The VDA News

Case Etiquette: When a Complaint Has Been Made What to Do, What Not to Do, and Why Stepping Back Matters Receiving a complaint can be one of the more unsettling experiences in veterinary practice. Even when a veterinarian remains confident in the clinical care…

When “No” Isn’t the End of the Conversation Documenting Declined Treatment and Client Non-Compliance Veterinary medicine frequently requires decisions to be made under less than ideal circumstances. A veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing, hospitalisation,…

Hidden in Plain Sight Wearable Recording Devices and Confidentiality in Veterinary Practice Walk into almost any waiting room today and you’ll see clients carrying smartphones, smart watches and other connected devices. Increasingly, however, recording…

The Veterinary Defence Association regularly assists members in matters where the quality of veterinary care is not in dispute, yet complaints, regulatory investigations, or legal challenges arise due to misunderstandings regarding costs, consent, and client…

Most veterinarians do not begin their careers with poor standards of documentation. Many start out meticulous with clinical notes that are thorough. Consent discussions are carefully recorded. Estimates are explained in detail. Risks, refusals, follow-up plans, and…

Clinical Records: The New Rules of Sharing Across the veterinary profession, expectations around clinical records are changing. What was once considered internal, practice-held information is now increasingly recognised as accessible, regulated data — with legal,…

When Digital Conversations Carry Professional Weight Understanding WhatsApp, Evidence, and the Hidden Mental Load of Modern Practice Digital messaging platforms such as WhatsApp have become deeply embedded in modern veterinary practice. From appointment follow-ups and…

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…