The Davies Therapy and Fitness Centre has been developed following two years of planning with the intention of supporting referring practices.
Run by a team of Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and anaesthetists, it has a large hydrotherapy suite, a therapeutic exercise area and gym, an outdoor exercise area, four spacious consultation and treatment rooms and a bright and airy reception.
Services include physiotherapy, rehabilitation, underwater treadmill therapy, soft supports, splinting and orthotics, fitness and conditioning and acupuncture and pain management clinics.
Good rehabilitation is pivotal to the recovery process following injury or surgery and for the management of long-term conditions such as arthritis. DVS says owners are more likely to be compliant with veterinary rehabilitation and fitness programmes if they can fully understand the importance of the process by working with a friendly, professional team, preferably at a bespoke centre.
Diane Messum, Head of Physiotherapy said: "Our mission is to work with referring practitioners to treat every pet, and their owner, with the utmost care and compassion throughout the entire veterinary process. We aim to minimise pain and restore the animals we treat to their maximum physical and mental wellbeing, with the provision of expert therapy, fitness and pain management."
To find out more visit www.vetspecialiststherapy.co.uk
The awards, comprising academic book vouchers, were presented at the University’s RCVS ceremony after graduation earlier this month.
Jamie Rahman BVSc won the award for the most engaged veterinary student on EMS placement. Feedback about his placement included: 'Exceptional attitude'. 'Contributed actively to good clinical discussion'. 'Intelligent and engaging’. 'Shows true dedication to learning as much as he can whilst in practice, trying to spend as much time with the different specialists as possible'.
Meanwhile, Cheviot Vets in Alnwick won the students' award for outstanding clinical EMS placement 2019. Comments received from students included: ‘I would not be nearly as prepared and ready for practice without the support and training of the team at Cheviot Vets.’ ‘They invested an incredible amount of time into helping me develop my husbandry knowledge and skills.’ ‘Really supportive manner and encouraged me to develop my skills.’
Sarah Heming, Director of Public Affairs and Customer Relations at Zoetis said: "Zoetis has a high focus on supporting the professional advancement of the veterinary profession. We are proud sponsors of the EMS Recognition Awards for Bristol University alongside other initiatives such as the Young Vet of the Year Awards in partnership with the British Veterinary Association.
"The initial stages of a veterinary career are pivotal so helping winning individuals to invest in academic or professional resources to support their continued development in practice can be very beneficial. We would also like to formally thank the winning practices for their invaluable commitment and support."
Alstoe Animal Health has announced that Vetergesic (buprenorphine), the UK's most commonly used injectable opiate for small animal use, is now registered for use in horses.
Developed and manufactured in the UK, Alstoe took over marketing Vetergesic 11 years ago. Two years ago the company introduced the Multi-Dose Pack, which it says allows veterinary surgeons to manage the larger liquid volumes required in horses more easily.
Alstoe says Vetergesic potentiates sedative drugs for standing sedation or routine premedication and provides profound centrally acting analgesic effects for up to nine hours. In routine procedures, this allows good recoveries and a rapid return to normal behaviour patterns.
Alstoe also says that in a thermal anti-nociceptive study carried out at Bristol University, Vetergesic showed significantly better analgesic effects than butorphanol. Field studies carried out in the UK also confirmed that when combined with a sedative, Vetergesic can provide up to 60 minutes of operating time, with smooth and quick recoveries.
John Nellis of Alstoe said: "We have invested heavily in this product and are confident that the rewards enjoyed by small animal vets will also be appreciated by their equine colleagues. We call Vetergesic 'the thoroughbred of pain management'."
Vetergesic Multidose is available for dogs, cats and horses in a 10 ml vial.
Alstoe offers an hour long explanatory seminar, which can be delivered directly to practice members. An 8 page brochure and 'pocket-sized' dose chart are also available. Further details from Alstoe on: 01347 878606 or email: info@alstoe.co.uk .
The online seminar, which equates to one hour’s CPD, features six UK experts in equine endocrinology, with the objective of supporting equine and mixed practice vets in using the clinical history to guide their interpretation of the basal ACTH test results and subsequent treatment decisions.
