Horiba Medical - UK has launched MLT-Diode Laser Systems, specifically designed for veterinary use, as part of its portfolio of animal healthcare products.
According to the company, the MLT-Diode Lasers are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of veterinary applications including surgery, endoscopy, dentistry and irradiation.
The two models, the MLT-Diode Laser Classic and Premium, both feature touch screen controls and are adaptable to each users individual preferences. Designed with small animal practices in mind, the Classic has a performance out-put of 8 watts whilst the more powerful Premium model is for equine medicine with an output of 15 watts. The system is mounted on a mobile cart with a protection case, allowing the whole system to be moved between treatment rooms and enabling near patient application.
Horiba Medical will be exhibiting the MLT-Diode Laser Systems at the London Vet Show at Olympia, 22nd to 23rd October 2010, on Stand M4.
Ceva Animal Health is joining forces with Dog's Trust to carry out a radio campaign to educate owners on the importance of preparing their pets for the firework season.
The series of interviews - which will go out on both BBC and local radio on Tuesday 26 October - will cover the precautions that owners can take to help, comfort and reassure their pets while fireworks are going off, together with the benefits of using the leading veterinary behaviour products, DAP and Feliway. Chris Lawrence from the Dog's Trust and Lucy Brett, key account manager for charities at Ceva will be interviewed during the campaign, which will advise owners to seek further information from their local veterinary practice.
For further details on the radio campaign, please contact your local Ceva Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
BCF has announced upgrades to the Easi-Scan bovine ultrasound scanner which include improved image quality and additions to the BCF Universal Googles (BUGs) range.
The BUGs range now includes a new LCD model and a monocular version. According to the company, the LCD version provides a softer, more familiar image and considerably lower price, while the monocular version is ideal for the small percentage of people that struggle to see a single image in a binocular style goggle.
John Dawson from Willows Veterinary Group, Cheshire said: "The LCD BUG has a softer image which I prefer. They give more differentiation of echogenic grading allowing more detail to be seen. When I first used them I thought they were going to be more expensive, but to get a better image at a lower price I was astonished."
Gavin Mitchell from BCF said: "These new product developments for Easi-Scan and BUGs are a great illustration of how we are committed to responding to our customers' feedback, opinions and recommendations. At BCF, we design, develop and manufacture our own equipment. It is so important to continually work closely with our customers, to continue to create world-leading ultrasound equipment."
For more information visit www.bcftechnology.com
Abbey Veterinary Group in Chaddesden, Derby has won a dental x-ray system worth £2,500 in a prize draw held by Pedigree.
The competition aimed to encourage veterinary practices to sign up for the inaugural Oral Care Month which saw 1109 clinics educating dog owners on the importance of regular dental care.
Clive McPherson, veterinary partner at Abbey Veterinary Group, said: "We were extremely pleased to hear that we had won the dental x-ray system. We had been planning to upgrade our dental facilities and this was one item that was high on our wish list. The new machine will enable us to carry out our dental work to a higher standard and will be of use in other maxilla facial problems. We expect it to be used daily and we are very grateful to Pedigree for its very generous prize."
Horiba Medical has announced the addition of the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System for veterinary endoscopic applications to its range of animal healthcare products. According to the company, the system is suitable for everyday small animal practice and includes a base unit and video otoscope attachment with a range of accessories for various applications.
Both the 1/3" CCD video camera and cold light source are combined in one solid and easy to operate unit, whilst the single cable technology enables the transfer of clear, magnified endoscopic images to the monitor. The camera can also be used independent of the light source and combined with a standard microscope to display urine, haematological and cytological slides. The single cable technology is facilitated by the TWIN Lock connection which enables the cable to be connected to the endoscopes with a secure bayonet lock. Offering high mobility and flexibility during examinations, the single cable makes the examination of agitated and moving animals easier.
The Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System includes a complete set of equipment for all otoscopic examinations. The 90° video otoscope attachment can be combined with six different examination sheaths, permitting the examination of ears, oral cavity and teeth. The combined suction and irrigation sheath enables the flushing of inflammation from the ear under visual control prior to topical treatment. Horiba says that with the working sheath, removal of foreign objects, biopsy and even dental examinations of smaller animals such as rodents is much faster, easier and more secure when following the enhanced visual display.
