Virbac has announced the launch of what it describes as an affordable ciclosporin for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.
Called Cyclavance, the new product will make its debut at the London Vet Show (Nov 20th/21st at London Olympia).
Cyclavance is presented in a liquid formulation for precise dosing, in a container with a new 'AdaptaCap' designed to ensure leak proof dispensing and give the product a 6 month shelf life after being broached. Cyclavance is offered in four size presentations - 5 ml, 15 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml - to give practices maximum flexibility in its use.
Sarah Walker MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Atopic dogs present at practices across the country on a daily basis. It is a challenging condition which can be hard to treat successfully because owner compliance is so important. By offering Cyclavance at a great price to give greater appeal, allowing a wider scope of use, and with innovative features, such as the unique AdaptaCap, we aim to help practices achieve better outcomes for their patients and increase the number of clients it is available to.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Equisolon 33 mg/g oral powder, the first licensed oral prednisolone for the alleviation of inflammation associated with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), otherwise known as heaves, in horses.
Clare Turnbull, equine brand and technical manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica said: "Oral glucocorticoids are sometimes necessary for treating the inflammation associated with RAO. We feel it is important that when our customers need to use prednisolone for their cases, there is an equine specific product available to them that is easy to dispense and administer."
The company says Equisolon should be used in combination with environmental measures to treat RAO.
For further information on Equisolon, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica equine representative or call +44 (0)1344 746959.
MDC has announced it will launch Smart Oxygen, a system it describes as a simple, instant and economical way to deliver oxygen or nebulising therapy to cats and other small animals, at the London Vet Show (20th/21st November London Olympia).
The system is connected directly to a transparent 3mm PVC Smart Oxygen canopy placed within one of MDC's cat baskets. The clear plastic means the patient remains in full view, allowing you to observe respiratory patterns during treatment. Venting access enables the release of excess oxygen and can be varied according to the patients' condition and oxygen percentage requirements.
MDC says Smart Oxygen is ideal for emergency situations because it requires no assembly and allows vet professionals to provide oxygen or nebulisation therapy single-handed. It also minimises stress as respiratory patients respond better without restraint - known to exacerbate symptoms. With Smart Oxygen an animal can be monitored without the anxiety associated with a nasal cannula or masking.
For more information, visit: www.mdcexports.co.uk
The RCVS has announced that the nomination period for the 2015 RCVS and VN Council elections has opened until 5:00pm on Saturday 31 January 2015.
Each year six RCVS Council seats are contested while two seats are available for VN Council. Successful candidates serve four-year terms.
Existing RCVS Council members Niall Connell, Professor Sheila Crispin, Mark Elliott, Lynne Hill, Dr Bob Moore and Professor the Lord Trees of the Ross are due to retire from Council next year but are all eligible for re-election. Elizabeth Branscombe and Elizabeth Cox are due to retire from VN Council but will also be eligible to stand again in 2015.
In order to stand, candidates for either RCVS or VN Council will need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography, write a short personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.
Each candidate will also need to provide two nominations - for RCVS Council candidates this should be two veterinary surgeons on the RCVS Register who are not current RCVS Council members; for VN Council candidates nominators must be registered or listed VNs who are not current VN Council members.
The election period commences in early March 2015 and runs until Friday 24 April. Successful candidates for either Council will take up their seats at RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting and Awards Day - on Friday 10 July 2015.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: "After a record 19 candidates - of which over half were women - for last year's RCVS Council elections, and a good showing for VN Council as well, we hope to build on that momentum this year by attracting candidates of all ages and backgrounds.
"Through their participation in the Councils and their committees members can have a big impact on the future of their respective professions by developing policy and making decisions in areas of key importance such as education and professional standards."
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil15. The equivalent documents for VN Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil15.
Last year the RCVS produced two short videos outlining what is involved in being a Council member, the benefits it can bring and the amount of time it requires. These can be found at www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos
Prospective candidates are also invited to attend a 'Meet the RCVS Day' at Belgravia House on Tuesday 25 November where they will have the opportunity to find out more about the role of the College and RCVS and VN Council members as well as having a tour of the building and the opportunity to talk to staff.
