Abstract
ESFM's annual conference was this year held in the city of Prague and took a new look at feline medicine - how clinical conditions are interwoven with behavioural issues. For the cat environment is very important - how safe it feels, how it gets on with other cats and the extent to which it can carry out its inherent behaviours can all influence how stressed it feels and this can have physical manifestations. The cat is also interesting in that as a solitary animal without the backup of a pack, it is a lone predator but can also be prey. It is on its own in terms of hunting and survival and must avoid showing vulnerability. Thus cats are masters of disguise when it comes to showing illness or pain. All of these add up to a complex and challenging patient - an animal that can be ‘domesticated’ or ‘wild’, which can be difficult to handle and which is difficult to read in terms of stress or pain, yet is our most popular pet. Clients have an expectation of understanding from the veterinary profession.
Hence the scene was set and the speakers challenged with giving almost 350 registrants an insight into the cat, how to understand it, how to diagnose it, how to handle it and how to treat it. And the eight speakers rose to the challenge. Rachel Casey from the University of Bristol and Peter Neville from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology set the scene from the cat's perspective and the examination of emotions in cats. Patrick Pageat from France opened up the world of chemical communication which would be returned to many times over the conference. Main sponsor partners were Hill's, Fort Dodge, Merial and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Rachel Casey sets the scene.
Margie Scherk looks at cats in practice.
Sheilh Robertson answers questions on handling techniques.
Masked elegance; Belgian delegates Anne and Karin de Beul, Leen den Otter and Cathy Tourlouse (centre right).
Tony Buffington takes a new look at lower urinary tract disease.
Fire dancers at the Zofin Palace.
Unravelling the mysteries of pheromones - Patrick Pageat.
Some of the Fort Dodge contingency as characters from the Wizard of Oz.
Clinical aspects which were covered included skin disease, lower urinary tract disease, osteoarthritis and pain, cognitive dysfunction and hyperaesthesia syndrome and orofacial pain. Behavioural issues such as use of pheromones, toileting and spraying problems, aggression and sexual problems were also covered in an integrated way, building up the picture of the mental and physical challenges to the cat. Sheila Robertson, an anaesthetist from University of Florida looked at calming and handling techniques for cats as well as osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Known US cat enthusiasts Tony Buffington from Ohio State University and Margie Scherk (President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners) looked at indoor cats and cat friendly practice. Over 15 hours of lectures later, Sarah Heath from the UK rounded up the conference weaving together pointers from all of the speakers - Happy healthy cats - the balance between health and socialisation.
What makes the ESFM conference unique is the friendly atmosphere and the interaction between delegates, speakers, stand holders and sponsors and the evening events such as receptions and, of course, the conference dinner. This year was no exception with receptions hosted by Fort Dodge and Hill's, and Schering Plough supporting and masquerade gala dinner at the Zofin Palace. Many returning delegates are now aware that everyone joins in with the theme of the party and this was evidenced by a wealth of fantastic masks and enthusiastic dancing until very late! Some quotes from a speaker, sponsor and delegate sum it all up:
‘All in all that was one of the best trips I have ever had - Prague was wonderful and the meeting was top notch - I learned a lot and it was fun’
‘Many thanks for a fantastic Conference - it was very well organised and a great success. Having attended many Conferences this year I would rate this as the best on many levels - content, fun and an excellent opportunity to speak to vets’
‘Another great event disguised as a veterinary conference’
Conference proceedings are published on the veterinary section of the FAB website. They are free to FAB practice members or can be purchased (reduced rate for ESFM members). Pictures from the event can be found at www.fabcats.org/conferences. Next year the conference will be in the lovely city of Edinburgh.