Optional endoscopes are also available for the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System, expanding the possible applications by adding rhinoscopic, bronchoscopic, cystoscopic and gynaecological functionality.
Horiba will be exhibiting the Dr. Fritz Video-Compact-System at the London Vet Show at Olympia, 22nd to 23rd October 2010, on Stand M4.
Merseyside police are urging members of the public and veterinary practices to exercise caution following the theft of some prescription veterinary medicines from a commercial vehicle in Prescot.
The missing medication is around ten 100ml bottles of Micotil, a prescription-only veterinary medicine used to treat respiratory problems in cattle and sheep, but which could prove fatal if taken by humans.
The drug, which was packaged in cardboard with Spanish labelling, was stolen from a lorry that had parked last Thursday night on an industrial park at Caddick Road, Prescot, prior to making a delivery to a company in Speke.
PC Dufton-Kelly of Huyton Police Station's Crime Management Unit said: "We believe this was simply an opportunist theft, which has left the offenders with a rather unusual product on their hands, with little or no opportunity for gain.
"We would like to alert the veterinary industry, particularly in the Merseyside area, in case the goods are handed in or offered for sale. The drugs could present a danger to the public if they fall into the wrong hands."
Anyone who finds the drugs is asked to contact their nearest police station via 0151 709 6010. Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
London's Savile Row was turned into a sheep field today, to highlight The Campaign For Wool; a coalition of industry groups convened by HRH The Prince of Wales to educate consumers about the benefits of wool.
As the sheep grazed, the Row's famous tailoring houses held events where the public could find out more about the natural, sustainable qualities of wool.
Douglas Cordeaux, Managing Director of West Country woollen mill Fox Brothers, one of the organisations behind the promotion said: "We have a collective responsibility to champion this versatile, sustainable and natural fibre, the production of which involves far lower carbon emissions than man‐made alternatives. We need to support farmers who are the custodians of our rural landscape and truly value the qualities of this wonderful resource, which is used to weave the finest luxury cloth you can buy."
John Thorley of the Campaign for Wool said: 'I'd like to see wool re-established as a fibre of consequence where workers get paid properly and people recognise that this animal is useful to the farming sector in a multitude of ways.'
For more information, see www.campaignforwool.org and www.savilerowfieldday.com
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Prascend, the first licensed product for the treatment of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses, commonly known as Equine Cushing's Disease.
Prascend contains pergolide mesylate, and is supplied in 60 and 160 tablet packs of 1mg tablets.
Craig Beck, equine sales and marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica said: "Many horses and ponies with Cushing's Disease benefit from treatment with pergolide, however, with less than 200 people still being treated with pergolide in the UK, many vets and horse owners have expressed concern that they will not be able access treatment in the future.
"We have invested in dedicated veterinary manufacturing of this product, and can assure our customers that the future supply of Prascend is guaranteed irrespective of any changes of in the human generic market."
For further information, visit www.prascend.co.uk or call 01344 746959
Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, has launched into the UK companion animal market with a pledge to listen to vets and provide a highly personalised level of support.
The company will initially offer recognised brands such as equine vaccines from the Duvaxyn range, Felocell vaccine for cats and equine wormer Strongid P. It says it is also developing a range of innovative new products designed to address the unmet needs of companion animals, the first of which are expected to be launched during 2011.
Mrs Tina Hunt, a Glasgow Vet School graduate and most recently, Veterinary Business Director at Fort Dodge UK, has been appointed with a remit to build the Elanco Companion Animal Health organisation in the UK. Reporting to Jannes Nijland, Director Elanco Western Europe, she will spearhead the company's growth and relationship building with veterinary practices across the country.
Tina said: "Recent changes in the animal health sector make it an exciting time to be launching a new companion animal brand. The opportunity to be in at the start and to shape a completely new business from scratch was too good to miss. My team shares a passion to combine the best of our experience with new approaches and new ways of working which are more closely attuned to what vets actually want. This means doing things differently and this is a challenge we relish.
We seek a genuine partnership with the profession and look forward to building close, individual relationships with vets and practices, helping them to enable companion animals to live longer, healthier and higher quality lives. While we're a newcomer in this sector, we benefit from the track record and resources available to Elanco, the fifth largest animal company in the world. We're determined to make Elanco Companion Animal Health a trusted and valued partner to vets working in companion animal practice."