Those who are interested in attending should contact Fiona Harcourt, Events Officer, on f.harcourt@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0773.
Improve International has announced the launch of a new General Practitioner Certificate in Dermatology: GPCert (Derm).
The company says the programme aims to help vets develop their knowledge of dermatology and to assist them in applying these newly learned skills in their everyday dermatology cases.
David Babington MRCVS (pictured right), Managing Director of Improve International said: "Patients with skin problems attend practices almost on a daily basis, making the successful diagnosis and management of skin disease a major component of small animal work and an important way to build client satisfaction and loyalty.
"Our new modular programme offers a thorough, informed case-based approach to dermatology. Through lectures, case discussions and, where appropriate, practical sessions, delegates will learn how to approach dogs, cats and exotic patients presenting with various manifestations of skin disease in a logical and scientific manner."
The GPCert (Derm) comprises 14 taught modules and can be completed over one to two years. The first module on this programme will start in March 2015.
For further information, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
Virbac has has announced the launch of Buprevet, a buprenorphine-based, injectable solution indicated for the potentiation of sedative effects of centrally-acting agents in dogs and for use in cats and dogs as part of a multimodal approach to analgesia.
Buprevet is presented in a 10 ml multi-dose bottle which can be broached up to 25 times and can be open for up to 28 days.
Sarah Walker MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Buprenorphine is a potent, high affinity, synthetic opioid agonist which forms a key element of practice anaesthetic protocols and complements our existing anaesthetic range. Its potentiation effects means less sedation is needed in the pre-medication and in the anaesthesia, facilitating smoother recoveries with more comfortable patients."
"Buprenorphine is a tried and trusted solution for analgesia in many practices. Buprevet can be given pre-operatively to allow analgesia during and after surgery. It works effectively as part of a pre-emptive approach to analgesia, alongside products such as Inflacam and Carprox in our NSAIDs range."
Royal Canin has launched a range of new renal diets to help support cats and dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
According to the company, CKD patients are twice as likely to show signs of anorexia, food intolerance and loss of appetite than non-CKD pets, so the focus with the new diets has been on different aromatic profiles, textures and tastes to provide choice and encourage feeding without compromising the nutritional management of the pets with CKD.
Royal Canin says each of the diets in the new Renal range has been developed with a unique aromatic profile, so that cats and dogs can be attracted to their food bowl even after an episode of food aversion.
The new range also provides two different textures of dry diet for both cats and dogs. In addition to the classic kibbles found in Renal and Renal Special, the new Renal Select diet for cats has a pillow kibble with a thin, crunchy shell and a soft centre for cats who used to love crunching but are beginning to struggle with harder kibbles. The new kibbles for dogs are designed to be easy to rehydrate, providing the taste of a dry diet in a softer, easier to chew format. A new Renal Wet range is also available with a 'loaf' or 'chunks-in-gravy' texture and these can be combined with any dry diet to allow even greater variety of textures.
With CKD causing frequent fluctuations in an animal's sense of taste, Royal Canin has made the feline range available in smaller 500g bags, making it easier for owners to swap between the differing options as their pet's tastes alter.
Royal Canin's Veterinary Marketing Manager, Marianne Lomberg, said: "The efficiency of a renal diet depends upon it being fed on a continuing basis and so our new range provides a complete range of aromatic profiles and textures to keep your CKD patients enjoying every meal without compromising on their nutritional management. Royal Canin has a proven track record of developing innovative diets to help pets, and the new Renal Diets are an exciting new move for us."
Royal Canin is also offering a 'patient compliance guarantee' where vets and their clients can claim their money back if a pet does not like any of the many diet combinations offered by the range.
Invicta Animal Health has launched an enhanced version of the ChroMyco Duo dermatophyte test.