The speakers participating in the Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle are:
Harry Carslake MA VetMB DipACVIM MRCVS: Senior lecturer in equine medicine at the University of Liverpool
Edd Knowles MA VetMB MVetMed DipECEIM MRCVS: Specialist in Equine internal medicine at Bell Equine Veterinary clinic
Professor Cathy McGowan BVSc DipVetClinStud MACVSc PhD DEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS: Head of Department of Equine Clinical Science and Director of Veterinary Postgraduate Education at the University of Liverpool
Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow MA VetMB PhD DipECEIM Cert EM(Int Med) MRCVS: Reader in equine medicine at the Royal Veterinary College
Victoria South MA VetMB CertAVP(EM) DipECEIM MRCVS: Senior assistant at Liphook Equine Hospital
Nicola Steele BVM&S CertAVP(EM) MRCVS: Fyrnwy Equine Clinic and Director of Veterinary CPD (Equine and Large Animal)
The webinar considers when vets should test for PPID and decision-making on the best test to use, how to interpret grey zone results and also how to interpret problematic follow up tests. The experts have different opinions on some of these areas, allowing vets in practice to see the different ways in which cases can be viewed and managed.
These principles are then reinforced by the use of three clinical case scenarios with the patients all having the same basal ACTH result but a different selection of clinical signs.
Liz Barrett, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim said: "Since the launch of our Talk About Laminitis initiative in 2012, more than 50,000 horses have benefited from complimentary basal ACTH tests to aid the diagnosis of PPID, however two common areas of uncertainty in interpreting ACTH results still exist. Firstly, the interpretation of borderline, equivocal or ‘grey-zone’ results and when PPID treatment should or shouldn’t be recommended and secondly, the interpretation of follow-up ACTH test results and when to advise altering the treatment dose.
"The Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle webinar allows vets to update their knowledge on this broad subject area and illustrates that there is often more than one way to approach the diagnosis, treatment and management of the PPID case."
To view the Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle webinar on the Boehringer Academy visit https://www.boehringer-academy.co.uk/webinar/bil205
Jane (or John) Doe was charged with having stolen midazolam, butorphanol and promethazine hydrochloride from their practice for use other than for veterinary purposes, making false clinical records concerning the use of drugs on their own dogs to disguise the fact that the drugs were instead being used for non-veterinary uses, and drawing up medication taken from the practice into a syringe for the purpose of self-medicating.
In addition, they were charged that their conduct was dishonest.
The Committee found it proven that Jane/John Doe had taken approximately 150 vials of midazolam, 87 ampoules, 112 tablets and one elixir bottle of promethazine hydrocholoride, and 0.2mls of butorphanol together with Iml of midazolam for their dog at a time when their dog was, in fact, dead.
The Committee also found it proven that the defendant had drawn up medication for the purpose of self-medicating, and had created false clinical records.
In deciding the sanction, the Committee concluded that the respondent had abused their position of trust, that their actions were dishonest, prolonged and repeated in nature, and undermined the reputation of the profession as a whole.
Therefore the only appropriate action was removal from the Register.
Unusually, the RCVS did not issue a press release about this case, as it normally does.
There was also a protracted delay between the hearing and the report of the hearing being published on the College website.
Furthermore, when it was finally published, the report had been redacted to remove any reference to the name, gender or location of the respondent.
When asked why, the College said: "Matters of a highly confidential nature arose following the hearing which led to a delay in the decisions being published.
“The decisions have been redacted and we cannot provide the reasons for the redactions as that would necessarily involve disclosure of confidential and personal information.
"However, the circumstances are considered to be exceptional and the College’s decision to make the redactions was only made following very careful consideration of evidence provided to the RCVS.
"The decision has been published on the RCVS website in its redacted form and in view of the timeframe and the circumstances, it has not been considered appropriate to issue a press release.”
CommentThe College will for sure have had very good reasons for redacting the name of the respondent in this case.
One has to assume there must have been a very real threat to the respondent’s life, and under those circumstances, confidentiality is absolutely right and proper.
However, whatever the reason, secrecy is never a good look, especially when it comes in the form of a cape worn by a regulator.
So it is frustrating to hear that the College has again made a rod for its own back, when it could so easily have included a very general one-line explanation for why it felt redaction was necessary, without compromising the individual’s confidentiality.
