Virbac has published a compendium of recent independently-published studies relating to its range of dermatology products.
Studies are listed according to the disorders investigated with an impact rating given to each piece of research. The compendium also provides details of the active components, clinical benefits and other information about the company's dermatology products.
European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology Filippo de Bellis said: "Dermatological problems can cause frustration to both clinician and pet owners because of their chronic nature and the wide variety of aetiologies. Best practice is achieved by integrating clinical expertise with the best external evidence.
"Virbac has made a major contribution to the provision of evidence by publishing this Compendium containing scientific information to support its range of pharmaceutical products. It shows commitment to the veterinary profession and to the rule of evidence-based medicine."
Christelle Navarro, DVM, from the Medical Department at Virbac SA, added: "We have spent 30 years working to improve veterinary dermatology with innovative solutions for the profession. Given the complexity of dermatology and the multiplicity of therapeutic offerings, we hope the Compendium will be a helpful tool for clinicians seeking scientific support for the products they use."
Electronic copies of the Compendium are available on request from your Territory Manager or by calling Virbac direct on 01359 243243.
Rimifin (carprofen), an NSAID marketed by Vetoquinol, has been given a new flavour to help increase compliance.
Robert Simpson, Product Manager for Rimifin said: "Pet owner compliance and involvement in chronic pain situations is critical to ensuring effective long term treatment. Ease of administration is also very important in this setting. The addition of this flavouring to this popular and cost effective NSAID will help to ensure that administration to the patient is as easy as possible for pet owners and vets."
To find out more about Rimifin please contact your Vetoquinol Territory Manager or call 01280 825424.
Virbac has launched an iPhone app designed to support veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis of canine dermatological conditions.
Called Virbac-Derm-Diag it enables clinicians to create a clinical history (including photographs) of a patient then recommends a clinical chronological approach for the diagnosis of many of the canine skin diseases seen most commonly in practice. It also contains a library of downloadable monographs, videos and images of skin diseases which can be used to support discussions with owners about diagnosis and potential treatment regimes.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Dog skin disorders are among the most common health problems seen in practice and have a wide range of causative factors. We are really excited about the launch of the app, which should prove really useful as vets work through the various steps of history-taking and examination required to reach an accurate diagnosis.
It also provides a wealth of materials to help them explain the implications of diagnosis to owners and recommended treatment options."
Veterinary dermatologist Anthony Chadwick said: "This is an ideal app for those vets who have an interest in dermatology and want readily accessible information at their fingertips. The images of lesions are likely to be particularly helpful."
Virbac Derm-Diag, it is available by searching for 'Virbac' in the app store (or click here). The content is restricted to veterinary surgeons, who must register at www.virbacderm.com to gain an access code.
Virbac says an iPad version will be available within weeks and there are plans to launch the app on other platforms shortly.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed that the name of a Berkshire-based veterinary surgeon, previously convicted of four offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, should be removed from the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr Ohene-Gyan was convicted at Reading Magistrates Court on 13 June 2012 of offences involving causing unnecessary suffering to three dogs and a cat that he had treated whilst working at Woosehill Vets, Wokingham, between February and October 2011. These offences related to failing to provide adequate or appropriate veterinary care or treatment, or failure to investigate and address an animal's poor condition. He was sentenced to 21 weeks' imprisonment concurrently for each offence.
Dr Ohene-Gyan did not attend the one-day Disciplinary Committee hearing and was not represented, although College records showed that he was aware of the dates of the hearing, and had had opportunity to apply for an adjournment. In the absence of any known good reason for Dr Ohene-Gyan's non-attendance, the Committee concluded that it was in the interests of justice that the hearing go ahead.
In considering whether the Respondent's convictions made him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon, the Committee depended on the findings of the District Judge and the remarks she had made when sentencing. "I found as a matter of fact that some of your actions were taken simply to run up a bill for the owners of pets," she had said. "You were in a position of special responsibility, trusted by the owners of the animals to treat them appropriately and to alleviate their suffering. You ignored advice from staff. Several animals were affected by your cruel disregard of their welfare. Some of the cruelty arose due to your incompetence. You have demonstrated that you are not fit to be trusted with the care of animals."
The Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Professor Peter Lees, speaking on behalf of the Committee, said: "The Respondent's actions, motivated by financial gain, caused serious actual injury to the four animals over a prolonged period of time. Clients are entitled to expect that veterinary surgeons will treat animals in their care humanely and with respect, and make animal welfare their first priority. The Committee considers that the care described in the District Judge's findings demonstrated a total disregard for the professional responsibilities of a veterinary surgeon."
The Committee concluded that the removal of Dr Ohene-Gyan's name from the Register was the only appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case in order to protect the welfare of animals, maintain public confidence in the profession and uphold proper standards of conduct, and it directed the Registrar to do so.
The BSAVA reports that its Certificates in Medicine and Surgery have sold out in less than 5 minutes, beating the previous record of 20 minutes in their first year.
The Association says that whilst this is testament to the success and demand for its CPD, it is determined to find a way to avoid disappointing so many aspiring students - and after emergency talks over the weekend has decided to run a second intake of 30 students for each of the two programmes from January.
Dr Frances Barr, BSAVA's Academic Director, said: "Whilst we had only envisioned taking 30 new students onto each course this year, it quickly became clear that there is such a great appetite for this kind of accredited CPD in the profession right now. What a shame it would have been not to find a way to allow those ambitions to be fulfilled. So we are effectively going to run each programme twice in one year."
Quality control and sufficient student support is being met thanks to an overwhelming response from our teaching faculty and mentors. Dr Barr added: "BSAVA owes thanks to all those who lecture and work alongside our Certificate students. Without them we would not have been able to respond so quickly to this unprecedented demand".
The second programme will take place at two sites; BSAVA HQ in Gloucester, and the College of Animal Welfare in Huntingdon. Anyone who has not been able to take a place in the 2013 cohort will be offered priority registration for the 2014 in-take. For more information about BSAVA Certificates visit www.bsava.com or email administration@bsava.com.
Norbrook Laboratories has launched a ready-to-use suspension version of its Cefenil antibiotic.
Cefenil RTU (ceftiofur) is a 50mg/ml suspension for injection, indicated for cattle and swine.
Dr Barry McInerney, Norbrook's GB Veterinary Advisor said: "Cefenil RTU is a broad spectrum injectable antibiotic offering fast and effective treatment of bacterial respiratory disease, foot rot and acute post-partum metritis in cattle as well as bacterial respiratory disease in swine. It offers a zero milk withhold and a 5-day meat withhold which is the shortest on the market."
Norbrook's Cefenil Powder and Solution for Injection has been available for a number of years for the treatment of cattle and swine. It has recently been indicated for the treatment of BRD in horses in the UK. Cefenil RTU will offer vets an additional choice in the treatment of BRD.
Dr McInerney added: "Cefenil is a tried and tested antibiotic which vets have been using for a number of years. We are delighted to extend the Cefenil range with a RTU suspension for cattle and pigs and adding an indication for horses to our Cefenil Powder and Solution for Injection. It gives vets a wider choice for the treatment of BRD with a product with which they are already familiar."
For further product information, visit www.norbrook.com.
Ceva Animal Health has announced the launch of Cardalis for the treatment of canine heart failure caused by degenerative valvular heart disease.
Cardalis contains what the company says is a unique combination of benazepril and spironolactone in one tablet which provides "dual blockade" of the RAAS system.
Benazepril reduces the production of angiotensin II, which causes narrowing of the blood vessels, while spironolactone blocks the harmful effects of aldosterone, which include cardiovascular remodelling and fibrosis.
Cardalis tablets are small, beef flavoured and designed to be administered once a day with food. Each pot contains 30 tablets and there are three sizes available. Ceva says it should be given as part of standard heart failure therapy as soon as clinical signs, such as exercise intolerance, coughing or dyspnoea, appear.
Fraser Broadfoot, small animal product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "Through our clinical studies, it has been found that dogs receiving benazepril and spironolactone (compared with benazepril alone) have a better quality of life and, at any one time, are three times less likely to die from heart failure.
