Actiphage, a new blood test for bovine TB, has been accepted for exceptional private use in England by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Dr Berwyn Clarke, CEO of PBD Biotech, which developed the bacteriophage-based detection method, says this is significant step forward: "In situations where a farm has had an ongoing chronic bovine TB problem, APHA’s protocol offers a promising new approach to controlling the infection.

"Actiphage is now included within a series of measures that farmers can use in conjunction with their vet and with specific APHA approval as a means to improving their disease management strategy. 

"For many farms that have been struggling for years it provides the first step to becoming TB free. This move by the APHA is a really positive step towards tackling this devastating disease."

Much of this new strategy, as part of a private TB eradication plan, has been driven by the success of Devon-based vet Dick Sibley, who incorporated Actiphage into a disease management strategy last Autumn to help clear a dairy herd that had been stricken with TB since 2012.

Dick said: "The approach of directly measuring the presence of live bacteria in the blood in just six hours is a totally different but complementary measurement to other technologies and has enabled enhanced testing, early detection and containment of the infected animals. 

"We don’t have all of the answers yet, but it’s about predicting, preventing and managing what we can – and Actiphage has contributed greatly to the outcome we’ve been after for so long."

The Exceptional private use of non-validated tests for TB on cattle in England protocol enables any private veterinary surgeon to request APHA permission for exceptional use of Actiphage and the other non-validated tests, subject to certain criteria that include herd supplementary interferon-γ (IFN- γ) testing, discussions with the APHA Case Vet and the farmer’s written consent.

Berwyn added: "Actiphage is unique in directly detecting live mycobacteria in blood or milk, and it can also distinguish between a vaccinated and an infected animal - paving the way for new types of disease control when vaccines become available in the future. 

"We are working with international governments, and the test is being trialled on bovine, ovine as well as exotic species, but we appreciate it is new to the UK market so we’re keen to answer any queries vets or farmers may have."

The new test will be profiled in the Innovation Hub at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Show next month (27 & 28 June).

PBD Biotech says Actiphage will require further testing before it is officially approved for standard veterinary use in the UK, however under the APHA protocol it is now permitted for private use where herds have experienced persistent breakdowns and this will contribute to the evidence-base required for official validation by the OIE and acceptance by APHA.

Within this protocol, APHA has outlined a number of other non-validated tests that may be proposed for exceptional use in cattle herds with chronic breakdowns, including: the Actiphage assay, developed by PBD Biotech and Nottingham University; the Enferplex TB serological test, produced by Enfer Laboratories Ireland and approved in GB for use in camelids; and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing of faecal samples. APHA says this is not an exhaustive list and that the protocol covers any current or future non-validated tests for bovine TB. 

The comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test and the IFN- γ blood test remain the only ante mortem tests currently approved for the statutory cattle TB testing programme in Great Britain.

The full Exceptional private use of non-validated tests for TB on cattle in England is available on the APHA Vet Gateway: apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/non-valid-tb-testing

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed the Registrar to remove Great Yarmouth-based veterinary surgeon Ms Judith Lesley Kay from the Register for a number of alcohol-related issues and clinical failings.

The hearing proceeded in Ms Kay’s absence as she failed to attend. The Committee heard a number of charges relating to her practising while under the influence of alcohol, breaching undertakings to the College to abstain completely from alcohol, alleged serious clinical failings in relation to the treatment of two dogs, Izzy and Alfie, and making disparaging remarks to a client about other veterinary surgeons (the complete list of charges can be found on the College’s website: www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/). 

In relation to the first charge, (that in September 2016, while a locum veterinary surgeon at Haven Veterinary Surgeons Group, Great Yarmouth, she was under the influence of alcohol), the Committee heard from a veterinary nurse at the practice who told how on different occasions Miss Kay had appeared to need more assistance than expected, was overly friendly in speaking to clients, was unable to prepare a syringe correctly, and finally, on 14 September 2016, was found asleep in the car with an open can of alcohol by her feet. The Committee also heard from a number of other witnesses from the Haven Veterinary Surgeons Group who also provided evidence of Ms Kay’s behaviour on the day in question. Following deliberations, the Committee found the first charge to be proved.

The second charge related to the breaching of undertakings which Ms Kay had given to the College to the effect that she would abstain completely from alcohol. When samples were taken on 3 August 2017, however, it was found that she had been consuming alcohol in the recent past. The Committee was therefore satisfied that the second charge was proved.

