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."
Hill's Pet Nutrition has enhanced its portfolio of prescription diets for the management of FLUTD with the launch of Feline c/d Multicare Reduced Calorie and a 'taste upgrade' for Feline c/d Multicare.
Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare Reduced Calorie is a new dry product designed to manage the higher incidence of FLUTD in overweight cats (FLUTD is 49% more prevalent in overweight and obese cats2). According to Hill's, the controlled fat and calorie levels in c/d Multicare Reduced Calorie and clinically proven levels of L-carnitine help to reduce fat build up and maintain lean muscles mass. Like c/d Multicare, its formula also dissolves sterile struvite uroliths in 14 days1.
Hill's says Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Reduced Calorie is formulated with omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the distress and discomfort associated with conditions such as FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis); in addition obesity has been associated with systemic inflammation3 for which omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial4,5.
Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare Chicken dry kibble has had its taste improved; Hill's says studies show it is now preferred over the leading competitor's brand by a wide margin6. Apparently, the improvement in flavour is partly down to the new shape of the kibble.
Lastly, Hill's is highlighting a prospective study by MacLeay et al, the preliminary results of which were reported at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in May 2010. In the study, cats with uroliths suspected to be struvite (based on radiographic appearance) were fed Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare and rapid dissolution of the stones occurred in as little as two weeks.
References
Novartis Animal Health has issued the following statement concerning the supply of acepromazine (ACP) injectable in the UK:
"Recent upgrades to Novartis Animal Health’s manufacturing plant in the UK have resulted in the site becoming a worldwide centre of excellence for the production of bulk liquids. This upgrade has had an impact on the manufacture of ACP 2mg/ml and 10mg/ml injectable products, which will no longer be produced in the UK.
From January 2011, Novartis Animal Health will no longer be able to supply ACP Injection 2mg/ml or ACP Injection 10mg/ml to wholesalers. However, it is not Novartis’ intention to discontinue the supply of acepromazine injectable; in order to ensure consistency of supply to the UK market the company will be importing the Vetoquinol French product Calmivet.
Calmivet is a monovalent acepromazine injection licensed for use in dogs, cats and horses, available as a 5mg/ml injection, 50ml vial.
In order to obtain Calmivet from wholesalers, veterinarians will need to apply for a free of charge Special Import Certificate from the VMD. This can be completed on line at www.vmd.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that this situation will continue for at least the first 6 months of 2011, until an alternative manufacturing site is established. As soon as we have more information on the timelines this will be communicated.
A full communication including a prep room reminder poster and Calmivet product leaflet has been mailed to all UK practices.
Vetoquinol UK are not responsible for the distribution or technical support of this product, so any queries should be directed to Novartis Animal Health UK on 01276 694402.
The production and supply of ACP Tablets 10mg remains unaffected."
A petition to protect the title Veterinary Nurse has received an impressive 1,285 signatures, including many from veterinary surgeons, and an official response from HM Government.
The petition, which was started by VetNurse.co.uk member Nick Shackleton Dip AVN (Surgical) VN on 6th June last year, explained: "The title veterinary nurse at present is not a protected title. A lot of people who work in practice call them selves veterinary nurses, when they have no theoretical training in such a position. As qualified nurses we feel that this issue should be addressed so that the general public are no longer confused as to the qualification and hopefully make them more aware of the hard work it is to gain the qualification. As we are heading for autonomy within the profession I think it is right and fitting that the title should be protected."
The Government response, whilst predictably noncommittal, did at least seem to recognise the issue: "The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) maintains the Statutory List of veterinary nurses. In order to qualify, nurses must undergo a two-year period of vocational training which is assessed at work and through examination by the RCVS Awarding Body.
On being added to the Statutory List they are entitled to undertake a range of veterinary treatments and procedures on animals under veterinary direction. Only listed nurses are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'VN'. The RCVS are introducing new arrangements for 'registered' veterinary nurses which provides greater accountability and transparency for those nurses whose names are entered on the register. These arrangements run in parallel with the Statutory List.
Some veterinary practices may employ staff who do not carry out the duties of a veterinary nurse but possibly use that title or wear a uniform which might imply that they are a trained veterinary nurse. We appreciate that there are issues surrounding best practice that the RCVS and the Veterinary Nursing Council to address.
It is generally accepted that the arrangements for regulating veterinary nursing could be modernised. This would, in due course, help provide greater protection for the title of veterinary nurses. Although Defra currently has no plans to undertake a fundamental review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, we are regularly in touch with the RCVS to better understand its priorities for regulatory reform.
The RCVS is looking to recruit two veterinary surgeons as part-time Postgraduate Deans, to help oversee new veterinary graduates during their Professional Development Phase (PDP).
Freda Andrews, RCVS Head of Education said: "The PDP is an online recording system to guide new graduates as they work towards achieving the "year one competences" - the competences expected of a new graduate who's had about a year's experience in practice. Postgraduate Deans monitor PDP participants' progress and respond to their queries, and ultimately sign-off the graduates once their PDP is complete."