Elanco develops and markets products to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 75 countries. The company employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, with offices in more than 40 countries, and is a division of Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical corporation. Additional information about Elanco is available at www.elancopet.com and the company can be contacted via email: elancoCAH.uk@lilly.com
With Christmas just around the corner, Petplan is giving practices the chance to win £1,000 towards a Christmas party.
Any member of a practice can enter the competition by visiting www.petplanvet.co.uk.
Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew said, "It's been another busy year for vet practices and we want to thank them for their tireless efforts to keep the nations pets full of health. The £1000 will allow them to really celebrate the festive season in style."
Veterinary staff can also enter the competition at the Petplan stand at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) from 8th-10th October and at the London Vet Show on 22nd-23rd October 2010.
A research project funded by The Horse Trust has discovered that a racehorse's performance does not markedly change after it has recovered from a tendon injury.
The research was led by Bryan O'Meara, who is in the final year of a three year clinical training scholarship funded by The Horse Trust.
Mr. O'Meara carried out the research at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Newbury, under the supervision of epidemiologist Dr Tim Parkin from University of Glasgow.
Tendonitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses, with a prevalence of 11-30%, according to earlier research.
Mr. O'Meara examined the clinical records and racing histories of 400 racehorses who had been treated for superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis injuries over a five year period (2003-2008).
The race records of horses affected by tendon injury were compared with 400 matched control horses that had never suffered SDF tendon injuries.
The controls were horses training in the same establishment at the time of injury and of the same age and sex as the case horse.
The research looked at the performance of the racehorses in races before and after treatment for the injury, and at the performance of the control horses before and after the treatment date. The Racing Post Rating (RPR), which is published by the Racing Post after every race, was used as a measure of performance.
Mr. O'Meara found that there was no significant difference in RPR before and after the treatment date in case and control horses.
According to The Horse Trust, this result is unexpected as in vitro studies have found that healed tendon tissue has reduced elasticity due to the presence of scar tissue. This suggests that a horse with a healed SDF tendon would need to work its muscles harder to compensate and would therefore be expected to have lower performance.
Mr. O'Meara said more research is needed to back-up his finding that performance isn't significantly affected by tendon injury: "It could be that using Racing Post Rating to measure performance isn't sensitive enough to pick up a change in the horse's performance. However, it's encouraging that there's no marked change in performance after a horse has recovered from a tendon injury. These findings show that there's no need to give up on a horse that has a tendon injury - they can still come back and perform well, or can be used for other, less demanding riding activities."
The research also found that there was no significant difference between case and control horses when returning to racing and completing three races. Only after completing five races, or three years post treatment, was a significant difference found between case and control horses. This finding is a step towards developing a more accurate assessment of tendon treatment. Outcome after five races or three years post treatment is a better indicator of the outcome of treatment.
Mr. O'Meara said: "At the moment, some tendon treatments state their success as the percentage of horses that return to racing after treatment. However, we've shown that there's no significant difference between case and control horses at this time. At the moment, there are a myriad of treatments available to treat tendonitis. Hopefully this finding will be used in further research to learn which treatments are most effective."
Mr O'Meara's research also found a link between SDF tendon injury and the racehorse competing at its maximum performance level: the case horses were significantly nearer to their pre-injury maximum performance level in the race immediately before injury (compared to matched controls), suggesting that they were competing nearer their individual maximum performance level when the SDF tendon injury occured.
The RCVS and VN Councils Elections are now open for nominations from candidates who wish to stand in 2011.
RCVS Registrar Jane Hern said: "We are always pleased when veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are prepared to contribute personally to the activities of the College and the governance of their own professions.
"Serving as a Council Member requires a fair amount of an individual's time and effort however, so we are announcing the nomination period in good time to allow people the chance to consider their options and make plans accordingly."
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2011 elections. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials. Nobody can nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make nominations.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2011. Full details and guidance notes for both elections are available on the RCVS Council Election page and VN Council Election page.
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may be requested from Mrs Gabi Braun (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched Posatex (1% Orbifloxacin, 0.1% Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and 0.1% Posaconazole, Otic Suspension), a new once-a-day treatment for otitis externa in dogs.
