The statistic came to light as a result of Ceva's Mercury Challenge1, in which veterinary practices from around Europe took blood pressure readings from over 10,000 cats over seven years old, 4000 of which were from the UK.
The Challenge results, which were recently presented at Ceva Cat Expertise 2021 by the international feline medicine specialist, Dr Andy Sparkes, showed that more than 40% of cats enrolled in the Mercury Challenge were hypertensive, with a blood pressure about 30% higher than the blood pressure value found in healthy cats.
Ceva says this high percentage suggests that feline hypertension may be even more common than suspected, especially in the ageing cat population, with the mean age of hypertensive cats found to be 13 years old in the Challenge.
The study also found that up to one in three cats had both hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Feline hypertension is also associated with hyperthyroidism.
Jodie Tanner, veterinary surgeon at Lime Tree Vets in Staffordshire who participated in the Mercury Challenge said: “We were surprised by how many of the cats whose blood pressure we measured as part of the Mercury Challenge were actually hypertensive and were taken aback at the number of hypertensive cats which lacked clinical signs or target organ damage.
"These hypertensive cats would have previously gone undetected prior to us screening our older patients and they would probably have only presented when they had advanced target organ damage, such as blindness.
“Measuring blood pressure in cats is now incorporated into our bespoke preventative health care plan – The Pet Plus Membership – and our ‘Gold Plan’ is tailored to our patients over eight years of age.
"Included in the Gold Plan are twice yearly blood pressure checks, so we can pick up hypertension cases as early as possible, and the plan also includes twice yearly urine screens and yearly blood screens to pick up other common diseases seen in older cats such as hyperthyroidism and CKD.”
Ceva has a range of resources available to support veterinary practices, including those that want to set up vet nurse blood pressure clinics. There's a digital hypertension tool kit available by registering at www.easethepressure.co.uk, where you will also find information on the Hypertension CPD Hub, an Ease the Pressure pack containing resources to support vet practices, owner communications materials and information about Ceva’s online Hypertension Ambassador CPD course. A vet practice social media pack is also available.
For further information, visit www.easethepressure.co.uk or contact your local Ceva territory manager.
Reference
Renutend contains primed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which Boehringer says are specifically targeted to reduce scar tissue formation so horses can return to the intended level of performance, with a reduced risk of re-injury1.
According to the company, a single dose decreases scar tissue formation with consistent and proven results 2.
RenuTend is administered by intralesional injection and complements Boehringer Ingelheim’s other equine stem cell product Arti-Cell Forte, which is authorised to treat mild to moderate recurrent lameness associated with non-septic joint inflammation in horses.
RenuTend will be available in September this year.
In the meantime, Boehringer is encouraging veterinary surgeons to register their interest with their BIAH representative or call 01344746960 in order to get updates or product information as soon as it becomes available.
References
The Vital Support launch includes a new Feline Renal Multipack to support cats with chronic kidney disease and loss of appetite. The multipack contains four wet pouches with different aromatic profiles to help stimulate decreased appetite and deliver optimum food acceptance and compliance. Multipacks will be available from October 2020.
Royal Canin has also introduced new Early Renal diets to help support the kidneys at early stages of renal insufficiency, and will be discontinuing its Feline VCN Senior Consult Stage 2 diets.
The company is also introducing two new diets for small dogs: Renal Small Dogs to support small breed dogs in the more advanced stages of chronic renal insufficiency, and Mobility C2P+ Small Dogs, formulated to support healthy joint function.
Other changes include a switch to 100% sustainably sourced salmon in its renal wet pouches, and to vegetable sources of glucosamine, instead of shellfish.
For more information, visit: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk, speak to a member of the veterinary pillar team or contact the Nutritional Helpline.
The VetCompass programme studied 10,313 English Cocker Spaniels from an overall sample of 336,865 UK dogs of all breeds under first opinion veterinary care during 2016.
English Cocker Spaniels made up 3.1% of all dogs, showing ongoing high popularity of this breed as a UK companion animal.
The most common disease was periodontal disease, diagnosed in 20.97% of English Cocker Spaniels each year.
In second place was otitis externa (10.09%), followed by obesity/overweight (9.88%), anal sac impaction (8.07%), diarrhoea (4.87%), and aggression (4.01%).
