‘Something for everyone’ in 1999 The BSAVA Congress scientific programme f r I999 builds on the strengths ofprevious years to give both breadth and depth of coverage to recent scientiJic developments in small animal veterinary practice, says Jonathan Elliott, BSA I/A Congress ScientiJic Programme Coordinator. Here he provides an overview of the sessions plannedfr nextyear? Congress

IF you need an update on feline medicine, or perhaps want to learn about the latest molecular biology technology used to diagnose infec- tious diseases in cats, then come along to next year’s BSAVA Con- gress in Birmingham. The scientific programme will have something for everyone. The specialist veterinary sessions have been expanded to cater for those delegates studying for cer- tificates in all the specialist areas, and an interactive and case discus- sion approach will be encouraged throughout many of the sessions, particularly these specialist sessions.

The reputation of our Congress has always attracted international speakers of the highest calibre, and next year will be no exception. We have selected six speakers, all leading specialists in their fields, to deliver state-of-the-art lectures on subjects of their choice. John Bonagura, from the USA, who will be contributing to the cardiology stream of lectures, has chosen echocardiography as his state-of- the-art subject, while neurologist

Richard LeCouteur‘s state-of-the- art topic will be ‘CNS neoplasia’.

There are 12 lectures on derma- tology in the main programme and, in addition, we are fortunate enough to have Danny Scott com- ing to discuss the state of the art in the use of antihistamines for the management of allergic pruritus in dogs and cats. Michael Pavletic, a leading soft tissue surgeon from the USA, will meanwhile be consider- ing ‘Skin stretching: harnessing the viscoelastic properties of skin’. A further 12 lectures in the main programme will be devoted to orthopaedics and our lead speaker, David Bennett, will discuss the present and future therapies for osteoarthritis in his state-of-the-art lecture. The final state-of-the-art lecture is on the subject of critical care; Steve Haskins, from the USA, will discuss basic and sophisticated assessment of cardiovascular perfor- mance.

These are the highlights of a main programme which comprises 24 themes, all featuring speakers of

international repute. For example, the feline forum this year will be led by Alice Wolf; Colin Harvey will present a session on orodental disease; and Liz Stone is to speak on urological surgery. Further details of these themes, and many others, will be given in BSAVA News in the coming months.

Most of our international speak- ers will also contribute to the nursing programme in 1999. Like at this year’s Congress, the nursing programme will comprise two streams; advanced and general nursing. Advanced nursing will feature days devoted to critical care, surgical nursing, diagnostic and management techniques, and medical nursing. Themes in the general nursing programme will include dentistry, urology, thera- peutics, infectious disease and orthopaedic nursing.

Once again, BSAVA Congress promises to provide the highest quality continuing professional development at all levels. Watch this space!

Members of the newly elected WSAVA officer team, pictured at the gala dinner at last month’s WSAVA congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (from left) Dr Gabriel Varga (vice-president), Dr Claudio Brovida (presldentelect), Dr Hans-Klaus Dreier (president), Dr Brian Romberg (honorary treasurer), Dr Maggie Gething (honorary secretary) and Dr Blll Jackson (senior vlce-president). A report of the congress will be published In the next issue

Need help with submitting material for JSAP?

The Journal of Small Animal Practice welcomes papers, case reports and items for ‘What is your diagnosis?’ from general practitioners. If you have an article you would like to submit, but would like advice or practical help in writing or illustrating it, contact the Editor in the first instance: Frances Barr, Division of Companion Animals, Langford House, Bristol BS40 5DU. A panel of experienced authors is willing to provide assistance where appropriate

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v> The 1999 BSAVA Congress will be - held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham from April 8 to 11

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE VOL 39 NOVEMBER 1998