Merial is asking veterinary surgeons to take part in a survey about current understanding of and attitudes to feline vaccination, to be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y5BFY96.
The results will complement Give Them Just What They Need, a new report being produced by the company which will contain relevant published data, owner insight, details of the latest vaccination guidelines and expert commentary.
Vets who complete the survey will be entered into a draw for a £250 Red Letter Day voucher.
Claire Edmunds, product manager at Merial, said: "Our preliminary research has identified that many vets are unaware of the latest developments in feline vaccine technology and the benefits that these developments can offer in terms of important factors such as client compliance.
"This new campaign will gain insight from vets, cat owners and other key opinion leaders to create a report that will ultimately enable practice owners to make better informed decisions about feline vaccinations, communicate more successfully with clients and in turn grow their business.”
The survey will be live until the 13th September.
Ricochet, one of the UK's leading TV production companies, is on the hunt for dogs with unique personality traits or unusual talents for a forthcoming ITV television documentary.
The hour long programme will look into the characteristics, heritage and personality traits of the most popular dogs in the UK. It'll revolve around dog owners and the extraordinary stories they have about their pets.
Ricochet says it is looking in particular for funny, heart-warming or poignant tales highlighting the bond between dogs and their owners - dogs with unique personality traits or unusual talents, and dogs which have performed amazing feats or changed lives.
If you have an extraordinary dog, or think a client might like to take part, call the Assistant Producer, Beth, on 01273 224800 or email: dogbreeds@ricochet.co.uk
Blue Cross has announced the results from its National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) which show that lameness is three times more likely to be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis in the limb rather than problems in the foot.
Blue Cross runs NEHS in May each year, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is sponsored by SPILLERS and Zoetis and supported by the UK’s leading equestrian organisations and charities. This year saw a 35% increase in participation compared to 2014, with survey records returned for almost 15,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
The charity says that whilst of course the horse’s foot is fundamental to soundness and performance, NEHS results have shown consistently that limb lameness, as opposed to foot lameness, is in fact the biggest syndrome affecting horses.
In the latest survey, conducted in May, a total of 18% were recorded as lame. 13.5% of these were recorded as suffering with lameness such as osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (13.9% in 2014 and 14.8% in 2013).
Meanwhile foot lameness was recorded in 4.5% of returns, a similar figure to previous years.
Josh Slater from the Royal Veterinary College, who is member of BEVA’s Health & Medicines Committee and analysed the NEHS data, said: “NEHS is now producing important evidence that is replacing subjective opinion. While the lameness figures were initially surprising, given that the foot has been generally regarded as the main problem area, the fact that these figures have remained consistent over the past three years gives constructive credibility to the data. Our findings will help owner vigilance with day-to-day healthcare as well as help prioritise on areas for future veterinary education and research.”
The six most notable disease syndromes identified in the 2015 National Equine Health Survey were:
23.2% of horses were reported as being overweight with a Body Condition Score of 3.5-5, continuing the upward trend seen in previous years (16.9% in 2014 and 7.8% in 2013). Next year’s survey will explore links between obesity and the possible associated rise of obesity-related diseases such as equine metabolic syndrome (which was reported in 2.4% of 2015 returns) and laminitis.
The survey also enables participants to report on any health problems not covered in the survey questions, giving them a chance to shape future survey subjects.
Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross explains: “This year 11% of our free text answers mentioned gastric ulcers giving a valuable insight into the prevalence gastric ulcer syndrome in the principally leisure horse NEHS population. As a result we will be adding new questions to the 2016 survey to help us find out more.”
The 2015 NEHS survey results are now available from http://www.bluecross.org.uk/nehs2015results. To register for next year’s survey, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/nehs
Merial Animal Health has revealed the latest MOO test figures which suggest that the productivity of four out of five UK dairy herds is compromised by high levels of gutworm.
The company says it has been helping dairy farmers to assess the level of gutworm challenge in their herds since 2009 by supporting and promoting MOO tests. The test measures the level of antibody to gutworm (Ostertagia ostertagii) that is present in a bulk milk sample and can determine if the herd has been exposed to low, medium or high challenge.
Data from five years of MOO tests shows that whilst there was a steady reduction in the number of herds with a high challenge between 2009 and 2013, the figure rose in 2014. In 2009, 93% of herds tested high and by 2013 this had fallen to 71% but this rose again to 88% last year.
Merial says that whilst these figures show an overall reduction in challenge since 2009, levels of gutworm across the UK dairy herd are still very high. Those animals affected will suffer from the negative impact of a parasite burden on productivity and fertility.
Between 2009 and 2014 nearly 900 dairy herds across the UK have been tested. During that time several counties had significant numbers of herds with high gutworm challenge results. This included Cheshire (85%), Cornwall (93%), Cumbria (91%), Dyfed (92%), Lancashire (90%), North Yorkshire (83%), Shropshire (86%), Somerset (86%), and Staffordshire (83%).
Sioned Timothy, veterinary adviser for Merial Animal Health, said: “Gutworm can significantly reduce the productivity of the herd. Although adult dairy cows develop immunity to gutworm that makes them resilient to outward clinical signs of infection, it does not prevent them from becoming infected with Ostertagia ostertagi. This parasite burden can reduce milk yield by as much as 2.6 litres per cow per day1”
She continued: “Gutworm may also have a negative impact on fertility. Removing damaging gutworms from dairy cows may improve their fertility and has been linked to reduced calving to conception intervals and improved conception rates2 to levels comparable with animals without a gutworm burden.
