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What is Nutrition Congress?

Nutrition Congress is a one day virtual event that focuses on animal nutrition, taking a close look at different diets, strategies and nutritional requirements.

Veterinary nurses are regularly involved with animal nutrition in veterinary practice, from advising pet owners on what to feed their pets and delivering weight loss clinics, to providing nutritional support to hospitalised animals.

This congress offers 7 hours of evidenced CPD and aims to increase your knowledge and confidence in a variety of nutritional topics.

Who should attend?

Veterinary nurses looking to develop their knowledge of animal nutrition. This congress will be particularly useful if you're:

  • Looking to improve the nutritional advice you give to clients
  • Aiming to specialise in animal nutrition
  • Aiming to progress within your role
  • Interested in keeping up-to-date with everything happening in the industry

Why attend?

  • Listen to lectures from a range of speakers who will be sharing their experiences and knowledge
  • Q&A sessions mean your questions will be answered by the speakers themselves
  • Gain practical takeaways that you can implement in your practice
  • Gain information, product knowledge and offers from our virtual exhibitors
  • Earn 7 hours of evidenced CPD
  • Gain online access to recordings of all the lectures and lectures from previous congresses up until the next event
Download the agenda (PDF)

Online Registration, Exhibition and Lounges

Chair's Welcome

Lauren Norton BSc (Hons) RVN PGDipCAB CertVNECC, The College of Animal Welfare

Serving Up Solutions: Nutritional Considerations for Diabetic Patients

Laura Jones BSc(Hons) DipAVN(Small Animal) ISFMDipFN VTS(IM-SA) RVN, Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders we see in practice, and the veterinary nurse is heavily involved in the management of these patients.

Though treatments like insulin are widely accepted in the management of diabetes mellitus, diet is a vital – and often overlooked – aspect of managing the diabetic cat or dog.

This session will include a refresher on diabetes mellitus and how the pathophysiology and treatment recommendations differ between cats and dogs, followed by a review of the evidence surrounding feeding the diabetic patient – including what they should be fed, meal timings, and frequency.

Nutritional Considerations for Wildlife Patients

Nicola Williams BSC (Hons) RVN C&GCertVNES

Nutrition should be seen as part of a holistic nursing care plan. This is widely accepted for domestic patients, but often overlooked when it comes to treating wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitation success can be greatly impacted by the diet they receive, and accept, in practice and considerations of clinical state and wild feeding ecology should be considered and applied as appropriate.

This presentation aims to provide a good grounding in wildlife nutrition and how to apply this practically within the restrictions of a veterinary clinic, discussing case studies for specific species and potential disease presentations.

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Morning Break, Online Exhibition and Lounges

Nutrition and the Microbiome: how is it relevant to my patient?

Dr Libby Sheridan MVB MSc CertSAN MRCVS, Purina Petcare

Microbiome is a word on everyone’s lips at the moment, but what does it refer to exactly, and how is it of relevance to the veterinary patient?

Join us for this delve into the unfolding world of the body’s population of microorganisms and the role they play in health and disease. We’ll be particularly focusing on the gut microbiome population, and the influence that different diet formats, ingredients and food supplements, such as pre and probiotics can have.

We’ll also explore how the microbiome changes in disease, such as chronic enteropathy, and how veterinary treatments, such as anti-microbials, can have a profound effect on the microorganisms that are so important to the health of the entire body.

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Lunch Break, Online Exhibition and Lounges

The bugs are coming! Are insect-based pet foods the future?

Georgia Woods-Lee BSc(Hons) RVN CertCFVHNut VTS (Nutrition), University of Liverpool

The global pet food market is vast, and as increasing demand for protein sources for both pet foods and food for humans continues, there is significant concern that food (particularly meat) shortages will be seen in the next 50 years unless changes are made. This, together with a drive for more sustainable ways to own a pet, has the pet food industry looking for alternative, more sustainable methods of safely delivering proteins to pets. Insect-based proteins are one such option.
This presentation will cover the following key learning points:

  • Explore how insect-based proteins are produced
  • Discuss the advantages of insect-based proteins
  • Discuss the disadvantages of insect-based proteins

Feline Obesity: The problem with fat cats

Sian Baker RVN, SMART Veterinary Clinic Ltd

Despite feline obesity being almost as prevalent as canine obesity, and often much harder to manage, it is focused on far less in practice.