The Committee then turned to the third charge, that in March 2017 Ms Kay had displayed a number of clinical failings when performing surgery on a cocker spaniel, Izzy, belonging to Mrs Debbie Coe. The Committee found the majority of the charges proved, amongst others that she failed to obtain informed consent for surgery, performed surgery in her own home when it was not registered as a veterinary practice and it was not possible to ensure sterility, and that she failed to provide suitable post-operative analgesia to Izzy.

The College then turned to the fourth charge, which concerned her treatment of Mrs Coe’s other dog, Alfie, a Miniature Schnauzer. The charge was that in March 2017, Ms Kay euthanased Alfie in an inappropriate manner, and used a controlled drug without having a registered veterinary premise from which to dispense it. After hearing from an expert witness the Committee found the charges proved.

Finally, the Committee heard evidence relating to the fifth charge, namely that in or around July 2016, Ms Kay made disparaging remarks to Mrs Coe about other veterinary surgeons who had treated Alfie, and that between 17 March and 31 March 2017 she had sent inappropriate texts and voicemail messages to Mrs Coe about the treatment of her dogs and payments owed in relation to this. The Committee thought there was not enough evidence in relation to the voicemails, but found the remainder of the charge proved.

Taking all into account, the Committee found that Ms Kay’s conduct had fallen far short of the standard expected of a member of the veterinary profession and concluded that her conduct clearly amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee considered that the only appropriate sanction is that of removal from the Register. Such a sanction is required to protect animals and to send a clear message to the Respondent, and to all veterinary surgeons, of the unacceptability of the conduct identified in this case. Such conduct undermines public confidence in the profession and fails to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.

"Accordingly, the Committee has decided that removal from the Register is the only appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case."

Ms Kay has 28 days from being informed about the Disciplinary Committee’s decision to make an appeal to the Privy Council.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has restored Portsmouth-based Simon Wood MRCVS to the Register. 

Mr Wood was removed from the Register in 2018 after being convicted of posessing indecent images of children and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.

Mr Wood first applied to rejoin the Register in 2020 but his application was rejected. 

At the outset of his second application last month, Mr Wood’s counsel argued that he is professionally competent to be restored, that he had strong mitigation for his offending, that he had consistently and repeatedly expressed and demonstrated profound remorse, that he posed a low risk of re-offending, that he had proactively engaged with the Probation Service and voluntary counselling to gain further insight into his offending, and that he had completed his community sentence and was no longer subject to any of the court orders arising from his conviction.

The Committee then weighed up whether Mr Wood had accepted its original findings in 2018, the seriousness of the offences, whether he demonstrated insight, protection of the public and the public interest, the future welfare of animals should he be restored to the Register, the length of time off the Register, Mr Wood's conduct since he was removed and evidence that he had kept up-to-date with veterinary knowledge, skills and practice.

Dr Kathryn Peaty MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee is satisfied that Mr Wood has done everything required of him in order to be able to satisfy the Committee that he is fit to be restored to the Register.

“At the last application in June 2020, he was unsuccessful largely because of the outstanding ancillary Court Orders that did not conclude until early 2023. Those Orders have now concluded

“He has shown significant insight into his offending behaviour. He has been proactive in his rehabilitation and taken significant steps to ensure there would be no repetition.

“He has a small, but strong, network of people around him who appear to genuinely care about him and support him. He has worked hard at maintaining his skills and knowledge, in so far as he has been able to in light of not being able to practise as a veterinary surgeon.

“He is thoughtful and realistic about his prospects going forward. His responses to questions about addiction were appropriate and persuasive. He has expressed genuine remorse and there is, in the Committee’s view, a public interest in allowing him to be restored to the Register.”

www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary

Miele Professional has released the results of some independent market research which shows that 72% of veterinary surgeons worry about the impact that a public complaint could have on their business, with 75% monitoring online review sites for comments about their practices at least every month.

For the research, Miele commissioned independent market research firm Sapio to interview 1000 pet owners and 100 UK-based vet practices.

Veterinary practices have good reason to worry about complaints: the research showed that 89% of veterinary clients would be quick to tell others if they were dissatisfied with any aspect of the practice or care received. 63% said they would air their grievances on an online review site and 60% said they'd share their views on social media.