The roles have become available as two of the current post-holders, Stephen Ware and Professor David Noakes, wish to hand over to new colleagues. Both Stephen and David have served as Postgraduate Deans since 2007, when the PDP first became a requirement for all new veterinary graduates.
Stephen said: "Being a Postgraduate Dean gives you the opportunity to assist new graduates in the early stages of their career. It is also a way to encourage employers to take a responsible attitude towards new vets, particularly during their first job or two."
Postgraduate Deans are expected to spend up to 20 days a year working mainly online from home, and attend occasional meetings at the RCVS in London. They need experience of general practice, and to be used to dealing with and advising students, or employing and supporting new graduates. A sympathetic understanding of the challenges faced by newly qualified veterinary graduates is also required.
Further information about the role can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/jobs, and information about the PDP, including a preview, at www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp.
Applicants should send a brief CV, and a covering letter setting out their relevant experience, to education@rcvs.org.uk by 7 March 2011.
Members of Parliament have recognised the British Veterinary Association's contribution to the promotion of microchipping dogs and the campaign for compulsory microchipping through an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative, Romford).
The EDM is gaining signatures from across all political parties as MPs show their support for a compulsory microchipping scheme that would have a significant and positive welfare impact on dogs by:
The EDM is also supported by Dogs Trust (who coordinated the EDM), Cats Protection, Blue Cross, and NOAH (National Office for Animal Health).
Earlier this week Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones AM announced proposals for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and puppies sold or homed by licensed breeders, to improve traceability.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: "Microchipping is part of responsible pet ownership and the BVA believes that all dogs should be permanently identified by microchip before the first change of ownership or at the first veterinary examination.
"Compulsory microchipping allows stray dogs to be reunited with their owners and would help the authorities to crack down on shameful puppy farms, where the health and welfare of both puppies and bitches is compromised, by improving the traceability of the animals.
"It could also assist with the reporting of hereditary health problems and surgical procedures to help us gain as much knowledge and research as we can to improve the health of all dogs.
"I would urge all Members of Parliament to show their support for dogs and their owners by signing this EDM."
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is warning veterinary surgeons to be on their guard after it came to light that a fraudster is charging a £150 'non-refundable application fee' for an RCVS 'internship' which does not exist. Apart from anything else, the RCVS does not offer internships.
Information about the fake internship has been sent to individuals registered with German website http://www.vetcontact.com/. It includes details about the Royal Veterinary College and the RCVS, but is basically fiction. It refers to a made up 'RCVS Hospital' in the 'Flint Hills of London'.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Head of Professional Conduct said: "So far, only a handful of veterinary surgeons - all based overseas - have contacted us regarding the internship and queried the request for a non-refundable 'application' fee, although we are concerned that others may have been caught out.
"We would advise any veterinary surgeon to think twice before paying for a third party to facilitate an application for any placement or internship, and reiterate that the RCVS does not offer any such programmes."
The College is following up the situation with http://www.vetcontact.com/ and, if appropriate, will notify the police. In the meantime, anyone who is concerned that they may have fallen victim to the hoax should contact the RCVS Professional Conduct department on 020 7202 0728.
The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) has launched a distance learning course aimed at veterinary professionals working with individuals and families facing pet bereavement.
Officially accredited by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), the course considers many forms of bereavement including the loss of a pet through illness, disease, ageing, accidental trauma or enforced separation due to changes in the owner's personal circumstances.
SCAS says the 'Pet Loss Support in Veterinary Practice' course has been co-written by leading international experts in pet loss support and aims to provide the specialist knowledge and skills required by the entire veterinary practice team. It offers up-to-date, in-depth information on many aspects of pet loss, including euthanasia; specific guidelines for children and older people; after death body-care and effective communication skills. The course provides practical guidelines and tips on how to introduce pet loss support protocols into practice management and also looks at self-care for staff, offering useful suggestions on how to recognise and minimise possible signs of stress and burnout.
Elizabeth Ormerod BVMS MRCVS, Chairman of SCAS said: "We should not underestimate the potential effects of grief on people's mental health and well-being and as vets we need to recognise the impact of pet loss on our clients and support them more fully than we currently do. Failure to fully understand and support the human-companion animal bond also has an adverse impact on animal welfare, and a negative effect on the success of a veterinary practice. Fifteen percent of clients who are not supported following pet loss choose never to adopt another companion animal. Of those who do adopt again, there is generally an extended interval before adoption and the likelihood of registering the new pet at a different veterinary practice."