This lecture will aim to highlight why obesity is such an important condition to consider in our feline patients, how to help owners recognise when it is a problem and some hints and tips on how to implement successful weight loss plans in practice.

Early owner education, as with canine obesity, is key and feline obseity needs the same attention as our canine patients. We will explore ways of developing this in practice from kittenhood, through adolescence and into adulthood.
The individual lifestyle (e.g house cat, free-roaming, multi-cat households) will also form an important aspect of this talk and how this can affect the dietary management of our feline patients.

Live Q&A Panel

Present questions (anonymously if desired) to the speakers.

Chair's Close

Lauren Norton BSc (Hons) RVN PGDipCAB CertVNECC, The College of Animal Welfare

Online Exhibition and Lounges

Please note this programme is subject to change.

Libby SheridanDr Libby Sheridan MVB MSc CertSAN MRCVS
Purina Petcare

Libby qualified as a vet from University College Dublin and spent 10 years in mixed and small animal practice before joining a major pet food company in their science and tech team.

Alongside gaining a certificate in nutrition, she developed programmes for vets and nurses in many aspects of client care, clinical nutrition and practice management.

In her own business, Mojo Consultancy, she specialised in nutrition and technical communications, writing for many veterinary and consumer magazines on nutrition and pet-related topics, before joining Purina Petcare as Scientific Affairs Manager in 2018.

Libby also holds an MSc in Healthcare Management from Anglia Ruskin University.

Georgia Woods-LeeGeorgia Woods-Lee BSc(Hons) RVN CertCFVHNut VTS (Nutrition)
University of Liverpool

Georgia Woods-Lee qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2004.

In 2015, Georgia took the position of Clinical Lead for the ROYAL CANIN® Weight Management Clinic at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she is now dealing exclusively with pet obesity care and nutrition.

Georgia was awarded her Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition in 2017, the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in nutrition certificate in 2019, and her BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) degree in 2022. She is currently working towards a PhD in pet obesity.

Laura JonesLaura Jones BSc(Hons) DipAVN(Small Animal) ISFMDipFN VTS(IM-SA) RVN
Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing

Laura began nursing in 2007 and qualified as an RVN in 2010. She became a referral internal medicine nurse in 2015 and a VTS in Small Animal Medicine in 2019.

After completing her VTS, Laura created Veterinary Internal Medicine Nursing. Through this platform, Laura provides accessible CPD to veterinary nurses, via her website, podcast and social media platforms. She lectures internationally and created the Medical Nursing Academy – a learning platform for nurses interested in medicine – in February 2023.

Most importantly, Laura is still a practicing RVN and loves nothing more than giving great care to her patients, and helping other nurses do the same.

Lauren NortonLauren Norton BSc (Hons) RVN PGDipCAB CertVNECC
The College of Animal Welfare

Lauren graduated from the BSc Veterinary Nursing programme in 2010, and has since worked in small animal general practice and referral. Having completed a Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma, she is currently studying for an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, and is an online tutor and module leader on the BSc Veterinary Nursing programme.

Lauren is particularly interested in the relationship between pet nutrition and behaviour.

Nicola WilliamsNicola Williams BSC (Hons) RVN C&GCertVNES

Nicola graduated as an RVN in 2015 whilst working at a 24-hour emergency referral practice. During her time in referral, she volunteered at several wildlife hospitals and charities within the UK where she gained valuable skills that helped her to gain employment at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital.

Once qualified, Nicola went on to complete her certificate in veterinary nursing of exotic species and wildlife.

Outside of her work duties, Nicola pursues her interest in biological monitoring, surveying and conservation, and volunteers for several wildlife organisations such as Shropshire Dormouse Group, Butterfly Conservation, Wildlife Trust and the British Trust of Ornithology.

Sian BakerSian Baker RVN
SMART Veterinary Clinic Ltd

Sian qualified from the University of Bristol in 2006 with a 2:1 degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration and is a registered Veterinary Nurse.  She has been working at the Smart Clinic since 2011, and is now Practice Management Director.

Sian is also Treasurer of the BVRSMA and has been an active committee member for nearly 10 years.

Her main interest is still the nutritional management of the cases seen at the clinic but she has always had a keen interest in feline medicine and the approach to feline patient management and treatment. Her own beloved cat Hugo has been a constant support in her learning, having received rehabilitation treatment for the last few years.