Those figures appear to be borne out by the fact that only 10% of vets said they had not seen any negative comments online about their practice.

Interviews with pet owners also found that the top five factors to affect a practice's reputation were: standard of care, a clean and hygienic environment, good customer service, the cost of treatment and waiting times, in that order.

64% of vets agreed that practice hygiene has become increasingly important with cleanliness of staff uniforms and waiting rooms among the first things that customers notice.

The suitably spruce Sam Bailey (pictured right), Sales & Marketing Director for the Professional division of Miele said: "Vet practices are increasingly coming under the same online scrutiny as hotels and restaurants and are being judged on everything from customer service through to staff appearance and waiting times.

"As our research results show, vets are already concerned about their reputations and it’s not just customer service and care outcomes that matter to pet owners, they also have high expectations when it comes to the practice environment too and are looking at cleanliness, hygiene and staff appearance.  

"Through our network of approved partners we are working with more and more vet practices throughout the UK to ensure their on premise laundries not only meet WRAS regulations but also support their standards on hygiene, infection control and cleanliness."

Republic of Ireland-based Gary Adams has been suspended from the Register for two years after he was convicted of 34 charges related to prescribing veterinary medicines.

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.

Merial has published figures which show that gutworm is seriously affecting dairy cow fertility in up to 80% of UK dairy herds¹, in order to raise awareness of the damaging impact of Ostertagia ostertagi.

Sioned Timothy, veterinary adviser for Merial said: “The reduction in milk production from a gutworm infection is well documented². Both animal health advisers (Suitably Qualified Persons – SQPs) and vets recognise the threat such infections cause. However, since cows often show no outward signs of disease, even in the face of a massive challenge, dairy farmers could unwittingly  suffer heavy losses in milk yield, reduced fertility and increased heifer rearing costs at a time when they can least afford it.”

Merial points out that the extent of a herd’s gutworm exposure can be easily and simply assessed from a sample taken from the bulk milk tank – using the MOO Test. This test determines the amount of antibody to Osteragia ostertagi present in a sample, giving an assessment of the level of herd gutworm challenge.

The metabolic demands placed on cows during the post-calving period can lead to a negative energy balance, when energy gained from feed intake is less than that used for milk production. This natural ‘energy gap’ leads to weight loss; a parasite burden can make matters worse.

Sioned advises taking action to reduce the effect of this post-calving energy gap to maintain productivity levels. She said: “Management of cows in the weeks following calving should focus on maximising dry matter intake to correct the energy imbalance as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that cows treated for gutworm have improved appetites, and graze for up to an hour longer than untreated cows³. Grass is the cheapest form of nutrition so it makes sense to make the most of it.” 

Merial also points towards studies which have shown that effective parasite control may have a beneficial effect^4,5. Reduced body condition scores caused by the energy gap after calving may impact on reproductive parameters. In one study, cows treated for gutworm were back in calf 13 days sooner than untreated animals⁴.

Sioned said: "This has obvious implications for productivity. We need to look at employing a range of practical measures to ensure cows are as productive and efficient as possible, and this includes targeted worming where required.”

According to the company, effective parasite management of the replacement heifer during the rearing period is key to her future performance and productivity. Achieving breed-appropriate target weights throughout the rearing period is a crucial component of heifer rearing. The onset of puberty and the start of breeding are more closely linked to weight, body size and condition score than age. It is therefore critical to ensure that heifers reach approximately 60% of mature weight by 14 months of age in order to achieve a 24 month average age at calving.

Sioned said: “Losses in potential liveweight gain due to poor parasite control during a heifer’s first grazing season will not be recouped during the second year at grass⁶. She won’t catch up, and this will impact on her ability to meet important milestones.”

Getting heifers in-calf at the optimal time will help to reduce breeding costs and maximises the potential productive life of the animal. Heifers treated for gutworm have been shown to have a 20% higher conception rate at first service than untreated cattle².

Merial says there is also evidence that parasite burdens exert physiological effects that directly impact on the parameters influencing performance and profitability of heifers, and increased mammary development and earlier onset of puberty have been observed in strategically wormed heifers in comparison to those left untreated^7,8.

Sioned said: “Effective worming will mitigate the effect of parasites on fertility levels in growing cattle⁴, while still allowing them to build the necessary immunity required to prevent clinical disease in adulthood.” 