The tests use a new round plate with an improved lid design. In addition, the plates are wider and deeper providing 25% more culture medium.
According to the company, the dual plate test with Dermatophyte Test Media (DTM) on one side and an Enhanced Sporulation Agar (ESA) on the other greatly reduces the risk of false positive results.
The test is performed by veterinary staff taking a pluck of fur or skin scrape from the lesion and inoculating both sides. After three to six days of room temperature incubation, if dermatophytes are present, the DTM will turn red and the ESA will turn blue-green.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We always listen and respond to customer feedback. The new design plates provide reduced condensation levels and by being easier to inoculate will enhance the usability and hence reliability of the test."
The price remains unchanged at £32.00 for 5 tests, from veterinary wholesalers.
For more information call 01403 791313 or email mail@invictavet.com.
Norbrook has announced the launch of Spotinor Deltamethrin spot-on, a new product which kills a wide range of external parasites that can have economically damaging effects on cattle, sheep and lambs.
The product is effective against lice and flies on cattle, ticks, lice, keds and established blowfly strike on sheep, and lice and ticks on lambs. It is available in 250ml and 500ml squeeze neck dispensing packs as well as a 1 litre and 2.5 litre backpack with dosing gun. The dose is 10ml for cattle, 5ml for sheep and 2.5ml for lambs (under 10kg/1 month of age).
Spotinor has a zero milk withhold time.
Edward Haughey, Director of Norbrook GB, said: "As Britain's leading veterinary pharmaceutical company, Norbrook is committed to providing British farmers and vets with the products and services they need to manage animal health effectively. Spotinor is the first generic to market, which displays the same benefits as the pioneer product. We are delighted to launch Spotinor, which gives livestock producers a greater choice of safe and sound solutions for the control of external parasites."
For more information, contact your Norbrook representative, telephone +44 (0) 1536 741 147 or email: enquiries@norbrook.co.uk
MSD Animal Health (Merck in the US and Canada), has launched Finadyne (flunixin), the NSAID for cattle, as a pour on.
According to the company, Finadyne Transdermal is the world's first non-parasiticide cattle product to be made available as a pour-on.
Dr. Martin Behr, technical manager at MSD Animal Health said: “Finadyne Transdermal is uniquely designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream and its antipyretic effect has been demonstrated as early as two hours after treatment. This is because innovative penetration enhancers are included in the formulation to improve the absorption of the active ingredient flunixin through the skin.”
The new product comes in pre-calibrated packaging and uses a bottle designed for easy application along an animal’s back.
Dr. Behr added: “It’s much simpler for farmers to treat cattle in this way – as opposed to administering an injection, which can also mean needle-site lesions that can reduce the value of a carcass or compromise hide quality.
“The time taken to handle and treat animals will be much reduced with a transdermal NSAID. There will also be a saving on syringes and needles.”
Finadyne Transdermal (POM-V) is available now from veterinary wholesalers. Further information is available from the MSD Animal Health veterinary support group on 01908 685685.
The RCVS has announced that it is carrying out an audit of continuing professional development (CPD) for vets in order to monitor compliance and gauge what type of activities they are engaging in.
Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, introduced in 2012, veterinary surgeons are expected to undertake 105 hours of CPD over a rolling three-year period in order to demonstrate that they are maintaining and advancing their knowledge and skills.
Nearly 5,000 vets - made up of three cohorts - have been asked to share their CPD records. The first cohort comprises 4,425 UK-practising vets who registered before 1 April 2012 but who did not confirm their CPD compliance upon renewing their registration this year. The second cohort comprises a random sample of 400 vets who did confirm their compliance upon renewing their registration this year. The third cohort comprises 84 vets who graduated before 2012 but have not yet completed their post-graduation Professional Development Phase.
Christine Warman, RCVS Head of Education, said: "Since it is coming up to three years since we introduced the Code we thought that now is a good time to take stock of the proportion of veterinary surgeons that are fulfilling the requirement and how they are doing so.
