Juli 2009

Placing the emphasis on innovation and European diversity

The Lille 2009 FECAVA Eurocongress is also the chance to discover many aspects of European clinical research in medicine and surgery for companion animals. In addition to the general programme for all practitioners focusing on felines and exotic pets, the Congress will include several symposiums.

A window for European clinical research

Approximately 200 short communications proposed by European colleagues (practitioners and teachers alike) were submitted to the scientific committee, led by Jean-François Rousselot. The selection process, based on a number of precise criteria (content, structure...), was not easy.

Around 100 chosen communications, including several clinical cases or groups of clinical cases, will be offered in the form of an oral presentation in French or English ; about 50 will be offered in a poster format, displayed in a specific area of the Lille Grand Palais, facilitating exchanges among colleagues.

The Residents' Forum

Another unique feature at this Eurocongress will be the Residents' Forum, presented by a number of future European veterinary specialists. Once again, delegates will have the opportunity to discover the diversity, quality, and richness of the presentations.

These types of sessions have been a highlight of the AFVAC national congresses for years—yet another spot that promises to incite fruitful discussions and debates.

FECAVA symposium topic : pain

For its main symposium on current topics, FECAVA has chosen the theme “pain”. This symposium will unite a number of well-known European speakers, all experts in this domain. Many thanks go out to Johan Van Tilburg and Jean-François Rousselot for designing such an appealing programme.

Two different themes for the Platinum Partner symposia

Hill's has chosen a topic that corresponds directly to the upcoming changes and evolution of our profession, placing an emphasis on the new service guidelines starting on the 1st of January 2010. The title of the symposium is : Insurance, clinical networks, publicity : the new paradigms. It is sure to attract a large number of practitioners, all eager to become more aware of these major professional changes.

For its symposium, Virbac wanted to build on one of the General Programme themes, “Exotic Pets”. This symposium will offer an extra look at some classic cases that are often difficult to handle, both from a clinical and therapeutic point of view. Within this original programme, delegates will find solutions to their daily worries when treating exotic pets.

FECAVA SYMPOSIUM FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 14.00-18.00

- Pain and hyperalgesia in dogs and cats - M. GOGNY (F)

- Chronic pain assessment - A. BERGADANO (I)

- Acute pain scoring - M. GOGNY (F)

- Perioperative and acute pain management - F. ROUX (F)

- Management of chronic pain : advances - D. HOLOPHERNE (F)

- Locoregional anesthesia/analgesia - A. BERGADANO (I)

OTHER SYMPOSIUMS DEALING WITH CURRENT TOPICS

The scientific committee hopes that this Eurocongress will give all its participants a chance to find answers to some of the latest, most pressing professional questions, including those dealing with European specialisation, animal protection, professional risks, or veterinary medications.

PRE-CONGRESS

Another highlight of the FECAVA Congress : the Breeder / Veterinarian Meetings

The 15th FECAVA Eurocongress will offer feline and canine Breeder / Veterinarian meetings on Thursday the 26th of November at the Lille Grand Palais.

The purpose of these meetings is to bring veterinarians, serious professionals, or motivated amateur breeders together in a convivial spot to discuss various aspects of breeding healthy, well-behaved animals. To reach their goals, many breeders often count on Associations such as AFVAC or other veterinary organisations.

The veterinary practitioner is sometimes viewed as a costly source of help and advice in the breeding process, but he or she more often acts as a sort of counselor, even a friend.

The welcoming atmosphere always present at the coffee breaks and lunch during the Breeder-Veterinarian Meetings proves that the era of criticism between veterinarians and breeders is now over. Instead, feelings of trust and a sincere willingness to cooperate are the basis for these meetings.

Is it an exaggeration to say that these meetings organized by AFVAC do indeed contribute to this happy evolution ? When we consider the enthusiastic reactions of the participants and of the directors of SCC and LOOF, the answer is definitely “no”.

This will be an ideal way for breeders and veterinarians primarily from France, Belgium, and Luxemburg to interact.

So let's keep it going !

Please note : this portion of the Congress is presented in French only.

IN BRIEF : Guy-Rabet Thesis Prize

With the assistance of the GERM study group and in partnership with Intervet, the Guy-Rabet Veterinary Management Thesis Prize will be awarded at the Lille 2009 FECAVA Congress for the ninth consecutive year.

The prize is worth 1500 Euros, and it is granted to the best thesis in the field of veterinary management. The prize is also accompanied by an invitation to participate in the Eurocongress.

Applications : Any veterinarian wishing to compete for this prize must send an application consisting of three copies of his or her completed thesis (mentioning the date when the thesis will be defended, even if the oral defence has not yet occurred), to the attention of the “Président du GERM”, at the following address : AFVAC, 40 rue de Berri, 75008 Paris, FRANCE, before the 30th of September 2009.