It would have been enough, for example, just to say that the College felt there was a risk to life. People would accept that.
Eprecis injection (eprinomectin) is an broad spectrum endectocide with activity against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep1 and goats2.
After Eprecis injection Haemonchus contortus in the abomasum in goats were reduced by 97.8%2 and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in the small intestine were reduced by 98.7%2.
In lactating dairy ewes Eprecis injection was found to be 99% effective against gastrointestinal nematodes3 and was associated with an increased milk yield of 8%4.
The bioavailability of eprinomectin after one Eprecis injection in goats is larger than that reported for eprinomectin pour on5, 6, with Eprecis injection found to be four times more efficacious than eprinomectin pour-on across four dairy goat farms7.
In sheep, the efficacy of Eprecis injection against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep is 99.6% versus 86.1% for a pour-on formulation8.
Eprecis injection is associated with higher plasma levels of eprinomectin and has a higher efficacy compared to eprinomectin pour-on in dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes8.
This is also achieved using five times less active than a pour-on formulation8.
Eprecis injection is administered subcutaneously and there is no need to part the fleece or coat along the animal’s back.
Ceva says it has excellent syringeability9 and a low dose volume (0.1ml/10kg) to help with accurate dosing of animals.
Harry Walby, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Eprecis injection is a highly effective broad-spectrum wormer that is now available in sheep and goats, as well as cattle.
"The injectable formulation not only allows accurate dosing, but there is no subclinical dose transfer between animals.”
Eprecis injection is available in 100ml and 250ml CLAS vials.
References
In next year's election, there are three places on Council for elected veterinary surgeons, with successful candidates serving four-year terms.
The nomination period runs until 5pm on Friday 31 January 2020. In order to stand, candidates need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography and personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.
Each candidate also needs to have two nominators who need to be veterinary surgeons who are on the RCVS Register but are not current RCVS Council members.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer said: "As always, we would encourage those who are interested in having their say in some of the key debates in the regulatory sphere, such as our under care review, our policies around the impact of Brexit and our vision for new veterinary legislation, to become a candidate.
"RCVS Council is at its best when it encompasses a broad range of perspectives, experiences and knowledge, and so we encourage people from all areas of veterinary life and all levels of experience to put themselves forward and share their expertise and insight."
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil20.
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council are welcome to contact the Registrar, Eleanor Ferguson (e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk) and the RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett (l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk) for more information about the role of the College and/or RCVS Council.
RCVS Council will also be holding its next public meeting on Thursday 23 January 2020, prior to the closure date for Council candidate nominations. Prospective candidates are welcome to attend the Council meeting as an observer. Contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Vetsonic UK has announced the addition to its range of Vetericyn Super 7+, a brand new umbilical cord dry-out solution for use in calves, lambs, piglets, foals, kids and puppies which is designed as an alternative to iodine.
Vetsonic says that because Super 7+ contains no iodine, it won't encourage licking by iodine-deficient mothers, which can cause serious damage to the navel. It is also an ideal alternative for handlers who are prone to iodine allergies.
The company points to a US study conducted by Auburn University in which Super 7 + demonstrated more than double the desiccation efficacy in the first 24 hours when compared to 7% tincture of iodine.
Super 7+ contains a dye for easy identification of treated animals and the company says it is environmental friendly, safe, non-flammable and non-corrosive with no toxic fumes.
Super 7 + is now available through veterinary wholesalers and direct from Vetsonic (UK) Ltd, either in a 500 ml spray bottle (box of 6) or a 3.78 litre bottle for dipping.
For more information, visit www.vetsonic.com
The referral centre has invested in a new heart and lung machine, and an oxygen cage, and is expected to take its first patients in the autumn.
The service will be established and led by head of cardiac surgery Poppy Bristow (pictured right) and head of cardiology Anne Kurosawa, who have already performed this kind of surgery on more than 100 dogs to date.
DWR is also setting up its own blood transfusion service to collect blood from staff and clients’ pets to support the service.
The blood collected will also be used to support the practice’s emergency and critical care service and its planned dialysis programme.
