Supreme Petfoods has launched the VetCarePlus range of Monoforage® diets for rabbits.

According to the company, the new range represents an entirely new generation of rabbit food, made possible because of a breakthrough in production technology.

The big advance is the level of fibre within a mono-component style diet: 28%-34% across the range, along with the inclusion - uniquely - of essential long fibre particles. Supreme says the result is a less dense food that is beneficial for a rabbit's sensitive digestion system, with the added benefit of extending the feeding time, which is good for dental wear.

The company also says VetCarePlus performs exceptionally well in palatability tests and that it's been widely welcomed throughout the rabbit welfare community.  Molly Varga BVetMed DZooMed MRCVS said:  "This is exactly what convalescing rabbits need, an excellent level of fibre with no chance of selective feeding plus a good slow chew rate".

The range comprises three specific formulas for Weight Management, Urinary Tract Health and Digestive Health.

Supreme says feedback on samples sent to welfare organisations, veterinary schools and practicing vets so far has been very positive. Vets are delighted with the simplicity of the products, and have welcomed the way Monoforage encapsulates all the benefits of hay, with minimal processing compared to other diets.  

Molly Varga added: "All the benefits of hay are preserved while this diet gives more volume of fibre per measurement of food than I have seen before, without increasing the weight (and therefore energy) components".  VetCarePlus delivers the maximum possible crude fibre and long fibre content available to date. 

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Manager for VetCarePlus said: "Supreme Petfoods feels that VetCarePlus is pushing forward the boundaries on specialist diets for rabbits.  Monoforage provides completely unique levels of fibre and we're delighted that all the feedback we have received from a wide range of experts has been exceptionally enthusiastic and welcoming".   

For more information on how to stock VetCarePlus products contact Supreme Petfoods at sales@supremepetfoods.com  or visit http://www.supremeprofessional.com/

The BVA has called on the RCVS to end temporary guidance that allows veterinary surgeons to prescribe POM-V products remotely without first having physically examined the animal.

In mid-September, the Association wrote to the RCVS expressing concern about the August extension to the temporary guidance.

In the latest update from the RCVS, the temporary measure has now been extended to 31 October but the flowchart and guidance have been updated to add some additional steps before a POM-V product can be prescribed remotely.

The BVA says that while it supported the original decision in March as a pragmatic solution and direct response to government restrictions surrounding Covid-19, it is now questioning the ongoing need for such a relaxation in the rules.

In the letter to the RCVS, the BVA also asked for a timeframe for the publication of the results of the RCVS survey of practices’ experiences of remote consulting and prescribing. The Association's own under care working group, chaired by Nigel Gibbens, has been developing a position to respond to the RCVS review. 

BVA President James Russell (pictured right) said: "We understand that allowing remote prescription of POM-Vs was a necessary measure at the height of the lockdown, as practices struggled to assess patients in person.

"However, the veterinary professions have done a fantastic job in adapting to the restrictions and are now able to work safely and see patients.

"Whilst we recognise the RCVS has provided additional guidance for the remote prescribing of POM-V, we cannot currently see any reason why a new client would be unable to access in-person veterinary care in the first instance and we are asking RCVS Council to reconsider this measure when it meets in Oct.

"It makes sense to continue allowing vets to remotely prescribe for existing patients, for example if an owner is shielding, but we feel it is no longer appropriate to be remotely prescribing to animals that have never been physically examined by the vet.

“The question of whether we should be able to remotely prescribe POM-V products without first seeing an animal is an important and live debate, and we welcome the resumption of the College’s review. But the longer that temporary measures are in place, the greater the expectation from animal owners that they will always be in place, and the harder it will be to have the discussion about the best way forward.

“As a profession, we are rightly concerned about antimicrobial resistance and we pride ourselves on the responsible use of medicines. Continually extending the temporary measures without a full analysis would risk undermining our position.”

Improve International has launched a two-year Cardiology Distance Learning (DL) Postgraduate Certificate programme.

The new programme, which starts in May 2021, will address the fundamental principles underlying cardiac disease, discuss common presentations and review current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. 

Modules are delivered using a range of blended learning techniques, including interactive online lessons, supported by notes and videos.

While studying, delegates will have a module tutor – a recognised veterinary Specialist in their field - and a dedicated programme tutor, who works with individual delegates to support them through the programme.

Delegates can also choose three optional practical attendance sessions covering ECGs, thoracic radiography and echocardiography.

The programme offers a route through to achieving academic qualifications - General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), in partnership with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University. Gaining a PgC enables delegates to apply to RCVS for Advanced Practitioner status in the subject.

