Fidavet has launched Surosolve, a vet wholesaler exclusive, non-prescription ear cleaner for cats and dogs.
Fidavet says the product has multiple uses for complete cat and dog ear cleaning:
Surosolve maintains healthy ears by acting as an antibacterial flush1, 2 and antibiotic potentiating agent2, 3 while contributing to restoring the normal microbiological balance of the ear canal.
According to the company, the product has already received positive feedback from veterinary practitioners that have used it: 79 per cent liked the appearance of the formulation and over 80 per cent appreciated the fragrance.
Helen Goldberg, marketing manager for Janssen Animal Health, said: "Surosolve has a unique, powerful yet non-irritant formulation, ideal for the ears of cats and dogs. This non-irritating solution with an almost neutral pH of 6.8 allows cleaning while respecting natural ear physiology.
"Surosolve also contains Tris-EDTA, which gives extra power to concurrent topical antibiotics. EDTA is a chelating agent, active in damaging the cell surfaces of bacteria, while Tris enhances the effect of EDTA by buffering the pH, ensuring the solution is not irritating to the ear and maximising the anti-bacterial effect."
Marion Lannegrace, Janssen Animal Health international product manager for Fidavet said: "The Fidavet range is only available through veterinary wholesalers because we firmly believe these products should be used only with veterinary advice. This gives clients peace of mind that their pet is receiving the best care."
For further information on Fidavet Surosolve, visit www.fidavet.com.
References:
1 Cole LK. Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear. Veterinary Dermatology, 2010, 20 (5-6), 412-4212 Cole LK, Nuttall TJ. Pseudomonas otitis. Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, Proceedings of the Fifth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, 2005, (5), 324-3303 Roberts NA, Gray GW, Wilkinson SC. The bactericidal action of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbios, 1970, (7-8), 189-208
The British Veterinary Asssociation and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have strongly welcomed moves to tighten up the rules on dog breeding in Wales with the publication of the proposed Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2011.
The draft proposals follow a report by an expert Task and Finish Group, including veterinary representatives, which made recommendations for new legislation to tackle the significant problem of puppy farming.
The BVA and BSAVA were both represented on the Task and Finish Group and have welcomed the proposals, which include:
The draft legislation is now out for consultation until 13 January 2011.
Harvey Locke, BVA President, said: "The Welsh Assembly Government should be congratulated for driving forward legislative changes to tackle the abhorrent practice of puppy farming.
"The Task and Finish Group brought together everyone with an interest in dog health and welfare so the Minister should be confident that these proposals will gain widespread support.
"Puppy farming is not only a problem in Wales and it is clear that the rest of the UK is now lagging behind. We will be encouraging England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow suit and ensure dog health and welfare is promoted across the country."
Grant Petrie, President of BSAVA, added: "Vets are often faced with the terrible consequences of puppy farms and bad breeders, which can lead to suffering for both the animals and their owners.
"We are delighted that this action is being taken by the Welsh Assembly Government.
"The compulsory microchipping of dogs and puppies on licensed premises is a particularly welcome move but the veterinary profession will continue to campaign for this to be extended to all dogs."
Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal opened a new ward for canine cancer patients at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Hospital for Small Animals last week.
The Kennel Club Charitable Trust provided £30,000 towards the 26-kennel ward, which is specifically designed to provide recuperative care and comfortable kennelling facilities for dogs at the University's Hospital for Small Animals.
The facilities the new dog ward provides will complement the School's £3 million Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Centre, which opened last year. The cancer care centre houses state-of-the-art equipment including a computerised tomography (CT) scanner and a linear accelerator that can provide radiotherapy treatment.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "The Kennel Club Charitable Trust is extremely pleased that the money it has given to the University of Edinburgh has helped to ensure that its Canine Cancer Care unit could be built.
"The Trust has supported the groundbreaking research being conducted by the University, which is helping to improve our ability to diagnose and treat cancer in dogs, for some time. The Cancer Care Unit will help in a different way, by providing post-treatment and after care for dogs that have been through cancer therapy.
"People love their dogs as a member of their family, so this is a vital part of the care process. It is comforting for them to know that there are comfortable kenneling facilities where their dogs will receive the recuperative care that they need, as well as the potentially life-saving treatment.
