The five talented winners of the "Vets in your daily life" competition were announced today by DG SANCO, the European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

DG SANCO launched the worldwide photography competition earlier this year, to coincide with World Vet Year 2011, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the veterinary profession.

The five winners are: Somenath Mukhopadhyay (Winner for Asia), Genoveva Kriechbaum (Winner for Middle East), Molly Feltner (Winner for Africa), Ariel Alejandro Corvalán Herrera (Winner for the Americas) and István Konyhás (Winner for Europe).

István Konyhás, European winner and leader of the Hungarian Working Group of Cranes said: "The photo I took in Hortobagy's Bird Hospital (a foundation set up for healing injured wild birds) highlights the care put into healing an injured stork. It also reflects the meticulousness of Dr János Déri trying to re-instate the lost parts of the stork's beak with dental treatment. As a volunteer of the foundation I have taken photos of their work for years so I am pleased to be one of the winners and with the prize money, I hope to be able to take even more interesting and striking photos."

István Konyhás' winning photograph highlights the care put into healing an injured stork. © European Commission.

Molly Feltner, African winner and Communications Officer for the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) commented: "I am delighted to be one of the winners of this photo competition and am particularly proud of what this photos highlights. Working with the MGVP in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) we are dedicated to saving the lives of mountain gorillas. This photo beautifully depicts the doctor-patient relationship between MGVP's veterinarians and gorillas."  

Molly Feltner's winning photograph depicts the relationship between Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project veterinarians and gorillas. © European Commission.

Ariel Alejandro Corvalán Herrera's photograph won the Americas category. © European Commission.

The winning image for the Asia Pacific region was taken by Somenath Mukhopadhyay. © European Commission.

Genoveva Kriechbaum was the winner for the Middle East. © European Commission.

This year's Veterinary Week, from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd May, aims to highlight the contribution of the veterinary profession to society under the slogan "Vets in your daily life." This includes a conference on 'Crisis Management in the Food Chain' (organised by the European Commission) today and tomorrow, during which Commissioner John Dalli will present the prizes to the regional winners of the international photographic competition organised jointly with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Events to celebrate Vet Week will be taking place across the European Union.

Mark Bush and Martin Owen, both RCVS Recognised Specialists in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery have joined forces to open East of England Veterinary Specialists, a new orthopaedic referral practice in Wimpole, Cambridgeshire.

The new practice was created by refurbishing the premises of what was a purpose-built human hospital, turning it into a referral clinic with two operating theatres, separate accommodation and waiting rooms for cats and dogs, offices and a seminar room. 

Funding for the refurbishment came from NatWest, with further funds for things like digital radiography and a CT scanner coming from Lombard Asset Finance.

Martin said: "We decided to open East of England Veterinary Specialists to offer a more personal, yet professional service for pet owners in the local community. Thanks to the funding from NatWest and Lombard, we have been able to create a well-equipped surgery where we can offer the highest level of veterinary orthopaedic expertise.

"We have enjoyed welcoming our first customers over the past month and look forward to continuing to establish ourselves as an expert orthopaedic veterinary clinic, where 100% of referred cases will be managed by a Recognised Specialist."

For more information, visit: https://eoevets.com or telephone 01223 795023

Photo: L-R Karl Simper, relationship manager at NatWest, Martin Owen, co- founder of East of England Veterinary Specialists, Mat Parkhouse relationship manager at NatWest and Mark Bush, co- founder of East of England Veterinary Specialists.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has this week directed that the name of a Grimsby veterinary surgeon should be removed from the RCVS Register, having found him guilty of serious professional misconduct for advising and undertaking surgical procedures without sufficient clinical grounds or considering alternative treatment options; failing to obtain the informed consent of his clients; undertaking procedures outside his area of competence; failing to refer or discuss the option of referral to a specialist; and, failing to provide his patients with adequate pain relief.

Mr Joseph Lennox Holmes, of Waltham Veterinary Clinic, Grimsby, faced nine charges relating to two separate complaints, at a two-week hearing in October which resumed this week.

These complaints concerned four consecutive staphylectomies and a tracheostomy that Mr Holmes performed on Jake, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owned by Ms Marsden; the dental treatment he gave to three Persian cats called Dream Topping, Charlie Brown and Henry, together with the advice he gave to their owner, Mrs Auckland.