References

1. MOO Test data 2009 – 2014, Merial Animal Health 2015
2. Reist et al. (2011) Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy. Veterinary Record  168, 484-487
3. Forbes et al. Behavioural mechanisms underlying production responses in dairy cows treated with eprinomectin. 19th WAAVP Congress 2003, New Orleans
4. McPherson  et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 1999 Abstr. 28.
5. Sanchez et al.(2002) The effect of eprinomectin treatment at calving on reproduction parameters in adult dairy cows in Canada. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 56:165-177
6. Larsson et al. (2011) Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season. Veterinary Parasitology 175 (2011) 134-140
7. Mejía et al (2009) Effect of anthelmintics on reproductive performance and first lactation culling rate in Holstein heifers. Vet Rec 165: 143–146
8. Perria et al (2013) Gastrointestinal parasite control during prepuberty improves mammary parenchyma development in Holstein heifers. Vet Parasitol 198:345-350

CVS Group's new CEO, Richard Fairman, has announced the company's new maternity policy, and that it has signed the Time to Change Pledge, committing it to change the way it thinks and acts about mental health in the workplace.

The new maternity policy will offer enhancement at 100% of full pay for 10 weeks, and 50% of full pay for a further 10 weeks, without any clawback provision should mothers decide not to return to CVS after their leave.

As part of the Time To Change Pledge, CVS will submit a plan for introducing evidence-based interventions and policy to help its employees work in ways that promote positive mental wellbeing.

CVS's plan includes the appointment of 250 Wellbeing Champions who will be trained in first aid for mental health. The company also plans to roll out further training on managing stress and mental health issues for line managers in 2020.

Richard, pictured right, said: "We are proud to be the first major veterinary employer to sign the Time to Change Pledge. The CVS wellbeing working party have made much progress in the last 12 months delivering our plan which has been formalised through participating in the Time to Change pledge.

"We recognise that the pressures in our industry are significant and unique, and that there’s more work to do. We remain committed as a company and wellbeing working party to changing the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace for the better."

Purina has announced the launch of Pro Plan Liveclear, a new diet for cats which reduces the amount of the main allergen they shed by nearly half, which should improve life for the one in five adults who are allergic to cats¹. 

Purina carried out a survey earlier this year which revealed the different ways British cat owners manage sensitivity to cat allergens². They included removing the cat when sensitivities to allergens act up (76%), restricting the cat to specific places in the home (75%), using special cat products on the cat such as dander removers or allergen sprays (64%), bathing the cat (56%) and taking the cat to a groomer (52%).

92% also use a high-quality vacuum cleaner, 66% put covers on their furniture and 26% clean their home and furniture daily to remove traces of cat hair.

Dr Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD, immunologist for Nestlé Purina Research and lead investigator on the research that led to the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, said: “Many people think that cat hair or dander is the allergen, but it’s actually what’s on it – the major cat allergen called Fel d 1, a protein that cats produce naturally in their saliva.” ^3,4

All cats produce Fel d 1, regardless of breed, age, hair length, sex or body weight, but at differing levels.^4-6 When cats groom themselves, Fel d 1 gets on the hair and skin through the saliva and with shedding, it eventually gets into the home environment. Feld d 1 attaches itself to any surface it comes into contact with and remains in houses for over a year or more. 

Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear contains a specific protein, sourced from eggs, which binds itself to the Fel d 1 and safely neutralises it in the cat’s mouth, thereby reducing the amount of active allergen shed in the environment ^7,8.

In a study, feeding Pro Plan LiveClear was shown to reduce the allergens on cat hair and dander by an average of 47%, starting in the third week of daily feeding⁷.

There have been no studies as yet which have tested the effect of this allergen reduction on human symptoms, but Purina says anecdotal evidence from consumers who have tried the product has been positive thus far. 

Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "There are a number of ways in which cat owners try to manage their exposure to cat allergens and keep their symptoms at bay, including taking antihistamines, using inhalers for quick symptoms relief as sensitivity to cat allergens is often linked to allergy-related asthmas, regularly cleaning and hoovering, bathing and grooming the cat by non-allergic family members. And if these measures do not work, current medical advice is often to relinquish the pet to limit exposure to the allergens.