Posatex combines an antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory and an antifungal medication in one, seven-day treatment which the company describes as the 'next generation' treatment for severe otitis externa in dogs, designed to make compliance easier and bring fast relief to dogs suffering from this painful condition.
Allan Weingarten, Director, Pharmaceutical Research, and Posatex R&D Project Leader, said: "As every dog owner knows, this is a 'nightmare' disease. As experts in otic products, we feel a special responsibility to keep improving medications and continuing to make the course of treatment more effective, quicker and easier for both dogs and their caregivers. The novel triazole antifungal posaconazole, new to animal health, is the latest example of innovation in this product area."
Posatex Otic Suspension, available in 7.5, 15 and 30g plastic bottles, is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (coagulase positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis).
According to the company, posaconazole, the newest element in the three-in-one combination, has been shown to be particularly effective against Malassezia pachydermatis and more potent than other veterinary antifungals. Mometasone furoate monohydrate is a potent and safe anti-inflammatory and Orbifloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with proven efficacy against bacteria.
Online registration for the BSAVA Congress 2011 is now open at www.bsava.com.
According to the BSAVA, web registration has been enhanced this year to provide a smoother process for individual, group and practice badge bookings. Plus, there is a 5% discount on registration fees.
BSAVA has brought forward the Early Bird deadline this year to 3 January 2011 to coincide with the impending VAT increase, so you'll need to register before this date to get the best price.
There is also a new 'Weekend Rate', which offers delegates access to the Saturday lectures, Party Night ticket, a Sunday exhibition pass, a delegate bag with proceedings, plus delegate lunch and refreshments on both days.
See www.bsava.com for further details and registration fees.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Ketodale, an anti-inflammatory injection for cattle, horses and swine.
Ketodale contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen 100mg/ml. It is indicated for use in cattle and swine for diseases associated with inflammation, pain or fever. In cattle these include respiratory diseases, mastitis, osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal disorders, such as lameness and arthritis, and to ease pain post parturition. Ketodale can be used to treat swine suffering from Mastitis Metritis Agalactia (MMA) Syndrome and respiratory tract infections.
In horses, Ketodale is indicated for diseases affecting the osteoarticular and muscular-skeletal system associated with pain and inflammation. These include naviculitis, arthritis and laminitis. It can also be used for post-surgical inflammation and symptomatic therapy of colic and fever.
Ketodale is available in 50ml and 100ml vials.
To coincide with the product's launch, Dechra is carrying out a direct marketing campaign. Practices can take advantage of a special launch offer where they can purchase four vials and get a fifth free. The offer is available for a limited period only.
To find out more about Ketodale, call Dechra on 01743 441 632 or visiting www.dechra.com
Petsox Ltd has launched a new waterproof and breathable bandage cover.
According to the company, most products available to practices are either waterproof or breathable, but not both, and so cause the wound to overheat and the underlying skin to become "sweaty". Petsox, however, has a membrane system which allows the wound to breathe while providing protection from the elements.
Designed to go over the already cleaned and dressed wound, PetSox can be secured in place by attaching a length of cohesive bandage to the top. Petsox can also be trimmed to fit each animal perfectly.
Petsox have a non-slip base, so the animal can feel secure on slippery surfaces, such as wooden or tiled floors.
The company will be exhibiting at the London Vet Show this year on the Barber of Sheffield stand, where there will also be a competition with the chance to win lunch for 2 on the Orient Express.
For more information about Petsox, visit: www.petsox.co.uk
Boehringer Ingelheim has produced an calculator to help veterinary surgeons prescribe the most appropriate dose of Vetmedin for canine congestive heart failure patients.
The company says the calculator is particularly relevant because Vetmedin has a wide dose range of 0.2-0.6mg/kg/day, giving vets the opportunity to tailor and alter the prescribed dose according to clinical signs. Overall, the recommended dose is 0.5mg/kg/day. The daily dose of Vetmedin should be divided into two equal doses and given 12 hours apart, ideally one hour before food.
Boehringer's Vetmedin product manager, Jemima Scott said: "We hope that the calculator will help veterinary surgeons prescribe the most appropriate starting dose for Vetmedin, and provide guidelines on how to continue to tailor the dose as the condition progresses."