"We have also assessed 101 dogs in a field study that were prescribed Cardalis for three months, followed by separate benazepril and spironolactone tablets for two weeks. In the study, 97 per cent of dog owners found Cardalis easier to administer than the two separate tablets and 89 per cent of vets found Cardalis easier to prescribe."
For further information about Cardalis, or to receive marketing materials for the product (which include a waiting room poster and client information booklets), visit www.ceva.com.uk, or contact the practice support team on 01494 781510.
The badger culls planned to take place in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire this year have been postponed until 2013.
The postponement came at the request of The National Farmers Union (NFU), following new survey results which revealed higher than anticipated badger numbers in the two pilot areas (4,300 in West Somerset and 3,600 in West Gloucestershire ).
The NFU informed Defra that in light of these new figures they could not be confident of removing the required minimum 70% of the badgers in the two pilot areas this autumn.
Defra agreed to postpone the pilot culls until summer 2013 to allow farmers to continue their preparations and have the best possible chance of carrying out the cull effectively.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: "Despite a greatly increased effort over the last few days and weeks, the farmers delivering this policy have concluded that they cannot be confident that it will be possible to remove enough badgers based on these higher numbers and considering the lateness of the season. It would be wrong to go ahead if those on the ground cannot be confident of removing at least 70% of the populations. Today I have received a letter from the President of the NFU, on behalf of the companies coordinating the culls, explaining why they do not feel they can go ahead this year and requesting that they be postponed until next summer. In these circumstances, it is the right thing to do and, as the people who have to deliver this policy on the ground and work within the science, I respect their decision.
"The Government is determined to tackle bovine TB by all the means available to us. Now, in the next few months, we will ensure that the pilot culls can be implemented effectively, in the best possible conditions, with the right resources. Having looked at all the evidence over many years, I am utterly convinced that badger control is the right thing to do, and indeed the higher than expected badger numbers only serve to underline the need for urgent action. I remain fully committed to working with the farming industry to ensure that the pilot culls can be delivered effectively, safely and humanely next summer."
The Government and NFU say they will now continue to plan so that the pilots can go ahead in Summer 2013.
Ceva Animal Health has launched Cystease Advanced, a new urinary tract support supplement for cats.
The new product, which contains N-acetyl glucosamine, L-tryptophan and Hyaluronic Acid, is described as an elaboration on the original product, Cystease S.
Ceva says Cystease Advanced has been designed to help support the bladder lining while also reducing stress-related behaviour in cats.
Fraser Broadfoot, small animal product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "It is well documented that stress can adversely affect the integrity of the bladder lining. There are many factors that cause stress in cats, for example inter-cat conflict, moving house, new arrivals to the home environment and car travel, to name just a few.
"Our new product has been developed to address both conditions; it contains N-acetyl glucosamine and Hyaluronic Acid which are key components of the GAG lining, whereas L-tryptophan has been proven to reduce stress-related behaviour in cats."
Cystease Advanced is taken orally and is available in pots of 30 and 300 tablets.
Ceva recommends that Cystease Advanced is used with Feliway, the company's appeasing pheromone for cats.
For further details please contact the customer support team on 01494 781510.
Dechra Veterinary Products is offering CPD sessions as podcasts for the first time, as part of a new series of presentations on canine hyperadrenocorticism.
The Cushing's Challenge series, which will also be available as webcasts with supporting notes, is designed to challenge vets to update their knowledge on the syndrome.
There will be six presentations released on the company's online learning resource, The Dechra Academy, starting this month.
Dechra Veterinary Products Brand Manager, Craig Sankey said: "Although Cushing's is a common canine endocrinopathy, it can be challenging to diagnose and can mimic non-adrenal disorders. Test results can also sometimes be inconclusive which is why we've developed this series of CPD sessions to support veterinary professionals who want to update their knowledge.
"The Cushing's Challenge series will be the first time Dechra has used podcasts to deliver CPD, which can be downloaded and listened to on any MP3 player. They can also be viewed on a PC or tablet as a webcast with each of the presentations varying in length, from around 12 to 25 minutes long. By offering the presentations in both of these formats, we are able to offer flexible support to help busy veterinary professionals with CPD.
