Welcome, contents & contributors
What's inside this month's magazine,plus meet our expert contributors.
Welcome to the business edition of The Cube, where we're delving into key topics that shape the future of veterinary practice management. From harnessing the power of practice data to boost operational efficiency and growth, to understanding why flexible working is essential for the veterinary industry, and why “location, location, location” remains critical when selecting your practice premises, there’s much to explore.
In our regular features, Tony Houghton from VetIT takes you through a day in equine practice, highlighting how your Practice Management System (PMS) can work for you. Our NationWide Laboratories team opens the door to the intriguing world of pathology with engaging case studies, while Sandra Wells sheds light on the pivotal role of zoos in biodiversity and underscores the significance of preventative veterinary medicine.In our Product Focus section, we’re putting the spotlight on digestive health. Get expert advice from Select Healthcare from NVS on managing feline and canine gastrointestinal health cases, and insights from Rupert Dyhouse from Protexin Equine on the equine microbiome. And finally, as we approach fireworks season and the darker nights, Andrew Hale from Pet Remedy discusses ways to support noise-sensitive dogs and Kelly Summerfield from Rogz Pet Gear, offers essential tips for keeping pets safe and visible during these shorter, wetter months.
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We hope that you enjoy reading this issue and would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions, please get in touch.
Kind regardsThe Cube Editorial Team
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#1 The power of practice data in veterinary medicine
#2 Flexible working: The who, what, why and when
#3 Location, location, location: Setting up your practice premises
#4 A day in equine practice: How your veterinary PMS can work for you
#5 Disease, laboratory diagnostics and the role of zoos in biodiversity
#6 Pathology case study: The spindle cell dilemma and the importance of the follow-up biopsy
#7 Pathology case study: Canine Facial Eosinophilic Folliculitis and Furunculosis
#8 Supporting canine and feline gastrointestinal health: A guide to managing clinical cases#9 Supporting the equine microbiome as the seasons change
#10 Emotional wellbeing for noise sensitive dogs: A guide for vet professionals#11 Pet safety and visibility during the darker months
Find out a little bit about this issue's expert contributors.
Silvia Janská, founder of Flexee Ltd.
Dr. Silvia Janská BSc(Hons) MSc BVetMed PgCertVBM MRCVS, is a high-energy individual passionate about supporting the veterinary profession and the animal health industry. After a decade of working as an equine veterinarian and an independent consultant, Silvia now works as the Zoetis Lead for Strategic Alliances and Business Development. She is also the Founder of Flexee Ltd., supporting veterinary teams to improve clinics’ flexible working arrangements to aid retain and attract staff. Silvia’s combination of expertise in fundamental science, veterinary medicine and business development is supported by her qualifications from London’s Veterinary College, Liverpool University and Cornell University.
Brian Faulkner, Veterinary Clinician, Business Consultant and co-founder of Vetpreneur
Brian Faulkner, BSc (Hons), BVM&S, CertGP(SAM), CertGP(BPS), MBA, MSc(Psych), FRCVS, is co-founder of Vetpreneur, a community which connects entrepreneurs and experts in order to access the knowledge and resources required to start-up and scale-up a successful veterinary practice. Brian is an Associate Professor of Veterinary Business at Nottingham University and has been involved in the set up and launch of at least 11 new veterinary practices, including Aldeburgh Vets in Suffolk, where he currently works as a clinician at least 3 days per week.
Tony Houghton, Managing Directorof VetIT
As the visionary behind VetIT, Tony Houghton has drawn on his extensive commercial and software expertise to create a system that is helping to transform veterinary practices. His deep understanding of technology, honed across various industries, coupled with his knack for building strong client relationships, has been instrumental in VetIT’s success. A true animal lover, Tony shares his home with several dogs and he even owns a few sheep. Outside of work, you might find him skiing, water skiing, or enjoying a round of golf.
Sandra Wells, Head of Operations, NationWide Laboratories
Sandra Wells, BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biochemistry, is the Head of Operations and Head of the Sustainability Committee at NationWide Laboratories. Sandra is responsible for the smooth running of the three NationWide Laboratories sites - Poulton-le-Fylde, Cambridge and Newton Abbot. Sandra has worked in the veterinary industry for 25 years and works with zoo clients to develop tests and profiles most suited to their needs. Sandra is passionate about conservation of species and sustainability and is part of the sustainability committee for the NVS Group.
Sandra Dawson, Veterinary Pathologist, NationWide Laboratories
Sandra Dawson, BSc, BVMS, FRCPath, MRCVS, is a graduate of Aberdeen and Glasgow Universities, gaining a BSc in agriculture in 1991 and her veterinary degree in 1995. Following a term in mixed practice, Sandra became a resident in veterinary pathology at Edinburgh University. After five years in industry where she gained her MRCPath, Sandra joined NationWide Laboratories in May 2006.
Karina Fresneda, Anatomic Pathologist, NationWide Laboratories
Karina, DVM, DiplACVP, graduated from the National University of the Centre of Buenos Aires in 2000. She became a specialist in Anatomo-histopathological Veterinary Diagnosis after two years of training. For 15 years, she taught infectious diseases at the same university, while gaining clinical and laboratory experience in clinical pathology, cytology, and histopathology. She completed a 3-year residency in Anatomic Veterinary Pathology at the University of California, Davis. Karina also teaches courses on clinical pathology, cytology, and histopathology.
Katy Ellison, Companion Consultancy
Katy, MA VetMB MRCVS, has worked in veterinary practice for over 20 years and enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery. She began her career in mixed practice before joining a small animal practice in Suffolk in 2003. Since 2021 she has combined her love of clinical work with her role at Companion Consultancy, where she relishes the opportunity to use her veterinary skills in a different way, while continuing to work in practice part-time.
#8 Supporting canine and feline gastrointestinal health: A guide to managing clinical cases
Rupert Dyhouse - Protexin Equine Veterinary International Technical Manager
Rupert graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2016. After several years of mixed practice in the UK and New Zealand, he joined ADM Protexin to focus on microbiome-based solutions for the Vet sector. Rupert is interested in new developments in this sphere, including the gut-brain axis, and how changes in the gut microbiome can influence other body systems.
#9 Supporting the equine microbiome as the seasons change
Andrew Hale, Behaviouristat Pet Remedy
Andrew Hale, BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac, is a Certified Canine Behaviourist at Pet Remedy. He is proud to be an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management, a Kids Around Dogs Trainer, and supports many dog welfare and rescue organisations. With a background in Human Psychology, Andrew focuses on the emotional experiences behind behaviour in both dogs and humans. He has played a key role in the UK dog training community as a former chair of the Association of INTODogs and driving force behind the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
#10 Emotional wellbeing for noise sensitive dogs: A guide for vet professionals
Kelly Summerfield, Digital Marketing Manager at ROGZ pet gear
ROGZ pet gear is a global award winning, twice having won “Brand of the Year”. Being a safe and trusted pet brand, the safety and comfort of pets are at the heart of product development.
As Digital Marketing Manager, Kelly focusses on educating pet owners around the importance of choosing the right pet gear to ensure safety and comfort while out with your dog.
#11 Pet safety and visibility during the darker months
