The RCVS has announced that voting is now open for the 2016 Council elections.
Ballot papers with candidate details, biographies and manifestos have been posted to all veterinary surgeons this week.
Eight candidates are standing in the RCVS Council election this year, with the six who receive the most votes joining Council at RCVS Day on Friday 15 July 2016 for a four-year term. The candidates are:
Each candidate in both elections has produced a short video in which they answer two questions which they have selected from those submitted to the RCVS in advance by members of the professions. The videos can be viewed at: www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote16 along with their biographies, manifesto statements and contact details.
Bradley Viner, RCVS President, said: "Last year the candidate videos had over 3,500 views and we hope to increase that this year as it is a very direct and democratic way of finding out more about each candidate and their views. I would urge each member of the profession, whether vets or veterinary nurses, to make a vote for their preferred candidates as they really can make a difference when it comes to the future direction of the College."
All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 29 April 2016. Online votes for RCVS Council candidates can be made at www.ersvotes.com/vetvote16.
Any veterinary surgeon who has not received a ballot paper should contact Ian Holloway, RCVS Communications Manager, on 020 7202 0727 or i.holloway@rcvs.org.uk.
Petplan has announced the results of a survey which shows that with less than a week to go before microchipping becomes compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales, there is still confusion about the law amongst pet owners.
In the survey of 2,000 British dog owners, 25% had not heard of the new law and 40% didn't know that it also requires owners to keep their microchip details up to date.
40% of respondents said they'd be happy to pay over £500 as a reward if their dog went missing. Despite this, 40% of those who were aware of the new law but had yet to chip their dogs admitted they had not done so because of reservations about the cost of the procedure.
The survey also highlighted the fact that even the most careful of owners lose their dogs. Nearly 40% of losses reported in the survey happened when the owner was taking their pet on a daily walk and 47.1% of respondents reported having a dog escape from an apparently secure garden.
The survey also found that a third of lost dogs came to harm while missing, most of which (84.8%) needed veterinary care.
According to Petplan, despite more than half of dog owners citing expensive veterinary bills as one of their biggest concerns around dog ownership, over 45% of respondents reported not having their dogs insured.
Petplan has published information for pet owners about the new microchip law here: petplan.co.uk/microchip-dog-law-info.
The RCVS has announced the results of the 2016 RCVS Council elections.
Current members Christopher Barker (2,838 votes), Amanda Boag (2,689 votes), Kit Sturgess (2,586 votes) and Stephen May (2,452 votes) were returned to four of the six available seats on RCVS Council. Melissa Donald and Lucie Goodwin are joining Council for the first time with 2,532 votes and 2,307 votes respectively.
The re-election of Stephen May means that he will serve as Junior Vice-President of the RCVS for 2016-17.
Voter turnout was down this year at 15.6% (or 4,403) of those eligible to vote, compared to 18.1% last year and the 17.2% average over the past 10 years.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Acting Registrar, said: "I’d like to congratulate all those who were successfully elected, and re-elected, to Council, and thank all those who took part in this year’s elections – whether by standing as a candidate, casting a vote or submitting questions for the candidates to answer."
The successful candidates will take up their positions at RCVS Day – the College’s Annual General Meeting and Awards Day – on Friday 15 July 2016 at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Each candidate in the elections was invited to produce a short video in which they answered questions put to them by fellow members of the professions and which appeared on the RCVS YouTube channel. The videos provided by the RCVS Council candidates received 1,169 views while those provided by the VN Council candidates received 779 views.
The elections were run on behalf of the College by Electoral Reform Services.
The petition was set up by veterinary surgeon and journalist Pete Wedderburn, after discussion with colleagues, in response to an open letter to the profession from Jemima Harrison, producer of the Pedigree Dogs Exposed documentary broadcast in 2008.
In the letter, Jemima notes that Kennel club registrations of Pugs rose from 2,000 in 2005 to 10,000 last year. Over the same period Bulldog registrations more than doubled to 7,000 and the number of French Bulldogs increased 4000% to 14,607.
All vets do, she says, is 'organise CPD days on how to manage the increasing numbers of creatures that turn up at your practice doors gasping for air', 'refer clients on to soft-tissue specialists who do their best to remedy the deformity that has been bred into them', and 'section that Bulldog and say nothing to the breeder about how wrong it is that the dogs are no longer capable of birthing their own pups'.
She argues that there is 'institutional kow-towing to the Kennel Club and a reluctance to do anything other than accept their platitudes that they have to take things slowly or risk "losing" the breeders'.
