Ceva Animal Health has launched Hepatosyl Plus, a development of the liver support supplement for cats and dogs.
Hepatosyl Plus contains the same ingredients as the original product but now also includes Silybin. According to the company, Silybin is the most active isomer of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) which acts as an antioxidant by increasing cellular superoxide dismutase. It joins S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and Vitamin E to create a triple antioxidant approach to liver support, helping to neutralise free radicals within the liver. Ceva also says Hepatosyl Plus is the only liver supplement to contain Vitamin K, which is needed by the liver for the production of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X, making it ideally suited for pre- and post-anaesthetic liver support.
Hepatosyl Plus is available in 50mg, 100mg and 200mg sprinkle capsules. For anaesthetic support, Hepatosyl Plus should be administered for one week prior to and following anaesthesia. For long-term use, the capsules should be given once daily for 2-3 months and then reduced to every other day for ongoing maintenance.
For further information, please contact your local CEVA Animal Health territory manager or call 01494 781510.
The pads contain ophytrium and chlorhexidine at 3%. Ophytrium is a purified natural ingredient from Ophiopogon japonicus which, Ceva says, strengthens the mechanical skin barrier1, restores the balance of protective microbial flora2 and reduces irritation, while soothing the skin1. Chlorhexidine is both antibacterial and antifungal.
Ceva says that Douxo S3 Pyo pads, which come in packs of 30, provide antibacterial and antifungal efficacy within one minute and are free from soap, parabens, sulphates, phthalates, colourants and nanoparticles.
They are available in a new, hypoallergenic ‘summertime’ fragrance which pet owners liken to coconut and vanilla.
The pads add to the Douxo S3 Pyo range, which also consists of shampoo and a mousse.
Andrew Fullerton BVSc (Hons) MRCVS, product manager for Douxo S3 at Ceva said: "The new Douxo S3 range has been well received by both veterinary professionals and their clients since its launch, who find that the products are not only effective and well tolerated, but also easy-to-use. The Douxo S3 Pyo pads will enhance this range by offering an easy-to-administer antiseptic action while hydrating and maintaining the skin’s ecosystem.”
For further information, contact cevauk@ceva.com, your local territory manager or visit https://www.douxo.com/uk/Pet-Skin-Care/douxo-s3.
References
The business is led by RCVS Specialists in Small Animal Orthopaedics, Professor John Innes and Ben Walton, alongside American veterinary orthopaedic specialist and investor, Dr Brian Beale.
Two more Specialists are due to join the senior team in May.
Building work is apparently well underway on the 8000ft2 premises in Abbots Park, Preston Brook, which will be equipped with CT, high-field MRI, and three operating theatres.
The centre, which is located near Junction 11 of the M56, will provide referral services to veterinary practices from the conurbations of the North of England and the surrounding English and Welsh counties.
Ben Walton said: “For me, it is an honour to team up with John and Brian who have unparalleled international reputations, and I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of our two additional colleagues.
"For veterinary professionals and clients, we are concentrating on responsive and clear communication, high clinical standards, and fair pricing.
"And finally, for prospective employees, we’re determined to foster a positive and supportive culture where vets, nurses and support staff can grow, thrive and enjoy a career.”
Until the opening of the new centre, Movement Referrals offers a peripatetic orthopaedics referral service based out of third party veterinary practices in the North West of England and North Wales.
www.movementvets.co.uk
Photo: from left to right: Prof. John Innes, Ben Walton, Dr Brian Beale
Chanelle's head of sales and marketing, Killian Gaffney said: "The total UK market is around 80,000 bottles annually. However, with the major supplier announcing some re-stocking in March but full availability still under question, there is a real sense of urgency for practitioners.
"The Chanelle team worked throughout December with our manufacturing division to ensure that the UK product shortfall could be alleviated.
"Air freighting supplies seemed the obvious course of action, and ensured we could supply the UK market as quickly as possible."
For further information, contact: Chanelle on 00353 91 841 788.
The Prince's Trust 'creates life-changing opportunities' for those aged 11-30 and Nick has long-held a passion for making a difference to young lives. He has set up three charities for young people: with learning disabilities; who want to campaign to change the world; and who want to break down the barriers to enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Nick has led the RCVS since September 2012. During his tenure, developments at the College include a new Royal Charter, major governance reform, improved regulation of veterinary nurses, the instigation of Vet Futures, the introduction of the alternative dispute resolution service, significant evolution within the Practice Standards Scheme, the refocusing of RCVS Trust into RCVS Knowledge, the launch of Mind Matters, and the recognition of the College as a Great Place to Work.