Poppy said: “There are hardly any other centres in the world offering this type of surgery, especially with this level of expertise that comes from the collective team we have gathered at DWR.
“Mitral valve disease is the most common heart condition in dogs and sadly, many dogs die every year as there are very few options for treatment. To be able to offer surgery to more dogs and their owners is really exciting.
“DWR is the perfect environment for this pioneering programme, due to the state-of-the-art equipment and depth of expertise on hand to support this life-saving initiative.”
Rob Foale, clinical director at Dick White Referrals, added: “It’s a hugely significant step for us to be launching this service, drawing on Poppy’s expertise in this field.
“We’re also starting our own blood transfusion service to complement the launch, as the pandemic has led to a huge drop in pet blood donations.
“Any excess blood we collect will be donated to the national Pet Blood Bank charity, which supplies blood to veterinary practices across the UK and does a fantastic job.”
For more information, visit www.dickwhitereferrals.com.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has announced that it is opening its membership to RCVS registered veterinary nurses for the first time.
BSAVA has always been keenly involved with veterinary nurse issues and has representation on the RCVS nurse Awarding Body Board and observers on VN Council. Membership Development Committee Chair Patricia Colville said: "The association strongly believes that are nurses are integral to the care the profession offers to patients, and we have always taken advice from our members on ways we can support nurses on the many issues that they have been faced with over the last number of years, from the change in nurse training to compulsory CPD and the future change to self-regulation. Now it is time to formally recognise the services we offer to VNs and bring them into a package of benefits that they can collect as a member of the Association".
Patricia added: "There have been many changes over the last 50 years, during which nurse training has developed in its own right. The depth and breadth of knowledge that nurses have, and the amount of work that they have to do to gain the VN qualification is vast and it is a great credit to the veterinary world that this level of dedication has developed. It is fantastic to see the amount of CPD on offer now and the enthusiasm and dedication that nurses show in continuing to develop their skills, which has contributed to the betterment of practice life and animal welfare".
Membership for VNs is being launched at the first year introductory price of £66 in 2011, rising to £100 per annum in 2012.
Practices interested in how BSAVA membership can support their nursing staff, and veterinary nurses interested in membership should register at http://www.bsava.com/, email administration@bsava.com or call 01452 726700.
Ceva Animal Health has announced that Vetergesic (buprenorphine), its long-lasting analgesic, is now back in stock and on special offer with the rest of the company's analgesic product range.
The company says it has appointed a new, dedicated Vetergesic manufacturing site and increased stock-holding facilities in order to guarantee a continuous long-term supply of the product, which is available in a 10ml vial for use in dogs, cats and horses and a 1ml single dose preparation for cats and dogs.
At the same time, Ceva has launched a spring offer on its entire analgesic product range, which runs till the end of April. For every two packs of Vetergesic, Carprodyl F or Dolagis purchased, veterinary practices will receive one pack free and for every four packs of Meloxidyl purchased, practices will receive one pack free. In addition, practices will be able to take advantage of ongoing rebates through the new CevaSave Rebate Programme.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager, email analgesics-group@ceva.com or call 01494 781510.
The company says the initiative, which is targeted at veterinary professionals and farmers, will be supported by an extensive social media, advertising and PR campaign.
The social media campaign will take the form of social media content, newsletter articles and images for veterinary practices to use on their social media channels and will include information on the cost of dairy cow lameness and tips to manage lameness.
Rose Jackson BVSc DBR CertVBM MRCVS is the farm clinical director at Scarsdale Vets which has already trialled the new materials. She said: “The ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ social media content has ensured that we are able to post eye-catching and thought-provoking content to continue to engage with our clients and raise awareness of the ‘triple works’ approach to lameness in cows, which includes using a NSAID such as Ketofen, alongside a trim and block for a more complete recovery from lameness than trimming alone.”
The ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign was launched following a study by Nottingham University which revealed that NSAIDs have a synergistic effect when given alongside effective hoof trimming and blocking to treat lameness1.
The study looked at claw horn disease of the hind foot and found that trimming alone resulted in a 69% rate of return to mobility without lameness in 35 days. Adding a block into an effective trimming protocol raised the success rate to 72%; trimming and administering a NSAID raised it to 76%. Interestingly, using all three techniques together - trimming, applying a block and administering an NSAID - resulted in 85% of cases being successfully resolved (Mobility score or 0 or 1).