"The first episodes will focus on pathophysiology, clinical signs and routine lab tests with successive presentations released in the coming weeks. The next two in the series will cover diagnostic tests and then differentiation tests."
CPD certificates will be available at the end of the series via email.
The free-of-charge CPD is accompanied by client support materials for practices as part of Dechra's new Vetoryl campaign.
The Cushing's Challenge CPD is available at www.dechra.co.uk/academy,
Elanco Companion Animal Health has announced that its Duvaxyn IE and IE-T Plus vaccines have been licensed for active immunisation against OIE recommended clade 1 and clade 2 equine influenza strains, the first vaccines to be so licensed.
The company says the updated license is a result of a recent challenge study which demonstrated the ability of Duvaxyn IE-T Plus equine influenza vaccine to induce cross protection against clade 2 strain A/equi-2/Richmond/1/07 (H3N8) two weeks after two doses of the primary course1 were given. Cross-protection was further supported by another study2 measuring serum antibody response to the Richmond '07 strain 52 weeks after the three dose primary vaccination course.
The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) updated its equine influenza vaccine recommendations in 2010 to reflect the fact that all field strains characterised through 2008 and 2009 were of clade 1 or 2 of the Florida sub-lineage. The antigenic difference between viruses of these clades could potentially compromise the effectiveness of vaccines containing a representative of a single clade3.
Anna Jackson, national veterinary manager for Elanco Companion Animal Health UK, said: "Whilst no vaccine has been updated to match the current OIE recommendations, the results of our challenge study and subsequent licence update provide reassurance that horses vaccinated with Duvaxyn will be protected against clinical signs of disease caused by currently circulating strains of equine influenza, including those the OIE has identified as being of concern.
"Further reassurance is also given with the confirmation in our study that Duvaxyn IE-T Plus elicits a cell mediated immune response, recognised to play an important role to aid in viral clearance and further enhances protection against strains circulating in the field." 4
The live virus challenge study, conducted by the Animal Health Trust, involved two groups of EIV seronegative horses. The first group, consisting of seven vaccinates, were given two doses of Duvaxyn IE-T Plus, 28 days apart, and challenged with A/equi-2/Richmond/1/07 (H3N8) virus strain 14 days after the second vaccination. The second group of unvaccinated horses was challenged at the same time. Duvaxyn IE-T Plus caused a statistically significant reduction in both clinical signs of the disease and in viral shedding.
Duvaxyn IE-T Plus is the only inactivated whole virus carbomer adjuvanted equine influenza vaccine in the UK. According to Elanco, experts in the field of human vaccination have expressed the view that whole virus vaccines have the potential to induce a stronger and more broadly based response to circulating influenza strains than those contained in sub-unit vaccines because of the presence of the full set of virus proteins including the conserved nucleoprotein, which shows no antigenic drift, in the vaccine5.
References
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) has teamed up with Agria Pet Insurance to provide insurance cover for cats in the UK, with each policy generating a donation to the work of FAB and its International Fund for Cat Welfare.
Ross Tiffin, FAB's Strategy and Business Adviser said: 'In Agria, we have found a respected company that shares our ethos - it believes in sharing information to makes cats' lives better. One of the leading pet insurers in the world, Agria has been insuring pets since 1890 and has shared information on longevity and disease patterns with university researchers for many years.'
Claire Bessant, Chief Executive of FAB said: 'FAB has always been an enthusiastic supporter of health insurance for cats - we want cats to receive the best treatment without owners having to worry about the cost. Our support has now taken on a practical form in the shape of a general pet insurance guide and, through working closely with Agria, by providing cat owners with an excellent insurance option.'
To view A fabcats guide to cat insurance go to www.fabcats.org/catinsurance. The guide gives generic advice on choosing insurance.
For more information on Fabcats Cat Insurance from Agria go to www.fabcats.org/catinsurance or call Agria on 0800 369 9441.
The Animal Health Trust has presented the results of a study which has identified a significant link between hind limb lameness and saddle slip, showing consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect.