Nick said: "It has been a great privilege to be CEO of the College and to work with such amazing staff, such a progressive Council and such a decent and caring profession. It is no surprise to me that vets and vet nurses are among the most trusted professionals in this country, and in my view this is due to their professionalism and to the excellence of the Royal College in maintaining and advancing standards. I hope I have played my part in helping the College and the profession navigate through a period of great change and preparation for significant change to come.
"At The Prince’s Trust I will be focused on the next generation, helping to give young people the confidence and purpose they need to make a success of their lives and the world around them. I know from my own personal experiences of school, and the various charities with which I have been involved, how many young people are not given the best chance in life. I cannot think of a better mission to take on."
RCVS President Chris Tufnell said: "I feel very fortunate to have worked closely with Nick over his five years with the RCVS; he has made a tremendous contribution to the College and our professions. With his energy and drive, he has infused the College with a culture of openness, engagement and dedication and has inspired the team through some impressive achievements.
"Nick’s leadership will enable vets and veterinary nurses to fulfil their potential and it's fitting that he's moving on to a role which benefits the lives of others. Meanwhile, there's a considerable amount of important work being done by the RCVS and I am confident that we have a strong team at Belgravia House to manage this until the new CEO is in post."
The RCVS says its Operational Board will be reflecting on Nick’s successes and the future needs of the College, before developing a specification for the new CEO and a recruitment process over the coming weeks.
Sam Joseph, co-founder of StreetVet said: "It is especially important for the dogs belonging to the homeless and vulnerably housed to be microchipped and not just because it is now a legal requirement, a registered microchip is often the only way for them to provide evidence of keepership."
We are so grateful to Animalcare for providing StreetVet with identichip microchips as we are now able to ensure that all the dogs that we treat are chipped and registered to their owners. Animalcare will also allow free, life-long change of address for microchips implanted by StreetVet meaning the homeless owners can easily change the registration details if they are able to find accommodation or if they move again in the future. This amazing support will give real peace of mind to the owners of the dogs we treat."
James Beaumont from Animalcare Ltd: "Animalcare provides the UK’s most advanced pet microchipping service through identichip, which has led the way for nearly 30 years. I’m pleased that Animalcare can support such a worthy cause, and hope this is the start of a long relationship with StreetVet."
Photo: Jade Statt of StreetVet and James Beaumont of Animalcare Ltd at BSAVA Congress.
Finn, a seven-year-old German Shepherd dog, sustained stab wounds to the head and chest as he and his handler, PC David Wardell, pursued a suspect in Stevenage. PC Wardell sustained stab wounds to his hand.
Finn was rushed to Roebuck vets in Stevenage where his wounds were dressed and he was stabilised before being transferred to Davies Veterinary Specialists near Hitchin for emergency surgery.
DVS soft tissue surgeon Rob Adams (pictured above) operated on Finn. He said: "For legal reasons we cannot disclose the full extent of Finn’s injuries. We are however able to confirm multiple knife injuries were sustained to his head and chest involving several of his vital organs. Major surgical intervention was required including open chest surgery to save Finn’s life. Several drains were placed after surgery to manage the degree of trauma and contamination risk from the knife. The surgery went very well and Finn was transferred to intensive care for recovery.
"It is a testament to Finn’s incredible bravery, tenacity and loyalty to his handler, to know he continued to stand firm in the line of duty with no regard to the extent and severity of the injuries he suffered."
DVS says that Finn has exceeded all expectations and recovered very quickly. He has been discharged back into PC Wardell’s care and will hopefully be back up and running again just before Christmas.
PC Wardell said: "I’ve had Finn since he was about nine months old and we’ve been out on the street for just over six years together. It’s just great to have him home. I knew he was in safe hands with Rob Adams but because of the extent of his injuries I was so worried I was going to lose him. Finn’s not only my loyal partner at work but he’s also a part of our family. He has a home for life with me - I can’t imagine life without him."
Meanwhile, a campaign is underway to give police dogs and horses the same status as officers if they are injured in the line of work, so that people who attack police animals face charges similar to those for attacking a person.
