NOAH Chair Gaynor Hillier said: "The production and supply of veterinary medicines is totally dependent on complex international supply chains that must continue to function effectively after Brexit, their unique status being recognised in the recent government White Paper.
"Raw materials will need to arrive at manufacturing sites and veterinary medicines will need to be transported across borders to meet market requirements. Any border delays, additional complex processes or increased costs will risk medicines availability for UK vets, farmers and all our animals."
According to a recent NOAH member survey, less than 15% of companies say they are prepared for a 'hard Brexit' with the vast majority of respondents saying they are not fully prepared should there be a reversion to WTO rules on 30 March 2019.
NOAH says this is not through lack of effort or unawareness of the need to act, but due to the magnitude of the complex tasks involved in such a specialist sector, coupled with uncertainty over what a 'no-deal' Brexit will look like.
In contrast, almost 60% of companies said they are prepared for a transition period to December 2020. Even then, NOAH says the proposed transition period will not be enough in some cases.
The survey examined product availability in the UK: almost 55% of respondents reported potential availability issues for the UK market impacting more than 40% of their products. The full spectrum of types of products (from vaccines to painkillers: from antibiotics to wormers) across all animal species (farm, equine and pet) are potentially at risk, with particular concerns raised around the supply chain for vaccines.
Eurican Herpes is used to vaccinate pregnant bitches to prevent mortality, clinical signs and lesions in puppies from canine herpes virus infections acquired in the first few days of life, through passive immunity. It is the only canine herpes vaccine.
Humphrey Grimmett, Business Head for the pet prescription portfolio at Boehringer Ingelheim said: “We do understand how disruptive and frustrating it is when vaccines such as Eurican Herpes aren’t available to veterinary practices.
“We would like to reassure veterinary practices that we are doing everything we can behind the scenes to re-establish supply of Eurican Herpes, and we thank them for their support and patience.”
For further information, contact Boehringer’s Technical Services Team on 01344 746957 or email vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com.
The initiative will run until early 2019, and has been expanded to include cats as well as dogs. In the run up, Lintbells is also offering lunch and learn sessions to help practices implement the clinics.
The company reports that feedback from 50 veterinary surgeons, nurses and practice managers who took part in the initiative last year was encouragingly positive. 86% agreed or strongly agreed that they are now managing mobility issues more effectively in practice and 90% thought client compliance had increased.
96% said they thought vets, nurses and reception staff were communicating more effectively. 95% thought the training had improved staff morale. 94% of veterinary staff felt clients were more confident about managing their pet’s condition and 92% thought more mobility issues had been identified. 74% said they thought practice revenue had increased.
Lintbells Brand Manager, Gemma Cunningham said: "We’re really pleased to be able to help practices to provide support for pets with stiff joints. This year we’ve made some exciting additions to the practice pack based on our ongoing conversations and feedback. Mobility issues in cats are often overlooked and we want to raise awareness and help support owners. By including cats this time round we hope to assist practices with their efforts to encourage cat owners to have their less active and sedentary cats checked out."
Practices that want to register an interest in receiving a Mobility Matters pack can contact their local Lintbells Veterinary Business Development Executive or visit www.lintbellsvet.com.
Equitop GLME is a palatable, pearl formulation joint supplement developed to support the healthy function of cartilage, joint capsules, tendons and ligaments. It is derived from an active extract of New Zealand Green Lip Mussels - a natural source of glucosaminoglycans (GAGs), chondroitin and essential fatty acids – and is tested free of prohibited substances.
Boehringer says the nutrients in Equitop GLME help to lubricate joints, as well as supporting normal joint function, the stability and elasticity of ligaments and the shock-absorbing properties of cartilage.
Equitop GLME is fed once a day either separately or mixed with feed and one tub will typically last for 30 days and can be used in all horses and ponies.
Dr Amy Scott, brand manager for Equitop GLME at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "By encompassing Equitop GLME into the Equitop portfolio and launching easy-to-read new packaging, we are enhancing our product offering to both veterinary practices and horse owners."
For more information, contact your Boehringer account manager.
Canine leishmaniosis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, which is found in most continents1. L. infantum is most commonly transmitted through the bite of sand flies and Bayer says there is a growing concern among parasitologists that the distribution of the disease is increasing due to climate change and more frequent pet travel.
