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Vet Nursing students chosen to present research at major conference

Posted 11 December

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

Vet Nursing students from Harper Adams 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 BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing student Dylan looked at the the effectiveness of orthopaedic discharge procedures in small animal practices.

He said: “My research was important because orthopaedic discharges play an important role in the successful recovery of patients post-surgery.

“From my time on placement, I found that owners found it really hard to manage the recovery of patients post-surgery, and we needed to do more to support them.”

Dylan, who now hopes to publish his research, is now working at Nantwich Pet Vets after completing his studies – and a successful industrial placement year.

He said: “I liked the more hands-on approach to the course at Harper .

“My placement was really good - I had a very supportive team that helped me put the theory I learned at Harper into practice and helped me realise my love of anaesthesia and surgery.

“It's been really good studying at Harper - I enjoyed the supportive learning environment along with the closeness of the community in Newport.”

Laurel agreed - and added: “Studying at Harper has been incredible.

“The course offered a rewarding combination of theory and practical lessons, covering veterinary nursing in immense detail.

“The veterinary nursing lecturers were supportive and knowledgeable, which, alongside the entire Harper community, made my time at Harper an incredibly positive experience.

“From a young age, I had always wanted to pursue a career working with animals.

“When exploring degrees in the veterinary sector, I came across the veterinary nursing streams offered by Harper Adams, and was immediately taken by the beautiful campus, the extensive course content and the impressive post-graduate employment rate.

“My chosen course at Harper not only enabled me to explore the foundations of veterinary nursing - but this specific stream also provided the opportunity to learn about physiotherapy and the rehabilitative aspect of nursing.”