The order of these top disorders in English Cocker Spaniels was similar to those previously reported in dogs overall; however, the frequency of each disorder was generally higher in English Cocker Spaniels than the general dog population, possibly because several of these conditions are related to the longer ears and looser skin on English Cocker Spaniels.
Researchers say these results suggests that English Cocker Spaniels can be considered a typical dog in many respects, but with higher risk of some disorders related to their specific body shape.
Aggression was found to be relatively common in English Cocker Spaniels, although the frequency differed depending on the sex and coat colour of the dogs: aggression was more common in males than females, and in single-coloured than multi-coloured dogs.
The risk of aggression also varied widely between the four most common single-coloured coat colours: golden-coloured dogs showed the highest frequency of aggression (12.08%), followed by red (6.52%), black (6.29%), and liver (4.33%).
Additional findings include:
Karolina Engdahl, Epidemiologist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and lead author of the paper, said: “English Cocker Spaniels are popular family dogs and can make fantastic pets.
"However, we found that aggression was relatively common in the breed, especially in golden-coloured dogs.
"This highlights the importance of focusing good breeding on behavioural as well as physical health, and that behavioural-related problems should be a key area for veterinary-owner discussions.”
Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, co-author of the paper, said: “Everyone who loves dogs just wants their animals to live long and happy lives.
"This study provides the data to help owners to understand that preventing dental, ear, weight and anal sac problems can go a long way to helping English Cocker Spaniels to enjoy a better life.
"It really can be that simple.”
Mr Adams was convicted at Gorey District Court, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland in March 2015 for:
Nine offences of prescribing animal remedies to animals not under his care;
Five offences of forging entries in official animal remedies records owned by farmers to suggest he had made visits to farms when he had not;
Seven offences of dispensing a prescription-only animal remedy but not preparing a veterinary prescription containing the details of the animals;
Two offences of failing to affix labels in the required form to prescription-only items when selling or supplying animal remedies;
Six offences of failing to annotate the dispensed prescriptions with the word ‘dispensed’ and failing to sign and date them;
Three offences of failing to keep a record or purchases and sales (including quantities administered) in respect of each incoming and outgoing transaction; and
Two offences of selling animal remedies on a wholesale basis without an animal wholesaler’s licence.
The charges related to treatment of animals not under his care throughout 2012 and 2013 which were investigated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in the Republic of Ireland.
In relation to these convictions Mr Adams received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, was fined a total of €40,000 and ordered to pay costs of €16,400.
Following his conviction his conduct was considered by the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s (VCI) Fitness to Practice Committee and, in September 2017, the VCI a sanction of 12 months’ suspension from its Register. This sanction was upheld by the High Court in the Republic of Ireland in November 2017.
As well as being a registered veterinary surgeon in the Republic of Ireland, Mr Adams was also on the UK-practising Register with the RCVS, so his convictions were considered under the College’s own complaints and disciplinary process.
At the outset of the hearing, Mr Adams admitted the charges and accepted his convictions rendered him unfit to practise. The College also asserted that Mr Adams' convictions rendered him unfit to practise, noting a number of aggravating factors including the risk of injury to animals, dishonesty, premeditation, financial gain and misconduct sustained and repeated over time.
In considering the College’s case and Mr Adams’ own admissions, the Disciplinary Committee agreed that his conduct rendered him unfit to practise veterinary surgery.
Professor Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee found the conduct to be at the serious end of the spectrum for such misconduct, it being systematic, prolonged and illegal conduct relating to the supply of animal remedies which posed a significant risk to human and animal health.
"Accordingly, the Committee found that the convictions which led to these charges cumulatively render Mr Adams unfit to practise."
In considering the sanction, the Disciplinary Committee took into account a number of mitigating factors including that he had been practising since 1993 and had no previous disciplinary findings, had made open and frank admissions at all stages to the College and had practised between April 2013, when the matters first came to light, and February 2018, when he was suspended by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, without incident.
It also considered the conditions that were imposed upon Mr Adams by the VCI in terms of notification that he was intending to return to practice, auditing of his practice, his continuing professional development (CPD) and having to undertake personal and professional support programmes and arrangements for professional mentorship for one year after his return to practice.