The 'Pet Loss Support in Veterinary Practice' course is delivered through a distance learning programme, and students can register at any point during the year. The course, which includes all materials (a workbook and CD), is currently available at the special introductory offer of £375. SCAS members and members of BVNA receive a discounted rate of £325. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded 45 hours of CPD learning. For more information contact SCAS on 01993 825539 or email pbsstraining@bluecross.org.uk
VetSurgeon member, Rachel Crowe is asking veterinary surgeons to help with a survey looking at the relationship between vets and drug companies.
The survey forms part of Rachel's dissertation for her MBA, titled: In harmony or out of tune? Perceptual gaps between expectations of vets and supplier.
The survey is being carried out in association with VetSurgeon.org. We've agreed to promote it to VetSurgeon members in return for being able to share the bulk of the results with our members, and, importantly, with all veterinary suppliers. Our hope is that as a result, the time you spend carrying out the survey will help influence the way drug companies do business, and help them give you a better standard of service. In addition, the survey is also being supported by Rachel's employer, Virbac Animal Health, which will have first sight of the results.
As a small thank you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw for one of 5 Marks and Spencer shopping vouchers.
Thus far, 182 members have already taken part in the survey. If you are one of the few that didn't complete it, please do, as Rachel needs as many completed surveys as possible. If you have only partially completed the survey, you should find that the system has stored your previous answers, so you won't need to start all over again.
To take part, please click here.
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in a horse in Northumberland following importation from the Netherlands, Defra confirmed today.
The premises is currently under restriction and the infected horse will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises are currently subject to epidemiological investigation.
The horse arrived in a group of six horses originating in the Netherlands and all have been tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. The other five horses in the group have all tested negative.
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: "This again shows the success of our post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain. After considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy this horse."
Meanwhile, equine welfare charity World Horse Welfare is sending out an urgent plea to all horse owners across the UK and mainland Europe to work together in order to stop the increasing threat from this and a number of other diseases.
According to the charity, this case comes only eight months after the discovery of two horses suffering from the disease, which is notifiable, in Wiltshire. Those horses had been transported across Europe from Romania before being imported into the UK. Since the end of August alone, there have been new outbreaks reported in Northern France (directly linked to horses imported from Romania), the Dordogne area, and Germany.
World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said: "While World Horse Welfare welcomes the news that Defra has acted so promptly in dealing with this case, today's news is extremely concerning and demonstrates the changing environment we're living in. This is a real warning to us that we're sailing far too close to the wind. The concerning question is where these horses came from given that Holland to date has not reported a case of EIA.
"With more and more horses moving across Europe, including the significant trade in low value animals, not just slaughter animals, we're facing an increasing threat from the spread of disease. EIA is endemic in both Romania and Italy; Romania being one of the largest exporters and Italy being the largest importer of horses for slaughter in Europe. In spite of the legal requirement for health certification before exporting horses from Romania, which were tightened in June 2010, there continues to be cases of EIA across Europe.
"World Horse Welfare advises owners to undertake rigorous checks when buying a horse from abroad and is discouraging anyone from importing Romanian horses. Owners should also ensure that any horse they buy or that comes on to their yard has a passport, is checked for a microchip and that isolation and biosecurity measures are strictly followed for any new entry onto the yard. If this disease spreads across the UK it could have catastrophic effects on our horse population. Whether it's a child's pony or Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, disease does not discriminate."
Pet owners visiting the University of Edinburgh's vet school will be able to relax in peaceful outdoor surroundings, thanks to a project supported by the BBC's Beechgrove Garden.
The primetime gardening show's team, together with volunteers and friends of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, have transformed a two-and-a-half-acre plot in the vet school grounds into a community garden.
The sloping landscaped garden features a network of paths surrounding flower beds, trees and bushes. Sculpted stone seats give visitors a place to relax. Clients of the Dick Vet are being invited to support the school by sponsoring a brick along a path that winds through the garden, or by sponsoring trees, plants or benches.
Lesley Watson, a Beechgrove Garden presenter, said: "We have had a lot of help from the community in creating this garden, in what was a huge site. The first part of the garden, next to the School buildings, is quite formal, but as it extends towards the hills beyond, it becomes a more relaxed space and starts to take on aspects of the wider landscape."
Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "This wonderful garden is a fantastic place for our pet owners to visit and also a beautiful green retreat for our staff and students to enjoy."
Inez Priestly, a dog owner whose pets have been treated at the Dick Vet, laid the first brick in the garden's path of memories, in honour of her late Cavalier King Spaniel, Treacle. Mrs Priestly said: "The treatment my dogs have received at the Dick Vet has been beyond words - the vets always empathise with their clients and go the extra mile to help. I'm delighted to lay this first brick in the new garden and hope this will encourage others to do the same, as a way of thanking the Dick Vet."
(Photos courtesy Norrie Russell, University of Edinburgh)
Thermo-insulated wellington boots to keep feet warm on farms during winter time are being launched by Bekina of Belgium in the UK and ROI.
