Vet Times

Author: Dan Amos

  • The poo factory

    The poo factory

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    by

    Dan Amos

    It’s been nine months; Joey is well settled here, and I am a total hound convert. They are a loving and intelligent breed of dog, and Joey is the gentlest soul I’ve ever met. He also seems to require less exercise than an elderly blind Peke – hard to believe, but true. In pretty much…

  • Different spoons

    Different spoons

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    by

    Dan Amos

    An obvious statement, but as a creature of habit on several fronts its taken me a while to realise that one of my usual non-negotiables in life has to go. Speaking as a spoonie, this is a biggie, but I have cancelled my gym membership and don’t think I’ll be starting another one any time…

  • Triangle cut sandwiches

    Triangle cut sandwiches

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    by

    Dan Amos

    I feel the time has finally come to confess a little secret: like most of us I’m missing the face-to-face fun of congresses and CPD events. Yes, I’m missing the education, the brain stimulation and catching up with friends – but this is not what my secret is – it’s that I’m missing CPD catering!…

  • Sea dogs – staying safe on beach walks

    Sea dogs – staying safe on beach walks

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    Dan Amos

    National Drowning Day took place just recently (25 July). The initiative is aimed at us humans, but I feel it’s a good point to consider dog water safety too. As a regular sea user I am all too aware of the basic safety measures needed to stay safe (even in good weather), but what does…

  • Summer hazards for beach dogs

    Summer hazards for beach dogs

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    by

    Dan Amos

    The recent hot weather has been fabulous in many ways – my Scottish skin has decided to tan, I’m sea swimming most days and I’m back in my archive – roll on a summer of fun and vet history. But there is a blot on the landscape that causes my RVN brain some stress during…

  • Playing the numbers game

    Playing the numbers game

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    by

    Dan Amos

    There are some times we just need to celebrate the passion in our profession. As a former lecturer, I’m aware of the work people put in to get the qualifications to enter a vet nursing course. So a recent Google alert wasn’t a surprise, but it is a beautiful story being shared with the public.…

  • From RVN to PhD: Fraje Watson

    From RVN to PhD: Fraje Watson

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Following my previous blog on vet nurses who are completing PhDs, I now have the honour of sharing their journey from RVN to PhD. This, I hope, will offer you some insight into how you get into academia, what the funding options are, and what do you actually DO every day as a PhD student.…

  • Levels of care: charity versus private practice

    Levels of care: charity versus private practice

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Following on from the previous piece on gold-standard care, I wanted to focus on an issue that seems to exist, but isn’t often acknowledged or explained. I think you all know I am a huge supporter of the vet care provided by charities; I’ve worked at RSPCA Harmsworth, Battersea and Mayhew, and I know the…

  • Defining gold-standard care

    Defining gold-standard care

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    by

    Dan Amos

    I started writing this about three years ago and could never find the right tone… so I am very grateful to be in the Veterinary Humanities group where we have had some great discussions on this. It has really helped me consider the right tone to discuss this issue. What is this Holy Grail of…

  • All creatures great and small: big dog, bigger impact?

    All creatures great and small: big dog, bigger impact?

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Rescues and breeders both agree on one thing: small dogs are more popular than big dogs. Having recently made the move from a small dog to big dog owner, I’ve been reflecting on the differences in terms of his impact. Is a big dog more money, work and impact than a small dog? Money I…