In view of the sanctions already imposed by the court in Ireland, and his suspension by the VCI, the Disciplinary Committee decided that a period of two years’ suspension from the UK Register of Veterinary Surgeons was the appropriate sanction.
Professor Barr said: "Whilst Mr Adams would be able to practise in the Republic of Ireland before he was able to practise in the United Kingdom again, the Committee considered that the conditions attached to his supervision in Ireland meant that he would be subject to close supervision before he was allowed to practise again in the United Kingdom and that only a longer period of suspension would allow this to happen.
"The Committee therefore decided that only a suspension of two years would maintain public confidence in the profession and declare and uphold proper standards of conduct for the serious nature of these charges."
Mr Adams has 28 days from being informed about the Disciplinary Committee’s decision to make an appeal to the Privy Council.
Prilactone Next is replacing the spironolactone products Prilactone and Tempora, which will be discontinued.
Prilactone Next is available in three presentations of 10mg, 50mg and 100mg. It comes in easy-break, chewable tablets, designed to make it easier to give the required dose. The 10mg tablet has a two-way split for a dog between 2.5kg and 5kg, while the 50mg and 100mg tablets have a four-way patented clover-shaped design with the 50mg for dogs between 18.1kg and 25kg and 100mg for dogs between 37.6kg and 50kg.
Prilactone Next is available in boxes of three blisters of 10 tablets for the 10mg and 50mg presentations and three blisters of eight tablets for the 100mg presentation, for easy dispensing and storage in practice.
Nicola Barclay, product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "Prilactone Next is an improved, easy to administer spironolactone that enables owners to accurately treat their pets and will further enhance our existing cardiology range."
For further information, contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager.
In the past, few employers in the veterinary profession have chosen to advertise salary details, perhaps because they don't want to open a negotiation with their cards on the table, or perhaps they've been fearful of their existing employees finding out what they're prepared to offer a new candidate.
In the VetSurgeon forums, some employers have also remarked that the job isn't about money, and they wouldn't be interested in a candidate whose search criteria included the salary on offer.
The reality, of course, is that we all have bills to pay, children to feed or mortgages to cover and whilst few if any veterinary surgeons search for a job on the basis of salary alone, it's perfectly reasonable that the salary is part of their deliberations.
More than that, all the indications are that job advertisements which include salary details generate more, better qualified responses. Reed carried out a survey of 1000 jobseekers in 2016, 2/3rds of whom said they would be more likely to apply when a salary is displayed on the advert. Another company, Smart Recruit Online, found back in 2013 that job adverts which included a salary generated 30% more responses that those that didn't.
There are also indications that in the future, Google may start to prioritise jobs advertised with salary information in its search results.
To try and strike a balance between some employers' reluctance to display what they might be prepared to pay and the need for greater transparency, advertisers can now display a 'Minimum Offer' on VetSurgeon Jobs, described to the potential applicant as: "The minimum this employer is prepared to offer someone with the skills and experience needed to fulfil the job requirements. They may or may not be prepared to offer more. They may also be prepared to accept someone with a lower level of qualification or experience for an amount less than displayed."
Alternatively, employers can advertise a 'Pay Range', described to potential applicants as: "The employer expects to pay something within the displayed range, depending on their assessment of the value of the applicant's skills and experience to the practice."
In addition, employers can also display other benefits which are likely to be of more or less value to individual applicants, such as a RCVS fees, association subscriptions, health insurance and CPD allowances.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "This is entirely optional, but I do hope as many employers as possible will make good use of this new feature, because all the research and anecdotal evidence suggests it’s what candidates want to hear, and it should lead to a better response. Not to mention how time-saving it is for two people to come to the table with realistic expectations."
Betafuse contains 5mg/g fusidic acid and 1mg/g betamethasone gel. It is available in 15g and 30g polyfoil tubes, designed to reduce the likelihood of splitting and loss of product during use.
Richard Palmer, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Norbrook said: "We are delighted to be bringing this new product to the market in 16 European countries including the UK and Ireland. Betafuse is particularly exciting for us as we have improved the packaging and we have extended the 'in use' shelf life to eight weeks in comparison to six weeks for the pharmaceutically equivalent pioneer.
