2007 ACPAT Spring Seminar Review

31 March - 1 April 2007
Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6RN

The annual weekend Seminar aims to provide opportunities not only for our members to get to know their UK and International colleagues as well as non-members who are eligible to attend, but also, to listen to specialist speakers working within a variety of fields.  Their case presentations and the information provided have direct implications to clinical practice and Continued Professional Development (CPD).

The Saturday morning started off with Peter van Dongen, Drs (Utrecht) Cert VR MRCVS, giving an orthopaedic review of the common conditions found in the skeletally immature dog.  The information was clear and concise, opening our eyes to the diversity of conditions that can affect the canine, whilst consideration being given to their anatomical variants.

He went on to discuss "The fastest growing dog sport in the UK" - Agility.

His presentation included a variety of photographs and video footage of Basil (and others!) undertaking agility courses with different surface terrains and different types of equipment being used. These highlighted the extensive strains and stresses the limbs, spine and supporting structures are put under and how fit these animals have to be in order to remain injury free.

Mid morning was spent considering comparative anatomy of the human and canine shoulder through a presentation given by Denise Hayes-Davies MCSP ACPAT Category A.  This highlighted the relevant anatomy of the canine scapulo-humeral joint and supported by research considered the common injuries and pathologies of this joint and the current medical and surgical management that is given.

After an excellent lunch and productive AGM, for members only, we had the opportunity to learn from a series of case studies on a variety of feline pathologies by Joanne Boddy MCSP ACPAT Category A.  Joanne managed to capture the attention of the audience through adapted Evidence Based Practice (EBP) from the human field having dramatically positive affects in the feline patient.

The last two presentations of the day were given by Marjoleine Riezebos, MCSP MSc Vet Phys ACPAT Category A, and Peter van Dongen respectively. Marjoleine talked us through her MSc research project: "The Role of the Image of a Conspecific in the Regulation of Stereotypic Head Movements in the Horse".  This fascinating, high quality piece of research concluded that it is likely that the image of a horse is a critical factor in the reduction of weaving as a stereotypic behaviour.

Peter van Dongen’s conclusion to the day was one of admiration as he explained the joys and fears of trekking across 220km of Norwegians Lapland. 

Peter completed the Husky Sledding Challenge in aid of The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity.

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