You can sign the 'Finn's Law Petition' here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/168678
The campaign also has a twitter feed here: https://twitter.com/FinnsLaw
Dechra says phenobarbital is effective as a monotherapy in 60 to 80 per cent of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, but that in 40% of dogs, seizures cannot be controlled with phenobarbital alone. In these cases the company's potassium bromide treatment Libromide, is licensed to be used alongside Soliphen as a concurrent therapy.
According to the company, the combination of phenobarbital and potassium bromide has been shown to reduce seizure number and severity in dogs with refractory idiopathic epilepsy; in tests, the combination treatment reduced the mean seizure rate from 27.4 seizures per month to 2.2 seizures.
Dechra Veterinary Products Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "Epilepsy is the most common chronic canine neurological disorder, affecting around 0.62 per cent of dogs.
"It can be a distressing condition for both the animal and its owner so we are launching a therapy that can reduce the number of seizures in even the most challenging cases.
"We have also produced new guidelines for prescribing vets, detailing step by step how the treatments can act alone or concurrently. We believe using Soliphen as a sole therapy or in conjunction with Libromide will make a positive contribution to veterinary professionals in their ongoing treatment and management of dogs with epilepsy."
For more information, visit www.dechra.co.uk
Kruuse has launched the Buster Premium Dog Collar, described as the greatest innovation in Elizabethan dog collars since the original.
The company says the new collar has been designed with two things in mind. First and foremost, patient comfort. Secondly, ease-of-use. Both should help improve compliance.
The new product uses perforated neoprene to provide a snug fit round the neck with no need to attach a separate collar. It's fastened using Velcro, to give a quick but secure fitting. There's padded banding around the inner edge to provides extra comfort and prevent skin irritation, and additional banding around the outer edge to protect the dog's surroundings.
Andrew Groom, Managing Director at Kruuse said: "Worldwide, the Buster collar is the most trusted device to prevent canine patients from biting or licking their body or scratching their head and neck while wounds or injuries heal. The functionality of an e-collar is outstanding when it comes to postoperative care and prevention of self-inflicted trauma.
"The new Buster Premium Collar has been developed in association with vets, vet nurses and dog owners to provide an exceptional collar that is as stress-free as possible for the patient whilst providing exceptional functionality for the user both at the veterinary hospital and at home."
The Premium Buster Collar is available exclusively via NVS: www.vetwholesaler.co.uk
Developed by Nottingham Vet School’s Ruminant Population Health Group, the calculator is an online tool that veterinary surgeons and farmers can use 'in the field' to measure and monitor their prescribing and use of antibiotics in dairy cattle. It is available to download free at: https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/technical-information/animal-health-welfare/amu-calculator/
The development follows a new study by the Nottingham Vet School showing that, in a large sample of dairy farms, 25% of farms used 50% of the total antibiotics used across all farms in a year – with antibiotic footbaths accounting for the biggest volume dispersed into the food chain. The study is published in the Veterinary Record1.
Senior Clinical Training Scholar and veterinary surgeon Robert Hyde said: "We felt it was crucial to provide the means with which to benchmark antimicrobial usage on farms, so that veterinarians and farmers can begin to monitor, and reduce, their levels of antimicrobial usage in a rational manner.
"Our new study provides the first published research into antimicrobial use in British dairy herds as well as factors associated with high usage. We looked at a sample of 358 dairy farms, over a 12-month period, with the total number of cattle being around 81,000 (7% of dairy cows in England). The survey found that most of the antibiotic use was via injections, which accounted for around 78% of the total antibiotics used or sold to the farms."
"What stood out as particularly surprising was the effects of the use of antibiotics in footbaths for conditions like digital dermatitis. Footbaths for cattle can use phenomenal quantities of antimicrobials, and represent an obvious target for the rapid reduction of antimicrobial usage."
Specialist cattle vet and Clinical Assistant Professor John Remnant from Nottingham Vet School said: “We need to be reducing the use of antibiotics on farms to the lowest level we can, but without failing to treat sick animals and reducing welfare standards. This means preventing disease – an area our research group has worked on for many years. Antibiotic use on UK dairy farms has been falling in recent years, as farmers and vets make efforts to turn towards prevention instead of treatment.
"The government has recently published figures showing the sale of antibiotics for food-producing animals has fallen from 62mg per kg of animal to 45mg per kg in the past two years but this is sales, not usage as we know some of the antibiotic products bought won’t be used. This is why our new study combined with the new online AMU tool is so important in helping farmers and vets instigate a more efficient protocol for the treatment of dairy cattle."