According to the AHT, saddle slip in sports horses is a well-recognised problem that can occur for a variety of reasons, including asymmetry in the shape of the horse's back, riders sitting crookedly and ill-fitting saddles. Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust, had also observed that saddle slip may occur because of hind limb lameness. The intention of the study, therefore, was to find out more about the interrelationships between the horse, saddle and rider and to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hind limb lameness compared with other horses.
The research was undertaken by Sue Dyson and Intern Line Greve and was presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress last month. It is thought to be the first study of its kind, and was supported by the Saddle Research Trust (SRT). The SRT is a charitable organisation, aiming to facilitate research and provide support as well as advice on the influence of the saddle on the welfare and performance of horses and riders.
The study assessed 128 horses of varying size, age and type. The degree of lameness of each horse was graded; back shape and symmetry were measured and saddles assessed for symmetry and fit. Each horse was ridden by at least two riders and rider straightness plus weight were recorded. The grade of saddle slip, whether it occurred with more than one rider, and whether saddle slip was influenced by the direction of movement or the diagonal on which the rider was sitting were also noted.
The saddle consistently slipped to one side in 54% of horses with hind limb lameness, compared with 4% of horses with fore limb lameness, 0% with back pain and/or sacroiliac joint region pain and 0% of non-lame horses. Diagnostic analgesia was subsequently used to abolish the hind limb lameness and this eliminated the saddle slip in 97% of cases.
Sue said: "Our findings emphasise the need to educate owners, veterinarians, physiotherapists, trainers, riders and saddle fitters that saddle slip is frequently an indicator of lameness, not necessarily a manifestation of an ill-fitting saddle or asymmetric shape of the horse's back. Detection of saddle slip provides an opportunity for the owner, riders and trainers to detect low-grade and subclinical lameness, with important welfare consequences."
Further scientific studies are planned, with the support of the Saddle Research Trust, in order to build on these findings. To this end the SRT is currently seeking an honorary fundraiser to help secure ongoing financial support. For further information contact Anne Bondi on 07775 912202 or email annebondi@me.com.
1An investigation of the relationship between hindlimb lameness and saddle slip, L. Greve and S.J. Dyson, Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
Dorwest Herbs has launched its annual 'Dorwest Say Relax' fireworks phobia campaign, which includes free promotional packs for practices.
The promotional packs, which contain a poster, leaflets, flashing badges and a 'Dorwest Say Relax' t-shirt, being given free to the first 100 practices that request a product box (containing licensed Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Organic Valerian Compound at a discounted price) from the company.
In addition, Dorwest is running a seemingly popular consumer facebook competition to find the most relaxed dog in the nation, the winner of which will be sent on a pet-friendly luxury weekend break.
Finally, the company is writing a blog written from the perspective of Merlin, the dog used in its logo - http://merlintakescontrol.wordpress.com - though quite who is going to read it, or why, is slightly beyond me.
Royal Canin has announced it is to launch Catom, a piece of software developed to help educate cat owners during veterinary consultations, at this year's London Vet Show.
Initially, the software will be available for PC and Mac, with iPad and Android versions coming by the end of the year.
You can can find out more by visiting Royal Canin's stand at the London Vet Show, where the company says it will have a large touch-screen TV displaying the software, along with laptop demos running throughout the exhibition.
Animalcare has released further information about Vitofyllin (propentofylline), its new CNS stimulant for dogs.
According to the company, Vitofyllin helps restore vitality and willingness to exercise, especially in the senior dog, by improving peripheral and cerebral vascular blood circulation. It is indicated to help improve dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs. In addition it has a bronchodilatory activity equivalent to amilophylline (a salt of theophylline)
Animalcare says that with dogs living longer, age-related problems are on the increase. The company highlights the example of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a neurodegenerative disease that affects older dogs. CDS is characterised by various pathological processes with signs that include disorientation, changing interaction with people or other pets, sleep-wake cycle alterations, soiling in the house and decreased activity levels.
The company says these subtle behavioural changes are unlikely to be picked up at a routine annual check. Indeed, in one study 75% of owners of dogs aged over 7 reported at least one behavioural sign consistent with CDS, however only 12% reported their concerns to a vet.2
Vitofyllin is available in 50mg and 100mg strengths in blister packs containing 56 tablets. Presented as 'easy to administer' four-way split cross-snap-tabs which can be divided into halves or quarters to enable more accurate dosing to be achieved whatever the weight of animal, even down to 2.5kg bodyweight.