Dr. Markus Edingloh, Head of Global Veterinary Scientific Affairs at Bayer Animal Health, said: "We are seeing more cases of canine leishmaniosis in areas where the disease had not previously been found. Dogs travelling and imported from endemic areas are of particular concern for introduction of the disease, while climate change is contributing to the spread of the vector.
It is therefore vital that veterinarians are aware of the disease and are recommending appropriate protection for dogs travelling to, or living in, endemic areas."
In dogs, there are a wide range of potential clinical signs associated with leishmaniosis including generalised lymphadenopathy, weight loss, lethargy, pyrexia, cutaneous lesions, ocular lesions and neurological or vascular disorders, while the severity of disease can vary from mild to life threatening2,3. In humans L. infantum tends to be responsible for the most severe form of leishmaniosis, visceral leishmaniasis, which can be fatal.
While distribution is worldwide, L. infantum is particularly prevalent in South America and the Mediterranean, with annual cases of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in people estimated to be 3,500 in Brazil and 875 in the Mediterranean1.
In some areas, over 80% of canine leishmaniosis cases may be asymptomatic1. However, the infection level in asymptomatic dogs is such that these dogs, in addition to the dogs showing clinical disease, can still be responsible for the spread of disease4. Therefore protection against infection to help control spread is vital for both human and dog health, as clinical cases will not always be obvious.
The non-profit scientific association, LeishVet, recommends that prevention should include the use of a long-acting topical insecticide throughout the period of sand fly activity: "Long-acting topical insecticides applied to dogs living in or travelling to endemic areas should be maintained during the entire risk period of potential exposure to/or activity of sand flies."
Bayer says that Seresto, which contains imidacloprid and flumethrin in a slow release collar, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of infection with Leishmania infantum in dogs for up to eight months. Three clinical field studies, performed in endemic areas, indicated a significant reduction in the risk of Leishmania infantum transmission by sand flies in treated dogs compared to non-treated dogs. The efficacy in the reduction of the risk of infection with leishmaniosis ranged from 88.3 to 100% 5,6,7.
For more information, visit www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk/seresto.
References
Now, when you search Google for something which includes the word 'job' or 'jobs', Google presents an easy-to-filter list of local vacancies. You can also search in other locations.
One of the criteria for a job advert to be listed in Google for Jobs is that it must first have appeared on a webpage written with special code which allows the search engine to read the advert correctly.
VetSurgeon Jobs has been upgraded to include this code, and jobs advertised on VetSurgeon.org are now appearing on Google for Jobs.
VetSurgeon Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "We've known this was coming for some time, so we made sure VetSurgeon Jobs would be ready as soon as Google unveiled the new system.
"It has yet to be seen how widely Google for Jobs will be used by veterinary surgeons looking for a job. Back in the day, you'd have to wait for the latest copy of Vet Times to arrive in the post in order to find a job. Then came the internet, and with it a small handful of job websites worth checking for veterinary vacancies, of which VetSurgeon Jobs is one.
"Now, Google for Jobs provides one-stop search from most of the big players, although not all veterinary job boards are compatible with the new system and notably Indeed is excluded from Google for Jobs search results.
"The question now is whether jobseekers will continue to go directly to their favourite job website, or search Google first. Either way, though, you'll find jobs advertised on VetSurgeon.org!"
What do you think of the new Google for Jobs feature? Comment below.
The pack includes a new leaflet written by the dog behaviourist, Gwen Bailey, and supported by Blue Cross, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Wood Green, Puppy School, International Cat Care and Cats Protection.
The leaflet explains the signs of firework fears in both dogs and cats, how to keep pets calm and safe while fireworks are going off and the importance of ensuring that puppies become accustomed to loud and sudden noises gradually. It also highlights the benefits of pheromone support with Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser and Feliway CLASSIC Diffuser.
The company has also provided a leaflet holder, wall display, bunting and social media tool kit containing online banners, suggested social media posts, pet owner email text, PR and presentations.
Vouchers will be available for free Adaptil and Feliway for pet owners already purchasing product.
Abigail King, behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "Our vibrant new fireworks marketing and display pack will help raise awareness of the signs of firework fears and the preventative measures that owners can carry out at home to help them keep their pets calm and safe during the fireworks season."
To request a copy of the fireworks marketing and display pack, contact your Ceva Animal Health territory manager or telephone 01494 781510.
Lynn Jo Ann Davies MRCVS first appeared before the Committee in January 2018 to face a number of charges related to two drink-driving offences, breaching the terms of her undertakings to the College as part of its Health Protocol, and being under the influence of alcohol on three occasions while she was on duty as a veterinary surgeon in December 2016.
