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Companion Animal Society of NewZealand Veterinary Association (CAS)

P.O. Box 11-212
Manners Street
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 471 0484
Fax: +64 4 471 0494
E-mail: nzva@vets.org.nz or CAS@vets.org.nz
Website: www.vets.org.nz

President: Dr. Pieter Verhoek
E-mail: pverhoek@xtra.co.nz

WSAVA Representative
Dr. Sue Blaikie
323 Rosetta Road
Raumati Beach
Kapiti Coast 5032
New Zealand
E-mail: peachbeach@paradise.net.nz

Number of members: 654

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New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Companion Animal Society

Annual Report 2007

President, Pieter Verhoek, reported another successful year for the Companion Animal Society. Membership has grown from 640 to 654, which makes up the largest special interest branch (SIB) of the NZVA.

There were 3 changes on the executive this year with the resignations of Dr. Mark Owen, Dr Chris Laurenson and Dr Viv Lintott due to work and family commitments. All had made an excellent contribution during the last few years. Dr. Kate Hill, who works at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Dr Maureen Forsyth, a feline and zoo practitioner, have joined the committee.

Continuing Education for CAS and NZVA members
In March 2007 a 2 day canine reproduction symposium was held with speakers from Florida, USA. The feedback from the large number of attendees was superb.

We joined with NZVA and other SIBs for our main conference in Christchurch in July. Local experts lectured on the theme “Focus on Joints”. It was a very practical and well received programme: unfortunately numbers were down on previous years. This may have been due to the closeness, location and timing wise, of WSAVA Sydney.

86 New Zealanders attended the WSAVA Congress in Sydney. The Companion Animal Society in conjunction with VetLearn (a CE and event organizer) bid unsuccessfully to host the congress in 2011. Preparation for bidding proved a great learning experience and we will continue efforts to hold this world-class conference in New Zealand in the future.

In October we held a 2 day ultrasound symposium with a strong “hands on” emphasis at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The symposium was repeated the following weekend and both events were fully attended.

Grants and Scholarships
The Hills CAS Educating the Educators fund was well utilised this year with travel scholarships awarded to Dr’s Mark Robson, Kate Hill, Todd Halsey and Andrew Worth.

CAS Study Grants were awarded to Dr Robyn Jarrett (Treatment of feline nasal squamous cell carcinoma) and Dr Richard Jerram (Pancarpal arthrodesis in NZ working dogs).

The CAS Practitioner in Residence has evolved to become the Practitioner on Sabbatical (POS) scholarship. The recipient veterinarian is able to choose which specialist they wish to see practice with. Dr. Dawn Mills, the POS 2007, thoroughly enjoyed her time at Massey University with the wildlife team, pursuing avain studies. At the time of writing, we are looking for a new sponsor to continue this magnificent opportunity for companion animal vets.

Other Business
The New Zealand Companion Animal Health Foundation (CAHF) is a work in progress with the trust developing a fresh image and a more practical funding solution. A partner has come forward and the launch of the revitalized CAHF will take place at the NZVA Annual Conference in Wellington 2008.
The New Zealand Companion Animal Register has been undertaken by the NZCAC (Companion Animal Council). CAS and NZVA are members of this council along with NZ Kennel Club, NZ Cat Fancy, dog control officers and animal welfare organisations.
We have been at the forefront of planning, designing and launching the 24/7 database register of microchip details in a win-win-win for vets, pets and their owners. Profits will be distributed to welfare organisations for projects that benefit the well-being of companion animals.

The Companion Animal Society Newsletter, our quarterly journal, continues to attract interesting articles. The editor, Dr Janice Thompson, and the editorial committee meet regularly. Members are very grateful for their hard work & commitment and for the support of our many regular advertisers.

In conclusion, it is fully expected that the society will be just as active in 2008!