"The Charitable Trust has given millions of pounds to projects which help to improve the health and welfare of dogs across the UK. This unit has established the University's place as a leader in conducting not only lifesaving but also life enhancing work for dogs, and the Trust exists precisely to help projects such as this realise their goals."
The canine oncology support ward replaces the old feline ward, and the cats have been moved to a new ward further away from the dogs to help prevent cats from becoming stressed by the noise of barking.
Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: "The dog ward, along with our new feline ward enhances the facilities for animals receiving treatment at the School's Hospital for Small Animals and we are very appreciative of the tremendous support from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust."
The Royal Veterinary College has received a donation of £1m from the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust towards a £1.5m refurbishment of the Beaumont Animals' Hospital in Camden, London.
The Hospital will be renamed as the Beaumont Sainsbury Animals' Hospital in Jean Sainsbury's honour, as a reflection of the matched values shared by Jean and the College. The Hospital has remained open during the refurbishment, which is due to be completed in Spring 2011.
Graham Milligan, Clinical Services Director at the Royal Veterinary College said: "This Landmark donation enables the College to create a 21st century veterinary primary care practice that is unrivalled in Central London. We are delighted to be able to celebrate Jean's life by renaming our Hospital in her honour, as she was dedicated to improving animal welfare and promoting responsible care of animals and sound primary veterinary care."
Jean Sainsbury, who died in 2007, was a frequent visitor to the hospital and provided funds to assist clients in receipt of state benefit with essential care and treatment of their pets. Jean especially valued the work of the Beaumont Animals' Hospital because it provides the highest quality first opinion services for pet owners in Camden, and that this service is based on the ethos that all treatments and procedures should be necessary and appropriate to the animal's needs.
Colin Russell MBE, Chairman of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust said: "The Trustees feel it is a fitting tribute to Jean Sainsbury, who was dedicated to animal welfare, to have her name added to the Beaumont Animals' Hospital which she supported so enthusiastically during her lifetime."
For many years Jean Sainsbury was a supporter of the Royal Veterinary College and its hospital for small animals in Camden. Grants to the College helped to fund the first phase of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at the Hawkshead campus in Hertfordshire and grants were used at the Camden Town site to refurbish operating theatres and waiting and reception areas in the animals' hospital. Since 1994 the Trust has subsidised veterinary costs for those on low incomes. Jean Sainsbury's support was formally recognised in 1994 by the award of an Honorary Fellowship of the College.
The extensive £1.5 million refurbishment of the hospital includes improvements to the reception and waiting areas for clients, refitting of the five consultation rooms; major upgrades to the dispensary and treatment room, a complete refit of the radiography suite including updating to the latest digital standards, a refit of surgical facilities including the creation of a new dedicated dental suite, the expansion of ward facilities for exotics, an overhaul of the ward space for dogs including expansion of the isolation facilities (to minimise likelihood of spread of infectious diseases) as well as complete refurbishment of seminar room facilities for students, new office accommodation and major improvements to living quarters for the veterinary nursing team.
Ceva Animal Health has produced a new booklet explaining the discharge procedures for horses that have been treated with Equidronate (formerly called Tildren), a bisphosphonate infusion used for the treatment of bone spavin.
Ceva says the new booklet is designed for vets to give their clients to help convey the most effective post-treatment management protocol. It explains what Equidronate is, how it works and how it is administered. It goes on to cover how owners can help to monitor progress once exercise has commenced, by completing the specially created assessment forms contained within the booklet every couple of weeks.
According to the company, trials published earlier this year show that horses suffering lameness caused by bone spavin can show marked improvement following treatment with an Equidronate infusion, in combination with controlled exercise.
Copies of the new leaflet are available free of charge from your Ceva sales representative. Leaflets on understanding bone spavin, understanding navicular disease and understanding sacroiliac disease are also available.
Wafcol, or The Worcestershire Animal Foor Company Ltd as it is known in full, has launched a new website.
The company says it has always claimed its food, developed with leading dermatologist Sue Paterson and BVA President Harvey Locke, can change dogs' lives and that the site now allows you to see how that happens.
Along with the usual dietary information and range details you would expect to find, the website has a section dedicated to customer testimonials featuring stories like that of Rocco, a five year old chocolate Labrador that was given to The Labrador Lifeline Trust because his owners were unable to cope with the endless vet bills for his skin condition.