Vitofyllin is POM-V licensed and has a 3 year shelf-life. Waiting room posters and client leaflets are available to support recognition of behavioural signs by clients and practice staff.
Further iinformation, and details about a special launch offer are available from local Animalcare representatives.
Reference
Two veterinary surgeons from the Animal Health Trust have won international awards for outstanding work in diagnostic imaging at 16th International Veterinary Radiology Association (IVRA) meeting held in Bursa Turkey.
Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the AHT, was awarded the IVRA J Kevin Kealy Award, which recognises members of the IVRA who have made substantial, scientific contributions to veterinary radiology.
The Award, established in 2003, is named in honour of Emeritus Professor J. Kevin Kealy, organiser of the first meeting of the IVRA, the first President, and an Honorary Member of the Association.
Sue has lectured internationally and published more than 200 refereed papers in scientific journals, as well as being a major author and editor of four books. On receiving the award, she said: "I was hugely surprised to receive this award and feel extremely honoured."
Past president of the IVRA, Peter Lord, said: "It is hard to imagine that equine diagnostic imaging today would be the same without the contributions of Sue Dyson and her colleagues. She is an outstanding recipient of the J Kevin Kealy Award."
Ruth Dennis, Head of Diagnostic Imaging (pictured above right), was awarded the European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (EAVDI) Douglas and Williamson Award, established in 1983, to recognise outstanding achievement within the field of veterinary diagnostic imaging.
Ruth was President of the EAVDI between 2000 and 2002 and her long standing contributions to the association have been recognised with this award.
Ruth said: "I am very honoured to receive this award, especially since, as a vet student in Cambridge in the late 1970s, I was taught by Sidney Douglas and David Williamson, who were pioneers of veterinary radiology."
Nuria Corzo-Menendez, current EAVDI President, said: "Ruth's contributions to veterinary diagnostic imaging are vast and we will always be grateful for such great additions to our field."
The BVA has welcomed the decision to prohibit the advertising of antimicrobials directly to animal keepers from 2013 in a bid to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced that the Veterinary Medicines Regulations will be revised next year. The change has come as a result of the European Commission's view that the UK did not correctly transpose the European Directive 2001/82/EC which prohibits the advertising of certain veterinary medicinal products to the 'general public'.
When the VMD consulted on proposals to restrict the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers in 2010 the BVA supported the measure as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.
In a letter to stakeholders the VMD explained that: "A number of interested parties from veterinary medicine hold the view that the advertising of antibiotics to keepers of animals leads to undue pressure to prescribe newer antibiotics, which can often be important in human medicine and are associated with the development of multiple resistances."
Peter Jones, President of the BVA, said: "The BVA has consistently argued for the restriction of advertising of antimicrobials to animal keepers and we believe this is the right decision.
"New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies and there can be undue pressure put on veterinary surgeons by clients who want to try new products that promise good results, but which may not be appropriate from the point of view of responsible use.
"Antimicrobial resistance is a very serious issue for both animal and human health and we are pleased that the European Commission and the VMD have taken the view that the Regulations need to be revised.
"Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use and vets will continue to work with their farm clients to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly."
Animalcare has announced the UK and Ireland launch of Vitofyllin, a central nervous system stimulant for older dogs suffering from dullness, poor demeanour and unwillingness to exercise.
The launch of Vitofyllin is the result of a collaboration between Animalcare and three European partners.
The company says the project has enhanced its in-house expertise because the active ingredient for the product was unavailable in the market and had to be contract synthesised, a first for a new product development at Animalcare. The regulatory procedure was also the first time a bioequivalence bio-waiver had been successfully applied for and obtained in Europe. This made the development quicker, more cost effective, less risky and importantly avoided the need for animal testing.
Animalcare says that as in previous years, it has set itself a target of launching four new veterinary medicines during the year. This launch is the first of those planned for the new financial year.