Dr Davies admitted all five charges against her and admitted that this meant she was unfit to practise veterinary surgery and that she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect. The Committee accepted her admissions and found, with the exception of one allegation, that her conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.
At its first hearing the Committee having considered both aggravating and mitigating circumstances decided to postpone the hearing for six months on the basis of Dr Davies’ entering into a new set of undertakings, including one not to practise veterinary surgery and to remain abstinent from alcohol during the period of postponement.
At the second hearing, in July 2018, the Disciplinary Committee resumed its sanction inquiry decision. Dr Davies’ Counsel submitted on her behalf that Dr Davies wished to return to practise and the Committee reviewed her witness statements, documentary proof and medical records that she provided to demonstrate she had complied with the her undertakings given at the last hearing.
Stuart Drummond, Chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "Having had the opportunity to see and hear from the respondent when she gave evidence and when she answered the questions put to her, the view formed of her current state of health was favourable. All members of the Committee considered that the account she gave of herself in the witness box was confident and they were reassured by her evidence as to how she now sets about managing her levels of stress and how she reacted to stressful incidents.
"Such concerns as the Committee had about her return to practice concerned her ability to receive support from a third party who would act as a mentor…the Committee therefore requires the Respondent to identify, within a period of one month of today’s date, a veterinary surgeon who would agree to act as her mentor. That mentor would have to be a veterinary surgeon acceptable to the College as someone suitable to act in that capacity and that mentor would have to be approved before the Respondent could resume practice.
"A further requirement of the Committee would be that the Respondent should make a disclosure to any new employer of the fact of her appearances before this Committee in January 2018 and in July 2018 and of the decisions of the Committee in relation to both such hearings. The final requirement of the Committee in this respect is that the respondent should not accept a 'sole charge position' at any time during her employment during this next period of postponement of sanction."
The Committee directed that the hearing be postponed for a further 12 months.
Comments received from students included: "They are an extremely supportive team that are very keen to teach and get the students involved at every opportunity" and: "They are very good at getting students involved and making them feel like part of the team".
Other winners included Fiona Ridout, pictured right, who won the award for the most engaged veterinary student on EMS placement. She had consistently excellent feedback across all her placements and significantly exceeded the RCVS required number of weeks for pre-clinical and clinical EMS. Feedback comments included: "Fiona has been highly motivated and reliable, always keen to help and gain experience"; "Fiona is one of the best students that we've have ever had"; 'Her clinical knowledge improves each time she visits", and: "Interactions from staff and clients have been impressive".
Golden Valley Vets in Nailsea Park, Bristol won the students’ award for most supportive veterinary nursing placement practice. Comments received from students included: "All the staff were really friendly, welcoming and patient and I left feeling like part of the team", and: "I was actively encouraged and supported with my Nursing Progress Log during my time there".
Megan Piper won the award for the most engaged veterinary nursing student on EMS placement. Megan received excellent feedback from her EMS placements and from her rotations. Feedback comments included: "When Megan qualifies she will make an excellent nurse and a very valued member of any team"; "Megan has consistently demonstrated a professional, motivated approach to her work in practice", and: "Our Referral Vets and Clinical Director were all very sad that she has finished her placement with us, and have invited her to come back once she has qualified".
Veronica Roberts, Senior Clinical Fellow in Equine Medicine at the University of Bristol said: "The University of Bristol believes that EMS prizes encourage and acknowledge student learning in a practical ‘real world’ situation, thus supporting the university in its aim to prepare graduates for day one competencies and life-long learning. We are grateful to practices for the invaluable contribution they make towards student education through offering EMS placements."
Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis said: "At Zoetis we are dedicated to supporting animal health through a wide range of quality medicines, vaccines, services and education so we are proud to sponsor these important prizes. They enable winning students to choose a preferred academic resource to help support them during their important first years in practice, while the winning practices can be formally thanked for their invaluable commitment and support."
The new chews incorporate Fr3sh technology, which Virbac says cleanses, cools and addresses the digestive causes of bad breath.
According to the company's research, the new chews provide significant daily breath improvement from Day 1 for a full 24 hours1, as well as continued breath improvement over a 2-week period. 90% of owners highlighted an improvement in bad breath following use of the chews1.
Virbac says the product is also scientifically proven to reduce calculus and plaque when given daily.2
Product Manager Claire Lewis said: "With 2 out of 3 pet owners having a least one dog with bad breath3, we are delighted to be able to add new VeggieDent Fr3sh to the Virbac range of oral healthcare products."