In response, Pete's blog and petition calls for a working party to develop concrete proposals to tackle the issues as a matter of urgency: 'Despite the evident appeal of short-nosed pets to many of our clients, it is our duty as vets to not just treat these animals, but also to lobby for reform in the way they are bred – in particular the 'extreme' brachycephalics such as Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and flat-faced Persian cats'.
The Dog Breeding Reform Group has welcomed the petition. Chris Laurence MBE, DBRG Trustee and former veterinary director of the Dogs Trust who has signed the petition, says: "Vets in companion animal practice see dogs with inherited breathing difficulty almost every day and are frustrated that there seems to be no end to the daily suffering of these breeds. The DBRG is delighted that vets are now getting together to highlight the issue and to plead with breeders to stop producing puppies with such malformed heads that they are unable to breathe easily."
The petition, which has already gathered nearly 1000 signatures, can only be signed by veterinary surgeons and nurses. You can sign it here.
In a letter to Danny, RCVS President Christopher Tufnell wrote:
"As the regulator of the veterinary profession, we place an emphasis on the importance of evidence-based veterinary medicine. We therefore recommend that there should be a cautious approach to homeopathy for animals and that normal evidential standards should be applied to complementary treatments."
Danny said: "A cautious approach? What, like this claim by the BAHVS that homeopathy cures cancer?. Or would you say that this claim on national TV represents a cautious approach?
"Talking about homeopathy and normal evidential standards in the same breath is oxymoronic. If you apply normal evidential standards to homeopathy, it is completely ineffective and should not therefore be used in animals."
Mr Tufnell wrote: "We believe it is also essential that such treatments, until they can be proved, are complementary rather than 'alternative' and that they are therefore used alongside conventional treatment."
Danny said: "This argument makes sense whilst evidence-gathering for new treatment modalities. Homeopathy, however, has been with us since 1796. In that time, there has been no good evidence that homeopathy is effective for any condition. Against that, we now have the benefit of an increasing body of meta analyses that show it isn’t. How much more evidence does the RCVS require?"
Mr Tufnell wrote: "Whatever views there may be within the veterinary profession, it is clear that there is a demand from some clients for complementary therapies for their animals."
Danny said: "That may be true, but client demand is not an argument for prescribing medicines shown not to work. Nor should ill-informed client demand trump animal welfare"
Mr Tufnell added: "It is better that they [clients] should seek advice from a veterinary surgeon - who is qualified to make a diagnosis, and can be held to account for the treatment given - rather than turning to a practitioner who does not have veterinary training."
Danny said: "It makes no difference to the animal's suffering whether effective treatment is withheld by a layperson or a qualified vet. At what point do we trust the clinical judgement of vets who subscribe to this magical thinking? In the case of hyperthyroidism in a cat, at what point do we trust them to start giving proper treatment? Maybe when the T4 levels reach a certain number? Or when renal failure kicks in? Or when the cat loses a certain percentage of its body weight?"
Finally, Mr Tufnell wrote: "homeopathy is currently accepted by society and recognised by UK medicines legislation and does not, in itself, cause harm to animals."
Danny said: "I'm not sure how it is possible to claim homeopathy is 'accepted by society'. What constitutes 'societal acceptance'? The NHS says that: 'The ideas that underpin homeopathy are not accepted by mainstream science, and are not consistent with long-accepted principles on the way that the physical world works'; the Australian Government says: 'Homeopathy should not be used to treat health conditions that are chronic, serious, or could become serious.' Clearly homeopathy is far from being accepted by society.
"Even if it was, the argument that we should prescribe medicines because they are 'societally accepted' is no different to the argument that we should do so because there is 'consumer demand.' Both are plainly wrong. Presumably the RCVS wouldn't approve of veterinary surgeons prescribing antibiotics just because there is 'consumer demand', or because they are 'societally accepted'.
As to the veterinary medicines regulations, homeopathic remedies were ‘grandfathered’ and have not had to prove efficacy to become authorised. So their recognition by UK medicines legislation is meaningless.
"Lastly, homeopathy does, in itself, cause harm to animals when given ahead of, or in place of proven treatments."
At the same time as Danny was running his petition for banning homeopathy, the Campaign For Rational Veterinary Medicine has been running a petition which instead asks that the RCVS takes steps to allow animal owners to make a more informed decision, thereby limiting the harm that homeopathy causes animals.
This petition, which is for the veterinary profession only, has so far gathered over 400 signatures, and the campaign organisers are now inviting anyone who signed the petition to ban homeopathy to consider signing this one as a pragmatic alternative.