Pennie Medland, Area Co-ordinator for The Labrador Lifeline Trust said: "His face was sore and all under his chest and tummy was dry and crusty...he looked thoroughly miserable and depressed."
As part of Rocco's treatment by the Trust's vet, his food was changed to Wafcol Salmon and Potato and after just a few weeks he became a different dog. Pennie said: "The hair on his face has grown back, the awful itching has stopped and his general demeanor is so different from the sad depressed boy I first saw. He has cheered up no end and is really bouncy - it's fantastic to see. Our thanks go out to Wafcol."
For further details about the Wafcol Sensitive range of diets, visit www.wafcol.co.uk or call 0844 375 7002 now.
Companion Care is launching a new division to develop a network of joint venture surgeries on high streets around the UK.
Thus far, 62 out of the company's 66 surgeries have been located inside Pets at Home stores. The company says it plans to more than double the number of surgeries over the next 5 years, both within Pets at Home stores and on the high street.
The new surgeries will be branded Companion Care Vets. According to the company, they'll be full service practices featuring the latest equipment, situated in locations which offer clients easy access. Managing director, Jane Balmain, said: "The in-store model we operate has been very successful and offers a unique business proposition based around the customer footfall in Pets at Home stores. We will continue to accelerate the growth in numbers of in-store surgeries as the Pets at Home store footprint expands. "While in-store has been hugely successful and the driver in our growth, we know that there are many vets and veterinary nurses who are interested in a joint venture partnership but whose preference is to have a more traditional looking standalone surgery. To enable us to launch partnerships with these professionals we are developing a standalone surgery network plan. We already have 4 very successful standalone surgeries and we feel now is the right time to develop the stand alone concept as a mainstream business proposition." While the new surgeries will be standalone, Companion Care says they will be affiliated with local local Pets at Home stores to drive client registration and business development.
Jane added: "These stand alone surgeries will offer a unique business proposition due to our Pets at Home relationship. We believe that with this new venture we can offer any potential partner the best of both worlds: a superb in-store surgery with footfall of thousands of customers a month, or a standalone new surgery linked to local store(s) to develop the business. I don't believe any other company can offer this unique proposition."
Is this the warm up for the mother of all high street battles between Companion Care and Vets4Pets?
Hipra, a veterinary pharmaceutical company with subsidiaries in 19 countries, has opened in the UK and launched Eficur (ceftiofur hydrochloride).
Eficur is a ready to use injectable suspension for the treatment of bacterial respiratory disease associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histhophillus Somni in cattle and additionally Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, Streptococcus suis and others in swine.
Eficur is also licensed for the treatment of acute interdigital necrobacillosis (panaritium, foot rot) and the bacterial component of acute post-partum (puerperal) metritis in cattle.
Eficur is available in a presentation of 50 ml, 100 ml and 250 ml. The 250 ml presentation also includes an innovative unbreakable protector.
For further information please contact: Hipra UK on 0115 812 0499 or uk@hipra.com, or visit www.hipra.com
Janssen Animal Health has produced a new DVD called 'Fluke: That's a Fact', which is available free from the company.
The 18 minute film features TV presenter Michaela Strachan discussing the big issues surrounding fluke in sheep, such as the effects on productivity and fertility and the need to adapt treatment regimes to reflect the current challenge in the environment, weather patterns and the possibility of resistance to commonly used flukicides. There is also a section on Haemonchus, the Barber's Pole worm, as the parasite has been reported in a number of farms in the last few years.
According to the company, fluke is becoming increasingly common and is moving into new areas of the UK. There is increasing evidence that a single autumn / winter dose of flukicide may not always be enough to control the disease on some farms and more frequent dosing programmes are now often proposed that look more long term to reduce the level of the disease on farms, especially on those farms with high infection pressure. The film clearly explains these different approaches and the benefits of treating at various times of the year.
Janssen's Livestock Marketing Manager Nigel Underwood hopes the film will be a great educational tool that will help both farmers and SQPs better understand the disease: "With ten easy to watch sections, people will be able to listen to the whole story or just dip into those areas where they feel they need to know more. With her long standing interest in the countryside and wildlife, Michaela Strachan was the perfect choice to present what can be a rather complex story and I'm sure everyone will enjoy her clear explanation of the facts."