Gemma Robinson BVM BVS MRCVS, ruminant veterinary adviser at Ceva Animal Health, said: “The study highlights that effective and prompt pain relief with NSAIDs can quickly help restore animals back to full productivity. Attitudes on the use of pain relief have changed significantly over the last 10 years and dairy farmers can have a positive influence by ensuring they recognise the value of NSAIDs and prioritise their use on-farm. It is important that vets discuss NSAIDs with their clients, both to manage illness and for routine procedures, and our ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign will help encourage farmers to think about their current pain management plan, take action and seek help from their vet.
“Some concerns have been raised that the issues associated with antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic administration are causing farmers to avoid the use of all injectable treatments. We need to be clear that NSAIDs are anti-inflammatories, not antibiotics, and it is important they are used for pain management, fever and the clinical signs associated with many common conditions. With zero milk-withhold NSAIDs available - there really is no reason to hesitate when it comes to administering pain relief in otherwise healthy cattle.”
For more information on the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign visit the website designed for farmers (www.wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk), contact your local Ceva territory manager or call 01494 781510.
To request a copy of the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ social media pack (including pre-developed posts and images which you can send out to your own clients), speak to your Ceva territory manager or email: cevauk@ceva.com with your name, practice name and address details.
In an internal study, Royal Canin found that Pill Assist Cat achieved over 91% pill acceptance.
Pill Assist Cat is enriched with vitamins and prebiotics to support a cat’s recovery, and each treat contains only three calories.
Elisabete Capitao, Royal Canin Veterinary Marketing Manager said: "We know that getting cats to take pills can be quite a challenge even for the most experienced pet owners! A quarter of owners leave the veterinary clinic with oral medication for their cat, but 40% find giving pills to their cat complicated. Pill Assist Cat makes giving cats medication easy and takes the stress out of pill time."
Royal Canin says Pill Assist Cat is suitable for most types of medication, from worming tablets to medication for an illness.
According to the company, coprophagia affects 23% of dogs, with 16% being repeat offenders.
Copro-nil is a powder which, when added to food, makes the resultant faeces unpalatable. This, says the company, breaks the coprophagia habit and gives the owner an opportunity to implement training to eradicate the behaviour long-term.
Copro-nil has been relaunched in smaller 100g pots with a new look designed to make the product more appealing.
The product comes with advice about behavioural training methods to help owners understand how they can break the coprophagia habit in the long term.
Will Peel, product manager at TVM UK said: "The new format and packaging have been designed to help deal with this very unpleasant problem which many owners believe is a behaviour that dogs will grow out of.
"The new format is intended to demonstrate that Copro-nil, combined with effective behavioural training, can help resolve the problem effectively.’
Copro-nil also provides a comprehensive B vitamin source as deficiencies in B vitamins may contribute to coprophagia.
Downloadable advice sheets for veterinary staff to share help and advice with clients are available from www.tvm-uk.com/coprophagia.
The company says it has already used part of the funding facility to acquire six practices – four in Wales and two in South London, with the aim to attain many more practices in 2017 across the UK.
Medivet now has 169 veterinary practices across the country, making it the fourth largest veterinary group in the UK.
Will Taylor, Corporate Relationship Manager for HSBC in Thames Valley, said: "It is great to see that Medivet has gone from strength-to-strength over the past few years, with an ambitious business. HSBC has enjoyed a long-standing and highly effective business relationship with Medivet and this latest deal will allow the business to carry out its aspiring acquisition plan and continue to grow at a rapid pace."
Dr Arnold Levy, Chief Executive Officer at Medivet, said: "This latest round of funding will allow us to take up a vast amount of opportunities that have become available to us and accelerate the pace of acquisitions of further practices across the country. Last year we acquired over 50 new sites and this year we plan to attain even more, which is significant progress for our business and testament to our strong financial backing."
The event is being held in the Bath Assembly Rooms, right in the heart of the city, on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd September 2017.