Edward Bailey from the George Veterinary Group in Wiltshire is already using the AMU calculator. He said: "This new tool is proving really useful to compare antimicrobial use between farms. It has helped cut through the confusion of different systems of measurement. It has been easier to effect change being able to display graphically to farmers their critically important antimicrobial usage and how particular patterns of use (e.g. footbath) can hugely affect how they compare with others."
Around 50 veterinary practices have already begun using the AMU calculator but the researchers say that antimicrobial benchmarking needs to happen a national level for the system to have maximum impact on antibiotic use in the cattle sector.
Reference
The company says it recognises how frustrating it can be for veterinary surgeons if the owner doesn't recognise that their dog has a painful condition. This can be compounded by short consult times, leaving vets unable to fully communicate the implications and treatment options for the disease.
In the video, Zoe encourages vets to tailor their language to each case, in particular, using the language dog owners will use.
While undertaking her research Zoe noticed that many owners do not talk about OA in the same way that vets might; instead of referring to lameness or pain, many owners will refer to the actual physical signs of OA such as stiffness or communicate that their dog is slowing down.
Zoe has also warned that not all owners are convinced by visual demonstrations such as flexing and extending the dogs joints. Instead, she suggests encouraging the owner to get hands-on.
Zoe said: "Point out the visual changes suggestive of osteoarthritis that you can see, such as muscle loss, scuffed nails, and enlarged joints. And encourage them to have a look and a feel, comparing affected and unaffected joints. Hopefully, the owner may be more receptive to the conversation now they associate it with a symptom they can recognise."
Zoe says she also finds that many owners of older dogs often misinterpret the signs of OA as 'just old age' and may not be aware that the condition can be managed effectively with medication, the right exercise, diet and by making modifications in the home.
Elanco has also produced an OA management template which enables both the vet and the owner to create a tailored plan. It provides the owner with information to take away with them about how to modify their home, written in collaboration with Founder of Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon.
Lastly, Zoe recommends a whole practice approach to becoming experts on OA, veterinary nurses in particular. She said: "Vet nurses often have great ideas about how to explain the condition in a way that owners understand. Better owner understanding of OA should lead to better adherence to treatment plans and ultimately better clinical outcomes."
To watch the video, click here.
To access the suite of assets Elanco has created for Onsior (which includes the management plan, social media posts for the practice, and infographic to help owners to spot the signs of OA) visit: www.myelanco.co.uk
The platform, which is available to Premier Pet Care Plan and Animal Healthcare clinics, is designed to help practices increase the number of sign-ups to health care plans.
Romain Regnier (pictured right), PVA’s Business Analyst Manager said: "The current situation has accelerated the need for a digital transformation.
"To help vet practices reach this goal, we have created a highly customisable digital sign-up solution, which mirrors the practice’s branding and can be used in communications to the customer, giving you more possibilities to promote your plans."
With a digital platform, practices can now encourage owners to sign up whilst waiting - socially distanced - outside, or from home.
Debbie Saunders, PVA’s Customer Experience Manager said: "It’s a two-pronged solution; reducing the impact that limited interactions with clients is having on health care plan signs ups and allowing practices to advertise their plans more efficiently.
We are encouraging practices to post about their new digital sign-up links on social media, so pet owners complete their forms anywhere. It will make a big difference to veterinary staff, reducing the amount of administrative pressure from plans but also allowing a direct call to action from advertising."
Each practice will be given unique urls, tiny urls and QR codes which link to the platform, alongside additional marketing materials. The marketing packs contain some customisable content, including social media assets, website banners and printable posters, all free to use to promote the new sign-up platform.
The digital sign-up platforms come with personalisation options, allowing practices to customise their webpage with their own logos, text, and branding, with the help of their PVA trainer.
If you are a Premier Pet Care Plan or Animal Healthcare clinic and are interested in integrating a digital sign-up form into your practice, contact your PVA trainer or call 0117 370 0300 .
Eurovet has launched Relaquine 35 mg/ml Oral Gel for Horses - a licensed acepromazine (ACP) in a gel format.
The company says Relaquine can be used to sedate horses for examination and in stressful situations that some horses find hard to deal with such as farriery, box rest, dentistry and clipping where highly-strung horses can cause problems. Relaquine is administered orally or mixed with food and is available as an adjustable syringe format containing 10 ml of gel.
Relaquine is the fourth product launch this year by Eurovet and the company says there is more in the pipeline for 2011.