DVS highlights that the phenomenon of large group veterinary businesses is on the rise: big corporations such as Pets at Home Vet Group have recently bought stakes in several of the UK’s biggest referral practices and CVS Group, for example, now owns more than 360 of the UK’s veterinary surgeries, including referral practices.
By contrast, Davies Veterinary Specialists has now reduced the shareholdings of its founder (Jerry Davies), financial director (Mike Thomas) and managing director (Clive Elwood), in order to increase the holdings of Ian Battersby (internal medicine), Ronan Doyle (soft tissue surgery), David Gould (ophthalmology) and Nat Whitley (internal medicine) and create 8 new shareholders: Louise Clark (anaesthesia), Nuria Corzo-Menendez (diagnostic imaging), Mike Farrell (orthopaedic surgery), Laurent Garosi (neurology), Mark Goodfellow (oncology), Patricia Ibarrola (internal medicine), Pedro Oliveira (cardiology), Peter Smith (neurology).
The company says that its increasing number of shareholders will build a more effective business democracy, and in turn help uphold its core values of integrity, professionalism, compassion and respect.
Clive Elwood said: "Maintaining our independence is important to us as a business because it ensures we retain the culture and ethos that provides leading multi-specialist care to all of our patients and exceptional service to our customers and referring colleagues.
"I am delighted we have managed to achieve this transaction, which represents the next stage in the development of our amazing practice. Retaining ownership means we can demonstrate that there remain alternative business models and career paths outside corporate practice. It is a pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of new shareholders who will, I am certain, contribute greatly to our future success."
DVS says it will continue to evolve the management and governance structure of the practice as it grows. In the future DVS shareholders will set overall strategy and direction for the business and ensure effective governance by the Board of Directors. As well as clinical skills, the development of management and leadership skills will be encouraged across the practice. A strong commitment to learning, research, innovation and teaching will support the delivery of exemplary patient care.
To find out more visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk
Locum vets can now come and update their VetSurgeon Profile to display their location and a business card on a map of the UK which practices can browse when they need a locum (NB. login required to see the locums on the map).
Clicking on a locum’s flag on the VetSurgeon Locum Map reveals a summary profile and the distance they can travel. There are plans to add more detail in the future.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "This is all part of our programme of ongoing development with VetSurgeon Jobs, to make sure it is the ‘go to’ place for anyone looking to hire a veterinary surgeon or find a job.
"Whilst I’m here, I’d like to thank the practices and businesses that have already advertised on VetSurgeon Jobs. Your continued support is what allows us to develop these kinds of new features, all designed to help lower your recruitment costs."
Essential 6 spot-on is designed to moisturise the skin and strengthen its barrier function to help manage kerato-seborrhoeic disorders (dandruff, bad odours, dry or greasy coat, excessive hair loss) and atopic dermatitis in ferrets, rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils.
Essential Mousse is a rinse-free and soap-free repairing cleanser, used to cleanse and deodorize the animal as often as necessary. In particular, the company highlights its application in clinic, for cleaning up after anal gland expression, incontinence or vomiting, for use in animals that cannot be bathed, and as a customer courtesy before discharge.
The complete Dermoscent range, including the new small mammal products, is available in the UK through Vet Direct.
Henry Schein stocks the 4 variants for cats, dogs and small mammals of Essential 6 spot-on.
More information can be found at the Dermoscent website www.dermoscent.com, where visitors can access clinical studies and watch Wayne Rosenkrantz’s webinar: "Current Treatment Options for Canine Atopic dermatitis".
According to the company, gum disease is five times more common in dogs than humans, as dogs have a more alkaline mouth, promoting plaque formation. The company also says that studies have shown 80% of dogs suffer some form of gum disease before they are three years old.
The survey found most owners associate bad breath, tooth loss and inflamed gums (76%, 67% and 65% respectively) with poor oral hygiene.
However, many dog owners were unaware it could lead to more serious consequences with only 11% identifying heart disease as a potential cost of poor oral hygiene and only 7% understanding the liver can be affected.
The company has produced a YouTube video with Marc Abraham MRCVS and behaviourist Carolyn Menteith about canine oral care and Pettura Oral Health - a gel applied directly to dogs' teeth and gums to help maintain oral hygiene.
The company is making the claim based on a £20,000 study it conducted with three dermatology specialists from three different clinics, in different parts of the country.
