16 May 2006

A University of Queensland veterinary surgery and anaesthesia seminar will be held in Toowoomba on Saturday, May 27.

Vets and veterinary nurses from Ipswich, the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley have been invited to learn the latest developments in veterinary technology.

UQ vet surgeons, Drs Sue Sommerlad, David Burgess, Lyn Minhinnett and Professor Gail Anderson along with UQ anaesthetists Drs Helen Keates and Brenda Dixon will lead the sessions.

Professor Anderson, a specialist surgeon from UQ’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said the latest pain management methods, surgical after-care nursing, nutrition, ear and hip problems, elbow dysplasia and growth plate disorders would be discussed.

She said the vet workshop would discuss managing surgical diseases including orthopaedic and soft tissue cases while the nurses’ seminar would focus on anaesthetic monitoring and surgical patient care.

The workshops will provide valuable continuing education, networking and access to the latest surgical information and best practice nursing to better serve their clients and patients.

“We appreciate the opportunity to get to know local veterinarians as we encourage increased communication with staff at the University,” Professor Anderson said.

“We can often help with referral services on more complex cases where primary care veterinarians feel their patients might benefit from certain equipment or access to specialist surgeons.

“We also believe the increased flow of information helps benefit both the patient and the pet owner because it allows quicker recoveries and less stress.”

The vet workshops run from 1pm-5pm at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries offices in Toowoomba, 203 Tor Road.

The vet workshop costs $30 and nursing workshop, $20.

MEDIA: Professor Anderson (0404 188 804) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (3365 2619)