Relaquine Oral Gel is expected to be available to order from veterinary wholesalers from Monday 16th May. Eurovet is also offering an introductory promotion: for further details contact Eurovet on 01223 257933.
Bovalto Respi vaccines contain a newly developed combination of viral and bacterial antigens. Merial says the recent vaccine isolates effectively target current European-circulating Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) strains. Bovalto antigens are also proven by challenge, including at six months post-vaccination to confirm long-lasting protection.
Henry Berger, Global Head of the Ruminant and Equine Business Unit at Merial, said: "Merial is committed to understanding the needs of cattle producers and delivering unique, targeted solutions. Merial is dedicated to expanding its portfolio of parasiticides, vaccines and other disease prevention solutions, with high-value products like Bovalto Respi, to improve productivity, and keep herds healthy."
Merial highlights that BRD is complex to manage and each year affects an estimated 1.9 million animals1, costing the UK cattle industry around £60 million2. In Ireland BRD is responsible for 30% of deaths in stock under one-year old3.
At a Merial symposium at WBC 2016, Prof. Sandro Cavirani, Director of the Department of Animal Health at the University of Parma, Italy highlighted the importance of successful BRD control programmes in calves to optimise herd immunity and productivity, including early, repeated and targeted BRD vaccination.
Bovalto Respi 3 contains strains of Parainfluenza Virus 3, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A1. The combination in Bovalto Respi 4 combines the three pathogens in Bovalto Respi 3, with the added strain of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV).
Both veterinary professionals and clients can nominate people and practices for one of five awards.
Every professional nominated in the awards will be sent a personalised certificate.
An independent panel of judges from within the veterinary industry will then narrow down the entries to a shortlist of three finalists for each award, who will all be invited to awards ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 21st March 2024.
Bella von Mesterhazy, Sales and Marketing Director at Petplan, said: “Every year we think we’ve seen it all, but then we’re overjoyed by the sheer volume of and enthusiasm behind the latest nominations.
"So for anyone who’s considered nominating before but hasn’t got round to it, this year’s the time to get involved, as we all come together to champion the immense success of the UK’s veterinary industry, whilst celebrating the awards quarter-century anniversary.”
petplan.co.uk/vetawards
Nominations close on 8th January 2024.
Mr Wood pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children at Portsmouth Magistrate’s Court in December 2017. Following his conviction, Mr Wood was given a community sentence, fined and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
Mr Wood’s application for restoration was based on the argument that he was professionally competent to be restored to the Register, that he had strong mitigation for his original conviction (for which he had demonstrated remorse), that he had a low chance of reoffending, had engaged proactively with the Probation Service and rehabilitative courses, and that had completed his community service.
In considering Mr Wood’s application, the Disciplinary Committee took into account a number of factors including Mr Wood’s acceptance of the Committee’s original findings, the seriousness of the original findings, protection of the public, the future welfare of animals in his care should he be restored, the length of time off the Register, his conduct since removal from the Register, efforts by Mr Wood to keep up-to-date with his continuing professional development (CPD), the impact of removal from the Register on Mr Wood and public support for his restoration.
However, on balance, the Committee decided that Mr Wood was not currently fit to be restored to the Register.
Ian Arundale, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "In essence, the Committee decided that the facts of the charge justifying removal from the Register and the underlying criminal behaviour were too serious for Mr Wood to be restored at this time. It concluded that because Mr Wood continued to be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, notification requirements for sexual offenders and because he remained on the Barring List by the Disclosure and Barring service until January 2023, he was not fit to be restored to the Register at this time.
"The Committee accepted that Mr Wood had made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself but it was not persuaded that he was fit to be restored to the Register because ancillary orders relating to the underlying criminal offences remained in force. The Committee noted that at the time those orders were made Mr Wood was described as having an addiction and although the Committee accepted that there was a low risk of future reoffending, it decided that because the orders were still in place for public protection reasons, Mr Wood was not fit to be restored to the Register."
The full report of Mr Wood’s restoration hearing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Merial has launched the latest edition of its Osteoarthritis (OA) Expert series, covering key aspects of management such acute OA flare up.
Produced by Steven J Butterworth MA VetMB CertVR DSAO MRCVS from Weighbridge Referral Centre Swansea, the update advises on key issues, including when surgery might be necessary. Steven is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) and this latest contribution to the guide also looks at patient monitoring and factors such as lifestyle, diet, physiotherapy and the role of NSAIDs.