"This continued investment in our companion animal portfolio comes on the back of our recent launch in the US of Carprofen Chewable Tablets, an anti-inflammatory also for dogs. Our £40 million multi-year investment programme which we are currently engaged in, includes a significant emphasis on new product development including investment in R&D and our facilities infrastructure."
Lizzie Barnard, UK Product Manager added: "Betafuse offers the prescribing veterinary surgeon greater choice and it complements our existing companion animal skin care portfolio which includes Marbodex, a treatment for otitis externa in dogs.
"“Product support material is available and includes a guide for dog owners on how to apply Betafuse simply and effectively. This leaflet is available by contacting your territory manager or by downloading it from our website."
For more information, visit: https://www.norbrook.com/
The scheme will allow regular referrers to gift free treatment worth up to £5000 to clients in need of financial assistance
Hospital Director Nicola Bromley said: “We recognise the challenge it is for families who may need specialist care for their animal friend but are unable to find the necessary funds.
"We highly value the relationship we have with our referring vets in providing options to their clients, and we hope this scheme will empower them to give hope to those who need it most.
"We are committed to supporting our referring primary care vets through collaboration, to make the whole sector as good as it can be for every animal.”
The new scheme will be activated immediately and apply to referrals made from January 2024, meaning practices and primary care vets who already refer to Fitzpatrick Referrals can refer pro bono cases immediately.
https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk
DISCUSSION
THE Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has published its annual Salary Survey, which provides a guide to what full time assistants are now earning.
The survey, which asked the society's members and anyone on the RCVS Register qualified for under three years to provide details about employees' salary levels, uniquely provides a breakdown of what full-time assistants are earning.
Respondents were asked to provide details of their basic salaries together with any benefits in kind such as rental accommodation, access to a car and CPD allowances, and total remuneration packages were calculated.
The survey, which is distributed along with the annual Fees Survey to SPVS members as a key benefit of membership, provides a breakdown of minimum, average and maximum salaries over categories ranging from location to the number of years qualified.
For the second year, student loan levels are featured, which, worryingly, highlights the increasing number of students graduating with large value loans.
Richard Hillman, SPVS President, said: "I very much welcome the publication of this important annual survey, which comes at a time when vet salaries and the fees we charge are under fire. It is interesting to note that the recent ‘league table' which effectively labeled us the ‘fat cats' among small businesses was based on the minority of corporate practices."
He added: "Our survey provides a very valuable base for employers to develop a transparent pay scheme and for employees to negotiate. It is particularly useful with new legislation on greater transparency of pay scales in businesses and the outlawing of salary ‘secrecy clauses' together with the Government's push for equality in male/female pay awards."
The SPVS annual Fees Survey, which provides a breakdown of fees charged across the small animal, cattle and equine sectors, will be published in September.
SPVS is run by practitioners for practitioners and if you'd like further information on the courses and membership benefits that SPVS offers, please contact the secretariat on 01926 410454 or visit the web site at www.spvs.org.uk
Sam and Dick will be joint Clinical Directors of the hospital and co-owners of the business alongside the Pets at Home Vet Group, their Shared Venture Partner.
They say the vision is to create a world-class facility with a team of highly motivated veterinary specialists, nurses and support colleagues providing outstanding levels of service to meet the needs of referring veterinary surgeons, their clients and patients.
The purpose-built facility will offer specialist referral services across a range of disciplines, including anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, orthopaedics, neurology and soft tissue surgery. Emergency referrals will be accepted seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Sam said: "It is truly exciting to build a new team of experienced specialists who have clinical excellence as their priority. We also relish the chance to develop great relationships with professional colleagues in first opinion practices. This will allow our hospital to deliver an exceptional level of service for referring veterinary surgeons and their patients."
Dick said: “This is a very exciting step and I am delighted to be instrumental in ensuring that our new centre in Scotland offers the very best in veterinary care”.
The hospital will be based at Deer Park in Livingston, with convenient parking and easy access to the M8 and other major road and rail networks. In addition to clinical services, it will provide a CPD programme, including internship and residency opportunities.