CAW Business School

CAW Business School was set up in 2012 to offer business related qualifications. CAW Business School offers a number of highly recognised qualifications including the opportunity to study AAT Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, TAQA and ILM leadership and management, and coaching and mentoring courses.

 

Hills Pet NutritionHill's Pet Nutrition

Our mission: To help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That's why we're proud our pet foods can make a difference in pets’ lives. We make this pledge to you about our commitment to the welfare of animals everywhere. We only use compassionate, non-invasive methods necessary to develop nutritional technology so dogs and cats around the world live long, healthy lives. Hill’s is committed to sustainability in many forms. This commitment extends beyond pets and includes People, Performance, and Planet.

Millpledge Veterinary LogoMillpledge Veterinary

Millpledge Veterinary has been manufacturing innovative products designed specifically for the veterinary professional for over 30 years.

Ranging from Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals, Bandaging and Fluid Therapy, encompassing products for companion and large animal use. Providing complete peace of mind for the veterinary profession.

Popular products include Rapz Eazy Tear® Cohesive Bandages, Eaze-Off® Tape and Bandage Removal Spray, Tom Tiddle™ Urinary Cat Catheters, Millpack™ Sterilisation Pouches with built-in sterility test strips, Aniset™ IV Sets for small and large animals, and V-GEL® advanced species-specific supraglottic airway devices for Rabbits, Cats, and Dogs.

Visit our website at www.millpledge.com to view our full range.

Pet RemedyPet Remedy

Pet Remedy is a natural plant based range of calming products for pets. Easy to use and fast acting. This unique and patented formula is valerian root oil based and is made in the UK.

Pet Remedy works with the pet's own natural calming mechanisms and is suitable for use in all stressful situations. Pet Remedy will also help with developing emotional resilience and wellbeing. Now used by most veterinary practices and rescues on a daily basis. Visit the vet zone on our website and you will see a detailed explanation by Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor (veterinary neuro surgeon and author), about how Pet Remedy works. You will also see links to 9 published studies showing efficacy in multi-species including cat, dog, rabbit, pig and horse.

PurinaPurina

At PURINA®, we believe that pets and people are better together. We are committed to helping pets live longer, happier and healthier lives through proper nutrition and care, as well as collaborating with and supporting the veterinary professionals who care for them.

To discover more about our ground-breaking science and how we can help you bring nutrition to life in your practice contact vettechline@purina.nestle.com.

To find out more about our products, Purina PRO PLAN®, and PRO PLAN® Veterinary Diets, visit www.purina.co.uk/proplan.

CAW LogoThe College of Animal Welfare

The College of Animal Welfare is one of the largest providers of veterinary nurse training in the UK, with centres in Cambridgeshire, North London, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, County Durham and Scotland. We strongly believe that education and training is the key to raising standards of animal welfare. To this end, we strive to create new and accessible opportunities for learning, and encourage employers and those working with animals to undertake appropriate levels of training and continue with lifelong learning and education.

VetlifeVetlife

Vetlife is a charity dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession.

Everyone in the veterinary community is welcome to contact the Vetlife Helpline for free, independent and confidential support – including veterinary nurses, veterinary students, and non-clinical staff. The Helpline can be reached on 0303 040 2551 or by anonymous email.

Following contact with the Vetlife Helpline, volunteers can refer those needing further care to our award-winning Vetlife Health Support service which provides mental health support.

Vetlife Financial Support is available for eligible veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and their dependants in the UK.

Early Bird Tickets Available

£150 (£125+VAT)

That's a saving of £60

Once the Early Bird promotion ends, your ticket will cost: £210 (£175+VAT)

Early Bird pricing is available until Friday 11th October 2024.

Interested in exhibiting at Nutrition Congress?

Nutrition Congress is a one day virtual event that focuses on animal nutrition.

Why exhibit with us?

  • Limited exhibitor numbers - Unlike larger congresses where hundreds of exhibitors often mean that visitors will not remember everyone, exhibition space for these events is strictly limited. As such you will get the opportunity to engage with the delegates attending our congresses personally.
  • Make meaningful business connections – Network with those that influence decision making in veterinary practice and make relevant industry contacts virtually.
  • Cost effective – with exhibitor packages starting from just £50+VAT, our prices offer value for money and fall considerably below that of larger events within the industry.

To find out more contact Claire Gregory on 01480 422060.


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