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
References:
The BEVA has welcomed the news, whilst expressing its concern that the drug was suspended without consultation with the veterinary profession in the first place.
Jon Pycock, BEVA President said: "It remains a concern to BEVA that this mechanism was not put in place before the suspension of flunixin was imposed. Contrary to assertions by the VMD, wholesalers were unable to meet the demands of the veterinary profession and clinical use of this medicine was disrupted within 24 hours of the VMD’s initial announcement.
"We are surprised by the Regulator’s lack of awareness of availability in the supply chain and question why there was no consultation with the veterinary sector before the suspension was enacted. The VMD has been aware of this issue since March 2018 and it appears that no contingency was put in place to consider the animal welfare impact of this decision until it was too late."
BEVA Junior Vice President and Specialist in Equine Surgery Tim Mair continued: "Flunixin is a unique medicine in managing pain and sepsis in horses with colic. The VMD appeared to believe that this medicine could be substituted for other veterinary medicines and this is simply not the case. The release of stock from manufacturers is a short-term solution and, looking forward, we would like assurances that the VMD will fast track applications for the modification of product licenses to ensure that equine vets have continued access to these products."
Professor Kate White, Senior Vice President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists added: "Provision of pain relief is essential to maintain animal welfare. The loss of these products would hinder the work of vets working with horses and donkeys and in zoos where they are first line drugs for the management of pain. Use of flunixin in these animals can be undertaken safely with no impact on human health."
Stock of flunixin held by manufacturers will be distributed alongside a ‘caution in use’ letter that will explain the restricted use of this product. BEVA is reminding all equine vets that the horse’s food chain status must be checked when using this product – either using the paper passport or the recently launched chip checker on the central equine database website.
Mr Molnar had been convicted at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court in March 2018 of five counts of importing puppies to the UK in contravention of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974.
At that court hearing he also pleaded guilty to one count of keeping premises as a pet shop without the authority of a licence granted by a local authority.
As a result of his conviction Mr Molnar was sentenced to 270 hours of unpaid supervised work and was ordered to pay compensation of £2,683.93 and costs of £250.
The Committee, which proceeded with the hearing in Mr Molnar’s absence, found that the RCVS charges against Mr Molnar were proven and went on to consider whether, individually and cumulatively, they resulted in Mr Molnar being unfit to practice being a veterinary surgeon.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee accepts the College’s submission that the fact that they [the puppies] were imported contrary to the law of the UK, because they were underage and had not been properly vaccinated, undermines the integrity of a system which is designed to ensure that effective vaccination and precautions against disease take place in every case.
"The Committee also notes that the convictions in this case were directly linked to the respondent’s veterinary practice, as they related to animals sold from his veterinary practice address. By operating an unlicensed pet shop, and by doing so through an email address that referred to his occupation as a veterinary surgeon, the respondent was abusing his position as a veterinary surgeon, and acting in a way that was liable to undermine the reputation of the profession."
The Committee therefore found that, because Mr Molnar’s conviction was directly linked to his veterinary practice and posed a substantial risk to animal welfare and public health, his conviction meant his conduct fell far short of what was expected of a professional.
In considering the sanction for Mr Molnar the Committee considered that, while he had no previous convictions or adverse professional findings against him, the case against him was very serious "because of the risk of serious harm both to animals and the public, as well as being for financial gain."
Ian Green said: "The Committee considered that the respondent, as a veterinary surgeon, must have known the serious implications and consequences of what he was doing by importing these puppies unlawfully. The public should expect to be able to trust a veterinary surgeon to ensure that his conduct does not put at risk the health of both animals and humans."
Mr Green added that the Committee felt that the only appropriate sanction was to direct the Registrar to remove Mr Molnar’s name from the Register.
This multimillion pound centre will support the provision of advanced first opinion and referral equine services in the Midlands.
Senior Partner Richard Stephenson said: "It was a great honour and pleasure to have His Royal Highness visit our new premises, and our staff eagerly anticipated meeting Prince Charles and showing him the wonderful facilities we now have."
Amongst these are a Fujifilm SonoSite Edge II portable ultrasound system. Richard added: "Pool House is a well-known practice – we’ve been in existence for over 150 years – and we have developed a reputation as a specialist equine imaging centre, with radiography, ultrasound and MRI capabilities. The new facility has been designed to give us increased theatre capacity and stabling, and we needed an additional ultrasound system to match this expansion."
