Elanco has announced that Onsior 6 mg tablets have been licensed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders in cats.

The NSAID's new indication is in addition to its existing license for acute pain and inflammation.

Elanco points to research it carried out which found that over a six week period, owners saw a visible improvement in their cats' performance of daily activities. There was also a 50% reduction in owner-assessed pain and disability (significantly greater than seen in the placebo group)¹. 

The company says the product, which is administered once-daily as a small flavoured tablet, is well-accepted by most cats, and has a robust safety profile². It is also a winner of an ISFM Easy to Give Award.

Elanco's Veterinary Technical Consultant, Lepha McCartan said: "It is very exciting to be launching this new indication for Onsior because musculoskeletal disorders are commonplace in cats.

"Although reports vary, studies have shown that radiographic evidence of DJD has a prevalence as high as over 90%.³

"At Elanco we are passionate about keeping cats doing what they love and Onsior enables this while also giving vets more choice for managing chronic musculo-skeletal disease."

For more information, visit: myelanco.co.uk or speak to your Elanco territory manager.

References

1. Elanco Animal Health. Data on File: Lascelles BDX, King JN & Archer Thompson NJ (2018) ELA_ONS_Fel_CMSD_PFSS01
2. EPAR – Assessment Report – Variation Elanco Animal Health.
3. Lascelles BDX et al (2010) Cross sectional Study of the prevalence of radiographic DJD in domesticated cats. Vet Surg 2010 39: 535

Zoetis has launched Cytopoint (lokivetmab), a novel once-monthly injectable treatment for the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs and the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy approved in the European Union for veterinary use.

Zoetis says that Cytopoint works by mimicking the activity of natural antibodies which selectively bind and neutralise canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31), a key cytokine involved in triggering itch in dogs.

The company says that because of the precision and specificity with which Cytopoint acts to target and neutralise cIL-31, it has been shown not to interfere with the immune response, meaning that it does not induce unintended immunosuppression or enhancement.

Dr. Emmanuel Bensignor, a specialist in veterinary dermatology in Paris, France, who participated in field studies conducted in Europe, said: "My personal experience with Cytopoint showed impressive speed of efficacy, significantly reducing itch in dogs from 24 hours onwards.

"Atopic dermatitis is a very common disease in dogs, and the owners I meet are desperate to find a rapid, reliable and safe solution for their suffering dogs. With its once monthly injection, I believe that Cytopoint has the potential to meet pet owners' needs for its convenience.

"European veterinary dermatologists and veterinarians will now have access to a new therapeutic class via this first monoclonal antibody treatment for veterinary use. It is a very exciting innovation which brings a notable improvement to the health and quality of life of the dogs and happiness to their families."

The recommended minimum efficacious dose for the treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs is 1 mg/kg, which can be repeated monthly. Cytopoint will be available in single dose vials containing 10, 20, 30 or 40 mg/kg of lokivetmab.

For more information, visit the European Medicines Agency.

The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has launched its SPVS Salary Survey 2024. 

The annual survey gives an overview of remuneration levels within the veterinary sector.

It covers everything from basic earnings, bonuses, dividends and overtime, to benefits such as accommodation, car allowances and pensions.

SPVS is asking everyone in the veterinary profession to take part, whether they're in a clinical or non-clinical role, a vet, a nurse, a practice manager, support staff or working in industry.

The main findings of the survey will be published in a report and freely available to any participant who gives their email address at the end of the survey. 

SPVS members will be able to access the full results with additional commentary and analysis.

All survey data is treated as strictly anonymous and totally confidential.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LOZS6O 

Any questions: office@spvs.org.uk

Neil Hudson MRCVS has announced that he is standing as the Conservative candidate for the Penrith and the Border constituency in this year's election, joining Danny Chambers MRCVS who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in North Cornwall, and Ian Fleming MRCVS who is standing as an independent candidate.

Neil, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, is an equine veterinary surgeon who has worked in large and small animal practice in the UK and Australia. Neil is clearly multi-talented: on top of his many and various career achievements, he was in the Cambridge Footlights and has performed in four Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows. He also plays the piano. 