Leishmaniosis is caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum, which is endemic in some areas of Europe, but not in the UK. The patient in this case had not travelled outside the UK.
In endemic areas, the infection is carried by female sand-flies and spread through sand-fly bites. Transmission has also been reported via dog bites from an infected dog and infected blood transfusions, although the RVC says these routes have not been reported in the UK before.
Dogs with Leishmaniosis display a range of signs that can take months to years to develop after initial infection. Typical signs include:
Weight loss
Lack of energy or enthusiasm
Increased thirst and increased urination
Changes to the skin (particularly around the eyes, ears and feet)
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Lameness due to joint pain
Sudden nose bleeds
Soreness around the eyes
Treatment is available for dogs with leishmaniosis, but infection is difficult to clear and long-term medication is therefore frequently needed. Leishmaniosis can be zoonotic - meaning it can be passed to people in rare situations.
Apparently there is another leishmaniosis case reported in the Veterinary Record this week, this time where the dog was suspected of contracting the disease via sand-flies unintentionally brought back in its owners' luggage following a trip to Spain.
Myles McKenna said: "It is important to take note of this first reported case of likely dog-to-dog transmission of Leishmania infantum in the UK. Historically we had considered this to be a condition affecting dogs with a travel history to areas where Leishmania infantum is endemic. Dog-to-dog transmission in non-endemic areas has previously been reported, for example in the USA, but this case serves as a reminder to UK veterinary surgeons that we must be vigilant for conditions such as Leishmania in non-travelled dogs and that alternative transmission mechanisms do exist."
The Vet Record has published four recommendations to protect dogs and humans in the UK from leishmaniosis.
Photo: Bone marrow cytology showing macrophages with numerous intracellular organisms consistent with Leishmania species amastigotes. Credit Charalampos Attipa
177 delegates took part in the survey, which found that even the most commonly used digital tool, namely automated reminders, are not being used by more than a third of all practices.
Less than 60% are using digital records.
Less than half are using online booking, which Provet says can significantly improve the customer experience.
Less than 20% have implemented integrated payments or telemedicine or pet owner apps.
The survey also found that 42% are still using old server technology, rather than cloud-based solutions (28%).
The company has produced a guide to what you should look for in a practice management system, including pros and cons of cloud vs. server-based solutions and digital tools that can improve service level whilst saving time, which you can download here.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched TAF Spray (thiamphenicol), a next generation antibiotic wound spray for superficial wound infections in horses, cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.
Dechra says TAF Spray can also be used to treat infections of the claw and hoof in cattle, goats and sheep such as foot rot, interdigital dermatitis and digital dermatitis.
TAF Spray is the only licensed wound spray for horses and has a zero day meat withdrawal period for horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and 14 days for pigs.
Dechra is also highlighting the fact that TAF Spray is the only golden yellow coloured product of its kind on the market, allowing treatment areas to be distinguished clearly.
Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “Dechra has developed TAF Spray in direct response to the research we conducted among farmers".
The research1 showed that 51% of the veterinary surgeons had used an antibiotic spray for the treatment of digital dermatitis – an infection that 92% of farmers had experienced in their livestock in the past 12 months.
Emma added: "Thiamphenicol is a highly effective antibiotic. With the brightly coloured spray format making it distinguishable from other treatments and a can that is able to be used in upright and inverted positions, we are sure that TAF Spray will become a popular product among veterinary professionals.”
TAF Spray comes in a 150ml can with a 360-degree nozzle which allows wounds to be targeted at any angle.
For further information about Dechra’s antibiotic portfolio, visit www.dechra.co.uk
The new practice was created by refurbishing the premises of what was a purpose-built human hospital, turning it into a referral clinic with two operating theatres, separate accommodation and waiting rooms for cats and dogs, offices and a seminar room.
Funding for the refurbishment came from NatWest, with further funds for things like digital radiography and a CT scanner coming from Lombard Asset Finance.
Martin said: "We decided to open East of England Veterinary Specialists to offer a more personal, yet professional service for pet owners in the local community. Thanks to the funding from NatWest and Lombard, we have been able to create a well-equipped surgery where we can offer the highest level of veterinary orthopaedic expertise.