Trevor Hardcastle, Vet-AI’s chief data scientist said: "We have undertaken a small-scale trial of remote diagnosis of dermatology conditions by veterinary dermatology specialists in canine patients, which has resulted in almost perfect agreement. No significant evidence was found that veterinary dermatology specialists are measurably compromised in their ability to accurately diagnose common dermatology conditions by being remote from the patient."
Strangely, given the strength of the claim, its importance and Vet AI's obvious vested interest in the result, there was no other information contained within the company's press release. No mention of who the specialists were, nothing about the study design, and nothing about the basis on which the claim is made.
However, presuming the company meant Specialists not specialists, it would be very unusual if they had agreed for an announcement of this importance to be made without the evidence being reasonably robust. So it's probably worth suspending judgement until the study is published in full.
Meantime, the company also says its own research into online diagnosis amongst pet owners has shown that more than 50% of people have avoided taking their pets to the vet for cost reasons, yet more than 65% have tried online self-diagnosis. Again, Vet AI doesn't reveal how many pet owners were asked, or how they were sampled.
Vet-AI co-founder Sarah Warren said: "Things like dermatological issues are beautifully aligned to remote consultation because they’re visual so we can gain a wealth of information from images and distribution maps and easily recommend treatments.
"This needs to happen in a regulated, ethical and correct way with a view to improving animal welfare.
"The RCVS has a chance to ensure that people have access to quality vet help online in an effective way. They can do this, or they can allow them to continue accessing poor-quality advice. As a profession, it’s vital we respond to the needs of pet owners."
Probably the two most popular social media platforms for veterinary surgeons in the UK are Facebook (and its various veterinary groups) and VetSurgeon.org.
Facebook has the advantage that so many people use it to share photographs with family and friends, so they are already on the site and it is only a very short hop over to participate in a veterinary discussion group. That makes it an excellent way to get a broad opinion on almost any subject.
But, and it is a very big 'but', Facebook was never designed to be a platform for sharing clinical information or discussing cases. So, for example, you cannot see the professional qualifications of anyone contributing to the discussion unless they happen also to be your 'friend', so it can be hard to tell whether they have any idea what they're talking about, or are, in fact, the leading light.
There are various other aspects of Facebook that are problematic when it comes to clinical discussions, including the difficulty in referring back to useful information shared and the way in which 'me too' replies can drown out good quality information.
The survey aims to find out how much of a problem vets think these things are, whether certain groups within the profession could be better served by social media - for example those that may find it daunting asking for help in an online group, and what features vets would like VetSurgeon.org to invest in.
The survey can be completed anonymously, but if you give your name at the end, you'll be entered into a draw for a case of champagne (or equivalent).
Take part here: https://bit.ly/2lzzpy4
Please share this story amongst your colleagues!
In part one of the article, Professor Ernst made the case that homeopathy has no place in veterinary (or human) evidence-based medicine.
In part two, he considered a number of other types of so-called alternative medicine (or 'SCAM', as he called it in the self-published version) for animals, including acupuncture, chiropractic, energy healing and dietary supplements, concluding that most such SCAMS are unproven and that 'arguably it is unethical to use unproven medicines in routine veterinary care'.
Now is it just me, or does anyone else find the Veterinary Record position rather worrying?
Surely a scientific journal should concern itself with one thing and one thing only: the search for scientific truth?
Surely, therefore, the question of how many veterinary surgeons use a therapy is completely irrelevant. Or am I being idealistic?
I also struggle with the idea that Professor Ernst could be told to go away and provide more balance.
How exactly is anyone supposed to balance the argument that there's no evidence that a therapy works? The only counter or balancing argument would be that it does. Catch 22.
Most learned people know that homeopathy is not just a little bit implausible, but completely off-the-scale-bonkers-in-a-'world-is-not-flat-sort-of-a-way', along with energy healing and chiropractic.
But acupuncture? I'll bet Professor Ernst's words will make for uncomfortable reading for some. That's precisely what seems to have made the Veterinary Record balk. But surely that's the whole point of science. To challenge our beliefs, even (or especially) if it makes us uncomfortable.
You can read Professor Ernst's blog at: https://edzardernst.com/
The debate, which was described as 'robust but good-humoured', was moderated by BEVA past-President Madeleine Campbell, sole partner at Hobgoblins Equine Reproduction Centre.
Keith Chandler, former BEVA President and member of the acquisitions team at Independent Vet Care and Karl Holliman, partner and director at Cliffe Veterinary group and past chairman of XL Equine, argued for corporatisation.