Course Director Kieran Borgeat BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, said: "Improve International’s Cardiology DL programme features a diverse array of speakers from a variety of backgrounds, who will bring the latest information about veterinary cardiology to delegates. Our module leaders are world experts in their field so bring a thorough and uniquely engaging approach to the course material. Being able to discuss the topic with them and other course delegates online during each module of teaching during a two-year, in-depth course is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the topic as never before."

David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: “Our cardiology programme has been designed to equip delegates with all of the skills and knowledge they need to confidently investigate, diagnose and treat cardiac patients.

“As we start to look ahead to a time beyond lockdowns, many veterinarians are taking stock and considering the next step in their career. For some, an additional qualification may be part of their plan. By offering a distance learning solution, we can ensure that, wherever in the world they are in practice, they have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills and achieve a postgraduate qualification.”

 Registration information can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/pgc-gpcert-small-animal-cardiology-distance-learning/

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has announced that from Spring 2018, CCTV will be mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England.

New legislation will be introduced in the New Year making slaughterhouse CCTV a legal requirement in all areas where live animals are present, with unrestricted access to at least 90 days of footage for Official Veterinarians. The new law will come into force in the spring, with slaughterhouses allowed an adjustment period of up to six months.

The new legislation followed a public consultation which was overwhelmingly in favour of compulsory CCTV. Defra says that out of almost 4,000 respondents, more than 99% were supportive of the plans.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and want to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar. 

"The reaction to this consultation highlights the strength of feeling among the public that all animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life and be subject to the highest possible welfare standards. 

"These strong measures also provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that as we leave the EU we continue to produce our food to the very highest standards."

BVA Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said: "The mandatory installation of CCTV is a vital tool to ensure high standards of animal health, welfare and food safety in all slaughterhouses. 

Official Veterinarians carry out an essential role in slaughterhouses by independently assessing and reporting breaches of animal welfare, and unrestricted access to CCTV footage will allow them to carry out this role even more effectively.

We have been campaigning for these measures for a number of years and it is reassuring to see such a high level of support for their implementation from industry and the public."

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: "The Secretary of State’s decision to require CCTV in all slaughterhouses is a welcome step towards ensuring that animal welfare and hygiene standards are met across the meat industry.

"Last year, the FSA Board concluded that, without mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses, we would see minimal further progress in businesses improving animal welfare or complying with official controls to protect public health.

"We look forward to working with the industry as CCTV plans are implemented, and to seeing public confidence rise as a result."

The government will now further discuss the details of bringing in the proposals and present draft legislation to Parliament as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Photo: Lititz, Pennsylvania. Hoisting a slaughtered steer in Benjamin Lutz's slaughterhouse, 1942. Wikipedia.

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), has joined forces with the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP) to urge companies to stop using images of cat breeds with extreme conformation in their advertising.

The four organisations have written a template letter which anyone can send to any company they see using brachycephalic breeds, such as the Persian, or Scottish Folds, in its marketing materials.

The letter urges companies that use images of cats to work collaboratively with veterinary professionals and pledge to avoid using such breeds in the future.

Dr Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, said: “Seeing a cute cat in an advertisement can often be a trigger for people to seek out acquiring a cat of that breed without understanding the welfare concerns associated with some pedigree breeds.

"A rise in demand can lead to an increase in breeding practices that result in severe conformational issues and poorer welfare in these breeds.

"We encourage people to download this letter to use when they see breeds of concern being used in advertising, as health is always more important than looks.”

https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2023/09/ISFM_FECAVA_FVE_UEVPAdvert_Letter.pdf. 

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has restored a veterinary surgeon who had previously been convicted of fraud to the Register, after finding him fit to resume practising.

Matthew Morgan had pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud in July 2013 having fraudulently claimed over £200,000 in pet insurance claims between November 2009 and December 2012. In August 2013 he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, for which he served 12 months and was then released on licence.

Following his conviction and sentence, his case was brought to the RCVS Disciplinary Committee in February 2014 where it was decided to strike him off the Register. When his licence period expired on 18 August 2015, Mr Morgan applied for restoration to the Register.

During the course of the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee heard evidence from Mr Morgan, who accepted the findings of the Committee, describing the evidence as ‘fair’ and acknowledging the seriousness of his actions.

The Committee felt that Mr Morgan’s criminal conduct was very grave, as reflected in his custodial sentence and the fact that, as an Australian citizen, he had been issued with a deportation notice by the Home Office. It also felt that his crime had struck at the heart of public confidence in a profession for which honesty and integrity is expected.

However, the Committee considered that Mr Morgan, if restored, would pose few risks in respect of protection of the public, having no concerns about his competence as a veterinary surgeon, and accepted that there was little future risk to animal welfare if he were to be restored.