"Calving is another key period in the production cycle. Optimising cow and heifer management during this period is critical to the animal’s health and productivity throughout the subsequent lactation. Cows treated for gutworms around the time of calving have been shown to increase their grazing time by almost an hour compared to untreated cows3. Improved appetite and higher dry matter intake helps cows to bridge the energy gap; maximising their production, and reducing the time it takes to get them back into calf4.”
The MOO test figures show that the UK dairy herd continues to be affected by high levels of gutworm challenge. At a time when maximising productivity is vital to dairy business success, farmers should seriously consider testing their herd this autumn and develop a treatment plan with their vet or animal health adviser based on the result.”
MOO tests will be available in autumn 2015. The results of MOO tests are sent to both the farmer and their vet or animal health advisor, to enable them to determine the best course of action and treatment.References1 Reist et al, Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy. Veterinary Record 2011 168, 484-487 Vet Rec 2002151:377-3802 McPherson et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 1999 Abstr. 28.3 Forbes et al. Behavioural mechanisms underlying production responses in dairy cows treated with eprinomectin. 19th WAAVP Congress 2003, New Orleans4 Sanchez et al. The effect of eprinomectin treatment at calving on reproduction parameters in adult dairy cows in Canada. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 2002 56:165-177
Ceva Animal Health has extended its Logic range of supplements with the launch of Logic Ease for dogs and cats.
Ceva says the new ‘soft chew’ supplements contain high quality active ingredients which have been developed to ensure the high standards that owners expect for their pets, adding that they allow owners to ‘treat’ their pets, knowing they are contributing to the health of their animal and reducing the desire to give unhealthy snacks.
The range for dogs comprises Logic EaseFlex, designed to help soothe active joints and support long-term mobility; Logic EaseLife for senior dogs, designed to help support mobility, coat condition, mind vitality and alertness; Logic EaseDerm to add moisture to dry, irritated skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
The range for cats comprises Logic Easeflex and Logic EaseBall to lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the passage of fur through the gut.
Abi Busk, retail business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: “The new Logic supplements will provide veterinary clinics with an extensive range of veterinary strength supplements that are so tasty that they can be given as treats.”
For further information on the Logic range, contact your wholesaler, call Ceva on 01494 781510, email cevauk@ceva.com or visit http://www.logicforpets.co.uk.
Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of a Milbemax television advertising campaign to educate pet owners about the importance and ease of worming.
The 30-second advertisement will appear as pre-roll to video content on a number of websites from the end of August, and will broadcast on mainstream TV channels including ITV1, Channel 4, Channel Five, Sky, ITV2, ITV3, E4, More4, Film4, UKTV and Five Digital in mid-September to reach an estimated nine million people – of which nearly three million will be identified/targeted pet owners.
Elanco says the advert is designed to target female pet owners between the ages of 25 and 49 and drive them to seek further information and buy pet wormers from their local veterinary surgeon with the call to action: ‘Make an appointment with your vet to find out how easy worming your pet can be.’
Viewers watching the online advertisement will be able to click through to campaign specific pages on Elanco’s WormPatrol website - www.wormpatrol.co.uk/easyworming - where they can use 'Find a Vet', a worm risk checker and worming reminders to connect them with veterinary practices. The advertisement will also be available to view on the WormPatrol website.
The campaign is supported by a range of educational marketing materials and initiatives which are available to Milbemax customers from the vet section of the WormPatrol website or from their local Elanco companion animal territory manager.
The materials include a video to embed in practice websites and to use on social media, a subtitled version of the video for waiting rooms, a range of pet owner worm education materials, social media resources and SMS text message broadcasts.
Matthew Rowe, marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “Elanco is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership; the new Milbemax advertising campaign will educate pet owners about the importance and ease of regular worming while driving them to veterinary practices for further information and to purchase pet wormers.”
For further information please contact your local Elanco Animal Health territory manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.
VetSurgeon member Alex Gough MRCVS, Head of Medicine Referrals at Bath Veterinary Referrals, has published his second historical thriller, Bandits of Rome, available for pre-order now in paperback (£7.99) or Kindle (£1.99) from Amazon.
The book picks up the story of Gaius Valerius Carbo as he leaves Rome with his family for the Italian countryside, only to be set upon by masked bandits.
Alex's first thriller, Watchmen of Rome, went to the top of the Amazon bestseller charts and has achieved reader reviews of an average 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Apparently the more people that pre-order the book before the 26th August, the higher it'll go up the charts. So if this sounds like it could be up your street, buy it today and you'll give a colleague a helping hand up the ladder at the same time.
The BVA has announced the results of a survey which found that 64% of small animal veterinary surgeons have been injured in the line of duty in the past year alone.
By far the most common injuries were scratches and bites (90% and 78% respectively), however 17% rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
Whilst small animal vets were shown to be at the greatest risk of injury in clinical practice (compared to 61% of equine vets and 53% of production animal vets), the injuries sustained by production and equine vets were predictably more severe. 19% of production vets and 27% of equine vets rated their injuries as either 'quite' or 'very' severe.