"Every cat is unique though, and so the level of Fel d 1 they produce varies, just as every person's sensitivity level to these allergens is different. That is why there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to manage exposure to cat allergens. Every little bit helps so a combination of management tools often works best to help reduce cat allergens in your home - the combination is unique to your lifestyle. We welcome the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, which when used as part of a cat allergen management regime, could be a meaningful extra tool for affected households.”

Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear is not intended to replace other cat allergen-reduction strategies but to add another measure that can help reduce the cat allergen burden in cat households.

Pro Plan LiveClear is available at Pets at Home retail stores and from the Purina online shop as a complete life-stage range with six products tailored for Kitten, Adult and Adult 7+.

References

1. Bousquet, P.-J., Chinn, S., Janson, C., Kogevinas, M., Burney, P. & Jarvis, D. (2007). Geographical variation in the prevalence of positive skin tests to environmental aeroallergens in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I. Allergy, 62, 301-309.
2. PURINA® study of 1,031 UK cat owners, March 2020
3. Bonnet, B., Messaoudi, K., Jacomet, F., Michaud, E. Fauquert, J. L., Caillaud, D., & Evrard, B. (2018). An update on molecular cat allergens: Fel d 1 and what else? Chapter 1: Fel d 1, the major cat allergen. Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology, 14, 14. Doi: 10.1186/s13223-018-0239-8  
4. Kelly, S. M., Karsh, J., Marcelo, J., Boeckh, D., Stepner, N., Litt, D., ...Yang, W. H. (2018). Fel d 1 and Fel d4 levels in cat fur, saliva and urine. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 142, 1990-1992.e3. doi:  10.1016/j.jaci.2018.07.033 
5. Butt, A., Rashid, D., & Lockey, R. F. (2012). Do hypoallergenic dogs and cats exist? Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 108, 74-76. Doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2011.12.005
6. Nicholas, C., Wegienka, G., Havstad, S., Ownby, D., & Johnson, C. C. (2008). Influence of cat characteristics on Fel d 1 levels in the home. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 101, 47-50.  
7. Satyaraj, E., Gardner, C., Filipi, I., Cramer, K., & Sherrill, S. (2019). Reduction of active Fel d1 from cats using an antiFel d1 egg IgY antibody. Immunity, inflammation and disease, 7(2), 68–73. doi:10.1002/iid3.244
8. Satyaraj, E., Li, Q., Sun, P. & Sherrill, S. (2019). Anti-Fel d 1 immunoglobulin Y antibody-containing egg ingredient lowers allergen levels in cat saliva. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(10), 875-881. doi: 10.1177/1098612X19861218

Cat Henstridge MRCVS has teamed up with Companion Dog World magazine to launch #SeeThemSuckling, a new campaign to combat the puppy farm trade.

The main aim of the campaign is to persuade anyone thinking of getting a puppy that they should always see the animal at least once whilst it is still dependent on its mother, before they buy. That way, they'll be able to reassure themselves that they have seen the real bitch and the environment in which the puppy was bred. It will also help prevent impulse purchases.

In addition, the campaign aims to raise awareness in the veterinary profession, so that veterinary surgeons are giving this same advice to their clients.

To that end, the campaign highlights the RSPCA 'Sold a pup' report which showed that over 400,000 pups are bred for the UK market each year by unlicensed establishments, and imports from Europe have increased to an estimated 30,000 in 2015, following the change in the PETS scheme in 2012.

The campaigners say that many of these puppies are bred in truly awful conditions, often with little or no human contact, before being taken taken from their mothers too early and transported often hundreds or thousands of miles to be sold as 'family' pets. Many will need veterinary care to deal with infections, inherited issues and behavioural problems.

The campaign faces a big challenge. In the Kennel Club PAW survey 2014, 41% of people who bought a puppy didn't see the bitch and 51% didn't see the environment where the litter was bred.

To spread the word, veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and pet owners are being asked to take a pouting selfie with their dog and post it on social networks like Facebook, with the hashtags #PoutForPuppies #SeeThemSuckling, linking to the campaign website: https://seethemsuckling.com 

Animalcare has launched Emdocam (meloxicam 20mg/ml), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class for use in cattle, pigs and horses.

