Taking place on 22nd and 23rd May at the Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough, the second VOACON brings together the foremost minds on all things osteoarthritis across three streams.

Veterinary nurses spend so much time dealing with osteoarthritis conditions and trying to tackle pet obesity – this is your chance to hear from and network with the experts, and share your own experiences in a congress dedicated to OA treatment and management. With up to 14 hours of CPD available across the two days, plus hot buffet lunches, refreshments throughout, a comprehensive event handbook and social events, the organisers (the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance and The Veterinary Edge) say they are confident that VOACON is great value and offers a package you won’t find anywhere else.

Retaining its strapline from 2023, ‘Progress in Motion’, the congress is open to all members of the veterinary team, small animal and equine, along with animal physiotherapists and hydrotherapists. Workshops include hydrotherapy and laser therapy. There’s also a big trade exhibition to browse between sessions, so you can catch up on the latest products and services.

Speakers from the veterinary, physio and human fields include Mike Farrell, Kirsty Cavill, Greg McGarrell, Kathryn Patel, Jana Gams, Tace Allen, Nichi Cockburn, John Innes, Stuart Carmichael, Jacky Reid, Colin Capner, Andy Armitage, Lauren Davis, Siobhan Menzies, Drew Tootal and Carly Nairn.

Professor Stuart Carmichael, co-founder and director of the VOA, comments: “Last year’s inaugural congress was just the beginning of an ambitious drive to really further people’s understanding of osteoarthritis in animals, pooling our knowledge and resources for the greater good, and with cross-profession participation. So this year we have more defined streams that offer not a snapshot but an in-depth progress report on where we are today.

“The VOA may be a relatively young organisation, but we’re growing every week and attracting members from across the professions and industries, and it’s hugely encouraging to see it so well-received. After all, OA conditions affect the majority of animals we see and it’s not just about old age, or inevitable that they’ll develop problems – we feel we can collectively make a real positive difference to their quality of life, which works for them, their owners and us too.”

For the full programme, and booking, head to www.vet-oa.com/voacon. To defer payment, use the INVOICEME code on the booking form. If you have any questions, email event director Chris Ritchie: chris@teamworkprofessionals.co.uk.