On 25 October 2007, Mr Holmes performed a staphylectomy on Jake during dental surgery. He gave the Committee various reasons why he thought the procedure was necessary; however, the Committee accepted the opinion of two expert witnesses Professor Dan Brockman, a specialist in soft tissue surgery at the Royal Veterinary College, and Mr Andrew Ash, the senior veterinary surgeon at a 17-vet small animal practice, that there were insufficient clinical grounds for such a surgical procedure to be undertaken.  The Committee also found Mr Holmes had not adequately considered other treatments, or obtained fully informed consent from Jake's owner for this procedure.    

Mr Holmes performed further staphylectomies and a tracheostomy on Jake, a procedure described by Professor Brockman as "by definition, high risk and best performed by a specialist". He did not consider referral, or inform Mrs Marsden that such referral was an option. Nor did he provide sufficient aftercare or pain relief.  Following these surgeries, Jake was euthanased .

In the second complaint, Mr Holmes performed dental extractions on two cats, Dream Topping and Henry, and advised removing teeth from a third, Charlie Brown, in October 2008.  The Committee, however, accepted the view of expert witness Mr Ash and Dr David Crossley, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry, that the dental extractions performed, and the advice given, were not justified on the available clinical evidence. The Committee also found that Mr Holmes did not discuss alternative treatment options with Mrs Auckland, or obtain her informed consent.  In the case of Dream Topping, consent was sought after the cat had been sedated for an unrelated procedure and Mrs Auckland had felt under pressure to consent.

Mr Holmes had also relied on anaesthesia-inducing drugs to provide analgesia for the dental extractions, without any other form of pain relief. The Committee agreed with the expert witnesses that this was wholly inadequate. 

The Committee found many aggravating factors in both cases, including actual injury to animals from unnecessary surgery, and a serious breach of the trust in which Mr Holmes' clients had placed in him to make the welfare of their animals his primary consideration. His repeated misconduct had been sustained over a period of time in the face of a previous adverse finding of the Committee in 2006.

It also found that Mr Holmes failed to appreciate when a case was outwith his experience, and had continued his course of action despite Jake's deterioration; he had not considered referral or accepted that others in the profession might know more than he did;  in formulating clinical practice and policies, he made no reference to peer-reviewed literature or continued professional development; and, his use of outmoded drugs and medicines intended for human use was of concern, as was his lack of appreciation of the need for adequate pain relief when performing painful surgical procedures.

Towards the end of the hearing, Mr Holmes said in mitigation that he regretted unreservedly any adverse effects that his treatment had had on the animals concerned, and that he now realised that his long history of working alone had allowed him to become professionally isolated, to become over-confident in the value of his own experience and rather "set in his ways". 

Having given serious consideration to postponing judgment, subject to undertakings from Mr Holmes, Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mrs Caroline Freedman said: "We are mindful that the sanction which we apply must be proportionate to the nature and extent of the misconduct found proved and must balance the public interests against the interests of the Respondent.

"We are, however, also mindful of Mr Holmes' conduct during the previous 11½ days of the hearing, during which time his every action was vigorously defended and no insight whatsoever was shown." 

The Committee also considered suspending Mr Holmes from the Register. "In view of the serious and long-term nature of the conduct found proved in the charges, we do not feel that it is appropriate that Mr Holmes should be permitted to return to the Register without further assessment of his efforts to update his knowledge," said Mrs Freedman, before concluding: "The only appropriate sanction in each case is that the Registrar be directed to remove Mr Holmes' name from the Register."

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Cosacthen, the first veterinary licensed tetracosactide injectable to test adrenal function in dogs.

Cosacthen contains 0.25 mg/ml of tetracosactide which had only previously been available as human-registered or compounded veterinary ‘special’ preparations meaning availability and cost could be unpredictable. 

Tetracosactide is used in the ACTH stimulation test to assess the adrenocortical function of patients with endocrine diseases, such as Cushing’s and Addison’s.  

Dechra Brand Manager Claire Morgan said: “As experts in endocrinology, we recognise that the testing involved in adrenal conditions can be a costly process for pet owners, which can mean that some cases don’t progress to treatment or have their treatment optimised.  

"The launch of Cosacthen gives veterinary surgeons the reassurance associated with a veterinary licensed medicine. As these cases can appear on an irregular basis, Cosacthen is ideal to keep in the practice ready for when a case is presented making it a cost-effective solution that can help offset the cost for owners of long-term treatment of adrenal conditions."

Cosacthen is available in 1 ml single-use vials. 

For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk/cosacthen. 