BVA President John Blackwell said: Vets accept the daily risk of injury at work, but these figures highlight just how common injuries are for vets who care for pets. Rather than simply accepting this as an ‘occupational hazard’, veterinary teams should ensure they are taking all appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of working with animals whenever possible. BVA provides guidance for vets, for example on preventing and dealing with dog bites in the practice."
Merial is highlighting the results of an independent study published in July's Journal of Dairy Science which showed that treating acutely lame cows with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Ketofen (ketoprofen), alongside therapeutic trimming and the application of a block, resulted in a significantly better recovery rate compared to the other treatment protocols used.
In the study, Evaluation of treatments for claw horn lesions in dairy cows in a randomised controlled trial by Thomas et al1, 56% of the cows in the above treatment group were observed to be sound.
Sioned Timothy, Merial Technical Veterinary Manager (pictured right) said: "The lack of evidence to underpin a standardised approach to treating lameness in cattle has previously been highlighted2.
"This study demonstrates the value of using an NSAID as part of lameness treatment both for its welfare benefits, and also to reduce the impact of lameness on herd productivity through improved recovery rates. It also highlights the importance of implementing herd health protocols that focus on early intervention – identifying cows as soon as they become lame should be a priority for dairy farmers. With lameness cited as having a significant adverse effect on milk yield3 and cull rate in the herd, a proactive approach to lameness control is critical. Farmers should work with their vets and foot trimmers to ensure that when lame cows are identified they are treated in the most effective way.”
Sioned added: "The importance of routine mobility scoring cannot be underestimated. Clinical lameness has been shown to cause a decreased milk yield from up to four months before diagnosis 3, which can translate to a mean reduction of 357 litres per 305 day lactation. Furthermore, the impact on fertility and the long term impact on replacement is also acknowledged, with lame cows less likely to conceive and having an increased risk of conception failing."
References
The RCVS has launched an online petition calling on Parliament to protect the title ‘veterinary nurse’ in law.
The petition follows on from the work done by the College earlier in the year, drawing up the ‘Veterinary Nurse (Protection of Title) Bill’ which was submitted to a ballot of the House of Lords in May by former RCVS President and Council member Professor the Lord Trees and received its first reading on 10 June.
Unfortunately, Lord Trees' Bill was drawn low in the ballot, so it is now thought unlikely - though not impossible - that it will be given time for a second reading in this parliament.
Nevertheless, the College is continuing to try and raise awareness of the issue, both amongst the public and parliamentarians. If the petition gains enough signatures, it should maximise the chances of the Bill being given a proper airing in parliament, this year or in the future.
Liz Cox, the Chair of VN Council, said: “We believe that the fact that anybody can call themselves a veterinary nurse is unacceptable. It means that there is potential for the public to be misled and for animal health and welfare to be compromised. Therefore we would urge veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and animal owners to sign this petition. With 10,000 signatures the Government is obliged to respond formally and take a stance on the issue; with 100,000 signatures the issue would be considered for a formal parliamentary debate.
“If we are successful with this campaign, the public will be assured that they are receiving the highest standard of nursing care for their animals from a genuine professional and by protecting the title we can remove any doubt about who is a veterinary nurse.”
In conjunction with the petition, the RCVS has also produced a template letter which the profession and public can use to write to their local Member of Parliament asking them to support the campaign. For example, the letter asks the MP to adopt the Veterinary Nurse (Protection of Title) Bill and enter it into a Private Members’ Bill ballot or introduce it as a 10-Minute Rule Bill.
The petition, and the campaign in general, has received support from the BVNA and the British Veterinary Association BVA.
Fiona Andrew, President of the BVNA, said: “BVNA has campaigned for the protection of the title of 'Veterinary Nurse' for many years. We are delighted that the RCVS is continuing the campaign with the addition of the online petition and letter template.
“We would ask all out members to sign the petition and write to their MP. We believe that this is an important step towards giving clarity and reassurance to the public, strengthening the profession and raising awareness of what veterinary nurses can do and enhancing animal welfare.”
John Blackwell, President of the BVA, added: “BVA is delighted to support the campaign to protect the title, as veterinary nurses are an essential part of the veterinary team and deserve full recognition for their roles. By protecting the title it not only recognises the skills of qualified veterinary nurses, but also gives clients confidence that their animals are receiving the highest standard of care possible.” Those who wish to sign the petition can do so on the UK Government and Parliament petition website https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106153 To find out more about the campaign, download a template letter to an MP and view the College's animated video about protecting the title, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/vntitle
Zoetis has announced the launch of Zulvac SBV, a new Schmallenberg vaccine licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Zulvac SBV is licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Duration of immunity is six months in cattle and seven in sheep. At the recommended vaccination timing, this covers the window of susceptibility during pregnancy; in sheep from day 28 to 56, and days 70 to 150 in cattle. Animals infected during these periods are at risk of malformed offspring and subsequent stillbirth.
The company says vaccination combined with insecticidal measures to control the midge vector remains the most effective way of protecting the population1 and ensuring a more unified level of immunity.
Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan said: "Although SBV is now considered to be an enzootic pathogen in England and Wales, there is plenty of evidence that seroprevalence at farm level – particularly on sheep farms - varies. As immunity wanes, the proportion of herds and flocks naïve to SBV and at risk via introduction of naïve replacements increases. So the risk of reinfection in assumed enzootic areas is potentially underestimated2.
"Culicoides midges, the SBV vector, are widespread in Europe and move easily between farms and regions, allowing rapid spread of infection."
Carolyn says that whilst there have been no confirmed diagnoses of congenital abnormalities in calves or lambs from APHA in 2014 or 2015, unconfirmed anecdotal cases have been reported.
"We do not know whether our ruminant population is immune or susceptible and neither do we know if another SBV challenge will appear. Vaccination remains the most effective way of ensuring valuable livestock are protected."
Supplies are available immediately.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has agreed to accept undertakings from a Dorset veterinary surgeon, Philippa Ann Rodale MBE, in which she requests that her name is removed from the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons with effect from 31 July 2015, and undertakes never to apply to be restored to it.
The Committee met on Monday 17 August, resuming a hearing which had been adjourned on 20 July. The adjournment had been made to allow Ms Rodale time to submit formal responses to the charges against her and indicate whether she agreed with them. In the event, as outlined by a letter from her solicitors received by the College on 14 August, Ms Rodale declined to comment on the charges and did not admit to any of them.
Ms Rodale did not attend the hearing on 17 August, however, the Committee decided to continue in her absence, on the understanding that, as evidenced by her solicitors’ letter, she was fully aware of the hearing and had voluntarily waived her right to be presented and represented.
The original charges related to Ms Rodale’s standards of practice (in relation to issues such as biosecurity, hygiene, in-patient facilities, drug storage and the disposal of hazardous waste, among other things) and also to a test for Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin. The charges relating to her standards of practice did not have complainants, as the College raised the matters itself; with respect to the Tuberculin test charge, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as the relevant body, raised no objection to the proposed course of accepting undertakings.
In accepting the undertakings, the Committee felt that a contested hearing that could take up to seven days and involve up to eight witnesses for the College and up to three for the Respondent would not be in the public interest. Furthermore, since the 20 July hearing, Ms Rodale had retired and closed her practice. The Committee also noted that there had been no previous disciplinary findings against her, in what was otherwise a long and unblemished career.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee is satisfied that the undertakings offered by the Respondent protect the welfare of animals since the Respondent has now retired and is no longer in practice. It is also satisfied that the reputation of the profession is upheld since the undertakings offered go beyond any sanction which the Committee could impose at the conclusion of a contested hearing, were any of the Heads of Charge to be found proved. It considers that it would not be proportionate or in the public interest for there to be a lengthy contested hearing.”
Vet Futures has published the results of a survey of the profession in which only half of veterinary surgeons who graduated within the last eight years say their career has matched their expectations.
The online survey gathered views from 892 veterinary students (via the Association of Veterinary Students) and 1,973 veterinary surgeons who had graduated within the last eight years, during May and June this year.
Although 37% of graduates reported that their working lives had met their expectations, and a further 13% said it had exceeded them, this left 50% partly or wholly unsatisfied. Furthermore, 10% said they were considering leaving the profession entirely.
The RCVS and the BVA say the results should be a “wakeup call” to the profession.
Vets who have been qualified for five years or more were least optimistic about the future, rating their opportunities for career progression less positively than more recent graduates. They were also least likely to feel that their degree had prepared them for their current work. Meanwhile, only 34% of students felt that their degree was preparing them ‘very well’ for the work they wanted to do.
73% of students intended to work in the UK, with most aspiring to work in small animal/exotic or mixed practice, although one in 10 was as yet undecided. Of the students, 45% said they wanted to become practice owners or partners. Clearly the reality is proving less enticing, because only 25% graduates shared the same aspiration. In addition, nearly double the number of graduates said they wanted to work outside clinical practice (18%), compared to students.
When looking for a job, the three factors that both graduates and students agreed would have the greatest influence on their choice of career were intellectual satisfaction, location and a supportive environment.
This last requirement chimes with the fact that among the most popular suggestions for improvement to the veterinary degree were compulsory modules on managing stress, personal development and work-life balance, alongside more teaching of business and finance skills, and extra-mural studies (EMS) placements in a wider range of settings, such as industry.
BVA President, John Blackwell, said: “The drop off in career satisfaction for vets during this crucial first eight years in practice is something we can’t afford to ignore. It points to frustration over career development opportunities and dissatisfaction with support available in practice. For the veterinary profession to remain sustainable, and an attractive career choice for the best and brightest, we need to address these issues with some urgency.”
RCVS President, Dr Bradley Viner, said: “We clearly need to address the disconnect between expectation and reality for many recent graduates. Reviewing the educational foundation of the profession is a thread that runs through many of the proposed actions that will be outlined in the Vet Futures report due this autumn. The teaching and assessment of non-clinical skills – both as part of the undergraduate curriculum and within postgraduate education – will be important, as will be the promotion of non-clinical career pathways.”
The survey also covered issues such as students’ aspirations in terms of the type (size, ownership, sector) of practice in which they would like to work, and graduates’ future career plans. It also considers attitudes from both groups with respect to new technology.