"It is also a good time to remind members of the profession of the importance of CPD and that it is not just a tick-box exercise but vital for everyday practice. Engaging in CPD is a personal obligation for all veterinary surgeons and demonstrates to both the profession and public that they are continually advancing their capability and competence.
"This year we will be providing some guidance on what constitutes CPD and how to undertake it to those who are non-compliant. However, from 2015, we may also refer those who repeatedly fail to comply, or respond to requests to submit their records, to our Professional Conduct Department for further investigation."
Vets who have been selected to take part in the audit will have received letters in early November and will have until Monday 1 December to respond. They can do so by either allowing the RCVS to view their online Professional Development Record (PDR) profile or by submitting their paper CPD record by post or by sending the College a scanned copy by email.
For further advice and to submit a CPD record by email, contact cpd@rcvs.org.uk. Those who have not yet registered for the PDR can do so by visiting www.rcvs-pdr.org.uk
The Emergent Disease Foundation, One Health Initiative, Worldwide Veterinary Service, and UNISON have collaborated to launch Exotic pets: Reducing the of risk of human infection, a new leaflet which explains the hygiene measures that keepers of exotic pets should take.
The organisations say that they hope veterinary clinics, pet shops, medical centres, local authorities and schools will distribute the free leaflet which is also available to download.
The Emergent Disease Foundation says the advice contained in the leaflet is taken from an independent scientific paper entitled 'A review of captive exotic animal-linked zoonoses' published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.
The leaflet takes the line that it is inadvisable to keep exotic animals as pets, but for those who already have them, recommended measures include: thorough hand-washing with antibacterial soap and alcohol-based gels after handing or feeding an exotic pet; being careful not to touch hair, clothes (including pockets), door handles and other items immediately after handling exotic pets; closely supervising children so that they do not put their mouths close to the animal; and keeping animals, cages and equipment away from kitchens.
Clifford Warwick of the Emergent Disease Foundation, a charity focused on animal-to-human infections, said: "The modern world enables all too easy acquisition of exotic animals into the home. The pet trade in general, with its high turnover and diversity of species available, offers a speed-dating reservoir for bugs from far corners of the globe. My own advice is simple - avoiding exposure to bugs from exotic pets in the home is difficult and best avoided by not keeping them in the first place."
Dr. Bruce Kaplan of the One Health Initiative, which focuses on the connection between health and the environment, said: "As a former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) trained epidemiologist, a retired private practice veterinarian and a public health and humanitarian minded 'One Health' activist for nearly 50 years, I wholeheartedly oppose private ownership of exotic pets due to the known scientific health and safety risks for people and animals. It is a dangerous, irresponsible and irrational practice."
Owen Evans of the Worldwide Veterinary Service, a charity that provides a veterinary resource to animal welfare organisations worldwide, said:"We work on a day-to-day basis with animal health issues, so we are very mindful of how animals and people can share pathogens. Avoiding transmission is best served by minimising risks, which is what this new brochure aims to achieve."
The RCVS has published a summary of the goings on at its 6 November meeting.
Amongst other things, Council agreed to continue to display postnominals in the Register, undertake a consultation on whether members should be able to use the courtesy title 'doctor' and make amendments to the College's current registration regulations.
In addition,
More information about these decisions can be found in the latest edition of RCVS News, copies of which have been sent to all veterinary surgeons and listed/registered veterinary nurses.
The full papers for the Council meeting can be found on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-meetings
Vétoquinol (maker of Propalin) has announced the launch of a new canine urinary incontinence support website for pet owners.
canineui.co.uk contains information about the causes, diagnostic methods and treatment options for canine urinary incontinence. It also includes tips for living with a dog with the condition.
To help spread the word to owners and raise the awareness that this new resource is available, Vétoquinol is offering posters for your practice, together with business cards displaying the website address.
To obtain your copy call the Vétoquinol head office on 01280 825497 and quote 'Canine UI Poster'.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has published its 2014 Salaries Survey which showed that the gender pay gap has closed from 15% last year to 10.8% this.