"We have enjoyed welcoming our first customers over the past month and look forward to continuing to establish ourselves as an expert orthopaedic veterinary clinic, where 100% of referred cases will be managed by a Recognised Specialist."
For more information, visit: https://eoevets.com or telephone 01223 795023
Photo: L-R Karl Simper, relationship manager at NatWest, Martin Owen, co- founder of East of England Veterinary Specialists, Mat Parkhouse relationship manager at NatWest and Mark Bush, co- founder of East of England Veterinary Specialists.
Kruuse is to launch a new Manuka honey dressing at BEVA 2011 in September.
Kruuse says that honey has been used as a topical anti-microbial agent and dressing for over 2000 years, and that honey derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) has its own unique chemical properties. Manuka honey contains glucose oxidase imparted by the bees during its collection and storage. This enzyme facilitates low level release of hydrogen peroxide when in the presence of wound exudates and thus supports cellular proliferation and metabolism through an antioxidant effect. The high sugar and low pH content creates a high osmotic potential which gives honey excellent debridement and anti-inflammatory properties.
The company says that one of the biggest difficulties with the use of honey in wound dressings is ensuring that once applied it stays over the wound area. Many attempts to coat dressings have been unsuccessful; often the active honey ingredient is left within the packaging severely reducing the effectiveness of the dressing. Kruuse says its Manuka dressings have the active honey impregnated 'within' the dressing, which ensures precise and easy application even if wearing surgical gloves.
The Kruuse Manuka dressings range comes in impregnated adherent (Kruuse Manuka AD), non-adherent dressing (Kruuse Manuka ND) and 15g tube of Manuka G. Each dressing comes in 3 sizes 5x5 cm , 10x12.5 cm and the KRUUSE Manuka roll (10x100 cm) a unique product ideal for large vertical wounds. E.G. Equine forelimb.
Kruuse also says that the antimicrobial potency in Manuka honey is rated by a standardised rating known as Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). The higher the UMF the better the antimicrobial effect. A minimum UMF of 10 is required to ensure sufficient effect in the wound environment, Kruuse Manuka Honey Wound Dressings have a Unique Manuka Factor of 15.
There is a restricted annual supply of Manuka honey as this unique product supply is controlled by a small number of producers in New Zealand. Many current honey products available use blends of Manuka honey with other poorer quality honey, these are often less effective. Kruuse Manuka uses 100% Manuka honey in all its dressings with the profits of the sale being returned directly to the Maori tribe that oversee the production of Manuka honey.
Andrew Groom, Managing Director Kruuse UK Ltd. said: "I am very excited that we have been able to secure a direct connection to supply this unique product with the knowledge that the Maori suppliers will see the returns for generations to come whilst this new range of dressing will add huge versatility for day to day wound management!"
Pill Assist Cat is a soft treat pouch into which you insert a tablet, mould the pouch around the tablet and then feed to the cat.
Royal Canin says that in its tests, tablets were administered to cats successfully in 91% of cases using Pill Assist, which is not far off the 97% achieved with Pill Assist Dog which was launched earlier this year.
Erin Carr, Veterinary Marketing Executive at Royal Canin, said: "It’s an honour to be recognised by such an important industry body.
"Pill Assist Cat is set to launch next year. As with our Pill Assist Dog products, the aim is to make a real difference to pet’s health and wellbeing by turning pill time into a positive experience for both the pet and the owner."
First, the practice carried out an infection control audit to ensure its protocols were robust.
The audit covered the cleaning of clinical areas, non-clinical areas (including offices, reception desks, kltchens and bathrooms), and the personal hygiene of staff members (including hand hygiene and work wear).
Using using the Nationwide Laboratory practice cleanliness screening programme, Rosemullion then conducted environmental swabbing of 10 clinical and non-clinical areas around the practice, including theatre tables, kennels, telephones and door handles, to review contamination levels.
Results showed varying levels of bacterial contamination in both clinical and non-clinical areas.
Finally, Rosemullion assessed personal hygiene and the potential for cross-contamination between patients, colleagues and the environment.