The Committee also considered that, since his release from prison, Mr Morgan has taken extensive steps to rehabilitate himself, has undertaken continuing professional development and has been working as a veterinary care assistant at two veterinary practices to keep up-to-date with current practice.

Furthermore, the Committee was satisfied that there was public support for Mr Morgan continuing as a veterinary surgeon given the references and testimonials submitted on his behalf.

In coming to its conclusion the Disciplinary Committee reiterated the seriousness of Mr Morgan’s criminal offending, saying that it had caused it “the greatest concern”. However, it also felt that issues of rehabilitation needed to be considered.

Professor Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee cannot emphasise enough the fact that veterinary surgeons who commit acts of fraud in the exercise of their practice can expect severe consequences, both in the criminal courts and within their own College and there can be no doubt that the decision to remove the applicant from the Register was a proper reflection of the seriousness of his offending.

“Given all of the matters referred to above, however, the Committee considers that the applicant has demonstrated sufficiently that he has learned the lessons required and is now fit to be restored to the Register.”

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Ketodale, an anti-inflammatory injection for cattle, horses and swine.

Ketodale contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen 100mg/ml.  It is indicated for use in cattle and swine for diseases associated with inflammation, pain or fever. In cattle these include respiratory diseases, mastitis, osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal disorders, such as lameness and arthritis, and to ease pain post parturition. Ketodale can be used to treat swine suffering from Mastitis Metritis Agalactia (MMA) Syndrome and respiratory tract infections. 

In horses, Ketodale is indicated for diseases affecting the osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal system associated with pain and inflammation. These include naviculitis, arthritis and laminitis. It can also be used for post-surgical inflammation and symptomatic therapy of colic and fever.

Ketodale is available in 50ml and 100ml vials.

To coincide with the product's launch, Dechra is carrying out a direct marketing campaign. Practices can take advantage of a special launch offer where they can purchase four vials and get a fifth free. The offer is available for a limited period only. 

To find out more about Ketodale, call Dechra on 01743 441 632 or visiting www.dechra.com

The RCVS has introduced a new online recording system for graduates starting their Professional Development Phase (PDP).

The new PDP database sits as a module within the Professional Development Record (PDR), launched by the RCVS in April to help veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses plan, evaluate and record their CPD.

 Freda Andrews, RCVS Head of Education said: "Bringing the PDP into the new Professional Development Record shows clearly how this stage of a vet's development is part of the continuum of professional development that starts at university and continues for as long as they practise. We are also developing a system for students to record their practical and clinical experience whilst at university and, once this is complete next year, the PDR will become a complete record of professional lifelong learning."

Like the rest of the PDR, the new PDP module offers extra space for notes, and allows documents such as case reports and presentations to be uploaded and stored. Responding to feedback from users of the old PDP system, the new interface is designed to be more user friendly than the previous PDP database, and contains interactive help, guidance on PDP and an easier means of recording case numbers against the clinical skills lists. All new graduates from 2012 are able to sign up to use the new PDP site and, once their account is activated, they will also be able to use the CPD area to record any additional CPD they might undertake.

Graduates from previous years who are still undertaking their PDP using the old database may continue on the old system for the time being, although at some stage within the next year or so, the old site will need to be archived. Anyone who would prefer to use the new system instead should contact the PDP administrator at the RCVS to discussed transferring (pdp@rcvs.org.uk 020 7202 0736). As the skills lists have changed slightly, however, an automatic transfer of data from the old to the new isn't possible.

The PDP links the 'Day One' competences that veterinary surgeons have achieved when they graduate to the 'Year One' competences which they are expected to have achieved after about a year in practice. Each vet's progress through the PDP is supervised by a Postgraduate Dean, and its completion also requires sign-off from the veterinary surgeon's employer or mentor.

For more information, or to sign up to the PDP, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp.

Woodley Equipment Company has announced that Veterinary Parasep Faecal Filters are now available exclusively from the company.

According to the Woodley, the filters have been developed in conjunction with an independent leading veterinary Institution and offer an improved method of determining Worm Egg Counts (WEC) on cattle, sheep and horses. Flotation methods for WEC can require several Specific Gravity solutions to cover different parasites. The two common flotation methods, ‘Modified McMaster' and ‘Improved Modified McMaster', both use Saturated NaCL and are both catered for with Veterinary Parasep.