However, the association notes that this is still slightly higher than the gap reported for all professions in the UK, so there remains work to be done.
The survey, which is the largest of its kind and drew responses from 1,878 vets, nurses, practice managers and receptionists also found that:
Peter Brown, SPVS Treasurer and author of the report comments: "The SPVS Salaries Survey is intended as a benchmark to give some indication of what is being paid as the 'going rate' rather than to advise on what employees should be paid. Having said that, we would urge all veterinary practices to continue working to ensure that equal rates of pay are given for positions of equal status. Although the gender gap has closed up, it is still too big."
The annual SPVS Salaries Survey is free of charge to SPVS members and costs £150 for non-members. For more information, call 01926 410454 or visit www.spvs.org.uk.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Sporimune (ciclosporin), licensed for the treatment of chronic manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Roger Brown, Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "Around 20% of all small animal consultations involve skin conditions and canine atopic dermatitis can be challenging to diagnose and manage effectively.
"Although incurable, atopic dermatitis can be managed using a multimodal approach which is likely to include treatments to decrease pruritus as well as allergen identification, avoidance where possible and improving skin and coat hygiene."
Sporimune is a 50 mg/ml oral solution administered by syringe, which is graduated to show both bodyweight and ml. Dechra says it is being introduced to veterinary professionals within the company's Partners in Practice programme which aims to support vets and vet nurses as they diagnose, control and maintain complex dermatological conditions.
Mr Brown added: "It is critical that owners are fully involved and educated about their pet's condition for dogs to be treated effectively. So we have also developed support materials around the use of Sporimune for practices, including client information leaflets and a video on how to use the dosing syringe."
Sporimune is now available from veterinary wholesalers. For further information visit www.dechra.co.uk/sporimune.
The RCVS and the BVA have announced the launch of Vet Futures, a jointly funded initiative designed to stimulate discussion about the future of the profession, and help its members prepare for and shape it.
The initiative will draw on the experience and insight of a wide range of individuals and organisations, including veterinary surgeons and nurses, veterinary bodies, farmers, pet owners and other key stakeholders.
The objective is to understand where the provision of veterinary services is currently heading, whether this is in the best interests of the profession, animal owners and the public at large, and what might be done to shape an optimal future for the veterinary team, keeping animal health and welfare at its heart.
In the project's first phase, independent researchers will gather evidence via focus groups, phone interviews and desk-based research, in addition to the gauging of opinion through events, the internet and social media.
This evidence gathering will be followed by an engagement phase, where the profession will be asked for their feedback on initial thoughts; a period of analysis, where a report will be written by the independent researchers; and, finally, there will be an action phase, where key strategic issues will be identified, together with a clear plan for action from the BVA and the RCVS, as well as other organisations and individuals.
Professor Stuart Reid, RCVS President. said: "The RCVS is implementing a programme of reform to make it a first-rate regulator, but how do we also make ours a first-rate profession, that is resilient and agile enough to meet future demands?
"The Vet Futures project will not just be about horizon-scanning, but getting a fix on those issues over the horizon that we may not yet have considered, such as the use of emerging technologies.
"It's an exciting challenge and I am looking forward to members of the veterinary team getting involved so that, together, we can develop an action plan that will deliver a sustainable future for the profession."
John Blackwell, BVA President, said: "It is no secret that the veterinary profession is changing rapidly and that is why the theme for my presidential year is 'driving change and shaping the future'. It is essential that we come together to map out where we want to be as a strong and trusted profession and identify how we can make that happen.
"On such cross-cutting issues it is appropriate that the two leading professional bodies come together to provide joint leadership for the profession, but we are keen to engage as many individuals and stakeholders as possible. It is designed to be a hugely collaborative project and we want to hear voices from across the whole profession and the whole veterinary team."
The project has a dedicated website www.vetfutures.org.uk where the latest events, reports and publications will be found. There will also be a 'topic of the month' for the duration of the project, with controversial opinion-pieces being posted to stimulate debate from within the profession and amongst animal owners and other stakeholders.