Organiser Simon Guiton MRCVS said: "The programme is based on current hot topics for veterinary surgeons and nurses. We've got a great line up of speakers, not to mention everything else that Bath has to offer by way of culture, restaurants and shopping. It sure beats Milton Keynes on a wet Friday afternoon!"
The programme for veterinary surgeons is as follows:
Day One
Day Two
Speakers include Emi Barker, Esther Barrett, Kieran Borgeat, Gwen Covey-Crump, Angie Hibbert, Nicola Kulendra, Shasta Lynch, Natasha Mitchell, Kostas Papasouliotis, Anita Patel, Louise O’Dwyer, Denise Prisk, Suzanne Rudd, Claire Woolford and Holly Witchell.
Early bird tickets on sale at £139 +VAT for one day, £249 +VAT for both days until 30th June.
For more information, visit: http://vetcpdcongress.co.uk
Norbrook Laboratories has launched Noroseal, a new teat sealant containing a unique anti-infective ingredient.
The company says that Noroseal, a 2.6g intramammary suspension, is the only teat sealant in the market-place in Europe to contain a PVP-Iodine excipient.
Dr Barry McInerney MVB, MRCVS, PhD, Norbrook GB Veterinary Advisor said: "Noroseal, with its unique formulation, offers vets a proven barrier against intramammary infections during the dry period.
"New bacterial infections occur most often during the first three weeks of drying off because the cow's natural keratin plug is not completely formed. Indeed, approximately 50% of teat canals are still open for up to seven days after drying off. Noroseal Teat Sealant will mimic the cow's keratin teat barrier offering immediate protection against infection. Additionally, the anti-infective ingredient, PVP-Iodine, complements the effectiveness of the teat-sealant components in the teat canal barrier."
Norbrook says that the estimated annual cost of mastitis to the UK dairy industry is in excess of £168M with a single case of clinical mastitis costing farmers approximately £178.00 per cow.
Dr McInerney added: "Clinical mastitis is a costly business but one that can be avoided if timely action is taken. There are various treatments available for dealing with mastitis but studies have shown that the risk of clinical mastitis may be reduced by up to 50% by using a combination of teat sealant and dry cow intramammary therapy. Noroseal is therefore an ideal combination with Norbrook's dry cow therapies such as Noroclox DC, Bovaclox DC Xtra and Bovaclox DC."
Noroseal is available in packs of 24 or buckets of 120 units. A range of promotional material is also available to veterinary practices via the Norbrook Sales Team.
The case was brought by the College after a member of the public raised a 'concern' relating to Mrs Mullen's practice in December 2015. The concern was not pursued by the College.
However, during its initial investigation, the RCVS case manager ascertained that contrary to the requirements of the Code of Professional Conduct, Mrs Mullen did not have PII.
In January 2016 Mrs Mullen was advised by the College that, in order to comply with the Code, she needed to ensure her professional activities were covered by PII or equivalent arrangements.
The matter was considered by the Preliminary Investigation Committee which asked, in October 2016, that Mrs Mullen produce evidence that she was now compliant with the requirement to have PII or equivalent. Mrs Mullen responded in November 2016 confirming that she had not put in place such arrangements.
The case was then referred to the Disciplinary Committee in January 2017.
During the hearing it was determined that, during the relevant time period (from November 2015 to November 2016) Mrs Mullen was practising but did not have professional indemnity insurance in place and therefore was in breach of the Code.
Mrs Mullen, who represented herself, told the Committee that she admitted that she did not have PII. She explained that she was 'ethically and morally opposed to it' as she felt that it did not give fair compensation to claimants and did not know it was a requirement of the Code of Professional Conduct until she was informed by the College in January 2016.
When giving oral evidence as to equivalent arrangements she disclosed that she kept significant funds in a bank account; these were not however specifically earmarked for use in the event of any possible claims, and were also required to pay practice expenses.
In light of evidence produced by the College and her own admissions, the charges against Mrs Mullen were found proved and she was found guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
In coming to this decision Chitra Karve, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The respondent failed to have PII in place for a period of about 12 months as specified in the charges. Moreover, she failed to remedy the situation when advised in January 2016 by the College that she was in breach of the Code and the supporting guidance. This remains a continuous course of conduct, which has still not been remedied. The respondent has chosen not to read the Code, or the supporting guidance, until very recently, in relation to her obligation to have PII or equivalent arrangements in place, and she failed to heed the advice of the College that she must rectify the position."