Woodley says the key advantages of the new filters are:

• Cleaner, safer method - The enclosed filtration environment keeps user contact with harmful vapours and aerosols to a bare minimum.
• No possibility of cross contamination - being single use and disposable prevents any possibility of sample carryover.
• More accurate and consistent results - Egg counts can be affected using traditional techniques, by unintentional inconsistent sample mixing.
• No laborious ‘clean up' of sinks, shaker bottles and sieves - All the filtration, mixing and shaking is performed inside the Veterinary Parasep tube.

For a more information about The Veterinary Parasep please email sales@woodleyequipment.com or call the customer service team on +44 (0) 1204 669033 ~ Option 1.

Alternatively, visit http://www.woodleyequipment.com/.

The BSAVA has announced the addition of emergency and critical care (ECC) learning resources to its free online CPD bank.

New subject areas include emergency planning, traffic accidents, excessive bleeding, seizures, poisonings, choking and breathing problems, caesareans, GDV and abdominal emergencies, and pain assessment and management.

ECC is the first element of the new Practical and Clinical Skills section of the BSAVA’s online Professional Development Phase (PDP) Resource Bank, and takes the total to more than 100 hours of free online CPD support matched directly to the RCVS PDP competences.

The BSAVA PDP resource bank is designed to help veterinary surgeons to enhance practice expertise, develop their practices’ professional and business skills, and advance an ethos of reflective learning and continuous professional development (CPD) alongside veterinary expertise.

Members can pick and choose the most appropriate content for their professional development from more than 250 resources in multiple formats to suit a range of learning preferences, including short ‘how to’ videos, webinars written by and featuring veterinary specialists, podcasts, documents and interactive PDFs and web links.

BSAVA President John Chitty said: "BSAVA continues to lead the way in CPD learning resources and this easily accessible and flexible PDP Resource Bank has proven very popular in helping members to meet the challenges of delivering 21^st century veterinary medicine."

The BSAVA PDP Resource Bank content is reviewed by committee and there will be ongoing development of new resources – including employer specific resources for practices supporting new graduates.

For more information visit www.bsava.com/pdp  

MSD Animal Health (Merck in the US and Canada), has launched Finadyne (flunixin), the NSAID for cattle, as a pour on.

According to the company, Finadyne Transdermal is the world's first non-parasiticide cattle product to be made available as a pour-on.

Dr. Martin Behr, technical manager at MSD Animal Health said: “Finadyne Transdermal is uniquely designed for rapid absorption into the bloodstream and its antipyretic effect has been demonstrated as early as two hours after treatment. This is because innovative penetration enhancers are included in the formulation to improve the absorption of the active ingredient flunixin through the skin.”

The new product comes in pre-calibrated packaging and uses a bottle designed for easy application along an animal’s back.

Dr. Behr added: “It’s much simpler for farmers to treat cattle in this way – as opposed to administering an injection, which can also mean needle-site lesions that can reduce the value of a carcass or compromise hide quality.

“The time taken to handle and treat animals will be much reduced with a transdermal NSAID. There will also be a saving on syringes and needles.”

Finadyne Transdermal (POM-V) is available now from veterinary wholesalers. Further information is available from the MSD Animal Health veterinary support group on 01908 685685.

Agrimin has announced the launch of a new range of boluses for sheep and cattle that use 'eroding technology' to deliver a sustained supply of three trace elements for up to 180 days:

• The Agrimin 24•7 Iodine•Selenium•Cobalt bolus for sheep is designed to ensure breeding ewes receive all three essential trace elements in the run-up to tupping, scanning or overwintering.
• Agrimin 24•7 Iodine•Selenium•Cobalt bolus for cattle is for year-round use in intensive dairy or suckler beef systems.

According to Agrimin, each bolus is designed to provide the full daily requirement of cobalt and selenium and the largest available daily supply of iodine to both cattle and sheep. The boluses do not contain any copper, an element known to cause issues in certain parts of the country, in closely managed dairy cows or in continental sheep breeds.

Each bolus is made up of two parts, held together by a soluble wrapper. After administration, the wrapper dissolves and the two halves remain in the reticulum where they erode and dissolve. This process delivers a continuous and regular supply of nutrients to the animal.

Agrimin's Dr Jamie Bennison said that the new range has been extensively trialled in New Zealand and at Glasgow Veterinary School: "Trials have confirmed a sustained release profile which ensures that iodine, selenium and cobalt levels are maintained throughout the active life of the bolus. In farm trials this has translated into higher levels of the elements in blood samples and improved animal productivity."

Treatment is one bolus per animal (48g for sheep; 160g for cattle) administered with an Agrimin bolus gun. One bolus is sufficient to meet the animal's full daily requirement for 180 days.

For more information about the 24•7 Iodine•Selenium•Cobalt range of cattle and sheep boluses, please visit http://www.agrimin.com/ or call 01652 688046.