The ASAV Conference “The Joys of general Practice” with the VBG at the Novotel Twin Waters was indeed a joyful experience. The ASAV conference being just that bit smaller is an opportunity to really meet people make friends and be supported by old friends. Next year we are back in Cairns, so I strongly recommend putting the 23-26th August 2027 in your diary now.
We also had the privilege of Dr Becky Murphy, who is Chair of WSAVA’s Hereditary Diseases Committee as well as President of NZ CAV speak about “Prevention before Presentation -the GPs role in breeding healthier dogs”. Becky runs a reproduction practice in NZ and the striking part of her lecture was the ethical base of her practice. Her statement the “If we want fewer dogs struggling to breathe, fewer dogs living with chronic orthopaedic pain, and fewer owners facing the emotional and financial burden of inherited or conformational related disease, prevention cannot begin at the point of diagnosis. It has to begin before the litter is even conceived.” In our subsequent members forum it was agreed that the membership agreed that we must act particularly in relation to brachycephalic dogs.
It is very sad to say farewell to three of our ASAV staff. Elaine Robertson, our Executive Officer, Linda North and Ellen Simpson are all leaving the team. The ASAV Committee cannot express how grateful we are for all the support associated with running conferences, webinars, publication, and the Accredited Hospital Scheme. We have loved working with you and wish you all the best in your future careers.
Drs Debbie Delahunty and Stephen Yeomans are leaving the ASAV committee, and Drs Anna Dengate and Carrie Arbon are joining us.
I am looking forward to another year as your ASAV president. As with the rest of your committee we would love to hear from you and the easiest way of communication is now the ASAV Page of the Circle App.
Dr Julia Crawford
ASAV President