"The demands of equine practice mean that ultrasound is often required in difficult circumstances, and we need systems that can cope with extreme temperatures, dust, straw, mud, water and the occasional knock. Many pieces of equipment used in veterinary medicine were originally intended for a human clinical environment, so can’t stand up to the rigors of our work – they’re simply not fit for purpose. However, SonoSite systems are perfect for us; they’re robust, highly portable and very intuitive to use, which is important for intermittent ultrasound users."
The association has released figures from its Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey in which 86% of 671 veterinary surgeons polled in May/June last year had treated conformation-related health problems in brachycephalic cats, such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.
The most common conformation-related treatments carried out by these vets were for:
Eye problems (69%)
Breathing/respiratory problems (60%)
Dental issues (45%) and
Skin problems (32%).
The survey also found that on average, 28% of the flat-faced cats vets see in their practices have had or would benefit from having treatment for conformation-related health or welfare problems.
Respondents also said that only a quarter of brachycephalic cat owners were already aware of the potential health issues and just one in twenty were aware of the additional costs associated with the breeds before choosing their pet.
BVA Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said: "Everyone knows that the internet loves cat photos and videos. But as time passes we’ve noticed a growing appetite for novelty creeping in - with quirky and unusual cat breeds proving increasingly popular on social media.
"Currently the UK population of pure breed cats is very small as most cat owners opt for regular non-pedigree ‘moggies’. However, we are worried that the popularity on the internet of breeds with extreme conformation, such as the very flat-faced Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, or gene abnormalities such as cause the ears to bend forward in the Scottish Fold breed, may prompt increased demand among consumers who are unaware of the potential serious health and welfare issues associated with such breeding.
"These figures show that many, many owners are choosing pets without understanding either the possible welfare implications of their extreme features or the potential cost of treating them."
The BVA, which has been campaigning to curb the growing popularity of brachycephalic breeds of dog for some time, says it is keen to emphasise that health and welfare issues relating to extreme conformation are not limited to dogs or to brachycephaly. To that end, it will be launching a wider position statement on extreme conformation in animals later this summer.
For BVA #BreedtoBreathe campaign materials, including infographics and videos which draw attention to the serious health issues experienced by brachycephalic animals, visit: www.bva.co.uk/brachys.
Photo: Shutterstock/Piyato
Filavac is licensed for use in rabbits within the UK and provides 12 month's duration of immunity, allowing it to fit into annual vaccination and healthcare plans.
Filavac can be administered from 10 weeks of age with a seven-day onset of immunity. It is presented in 5 x 0.5ml single dose packs.
Nicki Glen, marketing project manager for Filavac at Ceva Animal Health said: "Rabbits are increasingly popular as household pets and should therefore become an important focus for veterinary practices.
"We are delighted to have taken on the exclusive distribution of Filavac to provide veterinary practices with a competitively-priced and convenient vaccination for both RHDV 1 and 2."
For further information, contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory.
The Disciplinary Committee heard that Mrs Garfield had told a representative of the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) that she had possession of a greyhound called Lola, that she proposed keeping Lola living with her as an adoptee, and that she would not relinquish possession of Lola except to the RGT. This was despite the fact that, at the time of signing the adoption agreement, she had already given Lola to another charity named Greyhound Gap and that, as a result, her conduct was misleading and dishonest.
In considering the facts of the case, the Committee found the charges and all constituent parts proven and went on to consider whether this amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Judith Way, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The end result of the respondent’s decisions and conduct meant that RGT was persuaded to pass lawful possession and ownership of the dog Lola to the respondent when it would not have agreed to do so had it been told the truth by her.
"In truth, the respondent was not going to adopt and re-home Lola herself. Instead the respondent’s plan and intention was that Lola should be passed on to a third party who had been recommended by a rival dog rescue charity for rehome and adoption."
Judith added: "The consequence was that a social media dispute broke out when the rival dog charity decided to attempt to take advantage of the erroneous belief of the respondent that a decision had been taken by RGT to put Lola to sleep. The publicity generated by the respondent’s erroneous belief… was obviously adverse…. The gravamen [seriousness] of the respondent’s dishonest conduct was that she set one dog rescue charity against another, caused them to spend publicly raised funds on a legal dispute about who should be allowed to retain Lola when those precious funds ought, instead, to have been spent on their charitable objectives."