In considering the sanction the Committee took into account mitigating and aggravating factors. Aggravating factors included the fact that the misconduct was sustained over a significant period of time and that limited insight was shown by Mrs Mullen. While she did begin to display limited insight into the significance of her misconduct, the Committee said that this insight was "hampered by her ambivalence towards the College and the systems that regulate the veterinary profession."
In mitigation the Committee took into account Mrs Mullen’s long and unblemished career and the fact she was a sole practitioner who reported challenging personal circumstances and provided a unique service to a niche group of clients.
However, Chitra Karve said: "The Committee is unable to overlook the Respondent’s lack of commitment to obtaining PII or equivalent arrangements, even after being advised by the College that this was essential. The Committee is aware that a suspension could adversely affect her practice and her clients that she uniquely serves. However the Committee thinks it is necessary to send a clear message to the respondent and the public, that failure to obtain PII or equivalent arrangements is wholly unacceptable."
She added: "Accordingly, the Committee directs the Registrar to suspend the respondent’s registration for a period of two months. The Committee considers that this period of suspension will give the respondent an opportunity to rectify her breaches of the Code in relation to PII… and to reflect upon her attitude towards the College and the appropriate regulation of the veterinary profession."
Eravac is an injectable emulsion ready for administration without the need for reconstitution beforehand. Containing 10 vials with individual doses, the new presentation is is indicated for the immunisation of pet rabbits from 30 days of age.
For more information, visit: https://www.hipra.com/portal/en/hipra/animalhealth/products/detail/eravac-pets
The RCVS is inviting responses from veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and animal owners to a call for evidence on the provision of 24-hour emergency veterinary care, in order to understand how best to meet the expectations of all those involved.
In an open letter to the profession and the public published on the RCVS website, the Chairman of the RCVS Standards Committee, Clare Tapsfield-Wright, said:
"Over the past two years, lay people working with the RCVS have raised questions about the veterinary profession's ability to provide 24/7 to the extent required by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, and said there is a disconnect between the public's expectations and the profession's capacity to meet those expectations."
Clare also refers to an RCVS Disciplinary Committee Inquiry in June 2013, which raised a number of issues on home visits by veterinary surgeons, including: speed of response; travelling time and distance; daytime versus out-of-hours obligations; individual versus corporate responsibility; and, staffing levels and contingency plans.
The letter is accompanied by a range of background information, including the reports of Lay Observers to the RCVS Preliminary Investigation Committee; Working Party reports from the College's 2009 consultation on 24-hour emergency cover; and, further details about the June 2013 DC Inquiry.
The College says additional feedback will be sought through next year's RCVS Survey of the Professions, and via focus group research for animal owners. Once all responses have been collated, a number of individuals and organisations will be invited to a Standards Committee meeting to present and discuss their views.
Responses in writing are invited by 5pm on Monday, 17 February 2014, and should be emailed to 24-7@rcvs.org.uk or posted to the Professional Conduct Department, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF.
The BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines has been developed to help veterinary professionals navigate the regulations, changes and issues that face the profession when it comes to the use of veterinary medicines.
Edited by David Harris and Pam Mosedale, there are three new sections which cover:
The BSAVA also highlights that the law in the UK relating to the use of veterinary medicines will be updated when the VMD completes its review.
In addition changes to the RCVS Code of Conduct concerning under care are due to come into force in September.
This, the Association says, will lead to significant changes in medicines use, as well as legal and ethical dilemmas.
As a result, the new guide includes a section at the beginning of the Guide that will be updated as required and the editors encourage all veterinary professionals to stay up to date with the progress of these reviews.
The new BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary medicines is freely available to all via the BSAVA Library.
Alstoe is launching Vetergesic Multidose, a 10ml version of the opiate injection, in a new multi-use vial.
Alstoe Technical Director, Dr Ian Ryder said: "In addition to the new vial size the inclusion of a preservative enables Vetergesic Multidose to be used for up to 28 days following its initial use. Also the product is now licensed for intravenous administration."