According to the company, Emdocam disrupts the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. It is a potent and preferential inhibitor of COX-2, permitting sufficient COX-1 sparing activity. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. When administered in a single dose to cattle, it has long acting anti-endotoxic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory effects for up to three days.^1,2

In cattle, it is indicated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD), clinical mastitis and calf scour. Animalcare says early use of meloxicam for BRD reduces pyrexia and pain, especially in young calves and improves feed intake. Meloxicam plus an antibiotic significantly reduced the extent of lung lesions, leading to improved clinical efficacy and daily liveweight gain in comparison with animals treated with antibiotics alone, for example oxytetracycline,³ florfenicol⁴and tilmicosin. ⁵

In the case of clinical mastitis, Animalcare says that used adjunctively with an antibiotic, Emdocam helps relieve local and systemic inflammation, returns the udder to a normal condition and reduces the polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) response. In a large scale, double-blinded study in New Zealand, the addition of meloxicam to antibiotic therapy resulted in lower Somatic Cell Counts and a reduced risk of culling in dairy cows with mild clinical mastitis.⁶

Calf scour treated with meloxicam, as a supportive therapy, can improve calf well-being and reduce morbidity. In a double-blinded, controlled study, the use of meloxicam improved daily water and feed intake, added greater average bodyweight (bw) gain and helped calves to wean earlier. ⁷

In horses, administered IV at 3.0ml/100kg bw, Emdocam can be used for musculo-skeletal disorders, as well as colic, resulting in reduced pain and inflammation. In a study of 18 horses comparing flunixin with meloxicam and designed to determine the effect on recovery of ischemic-injured jejunum, meloxicam was found to be a useful alternative for the post-operative treatment of colic. ⁸

Emdocam is also indicated in pigs for non-infectious locomotive disorders and as an adjunctive therapy with an antibiotic in puerperal septicaemia and toxaemia (mastitis-metritis-agalactia syndrome).

Tony Liepman from Animalcare said: "Emdocam is competitively priced whether used on its own or adjunctively with a long-acting intramuscular (IM) antibiotic, such as Florgane suspension for the treatment of BRD in calves. This, coupled with its long lasting, low volume (2.5ml/100kg bw in cattle), single dose administration, by intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) injection, makes Emdocam a highly efficacious and practical  NSAID." 

Emdocam is a POM-V medicine and available as 50 and 100ml multi-dose vials. Withdrawal period in cattle for meat and offal is 15 days and in pigs for meat and offal is 5 days. In horses for meat and offal it is 5 days. In Florgane [POM-V], the withdrawal period for meat and offal is 37 days in cattle and not to be used in cattle producing milk for human consumption

References

   Cattle

1. Salamon E. et al., Effects of meloxicam on thromboxane levels in calves with experimentally induced endotoxaemia. Cattle Practice (2000) 8, 1.
2. Friton G. et al., Clinical efficacy of meloxicam (Metacam®) inlactating cows with acute mastitis. Proc. XXII World Buiatrics Congress (2002) 427-259.
3. Friton G.M. et al., Long-term effects of meloxicam in the treatment of respiratory disease in fattening cattle. Veterinary Record (2005) 156, 809-811.
4. Bardella I. et al., Effects in treatment of respiratory diseases of calves with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Proc. XXII World Buiatrics Congress (2002) 140-189. 
5. Schmidt H. et al., Effekte der zusatzlichen Gabe von Metacam® (meloxicam) auf den Krankheitsverlauf bei Rindern mit akuten Atemwegserkrankungen. Praktischer Tierarzt (2000) 81:3, 240-244.
6. McDougall S. et al., Effect of treatment with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meloxicam on milk production, somatic cell count, probability of re-treatment and culling of dairy cows with mild clinical mastitis. J. Dairy Science (2009) 92: 4421-4431.
7. Todd D.R. et al., An evaluation of meloxicam (Metacam®) as an adjunctive therapy for calves with neonatal calf diarrhoea complex (2007) J. Animal Sci; 85, (Suppl 1): 369.
   
   
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A new range of food flavour sprays for dogs and cats, which could it a lot easier for vets, nurses and owners to feed reluctant eaters and administer oral medications, has been launched by M H Foods Ltd.

The sprays, which will retail through veterinary practices only, are primarily designed to encourage cats and dogs to eat in situations where they are reluctant to feed. 

Testimonials received by the company from vets and veterinary hospitals suggest the sprays may help pets to eat when recovering from surgery or suffering from anxiety or depression. The company says they have also been helpful in encouraging pets to eat before their insulin injections and to enjoy bland foods such as renal diets.