Like the Bekina Steplite X boots designed for general farm work, the Thermolite cold weather wellie is moulded from polyurethane rather than traditional rubber or PVC. However, the Thermolite wellie also has extra thick uppers and soles, making them suitable for use by farmers and vets in temperatures down to minus 40C.
Wide fitting for extra comfort, Bekina Thermolites are supplied with a free pair of removable, insulated insoles. They are also available with safety toecaps.
For details Freephone AgriHealth 0800 731 2490,or visit http://www.bekina.be/
You probably know that just reading content on www.vetsurgeon.org can count towards the 10 hours of undocumented Continuing Professional Development you are allowed to undertake each year. What you may NOT know is that other activities on the site can now count towards the requirement for 35 hours (on average) of documented CPD, without restriction. Best of all, it's free!
This is largely due to the way in which the VetSurgeon community has taken off over the last six months, meaning that the increasingly lively forums now offer a valid way to share knowledge and learn from each other.
To count towards your CPD requirement, your activities on VetSurgeon must be part of a documented process of appraisal and development. In other words, you must keep a record of your activity and how it has contributed to your professional development.
By default, VetSurgeon.org keeps a record of your activity on the website, which provides an auditable trail. To view your activity, click My Account (main menu) > View My Profile > View all activity. If no activity is displayed, checked that you have activity logging enabled in the 'Display Options' under 'Edit My Profile.
Currently, there are three main VetSurgeon.org activities you can take part in which can count towards your annual CPD requirements:
Participating in forumsIf you post a question on VetSurgeon.org and receive a reply, you may count the time spent posting your question and reading the answer as CPD. You should keep a note of what you learned.If you post a reply to a question, and needed to research your answer, the time you spend researching and posting your answer also counts as CPD. So, if you are a specialist answering a question in your sleep, that doesn't count. But if the question made you think, and you need to check your facts, that does.To count towards your CPD allowance, your forum posts must concern a subject which can reasonably be argued to advance your knowledge and proficiency as a vet (so RCVS-bashing posts won't qualify!)
Publishing content on VetSurgeonVetSurgeon offers a number of additional opportunities to self-publish on the site, and any time spent researching and publishing qualifying content (which can reasonably be argued to advance your knowledge and proficiency as a vet) can count towards your documented CPD. For example, Practical Veterinary Tips (http://www.vetsurgeon.org/blogs/veterinary-tips/default.aspx) is a newsfeed in which members can publish clinical tips; the time you spend researching and publishing a tip would qualify.
Documented readingAdditionally, time spent reading the site where you document specifically what you have read and what you have learned can also count towards your documented CPD.
Further information about CPD requirements is available from the RCVS website: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd
VetSurgeon.org is once again playing host to the RCVS Elections Section, where veterinary surgeons can now come and question the candidates lining up to regulate them.
This year, there are 10 candidates fighting to win one of 6 places on council. You can 'meet the candidates' here, read their manifestos, and then ask them questions either privately - via the 'Start Conversation' link in their profile - or publicly in the RCVS Forum.
There is a new incentive to vote this year: the RCVS will donate 20p to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Haiti Earthquake Appeal on behalf of every voter that takes part.
The RCVS has also made it easier to vote, with the addition of SMS text voting to the online and postal options.
However, I hope more than anything else that the opportunity to challenge the candidates and find out what makes them tick in the RCVS Elections Forum will be fun and really help inspire you, the electorate, to get involved.
Petplan has announced the 2010 finalists for the Petplan Veterinary Awards.
The company says it has been inundated with over 1,800 nominations this year and wasn't disappointed in its quest to discover veterinary staff that go far beyond the call of duty. Each year there is an astonishing public response, with tales ranging from midnight rescues to simple acts of kindness. This year was no exception.
The finalists for each of the categories are as follows:
Vet of the YearGirish Thakral, Blacks Veterinary Group, West Midlands Mike Hewitt, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Buckinghamshire Stuart Jackson, Jackson Veterinary Clinic, Oxfordshire
Vet Nurse of the YearAmy Floyd, Fivelands Veterinary Centre, BirminghamLisa Strickland Viking Vets, BristolLouise Want, Feldon Veterinary Centre, Warwickshire
Vet Receptionist of the YearCarole Dawson, Kingsteignton Veterinary Group, Devon Linda Workman, Summerleaze Veterinary Hospital, Berkshire Sue Snodin, Towerwood Veterinary Group, Leeds
Vet Practice of the YearAshfield House Veterinary Hospital Ltd, Nottingham Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital, Norfolk Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, West Sussex
Alison Andrews, Petplan's Head of Marketing said she was thrilled by the number of nominations received and the quality of this year's finalists: "This year we are celebrating the eleventh anniversary of the Veterinary Awards which were launched so pet owners could thank their practice for the tireless and wonderful work they carry out. We are delighted that the awards, which we often hear referred to as the 'Vet Oscars', are still going strong. This year we have received a great number of nominations and the quality and standard really challenged the skills of our esteemed judging panel. We would like to wish those short listed every success on the night."