Their supporting witnesses were Lesley Barwise Munro of AlNorthumbria vets which was sold to CVS in 2015 and Julian Samuelson a former managing partner of Bell Equine, which was sold to CVS earlier this year.
In the opposing corner were Andrew Harrison, a partner at Three Counties Equine Hospital and Tim Greet, who recently retired as an equine partner at Rossdales.
Their supporting witnesses were Louise Radford MRCVS, who now works in the pharmaceutical industry and Nenad Zillic, partner at the Barn Equine Surgery.
As the moderator called 'seconds out', opinion was relatively evenly divided, with 44% of the audience agreeing with the motion and 56% disagreeing.
The pro corporatisation team advocated that obvious commercial and business advantages, together with the scale and diversity of a corporate, can give vets greater potential for a more flexible career path and advancement within the industry, and a more sustainable working career in equine practice.
Karl Holliman pointed out that corporates enable greater purchasing power, better health and safety resources, improved career structure and the freedom for employed vets to focus on clinical expertise rather than becoming bogged down with practice management.
Keith Chandler went on to argue that selling to a corporate is a solution to the problem of succession planning. In a climate of unwillingness for younger vets to buy in to practice, selling allows partners to realise the value they've built up and release that equity to do something else.
This is all very well, said Tim Greet, on the anti corporatisation panel, but the good reputation the profession currently enjoys is based on service to clients and above all the animals in our care. Clinical rather than commercial elements drive practice and partners are light on their feet and can respond quickly to decisions without referring to "a ponderous corporate hierarchy".
Tim also argued that clients like continuity and the quickest way to lose them would be to send in different vets. A bespoke approach to client care was needed rather than hard targeting.
Andrew Harrison went on to suggest that the only vets who really benefit from selling out are those who have one eye on retirement. Younger partners may be able to pay off the loan they took out to buy into practice in the first place but are then likely to take a considerable drop in salary and be given a middle management job, moving from the "pilot seat into the passenger seat." He argued that young vets cannot afford to buy into practices because the industry is being "fuelled by the corporates who are falling over themselves competing to buy equine practices and squeezing out our fellow professionals."
Pro corporatisation witness Julian Samuelson maintained that since Bell Equine has been sold to CVS there has been no change to client service, no restrictions on clinical performance and that no targets have been imposed to achieve set revenues.
Anti-corporatisation witness Louise Radford made the point that big corporates could exert pressure on pharmaceutical companies to drive down prices, which would reduce their capacity to invest in research and development trials and CPD, to the ultimate detriment of the veterinary industry.
The session closed with 72% of the audience disagreeing with the motion Corporatisation is inevitable and will benefit vets and their clients.
BEVA President Jon Pycock said: "Whether we like it or not corporatisation of equine practices is on the rise. But it shouldn’t mean that the future isn’t going to be viable for independents too as there is a role for both to co-exist. Importantly, this should mean that vets and their clients will both continue to have choices."
The new guidance is being launched as part of the company's Keeping Britain’s Pets Healthy (KBPH) preventative healthcare initiative.
The guidance includes 18 recommendations designed to help all members of the practice team to implement consistent, effective improvements in preventative healthcare.
The recommendations were the result of a package of research carried out by Dr Rachel Dean, Dr Marnie Brennan, Dr Natalie Robinson and Dr Zoe Belshaw at the university’s vet school, including a systematic review of the literature, a survey of veterinary surgeons and in-depth interviews with vets and owners. A final study used the Delphi technique to achieve consensus amongst 26 first opinion practitioners and 8 pet owners.
The recommendations invite practices to consider a number of ways they might improve the consultation process, including: the purpose of the consultation, the role of each member of the practice team, and how pet owner expectations should be addressed and communicated during the process.
John Helps, Senior Technical Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Our new KBPH initiative marks a step change in our emphasis on preventative healthcare.
"It aims to champion the central role each member of the veterinary practice team plays as experts in educating and engaging our nation of pet lovers.
"These evidence-based guidelines are just the first step towards our increased emphasis on communicating the importance of the annual preventative health visit.
"They support the partnership between the practice and its clients around the health and welfare of their pets, and the significant contribution vaccines and parasiticides make to the health and welfare of their pets. They also help the whole team understand their specific role in the provision of preventative healthcare."
You can download the full recommendations here.
Reference
Following the news on Friday that a Bulldog and Pekingese had failed their vet checks at Crufts, a further four animals have failed: Chervood Snowsun, a Clumber Spaniel; Secret Charm Avec Dibest, a Mastiff; Ithani, a Neapolitan Mastiff and Ch Buzz Lightyear At Dereheath, a Basset Hound. All were disqualified from winning Best of Breed, or representing their breed for the remainder of the competition.