The Committee judged that the charge and its parts constituted serious professional misconduct and went on to consider the sanction against Mrs Garfield.
In considering the proportionate sanction the Committee took into account both mitigating and aggravating factors. In terms of aggravating factors the Committee considered that the dishonesty was pre-meditated, that she accused members of a rescue charity of lying and demonstrated no or only minimal insight into her wrongdoing. In mitigation the Committee considered that Mrs Garfield had cooperated with the College in its investigations, that she had acted in the genuine belief that she was acting in the best interests of Lola and that her conduct did not put Lola at risk or cause her to suffer any adverse consequences as a result. The Committee also accepted the testimonials and positive evidence from colleagues.
However, the Committee decided that removal from the Register would be the only appropriate sanction.
Summing up Judith Way said: "The reputational consequences for RGT were potentially significant bearing in mind that it is a rescue organisation with some 57 or so branches across the country. All of these consequences, actual and potential, stem from the respondent’s premeditated act of dishonesty in relation to which the Committee considers she showed very limited insight prior to this disciplinary hearing, as she did during the course of this hearing.
"In the result, it is the conclusion and decision of this Committee that the only proper sanction that can be imposed in this case is that the respondent’s name should be removed from the Register.”
Mrs Garfield has 28 days from being informed of the Committee’s decision to appeal.
The £35 course is aimed at veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practice managers who may be faced with difficult and sensitive conversations around pet loss with clients. It covers:
Empathy vs sympathy
Communicating with active listening skills
Open questions
Face-to-face emotional support, telephone support, email support and other written communication
The Blue Cross says that the new course complements its £280, eight-week 'Pet Bereavement Support' course for more in-depth training, and also its hourly webinars, which cost £20.
The eight-week course requires a minimum of three to four hours of study per week and counts towards 32 hours Continual Professional Development.
For specific needs, the Blue Cross can also work with practices to provide bespoke face-to-face training across the UK, specifically tailored and delivered at the practice.
For more information, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/pbss-course or call 01993 867216.
Virbac says that this means that irrespective of previous vaccination history, only a single injection of the vaccine given 12-3 weeks prior to calving is required to boost cow serum and therefore colostrum antibody levels against rotavirus, coronavirus and E. coli (K99) - the major and most common viral and bacterial causes of diarrhoea in dairy and beef calves.
Dr. Rosie Reyneke, Farm Animal Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "Bovigen Scour is the most recent single shot scour vaccine on the market, and now with the ease of use afforded by the new 1-shot protocol, will allow our customers to engage more deeply with farmers to develop the use of vaccination as a preventative means to improve the welfare of the UK’s dairy and beef calves."
Virbac says it has worked closely with the UK veterinary profession to ensure that the product performs well under UK conditions. Rosie added: "2018 marks 50 years of Virbac working in partnership with the veterinary profession around the world, and in following our traditions, we have engaged a number of prominent dairy and beef veterinary practices to test this, from John O’Groats in the north to Land’s End in the south. We wanted to be absolutely sure our vaccine meets the highest possible expectations of beef and dairy farmers across the UK”.
The AWF funds research, supports veterinary education, provides pet care advice and encourages debate on animal welfare issues.
AWF trustees are responsible for facilitating the achievement of the charity’s mission, providing strategic direction and safeguarding AWF’s brand and reputation.
The charity is now inviting applications from veterinary professionals with current or recent experience in production animal practice.
Trustees are expected to attend at least two meetings a year during their three-year term, as well as AWF’s annual flagship event in Westminster, the AWF Discussion Forum. They are also encouraged to engage with one or more of AWF’s Sub Committees focussing on particular areas of the charity’s activity, such as grant making and public education.
AWF Trustee Nicola Martin said: "Being an AWF Trustee gives you a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of welfare issues facing a variety of species rather than just those in your area of expertise. I enjoy discussing and debating issues, sharing my views and understanding those of others, as well as having the chance to shape the future of this great charity."
Simon Doherty, BVA Junior Vice President and AWF Trustee, said: "As a vet with a long-standing interest in research that provides an evidence base for animal welfare policy decisions, my involvement with AWF has given me the opportunity to promote research not only within my specialist fields of livestock and aquaculture but also learn more about welfare research in the companion animal sector.
"AWF does excellent work in engaging members of the public and the profession with crucial animal welfare topics, so I’d urge my colleagues to apply as Trustees to help direct the charity’s work in the future."