Danny is another multi-talented veterinary surgeon, currently working as an equine locum and well-known in the profession as an RCVS Council Member, the founder of Veterinary Voices and a campaigner against irrational forms of veterinary medicine such as homeopathy.

Ian Fleming is a Senior Vet at the PDSA, standing as an independent candidate for the Halesowen and Rowley Regis constituency.

If I was a betting man, my money would have to be on Neil: Penrith and the Border has been held by the Conservatives since 1950, most recently by Rory Stewart. Danny, on the other hand, needs to overturn a 7200 Conservative majority in his constituency, something which the latest polls suggest is a bit of an outside bet. Still, stranger things have happened. 

The British Veterinary Association has announced the three winners of its Photographers of the Year competition, sponsored by iM3 Dental.

The winning images were selected from nine finalists, shortlisted from hundreds of entries that were taken by vets, both in their professional and private lives.

And the winners are ...  

• Vets at work winner - #Colostrumisgold by Sophie Aylett
• On the Shoulders of Giants by Katherine Edmondson
• Happy pets that make us smile winner – Jumping for joy by Sam Price

Sophie said: “I was very surprised to win with my photo of a newborn calf standing next to me during the closing phases of surgery.

"I'm not that slow at suturing up, it’s just the calf was very alert and standing before I finished!

"For me this photo encapsulates the best parts of farm vetting: prompt decisions, safe handling, great outcomes, teamwork.

"I’m very proud to be a farm vet and exceptionally pleased this photo will be seen by current farm vets and hopefully will inspire future farm vets from all walks of life to pursue a veterinary career.” 

Katherine, who is a third year Veterinary Medicine student at the Royal Veterinary College, said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have my photograph selected as the winner of the category, especially against such impressive entries. 

"I was on a morning visit to a game reserve with a local vet in South Africa, when the sunrise highlighted the small oxpeckers on the backs of the giraffes, frantically flying to and fro.

"With the giraffe curiously watching us, I managed to capture the moment all three birds landed on its back, creating the image representing all creatures great and small.”

Sam Price said: "I took the image of my dog, Winnie, while on a campervan trip on the north coast of Ireland.

She loves nothing more than a beach day as you can see so I felt this was a fitting photo for the brief.

Thankfully there was a rare bout of sunshine on the day which made for some nice lighting and Winnie is pretty photogenic, which always helps!"

BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “The winning images stood out to us for many reasons, but we particularly liked how each one captured the essence of the category it was entered into; Sophie’s image of a c-section on a cow was so touching and really demonstrates the daily life of many of our valued farm vets; Katherine Edmondson’s photograph of the giraffe and red-billed oxpeckers was stunning but also truly embodied the All creatures great and small element; while Sam Price’s photo of Winnie the dog literally jumping for joy stole our hearts and genuinely made us all break out in smiles.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and also a huge well done to all the finalists as well, it was a really tough decision but you should be proud of the incredible photographs you entered and your talents.” 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has relaxed its recently imposed restrictions on the sale of the equine pain killer, flunixin by allowing the release of stock from manufacturers, thereby restoring access to this medicine for use in non-food producing horses whilst it works towards a longer-term solution.

The BEVA has welcomed the news, whilst expressing its concern that the drug was suspended without consultation with the veterinary profession in the first place.

Jon Pycock, BEVA President said: "It remains a concern to BEVA that this mechanism was not put in place before the suspension of flunixin was imposed. Contrary to assertions by the VMD, wholesalers were unable to meet the demands of the veterinary profession and clinical use of this medicine was disrupted within 24 hours of the VMD’s initial announcement.

"We are surprised by the Regulator’s lack of awareness of availability in the supply chain and question why there was no consultation with the veterinary sector before the suspension was enacted. The VMD has been aware of this issue since March 2018 and it appears that no contingency was put in place to consider the animal welfare impact of this decision until it was too late."

BEVA Junior Vice President and Specialist in Equine Surgery Tim Mair continued: "Flunixin is a unique medicine in managing pain and sepsis in horses with colic. The VMD appeared to believe that this medicine could be substituted for other veterinary medicines and this is simply not the case. The release of stock from manufacturers is a short-term solution and, looking forward, we would like assurances that the VMD will fast track applications for the modification of product licenses to ensure that equine vets have continued access to these products."