All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony taking place on 8th April at the Birmingham Town Hall, where the winners will be announced!
A new study has found that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported by industry figures. Cats and dogs are amongst the most popular pets in the UK but it has been over 20 years since domestic cat and dog population estimates in the UK have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals.
The paper published in the Veterinary Record by Dr Jane Murray in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Bristol University and colleagues, aimed to estimate the number of UK domestic cats and dogs and identify the characteristics of their owners. The figures are also useful to the animal health and welfare professions, including rescue charities, which can use these and future estimates to assess population changes.
In 2007, a telephone survey of households randomly selected from the electoral roll revealed that cats and dogs were owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively. The number of owned cats and dogs were predicted by two variables: the number of people in the household and the geographical location (London/rest of UK) of the household. UK census information and mid-year population estimates of the number of households and the average household size in 2006 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were used to estimate that UK households owned approximately 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs in 2006.
Dr Murray said: "Our 95% confidence intervals were 9.4-11.3 million cats and 9.6-11.4 million dogs".
This compares with PFMA estimates of 7.2 million cats and 7.3 million dogs in 2007, and 8 million cats and 8 million dogs in 2009.
Characteristics associated with cat and dog ownership were also identified. Cats were more likely to be owned by; households with gardens, semi-urban/rural households, households with someone qualified to degree level, respondents who were female and respondents who were aged less than 65 years. Cats were less likely to be owned by households with one or more dogs.
The likelihood of dog ownership increased as the household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by households with gardens, rural households and less likely to be owned by households with someone educated to degree level and households with cats or children aged less than 11 years.
Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. Dogs were less likely to be owned by households with one or more cats.
Dr. Murray added: "The study has shown many common factors relating to cat and dog ownership, such as a garden and rural location, but it has also identified some notable differences.
"In particular, the difference in the level of education achieved by a household owning cats and dogs. The reason for this association is unclear. It is unlikely to be related to household income as this variable was not shown to be significant but it could be related to household members with longer working hours having less time available to care for a dog.
"Past reports have suggested that the number of pet cats exceeds the number of pet dogs in the UK. However, results from our study suggest that there are similar numbers of pet cats and dogs."
The researchers recommend the study is repeated in 2011, (the year of the next scheduled UK census), as any increase or decrease in population numbers will enable pet ownership trends to be monitored.
A Lincolnshire couple desperate to find an alternative to Elizabethan veterinary collars, after their dog Tess suffered a traumatic experience, have invented a new range of wound coverings called Cozi-fit.
According to Terri and Dave Ward from Skellingthorpe near Lincoln, who designed the new product, Cozi-fit is the clear alternative to Elizabethan or Buster collars. It comes in five different sizes, and the couple say that Cozi-fit is already going down well with vets and pet owners alike.
The idea for the Cozi-fit came about after the Ward's dog Tess had a hysterectomy. Dave said: "The hysterectomy was stressful enough, but Tess then had to wear a collar to stop her licking the wound. We also had to isolate her from our other dogs and she quickly became depressed and stopped eating.
"We were so worried about her that I decided to try and make a replacement using a pillowcase which we attached to her collar and fastened round her torso and hindquarters. As the wound was covered she could be around our other dogs and her movement wasn't restricted in any way.
"I was so delighted with the result that I decided to refine my design and took it to our local vet to get his opinion and it kind of grew from there. The wound coverings now come in five different sizes to suit all dogs and cats and are made from durable cotton fabric.
"We now supply over 30 veterinary surgeries including a number of Companion Care vet surgeries as well as the RSPCA and are currently in negotiation with retailers up and down the country."
Peter Munro from Whitegates Veterinary Practice said he was impressed when Terri first came to him with her initial idea: "Cozi-fit wound covers have proved to be a great benefit in protecting abdominal and castration wounds from self-trauma, especially where collars are not well tolerated and we've had some really positive feedback from our clients."
Although the product has been well received since coming on the market Dave says there are still thousands of vets, breeders and pet owners who are unaware of Cozi-fit.
"Vets perform over three million operations every year in the UK, many of which will be neuters, caesarean sections or other types of abdominal surgery, and Cozi-fit is ideal for these types of procedures.
"It is easy to fit, allows free and natural movement at all times and is a more pleasant experience for both the animal and their owner."
For more information about Cozi-fit please visit http://www.cozi-fit.com/.
An online quiz by the RCVS has shown that veterinary surgeons generally have good understanding of the Guide to Professional Conduct, but that misconceptions about the role of the college are rife.
Around 850 people completed the quiz since it was launched in November 2009, with veterinary surgeons accounting for 70% of those that took part. The average score was 20 out of 25
Despite the high average score, there were several questions which a very significant number of people got wrong. The worst related to the role of the RCVS: 76% of people wrongly thought that the College's remit included negligence, whilst 66% believed that the RCVS could not consider criminal convictions (it can).