To request a DVD or for further information, please contact Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4EG. Tel 01494 567555 Fax 01494 567556 Email: ahealth@its.jnj.com www.janssenanimalhealth.com/uk
The British Veterinary Association has reacted to the Comprehensive Spending Review announced by the Government.
BVA President, Harvey Locke said: "Clearly this is a substantial hit on Defra's overall budget but there are some elements to welcome.
"We are pleased with the commitment to protecting the science base and Defra's clear focus on tackling TB and we await with interest future announcements on how the Government plans to introduce responsibility and cost sharing.
"However, the Government has put a lot of emphasis on securing flood defences within Defra's budget and we remain concerned that other crucial animal health and welfare issues could be further squeezed in this massively reduced budget.
"The BVA will continue to champion these health and welfare issues to ensure they remain a priority for the Department."
A PVC-U window company based in Oldham has launched a new range of animal cages specifically for use in veterinary surgeries, animal rescue centres, kennels and catteries.
Liversidge Windows was approached by its local animal rescue centre Pennine Pen last year to build a series of bespoke cages for its sick animals, and the company says the results were so successful that it is now marketing the range nationwide.
Ian Liversidge, Managing Director of Liversidge Windows, said: "Once we started building the cages, we wondered why no one had thought of it before. Our REHAU PVC-U is the perfect material for this application and overcomes all of the problems associated with the steel or wooden alternatives."
He added: "The cages exploit all of the inherent benefits of PVC-U as a construction material to deliver a safe, hygienic and warm environment for virtually any kind of pet.
"They are robust and durable and overcome all of the maintenance and cleaning problems normally associated with plywood or steel cages. They are hygienic and easy to wipe clean, with a smooth internal and external surface which does not harbour germs or disease."
Weather proof for either indoor or outdoor use, Liversidge says they are also much warmer than cages made with conventional materials and can also be supplied with insulated panels for additional comfort.
Liversidge can design pens to customers' own sizes and specifications, with options including double or single accommodation, left or right hand door opening and castors if required. They are supplied fully assembled and can be delivered nationwide.
Further details are available at: http://www.liversidgeupvcwindows.co.uk/animal_pens.html
Mary Bale, 45, has been banned from keeping animals for five years today after she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a cat which she dumped in a wheelie bin, in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Bale, of St Michael's Road, Coventry, was also fined £265 and ordered to pay the costs of the case, which totalled £1,171.
Coventry magistrates' court heard how Bale picked up the four-year-old tabby cat, named Lola, outside the cat's home in Brays Lane, Coventry, and put her into the bin on Saturday 21 August this year.
Lola's owners, Stephanie and Darryl Andrews-Mann, discovered their cat inside the wheelie bin the next day. She had been there for approximately 15 hours.
Upon viewing their CCTV the owners saw Bale approach Lola, who was sitting on a garden wall. She then looked both ways before picking the cat up by the scruff of her neck and dropping her into the bin.
The RSPCA was alerted after the footage was posted on the internet and Bale was identified.
District Judge Caroline Goulborn said: "I accept that you were in a stressful situation but that is no excuse. The potential to cause harm to the cat was substantial."
RSPCA inspector Nicola Foster said: "This was a deliberate act and could have had far worse consequences as the defendant had no way of knowing if there was anything like broken glass in the bin, nor how long the cat would be there before she was found, nor if the bin was due to be emptied.
"We are pleased that the Court agreed that a complete disregard was shown for the cat's welfare and that the cat suffered/cat's needs were not met as a result of being stuck inside the bin for so many hours.
"However, we hope that this sentence will act as a deterrent to anyone who feels that it is acceptable to mistreat animals in any way."
In mitigation, Bale said that her father had been taken to hospital following a fall. She said she walked past the house daily and regularly stroked Lola. She said she had asked herself on an hourly basis since the incident why she had put Lola in the bin, but had no answer.
The RCVS is holding a session at the London Vet Show on Saturday 23rd October from 8:30am-9:30am to provide guidance and advice concerning the work your nursing team does in practice.
As the RCVS says, the recent Panorama programme "It shouldn't happen at a vets'" was a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that all practice staff are working within the appropriate legal framework.