The full research report “Voices from the future of the profession,” can be read at www.vetfutures.org.uk/resources.
Animalcare has announced the launch of Clavubactin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) for dogs and cats, presented as 4-way split tablets in three strengths to ensure optimum dosing. The three strengths (Clavubactin 50, 250 and 500) contain 50/12.5, 250/62.5 and 500/125mg of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid respectively. Clavubactin 50mg is licensed for cats and dogs. The 250 and 500mg formulation is licensed for dogs only.
According to the company, the increased combined level of active ingredients, compared to some other clavulanate-amoxicillin products on the market, achieves recommended target weight dosing (doses always kept at 12.5mg/kg), even with animals of greater weight, minimising the risk of underdosing.
The 4-way split tablets are designed to facilitate easy and accurate dosing of all sizes of dogs and cats, from 1kg bodyweight (¼ tablet Clavubactin 50) to 50kg (1 tablet Clavubactin 500) and above.
The tablets come in aluminium blister strips of ten tablets in five packaging presentations (Clavubactin 50 and 250 are available in 100 and 250 tablet packs and Clavubactin 500 in 100 tablets).
Animalcare Product Manager Tony Liepman said "Clavubactin allows for optimum target weight dosing and together with the accuracy enabled by SmartTabs easy 4-way split, this gives peace of mind to both vet and client."
The product is supported by dosage charts and dispensing envelopes (the latter is available on request).
For further information contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, speak to your regional Animalcare representative or visit www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us.
The organisers say that the presentations have been designed to be practical in nature and to provide delegates with useful, take-away information they can apply immediately in practice and that isn’t readily available in textbooks.
Forty-eight presentations will be staged over the two-days across four themed lecture strands: three for vets and a dedicated strand for Veterinary Nurses, although delegates are free to attend any lecture they choose.
The core themes for vets include Orthopaedics, Neurology and Oncology and Soft Tissue Surgery. The Veterinary Nursing strand will cover topics such as Anaesthesia, Arthritis, Cancer, Trauma, Spinal Nursing, Pain Management, Rehabilitation and Nutritional Advice.
Presentations include:
An overarching theme for the festival is ‘One Medicine’, the emerging global concept of combined human and animal medical advancement for the good of all species; Noel Fitzpatrick will give a keynote speech on Saturday 5th September on this subject.
On Sunday 6th September, the closing keynote speech will be delivered by Dr Jane Goodall DBE who will talk about her work as a British Ethologist, conservationist and UN Messenger of Peace and the importance of preserving habitats, species and biodiversity to the continuance of mankind.
A full speaker agenda is available at www.vetfestival.co.uk and attendance at the Festival can be added to delegates’ CPD records.
On Saturday evening, the Festival will host ONE LIVE, a music festival open to delegates, their families and the general public in aid of The Humanimal Trust, a charity inspiring advancement of healthcare initiatives in animals at the same time as humans. Headlining the concert will be Mike and The Mechanics with support from The Hoosiers and Hunter and The Bear.
Tickets for VET Festival cost from £99. There are discounted rates available for Veterinary Nurses and Students and groups of five or more vets or vet nurses can receive a group discount. For more information and to book tickets visit www.vetfestival.co.uk
VetSurgeon.org has 4 free tickets for the full 2 day festival to give away, and a further 12 tickets to the evening concert. We'll be dishing them out randomly amongst those VetSurgeon members who indicate their interest in attending the event by clicking the RSVP button on the entry in the VetSurgeon CPD & Events Diary, here: http://www.vetsurgeon.org/c/veterinary-cpd/events/5.aspx
The RCVS has launched a new animated video to help promote Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) accredited practices to the public, and explain the benefits of the scheme.
Launched in 2005, almost 60% of practices are now part of the PSS, which requires them to submit to a rigorous inspection every four years and meet a stringent standards across a wide range of areas including cleanliness and hygiene, facilities and equipment, staff training and development and customer service. Practices may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.
Jacqui Molyneux, who heads up the RCVS Practice Standards Group said: “Our new video is a light-hearted explanation of the Practice Standards Scheme, how it can help animal owners decide which practice to go to and reassure them about the standards they can expect to find at an RCVS-accredited practice.”
The College says a similar version of the video will soon be available for RCVS-accredited practices to show to their clients, either on their own websites and social media channels, or in the waiting room.
Jacqui said: “Not only do we want to spread the word about the benefits of the Practice Standards Scheme and suggest animal owners look for the RCVS-accredited practice logo, but we also want to give accredited practices an engaging way of telling their clients about their achievement.
“Gaining RCVS accreditation is not easy, so accredited practices deserve every opportunity to demonstrate to their clients their commitment to supporting high standards of veterinary care. This fun two-minute video should help them do just that.”
Animal owners can search for an RCVS-accredited practice in their area, or elsewhere in the UK, using Find A Vet – the College’s online search tool – at www.findavet.org.uk.
Zoetis has announced the launch of Versican Plus, a vaccine range for dogs in the UK and throughout Europe.
Versican Plus is the only vaccine to combine DHPPi + L4 in a single injection1, something which Zoetis says is the fruit of several years research and development.