Nearly half of those taking part were not aware that the standard of proof to which the RCVS Disciplinary Committee must be satisfied is 'so as to be sure' - the same as for a criminal court.
Other questions poorly answered related to 24-hour cover, delegation to paraprofessionals, consent and ownership of records. The RCVS Communications Board will consider how to improve communications in these areas.
In terms of age, the highest scoring age-band was 51-60, achieving an average of 20.5 right answers; the lowest was '30 or under', at 18.7. However, this is not backed up by distribution of complaints to the RCVS, where only 27% of complaints relate to those who have less than ten years' post-qualification experience, although this group makes up 43% of registrations.
The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the genders in terms of Guide knowledge, at 19.54 right answers for men and 19.46 for women. Meanwhile, only 34% of complaints to the RCVS are made about women, while they account for 51% of the Register. However, as women tend to dominate the younger end of the profession, this statistic may be linked to the fact that a greater percentage of complaints relate to older individuals, more likely to be men.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications said: "We hoped the quiz would offer a light-hearted way for vets - and others - to review their knowledge of the Guide, which can be a dry read, and have been pleased with the response.
Success in Veterinary Practice by Dr. Bradley Viner DProf BVetMed MSc(VetGP) MRCVS is now available from Wiley Blackwell at £28.99. Teeside general practitioner Rob Reid BVM&S MRCVS has reviewed the book for members of VetSurgeon.org:
There are many self-help books available in a variety of fields, covering topics which range from stress management and emotional control through to furthering one's career and professional development. Until now, there has been no such publication that has covered these issues in the veterinary context, and it is here that Bradley Viner has identified a niche in the market with his new book Success in Veterinary Practice.
The aim of book is to help veterinary practitioners of all levels to develop and nurture their professional skills, both on a personal and at a practice level. The book will be of interest to vets in all fields and contains a lot of information that will be particularly relevant to vets who are embarking on the Professional Key Skills Module of the RCVS CertAVP. It may also be of interest to other members of the veterinary practice team and is also marketed at individuals who are considering a career in the veterinary field.
The book is organised into nine chapters, with the first eight providing content matter on areas such as personal development, communication techniques, improving clinical performance and developing leadership skills, with the final chapter summarising the information presented. The first eight chapters are structured in such as way that information is presented in a digestible format. The material is detailed enough to provide understanding without being overburdening and the summary and exercise sections presented at the end of each chapter help the reader to review what they have read and pick out the key ideas.
There were many areas of the book I found interesting and I liked the way that the author has looked at the psychological and sociological aspects of one's actions, both in relation to colleagues in the workplace and in relation to dealing with clients. From a personal point of view, I also liked the section on communication skills - an area which probably doesn't receive enough coverage in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
On the negative side, there are some minor typographical errors and I feel some of the diagrams could have been better produced. The pure academics among us may also be somewhat critical about the author's stance towards the relevance of some aspects of clinical research. And of course some people may be put off by the price, with the truly cynical among us possibly seeing the close relevance of the content to the syllabus of the CertAVP 'A' module as a cunning marketing ploy!
As a general practitioner, however, I found the book to be informative and thought-provoking. I have found it has encouraged me to take a look at certain aspects of my work which I have almost done instinctively in the past, analyse my reasons for doing them and then look at how I can improve on these in the future, for the good of patients, my clients, the rest of the working team and of course for myself. It is certainly an interesting read, and I would recommend it to be of value to any vet who sees the term 'professional development' to mean far more than a simple sharpening of one's clinical skills.
According to this month's Veterinary Practice magazine, Vetstream Ltd., the erstwhile publisher of Veterinary Review, has been granted a Company Voluntary Arrangement under the Insolvency Act 1986.
VP reports that the CVA is an alternative to liquidation which in this case will allow Vetstream to make a partial repayment to it's creditors (who are collectively owed £1.15 million) of 40.08p in the pound over three years.
As I reported earlier, Vetstream Ltd now plans to focus on electronic media, including its CD-Rom products (Canis, Felis, Equis and Lapis) and www.myvetstream.com.
With the latter, they face some stiff competition, not least from this site which uses state-of-the-art software to provide the latest networking and information sharing features for vets, but also vetsonline.com, a more recent entrant to the marketplace from the publishers of Vet Times.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has published advice to help practitioners set realistic and reasonable script fees for POM-V medicines.
The document, which is now available to all practitioners via the SPVS web site (www.spvs.org.uk) or can be emailed or posted upon request, has been produced following extensive consultation with SPVS members, principally via the Society's active and influential discussion list, and in conjunction with the BVA Medicines Group, which backs the advice.
The document constitutes a valuable framework for practitioners in calculating a prescription fee that is fair and workable for clients wanting a written prescription as well as for those who do not want a prescription issuing. Furthermore, it also provides a framework that is fair to practitioners themselves.