Idexx Laboratories has announced the UK launch of Corona Detect, described as an intrinsic part of a new two-tier approach to the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Corona Detect is a first-line screening tool for detecting exposure to feline coronavirus (FCoV). It can be coupled with the Idexx FIP Virus RealPCR to follow up coronavirus-positive cats exhibiting clinical signs suspected to be FIP. The Idexx FIP Virus RealPCR evaluates for mutations of feline coronavirus to the pathogenic FIPV biotype.

Idexx says that this new two-tier diagnostic approach will help veterinary surgeons rule out or positively diagnose FIP, a condition which has hitherto been extremely difficult and frustrating to diagnose.

Simon Wootton, Idexx’s Companion Animal Group’s Northern European Marketing Manager said: "FIP is a terrible disease, so being able to screen and either confirm or rule out exposure to FCoV is an important additional step in the diagnosis options available to vets. With the ability to screen in minutes, practitioners will be able to decide whether to perform confirmatory and potentially invasive tests for the specific FIPV mutations. This obviously brings benefits to aid pet owners."

Further information is available on the company’s website – www.idexx.eu 

Norbrook Laboratories has launched Fiproclear Combo, a new spot on for the control and prevention of fleas, ticks and biting lice.

Fiproclear Combo, which contains fipronil and S-methoprene, is licensed for use on cats and dogs and can also be used to treat and prevent fleas and ticks on ferrets.

Norbrook says the new product provides effective protection from new flea infestations for up to eight weeks on dogs and four weeks on cats, while protecting against certain ticks for up to four weeks on dogs, and two weeks on cats.

Monica Whistler, Norbrook Marketing Product Manager, said: "With its triple-action approach, Fiproclear Combo kills adult fleas, ticks and biting lice. The addition of S-methoprene to the already-trusted ingredient fipronil, breaks the flea life cycle in the home by ensuring that any eggs laid by the fleas, which have come into contact with the product are infertile, and by preventing development of flea larvae within a pet’s surroundings.

"Adult fleas on pets are killed within 24 hours whilst newly arrived ticks are killed within 48 hours of attachment – before the main risk period of disease transfer. Ticks rank second only to mosquitoes as insects that spread infectious diseases to both pets and people¹; the most common of which is Lyme disease."

Norbrook highlights research which showed almost a third of cats suffered from ectoparasites², while around one in every three dogs are affected by ticks³, and that many traditional treatments do not help break the flea life cycle in the home.

Monica added: "Typically, by the time an owner notices a flea problem, an infestation has already been present for up to two months. At that point the visible adult fleas on the pet are only part of the problem, with 95% of the parasites already living in the home itself as eggs, larvae and pupae."

References

VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk are hosting an online Zoom meeting open to all members of the profession, where Simon Biles, an accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser from Moore Scarrott, will explain and discuss the effect of recent IR35 changes on locums and practices. 

The one hour meeting will take place at 8:00pm on Wednesday 5th May. It will be recorded and available after the event. 
 
Simon will begin with a brief background to IR35 and how the system has worked historically. He will then explain what has changed and what the options are for locums (and the impact on their income). 
 
The meeting will consider things like the criteria that locums need to fulfill to qualify as sole traders, how to use CEST and alternatives to IR35.
 
There will then be an opportunity to ask questions. All registrants are being invited to submit questions in advance, and the plan is that on the night, groups of four participants will be invited to put their questions to Simon together, in a sort of mini discussion. This'll be repeated as many times as possible within the hour. 
 
The meeting is the first in a series planned for VetSurgeon and VetNurse members to meet up, share ideas and make better connections with each other. 
 
To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-GurDIsGdP7UXuJn8TJChZiyXMbdKP_ 

For more information about Moore Scarrott, see: https://www.moore-scarrott.co.uk 

Virbac has been granted a Limited Marketing Authorisation in the UK for its Gudair vaccine, indicated for the active immunisation of sheep and goats against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). 

MAP is the causal organism for Johne's Disease, a chronic infection of the intestinal system for which there is no cure.

According to Virbac, Johne's Disease enters most flocks following the introduction of infected stock, often breeding rams, bought at markets without checks on disease provenance. It is then spread by the faeces of often apparently healthy animals but which can contain huge numbers of MAP. The main clinical sign is a thin ewe resulting in poor productivity followed by inevitable death. It can be passed between sheep and cattle.

Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) in sheep is widespread in Australia where annual death rates of up to 17% have been seen in infected flocks. Virbac says that trials conducted there have demonstrated that vaccination with Gudair can reduce the number of deaths due to OJD by 90% and reduce the numbers of OJD-causing organisms excreted in sheep faeces by 90%.