The deadline for AWF Trustee applications is 9am on 20 August 2018. For more information, visit: https://www.animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk/about-us/become-a-trustee/
Alabama rot, properly known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) first emerged in Alabama in the 1980s, hence the nickname. The lack of understanding on how it spreads or can be stopped has led to high fatality rates for dogs who develop it.
The reason for its sudden appearance in the UK six years ago also remains a mystery.
The disease causes small clots in blood vessels, which eventually result in skin ulcers, tissue damage, and kidney failure in many cases.
Many theories have been put forward about the cause; anything from E. coli-produced toxins to parasites and bacteria. However, without knowing the exact source it is impossible to develop an effective cure.
The treatment offered by QMHA is known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) or ‘plasmapheresis.’ This method involves filtering all the patient’s blood so that toxic substances, including whatever causes CRGV, are removed. Once filtered, the blood is returned to the patient.
The development of this treatment was made possible by the discovery of the similarities between Alabama Rot in dogs and thrombotic microangiopathy in humans, which is also treated with plasma exchange.
The QMHA academics reported that two out of six dogs who underwent plasmapheresis made a full recovery.
The full findings of the research have been published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science1.
Dr Stefano Cortellini, an author of the study and Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the RVC, said: "Despite the fact that only a third of dogs treated with TPE recovered from their disease, this is the first time that dogs so severely affected by CRGV have been reported to survive and so we remain optimistic that TPE may play an important role in the treatment of this deadly disease."
Reference
Daniella, a small animal and exotics vet who works at Parkvets in Kent and also chairs the BVA Ethics and Welfare Advisory Panel, phoned in to Nigel Farage's LBC radio show to point out, amongst other things, a predicted 300% shortfall in veterinary surgeons when we leave the EU.
A video of the skirmish went viral on Twitter, viewed 438,000 times at the time of writing. You can see the full video of the discussion below (starts at 1:22.08)
The College was ranked seventh in the medium-sized company or organisation category (50 to 449 employees) of the Best Workplaces for Women initiative.
This year is the first that the Great Place to Work Institute has run this initiative and, in making its rankings, it looked at a number of factors including the number and proportion of women in leadership positions, pay parity between men and women, workplace policies and how they support female employees, as well as training and development and mentoring.
Amanda Boag, RCVS President, said: "I am delighted that the RCVS has been recognised for being an excellent and supportive place for women to work and pleased that the hard work of the team at Belgravia House in this area has been publicly rewarded in this way.
"One of the key themes of my Presidential year is diversity and I think it is very important that, as a regulator, we reflect the veterinary profession (which is currently 63% female for veterinary surgeons and 98% female for veterinary nurses) as far as possible. With two-thirds of the staff at the RCVS being women it demonstrates that the College is largely reflective of the profession it serves.
"However, it’s not just about the numbers and with 60% of the Senior Team at the RCVS being women, including the CEO and Registrar, it demonstrates that the College has developed a culture in which women can shatter the glass ceiling and pursue leadership roles.
"Also, with policies such as flexible working hours, encouragement of home working, shared parental leave and enhanced maternity and paternity pay, the College goes the extra mile to support working parents."
All bar one of the suspended drugs contain the NSAID flunixin. The other affected drug is the antibiotic, Tribrissen:
Allevinix 50 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cattle, Pigs and Horses (Ceva Animal Health)
Cronyxin Injection, 5% w/v Solution for Injection, for cattle and horses (Cross Vetpharm Group Ltd)
Finadyne 50 mg/ml Solution for Injection for cattle, pigs and horses (Intervet UK Ltd)
Flunixin 50 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cattle, Horses and Pigs (Norbrook Laboratories Limited)
Meflosyl 5% Solution for Injection for horses and cattle (Zoetis UK Limited)
Norixin 5% Solution for Injection for cattle and horses (Norbrook Laboratories Limited)
Pyroflam 50 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cattle, Horses and Pigs (Norbrook Laboratories Limited)
Tribrissen 48% Suspension for Injection for horses, pigs and cattle (Intervet UK Ltd)
The British Equine Veterinary Association says that the decision to suspend the drugs was taken without consultation with the veterinary profession, and is urging the VMD to overturn the suspension in horses not destined for the human food chain, to reduce the potential impact on equine welfare.
Jonathan Pycock, BEVA president said: "BEVA is fully supportive of all attempts to promote food safety, however flunixin is widely viewed as the gold-standard pain killer in horses and is commonly used in horses undergoing both elective and emergency surgery, for the crippling pain associated with laminitis and for severe forms of colic.
