This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad cover everything from formal dinner etiquette to key issues in the veterinary industry. A humorous start, featuring dining traditions, leads into Mike’s upcoming expedition, where he’ll explore history from Vikings to WWII-era sharking.

The episode also tackles the CMA investigation into the profession, discussing concerns around online pharmacies, rising costs, and potential impacts on animal welfare.

It wraps up with a quick “60 Second CPD” on public speaking and a lighthearted segment on the hosts’ irrational fears.

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Allie Selby, Fundraising and Income Generation Manager for PetSavers, part of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). Allie shares her journey in the animal charity sector, including her time with Guide Dogs and the moment that inspired her passion for the field.

The episode highlights the vital work of PetSavers, from funding research into companion animal health to supporting projects at every career stage. Allie also discusses how individuals and organisations can get involved in supporting this work.

The conversation ends on a lighter note, with Allie’s favourite “guilty pleasure” bread, a “60 Second CPD” on perfecting scones, and a few entertaining anecdotes from the hosts.

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad kick off the episode with Mike’s recent trip to Japan, sharing observations from a culture built on respect, ritual, and remarkable attention to detail. Mike reflects on everything from impeccably organised airport baggage reclaim to the country’s legendary punctuality and the deeply ingrained bathing traditions of the onsen. The pair also discuss Japanese cuisine, including sea urchin, seaweed, and raw egg dishes, along with Mike’s experience exploring Tokyo’s famous “kitchen street” and the craftsmanship (and cost!) behind traditional Japanese knives.

The conversation moves into Mike’s photography adventures, including visits to the famous snow monkeys and the iconic Japanese cranes. He explains how wildlife viewing areas are carefully managed to protect the animals while still allowing visitors to observe them in their natural environments.

Back in veterinary territory, the hosts reflect on zoo welfare and the debate around stereotypical behaviours in captive animals, before Mike recounts a memorable (and slightly terrifying) story from early in his career involving anaesthetising a tiger. The episode wraps up with a candid rant about public services, touching on the challenges facing the NHS and the frustrations of unreliable infrastructure.

Packed with travel stories, wildlife encounters, veterinary insights, and the usual off-the-cuff humour, this episode is classic Veterinary Ramblings.