The Society firmly believes that the act of preparing and providing a prescription is a professional service and as such, that it should attract a professional fee.
Richard Hillman, SPVS President, explained: "We welcome whole-heartedly the re-introduction of prescription fees, which will mark the end of a bureaucratic and fundamentally unfair sitituation for many thousands of small businesses that have had their trade and profitability restricted for three long years.
"The time element involved in writing subscriptions will need to be taken into account, and this will no doubt form a sensible basis on which to base a fee. Script fees should be calculated rationally to reflect true business costs, like any other service that a business provides to its customers."
He added: "We would, above all else, urge practitioners to exercise restraint in setting script fees, as it is by no means certain that they will still be in place even two years from now. We will also not condone any form of 'punishment' of clients taking away prescriptions by punitive fees. We are already cooperating with the RCVS as they work with the OFT in the monitoring period to ensure that there is fair competition in the veterinary medicines market."
To obtain your copy of the document Advice on Prescription Fees, go to www.spvs.org.uk where it can be downloaded or call SPVS Secretariat on 01926 410454 or email office@spvs.org.uk.
A You Gov poll commissioned by Intervet/Schering Plough in the run up to National Vaccination Month (1st-30th June) shows the degree to which the recession is now biting into veterinary spending, and the impact it's having on vaccination levels.
The You Gov survey found that 19% of pet owners nationwide admit they have cut back on veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, health checks and treatments. Just under half are failing to vaccinate their animals with 53% of those polled not vaccinating their pets due to cost.
Other key findings of the You Gov survey include:
The You Gov survey also highlighted a lack of awareness among younger pet owners about pet health. Of the 18-24 year olds polled who had not taken their pet to be vaccinated, 44% said it was because they were unaware of any disease risk to their animals, compared to just 13% of those aged 55 and over. 22% of 18-24 year olds surveyed were not aware of zoonoses such as fleas and worms and diseases such as ringworm and Toxocara.
Matt Brash, BVetMed MRCVS, who runs a small animal veterinary clinic in North Yorkshire and is star of the TV show 'Zoo Vet at Large' said: "These figures are concerning and we could be sitting on a ticking time bomb. The simple fact is that many pet owners don't realise that their pets are at risk of disease. Less than half of all dogs and cats are vaccinated, which is well below the amount needed to protect the pet population through herd immunity."
Paula Boyden, a vet and Business Development and Corporate Marketing Project Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, who has steered the campaign for the company said: "There are clearly some strong messages coming out to vets here, not least where and how the credit crunch is hitting pet owners. The underlying message that National Vaccination Month offers a way of supporting pet owners during these difficult economic times is obviously important. While the data shows that pet owners will still make considerable sacrifices to care for their pets, it also highlights that vaccination is falling by the wayside. Clearly, practices will need to work harder than ever against the background of the credit crunch to bring home the message to pet owners that their pets are at risk of serious and often fatal disease and that cutting vaccination is a false economy. The You Gov poll also highlights the urgent need to educate the younger section of pet owners about the disease threat faced by their animals."
TV wildlife and science presenter Kate Humble, who with Matt and Clare Brash is spearheading the National Vaccination Month Campaign, said: "The really sad aspect is that people who are reducing veterinary care due to the recession may be making a false economy by putting their pets at risk of serious disease, which may lead to treatment at far greater cost than the price of the annual jab."
The You Gov survey suggests that where people have had to pay for unexpected vet bills they are paying for them on credit cards. One had to put the family pet down and many revealed that they had made personal sacrifices in order to keep looking after their animals including stopping smoking, cutting out luxuries, clothes and socialising.
The You Gov survey highlights how, despite lavishing affection and presents on their pets, people are not taking adequate steps to protect them from preventable killer diseases. The survey reveals that 65% of pet owners consider their animal to be an extremely important member of the family with over half (54%) buying them Christmas presents. However, only 56% of pets were vaccinated with just under a quarter (22%) of owners unaware of any disease risk.
Currently, an estimated 3 million dogs, 6 million cats, 1.8 million rabbits and 500,000 horses are unvaccinated.
In answer to this disease threat and to help owners during the recession, around 2,000 veterinary clinics across the UK have so far signed up to part in the National Vaccination Month campaign, offering pets a full vaccination course against a range of fatal diseases for the cost of a booster.
To participate in National Vaccination Month (www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk) - the biggest national consumer campaign of its kind, please contact your Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal Health account manager or call Intervet/ Schering-Plough's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685, option 4.
The BSAVA has announced the launch of a free new online publication: BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines
Edited by Fred Nind and Pam Mosedale, with contributions from experts in the field, has been developed to provide a comprehensive guide to a wide variety of veterinary medicines issues that affect small animal practice. It looks like a very polished production, and should prove a valuable tool for all members of the practice team.
