Vet Nursing students chosen to present research at major conference

Posted 11 December 2024

Dylan D鈥橲ouza, who was among students chosen to present research at this year's BVNA Conference

Vet Nursing students from 五一吃瓜最新官网 chosen to discuss their research at a major national conference have praised the University for its impact on their studies.

Laurel Belverstone, from Dagenham in Essex, and Dylan D’Souza, who is originally from Pakistan but now living in Stoke, were accompanied to the 2024 British Veterinary Nursing Association Congress by Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Science Kat Hart.

They were among a group of students who spoke at the Congress, where they set out their final year Honours Research Projects (HRPs), their findings – and what those findings mean for the animals involved.

BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing with Small Animal Rehabilitation student Laurel presented her HRP, titled An investigation into dog owner and veterinary perceptions of the canine obesity endemic in the United Kingdom.

She said: “This investigation aimed to compare and contrast the perceptions of veterinary professionals and dog owners towards canine obesity, in addition to identifying the level of awareness towards this endemic.

“The occurrence of canine obesity is a significant problem in today’s society, with an estimated prevalence of 40 per cent in the United Kingdom.

“Veterinary literature currently reflects a lack of research into the perceptions of owners and veterinary professionals towards canine obesity, despite human behaviours being a leading cause of canine weight gain.

“The importance of this research lies in its attempt to highlight the consequences of excessive weight in canines, and to encourage the recognition of obesity as both a disease and welfare concern in veterinary medicine.”

Meanwhile