liverpool’s Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic, with Georgia Woods-Lee and Alex German
SPONSORED In today’s episode, sponsored by Royal Canin, we celebrate 20 years of Royal Canin’s partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Obesity Care Clinic – the world’s first specialist weight loss clinic for cats and dogs. This pio…
- Vet Times Extra: Importance of faecal antigen testing, with Richard Sanderson and Carole MacColl
For this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal practice Richard Sanderson and professional services vet for IDEXX Carole MacColl to discuss faecal antigen testing. SPONSORED Parasites p…
- Vet Times Extra: talking wellness testing with Rory Cowlam
Despite growing interest in preventive care, many veterinary teams face a tough reality: wellness testing isn’t always viable, and the data linking it to better patient outcomes is still emerging. Yet the logic remains compelling – earlier…
- Ep 131: Cost of caring for pets crisis, with Paul Manktelow
With many owners still struggling with the cost of caring for their pets, the crisis, together with wider economic pressures, is also having a significant impact on the charitable sector. Blue Cross director of veterinary services Paul Man…
- Vet Times Extra: UK Lungworm prevalence, with Jenny Helm and Eric Morgan
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite affecting dogs in the UK often with devastating consequences. Over recent years we have seen an increase in prevalence of lungworm disease. In this podcast, veterinary parasitologist and professor Eric…
- Ep 130: Big 6 panel discusses CMA remedies – and what's next
As the veterinary sector considers its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional remedy decisions, a new Big 6 podcast panel considers the current state of play and likely areas of ongoing debate. Joining Allister Web…
- Ep 129: US New World screwworm fly concerns, with Will McCauley
With more than 40,000 cases reported in Central America and Mexico since July 2023, the United States is preparing for a potential outbreak of the New World screwworm fly. The parasitic blowfly – whose flesh-eating larvae feed on the live…
- Ep 128: BVA president Rob Williams on CMA and first weeks in job
New BVA President Rob Williams joins Allister Webb to discuss his first few weeks in the role and the challenges facing the UK veterinary sector right now. Rob shares his thoughts on the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional reme…
- Ep 127: AMR discussions, with Ian Battersby and Scott Weese
Speaking at BEVA Congress in September, vet and leading antimicrobial expert Scott Weese challenged current thinking on antibiotic course length and called for evidence to show that shortening courses can lead to the development of resista…
- Vet Times Extra: Addressing common diabetes dilemmas, with MSD’s Stephen Maxwell
In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by Stephen Maxwell, veterinary advisor from MSD Animal Health, to discuss some of the queries to MSD Animal Health’s veterinary support line. SPONSORED Caninsulin has been a trusted bra…
- Ep 126: Vet technicians and the issues they are facing, with Danielle Chesek
With an expected shortage of 24,000 companion animal veterinarians expected in the United States by 2030, the pressure is mounting on veterinary technicians to plug the gap. At the same time, vet techs are also dealing with familiar issues…
- Vet Times Extra: Tackling tapeworm topics and treatments – with Cat Henstridge and Hannah Jackson
In today’s episode, sponsored by Droncit, from global animal health company Vetoquinol, we uncover a hidden but significant issue: tapeworm infections in pets and the serious consequences they can have for farmers. While often overlooked,…
- Ep 125: Present and future disease challenges, with Ceva’s Loic Jégou
With avian flu and bluetongue continuing to pose challenges, plus the re-emergence of foot and mouth disease in mainland Europe, 2025 has so far been a year of growing unease at the threat from animal diseases. As politicians and industry…
- Ep 124: Control strategy to prevent FMD in UK, with CVO Christine Middlemiss
As the Government issues a plea to holiday makers not to bring back meat and dairy products from Europe amid concerns over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Chris Simpson speaks to the UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss. The pl…
- Ep 123: Future of veterinary education, with Pete Holland
With thousands of aspiring students waiting to hear if they’ve achieved the grades they need to go to vet school this autumn, Allister Webb takes a look behind the scenes at the University of Central Lancashire’s new veterinary training fa…
- Ep 122: Tick-borne flaviviruses in the UK, with Ian Wright
Ixodes species ticks have been spreading tick-borne encephalitis virus throughout Europe, and there are concerns about the zoonotic potential for the UK. Parasitologist Ian Wright discusses the latest situation in this Vet Times Podcast. I…
- Vet Times Extra: Researching human-animal bond, with Tammie King and Vanessa Ashall
In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're delving into the pivotal role that research plays in building our understanding of the human-animal bond. Dr Tammie King, senior research manager, and Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction techn…
- Ep121: Respiratory disease in cattle, with Phil Elkins
In this podcast Phil Elkins discusses respiratory diseases in cattle, essentially preventive versus reactive care, and ensuring farm vets and farmers engage on countering the threats. Phil Elkins qualified in 2005 from The University of Ed…
- Ep 120: Vet Times live at VMX 2025, with NAVC CEO Gene O'Neill
Vet Times was recently invited to the biggest vet show on earth – VMX in Florida, where we had the pleasure of catching up with the man behind it all, NAVC CEO Gene O'Neill…
- Vet Times Extra: Mental health and the profession – with Stephanie Armstrong, Zoetis
In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Stephanie Armstrong, regional president at Zoetis, explores the mental health landscape in today’s veterinary profession, including the challenges and possible counteractions. Sponsored: As the world’s lead…