"BEVA is calling on the VMD to immediately enable limited batch release of flunixin for use in horses not destined for the human food chain in the interests of animal welfare. The equine veterinary profession has always been open to consultation with the VMD on a range of important matters relating to responsible medicine use, antibiotic resistance, horse identification, passports and the horse meat issue. BEVA is perplexed as to why the VMD failed to consult with the equine veterinary industry on the animal welfare impact of withdrawing such an important drug.”
Virbac says there is mounting evidence of a growing change in the attitude of pet owners towards permanent castration, that research has shown that 25% of pet owners are concerned or very concerned that neutering could be harmful for their dog1. The permanency of surgery has been cited as the reason why 67% of owners with entire male dogs have not yet opted for the procedure2.
Hence the campaign to raise awareness of Suprelorin, the company's reversible alternative to surgical castration, which uses visual metaphors to explain that there is: 'more than one way to crack a nut'.
The video is also broadcast on the campaign website: www.morethanoneway.co.uk.
Veterinary practices are invited to participate in the campaign by contacting their Virbac Territory Manager to order waiting room and client materials, or to book a Suprelorin lunch meeting for their practice.
Suprelorin Product Manager Claire Lewis said: "Pet owner attitudes are definitely changing so by offering a choice when it comes to castration, veterinary practices have the opportunity to not only increase their overall castration rate, but also enhance their relationship with their clients."
The charges related to the unexpected death of a cat called Hope during an operation to explore a growth in her mouth, and Dr Dantas-Holmes' subsequent communication with the animal's owners.
Dr Dantas-Holmes accepted that Hope’s death was most likely due to her failing to flush fluid through the giving set attached to an intravenous drip, leaving air in the tubing and causing some air to enter Hope’s bloodstream when the cannula was placed and the giving set’s control opened.
The first set of charges related to Dr Dantas-Holmes’ initial phone call to Hope’s owners ten minutes after Hope’s death, in which she said that Hope had died because of a reaction to anaesthetic drugs. Dr Dantas-Holmes failed to mention that the cause of death was still to be determined and failed to mention that a likely cause was in fact an air embolism and/or a complication relating to the intravenous drip.
Following her initial phone call to the owners Dr Dantas-Holmes viewed CCTV of her actions.
The owners then came into the practice later in the day, and the communications during that time constitute the second set of charges: that, during this meeting, Dr Dantas-Holmes didn’t correct her earlier statements about the cause of Hope’s death, and that she didn’t mention that there was an ongoing investigation or that a likely cause of death was an air embolism and/or complication.
The third set of charges related to Dr Dantas-Holmes’ subsequent clinical records, in which it was alleged that she failed to include references to the findings on review of the CCTV footage of Hope’s death, and the possibility of an air embolism and/or complication relating to the intravenous drip.
The fourth and final set of charges were that her conduct was misleading, and/or dishonest.
With regard to the first set of charges, the Committee found that Dr Dantas-Holmes did tell the owners that Hope died because of a reaction to the drugs, but that given the short nature of the phone call to the owners and the distressing circumstances there was no duty to discuss the investigation, or to mention the likely cause being an air embolism.
Concerning the communications with the owners when they came to the practice, the Committee found that Dr Dantas-Holmes did fail to mention that anaesthetic drugs might not have been the cause, and that she also failed to mention the investigation. Dr Dantas-Holmes had agreed with the Practice Manager, however, that she would not discuss the possibility of an air embolism or complication, and so that charge was not found proved.
On consideration of whether Dr Dantas-Holmes had failed to include relevant findings in the clinical reports, the Committee found both charges proved, and, in relation to the final set of charges, the Committee found that while Dr Dantas-Holmes had misled Hope’s owners, it was unintentional, and she had not been dishonest.
Ultimately, the Committee found Dr Dantas Holmes not guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Stuart Drummond, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The findings of this Committee demonstrate that there were errors and omissions in communications with the owners. When communicating with a client it is the professional’s responsibility to ensure that the client has heard and understood what has been said. The importance of good and effective communication is particularly important when an unforeseen and shocking event occurs such as it did in this case.
"The particular circumstances of this case demonstrate how important it is to communicate effectively and the need for the veterinary surgeon to ensure that their clinical records for which they are wholly responsible, are complete.
"The Committee concluded that its findings demonstrated a departure from professional standards but that the falling short was not so grave as to amount to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."