Staff were asked to complete an anonymous ‘Hygiene Self-assessment Questionnaire’ which covered ten areas, including; disinfecting hands; wearing gloves, scrubs with short sleeves and dedicated work shoes, and changing into uniforms when arriving at work.
Amongst clinical staff, there was a 66.75% compliance.
The team then discussed the results, consulted a lab microbiologist and formulated an improvement plan, which included updating the practice cleaning processes (including the cleaning of new touch points), introducing new colleague uniform rules (including changing into uniform upon arrival at work), improving hand hygiene (including providing hand gels for all colleagues) and using sanitising wipes in all office areas.
One month after the policy revisions, swab tests were repeated. They found no bacterial growth in any of the 10 previously swabbed areas.
After two months the colleague questionnaire was run again.
It found clinical colleague compliance over eight personal hygiene indicators had jumped from 66.75% to 92.5% compliance.Abi Redfearn, Senior Veterinary Nurse at Rosemullion, said: “When we opened in 2021, we were keen to monitor our infection control - as part of providing a hospital level of care under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.
"With around 100 colleagues and hundreds of patients passing through our doors every week, we are an extremely busy practice – so infection control is paramount in maintaining high clinical standards.“By updating our protocols and taking simple steps - such as providing sanitising materials in high-touch areas – we’ve significantly decreased the risk of environmental contamination.
"Our project is now being used as an example to encourage other practices.”
The company says VeggieDent Zen provides the same dental benefits as VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews, but also includes L-theanine.
L-theanine is an amino acid which Virbac says is known to positively influence GABA levels in the brain to help reduce anxiety and increase mental focus. According to the company, one VeggieDent Zen chew daily can help to calm and reduce anxiety in dogs whilst also providing regular oral care.
VeggieDent Zen is free from GMO corn, wheat, gluten and meat, and contains no colourants or artificial ingredients. The new chews also hold the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal for tartar control.
Claire Lewis, Product Manager at Virbac said: "Dental chews are a great way for pet owners to provide passive dental care at home. With VeggieDent Zen we are pleased to be able to offer pet owners a convenient, multi-functional approach to supporting their pet’s health and well-being."
VeggieDent Zen comes in 4 chew sizes (Extra-Small, Small, Medium & Large) and is available from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For information on VeggieDent Zen, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
Virbac points to research showing that MCTs are the most common form of skin cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 21% of skin cancer cases1.
This, says the company, means that understanding the challenges surrounding mast cell tumour diagnosis, work up (including the various prognostic panels) and treatment selection for mast cell tumour cases is vital.
The session, entitled ‘Fundamentals of Mast Cell Tumour Management’, will conclude with a review of Stelfonta, walking through cases and how to get the best results.
Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "We know that vets are facing webinar fatigue.
"We therefore hope that this brand new style of online learning on one of the most common canine cancers will be more engaging, whilst still delivering high quality CPD."
To register for the live event, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mct-masterclass
For more information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager, or visit vet-uk.virbac.com/stelfonta
Fiproclear Combo, which contains fipronil and S-methoprene, is licensed for use on cats and dogs and can also be used to treat and prevent fleas and ticks on ferrets.
Norbrook says the new product provides effective protection from new flea infestations for up to eight weeks on dogs and four weeks on cats, while protecting against certain ticks for up to four weeks on dogs, and two weeks on cats.
Monica Whistler, Norbrook Marketing Product Manager, said: "With its triple-action approach, Fiproclear Combo kills adult fleas, ticks and biting lice. The addition of S-methoprene to the already-trusted ingredient fipronil, breaks the flea life cycle in the home by ensuring that any eggs laid by the fleas, which have come into contact with the product are infertile, and by preventing development of flea larvae within a pet’s surroundings.
"Adult fleas on pets are killed within 24 hours whilst newly arrived ticks are killed within 48 hours of attachment – before the main risk period of disease transfer. Ticks rank second only to mosquitoes as insects that spread infectious diseases to both pets and people1; the most common of which is Lyme disease."
Norbrook highlights research which showed almost a third of cats suffered from ectoparasites2, while around one in every three dogs are affected by ticks3, and that many traditional treatments do not help break the flea life cycle in the home.