The veterinary checks have been introduced by the Kennel Club to ensure that Best of Breed awards are not given to any dogs that show visible signs of problems due to conditions that affect their health or welfare.
Dog World magazine appears to have got hold of a copy of the Clumber Spaniel's Veterinary Health Check Record, and interviewed the owner:
The vet checks have, predictably, polarised opinion. The owners of the Bulldog Mellowmood One In A Million have already setup a facebook page: 'A group dedicated to honoring the win of Ch Mellowmoods One in a Million AKA Jenny who was wrongfully stripped of her Best of Breed win at Crufts based on a political move by the Kennel Club.'
Elsewhere, there has been a considerable amount of support for the vet checks:
The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons and nurses that there is one week left till the deadline for nominations for the 2012 RCVS and RCVS VN Council elections.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the RCVS on or before 31 January 2012.
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 may nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make a nomination.
Full details and guidance notes for both elections are available online from the RCVS Council Election page (www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil12) and VN Council Election page (www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil12).
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may also be requested from Mrs Gabriella Braun (020 7202 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2012 elections.
Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day in 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).
The RCVS and BVA have expressed their concern about a BBC Newsline report last week of suspected badger baiting in Northern Ireland, which also alleged that veterinary surgeons might be complicit in this illegal activity by not reporting cases of suspiciously injured animals to the relevant authorities.
Bert Allison MRCVS, President of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, said: "Our Association, and veterinary surgeons across Northern Ireland and Great Britain, are sickened and appalled by these activities. We are grateful to the BBC for highlighting the problem and bringing it to the attention of the public.
"Veterinary surgeons work under a professional code of conduct to uphold animal health and welfare and care deeply about the animals under their care. The claim by USPCA that veterinary surgeons are deliberately failing to report incidents is therefore shocking.
"However, if there is evidence that this has happened the USPCA must provide all relevant information to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons which is the statutory regulator of the veterinary profession.
"Under our professional code all veterinary surgeons must provide treatment to alleviate the suffering of an animal presented to them however the gangs abusing these animals may be obtaining veterinary care by deception. We are contacting our members urgently to offer support and remind them how to report suspected incidents safely and within the law."
The RCVS says it has yet to be presented with any evidence to support the claims, but will investigate any genuine complaint supported by first-hand evidence.
The College is also reminding veterinary surgeons about its guidance concerning breaching client confidentiality where a veterinary surgeon believes that animal welfare or the public interest may be compromised.
If there is suspicion of animal abuse, as a result of examining an animal, a veterinary surgeon should consider whether the circumstances are sufficiently serious to justify breaching the usual obligations of client confidentiality.
In cases where discussing these concerns with the client would not be appropriate, or where the client's reaction increases rather than allays these concerns, the veterinary surgeon should contact the relevant authorities, for example the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, to report alleged cruelty to an animal.
Such action should only be taken when the veterinary surgeon considers on reasonable grounds that the public interest in protecting an animal overrides the professional obligation to maintain client confidentiality.
A veterinary surgeon may contact the RCVS for advice before any confidential information is divulged (020 7202 0789 / profcon@rcvs.org.uk).
Research commissioned by Bayer Animal Health has revealed that dogs really do look like their owners.
The research, which is being used to promote Drontal Bone, the company's new bone-shaped wormer, was conducted amongst 3,000 British dog-lovers. It found that the overwhelming majority of owners share at least one common physical attribute with their pet, whilst one in ten owners could be described as the spitting image of their dog, sharing six or more physical attributes:
As part of the campaign, Bayer has launched the Give Your Dog a Bone competition, a nationwide search to find the UK's "Top Dog". The competition is split into four video and photographic categories, with one open exclusively to dogs that have formed a special bond with their owner. Top dogs can enter via the competition website - www.giveyourdogabone.co.uk - where owners can upload photos, videos, and explain in under 100 words why they think their pet should win a Drontal 'Bonies' award.
Give Your Dog a Bone Judge Emma Milne MRCVS, said: "When dogs seem to have the same characteristics as their owners, it could be because people subconsciously choose a pet that resembles themselves. It is often found that more energetic breeds, such as s Red Setter have an owner who is sporty and most happy when taking their pet on long country walks, while a glamorous owner who enjoys grooming themselves might choose a dog which also requires lots preening, such as a Maltese Terrier. The Give Your Dog a Bone awards give us the chance to recognise the unique traits and talents that make dogs such an important part of our lives. With four very different categories, this competition will be wide open to dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities!"