Stephen Wildridge, CEO of Animalcare Group, said: "We are very pleased to be able to add our new generic medicine Vitofyllin to our range of licensed veterinary medicines. The launch represents the culmination of the biggest development project undertaken by Animalcare and is the product of successful collaboration with members of our European partnership network."
Vetark has launched Aqua-Sed, a fish anaesthetic which has obtained the first permit for use as a fish euthanasia product.
Vetark says the new product enables the humane euthanasia of seriously ill or severely injured fish, as well as being a sedative to facilitate fish handling.
The new product incorporates a dosing pump to ensure accurate dosing, a critical aspect of fish anaesthetics.
The 250ml bottle and pump will be on sale at £13.13+VAT and is available under the Small Animal Exemption Scheme from Vetark.
Further information on fish anaesthesia visit the Vetark website on www.vetark.co.uk
Petplan Equine has announced the finalists for the fifth annual Petplan Equine Vet of the Year Award.
The winner of the award award, which is sponsored by Petplan Equine in association with Horse & Rider magazine, will be announced at the annual Animal Health Trust Equestrian Awards, being held at London's Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 1st November, 2012.
The finalists are:
Jess Hill BVM&S MRCVS Woodlands Veterinary Clinic, Cheltenham, Glos, EnglandJess, who qualified in 2003 at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies, is described as simply "brilliant" for her outstanding calm, capable and kind approach to her work and the way in which she makes herself readily available to her clients. One nomination typifies all those received in praise of Jess' work: "She is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated and nothing is too much trouble. She is great with horses - always quiet, kind and gentle. She works quickly and confidently, doesn't suggest unnecessary expensive procedures and is always cheerful and a pleasure to be with."
Keith Chandler BVMS Cert EP MRCVS, Kessock Equine Vets, Inverness, ScotlandKeith Chandler, a senior partner at Kessock Equine Vets received several nominations which credited not only him personally for his dedication, knowledge, pragmatic and caring approach but also his practice for its outstanding customer service. Upon receiving news of his nomination, Keith was swift to praise his team and explained: "This nomination reflects the exceptional team I have around me - together we strive to offer continuity, consistency and a minimum level of care to all our clients irrespective of which vet is in attendance."
Lee Paul, BSC BVM&S Cert EP MRCVS, Bushy Equine, Gwaelod-y-Garth, WalesNominations for Lee Paul, a specialist in internal and stud medicine who qualified at Edinburgh University's Royal Dick Veterinary School in 2002, unanimously praised his willingness to 'never give up' and to go beyond the call of duty. He is said to be highly dedicated and is praised for his willingness to always be available such as on the occasion when a horse he had been treating for a swelling in her throat presented complications during a weekend when he was not on duty. Despite this Lee, who had been contacted by the duty vet for background information, attended the call himself within an hour complete with the stethoscope he'd collected from the surgery en route and with his family in his car!
This year's judges were David Stickles, Head of Fund Raising at the Animal Health Trust, Alison Bridge, Editor of Horse & Rider magazine, Ben Mayes, President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and Gil Riley, 2009 Petplan Equine Vet of the Year.
Petplan says that the record number of high calibre nominations made it hard for the judges to choose three finalists. Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing for Petplan Equine said: "Anyone motivated to nominate their vet for this award must hold them in extremely high regard so once again we were very impressed by both the quality and quantity of nominations we received. It is heartwarming and inspiring to read the submissions that describe the outstanding contributions made by all the nominees in keeping owners happy and horses healthy. It has not been easy to select just three to go through to the final."
The winner will be posted on www.petplanequine.co.uk on Friday 2 of November.
The BSAVA has announced Richard Dawkins as its headline speaker at BSAVA Congress 2013 next April.
Richard follows in the footsteps of Lord Robert Winston and Susan Greenfield as the special speaker for the BSAVA lecture.
The talk, sponsored by Anistel, takes place on the Thursday afternoon of in Hall 1 and is open to all Congress delegates.
Dawkins is a prolific writer who first came to prominence with his 1976 book The Selfish Gene, his strident manifesto for secularism. However it is The God Delusion that now finds him so frequently called upon for comment. Along with Stephen Hawkins, he is one of the few scientists that members of the public can easily identify, in part due to his willingness to engage in academic and media debates.