The RCVS has published Fitness to Practise - A Guide for UK Veterinary Schools and Veterinary Students, a guide for veterinary students which aims to introduce them to the concept of fitness to practise and help prepare them for professional life.
The guide was developed by an RCVS working party in conjunction with the UK's seven veterinary schools that currently offer an RCVS-approved veterinary degree. It has also received approval from the Veterinary Schools Council, a new body which represents the interests of the country's veterinary schools.
The guide is split into two parts: the first part provides guidance for veterinary schools on how to recognise and address fitness to practise concerns; the second part sets out the broad principles of fitness to practise that students should follow and which veterinary schools should uphold.
Laura McClintock, an Advisory Solicitor from the RCVS Professional Conduct Department, said: "While we don't regulate veterinary students themselves, we hope that this guidance will prepare future vets for the requirements and standards that we expect from members of a regulated profession and for adhering to our Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance.
"The guide also recognises that each university will have its own specific disciplinary guidelines and procedures, but we hope that this will help promote consistency in their fitness to practise regimes.
"Although we expect any adverse findings made in university fitness to practise proceedings to be declared to us upon application to register, we would take into account the fact that a student is not a fully-fledged professional and would therefore make some allowance for any mistakes and poor judgement when considering whether or not they should join the Register."
The guide can be downloaded for free from www.rcvs.org.uk/studentguide
The RCVS is also in the process of forming a working party to produce equivalent guidance for student veterinary nurses.
Ceva has announced the launch of Zodon®, a flavoured clindamycin for dogs and cats.
Zodon is the only veterinary licensed flavoured clindamycin available in the UK.
Zodon is indicated for the treatment of infected wounds and abscesses in cats and dogs and oral cavity/dental infections caused by or associated with clindamycin-sensitive species of Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp in dogs.
Rob Mclintock, Business unit manager for Ceva said: "Zodon is an exciting new product for Ceva, it is the first clindamycin on the market to offer flavoured presentations designed to help deal with compliance issues and help improve treatment success."
In a palatability study 98.3% of dogs took Zodon chicken flavoured tablets spontaneously. Ceva says the oral solution for cats and small dogs also offers easier administration with grilled meat flavouring and a graduated syringe.
Adelaide Ellerington, product manager for Ceva Animal Health said: "Zodon complements our existing antibiotic range perfectly. The whole range is designed specifically for veterinary use allowing veterinary surgeons to dose more accurately and improve patient compliance by offering flavoured tablets and solutions."
You can preorder Zodon now from Ceva - telephone 01494 781510 or email: cevauk@ceva.com - alternatively Zodon will be available from wholesalers at the start of next week.
The RCVS has published new guidance for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on the use of social media and online forums, such as those on VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk.
The guidance sets out the professional standards expected of veterinary professionals, as well as providing advice on good practice, how to protect privacy, maintaining client confidentiality and dealing with adverse comments from clients.
The guidance has been developed by the Standards Committee, partly in response to demands from the profession and partly in light of recent decisions by the courts and other regulatory bodies which demonstrate that professionals can be at risk of legal or disciplinary action where their online conduct is unprofessional or inappropriate.
Laura McClintock, RCVS Advisory Solicitor said: "Whilst social media is likely to form part of everyday life for veterinary professionals, who are just as free as anyone else to take advantage of the personal and professional benefits that it can offer, its use is not without risk, so vets and vet nurses should be mindful of the consequences that can arise from its misuse."
The new guidance explains that vets and vet nurses are expected to behave professionally online, whether publishing material as themselves or anonymously. The College highlights the fact that demonstrably inappropriate behaviour on social media may place registration at risk, as the professional standards expected online are no different to those in the 'real world'.
Laura added: "Understanding and applying our new guidance should help vets and nurses to meet their professional responsibilities and reduce the risks of receiving complaints from clients or others, as well as potential civil actions for defamation."