Previcox product manager Claire Edmunds said: "The quarterly updates are each written by an expert in their field and provide an opportunity for practising vets to update their OA expertise.
"As with every update vets can put their knowledge to the test, and one lucky winner will receive £500 worth of CPD vouchers. Released quarterly, the updates have proved extremely popular. Each paper has a related quiz containing key questions from the discussion and the winner will be the first correct entry drawn at random."
The company will produce further editions next year covering topics including conservative management of canine osteoarthritis and rehabilitation.
If you haven't received a manual and would like a copy, please contact your local Merial territory manager or call the customer hotline on 0870 6000 123.
Having had a three-month sabbatical working at Fitzpatrick, Jonathan decided to relocate from New Zealand where most recently he'd been Head of the Companion Animal Group at Massey University.
Jonathan said: "My prime passion is working directly with animals and their families in a supportive and exceptional clinical setting. I enjoy pushing boundaries and not accepting the status quo. I want to identify better ways of improving outcomes for patients, and minimising the impact of the disease (or its treatment) on an animal’s quality of life. My sabbatical at Fitzpatrick Referrals exposed me to their tremendous energy and real passion for patient and client care. From the moment the clients walk in the door, I feel there is an embrace that lets people know we truly care and want to do the best for their animal friend. I am looking forward to discovering what we can achieve together. Cancer management is such an important opportunity, with the power to change both animal and human lives positively. The direction and focus of Fitzpatrick Referrals in this area is already incredibly exciting.”
Clinical Director of Oncology and Soft Tissue, Professor Nick Bacon said: "On Jon’s first day of his sabbatical, he jumped right into the team and made an immediate positive impact. He hasn’t looked back. He carries with him such a good energy, which we all absorb and hopefully reflect back. His knowledge of implant design for dealing with defects in the mandible and elsewhere is exceptional and I am looking forward to watching that develop. I am also very pleased that Jon’s wife Sharyn is able to join the team; she is very experienced in the field of advanced imaging in humans, including Fluoroscopy and PET-CT. This is already benefitting our patients as we improve our diagnostic and treatment abilities, and get ready for the future."
Jonathan has active research interests in several clinical areas including soft tissue sarcoma, injection-site sarcoma, endoprosthetics and haemangiosarcoma. He also supports the concept of One Medicine as his PhD research into soft tissue sarcoma, haemangiosarcoma and endoprosthetics has a potential relevance in improving the understanding of treatment paradigms for humans and animals.
The programme gives farmers and veterinary surgeons access to new resources, enabling a coordinated and consistent approach to farmer training in the responsible use of antibiotics.
The development of the AMBP Programme has been led by NOAH in partnership with a group of stakeholders from across the industry including farmers, vets, the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and leading academics, to create a training programme for all those working in the sheep, dairy, beef and pig sectors.
NOAH says the programme will raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and help drive best practice in a consistent manner across UK farms when it comes to using antibiotics.
Training modules are available for farmers to access via the NOAH website or directly through an online Lantra eLearning platform.
In addition to the direct farmer offering, veterinary surgeons will also be to access resource materials, enabling them to deliver training to their clients. This veterinary resource centre will follow soon.
NOAH Chair, Gaynor Hillier, said: "We know that there is a real demand for this type of accessible training and we’re delighted to be able to lead the way in making it available.
"This new collaborative, cross-sector strategy on training will support both farmers and vets, demonstrating that our farmers have the skills to use antibiotics responsibly, providing reassurance to consumers and policy makers. NOAH is happy to be building on existing antibiotic stewardship achievements within the farming sector as ensuring best practice is vital to safeguard the future efficacy of antibiotics for us all.”
Biosecurity Minister Lord Gardiner said:
"The UK is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance. Recent statistics show there has been a 27 per cent drop in use of antibiotics in food-producing animals in the UK since 2014 - meeting a government commitment two years early.
"Our farmers and vets must be commended for driving down antibiotic use in livestock to this all-time low - setting an excellent example for others around the world to follow. But it is vital we continue making progress.
"We welcome this new responsible use of antibiotics farmer training programme, which will support the animal medicines industry to take another positive step towards tackling resistance, safeguarding antibiotics for future generations."
Photo: Lord Trees introduced the launch event and outlined his support for the AMBP programme.
Virbac says Michelle is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in companion animal reproductive biology.
She graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, before completing a residency at Cornell University and becoming board-certified in Theriogenology.