The dose dial will be mailed out to vets in October. Additional copies are available from the company directly on +44 (0) 1344 746959.
Harvey Locke has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association, and Carl Padgett its President-Elect for 2010/2011. The ceremony took place during the Annual General Meeting of the BVA at the close of its Annual Congress, held in Glasgow.
A small animal practitioner in Stockport, Harvey has veterinary science in his blood: when he qualified from Liverpool University in 1969 he became the fourth consecutive generation of vets in his family. His great grandfather was President of the RCVS one hundred years ago in 1910/11 and his grandfather was President of the RCVS in 1934/35. His daughter and his niece have both recently graduated from Liverpool to join the profession as the fifth consecutive generation.
Harvey has been actively and continuously involved in veterinary politics for 24 years and is a former President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and Vice President of the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners.
In his inaugural speech, he said: "We live in rapidly changing times and as a traditional profession we must strive to keep up. As the professional body I believe the BVA should always be one step ahead and that is why I have chosen 'Vets in a changing world' as the theme for my presidential year.
"From the internal changes to BVA Council to the new Coalition Government; from the prospect of a new Veterinary Surgeons Act to the impact of global climate change and the increasingly free movement of people and animals; we sit in the midst of enormous fluctuation. Each element brings its own challenges and opportunities."
Carl Padgett is a former president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) and currently chairman of Trustees of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation. He has been involved in veterinary politics for the last 15 years.
Carl said: "My representative roles for BCVA and subsequently BVA have enabled me to understand and realise my true interest in the veterinary profession: ensuring the profession has a voice and our place in society is valued.
"Our multi-disciplinary education and training places the profession in a unique position; representing the welfare and health of animals committed to our care, protecting the consumer in terms of food safety and ensuring food security at national and international levels by working within the agricultural world. Vets are not just part of the leisure industry making animals better; we fill a much wider role in underpinning society and its contact with animals at all levels.
"I am proud and honoured to become part of the BVA Officer team."
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has launched its annual search for veterinary surgeons deserving of an award for significantly advancing the care of companion animals.
Nominations are invited for the following awards, which will be presented during the 2011 WSAVA World Congress which takes place in Jeju, Korea from October 14-17 2011.:
WSAVA Hill's Pet Mobility AwardTo recognise the outstanding work of a clinical researcher in the field of canine and feline orthopaedic medicine and surgery. Through improvements in the mobility and quality of life of pets, the research should have contributed significantly to the well-being of pets' lives and to the human-animal bond worldwide.
WSAVA Hill's Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare AwardTo recognise the outstanding work of a veterinary surgeon in promoting companion animal healthcare and the human-pet-veterinary bond through leading-edge clinical nutrition and through advanced medical and surgical techniques which enrich relationships between people and their pets.
WSAVA International Award for Scientific AchievementTo recognise the outstanding contribution of a veterinary surgeon who has furthered the advancement of knowledge of the cause, detection and management of disorders in companion animals.
Professor Jolle Kirpensteijn, President of the WSAVA, said: "Our prestigious awards recognise the achievement of members of the veterinary profession around the world as they continue to push the boundaries of veterinary care for companion animals. The standard of entries is always high, reflecting the ground-breaking research and work being carried out by our colleagues in many countries. We look forward to reviewing the nominations for the 2011 awards.
We are also grateful to Hill's Pet Nutrition for its generous sponsorship of these awards and for its continuing support of the WSAVA. The awards are just one of the ways in which we work to deliver on our joint vision to foster the development of veterinary knowledge on a global scale."
The WSAVA Executive Board also makes a special additional award for service to the profession. The award is designed to recognise exemplary service by a veterinary surgeon to foster and enhance the exchange of scientific and professional ideas throughout the world. For 2011, the award will be sponsored by Dr John Holt, a long-term supporter of the WSAVA, past president (1986-88) and Service to the Profession award winner (1998.)
Nominations for all awards can be sent to the WSAVA Secretariat by e-mail, fax, or post (http://www.wsava.org/Contact.htm ) and should include a covering letter, nominee CV and list of nominee publications. Nominations must be received by the WSAVA Secretariat by 15 November 2010.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that it is to sponsor the Equine Business Management Strategies (EBMS) program, a targeted business education program developed for equine veterinary surgeons and practice professionals.
