Last month I headed down to the London Vet Show at the ExCeL Centre. It’s one of the biggest veterinary events in Europe, and the whole place was packed with vets, nurses and industry teams all trying to learn new things and see what’s coming next for pet care. There were lecture halls running all day, stands showing the latest equipment and medicines, and plenty of chances to speak with people who are working hard to improve how we look after pets. It was busy, noisy, and very inspiring.
What the event is all about
The London Vet Show runs every year and brings together people from across the profession to share ideas and keep our knowledge up to date. There were talks covering more than 20 hours of CPD, with topics ranging from new research to everyday tips that help us in general practice. A lot of the focus this year was on wellbeing, sustainability, and the growing role of technology in veterinary medicine. Continuous learning is a big part of the culture at Westport Vets, so events like this are important. They help make sure we stay current and continue to give pets the best care we can.
New technology and practical tools
I went to a range of talks over the two days. One of the big themes was how technology is changing what we do. There were discussions about artificial intelligence and how it may help with things like interpreting X-rays. Another session focused on point-of-care ultrasound in emergency situations. Being able to do a quick scan in the consult room can speed up diagnosis when a pet is unwell. It’s something we’re always thinking about, as faster and more accurate information means better treatment decisions.
Sustainability in vet practice
The show also highlighted how the veterinary sector can reduce its impact on the environment. There was a 3D walk-through of a “sustainable practice of the future,” filled with ideas for reducing waste, using greener materials, and improving energy efficiency. It was a reminder that caring for animals and caring for the planet can go hand in hand. I came away with some simple, practical ideas we can look at adopting here at Westport.
Improving early detection and patient care
Many of the medical lectures were directly relevant to the pets we see every day. One session focused on spotting early signs of serious disease. For example, an oncology talk covered how subtle changes in behaviour or small lumps can sometimes be signs of something more significant and worth checking sooner rather than later. Early detection can make a real difference to treatment outcomes. There were also case-based talks on fevers, joint disease and other conditions that can sometimes be tricky to diagnose. It was useful to hear updated approaches that we can bring back to the practice.
Another area covered was pain management. There are new treatments and techniques available to keep pets more comfortable, including longer-acting medications and supportive therapies. It’s good to see that options for managing chronic pain are improving, as no pet should be struggling unnecessarily.
Wellbeing and the veterinary community
There was also a strong focus on mental health and team wellbeing. Working in veterinary medicine can be demanding, and it was positive to see open discussions about stress, work-life balance, and how teams can support each other. A healthy and supported team means better care for pets, so this is something we’re always thinking about.
The Petplan Veterinary Awards were also held during the show, celebrating individuals and teams who go the extra mile. It was great to see colleagues recognised for their hard work and compassion, where it was fun to celebrate with Westport Vets Fiona and Hannah who won the award for Practice manager and Support Staff of the year award.
Bringing the learning back to Westport
After two packed days, I came back to the practice full of ideas. Some changes are small and practical, while others will help us plan for the future. Events like this help make sure we keep improving, stay curious, and continue to offer the high standard of care that our clients expect. You might not notice the changes straight away, but everything we learn feeds into how we look after your pets.
The London Vet Show 2025 was a brilliant experience, and I’m looking forward to sharing what I learned with the rest of the team. Thank you, as always, for trusting us with your pets. We’ll keep learning, keep improving, and keep doing our best for them.