Ken Sibley MRCVS, Technical Advisor at Virbac says that the number of infected flocks in the UK is unknown and the disease often remains  undiagnosed: "Johne's Disease can be a significant cause of loss in infected sheep flocks because of reduced productivity and high culling rates. Vaccination provides the only possible assurance when sourcing sheep from potentially infected flocks and will help to reduce losses from the disease should a farmer inadvertently introduce sheep into an infected flock.

"Lambs identified as replacements should generally be vaccinated between 4 and 16 weeks of age, subcutaneously behind the ear. Sheep over 16 weeks of age can also be vaccinated as this will reduce shedding of organisms in infected animals while bought-in replacements can be vaccinated on arrival at the farm.  Sheep require only one vaccination for their lifetime.

"Following its success in Australia, we are delighted to be able to offer Gudair to veterinary surgeons in the UK."

For further information, contact your Virbac territory manager or call: 01359 243243

A survey carried out in 2008 by the British Veterinary Association and its student branch, the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) has found that  that one in three students find themselves in difficult or severe financial situations, more than half have suffered from stress, over a fifth from depression, over a quarter from anxiety and one in every 14 from an eating disorder.

The survey also found that some veterinary schools have almost doubled their intake of overseas veterinary students since the survey was last conducted in 2005.

Other key findings from the survey included:

• Respondents who graduate in 2011 expect their debt on graduation to reach £29,400.The AVS expects this to be even higher for future students if universities succeed in lobbying for an increase in fees.
• Over two thirds (66.8%) of students feel unable to work to supplement their income. It is well known that they have fewer opportunities to earn money during holidays because of compulsory extra mural studies (EMS).
• 35.3% of respondents indicated that their financial problems are either difficult or severe.
• The veterinary student population continues an overwhelmingly female trend, increasing by 3.4% to 78.8% since 2005
• Overall overseas student numbers continue to grow, increasing by 3.5% to 11.8%
• Overseas students in Scottish veterinary schools increased to 23.8% at Edinburgh (up from 12.8% in 2005) and 31.2% at Glasgow (up from 15.8%) The assumption is that this makes up the shortfall in income because Scottish students studying at Scottish Universities do not have to pay tuition fees.  

The AVS suggests that there are opportunities for veterinary schools and the veterinary profession to improve the bleak financial picture for students.  BVA already provides support meetings for young professionals and has put together a position statement which will kick-start a lobbying process for:

• the EMS terms to be allowed within the tuition fee loans structure
• veterinary students to be provided with robust financial guidance during their first year at veterinary school
• an increase in student loan availability for veterinary students

BVA President Nicky Paull said: "The BVA/AVS survey, a part of the BVA's continuing work on behalf of veterinary students, once again continues to highlight the growing problem of debt. This is a particular problem for veterinary undergraduates whose five year course by definition will attract more debt than the average three year undergraduate course. 

"The impact of this increasing debt is twofold. Firstly, new graduates are more likely to choose their first jobs on the basis of salary and reducing debt rather than individual professional development. Secondly, we are concerned that as school leavers make career decisions on financial grounds, only those from relatively affluent backgrounds will choose the veterinary profession. This is contrary to the aims of Government to promote the DfES/Gateway to the Professions initiative. It would be sad to see such a vitally important undergraduate course become one which can only be undertaken by talented young people from families who feel they can afford to help with the long term costs. 

"The veterinary undergraduate course is not only training future veterinarians on animal health and welfare but also in the essential role vets play in food safety and the health of the nation."

The full survey results can be downloaded here.

MSD Animal Health has announced that it is putting additional resources behind LetiFend, its vaccination against disease caused by exposure to Leishmania infantum parasites, including a new veterinary practice leaflet and detailer.

MSD's push is being driven by the rising number of cases of Leishmaniasis cases in the UK, including the first report earlier this year of dog-to-dog transmission of the disease. 

Caroline Darouj, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Whilst accurate statistics on the number of cases seen in UK practices are not available, the VMD has reported an annual increase in the number of leishmaniasis treatments imported since records started in 2006.

"Based on applications for Special Import Certificates for Milteforan and Glucantime, there were 27 times as many cases treated in 2018 (439) compared to 2006 (16)*. 