The new guidance can be found on the RCVS website at: www.rcvs.org.uk/socialmedia
Ed's comment: The new guidance seems like common sense to me. A couple of things stand out as useful reminders, though. The first is to anonymise details of the cases you discuss on vetsurgeon.org, or get your clients' prior permission to discuss their animal in a professional forum. The other is the fact that being disparaging about a colleague online is as much of a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct as if you do it offline. So don't!
MWI Veterinary Supply Inc, the parent company of Centaur Services, has acquired practice management software company Vetspace in order to offer practices wholesaler services that are better integrated with their practice management system.
Vetspace, formerly Jupiter Systems, has been developing and providing server and cloud-based practice management software for veterinary practices since 1989. There are over 1,000 installations of Vetspace's software solutions in the UK.
The recent acquisition by MWI Veterinary Supply sees Vetspace joining a group of companies including Centaur Services and Securos, a manufacturer and supplier of veterinary orthopedic solutions.
Centaur Services' core business is the daily delivery of products required by UK veterinary practices. MWI says Vetspace customers will now benefit from an enhanced level of customer service, innovative product development, technological investment and an opportunity for greater integration between their practice management software and wholesaler - all backed by the experience and investment of a global parent company.
Centaur Services customers may continue to use any other practice management system, whilst Vetspace customers may continue to work with other wholesalers. Brian Topper, Managing Director of Centaur Services said: "We're very pleased to be able to offer our customers throughout the UK the opportunity to further enhance and streamline their practices by integrating their practice management system and wholesaler solution. Our focus is on delivering a high quality service that's accurate and reliable and we believe that aligning our offer with that of Vetspace will have major benefits for the future of both ours and our customers' businesses."
Nader Pour of Vetspace added: "Having been at the forefront of practice management software for the past 25 years we are delighted to be joining the MWI Veterinary Supply group and working with the likes of Centaur Services to further develop the benefits we're able to offer our customers for the next 25 years and beyond."
Picture shows, left to right: Brian Topper, Centaur Services, Nader Pour, Vetspace and Jim Cleary, CEO of MWI.
The RCVS has announced that it is to host an open day on Monday 15 December for those members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions who are interested in joining the College’s Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC), Disciplinary Committee (DC) or Veterinary Nurse Preliminary Investigation Committee (VN PIC).
In January 2015 the College will be looking to recruit veterinary members for PIC and DC following a legislative reform order last year to reconstitute them separately from RCVS Council. This means that the committees must be made up of veterinary and lay members who are not on Council and members will be appointed on the advice of an independent selection committee.
The RCVS will be seeking to recruit four veterinary surgeons for DC as well as three veterinary surgeons for PIC. At the same time the College will be recruiting two registered veterinary nurses and a veterinary surgeon for VN PIC. Applications are particularly sought from practising or recently retired clinicians.
The Open Day (at Belgravia House from 9.30am to 4pm) will provide the opportunity for those who are interested in applying to hear from current members of each committee about what being a committee member is really like and the type of cases dealt with. Recruitment consultants will also be on hand to explain the hiring process and attendees will have the opportunity to put questions to Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar.
Those who are interested in attending the Open Day should contact Peris Dean, Executive Secretary, on p.dean@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0761 to register an interest or request an agenda.
Heath Vets, a Cardiff-based veterinary group, has announced that is has become the first veterinary group in Wales to appoint designated customer care personnel, enabling it to take on and beat the corporates at customer service.
Leanne Kiddie was appointed Customer Care Manager, tasked with ensuring the group delivers excellent customer service across its four sites, after the veterinary group identified customer service as their key driver to retaining customers, attracting new customers and sustaining growth.
Gavin Hill-John (pictured right with Leanne), Operations Director at Heath Vets said: "We want to put our customers at the forefront of our service. The traditional veterinary practice model was based around territory; you had one vet practice in an area and local people used it. They weren’t challenged on customer service as we are today. Having Leanne as our dedicated Customer Care Manager will help us set Heath Vets apart from other practices. Whilst we may not be able to compete with the buying power of some national chains, we can certainly beat them at customer service."