Professor Kate White, Senior Vice President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists added: "Provision of pain relief is essential to maintain animal welfare. The loss of these products would hinder the work of vets working with horses and donkeys and in zoos where they are first line drugs for the management of pain. Use of flunixin in these animals can be undertaken safely with no impact on human health."

Stock of flunixin held by manufacturers will be distributed alongside a ‘caution in use’ letter that will explain the restricted use of this product. BEVA is reminding all equine vets that the horse’s food chain status must be checked when using this product – either using the paper passport or the recently launched chip checker on the central equine database website.

Virbac has announced that from the 1st February 2018, BackHome microchips will include free online transfer of keepership from breeders to new puppy owners.

The introduction of the compulsory microchipping law in April 2016 has meant that puppies have to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age and the breeder has to be recorded as the first keeper. This has, up to now, incurred further and often unexpected costs for new puppy owners or breeders who have had to pay an additional fee for the transfer of keepership.

From 1^st February practices using BackHome microchips will register their newly implanted microchips with the UK based reunification database, PETtrac, and the online transfer of keepership from breeders to new owners will be free. A postal transfer will cost 50p.

BackHome Product Manager Madeline Haynes said: "We have listened to feedback from the veterinary profession who have stressed the importance of not only providing a fast and reliable service from a pet reunification database, but also the need for free transfer of keepership from a breeder to a new owner.

"We are delighted to have been able to facilitate this through the move to PETtrac."

PETtrac is a UK based, DEFRA compliant reunification database that offers 24/7 customer service, 365 days of the year.  

The move to PETtrac will not affect pets already registered with BackHome Microchips, whose lifelong registration with previous database supplier PetLog remains unchanged. 

For more information, visit: www.virbac.co.uk    

*Postal transfer of keepership from breeder to new owner will cost 0.50p

TVM UK has announced the launch of Ziapam 5mg/ml, the first licensed diazepam injection for dogs and cats.

Ziapam is licensed for the short-term control of convulsive disorders and muscle spasms of central and peripheral origin, and for use as part of a sedation or pre-anaesthetic protocol. It is presented in packs containing 6 x 2ml vials.

Simon Boulton MRCVS, marketing manager at TVM said: "As a scheduled intravenous drug it is important that we have batch traceability and the proper monitoring of any side effects of such drugs to make sure current guidelines for use in the SPC are correct. Ziapam is kept at the same concentration of the previously used human generics on the cascade for ease of transition."

Simon added: "Furthermore, we’ve purposefully priced Ziapam such that it is only costs a few pence per dose more than the human generic."

TVM UK has also produced a dosing guide for practices which illustrates the different indications and associated treatment guidelines.

For a copy of the dosing guide or for more information, contact your local Territory Manager, email: help@tvm-uk.com, or call: 01737 781 416.

VetSurgeon members, husband and wife Cat Henstridge and Dave Hough MsRCVS have set up vCPD, a low cost CPD company based in the West Midlands.

Cat said: "Many of you will have noticed how CPD has become extremely expensive with some of the larger providers. Single days of theory based lectures are often well over £300+VAT, even for vet nurses, and more practical sessions can be far more than this.  In these tough economic times it is a cost many practices can ill afford but one which, due to the RCVS regulations on Continuing Professional Development for both Vets and Vet Nurses, they are often forced to meet.

"vCPD is very different. Courses cost only £150 +VAT , all of which are given by highly qualified and experienced professionals (often the very same ones used by the more expensive companies) at an extremely convenient location, with excellent transport links and plenty of free parking, in the West Midlands. We are initially concentrating on vet nurses but will be expanding to vets later in the year."

You can find out more, view the courses and download a booking form by visiting http://www.vcpd.co.uk/. You can also follow vCPD on facebook and twitter.

Some leading lights in the world of small animal medicine have signed up to help colleagues in general practice, by answering questions posted in the VetSurgeon.org Community.

Kate Murphy and Mellora Sharman from VetCT, Mayank Seth and Rachel Miller from Stansted Veterinary Specialists and Andy Kent from Blaise Referrals have all signed up to get the new VetSurgeon.org email digest of questions posted on the site and will help when they can. 

