Abstract
The Ergife Palace Hotel in Rome was an excellent venue for ESFM's fifth annual congress during 8 to 10th of September. Keynote speakers Kenny Simpson from Cornell University in USA and Richard Malik from the Postgraduate Foundation in Veterinary Science in Sydney, Australia proved to be not only informative but amusing in covering a wide range to topics. Kenny looked at difficult problems such as feline pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, choronic enteropathies, diarrhoea, vomiting and helicobacter. Richard covered ear, nose, throat and oral cavity diseases; clinical decision making; mycobacterial syndromes, cryptococcosis and several case studies. David Gould from the UK tackled ophthalmological issues; Maria Garzia Pennisi from Italy looked at feline leishmaniasis and Claudio Bussadori, also from Italy, looked at congenital heart disease in cats.
Saturday afternoon is always organised to allow delegates to have free time to visit the city and also on offer this year was a visit to the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary right in the heart of Rome. Stray and feral cats are neutered, given veterinary care, fed and live among the ruins (if they cannot be rehomed). Visitors are treated to the combined enjoyment of the cats and the ruins of the ancient temples of Caesar. The sanctuary was especially delighted to host tours for 120 vets with such an interest in cats.
The Glitter and Sparkle congress dinner at the wonderful Palazzo Brancaccio was the highlight of the congress. Party goers entered the gardens of the Palazzo to a welcome drink around the candle-lit fountains accompanied strolling musicians. But the best was yet to come, and the glamorous atmosphere inside the extravagantly decorated palace drew gasps of admiration. Delegates joined in with glittery dresses, bow ties, tiaras, jewellery and costumes and danced in one of the glorious rooms until late.
Almost 60 delegates signed up for the Congress next year to be held in Prague. With so much to cover on the theme of feline behaviour and clinical practice an extra half a day has been added to the programme, starting on Friday morning instead of lunchtime. For a full programme see www.fabcats.org/felinecongress.html
The ESFM board held one of its meetings during the Rome Congress—from left; Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Claire Bessant, Michiel Kraijer, Myra Forster-van Hijfte (new president). Andy Sparkes is also on the board.
Tim Gruffydd-Jones surrounded by a bevy of beauties from the FAB feline expert panel—from left Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Vicki Adams, Suzanne Rudd, Rachel Dean (Animal Health Trust), Maud van de Stadt-Gould and Sarah Caney during the welcome reception around the pool.
Karin and Anne de Beul from the Small Animal Veterinary Association of Belgium (SAVAB) hosts of the ESFM/SAVAB Congress in Antwerp in 2005, here with Girda Snoeck (centre).
Pre dinner drinks at the Palazzo Brancaccio
Excursion to Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary
Keynote Speakers Richard Malik (left) and Kenny Simpson
Fort Dodge glamour—Arne Zislin and Johan de Meulemeester get into the spirit of the glitter and sparkle evening.