Heath Vets says it is now developing its engagement with customers regarding future plans; using their comments and feedback to shape the practice.
Gavin added: "We are aiming to deliver a level of engagement with our customers that no other vet practice has seen before. We’re hosting cheese and wine functions where customers can come in, enjoy our festive hospitality, and speak with the staff about their pet’s issues. We not only want to work with our customers, but we want to get to know them."
Gavin says he believes Heath Vets can challenge all competitors when it comes to customer service: "My vision for the role is that across all four sites we should be delivering outstanding customer service, consistently. To achieve that aim, everybody needs to be highly skilled, trained, motivated and engaged. For us, it’s about recognising that we have a hugely impressive team that are focussed on delivering high quality customer service. National chains have investors and shareholders to please; we have our customers."
Elanco Animal Health has launched Vulketan, a POM-V sterile topical gel developed to encourage the healing of equine wounds.
Vulketan contains ketanserin - a serotonin-S2 antagonist.2 Elanco says that although serotonin is more widely known as a neurotransmitter in the brain, it is also found in platelets and released during platelet aggregation where it can have negative effects on wound healing.4, 7
Managing equine wounds is an everyday occurrence in equine practice1 and can be difficult and time-consuming, with many potential complications such as infection or the development of proud flesh which could delay healing or lead to reduced functionality. Repeated dressings can be a hassle for owners, and if used inappropriately can lead to their own complications.5
Elanco representative Kirsty Prudon said: "Vulketan gel is easy to use and is designed to be applied to undressed wounds, although it has been demonstrated that wounds may be dressed, if required, without affecting Vulketan's efficacy2,6.
Elanco also points to studies which it says demonstrate that Vulketan has been shown in client owned horses to be highly effective in preventing the formation of hypergranulation tissue and may facilitate the control of secondary infections.2,3,6. In addition, owners expressed satisfaction with Vulketan in over 90% of cases.6
Practising equine vet Linda Belton MRCVS said: "Vulketan is easy to use, well tolerated by horses and produces an excellent end cosmetic result and return to function. With the reduction in the need for dressings and proud flesh control Vulketan has proven to be an advantageous product which owners value."
Vulketan is suitable for use in all horses including pregnant and lactating mares. It is supplied in 75 gram tubes and should be applied twice daily.
For more information, contact your Elanco territory manager call Elanco on 01256 353131.
References
Lintbells Veterinary has announced the launch of Yurelieve, a feline urinary health supplement containing multiple glycosaminoglycans, L-tryptophan and EFAs.
Andrew Connolly, Product Manager at Lintbells Veterinary said: "Yurelieve supports a condition which is not only frustrating to treat, but can also be distressing for the cat and their owners. The launch of Yurelieve will enable veterinary surgeons to offer their clients the most comprehensive feline urinary health support available."
Yurelieve contains Green Lipped Mussel, which Lintbells says provides a unique combination of Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA and ETA) to aid the cat’s own natural anti-inflammatory process. In addition, the product contains multiple GAGs and N-acetyl D-glucosamine to support the bladder lining, and L-tryptophan which the company says is proven to decrease stress related behaviours in cats.
To mark the launch of the new supplement, Lintbells is running a Facebook competition in which vets and nurses are invited to share photos of their cats, with a statement that captures their unique personality.
Andrew continued: “When cats are affected by a urinary condition, it takes their independence and personality away from them, so we wanted to celebrate the importance of allowing cats to be their natural charismatic selves with a photo competition starring everyone’s feline friends.”
To enter the competition, post a photo of a beloved cat with a caption that captures their unique personality, starting with ‘I believe…’ to the Lintbells Vet Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lintbellsvet). The best will win a Pampurrrr Spa Day for 2.
Yurelieve is available from your veterinary wholesaler now, in packs of 30 capsules.
For more information on Yurelieve speak to your Lintbells Business Development Executive or call 01462 790886.