"Leishmaniasis is proving to be a significant threat to travelling dogs, a situation that has been widely reported in the vet press, so LetiFend will offer veterinary practices and dog owners throughout the UK reassurance. A single dose primary course given four weeks before travel makes it ideal for non-regular travelers."

Letifend is indicated to reduce the risk of developing active infection and/or clinical disease after exposure to L. infantum from 28 days post  vaccination^1,2. It offers protection for 365 days after a single annual dose. The company says it has excellent tolerability shown in a wide range of breeds and ages, and in field trials in areas at high risk of infection had an efficacy rate of 72%⁴. 

LetiFend is a non-adjuvanted vaccine which MSD says ensures a targeted immune response with a high level of safety.

MSD says a dog vaccinated with LetiFend is at 9.8 times less risk of presenting clinical signs, at 3.5 times less risk of presenting parasites, and thus at 5 times less risk of developing clinical leishmaniasis¹. It can be applied from six months of age via subcutaneous administration.  

For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.

References

*Information from VMD following a Freedom of Information Act request.

1. Summary of Product Characteristics of Letifend.  European Medicines Agency, 2016.
2. Committee for medicinal products for veterinary use (CMVP).  European public assessment report (EPAR) for LetiFend. European Medicines Agency, 2016.
3. Solano-Gallego et al. Diagnostic Challenges in the Era of Canine Leishmania infantum Vaccines.  Trends in Parasitology (2017).  Volume 33, Issue 9, Pages 706-717.
4. Fernandez Catrina J, Iniesta v, Monroy I, Baz v, Hugnet C, Maranan F. Fabra M, Gomez-Nieto LC, Alonso C.A. large-scale field randomized trial demonstration safety and efficacy of the vaccine LetiFend against canine leishmaniosis.  Vaccine 2018; 36: 1972-19

Virbac has announced the launch of VeggieDent Zen, described as multi-functional chews designed for dogs who need a little extra help in daily relaxation.

The company says VeggieDent Zen provides the same dental benefits as VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews, but also includes L-theanine. 

L-theanine is an amino acid which Virbac says is known to positively influence GABA levels in the brain to help reduce anxiety and increase mental focus. According to the company, one VeggieDent Zen chew daily can help to calm and reduce anxiety in dogs whilst also providing regular oral care.

VeggieDent Zen is free from GMO corn, wheat, gluten and meat, and contains no colourants or artificial ingredients. The new chews also hold the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal for tartar control. 

Claire Lewis, Product Manager at Virbac said: "Dental chews are a great way for pet owners to provide passive dental care at home. With VeggieDent Zen we are pleased to be able to offer pet owners a convenient, multi-functional approach to supporting their pet’s health and well-being."  

VeggieDent Zen comes in 4 chew sizes (Extra-Small, Small, Medium & Large) and is available from the veterinary wholesalers now. 

For information on VeggieDent Zen, contact your Virbac Territory Manager. 

A study conducted by Melanie Dobromylskyj, a histopathologist at CVS-owned Finn Pathologists and RVC student, Rebecca Hederer has identified the most common histopathological diagnoses out of over 600 biopsy samples from guinea pig lumps. 

Skin diseases and palpable masses are a common presentation in guinea pigs brought for veterinary care².

However, few studies have thus far looked at the prevalence of spontaneously arising diseases in pet guinea pigs.

"Lumpy bumpy guinea pigs: a retrospective study of 619 biopsy samples of externally palpable masses submitted from pet guinea pigs for histopathology" retrospectively analysed 619 biopsy samples submitted for histopathology from pet guinea pigs that had presented with externally palpable masses.

The purpose was to determine the most common tissue origins of these masses and the most frequent pathological diagnoses, together with signalment data for the most commonly diagnosed lesions.

Of the 619 samples submitted from 493 animals, 54 (8.7%) had arisen from the mammary glands³ and 15 (2.4%) from the thyroid glands, with the remaining 550 (88.9%) involving the skin and subcutis, muscle (n = 1), salivary glands (n = 4), lips (n = 2), ears (n = 4) and peripheral lymph nodes (n = 23).

Forty-seven (7.6%) of the masses were diagnosed as inflammatory in nature, including dermatitis, panniculitis, lymphadenitis, cheilitis, myositis, sialoadenitis, abscess and chronic inflammation with osseous metaplasia.

Non-neoplastic, non-inflammatory lesions accounted for a further 31 (5.0%), namely cysts, hamartomas, hyperplastic lesions, polyps, ectopic bone formation and salivary gland steatosis.