Virbac Animal Health has announced that its medical castration implant Suprelorin 9.4mg has received a marketing authorisation for use in ferrets.
The neutering of male ferrets (hobs) is recommended to suppress fertility, decrease odour and reduce territorial aggressive behaviour and urinary marking¹. According to Virbac, Suprelorin offers temporary sterilisation but without the need for surgery, and its use prevents the high Luteinizing hormone (LH)/Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels which occur following surgery and which can play a role in the development of hyperadrenocorticism².
Suprelorin is a slow-release implant containing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin. Once injected under the skin of healthy, sexually mature and entire ferrets, the continuous low release of deslorelin from the implant causes an interruption of the HPA circuit, leading to a reduction in LH/ FSH levels and therefore testosterone production. This results in a reduction of libido, spermatogenesis and testicle size.
The implant lasts for up to four years, at which stage the ferret can be re-implanted to maintain the effect.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "For owners looking for a surgery-free route to the castration of male ferrets and the problems it can cause, Suprelorin provides a simple and effective alternative."
Suprelorin 4.7mg has been available for use in dogs since 2008. Suprelorin 9.4mg was launched in 2011.
For further information, please contact your Territory Manager or call Head Office on 01359 243243.
References:
The RCVS has released the photograph of a man apprehended by Wiltshire police whilst working as a bogus veterinary surgeon at a practice in Swindon.
Peter Keniry, who had been practising under the name of a properly qualified and legitimately registered veterinary surgeon Shaun Kehoe, was arrested on 23 August and appeared in Swindon Magistrates' Court on charges of fraud and practising veterinary surgery unlawfully. He was released on bail.
Mr Keniry is no stranger to the College or the police, and has already been dealt with in 1998, 2001 and 2005 for similar offences. On each occasion, Mr Keniry has impersonated a member of the College whose name is legitimately on the Register, which makes it difficult even for practices that do check the credentials of prospective employees.
Gordon Hockey, Head of Professional Conduct and Assistant Registrar at the RCVS said: "We were alerted to the potential fraud on 23 August and immediately liaised with the police to facilitate Mr Keniry's arrest that same day. The next day, RCVS Council member Dr Bob Moore and I visited Swindon police station to assist the police.
"It appears that Mr Keniry has continued his pattern of re-offending, and we hope that by publicising his photograph any other practice that has employed him recently will recognise him and contact the RCVS Professional Conduct Department, and potential employers and locum agencies will keep his photograph to reduce the chances of this happening again."
The RCVS Professional Conduct Department can be contacted on: profcon@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0789.
Virbac Animal Health is launching an initiative to highlight the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition suffered by more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five1.
The campaign will take place during November - or 'Movember' as it's called by the thousands of men who grow moustaches during the month to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. Virbac says it hopes the campaign will remind dog owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders.
As part of the campaign, the company will be providing participating practices with promotional materials including free dog leads, owner educational and display materials, a press release for local media and practice educational materials.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "It's estimated that 20% of the country's eight million dogs remain uncastrated throughout their lives. As dogs age, their prostates enlarge, eventually causing symptoms including constipation, lameness and difficulties in urination. However, most of the time clinical signs are absent or vague so diagnosing BPH can be a challenge."
According to Virbac, the traditional rectal examination technique can be an ordeal for both dog and clinician. It's also sometimes inaccurate even in experienced hands and is impossible in very small or large breeds. As a solution, the company has recently introduced Odelis CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a simple tablet treatment for BPH, which takes effect within a week and lasts for six months.
Chris added: "BPH is a serious threat to the health of entire dogs as they get older but owners are often unaware of the potentially serious health problems it can cause if left untreated.
"We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should also be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease.
"We're providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign in their locality and hope that those getting involved will find it effective in terms of bringing dog-owning clients into the practice for advice on BPH."
For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign and to get your free pack please contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.
Reference1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.
Nominations are now open for candidates wishing to stand in the 2012 RCVS Council and RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council elections.
Jane Hern, RCVS Registrar said: "The veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses that sit on the RCVS and VN Councils are vital to the governance of their professions, and in steering the activities the College undertakes under its Royal Charter. If you're interested in making sure that your profession is well-governed, its standards are upheld, and the interests of animals and the public are protected, why not consider standing in these elections?"
