Posted: 8th July 2019 | Back to news feed
Porky pets are being lent a paw to slim down by two college lecturers.
Victoria Bowes and Helen Coleman from the Warwickshire land-based specialist college Moreton Morrell have penned a book called The Management of Pet Obesity, offering guidance for vets to help small animals, exotic animals and pet birds.
Helen Coleman and Victoria Bowes
The pair, who both work in the Animal Welfare and Veterinary Nursing department, were approached by specialist agricultural, scientific and farming publishers 5mBooks to write the guide after they jointly penned an article on the subject for magazine Veterinary Practice Today. And, two years of work on the project, the pair have finally seen the fruits of their labour materialise into hard copy.
Just as the UK human population has a weighty challenge, with two thirds of adults currently being classed as either overweight or obese, so pet obesity is also a contemporary issue. The timely publication covers important topics such as the causes of obesity, nutritional requirements, body condition scoring and feeding options.
The book is aimed at people in the veterinary industry who are supporting clients who have pets with weight control issues. It also provides a broad overview of information to help animal practitioners and pet owners make more informed decisions when it comes to the dietary management of the animals in their care.
Victoria Bowes, who manages and lectures on the Veterinary Nursing courses at Moreton Morrell, said: “To achieve this has been such an amazing experience and getting the book in my hands was a very emotional moment. We are both thankful for each other’s support to complete this.”
“The aim of this book is to empower owners to make educated choices about giving their pets the correct and appropriate diets to meet their needs. Also, we want to guide professionals working in different industries to provide the correct support to owners of animals who are diagnosed with this disease.”
Her colleague Helen Coleman, who lectures and manages the higher education Animal Management courses, said: “Seeing the book come to fruition brought a sense of achievement and relief to finally have the book and hold it in my hands.
“People love their pets and they are very much part of the family. However, many owners show their affection by ‘treating’ the animal, but are often not aware of the calorific impact when feeding treats in addition to the daily recommended food allowance for the species.”
The Management of Pet Obesity is available to buy at the RRP of £29.95 from 5mBooks.com.
Animal Welfare and Veterinary Nursing at Moreton Morrell College
Moreton Morrell offers Animal Welfare and Veterinary Nursing courses at all levels up to higher education. Our practical teaching facilities are constantly evolving, ensuring they are up-to-date and representative of industry environments.
The animal industry is comprised of a diverse and exciting range of sectors, from companion animals and training to animal welfare, zoo management and wildlife conservation. These courses are for you if you are passionate about animal welfare and are looking for a rewarding animal-based career.
Animal Behaviour and Training
BSc (Hons) Full-time
Animal behaviour is an extremely popular and rapidly growing sector within the animal industry. Careers in animal behavior include companion animal training, behaviour therapy, research, animal welfare or zoo keeping.
This 3-year course will develop your knowledge and skills in companion animal behaviour and ethology, whilst exploring the ethics and key legislation necessary for anyone working with animals.
Animal Therapy with Rehabilitation
BSc (Hons) Full-time
This 3-year qualification has a specific focus on canine therapy, due to its significance within pet welfare and veterinary practice. The course will develop your understanding of the scientific principles and clinical practice of the rehabilitation techniques for maximum performance and health for animals, post veterinary treatment.
The course will cover aspects of hydrotherapy and land-based rehabilitation for small animals. The overall focus of the course is a holistic approach to facilitate the rehabilitation process.
Veterinary Nursing
BSc (Hons) Full-time
This 4-year programme is an excellent opportunity for students wishing to qualify as a registered Veterinary Nurse whilst studying a Level 6 higher education qualification. Your studies will combine academic study and occupational competence and is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
You will learn how a veterinary practice operates and how to perform diagnostics. As you advance through the course, you will reflect on professional practice and have the opportunity to develop your nursing care through applied anaesthesia and surgical nursing, pharmacy, behaviour and therapy.
What our students say…
“Since the very beginning of the year both Richard Pearce (lecturer) and Dianne Whelans (laboratory technician) have exceeded their expected duties and provided invaluable support. As our dissertations are both laboratory-based, we have both spent a large amount of time within the lab, during which time Diane has been exceptional, providing help and support every step of the way, whilst also ensuring health and safety.
Richard is the supervisor for our dissertation and his continued support and guidance has encouraged us to achieve our best as he is very knowledgeable and motivational. Feedback for the assessed parts of our dissertation has been very prompt, allowing us to move on to the next part smoothly.”
Lauren and Kelly, BSc (Hons) Animal Science and Health
"Moreton Morrell College was definitely the right fit for me and I am so glad I chose to complete my degree there. Even when I was unsure of my future path, the staff really went out of their way to help me decide what would be best for me and transferred me onto the Animal Behaviour and Training degree. I really enjoyed this course and I made some amazing friends in a group of like-minded people.
I particularly enjoyed the contemporary research module as this gave me a chance to learn about current research on topics that were of interest to me. The enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the lecturers made most modules fascinating. This degree has helped me progress in the animal industry as I am currently working full-time in pet retail and am looking forward to starting a masters degree in anthrozoology in September."
Ellie Keen – BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training
Explore facilities at the next open event
What to find out more? The next degree open events at Moreton Morrell College are scheduled for Saturday 19 October and Saturday 7 December, 10am - 1pm. There is also a clearing day for 2019 entry on Saturday 17 August. For more information about Animal Welfare Veterinary Nursing studies call 0300 456 0049 or sign up for an open event here.
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