To get things started, any VetSurgeon.org member who posts a question about small animal medicine AND subscribes to the daily or weekly email digest (by logging in and clicking the red box on the homepage) before close of play on 15th August 2023 will go in the hat to win a bottle of Moet champagne. 

VetSurgeon.org editor Arlo Guthrie said: "There are many reasons why this new Q&A community is better for professional clinical discussions than other forms of social media, but perhaps the most important is that when you ask a question, you’re not just helping yourself. 

"Your question and any answers you receive go into an easily searchable knowledgebase of experience and opinion for the benefit of everyone in the veterinary profession. 

"Beyond that, we don't use an algorithm to prioritise posts you are likely to react to, so we avoid the sort of echo chamber bias found on Facebook. 

"Other social media also gives undeserved equivalence to all opinions, whereas we highlight those expressed by people with advanced qualifications and experience. 

"Finally, VetSurgeon.org is now about one thing and one thing only, which is vets helping each other.

"That makes us much more focused.

"All in all, it means that VetSurgeon.org is where you'll get an authoritative answer."

General practitioners are also strongly encouraged to login and subscribe to the VetSurgeon.org Digest of questions, either daily or weekly.

Arlo added: "You'll get a daily or weekly list of veterinary questions asked by your peers.

"Some you'll want to know the answer to too.

"Some you may be able to help with.

"Answers are welcome not just from Specialists and referral practitioners, but also from general practitioners, industry members and academics."

Bayer Animal Health, maker of Advocate, says that since February, veterinary surgeons have reported more than 80 cases of canine lungworm infection in the UK, of which six have died.

The fatal cases were reported in Salisbury, Crawley, Ipswitch and Essex.

Of the 84 cases reported, 43 practices said it wasn't their first. With no requirement for compulsory reporting, Bayer says it is likely that other cases have gone undocumented.

Although the majority of cases reported to Bayer were found in the South of the UK, others were reported as far north as Paisley in Scotland. This, says the company, adds to the increasing base of evidence that lungworm is endemic throughout much of the UK and continues to pose a significant threat to dogs.

Recent research by Bayer found that 37% of veterinary surgeons thought cases of lungworm had increased in their area over the last five years.² 

The company also points towards a study from the University of Bristol which examined the fox population and found further evidence of the parasite's spread across the UK.³ The research suggests that the overall prevalence of A.vasorum in foxes is 18.3% in the UK, significantly higher than a previous study published in 2008, which reported a prevalence of 7.3%.³

The South East is reported to have the highest prevalence, with 50% of foxes now found to be infected (more than double the previous figure). In the North of England and Scotland, 7.4% of foxes were found to be infected despite none being found in this region in the earlier study.

Dogs which have picked up a lungworm infection can show a number of different symptoms including breathing difficulties, a lack of energy, coughing and persistent bleeding. However, the clinical signs can be varied and some dogs may appear healthy in the early stages of infection.

Gavin McAulay, a cardiorespiratory specialist at New Priory Veterinary Hospital in Brighton said: "With often confusing symptoms, the clinical judgement of vets is key in ensuring an animal is diagnosed and treated against lungworm as soon as possible. In many scenarios lungworm should be a consideration to be assessed in the background whilst investigating other conditions, however monthly prevention is key. There is evidence with other parasite diseases that suggests the more animals you treat, the better protected other animals in the area are."

Bayer’s 'Act Against Lungworm' campaign is urging veterinary surgeons to encourage monthly lungworm preventative treatment. Prevention which stops larval shedding will also help limit the geographical spread of the disease.

Donna Tomlinson, Senior Product Manager for Advocate said: “With the continued spread of lungworm in the UK, it is important to ensure that our 2017 ‘Act Against Lungworm’ campaign resonates with local communities. We have the case studies to show that lungworm has been reported across the UK, but we rely on the support of vets to help get the message out.

Dorset-based homeopathic practitioner Philippa Rodale, who requested that her name be removed from the RCVS Register in July, has been convicted of cruelty at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

The case related to Mrs Rodale's treatment of a female foxhound called 'Dangerous', which had been brought to her after being hit by a car. 

