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Rather than embracing difference as a reflection of wider society, academic ecosystems seek to normalise and homogenise ways of working and of being a scholar – as a consequence, ableism in academia is endemic. However, to date no attempt has been made to theorise experiences of ableism in academia. This book provides this interdisciplinary outlook on ableism that is missing. Through reporting research data and exploring personal experiences, members of academia theorise and conceptualise what it means to be/work outside the stereotypical norm. The focus of the book and outlook on ableism are not grounded within approaches commonly associated with disability studies, but draw on the width and breadth of social sciences. As such, contributors define disability, ableism, chronic illness and neurodiversity on their own terms rather than having to follow the prescription of a specific interpretative model.

Background The Five Welfare Needs in UK animal welfare legislation underpin a legal duty of care and are an animal welfare assessment framework. Health and welfare problems arise when these needs are unmet. The veterinary professions work with others to address these problems, but there is no publicly funded U.K. companion animal welfare surveillance to identify priorities, or promote and monitor change. Methods The veterinary charity, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), together with the market research organisation, YouGov, has undertaken a longitudinal nationwide survey, assessing whether the U.K.'s pet dogs, cats and rabbits are having their Five Welfare Needs met. Data from nationally representative samples of pet-owning adults, drawn from YouGov's online survey panel, have been used to produce the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report annually since 2011. Results Examples are given of how the PAW Report has been used to monitor trends in animal welfare problems, drive collaborative behaviour change campaigns, create evidence-based funding applications and inspire innovation in veterinary practice. Conclusion The PAW Report has contributed to closing a gap in national companion animal welfare surveillance. When governments rely on non-governmental organisations to assist with animal welfare surveillance, reliable sources such as the PAW Report can inform research, policy and legislation.

Extramural studies (EMS) are compulsory for all veterinary students in the UK. The benefits of a strong EMS programme are considerable, and have been clearly set out by the RCVS in its EMS recommendations, policy and guidance notes. Although universities take primary responsibility for delivering ‘Day 1 competencies’ for students, EMS placements provide the ‘real world’ environment in which undergraduates can develop their practical skills further and continue to build the professional skills essential for a successful career. Here, Paul Mahoney and Nicola Martin outline how the Royal Veterinary College and the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals are working together to ensure that students get the most from their EMS placements.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration between charities and the veterinary profession to companion animal welfare in the UK, Nicola Martin reviews the role of vets in the charity sector, as part of Veterinary Record's series of articles discussing the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession.

Introduction: Neisseria meningitidis is a human pathogen with five serogroups causing the majority of invasive disease worldwide. Pharyngeal carriage of N. meningitidis is known to occur, but it is not considered a significant pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections secondary to human bites. We present a rare case of meningococcal septicaemia and pericarditis resulting from a human bite to the breast. Case presentation: A 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with fever, tachycardia, hypotension and a history of a human bite to the left breast. On examination, there was an erythematous, infected wound on the left breast. Blood cultures obtained on admission were positive for N. meningitides subtype W and the patient was treated for 7 days with intravenous ceftriaxone. However, the patient was readmitted 10 days later with a relapse of fever, dyspnoea and chest pain. A chest X-ray showed an enlarged cardiac silhouette, and echocardiography confirmed the presence of a large pericardial effusion. Intravenous ceftriaxone was recommenced and an urgent pericardiocentesis performed to relieve the cardiac tamponade. Blood cultures remained sterile and no organisms were detected from the pericardial fluid. Conclusion: The patient unfortunately suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest and died while undergoing treatment. A post-mortem examination revealed myocardial necrosis and inflammatory debris within the pericardial sac. The most likely pathogenesis was considered to be inflammatory pericarditis secondary to meningococcal septicaemia with subsequent cardiac tamponade.

Around 1.7 million rabbits are kept as pets across the UK and, unfortunately, the majority are not living the healthy and happy lives they deserve. For the first time, the PDSA Animal Well-being (PAW) report* reveals the true picture of rabbit care in the UK today, and highlights areas where improvements are needed. Veterinary nurses play a vital role in educating current and potential owners about what rabbits need, and this article offers practical suggestions to help veterinary practices focus their attention onto rabbit well-being.