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Every veterinary professional knows the feeling of an overflowing inbox. Between client messages, supplier updates, CPD invitations, lab reports, internal communications and marketing emails you never asked for, your inbox can feel less like a tool and more like a tyrant. Yet communication is central to practice life. An overlooked lab result, a missed client query or a forgotten invoice has real consequences – for patients, clients, colleagues and the practice itself. The good news is that inbox overwhelm isn't inevitable. By adopting a few simple habits, you can take control of your email (and other stuff that lands on your desk) and turn it into a useful support rather than a drain on your energy. Imagine the joy of an empty inbox – it is possible! This article explores why inbox overload happens, the psychology behind it and suggests some practical approaches to regain control. While the focus is on email, the same strategies can be applied to practice management system task lists, WhatsApp groups and other channels competing for your attention.

Background: Foals are at increased risk of hypovolaemia and rapid deterioration compared to adult horses, and fluid therapy is therefore a vital part of the management of sick foals.

Aim of the article: This article is the first in a two-part series that aims to describe the approach to fluid therapy in the foal. It covers physiological differences between foals and adults that have an impact on their response to fluid therapy, clinical indications for intravenous fluid therapy and how to recognise when intravenous fluids are required, and types of fluid that are available for administration including crystalloids and colloids.

Background: In-clinic laboratories may have little choice when it comes to quality control (QC) materials or robust recommendations for their use. This can lead to challenges regarding the application of QC for veterinary use and determining stable analytical performance.

Aim of the article: This article aims to explain the principles of repeat patient testing quality control (RPT-QC) and provides guidance for implementing RPT-QC and generating QC limits for in-clinic veterinary analysers. It also provides a standard operating procedure for processing RPT-QC daily as a veterinary species-specific QC and troubleshooting guidelines for unstable performance.

Background: The veterinary profession stands out within the medical field due to the regular practice of euthanasia, which is an integral part of our responsibilities. Euthanasia has an impact on the entire veterinary team, including practice cleaners, reception staff, animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, and veterinarians. Therefore, every team member needs to possess emotional support skills and self-care strategies to ensure a mentally and physically healthy workplace by providing support to our clients and colleagues. The demands on veterinary professionals are continually increasing, fuelled by the accessibility of information and the advanced techniques now available. While we are not trained counsellors, anyone can provide emotional support to our clients and colleagues.

Aim of the article: Part 1 discussed the complex human– companion animal bond, emotional support and the multifaceted issue of euthanasia from a client perspective. This article will explore the grieving process associated with pet loss and its impact across various life stages. It also explores strategies for veterinary teams to enhance emotional care and self-care for themselves and their clients, emphasising the importance of establishing boundaries and prioritising mental health.

Background: A farm, like any other business, needs to be resilient in order to cope with the challenges of everyday life. However, farms often face additional and distinct challenges beyond those of a typical business. As part of the farm team and often in the role of trusted adviser, veterinary surgeons may be involved in delivering bad news or handling challenging outcomes. Vets are also well placed to provide advice and to support the farm team with changes to mitigate issues recurring in future.

Aim of the article: This article provides an overview of contingency planning for farms and looks at examples of how vets may assist in this area. The aim is to guide vets who find themselves in similar challenges or who need to apply their knowledge and skills to navigate unfamiliar scenarios.

Last month's article (December 2025) outlined the key components of veterinary leases and the thorny issue of managing rent reviews. Here, we explore the next stage of a landlord's journey: navigating lease renewals, understanding when possession can be regained and considering how best to sell your property.