Retired Veterinary Surgeon Delivers Engaging Talk at Denbigh Probus Club Meeting
Members of the Denbigh and District Probus Club recently enjoyed their February gathering, which featured a meal at Tweedmill in St Asaph, followed by an insightful presentation titled A Veterinary Miscellany. The speaker was Tim Mainland, a retired veterinary surgeon and veterinary landlord residing in St Asaph, who is also known for leading the Himalayan Balsam pulling group along the River Elwy.
Tim Mainland's Veterinary Career and Early Experiences
Tim Mainland began his veterinary studies in the 1970s at Cambridge University, where he recalled short academic terms and lengthy holidays. During these breaks, he spent approximately 26 weeks shadowing practicing veterinarians to gain essential hands-on skills. It was during this period that he discovered the works of James Herriot, reading the first book, If Only They Could Talk, and completing all of Herriot's publications by the time he qualified in 1979.
In 1983, Tim took over a mixed veterinary practice in Prestatyn, handling both large and small animals. He later expanded his operations by opening additional surgeries in Holywell and on the Wirral, eventually retiring from all practices in 2018. Today, he continues to own some premises on the Wirral, leasing them to corporate veterinary entities.
Evolution of the Veterinary Profession
During his talk, Tim highlighted significant changes in the veterinary field. He noted that the profession was once heavily male-dominated, but in the 2020s, approximately 90% of newly qualified vets are women. Additionally, the on-call structure has shifted; historically, vets were required to be available 24/7, with duties shared among practice members, whereas now, specialist out-of-hours services have become prevalent.
Business models have also transformed. Previously, veterinary practices could only be owned by licensed vets, but today, large corporate groups dominate the industry, owning multiple practices and controlling pricing strategies. Tim pointed out that these corporates often do not pass on savings from bulk drug purchases to clients, and independent practices are reportedly about 17% cheaper. He mentioned that some corporates even rent premises without using them to stifle competition, prompting many young vets to pursue independent, more affordable practices.
Pet Insurance and Financial Advice for Pet Owners
The discussion turned to pet insurance, with Tim explaining its origins in the 1970s through Patsy Bloom's Pet Plan. He shared that during his practice, around 16% of clients had insurance, with premiums accounting for about 60% of practice turnover, yet these clients contributed only 10% of total revenue. Tim suggested an alternative approach: instead of purchasing insurance, pet owners could deposit the equivalent of premium payments into a dedicated savings account to cover potential veterinary costs. This method is particularly effective for households with multiple pets.
Ethical Considerations in Animal Treatment
Members raised concerns about expensive treatments for pets with incurable conditions, where interventions might prolong suffering. Tim emphasized the importance of soft skills and effective communication in helping owners make informed decisions about their pets' care, balancing emotional attachments with the animals' quality of life.
Specific topics included advancements in rabbit medicine, where dental issues are a primary concern due to continuously growing teeth. Tim cautioned that anaesthetics can be risky for rabbits, complicating treatment. He also addressed rising drug costs, noting that new antibiotics and biologicals are particularly expensive. Historically, practices added markups to drugs to offset service charges, but there is a trend toward more transparent fee structures today.
Access to Veterinary Drugs and Online Dispensing
Tim discussed how pet owners can request prescriptions from vets and purchase drugs online. Ironically, large corporate veterinary groups often sell medications through their online pharmacies at competitive rates. However, legislation restricts practices from sourcing drugs from these low-cost online suppliers. While owners can administer tablets and ointments themselves, injections may pose challenges without professional assistance.
Historical Insights on TB and Badgers
The talk also covered tuberculosis (TB) in badgers, with Tim sharing details about eradication schemes, testing methods, and his personal experiences with TB cases during his career. This segment provided historical context and practical examples for the audience.
Club Details and Future Events
Members found Tim's presentation highly engaging and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions on a wide range of topics. The next meeting of the Denbigh and District Probus Club is scheduled for Monday, March 2, at Tweedmill in St Asaph, where club member Keith Lester will deliver a talk titled Lloyd's in Crisis.
The Denbigh and District Probus Club is a social group for business and professional individuals, both women and men, who are approaching or enjoying retirement or semi-retirement. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit the club's website or contact the provided email address.