Fred Key, Managing Director of M H Foods, said:  "The well-researched aromas and flavours of this patented development, which we have branded Bon Appetit, entice pets back to eating.  Another plus, pointed out by veterinary nurses, is that our flavour sprays disguise tablets and medication powder on food, making life easier for pets and owners alike!

"The Bon Appetit range - in chicken, beef and fish varieties - is artificially flavoured and, therefore, has no protein and is free from sodium, potassium and phosphorous, adding only 2 Cals per spray". 

Retailing at around £5 to £6 for about 50 days' supply, M H Foods says that Bon Appetit has been well received by the major veterinary wholesalers. 

Testimonials, full product and analytical information is available at:  http://www.mh-foods.co.uk/.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has suspended a London-based veterinary surgeon from the Register for six months, having found that her falsification of clinical records amounted to serious professional misconduct.

At the two-day hearing, Dr Nicola Ersilova was charged with, and admitted to, three separate incidences of false and dishonest clinical record keeping following her treatment of a collapsed cat, whilst working at Vets Now in Thamesmead, London.

The Committee heard how Dr Ersilova had suspected that Lafite the cat, belonging to Mr Yingzhan Xiao, had been poisoned, so administered fluids and treated her with Lidocaine. A lay colleague, who was assisting with the treatment, subsequently observed Dr Ersilova standing staring at the cat, which had stopped breathing, then leaving the room to go and speak to Mr Xiao. The lay colleague's evidence confirmed to the Committee that Lafite's heart was still beating at this point, and that Dr Ersilova was then heard telling Mr Xiao that Lafite had died while being treated. The lay colleague later discovered that Dr Ersilova had listed calcium gluconate on Mr Xiao's bill and not Lidocaine and, when she questioned the entry, Dr Ersilova told her she was worried about getting into trouble if she had listed Lidocaine.

Whilst reporting these irregularities to the senior veterinary surgeon at Vets Now, the lay colleague noticed that Dr Ersilova had also written "CPR unsuccessful" in the notes, although she was certain CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) had not been attempted.

During a subsequent Vets Now investigation, Dr Ersilova admitted adding this false information concerning Lidocaine, calcium gluconate and CPR, saying during interview that she was aware it was serious professional misconduct and that she was prepared to take the consequences. Vets Now reported the matter to the RCVS.

The Committee considered that all evidence before it fully supported the charges against Dr Ersilova, that her conduct was clearly dishonest, and that her actions were inexcusable, especially for someone as experienced as she was. It stated that a veterinary surgeon's duty to make only truthful and accurate records was so manifest and well known to veterinary surgeons that there could be no real excuse to make such false, misleading and dishonest entries.

The Committee highlighted the comment by Dr Ersilova that she knew she had done something wrong but did not expect her colleague to report her, as providing no explanation, or excuse, for doing something which she knew to be wrong.

A number of submissions were made to the Committee in mitigation, including that Dr Ersilova had admitted her dishonesty to both her employers and the Committee; had an otherwise unblemished record over 22 years of practice; had received no immediate financial gain by her actions; and, did not cause any animal suffering.

Accepting these submissions, the Committee nevertheless felt it needed to balance them against other factors. Dr Ersilova's decision to falsify the records was premeditated and had not been taken without an opportunity for full reflection. There were numerous entries in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct that highlighted the importance of professional integrity and accuracy, and, given the importance which the Code attached to the duty of veterinary surgeons to be truthful and honest in all their dealings with their clients, the Committee found Dr Ersilova's conduct to be "most reprehensible".

Speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, its Vice-Chairman, Professor Sheila Crispin, said: "It is of great importance that the public should be able to retain confidence in the honesty and integrity of members of the profession. Both the public and other members of the profession must be entitled to rely on the truthfulness of what a veterinary surgeon has written in the clinical records of any animal [they have] treated.

"It is [our] decision that the sanction of suspension adequately reflects the seriousness of the [Dr Ersilova's] conduct. The sanction imposed is ... the most appropriate to inform the profession how seriously such dishonest conduct will be taken, because such conduct clearly brings the profession into disrepute and ... cannot and will not be tolerated."

The Committee then concluded that the least period of suspension that could be justified was one of six months.