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2012 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 may nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make a nomination.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2012. Full details and guidance notes for both elections will be available on the RCVS website shortly 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).
RCVS President, Dr Jerry Davies, has committed to prioritise the establishment of a new Audit and Risk Committee, following publication of the recommendations of a report into two overspends at the College.
Earlier this year, outgoing President Peter Jinman had announced that a review would be carried out into the circumstances that led to higher-than-expected expenditure on the College's new database and building development works in the Lower Ground Floor at Belgravia House.
The RCVS Officer team asked Professor Bill McKelvey - a member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to look at all aspects that related to its budgeting and expenditure process of those projects, and propose lessons that should be learned.
Dr Davies said: "That such a review was required is regretted, but I would like to thank Professor McKelvey, Richard Davis and Judith Webb for their diligence in this work. Their recommendations will be a very helpful addition to the work that is currently underway to ensure corporate governance is fit for purpose and, in particular, that the management of capital projects within the College is optimised."
The full Overspend Report (one sentence was redacted on legal advice) was considered by Council at its meeting on 3 November. Council agreed that the recommendations should be made public. The College is currently seeking further legal advice on whether it is proper for the report to be made available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Dr Davies added: "The recommendations of the report are under consideration by a group of five past Presidents, together with Richard Davis and Judith Webb as lay members of Council, under the Chairmanship of Peter Jinman, and their proposals will be considered by Council in due course.
"The recommendation that an Audit and Risk Committee be set up will be prioritised, as this was highlighted as an imperative. Other related activities, such as the development of a protocol for the management of major projects, had already been put in place by Officers prior to the overspend review."
Regarding the two projects at the heart of the report, the College says building work in the Lower Ground Floor at Belgravia House has been complete for some time and the new rooms and their facilities are being used, particularly when Disciplinary Committee hearings render much of the rest of the building out of bounds. The new data management system is also in use and an external consultant is currently looking at the work that has been carried out so far, and will make recommendations for the future.
"Meanwhile, although there are many lessons to be learned from the report, it's business as usual in terms of bringing to a conclusion many of our important ongoing initiatives, such as the introduction of the new Code of Professional Conduct, the consultations on the recommendations of the Specialisation Working Party and a draft Performance Protocol, and, of course, the ongoing work of the Disciplinary and Preliminary Investigation Committees," said Dr Davies.
The recommendations of the report, which were adopted by Council, can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/McKelvey.
UK veterinary surgeons strongly prefer recommending branded treatments, according to a survey conducted by specialist advertising agency Masius.
The survey, conducted amongst members of www.vetsurgeon.org, received 725 responses. It gave a conclusive insight to veterinary surgeons' opinions on branding, with 87% of respondents saying that they prefer to recommend a branded POM-V over a generic equivalent.
While branded treatments are clearly preferred over generics, vets recognise that higher prices can be an issue for clients. Price is justified mainly through a higher level of trust in the quality of the product (through extensive trialling). They also cite the added support in the event of client usage issues and the value that clients attach to brands. The cascade is a further factor, requiring the use of licensed drugs.
When it comes to supplements, vets are still in favour of brands, but less so - as the cascade is not a factor. On the issue of price differential, most vets felt that a premium of 10-25% is justifiable for a brand over a generic.
Jonathan Posner, Business Director at Masius said: "As well as the quantitative data, we also got some interesting qualitative comments as well. Looking at these, one can see a range of opinions - from the vets who value the easier client acceptance of brands, to those who feel that their professional care of the patient is paramount and that a generic should be used where it delivers the same benefit as a brand. Client ability to pay was also mentioned as a factor - a generic being more likely to lead to compliance for a client on a tight budget."
The fact that branded products come with better information and marketing support was agreed by the large majority (93%) of respondents.
All the participants in the survey were entered into a draw to win an iPad 2. The winner of the draw was Megan Wood MRCVS (pictured right) from Fife. She said: "The iPad is brilliant; I love it, and am a lucky lady!"
The Libel Reform Campaign is asking supporters to lobby their MP to make sure that a reform of libel law gets into next year's Queen's Speech, which sets the legislative agenda for 2012.
Two cases in particular serve to highlight the impact of current law on the open discussion of medical science, that of the British Chiropractic Association vs Simon Singh (the author and Guardian journalist) and Matthaias Rath, a vitamin pill manufacturer vs Ben Goldacre (also an author and Guardian journalist).
The proposed new law will, amongst other things, help safeguard free and robust debate about veterinary science, so I urge you to lobby your MP. You can do that by clicking here.