The remainder of the samples were neoplastic in nature (541; 87.4%), with 99 masses classified as epithelial in origin, 347 as mesenchymal, 23 as round cell, five as melanocytic and eight as unclassified malignant neoplasms.

Of these, mesenchymal neoplasms were further subdivided into benign (288) and malignant (59).

Lipomas were the most common neoplasm diagnosed, accounting for 286 of all samples submitted.

Of all 619 samples included in the study, the eight most commonly diagnosed lesions were lipoma (46.2%), trichofolliculoma (12.3%), sarcoma (of various subtypes: 9.5%), inflammation (all sites 7.6%), lymphoma / leukaemia (3.4%), mammary carcinoma (4%), mammary adenoma (3.2%) and thyroid carcinoma (1.5%).

Overall these eight diagnoses accounted for 87.7% of all submissions from the externally palpable masses from the pet guinea pigs submitted for histopathology.

Melanie said: “Guinea pigs are an increasingly popular household pet.

"Skin diseases, including palpable masses, are a common reason for veterinary presentation. But few studies have been published to date that provide information for clinicians about these conditions.

“This study illustrates the importance of neoplasms of the skin and subcutis in pet guinea pigs, with over 87% of the cases analysed having one of eight diagnoses.

"While most of these neoplasms are benign, a substantial minority are malignant and identifying those lesions is especially important in treatment planning.

"Clinicians dealing with pet guinea pigs should also be aware that some externally palpable masses may arise from the thyroid or mammary glands rather than the skin or subcutis, and that male guinea pigs may also develop mammary lesions.” 

The paper has been selected as ‘Editor’s Choice’ by the Journal of Comparative Pathology and will be free to access until September on Lumpy, bumpy guinea pigs: a retrospective study of 619 biopsy samples of externally palpable masses submitted from pet guinea pigs for histopathology - ScienceDirect.

References

1. Melanie J. Dobromylskyj, Rebecca Hederer, Ken C. Smith, Lumpy, bumpy guinea pigs: a retrospective study of 619 biopsy samples of externally palpable masses submitted from pet guinea pigs for histopathology,
   Journal of Comparative Pathology, Volume 203, 2023, Pages 13-18 ISSN 0021-9975, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.04.001. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002199752300213X)
2. A. Minarikova, K. Hauptman, E. Jeklova, Z. Knotek, V. Jekl. Diseases in pet Guinea pigs: a retrospective study in 1000 animal. Vet Rec, 177 (2015), p. 200.
3. Masses arising from mammary glands accounted for 54 lesions in the study, with some guinea pigs having more than one mammary lesion biopsied. Of those 54 masses, 28 came from females (5 neutered), 23 from males (1 neutered) and three were from cases for which the sex had not been specified. 

A survey carried out by Envirosystems has found that farmers really care about and prioritise cow comfort and health.

The Envirobed cubicle bedding study found that cow comfort is farmers' number one priority, rated 'very important' by 89% and 'quite important' by 9%. A close second, scoring 81% 'very important' and 13% 'quite important', was reducing mastitis bugs. Allied to this, number three was high absorbency bedding, scoring 71% and 16% respectively. Farmers taking part used a variety of different bedding materials.

The importance of reducing humidity in cow housing was also well recognised. To improve ventilation, ridge tiles have been removed by 38% and fans installed by 9% of farmers. Another 18% and 10% respectively are considering these two options.

Sally Russell from Envirosystems points out that keeping cows clean and comfortable doesn't need be compromised by this winter's shortage and high cost of bedding straw: "Although this is driving up the cost of sawdust and some other materials, there are exceptions.

"For example, some farmers with beef cattle and dairy replacements in straw yards are using a deep bed of Envirobed Original, made from 100% dried recycled paper. Others place a 15cm layer on the floor and top it off with straw.

"For cubicles, the usual material of choice is EnviroBed Premium, a blend of dried paper and kiln dried virgin wood sawdust. Per cubicle, the recommended daily quantity and cost are just 1kg at less than 10p."

Envirosystems says both materials are 95% dry matter and mildly alkaline 7.4 pH, helping create a dry and comfortable area that is unfavourable to disease organisms and fly eggs. They are also biodegradeable and compatible with all manure systems.

Envirosystems has given the findings of its research to farming unions, Dairy UK and AHDB Dairy with permission to use the data if it helps them promote an accurate and caring image of farming, contrary to misleading propaganda put about all too often by the industry's numerous critics.

Photo: Comfy Cow, copyright Ivor Davey