A research project funded by equine charity The Horse Trust has found that 40% of horses suffered a traumatic injury within the past year.
Only 13% of injuries occurred during ridden exercise, while 62% occurred while the horse was turned out in the field.
The research, which has been accepted for publication by the Equine Veterinary Journal, was carried out by Rosie Owen, who is currently working as The Horse Trust's Clinical Scholar in Equine Orthopaedics at the University of Liverpool.
Rosie said: "This Horse Trust-funded research shows that horses get injured relatively frequently - much more often than you would expect. Interestingly, most of the injuries happen during turnout, rather than during ridden exercise."
The results were obtained through analysing the responses from 652 randomly selected horse owners from north-west England, Midlands and North Wales, all of whom had a horse aged 15 years or younger. Owners sought veterinary treatment for 47% of the injuries reported, while the remainder were treated by the owner or a friend, or required no treatment.
Rosie identified a number of factors that were associated with an increased risk of injury. For example, horses that had been owned for a shorter period of time were found to be significantly more at risk of injury. She says the increased risk may be due to aggression from other horses when a new horse is introduced to a field, but owners can take various steps to reduce the likelihood of injury: "It's worth trying to avoid regular changes in group composition. A new horse should be introduced to the group gradually, preferably by providing adjacent stabling initially. Protective boots may help as the lower limbs are most at risk of injury. Also, if possible, the other horses in the field should have their shoes taken off during the period of adjustment, so they are less able to injure the new horse."
Rosie also found that horses turned out within larger groups were at an increased risk of injury. This is probably due to there being a larger hierarchy with multiple horses competing for dominance. However, she found that the risk of injury reduced when additional feeding areas were provided in the field: "If you provide hay or haylage to horses in the field, it's worth including an additional feeding area to reduce competition for food."
Other interesting findings included the lower incidence of injury in cob and pony breeds, compared to other breeds. Horses used competitively also had a higher risk of injury, which may be due to the additional athletic demands placed on these horses, or due to the way these horses are managed. Horses trained using Parelli methods were also found to be at an increased risk of injury, but as the numbers in this group were small, more research is needed to confirm this.
Although most of the injuries recorded in the survey occurred during turnout, 11% occurred in the stable, with most of the injuries affecting the head or eye. Rosie says owners can easily reduce the risk of stable injury: "There are various simple steps that owners can take to reduce the risk of injury in the stable. Try to provide hay from the floor, instead of in a hay rack, and make sure there are no protruding nails, hooks or sharp edges in the stable."
Rosie said that it would be useful to conduct further research to understand how injuries occur during turnout: "A lot of injuries are reported during turnout, but we're uncertain about what happened. It would be useful to observe the behaviour of horses in the field to see whether it's competition for food, or another factor, that is responsible for the high rate of injuries among horses."
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust, said: "We are pleased that the research we've funded has provided such useful statistics on the risks of injury for horses. We hope that horse owners will follow some of the tips that Rosie has suggested to reduce the risk of their horse being injured."
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is calling for comment on a draft Performance Protocol, which aims to manage proportionately any justified concerns about the professional performance of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses.
The RCVS's Preliminary Investigation and Advisory Committees have been working together to develop a new protocol setting out the way in which the College will respond to ongoing performance-related concerns. There is an expectation that veterinary surgeons and RVNs are already regularly reviewing their clinical work in the workplace. This will be reinforced by the new principles-based Code of Professional Conduct, currently being finalised, which is likely to require clinical governance to be part of professional practice for veterinary surgeons and RVNs.
According to the College, the draft protocol is intended to formalise and build on the way it already manages ongoing serious performance-related concerns. It introduces new measures, including supervision and undertakings, to seek to ensure that veterinary surgeons and RVNs take reasonable steps to address any serious performance concerns. This will bring the RCVS into line with other professional regulators and enable a tailored and proportionate response to these cases to protect the welfare of animals and the public interest. The College's current system of offering advice to veterinary surgeons and RVNs will remain for complaints which are closed, because there is no indication of serious professional misconduct.
