In contrast to previous studies in America and south-east Asia, our findings based on a UK cohort suggest that routine ophthalmic screening is not essential for patients with hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon alpha who have no subjective visual complaints.

Needlestick and 'sharps' injuries among those working with animals are a significant, under-reported and often ill-understood problem. Many patients present initially to Emergency Departments, where their potential to cause local and systemic infections and injury, zoonoses, allergic or anaphylactic reactions and death may be unrecognized. Increased awareness of the possibility of adverse effects and the consequences of these specific injuries is essential.

Veterinary Nursing FOR nurses with a keen interest in consulting, vet nurse clinics offer an ideal opportunity to pursue the specialism that interests them, while still being of use to the veterinary practice. Veterinary practices are businesses and nurses that consult need to perform sufficient work in order to not only cover their costs and overheads but to also make a profit. This isn't necessarily through charging for nurse clinics, but through the products that are sold, through increased footfall in the practice, and by helping with client loyalty and, most importantly, compliance.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common condition encountered in both dogs and cats. In many cases it can be managed well, but there are cases that are problematic initially, or which become unstable. This roundtable aims to provide brief, practical guidance to assist veterinary surgeons in first opinion practice to treat and monitor straightforward cases of DM, in order to provide good quality of life for both the diabetic pet and the owner; and to recognise when a case is more complicated and further testing, specialist input or referral may be needed. The initial summary of diabetes essentials outlines 'need to know' definitions and pathogenesis; owner considerations and engagement; successful treatment; and monitoring and instability. This is followed by the roundtable presentations and discussions, which provide a brief review of the pathophysiology of diabetes in dogs and cats; discuss the goals of treatment; consider both monitoring and diagnostic errors; and look at the role of nurse-led clinics.