According the company, this 5-day course has proven very successful in the United States. It had its European kick-off in Amsterdam on August 22, 2010, where a group of almost forty equine practitioners from North America and Europe gathered to discuss and learn how to apply business principles in their day-to-day work. The program was chaired by Dr. Joop Loomans, an equine veterinary surgeon responsible for equine business management education at the Department of Equine Sciences of the Veterinary Faculty of Utrecht University (The Netherlands).
Course participants worked with international specialists on strategic planning, benchmarking, branding and change management to create strategic plans to implement at their practices, and to share their knowledge, experience and ideas.
Intervet/Schering Plough says the launch of Equine Business Management Strategies program exceeded expectations of participants, sponsor and organizers. The chance to look at the day-to-day practice from a different angle and to learn about things like benchmarking exercises, revenue analysis and branding was highly appreciated. Participant Jeremy Mantell from Liphook Equine Hospital in the UK said: "The EBMS has given me a clearer understanding of what I need to change and develop in my practice."
Dr. Roberto Ragni-Alunni, Global Technical Manager Equine at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "We believe that running an equine practice is not based solely on technical and scientific skills but also on effective practice management. That is why our company has decided to support this initiative. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health also continues its custom of providing not only innovating products, but also new, value-added services to strengthen its bond with veterinarians."
Seven veterinary surgeons who took their final assessments at the University of Liverpool on 6 September have become the first to receive the postgraduate RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with equine designations.
Dr Mark Holmes, a member of the RCVS sub-committee for the CertAVP who observed the assessments at Liverpool said: "I was very impressed by the quality of all the candidates and the diligence of the examination process.
"It is clear that candidates putting themselves forward for 'named' certificates have demonstrated particular interest in their chosen fields and place considerable value on passing their synoptic examination."
The modular certificates were introduced in 2007 to be a more flexible replacement for the old-style postgraduate certificates. Vets can now choose from 79 subject modules, with RCVS-accredited assessments offered by a range of universities. These institutions may also offer associated courses which vets can take to support their studies, although candidates are free to choose where and how they wish to study.
To build their credits into the full CertAVP qualification candidates must first enrol with the RCVS, which keeps a record of modules achieved. Candidates need to take two compulsory modules, and several of a range of optional modules, within ten years in order to receive the award. Candidates aiming for a designated award must choose specific modules from amongst the options, and additionally pass an overarching 'synoptic' assessment.
For more information about the individual modules and the qualification as a whole, prospective candidates can visit www.rcvs.org.uk/modcerts.
A project which aims to standardise the assessment of veterinary nurse practical training across Europe will have life beyond its pilot phase, thanks to European VN training network, Vetnnet.
The announcement was made in September at an Oslo-based conference to mark the conclusion of the pilot phase of the Pan-European Practical Assessment System project (PEPAS).
During its two-year pilot, the Leonardo da Vinci-funded project developed 111 new stations for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), including mark-sheets and examiner notes, and trained over 50 veterinary nursing examiners from eight countries across Europe. The new OSCE stations have been trialled across 250 students by seven European veterinary nurse schools.
Vetnnet has now committed to continuing the project, enabling its members to access the OSCEs and associated training.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was a main project partner in the pilot, with specific responsibility for training and quality assurance of the system. Victoria Hedges, RCVS VN Examination and Higher Education Quality Manager said: "It's great that the hard work put into the project by so many countries will continue to bear fruit.
"Feedback in Oslo was excellent and it was heartening to see that when examiners' marks were compared across countries, standardisation was very good. The feedback also helped us to see where students were not achieving the desire results, indicating where more training is needed."
See www.vetnnet.com for more information.
The University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences has published* the results of a study which concludes that young dogs and those that are not wormed regularly are significantly more likely to be infected with the life-threatening, parasitic lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum.
In the independent study, which was led by Dr. Eric Morgan, the faeces of 900 dogs was tested to look for factors which may increase a dog's risk of infection and to identify signs of infection. Lungworm was found to be a common cause of disease in Southwest England and Wales - 16 per cent of dogs presenting symptoms tested positive for lungworm, as well as 2 per cent of seemingly healthy dogs. However, this is likely to be an underestimate. Dr Morgan said: "We used the Baermann's test to identify infected dogs, which is thought to be only 50% accurate, so the true figures may be as much as double those reported."