She earned a PhD in physiology at Cornell University and is currently a Full Professor at Oregon State University.
Michelle is also a member of the WSAVA Reproduction Control Committee which recently previewed its new Global Guidelines for Reproduction Control during WSAVA Congress in September.
Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Manager at Virbac said: "The UK has the highest rate of surgical castration in Europe, but with new WSAVA global reproduction control guidelines expected to be published imminently, increasing evidence on the effect of surgical castration on long-term health and even the UK’s leading animal welfare charities updating their guidance on neutering dogs, there’s no better time to review practice neutering policies.
"In line with an evidence-based approach, we want to pose the question: is surgical castration right for every dog?"
www.bit.ly/caninecastration
The article looks at the practice, rationale and motivation for raw feeding before evaluating the existing evidence on both the benefits and risks of such diets.
The recent trend away from heat-treated, manufactured pet food for dogs and cats towards raw diets has been driven by suspicion of the former and perceived health benefits of the latter.
However, feeding raw diets, even commercially-prepared ones, does have risks: a recent paper described 13 cats in the UK that appeared to have been infected by Mycobacterium bovis2 by feeding Natural Instinct Wild Venison, a commercial raw mince for cats.
The leader of the investigation, Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore from the University of Edinburgh said: "Feeding raw food was the only conceivable route of infection in most cases; this outbreak of tuberculosis has now affected more than 90 individuals in over 30 different locations, with more than 50 of the cats developing clinical disease."
One of the authors of the review, Dr Andrew Wales, said: "Formal evidence does exist for claims by raw‐feeding proponents of an altered intestinal microbiome and (subjectively) improved stool quality. However, there is currently neither robust evidence nor identified plausible mechanisms for many of the wide range of other claimed benefits.
"There are documented risks associated with raw feeding, principally malnutrition (inexpert formulation and testing of diets) and infection affecting pets and/or household members. Salmonella has been consistently found and there is also a risk of introducing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria."
The full review article can be found in the June issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice which is free for BSAVA members. It can also be read online here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13000
Equibactin vet contains sulfadiazine and trimethoprim, and is indicated for use in the treatment of infections, particularly respiratory tract infections associated with Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus; gastrointestinal infections associated with E. coli; urogenital infections associated with beta-hemolytic streptococci; and wound infections and open or drained abscesses associated with Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.
The new product has been designed to provide accurate administration to all sizes of horses or ponies. One syringe provides a complete dose for 600kg bodyweight and is subdivided into 12 markings, to help keep track of dosages.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: "Equibactin vet has a proven antibiotic combination with a synergistic effect2 making it an excellent first line broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment for most Gram positive and negative aerobes.
It can be administered without food which improves the oral bioavailability, offering equine veterinary surgeons a quick and efficient treatment when it comes to targeting these infections that are often experienced in day-to-day practice.
"With its ease of use and three-year shelf life, we anticipate that Equibactin vet will quickly become a popular product when it comes to maintaining equine health."
For more information, visit www.dechra.co.uk/products/equine.
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.
So, it suggested, "Kill two birds with one stone" should become "Feed two birds with one scone", "Taking the bull by the horns" should become "Take the flower by the thorns", and "Bring home the bacon", "Bring home the bagels."
Oh honestly. This really gets my goat.
The elephant in the room, of course, is that there's always more than one way of skinning a cat.
Still, PETA went to the dogs years ago.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Myorelax, a guaifenesin 100 mg/ml solution for infusion for horses which, the company says, relaxes skeletal muscles within minutes.
Dechra's Equine Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: "Myorelax is indicated for the induction of muscle relaxation and immobilisation, as an adjunct to balanced anaesthesia.
"We're delighted to launch this product, which can be combined with a number of sedatives and anaesthetics including detomidine, ketamine and propofol plus local and volatile anaesthetics.
"Myorelax is a centrally acting muscle relaxant which is effective within a few minutes and does not affect the animal's respiratory muscles at therapeutic doses. It can be used in combination with a sedative and local anaesthetics for short procedures and together with appropriate general anaesthetics for induction and maintenance of muscle relaxation during anaesthesia."
Dechra says that horses are able to stand within 45 minutes after single administration, and the product can be used in a 'triple drip' protocol for total intravenous anaesthesia.
Myorelax is available in 500 ml bottles from veterinary wholesalers.
For further information, visit www.dechra.co.uk