The session will answer such questions as:
Because of the early start, the RCVS is providing breakfast from 8:15am, though I wouldn't get your hopes up for eggs benedict and freshly smoked Loch Fyne kippers.
The RCVS says the session will be relevant for all members of the practice team, but that if you can't make the session, they will be on hand to discuss VN legislation on stand M26.
Horiba Medical - UK has launched MLT-Diode Laser Systems, specifically designed for veterinary use, as part of its portfolio of animal healthcare products.
According to the company, the MLT-Diode Lasers are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of veterinary applications including surgery, endoscopy, dentistry and irradiation.
The two models, the MLT-Diode Laser Classic and Premium, both feature touch screen controls and are adaptable to each users individual preferences. Designed with small animal practices in mind, the Classic has a performance out-put of 8 watts whilst the more powerful Premium model is for equine medicine with an output of 15 watts. The system is mounted on a mobile cart with a protection case, allowing the whole system to be moved between treatment rooms and enabling near patient application.
Horiba Medical will be exhibiting the MLT-Diode Laser Systems at the London Vet Show at Olympia, 22nd to 23rd October 2010, on Stand M4.
Ceva Animal Health is joining forces with Dog's Trust to carry out a radio campaign to educate owners on the importance of preparing their pets for the firework season.
The series of interviews - which will go out on both BBC and local radio on Tuesday 26 October - will cover the precautions that owners can take to help, comfort and reassure their pets while fireworks are going off, together with the benefits of using the leading veterinary behaviour products, DAP and Feliway. Chris Lawrence from the Dog's Trust and Lucy Brett, key account manager for charities at Ceva will be interviewed during the campaign, which will advise owners to seek further information from their local veterinary practice.
For further details on the radio campaign, please contact your local Ceva Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
BCF has announced upgrades to the Easi-Scan bovine ultrasound scanner which include improved image quality and additions to the BCF Universal Googles (BUGs) range.
The BUGs range now includes a new LCD model and a monocular version. According to the company, the LCD version provides a softer, more familiar image and considerably lower price, while the monocular version is ideal for the small percentage of people that struggle to see a single image in a binocular style goggle.
John Dawson from Willows Veterinary Group, Cheshire said: "The LCD BUG has a softer image which I prefer. They give more differentiation of echogenic grading allowing more detail to be seen. When I first used them I thought they were going to be more expensive, but to get a better image at a lower price I was astonished."
Gavin Mitchell from BCF said: "These new product developments for Easi-Scan and BUGs are a great illustration of how we are committed to responding to our customers' feedback, opinions and recommendations. At BCF, we design, develop and manufacture our own equipment. It is so important to continually work closely with our customers, to continue to create world-leading ultrasound equipment."
For more information visit www.bcftechnology.com
Abbey Veterinary Group in Chaddesden, Derby has won a dental x-ray system worth £2,500 in a prize draw held by Pedigree.
The competition aimed to encourage veterinary practices to sign up for the inaugural Oral Care Month which saw 1109 clinics educating dog owners on the importance of regular dental care.
Clive McPherson, veterinary partner at Abbey Veterinary Group, said: "We were extremely pleased to hear that we had won the dental x-ray system. We had been planning to upgrade our dental facilities and this was one item that was high on our wish list. The new machine will enable us to carry out our dental work to a higher standard and will be of use in other maxilla facial problems. We expect it to be used daily and we are very grateful to Pedigree for its very generous prize."
Horiba Medical has announced the addition of the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System for veterinary endoscopic applications to its range of animal healthcare products. According to the company, the system is suitable for everyday small animal practice and includes a base unit and video otoscope attachment with a range of accessories for various applications.
Both the 1/3" CCD video camera and cold light source are combined in one solid and easy to operate unit, whilst the single cable technology enables the transfer of clear, magnified endoscopic images to the monitor. The camera can also be used independent of the light source and combined with a standard microscope to display urine, haematological and cytological slides. The single cable technology is facilitated by the TWIN Lock connection which enables the cable to be connected to the endoscopes with a secure bayonet lock. Offering high mobility and flexibility during examinations, the single cable makes the examination of agitated and moving animals easier.
The Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System includes a complete set of equipment for all otoscopic examinations. The 90° video otoscope attachment can be combined with six different examination sheaths, permitting the examination of ears, oral cavity and teeth. The combined suction and irrigation sheath enables the flushing of inflammation from the ear under visual control prior to topical treatment. Horiba says that with the working sheath, removal of foreign objects, biopsy and even dental examinations of smaller animals such as rodents is much faster, easier and more secure when following the enhanced visual display.
Optional endoscopes are also available for the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System, expanding the possible applications by adding rhinoscopic, bronchoscopic, cystoscopic and gynaecological functionality.
Horiba will be exhibiting the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System at the London Vet Show at Olympia, 22nd to 23rd October 2010, on Stand M4.
Merseyside police are urging members of the public and veterinary practices to exercise caution following the theft of some prescription veterinary medicines from a commercial vehicle in Prescot.
The missing medication is around ten 100ml bottles of Micotil, a prescription-only veterinary medicine used to treat respiratory problems in cattle and sheep, but which could prove fatal if taken by humans.
The drug, which was packaged in cardboard with Spanish labelling, was stolen from a lorry that had parked last Thursday night on an industrial park at Caddick Road, Prescot, prior to making a delivery to a company in Speke.
PC Dufton-Kelly of Huyton Police Station's Crime Management Unit said: "We believe this was simply an opportunist theft, which has left the offenders with a rather unusual product on their hands, with little or no opportunity for gain.
"We would like to alert the veterinary industry, particularly in the Merseyside area, in case the goods are handed in or offered for sale. The drugs could present a danger to the public if they fall into the wrong hands."
Anyone who finds the drugs is asked to contact their nearest police station via 0151 709 6010. Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
London's Savile Row was turned into a sheep field today, to highlight The Campaign For Wool; a coalition of industry groups convened by HRH The Prince of Wales to educate consumers about the benefits of wool.
As the sheep grazed, the Row's famous tailoring houses held events where the public could find out more about the natural, sustainable qualities of wool.
Douglas Cordeaux, Managing Director of West Country woollen mill Fox Brothers, one of the organisations behind the promotion said: "We have a collective responsibility to champion this versatile, sustainable and natural fibre, the production of which involves far lower carbon emissions than man‐made alternatives. We need to support farmers who are the custodians of our rural landscape and truly value the qualities of this wonderful resource, which is used to weave the finest luxury cloth you can buy."
John Thorley of the Campaign for Wool said: 'I'd like to see wool re-established as a fibre of consequence where workers get paid properly and people recognise that this animal is useful to the farming sector in a multitude of ways.'
For more information, see www.campaignforwool.org and www.savilerowfieldday.com
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Prascend, the first licensed product for the treatment of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses, commonly known as Equine Cushing's Disease.
Prascend contains pergolide mesylate, and is supplied in 60 and 160 tablet packs of 1mg tablets.
Craig Beck, equine sales and marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica said: "Many horses and ponies with Cushing's Disease benefit from treatment with pergolide, however, with less than 200 people still being treated with pergolide in the UK, many vets and horse owners have expressed concern that they will not be able access treatment in the future.
"We have invested in dedicated veterinary manufacturing of this product, and can assure our customers that the future supply of Prascend is guaranteed irrespective of any changes of in the human generic market."
For further information, visit www.prascend.co.uk or call 01344 746959
Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, has launched into the UK companion animal market with a pledge to listen to vets and provide a highly personalised level of support.
The company will initially offer recognised brands such as equine vaccines from the Duvaxyn range, Felocell vaccine for cats and equine wormer Strongid P. It says it is also developing a range of innovative new products designed to address the unmet needs of companion animals, the first of which are expected to be launched during 2011.
Mrs Tina Hunt, a Glasgow Vet School graduate and most recently, Veterinary Business Director at Fort Dodge UK, has been appointed with a remit to build the Elanco Companion Animal Health organisation in the UK. Reporting to Jannes Nijland, Director Elanco Western Europe, she will spearhead the company's growth and relationship building with veterinary practices across the country.
Tina said: "Recent changes in the animal health sector make it an exciting time to be launching a new companion animal brand. The opportunity to be in at the start and to shape a completely new business from scratch was too good to miss. My team shares a passion to combine the best of our experience with new approaches and new ways of working which are more closely attuned to what vets actually want. This means doing things differently and this is a challenge we relish.