Dogs under 18 months were found to be 8 times more likely to have lungworm than dogs over 8 years old, and dogs between 18 months and 8 years old were 4 times more likely to have lungworm than dogs over 8 years old. Dogs tested positive for lungworm year-round but there was an increase in numbers diagnosed during the winter and spring.
According to Dr. Morgan, infected dogs may display a wide range of symptoms: while over half of infected dogs were reported to be coughing or having difficulty breathing, lungworm infection is not always associated with respiratory signs. Infected dogs may present any combination of a wide range of symptoms including lethargy, tiring easily with exercise, and gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea. A significant number of infected dogs displayed signs of bleeding disorders such as excessive bleeding from small wounds or following surgery, blood in the urine and vomit, pale skin and bleeding in the eyes and skin.
Dr. Morgan added: "This parasite is spreading, reaching many new areas (including Bristol and Scotland) in the last few years. Disease can present in a variety of ways, not necessarily involving respiratory signs, so pet owners and their vets should be aware of the risk. Disease is most common in younger dogs, though age is not a barrier to infection. On the bright side, dogs that are treated regularly with appropriate wormers are at lower risk, so we can act to protect our pets' health."
*Morgan, E. R., Jefferies, R., van Otterdijk, L., McEniry, R. B., Allen, F., Bakewell, M. and Shaw, S. E. 2010. Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs: Presentation and risk factors. Veterinary Parasitology. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.037
Dechra Veterinary Products has announced that Intubeaze Oromucosal Spray is now back in stock.
Intubeaze is used for local anaesthesia of the laryngeal mucosa of cats to facilitate endotracheal intubation by preventing the stimulation of the laryngeal reflex.
The product had gone out of stock due to a temporary manufacturing problem which has now been fixed.
Intubeaze is a clear solution containing 2% w/v lidocaine hydrochloride, with 0.1% w/v chlorocresol as an antimicrobial preservative. Intubeaze is now available through all wholesalers.
For further information on Intubeaze please contact Dechra on 01743 441 632 or visit www.dechra.co.uk.
The Disciplinary Committee of the RCVS has refused an application for restoration to the RCVS Register by Dr Janos Nemeth, who had previously been found to have fraudulently registered with the RCVS and struck off.
At the original hearing, in February 2009, Dr Nemeth - the holder of a veterinary science degree from the Szent István University in Budapest, who had practised in the Wokingham area of Berkshire - was found to have dishonestly entered his name in the RCVS Register using a forged document (a Certificate of Membership and Good Professional Behaviour from the Hungarian Veterinary Chamber). The Disciplinary Committee at that time found the evidence that the document was a forgery to be "overwhelming" and concluded that Dr Nemeth had been lying to them about his knowledge of the forgery. It directed that his name should be removed from the Register.
Dr Nemeth lodged an appeal against this decision with the Privy Council, but then took no further steps. Accordingly, the Privy Council dismissed Dr Nemeth's appeal and he was struck off in October 2009.
On lodging his application for restoration, Dr Nemeth had asserted he was not guilty of the original charge. The Committee was disappointed with this aspect of Dr Nemeth's application saying that he would be "well-advised to demonstrate some insight into the seriousness of the original findings."
The Committee emphasised that a finding of dishonesty against a member of the College is "one of great seriousness and never made lightly" and accepted that it may be considered "fundamentally incompatible with being a veterinary surgeon."
Questioning Dr Nemeth, the Committee was further disappointed to learn that he had not made himself more familiar with the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct, or made a greater effort to keep up to date with veterinary practice in the UK, or provided documentary evidence of attendance at continuing professional development (CPD) meetings.
After considering all the facts presented to it, including the severe personal and financial impact on Dr Nemeth of his removal from the Register, the Committee was not satisfied that he was fit to be restored and did not consider it in the public interest to grant his application.
Acknowledging she could not bind a future Committee as to any further application for restoration by Dr Nemeth, Committee Chairman Mrs Caroline Freedman advised: "Dr Nemeth should provide supporting evidence where possible, including records of CPD, testimonials from other veterinary surgeons or employers, or a more incisive knowledge of the Guide to Professional Conduct. We would remind Dr Nemeth that the onus is on him to establish his fitness to be restored to the Register."