The College says that according to independent legal advice, such an approach is appropriate and necessary in order for it to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities. The draft performance protocol follows similar legal advice that supported the implementation of the RCVS Health Protocol, and both protocols clarify the College's parallel jurisdiction relating to health and performance-related issues.
RCVS President Jerry Davies said: "When veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses are unable to deal with performance-related concerns, it is important that we are able to provide a supportive framework to oversee remedial steps that are designed to address those concerns and encourage professional development. This is best achieved outside a Disciplinary Committee hearing, if at all possible".
The approved draft protocol is now open for public consultation, and may be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/performance. All comments on the draft should be emailed to Simon Wiklund, Advisory Manager at s.wiklund@rcvs.org.uk by 13 January 2012, with 'Performance Protocol' added to the subject heading.
The feedback received from the consultation will be considered by the Preliminary Investigation and Advisory Committees in January 2012, before being submitted to RCVS Council for approval in March.
The College says it hopes that a performance protocol will form part of the supporting guidance to the new RCVS Codes of Professional Conduct for both veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses.
The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that it has no grounds to take action against IDEXX Laboratories Limited following an investigation into alleged abuses of a dominant position in the veterinary diagnostic testing sector.
The OFT opened its investigation in November 2010 after it received a complaint alleging that IDEXX was abusing a dominant position in the market for the supply of in-clinic pet testing equipment in order to foreclose competition.
The conduct assessed by the OFT included alleged practices of:
The full reasoning for the OFT's conclusion, including details of the methodologies used by the OFT to assess potential theories of harm relating to alleged mixed bundling (also known as multi-product rebates) and alleged predatory pricing in systems markets, is available from the OFT's website, here.
The RCVS has published the conclusions of The McKelvey Report, a review into the circumstances leading to a substantial overspend on the College's new database and development works at Belgravia House.
The review was carried out by Professor Bill McKelvey - a member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to consider all aspects relating to the College's budgeting and expenditure process, and propose lessons that could be learned.
Whilst the full report has not yet been published, its conclusions highlight:
Overall, the report concluded that:
Weaknesses exist in the governance of the RCVS which pose significant risks to the proper conduct of its business. Executive staff have not been provided with a robust governance framework by the Council, and this has led to a number of unnecessary misunderstandings between Executive staff and Non Executive members of Council. These matters should be urgently addressed by Council in order to ensure that the confidence of ordinary members of the profession in their College can be restored.
Dr Jerry Davies, RCVS President 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 report is available here.
The British Veterinary Association has welcomed the European Commission's Action Plan on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), launched yesterday on the eve of European Antibiotic Awareness Day.
The Action Plan sets out 12 actions:
However, the association has expressed concern that the Commission has given only qualified support for new antimicrobials for veterinary use. Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said: "There is much to be applauded in this action plan. In particular the BVA supports the calls for more and better coordinated research, more responsible use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine, and the development of diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately identify the right drug for the right bug.
"The use of antimicrobials in the treatment and control of animal diseases is essential and the BVA supports the strong messages in this plan. Any option for managing AMR must be firmly rooted in sound scientific assessment of the risk.
"While the report recognises the difficulties that have led to the hampering of research into new antimicrobials for veterinary use, we are concerned that there is only qualified support from the Commission for the development of these new medicines for animal use.
"Research into new antimicrobials should be supported in both human and veterinary medicine. We need to ensure the creation of a more predictable regulatory environment to encourage new products for animals to be brought to the market.
"Finally, while the BVA supports the need for a new regulatory framework any new regulations must not impede the ability of veterinary surgeons to prescribe and dispense medicines according to their clinical judgement."
Meanwhile, Jill Moss of the Bella Moss Foundation added her voice to those calling for responsible use of antibiotics, highlighting recent research from the Royal Veterinary College that has established a clear link between pets with MRSA infection and human hospital-associated MRSA. What is less widely recognised, she says, is that resistant bacteria can be passed from human to animal.