We seek a genuine partnership with the profession and look forward to building close, individual relationships with vets and practices, helping them to enable companion animals to live longer, healthier and higher quality lives. While we're a newcomer in this sector, we benefit from the track record and resources available to Elanco, the fifth largest animal company in the world. We're determined to make Elanco Companion Animal Health a trusted and valued partner to vets working in companion animal practice."
Elanco develops and markets products to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 75 countries. The company employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, with offices in more than 40 countries, and is a division of Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical corporation. Additional information about Elanco is available at www.elancopet.com and the company can be contacted via email: elancoCAH.uk@lilly.com
With Christmas just around the corner, Petplan is giving practices the chance to win £1,000 towards a Christmas party.
Any member of a practice can enter the competition by visiting www.petplanvet.co.uk.
Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew said, "It's been another busy year for vet practices and we want to thank them for their tireless efforts to keep the nations pets full of health. The £1000 will allow them to really celebrate the festive season in style."
Veterinary staff can also enter the competition at the Petplan stand at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) from 8th-10th October and at the London Vet Show on 22nd-23rd October 2010.
A research project funded by The Horse Trust has discovered that a racehorse's performance does not markedly change after it has recovered from a tendon injury.
The research was led by Bryan O'Meara, who is in the final year of a three year clinical training scholarship funded by The Horse Trust.
Mr. O'Meara carried out the research at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Newbury, under the supervision of epidemiologist Dr Tim Parkin from University of Glasgow.
Tendonitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses, with a prevalence of 11-30%, according to earlier research.
Mr. O'Meara examined the clinical records and racing histories of 400 racehorses who had been treated for superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis injuries over a five year period (2003-2008).
The race records of horses affected by tendon injury were compared with 400 matched control horses that had never suffered SDF tendon injuries.
The controls were horses training in the same establishment at the time of injury and of the same age and sex as the case horse.
The research looked at the performance of the racehorses in races before and after treatment for the injury, and at the performance of the control horses before and after the treatment date. The Racing Post Rating (RPR), which is published by the Racing Post after every race, was used as a measure of performance.
Mr. O'Meara found that there was no significant difference in RPR before and after the treatment date in case and control horses.
According to The Horse Trust, this result is unexpected as in vitro studies have found that healed tendon tissue has reduced elasticity due to the presence of scar tissue. This suggests that a horse with a healed SDF tendon would need to work its muscles harder to compensate and would therefore be expected to have lower performance.
Mr. O'Meara said more research is needed to back-up his finding that performance isn't significantly affected by tendon injury: "It could be that using Racing Post Rating to measure performance isn't sensitive enough to pick up a change in the horse's performance. However, it's encouraging that there's no marked change in performance after a horse has recovered from a tendon injury. These findings show that there's no need to give up on a horse that has a tendon injury - they can still come back and perform well, or can be used for other, less demanding riding activities."
The research also found that there was no significant difference between case and control horses when returning to racing and completing three races. Only after completing five races, or three years post treatment, was a significant difference found between case and control horses. This finding is a step towards developing a more accurate assessment of tendon treatment. Outcome after five races or three years post treatment is a better indicator of the outcome of treatment.
Mr. O'Meara said: "At the moment, some tendon treatments state their success as the percentage of horses that return to racing after treatment. However, we've shown that there's no significant difference between case and control horses at this time. At the moment, there are a myriad of treatments available to treat tendonitis. Hopefully this finding will be used in further research to learn which treatments are most effective."
Mr O'Meara's research also found a link between SDF tendon injury and the racehorse competing at its maximum performance level: the case horses were significantly nearer to their pre-injury maximum performance level in the race immediately before injury (compared to matched controls), suggesting that they were competing nearer their individual maximum performance level when the SDF tendon injury occured.
The RCVS and VN Councils Elections are now open for nominations from candidates who wish to stand in 2011.
RCVS Registrar Jane Hern said: "We are always pleased when veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are prepared to contribute personally to the activities of the College and the governance of their own professions.
"Serving as a Council Member requires a fair amount of an individual's time and effort however, so we are announcing the nomination period in good time to allow people the chance to consider their options and make plans accordingly."
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2011 elections. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials. Nobody can nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make nominations.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2011. Full details and guidance notes for both elections are available on the RCVS Council Election page and VN Council Election page.
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may be requested from Mrs Gabi Braun (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).