The leptospirosis components of the vaccine have been designed to meet the challenges of both existing and emerging types.
According to the company, Versican Plus is the only tetravalent leptospirosis vaccine to deliver prevention against clinical signs and urinary excretion of established (Icterohaemorragiae and Canicola) and emerging (Bratislava and Grippotyphosa) canine leptospirosis (except Grippotyphosa where prevention of clinical signs occurs but with a reduction in urinary excretion).
Zoetis also highlights the advantage this vaccine brings is in its viral components. Versican Plus utilises a new CPV-2b strain, the most prevalent strain in the UK2, to prevent clinical signs, leucopoenia and viral excretion caused by Parvovirus.
Practices using Versican Plus will have the ability to provide protection at the earliest opportunity, as it has been proven to be protective against virulent challenge in the presence of maternally derived antibodies to Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus at levels equal or higher to those likely to be encountered under field conditions.
As a result Versican Plus can be used from 6 weeks of age with an early onset of immunity being achieved for Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus at 9 weeks. Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis immunity follow shortly thereafter at 12 and 13 weeks respectively.
Following primary vaccinations three to four weeks apart Versican Plus provides 3 years duration of immunity for Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus.
Ned Flaxman, Zoetis UK Companion Animal director said: “Our research and development team has taken many different aspects of vaccination into account to create Versican Plus. As well as offering comprehensive protection in accordance with the current epidemiological situation, the vaccine is also convenient to use. It offers a flexible primary vaccination course with an early finish option from 9 weeks, important for early socialisation reasons.”
For further information, visit www.zoetis.co.uk/versicanplus, contact your Zoetis Account Manager or telephone 0845 300 8034.
Animalcare has announced the launch of Fungiconazol (ketoconazole), the UK's only veterinary licenced antifungal tablet for dogs, indicated for the treatment of ringworm.
Each Fungiconazol tablet contains 200 or 400mg of ketoconazole, to be administered at a dosage of 10mg per kg bodyweight once daily. Each tablet can be split into quarters or halves, allowing accurate treatment for dogs from 5kg (¼ x 200mg tablet daily) to 60kg (1½ x 400mg tablet daily) and beyond. The hypoallergenic chicken flavoured tablets mean that Fungiconazol is also suitable for dogs with food allergies or atopic dermatitis.
Animalcare Product Manager Tony Liepman said "This is a great addition to our antimicrobial range, and shows once again that it’s possible for us to be innovative without breaking anyone's budget. With the supply of the first and only licensed canine antifungal tablet on the market, we have ensured that all veterinary practices have access to Animalcare’s Technical Support department for further advice on treatment or its use in their patients."
Both 200mg and 400mg presentations of Fungiconazol, in 100 tablet blister packs, are now available from wholesalers.
For further information contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, or speak to your regional Animalcare representative (found at www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us).
Pawz Ltd, a UK company founded by Diwaker Singh, Radu Georgescu and Francesco Cardoletti has launched PawSquad, a new on-demand veterinary video consultation service for pet owners.
The service offers pet owners a 15 minute online consultation with a veterinary surgeon for £15, any time from 6:00am to midnight, seven days a week.
PawSquad points out that the service cannot offer a diagnosis - apart from the fact that it would be contrary to the CoPC, it's obviously not possible without a physical exam - so the service is designed to offer more general health advice concerning such things as behaviour, nutrition and the management of long-term, non-emergency conditions.
Andrew Francis BVSc CertVC, DipECVIM-CA MRCVS ex-Head of Cardiology at Anderson Moores Veterinary Referrals is the company's Chief Veterinary Officer, sitting alongside Andrew Ash MRCVS (the BSAVA Past Pres). Andrew #1 said: "Currently, pet owners have only two options when they need advice about their pets' health and welfare. They either take time out of busy schedules to visit the vet or, when a visit to the vet is not possible they search the Internet for non professional and frequently unreliable information."
Francesco Cardoletti said: "It’s important to understand that PawSquad is a supplementary service – it’s not replacing traditional veterinary services.There are limits to the services you can digitally provide. If an animal is seriously ill, it needs to get to a bricks and mortar veterinary clinic and be examined by a vet."
Eleanor Ferguson, Head of Professional Conduct at the RCVS said: "We have had a discussion with Pawsquad and understand that the aim of its service is to increase accessibility to veterinary advice, which can only be a good thing as a large percentage of animal owners are not registered with a veterinary surgeon.
“We understand that the veterinary surgeons involved will not be giving detailed clinical advice but will be limited to offering general advice on areas such as puppy care, nutrition, allergies and pet passports.
“We also recommended to Pawsquad that their veterinary surgeons should take care to point out the limitations of their advice, given no physical examination has taken place, and suggest that owners takes their pets to a veterinary practice where that is appropriate.
“The issue of telemedicine has come up often during the joint RCVS/BVA Vet Futures project and is a topic that the Standards Committee, which looks after the Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance, is currently considering in more depth, with an evidence-gathering process due next year.”
I tried out the new service with a question about my dog's slightly worrying habit of growling at one of my children. It was a question which we had not thus far raised with our normal vet because it hadn't been enough of a concern at the last consultation. But it seems to be getting slightly worse, and my wife and I had recently talked about getting advice. It seemed like just the sort of situation where an informal chat with a vet could be helpful.