- VBJ First Opinions, Ep 20: Managing the menopause, with Liz Barton
Speaking to editor James Westgate, Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton delves into the often tricky topic of menopause and discusses what can be done to support veterinary professionals impacted by perimenopausal symptoms. Liz also introduces We…
- Vet Times Extra: How Antech innovates pet care, with James Barr
In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we discuss innovations in testing and diagnostics with Mars Science and Diagnostics’ chief medical officer Jimmy Barr – including what Antech has planned in the future. 𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥 𝗗𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗩�…
- Vet Times Extra: Lean management and the Optimax system, with George Giles and Becca Cavill
In this Vet Times Extra podcast, George Giles and Becca Cavill join us to discuss innovations, AI and how technology and management tools are helping vets and farmers work together for livestock health, welfare and productivity. ––––––––––…
- Ep 119: Talking bluetongue at BCVA Congress 2024, with Fiona Lovatt
One of the main items on the agenda at BCVA Congress 2024 in Newport was the bluetongue outbreak that many vets and farmers have faced up to over the past couple of months. Joining Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb to discuss the sit…
- Ep 118: OA’s impact on pets’ lives, with Sophie Platt and Sarah Cooper
Osteoarthritis (OA) impacts cats and dogs, but considerations need to be tailored for each animal at every stage. To discuss the different approaches, Sophie Platt and Sarah Cooper join this episode of the Vet Times Podcast. They have join…
- Ep 117: BEVA president Bruce Bladon on the year ahead and the future of equine sport
Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb talked to incoming president Bruce Bladon about his forthcoming year in office and the future of equine sport.
- Ep 116: Maximising performance, with Sally Gunnell
Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb talks to one of the most successful British sportswomen of all time. As an athlete, Sally Gunnell won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth title…
- Ep 115: Oncology update, with Nick Bacon
A rapidly evolving discipline, oncology medicine has made significant strides in the past decade, and will continue that development in the coming years. To share some of the latest knowledge on diagnosis, staging and treatment, Nick Bacon…
- Ep 114: Preventive health care for indoor cats, with Ellen Marcinkiewicz
With more than a third of cats now largely living their lives indoors, ensuring preventive health needs are met for the whole feline population has grown in significance. Vet Ellen Marcinkiewicz, of International Cat Care (iCatCare), cover…
- Ep 113: Sustained management of canine OA, with Ross Allan
When it comes to ongoing, sustained management of OA, collaboration between the veterinary team and owners is vitally important. To talk more about this fascinating area, Ross Allan joins the Vet Times Podcast. ••• 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗩…
- Vet Times Extra: NSAID use in young calves, with Ginny Sherwin and Kath Aplin
In this sponsored Vet Times Extra podcast, Ginny Sherwin and Kath Aplin join us to discuss NSAID use and pain relief in calves. For more than 20 years Metacam has been at the forefront of cattle well-being. The proven and trusted anti-infl…
- VN Times Podcast, Ep 48: From hospitals to Harrods
In this VN Times podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses the broad opportunities of a vet nurse passport with Donna Wills, an RVN and animal physiotherapist. Donna shares her career pivots and the decisions that have led her to now sup…
- Vet Times Extra: Toxocara prevalence in the environment – why should we care? – with Eric Morgan
In this Vet Times Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Eric Morgan, professor of veterinary parasitology at Queen’s University Belfast, discusses the prevalence of Toxocara in the environment and why vets should care.…
- Ep 112: Managing refractory epilepsy in dogs, with Mark Lowrie
Refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy affects one in three dogs with epilepsy, and defines them as having frequent and severe seizures, despite appropriate drug therapy. Specialist vet Mark Lowrie joins the Vet Times Podcast to explain…
- Vet Times Extra: Evolving challenge of managing sheep worms, with Davinia Hinde and Nerys Wright
Worms are evolving and sheep farming methods are changing – but how are vets to keep pace? In this Vet Times Extra podcast, sponsored by Zolvix from Elanco, we speak to Davinia Hinde of Bainbridge Vets and sheep consultant Dr Nerys Wright,…
- Ep 111: Otitis externa latest thoughts, with Irina Matricoti
Otitis externa is a common condition in dogs and cats and one requiring much veterinary input to treat and manage. To share some of her thoughts on the disorder, European veterinary dermatology specialist Irina Matricoti joins the Vet Time…
- Ep 110: Feline hypertension, with Sam Taylor
Hypertension is serious condition in cats, and likely under-diagnosed in practice. Feline specialist Sam Taylor joins the Vet Times Podcast to run through some of the diagnostic and treatment considerations. 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 �…
- VN Times Podcast, Ep 47: Happy Hour 16 – The profession and parenting, are we progressing?
VN Happy Hour made a triumphant return for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month 2024, tackling the topic of parenting in the profession and asking, are we progressing? VN Times editor Lacey Pitcher was joined by a brilliant panel who shared…
- VN Times Podcast, Ep 46: Leaving nursing but remaining part of the community
In this episode of the VN Times podcast editor Lacey discusses leaving clinical work with Sophie Giddens, a former Equine RVN who has forged a career supporting veterinary clinics while utilising many of her skills acquired in practice. So…