Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons from licensed tracks across the country joined together at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science earlier this month for a day of Continuing Professional Development, delivered by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).
At the event, racecourse vets heard from experienced veterinary professionals including Associate Professor Richard Payne, whose research focuses on the health of racing greyhounds, two of GBGB’s Regional Regulatory Vets – Dr Victoria Fraser and Dr Lawrence Steed – and Professor Madeleine Campbell, who oversees the development and implementation of GBGB’s long-term welfare strategy ‘A Good Life For Every Greyhound’.
The day began with an update from Professor Campbell about the progress of the welfare strategy, followed by a talk from Associate Professor Payne about using data and pattern analysis for injury prevention. Professor Campbell also led a roundtable discussion, ‘What I Wish I Had Known When I Started As A Track Vet’, which saw experienced racecourse vets share insights and advice with those newer to the role. The afternoon consisted of practical sessions demonstrating different techniques which can be applied in a track side scenario, for example gait analysis.
After the event, Dr Lawrence Steed, GBGB Regulatory Vet, said:
“It was a fantastic day of learning and gave us the opportunity to discuss some interesting topics.
“Being able to share knowledge between all track vets enables us to work more closely together within the industry to improve the welfare of the greyhounds we treat.”
Reflecting on the success of the event, Tiffany Blackett, Executive Veterinarian at GBGB said:
“It was excellent to welcome so many Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons to the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science to share their perspectives and hear from a range of excellent speakers on topics relating to the care of racing greyhounds.
“Ongoing training such as this is a key element of our long-term welfare strategy, and I would like to thank the external speakers and GBGB Regional Regulatory Vets who led such interesting and engaging sessions throughout the day.
“Thank you also to Nottingham Veterinary School for hosting this event, and to all the racecourse vets who were in attendance.”