The dog was reported to the RSPCA by a member of the public who was alarmed after seeing the dog lying in the surgery, whining and dragging her back legs. The court heard that at this point, Dangerous had already been in the care of the clinic for 10 days, during which time Mrs Rodale had administered both homeopathic and conventional treatment, but had failed either to x-ray the animal or give adequate pain relief. In addition, the court heard hygiene and nursing care standards were poor.

RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths said: "When I found Dangerous she was just lying on a tiled floor with no bedding and only a towel propping up her head, paralysed, and covered in infected pressure sores. She couldn’t even stand up. 

"It was a shocking sight and definitely not something that I would ever expect to see anywhere, let alone in a veterinary practice. 

"She was clearly in agony and had just not received the level of care and attention that you would expect from a vet. She was suffering so much that sadly a decision had to be made by another veterinary surgeon to do the kind thing and finally put her to sleep.

"The RSPCA exists to protect animals from cruelty and suffering and to defend them when their needs are not being met and we hope that this case goes some way to showing that no-one is exempt from providing animals with the duty of care that they deserve - not only morally, but because it is also the law.” 

Mrs Rodale was ordered to pay £4,000 in costs to the RSPCA as well as £520 in court charges and a £15 victim surcharge.

Do you think the RCVS should issue a public statement about homeopathy, and require that veterinary surgeons inform owners about the scientific evidence which demonstrates it is ineffective? If so, visit The Campaign For Rational Veterinary Medicine, and sign the petition. 

Picture BNPS

Eukanuba has published the results of a 10 year study to evaluate the health and longevity of continuously Eukanuba-fed dogs, in which 90% lived beyond the breed's typical lifespan.

Before the start of the study, a independent panel of veterinary academics and experts assessed existing evidence concerning the longevity of Labrador Retrievers and came to a consensual conclusion that the average lifespan for the breed is 12 years.

39 Labrador Retrievers in early to mid-adulthood were then enrolled in the study¹, which began in 2004. All the dogs were neutered and had identical housing, standardised daily care and veterinary care. The dogs were fed the amount of food needed to maintain each dog within an optimal body condition score.

Remarkably, 28% of the dogs in the study achieved exceptional longevity, living beyond 15.6 years. One dog very nearly made it to 18 years of age.

The study was overseen Eukanuba's Longevity Council, a panel of international vet and industry experts including Professor Stuart Carmichael, Dr Penny Watson, Dr Vicki Adams, Professor Steve Dean and David Morgan, which collectively agreed that the secret to healthy ageing in canines is a careful balance of nutrition, good husbandry and effective veterinary care.

Professor Steve Dean, Former Chairman of the UK Kennel Club said: "Nutrition is a major contributor to the health of dogs in the long term, of course it isn’t the only contributor; good husbandry and good veterinary care are the other major pillars for health and longevity. The correct nutrition has a big part to play in maintaining dog health throughout its entire life, which we’ve found out from the Eukanuba Long Life Observation, can be a lot longer than we have previously expected. We’ve always assumed that Labradors will live 12 years if we’re lucky, but now we have a whole new target to aim for…16 and 17 years. It is quite phenomenal."

Dr Penny Watson, Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine, Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge said: "Vets as a profession are very good at treating diseases in animals, but perhaps slightly less good at giving preventative advice to pet owners about healthy lifestyles. As vets, we should be thinking all through an animals life cycle, from puppy to geriatric, about the preventative aspects, such as good diet, maintaining the right body condition score and other aspects including dental care, rather than just looking disease and treating it."

David Morgan, Eukanuba’s Senior Scientific Communications Manager said: "The hope is that we can take the message that it’s not only about nutrition but what we call appropriate care, which is veterinary care and husbandry, looking after the dogs in a responsible way. Because, yes we have some great observations and we are starting now with Dr Vicki Adams to break down into more detail what we’ve actually seen in the Eukanuba Labradors and what recommendations we can give in the future so that all dogs can have that longer, healthy and more vibrant lives."

Reference

1. Healthy ageing and longevity in dogs - a lifelong approach. Eukanuba Veterinary Symposium. Pre-Congress Symposium at the VetMadrid 2015, the XXXII AMVAC Annual Congress. March 5th 2015.