Many infringements of the law relating to the possession, use and disposal of veterinary medicines are criminal offences, and it was the aim of the Editors to produce an authoritative guide to help practitioners stay on the correct side of the law in an area where this can sometimes be problematic.
LegislationAs Fred and Pam noted in the March 2009 issue of Companion: 'Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) change every year, whilst waste disposal provisions and dangerous drugs regulations seem to be updated even more often. This means that what you learned at a course attended last year or from a booklet published two years ago may no longer be accurate.' The format of the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines, means that it is capable of being updated as the rules and regulations change, helping veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers, receptionists, students and kennel staff to get it right - first time and every time.
StorageEfficient stock control, ambient storage conditions, stock rotation based on expiry dates and correct labelling are just some of the areas that need to be addressed when considering management of the practice dispensary. The section of the guide on Correct storage and dispensary management provides recommendations on how this can be achieved.
DispensingPrescribing and labelling veterinary medicines are activities that every practitioner performs many times a day, and it is important that the detailed legal provisions governing these actions are adhered to. Covering such areas as: who may write a prescription; breaking packaging; and the additional regulations that apply for the supply of Controlled Drugs, the Prescribing and labelling section helps guide the practitioner through this complicated area.
The BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines is available to all, not just BSAVA members, and the Editors hope will 'provide balm for all those worrying about the practical and legal constraints on the use of veterinary medicines.'
Click here to download the BSAVA Guide to the Use of Veterinary Medicines (pdf 5mb)
Fort Dodge Animal Health has launched PropoClear, a short-acting, intravenous general anaesthetic for dogs and cats.
The company believes that PropoClear, based on novel lipid-free micro-emulsion technology, will deliver significant clinical benefits over conventional lipid-based propofol emulsions, and will also deliver increased cost-effectiveness and convenience to practices.
PropoClear is indicated for use as a short-acting general anaesthetic for procedures lasting up to five minutes. It is also indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia using incremental doses and for the induction of anaesthesia where maintenance is provided by inhalation.
According to Fort Dodge, PropoClear's unique lipid-free, nano-emulsion formulation and its inclusion of antimicrobial preservatives provide the following key benefits to practices:
Dr Jo Murrell, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Division of Companion Animals, the University of Bristol, said: "With currently available lipid-based propofol formulations unused drug should be discarded immediately once the vial has been opened leading to drug wastage or the potential for bacterial contamination of the remaining solution if this regulation is ignored. The new lipid-free propofol formulation, which also contains antimicrobial preservatives, overcomes this limitation and will provide significant clinical benefits in terms of the 28 day shelf life once broached."
Matthew Rowe, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals at Fort Dodge, said: "In developing PropoClear, it was our goal to deliver an anaesthetic product with the same proven efficacy as the existing solution but which offered significant benefits in terms of enhanced safety, cost and convenience.
"PropoClear contains the same concentration of the established active molecule and follows familiar guide dose protocols to ensure ease of use. We have been encouraged by the positive feedback received during product trials and believe the significant advantages its offers, both clinically and financially, to practices in challenging times, will ensure its rapid adoption by veterinary practices across the UK."
VetSurgeon.org has launched a new collaborative publishing section of the website (called a wiki) in which any member of the site may publish case studies and reports, abstracts, short communications, research papers and the results of clinical audit for open discussion and review by all.
The state-of-the-art systems in use on VetSurgeon then allow all members to comment on the work submitted. Initially, it's hoped that this will stimulate valuable further debate, discussion and critical review of papers that have already been published elsewhere. However, another benefit of this system is that it enables anyone in the profession to publish their research to the veterinary community immediately, without being at the mercy of such things as the availability of space in a traditional print journal, so original work is warmly welcomed.
Arlo Guthrie, editor of VetSurgeon said: "Of course I recognise that authors still want the kudos of publication in a traditional peer reviewed journal. However, in addition to offering immediate publication, this system also opens the review process up so that everyone in the profession can participate in a completely open way. If it works, it may even come to be thought of as a more stringent and robust method of review than the traditional method. Or perhaps more likely, peer review could become a two stage process in which work is assessed by a panel of experts and then by the sort of 'open review' offered by VetSurgeon.org."
Doubtless there will be concerns about the validity of information published in this new section of VetSurgeon, primarily because it may NOT have been subject to peer review at the time of publication. Arlo said: "I don't think this is an issue. VetSurgeon members should just have a different starting point. When you read content in, say Vet Record, you can presume it's been scrutinised and read it in that context. On VetSurgeon, you should assume the opposite, and then use the tools offered by the site to judge the value of the work yourself."
Ways of assessing work published on VetSurgeon.org include:
In phase one of this project, taking place over the coming few days, all abstracts published in Veterinary Practice magazine are being uploaded to the new wiki.
Click here to visit the new VetSurgeon Wiki