Completing the preconsultation details was a breeze, slowed only by the need to shove the dog on a set of scales (I didn't know what she weighs, and it's needed for the consultation). Thereafter, only one hiccup when it transpired that Safari, the browser I was using, is incompatible. I switched to Chrome, which is.
The consultation itself was excellent. Within a few seconds, the very charming Angie Henderson MRCVS appeared on my screen. It transpired I was her very first consultation since the service was launched yesterday! We discussed the problem. She reassured me that one of the things I was doing (getting the child to feed the dog under supervision) was a good idea, and we discussed a number of other positive reinforcement strategies to try and improve our dog's behaviour. She explained that she wasn't one for certain types of negative reinforcement, but that using a spray bottle of water when the dog behaved inappropriately could help. She explained that we would need to do these things several times a day for them to have an effect, and even then it may take some considerable time, and may need the services of a behaviourist. She also reassured me that the dog would be unlikely to do anything worse than nip, whilst stressing that even a nip is very upsetting for a child, so it does need to be dealt with.
All in all, I came away reassured, with some very useful suggestions and a clear idea of what we need to do. £15 very well spent. I gather that I should also have received a written post-consultation report by email, which didn't arrive because of some technical glitch. But that's slightly by-the-by; the icing on the cake.
I can also see the service would be very useful as a sort of out-of-hours triage, in other words offering me the ability to have a "my-dog-has-just-eaten-three-kilos-of-Green-and-Blacks-what-next-consultation?" at 11:00pm at night.
If the service proves popular amongst pet owners, the question remains whether it will reduce the number of people seeking and paying for traditional consultations. I suspect not. Perhaps the reverse will happen as pet owners use the system to corroborate their feeling that the dog might need a physical exam. As part of the service and with your permission, PawSquad forwards a copy of the consultation report to your normal vet.
Again if the service proves popular, it seems to offer the potential for a nice additional income stream for veterinary surgeons, especially locums, which can be earned in the hours you specify, from the comfort of your home. PawSquad says it pays vets between £12-£32 per hour; equivalent to £60K per annum. Whilst the company doesn't directly employ vets, it will provide liability insurance provided by the VDS.
PawSquad says it also plans to recruit veterinary nurses later in the year, to offer advice to new pet owners on nutrition, behaviour and the environment.
European Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry Lisa Milella, who revealed last year that she has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, has now announced that she plans to end her life at the Swiss-based organisation, Dignitas, and is calling on MPs to support a Private Members Bill on assisted dying, due for a second reading next month.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lisa said: "In Britain, we give more dignity in death to our pets than we do human beings. I don't want to suffer a prolonged, lingering death. I want to be able to choose when I die – and I'd like to do that in my home, surrounded by my loved ones with dignity – but British law doesn't allow me to do that and that makes me angry."
Meanwhile, Lisa's campaign to raise money for International Animal Rescue has smashed its original target of £10,000 and now stands at £24,096.83, with a new target of £50,000.
Improve International has announced that it is to hold the first conference aimed specifically at Official Veterinarians.
Taking place from 22-23 October 2015, Improve says the conference aims to provide a forum to update OVs on the latest developments and thinking on all aspects of OV work and to provide an opportunity to network and share experiences and ideas.
Organised in association with the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Official Veterinarian Conference programme includes a two-day stream of large animal lectures and round-table discussions on topics including Bovine TB, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Sheep Scab and other important diseases.
A lecture stream for small animal practitioners will provide updates on export regulations and small animal exotic diseases, with dedicated lectures for equine practitioners also running on Friday 23 October.
Speakers at the event include Peter Jinman, Chair of the RCVS Certification Sub-Committee (pictured right); Dr Tim Brazil, Directorate of Equine Medicine on the Move and Andy Paterson, Veterinary Head of Intervention Epidemiology. An exhibition of the latest products and services for OVs will run alongside the conference which takes place at the Alexandra House Hotel and Conference Centre, near Swindon, where Improve International is based.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "The world of the OV is a fast-changing one so this unique event provides an opportunity for OVs to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to hear industry experts deliver up-to-date and practical lectures which will have a positive impact on their work as an OV.
"The programme and content has been developed by our Scientific Committee in collaboration with APHA which is supporting us and we believe it will offer highly relevant content for all OVs."
Are you planning to come to this event? If so, indicate it here, so other VetSurgeon members can see you'll be there!
To book, visit www.officialvet.com
Vet Futures, the joint initiative by the RCVS and the BVA to help the profession prepare for and shape its own future, has published a guest blog in which an academic argues that the profession needs to introduce safeguards to prevent inappropriate profit-seeking behaviour.
David Main is Professor of Animal Welfare at the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol, with research interests in welfare assessment, animal welfare education and intervention strategies to improve welfare.
In his blog (www.vetfutures.org.uk/discuss), Professor Main says he believes the vast majority of individual veterinary surgeons and practices are not motivated by money and do have animals’ best interests at heart, but that the differences between the business structure of veterinary and medical practitioners in the UK means the profession is always at risk of standing accused of excessive profiteering.