Dawkins was born in Nairobi in 1941 where his father worked for British colonial service. He returned to Britain after the war to grow up on the family's estate farm. He studied zoology at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was tutored by Nobel Prize-winning ethologist Nikolaas Tinbergen, graduating in 1962. He received his M.A. and D.Phil. degrees by 1966, and remained a research assistant for another year, when his research concerned models of animal decision-making.
He has since been an assistant professor of zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, and a lecturer and reader in zoology at University of Oxford. In 1995 he was appointed Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, a position that had been endowed by Charles Simonyi with the express intention that the holder "be expected to make important contributions to the public understanding of some scientific field", and that its first holder should be Richard Dawkins.
Image courtesy Zoe Margolis
Petplan has announced that it has raised £1million for the Blue Cross in the past decade.
The funds have gone towards running a dozen rehoming centres for dogs, cats, horses and rabbits, as well as four major animal hospitals across the country.
Petplan offers four weeks free insurance to adopters of dogs, cats and rabbits from Blue Cross as well as many other animal charities across the UK. All animal charities who work with Petplan receive 10% of the premium for any full policies they generate. The company says that in 2011, it raised over £2million for animal charities this way.
Petplan says that in addition to creating additional funds for the charity, providing four weeks free pet insurance also gives charities peace of mind that if the pet should require veterinary treatment the adopter has the funds available to ensure the animal receives the care it needs. This also means that the animal is less likely to be returned to the charity because the adopter can't afford the veterinary fees or that the charity will be asked to help cover the cost of treatment.
Chief Executive of the Blue Cross, Kim Hamilton, said: "As a charity that does not receive any government or lottery funding, we rely solely on donations from the public and valuable funding from our corporate partners. Petplan understands that our primary focus is animal welfare and the income generated from working with them has enabled us to give even more pets a healthy life in a happy home."
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "At Petplan we work with over 1,700 animal charities and therefore understand the financial struggles that charities face on a daily basis. Along with offering charities commission Petplan also run the Charity Cheque initiative. When a four weeks free pet insurance voucher is activated it automatically enters the charity into a monthly prize draw to win £500."
For more information on how your animal charity can work with Petplan please visit www.petplan.co.uk/charity or call Charityline on 0800 072 8877.
Sureflap, the microchip pet door company has teamed up with animal behaviourist Jon Bowen MRCVS to provide a free CPD-qualifying presentation about improving cats' quality of life with simple modifications to their environment.
In the 45-minute webinar Jon explains how the domestic environment impacts on the cat's territory and the stress this creates. He also offers practical advice on how owners can make the space feel safer for the pet.
To view the webinar go to www.sureflap.co.uk/vet/cpd/territory-stress. Complete the quiz at the end, and you'll be sent a CPD certificate.
Virbac Animal Health is offering a client e-shot and text alert service for practices taking part in its Canine Prostate Awareness Month initiative this year.
Canine Prostate Awareness Month takes place during November 2012 following its debut last year when more than 400 practices signed up to support it.
Timed to coincide with 'Movember' when thousands of men grow moustaches to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer, Canine Prostate Awareness Month aims to highlight the prevalence of the disease in dogs and to encourage practices and owners to test for it. In addition to the new e-shot and text alert service, Virbac already provides post card reminders; free dog leads; educational and display materials and a press release for use by practices with their local media.
Participating practices that diagnose a dog with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia during Canine Prostate Awareness Month are being asked to contact Virbac with details, as the company plans to collate a series of case studies from the initiative this year. The five best cases studies submitted before the end of the year will win Love2Shop vouchers to the value of £50.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "There's a lot of interest already in this year's Canine Prostate Awareness Month so we're working hard to ensure it's even bigger and better than last year.
The serious message is that more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia¹. Canine Prostate Awareness Month gives practices a reason to highlight the risk and encourage owners to test for it. Timing Canine Prostate Awareness Month to coincide with Movember is a good way to interest dog owners at a time when some might be considering the state of their own prostate."
For further information on Canine Prostate Awareness Month, email cpam@virbac.co.uk; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.
1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.