Monica added: "Typically, by the time an owner notices a flea problem, an infestation has already been present for up to two months. At that point the visible adult fleas on the pet are only part of the problem, with 95% of the parasites already living in the home itself as eggs, larvae and pupae."
Researchers studied 840 patients with breast, prostate, lung or colorectal cancer. 280 patients that had received only alternative medicine were matched to 560 control patients who chose conventional cancer therapy.
Overall, cancer patients who used alternative medicine were 2.5 times more likely to die within a 5 year period than those who chose conventional cancer therapy.
However, people with breast cancer were 5.7 times more likely to die in the same period if they used alternative medicine rather than conventional medicine.
This evidence flies in the face of the British Association of Veterinary Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons' claim that homeopathy cures cancer.
But more importantly, one of the main reasons why practitioners in both human and veterinary medicine so often acquiesce to their patients' use of alternative medicine is because of the perception that they do no harm. After all, homeopathy is only water, right?
This study provides perhaps the first evidence that the reverse may be true. That if you do not actively deter clients from using discredited forms of alternative medicine, you may be allowing them to sentence themselves, or rather their dog, to an early death.
Eurovet Animal Health has launched Vomend, a new veterinary licensed metoclopramide that can be used to treat vomiting and reduced gastro-intestinal motility in both dogs and cats.
Eurovet says that for years, vets have often had little choice but to use metoclopramide preparations designed for human use - therefore effectively off-licence. This new preparation will allow vets to use a medication they know is of great benefit in treating dogs and cats, without taking all the additional precautions required for off-licence use, such as having clients sign consent forms.
The product can also be used in puppies and kittens. Severe vomiting in young puppies particularly can quickly lead to dehydration and depression, so it is vital to control the clinical signs and prevent fluid loss. Vomend will, according to the company, be particularly useful in this regard. As well as being an anti-emetic Vomend is also a pro-kinetic upper GI tract stimulant, so it is indicated for use in chronic nephritis, pyloric spasm and drug induced digestive intolerance.
Vomend will be available in 20 ml and 10 ml vials, providing greater flexibility over usage and stock control.
For further information on Vomend contact Eurovet on 01223 257933 or order direct from your wholesaler from early February.
Ed's note: The name. Is it just me? Wouldn't 'Tummyeaze' or something (anything) have been better?
Tialin is licensed for the treatment of dysentery, colitis, ileitis, pneumonia and pleuropneumonia in pigs. It is also suitable for the treatment and metaphylaxis of chronic respiratory disease and infectious synovitis in chickens and infectious sinusitis and airsacculitis in turkeys. Withdrawal times range from zero in eggs to two - six days in meat and offal.
The product is available in two strengths: 25% (250 mg/ml) and 12.5% (125 mg/ml). It can be bought in five and one litre bottles with a shelf life of two years or three months once opened.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: "Any of these diseases could have a widespread effect on a herd or flock of any size so it is vital that veterinary professionals have access to a treatment such as Tialin to offer farmers.
"Its short withdrawal times and long shelf life makes it a cost effective and valuable tool for vets and farmers in their treatments of these diseases. All the products in our premium SoluStab range have been specifically developed with a unique formula to provide the optimum balance of stability and solubility."
For more information, visit www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-areas/food-producing-animal/water-medication.
Dechra also offers an online tool to calculate dosage for SoluStab products at http://calculator.solustab.eu/.
Using practices developed for human healthcare measurement, NewMetrica developed VetMetrica, which the company says can measure how an animal “feels” about its circumstances from its individual perspective.
Jim Brick, Vice President Commercial Development and Lifecycle and Innovation at Zoetis said: "This novel approach supports a significant shift in veterinary care and animal welfare more generally towards the attainment of good or excellent quality of life in companion animals.
"The benefits of NewMetrica’s digital instruments have been validated through scientific publications and the FDA, and the EMA has confirmed the algorithms that produce the results.”
Jamie Brannan, President International Operations, Zoetis added: "We expect NewMetrica’s tools and algorithms to support earlier detection and treatment of diseases as we gain more insight into the quality of life of our pets and be an important element of future product development.
“NewMetrica’s instruments will give us scientifically validated results for alleviation of OA pain that veterinarians and pet owners will appreciate and value.”
https://www.newmetrica.com