He said: “Since we still live in the age of the media scare story, it would seem prudent for the profession to embed some anti-profit seeking safeguards in our regulatory controls before, rather than after, a problem is highlighted.” One suggestion he makes is for the prohibition of turnover-based incentive schemes in favour of incentives based on health outcomes.
He believes that such safeguards, which he says could be incorporated into the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, would be a “healthy demonstration” that the profession has animal welfare rather than profit as its main priority.
Professor Main also argues that the profession urgently needs to deliver on society’s expectation of vets as animal welfare experts: “Veterinarians could perhaps... do more at an individual level to act as animal welfare advocates. It is easy to inform clients on the technical rationale for a specific husbandry change but then walk away knowing full well the client will not action the advice. In the medical profession, advanced communication techniques are becoming more widely accepted to promote positive change within their patients. Perhaps we should be more explicit in teaching our veterinary students influencing skills.”
In response to David’s blog, this month’s Vet Futures poll asks visitors ‘Do vets always act as animal welfare advocates?’
The previous month’s poll, which was based on an article co-written by Erwin Hohn and Adi Nell from MediVet, asked to what extent vets would be willing to work collaboratively with others if it would benefit all. Of the 50 people who answered the poll, 60% said they would be completely willing to work with others, 32% a lot and 8% to some degree – no one said they would be unwilling to work with others.
CVS has announced its acquisition of the Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, a general and referral practice based in Castle Donington near Derby.
The Dovecote offers a range of referral services including digital X-ray, MRI and CT scanning capability. Its directors, Andrew Robinson, a European RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and Alison Robinson have been appointed joint Clinical Directors.
Dovecote joins ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists in Chester, Norfolk-based Grove Referrals and St David's Veterinary Group in Devon in CVS' referral practice portfolio. The Group also has a new veterinary hospital - Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists - under construction at Alton, Hampshire; opening in October 2015.
In addition to the Dovecote, CVS has announced the acquisition of further first opinion practices based in Yorkshire and Wales. They are:
Simon Innes, Chief Executive of CVS, said: "These latest acquisitions show continued progress towards our goal of building a strong presence throughout all sectors of veterinary practice. It is a particularly exciting time for our referral team and we are delighted to welcome the team from Dovecote, as well as the other new practices which have joined us recently."
Elanco Animal Health has launched an updated Atopica Comfort Club, a support initiative for veterinary professionals treating either canine atopic dermatitis or feline allergic dermatitis cases with Atopica.
The Atopica Comfort Club loyalty scheme now has a new website which enables all members of the practice team to see the cases being managed and the offers available for new and existing users post diagnosis. The initiative provides veterinary practices with a free of charge Atopica redemption scheme through both induction and maintenance periods.
Elanco says the new website will also enable veterinary practices to view and redeem offers instantly, receive reminders about offers and updates together with emails to confirm offers have been redeemed and the products despatched.
Alice Laurens, DVM MRCVS, Dermatology Marketing Manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “The Comfort Club loyalty scheme embraces a multi-modal approach and ensures better comfort is provided to Atopica patients with options to offer a flea product, shampoo, essential fatty acids and an adapted diet.”
To support the new Atopica Comfort Club loyalty program, Elanco has also produced a ‘practice log book’ to enable vets to record details on each case which can then be entered onto the Comfort Club website.
For further information, or to book a lunch and learn meeting, please contact your local Elanco Animal Health key account manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.
The RCVS reports that its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trial is now nearing completion with over two-thirds of its target number of cases either resolved or in process.
The year-long trial, which began in November 2014, aims to gather the evidence needed to develop a permanent scheme which would provide a way of adjudicating on concerns raised about a veterinary surgeon that do not meet the RCVS threshold of serious professional misconduct.
The aim of the trial, which is administered by the independent, not-for-profit Ombudsman Services, is to make determinations on around 100 cases in order to gather information about types of concern, time taken to resolve disputes, recommendations and how likely each party is to accept recommendations. As of this week some 72 cases have been referred to the trial scheme, with final decisions made in relation to 54 of these cases.
RCVS CEO Nick Stace was responsible for pushing forward the trial believing that “what is good for the consumer is good for the profession”. The College also says it brings it into line with a European Union Directive on alternative dispute resolution which, while not legally binding, specifies that regulators and other ‘competent authorities’ should have consumer redress systems in place.
Nick said: “The majority of cases are either being determined in the veterinary surgeon’s favour or finding that they need take no further action in order to resolve the dispute. Where recommendations have been made in favour of the client, the suggested remedies have generally been for a small goodwill payment to be made.
“However, the trial has not been without some frustrations so far. The fact that participation in the trial is entirely voluntary has meant that, in many cases, members of the profession have chosen not to take part.
“With this in mind, it is very important to stress the benefits of the trial to the profession – chiefly that many of the vets who chose to take part have had their actions exonerated by Ombudsman Services in a way that a concern being closed by our Professional Conduct Department does not. For clients, where a vet does have a case to answer, it gives them the chance to seek recompense without having to resort to legal action.
“Regardless of which way the decision goes in any of these cases, participating in the trial can bring these often long-standing and burdensome disputes to a close.”
The trial will continue to run until the end of October and a full report and recommendations will be presented to RCVS Council at its meeting on Thursday 5 November 2015. Full details of the trial and its parameters can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/adr