The VDA News

Veterinary Practice in 2026: Key Trends  Clinical innovation, changing client expectations, workforce pressures, AI, and regulatory scrutiny are converging in ways that will affect how veterinarians practise in 2026 and beyond. Understanding these trends is not simply…

For many veterinarians, the experience of receiving a client complaint goes far beyond professional scrutiny. It often feels like a personal attack, striking at the very core of their identity as clinicians and caregivers. As Gibson et al. (2022) observed in their…

The Veterinary Defence Association (VDA) has noted an increase in complaints involving cases where multiple veterinarians contributed to the care of the same animal. Collaboration can be in the patient’s best interest, particularly in emergencies, referrals, or when…

Veterinary professionals are no strangers to stress, but in recent years, the weight has become heavier. High emotional stakes, financial dilemmas, ethical strain, and increasing legal risks have turned everyday veterinary work into an emotional battleground. The VDA…

As veterinary professionals, we’re no strangers to post-operative protocols evolving over time with advances in evidence, technology, and client expectations. Yet one area where current practice may no longer meet optimal standards is the routine discharge of patients…

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) remains one of the most acute surgical emergencies in companion animal practice, particularly affecting large, deep-chested breeds. With mortality rates ranging between 15% and 38% even with timely intervention, GDV is a condition…

The VDA has previously written an article about moral injuries in veterinarians. In the last four years, moral injury in veterinarians as a concept has developed into potentially morally injurious events (PMIE) as seen in new published research. Moral injury is the…

A recently published article, ‘I’m a vet, but I can’t face putting down another healthy animal,’ written by Tom Rhind-Tutt, has revealed an eye-opening truth (18 November 2024 on www.telegraph.co.uk). As vets, we know the truth behind euthanasia and “are often the…

Resilience has recently become a buzzword in many areas, including veterinary practice. Finding the strength to keep going during trials and tribulations is a trait that some people seem to ooze, whilst others continually struggle to overcome setbacks. Thomas Edison…

After seven or so years of veterinary school, many feel that they now know all they need to know in order to be a successful veterinarian. The VDA has identified some things that we believe should be taught at veterinary school, but aren’t, which would help the…

Dr A has written an article for the VDA on a topic that she feels very strongly about. She wishes to pass the message on to others. We agree with her thinking: depression and suicide are always most important and should always be at the forefront of our thoughts when…

Social media is a hot topic as are the negative consequences that keep it company, such as constant screen time and addiction spirals, desensitization after repeated exposure to inappropriate content, expected immediate response times, and the ability to bully others…

ADHD, Autism, on the spectrum, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalcula, sensory processing, OCD and all the other terminology being thrown around of late when referring to neurodivergence. Most vets are choosing to ignore this as something that couldn’t possibly include them…

(Article 480- Previously published on  2017-08-30) A post mortem should be offered in every case of unexpected death. The post mortem should ideally be performed by an independent specialist pathologist. If no specialist pathologist is available or the owner refuses…

It has come to the VDAs attention that vets need to think more carefully about consultations where rabies vaccines are given. Recently, Dr A received an email on the 11th of the month from Mr and Mrs X that sent shivers down his spine. Three dogs were due to fly from…

BnB issue 219 (Comment on the last B ‘n B news article – When things just don’t go as planned!)  One of our members wrote to discuss their recent experience with the VDA’s handling of a case he was involved in, in the light of the opinions expressed in the…

Each and every veterinarian that provides veterinary services needs to have their own professional indemnity and professional protection in the form of a dedicated veterinary defense organization. The mere “insurance cover” offered by your general insurance broker is…

(Article 489 previously published on 2017-11-08) Have you ever done your utmost to treat a case to the best of your ability and yet everything that the textbooks say should happen, doesn’t? We are sure that every veterinarian has been met with this scenario – known as…

(Previously published on 2016-11-23 as Article 439) Mrs X’s pony developed signs of colic in the morning, but she delayed in calling Dr A until 16h45. Mrs X’s first request was that Dr A dispense Finadyne in order for Mrs X to administer the medication. Luckily, Dr A…

The VDA is unique in the fact that we perform ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). This is what makes us a “Defence organisation” which is different from an ordinary insurance provider. ADR is a process the VDA uses to interact with the vet member’s…