Vetergesic Multidose should drastically reduce the amount of product wasted by practices using the old, smaller single-use vial.
Alstoe says that supplying Vetergesic in a multi-use vial was one of the first things discussed with the drug originators, Reckitt Benckiser, when it took over the marketing of the product. However, for a large scale medical pharmaceutical manufacturer to consider producing a veterinary product in a different pack and in much smaller production runs than their medical operating scales, the answer is normally no. But in this case, Reckitts gave the project its full support, so in addition to reduced wastage, the inconvenience of snapping glass necks will become a thing of the past.
Please contact Alstoe Ltd for further information at info@alstoe.co.uk or telephone 01347 878606.
Stefano qualified in Parma, Italy and has a Master’s in Clinical Oncology. He has worked in a number of referral practices, managing and treating small animal oncological cases. He also has an interesting history of working with animals across the globe: he has a Master’s in Tropical Veterinary Medicine and worked with the United Nations in Somalia, Malaysia and Guyana in wildlife management.
Founder, CEO and Clinical Director of The Ralph, Shailen Jasani said: "We had always planned to include an oncology service here at The Ralph though not quite this soon after opening. However, over the last eight months, this has been one area of veterinary medicine where we have not been able to serve our patients, their carers or our referral community. This did not sit well with us. Serendipity being what it is, our path crossed with Stefano's and we were able to extend our services."
For more information, visit www.theralph.vet
Zoetis says that the problem appears not to be an endemic wellbeing issue for which the answer might be to develop greater individual resilience, but rather it is a symptom of the working environment itself, fuelled by structural, cultural and economic factors.
This, the company argues, means that concentrating on individual resilience may be misguided, and a new approach is needed, one that addresses the environmental factors at play.
The white paper identifies three areas for change:
Firstly, a complete reimagining of the veterinary workplace with more flexible and sustainable working models.
This includes considering more flexible work rotas, using technology to ease workloads, and enhancing the supporting role of veterinary nurses.
Indeed the most important factor in improving workplace wellbeing and professional satisfaction, cited by 27% of vets, was to better train veterinary nurses to take on more responsibility.
Secondly, finding ways to adapt to meet growing and varied client needs.
The white paper recommends enhancing communication training, adopting technology for better client management, and offering more support for vets when managing emotionally challenging conversations with clients.
Finally, the paper calls for a rethink over how vets are selected for in the first place.
Currently, the profession draws from a pool of 96% white, 29% fee-paying, largely female people who are not representative of the market they serve.
Greater diversity in the profession, Zoetis says, delivers social benefits, strategic advantages and workplaces with broader perspectives and greater psychological safety.
Stephanie Armstrong, Regional President at Zoetis, said: “Addressing retention in the veterinary field requires looking beyond individual well-being to systemic factors.
"By fostering better work environments and providing support, we can help ensure that veterinarians continue to provide vital services to our communities.”
Zoetis is urging stakeholders across the veterinary and animal health sector to review the white paper’s insights and join a collective effort to implement solutions.
https://www2.zoetis.co.uk/about-zoetis/news-media/knowledge-hub/transforming-veterinary-practice-for-the-21st-century
The two best research projects were selected on the awards day with Sara Hillyer from the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Sciences winning the £1,000 top prize for her project on vascular endothelial glycocalyx shedding in clinical disease in cats and dogs.
Nicola Mawson from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies won the £500 runner-up prize for her project on feline tooth resorptive lesions.
The other four successful candidates were Emily Clark from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, Luca Fortuna from the Royal Veterinary College London, Jessica Lam from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and Xaquin Castro Dopico from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Each were awarded £1000 towards their research.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor and Bursary Co-ordinator at MSD Animal Health said: "We were delighted that we had so many applications this year and again the standard of research and presentation was extremely high. The winning students presented on a very wide range of research areas and selecting just two winners proved extremely hard. It is very encouraging to see such enthusiasm for research in the vets of the future."
Applicants were judged on the quality and clarity of their research project, and their ability to clearly communicate their conclusions.
Applications for the MSD Animal Health Veterinary Student Research Bursary 2018 will be opened early next year. For further information, visit: www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/company-overview/student-research-bursary.aspx