The charity is now calling on health and veterinary professionals to work together to achieve a reduction in resistant infections by raising awareness and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against a Nottinghamshire veterinary surgeon, having found not proven the charge that he had caused, allowed or failed to prevent a potential breach of the Rules of Racing of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).
During the re-scheduled, three-day hearing, the Committee heard that Dr Gary Samuel was on duty on 10 October 2009 as the GBGB licensed track veterinary surgeon at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium. When the trainer came to collect her dog for the race, she discovered a biscuit in his kennel in the paddock area, in potential contravention of the rules of the GBGB, which do not allow greyhounds access to any food, drink or other substance after weighing in, prior to a race. She reported this discovery to the paddock steward. The dog was withdrawn from the race, so there was no prospect of prize money. The trainer, despite her unblemished record, was put at risk of disciplinary action by the GBGB, which could have resulted in the loss of her training licence and livelihood. Following the events of 10 October, the GBGB held a disciplinary hearing, at which Dr Samuel was disqualified indefinitely from holding a GBGB licence and fined £2,500, and the matter was referred to the College.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee confirmed that it should not be bound by the GBGB decision, and that the charges laid against Dr Samuel must be resolved on the basis of the evidence before it. Both Counsel for Dr Samuel and the College urged the Committee to have close regard of CCTV footage from 10 October, which showed Kennel 21 where the dog had been placed and the biscuit found. From evidence given by the paddock steward and the trainer, the Committee accepted that the kennel was clean when the dog entered at 5.30pm, so the biscuit must have been introduced between 5.30pm and 9pm, when the trainer collected him for the race.
The footage available to the Committee from Nottingham Race Track was only four-and-a-half minutes long. The Committee was concerned that there were almost three-and-a-half hours of footage that it had not been shown and that, in addition, witnesses were not able to state that they had viewed the remainder of the footage. In those circumstances, the Committee considered that the footage available must be of the best quality to allow it to reach a sure conclusion as to what exactly Dr Samuel may have been doing in his position close to Kennel 21. From the quality of the footage available, the Committee was not able to be sure.
Speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, Vice-Chairman Professor Sheila Crispin said: "The fact remains that the Committee cannot be sure that the Respondent caused the biscuit to enter Kennel 21, [so] finds the charge against the Respondent not proved."
Dr Samuel therefore remains on the RCVS Register and is entitled to practise.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has reprimanded and warned as to his future conduct a Hampshire veterinary surgeon found guilty of serious professional misconduct for cumulative failures to provide adequate professional care, and insufficient regard for animal welfare whilst treating a dog that had ingested broken glass.
The sanction was decided following a 12-month postponement of a decision ordered at a hearing on 19 November 2010.
At last week's hearing, the Committee was asked to decide what sanction would be appropriate in the case of Peter Ardle MacMahon for his treatment of a Cocker Spaniel called Wilfred, while working as a locum in Portsmouth. In 2010, the Committee found that Mr MacMahon had not removed the ingested glass from Wilfred's stomach or adequately checked that he had done so; had inadequately prevented abdominal contamination; and, had failed to communicate this contamination problem to Wilfred's usual veterinary surgeon. Considering these charges cumulatively, the Committee found that the treatment Mr MacMahon provided to Wilfred had fallen far short of the standard to be expected in the profession and amounted to serious professional misconduct.
Shortly prior to treating Wilfred, Mr MacMahon had returned to practice after a ten-year absence and, at last year's hearing, agreed to comply with undertakings regarding his professional development. These included performing at least 70 hours of medical and surgical continuing professional development (CPD); providing the Disciplinary Committee Chairman with quarterly CPD reports and two employer reports regarding his competence; observing 24 days of current practice by shadowing another veterinary surgeon; and, providing reports from this veterinary surgeon as to his competence and a case diary.
The Committee considered the factual findings from the November 2010 hearing and the concerns then expressed about Mr MacMahon's conduct and capabilities as a veterinary surgeon, as well as his compliance with the agreed undertakings. As advised by the Legal Assessor, the Committee's considerations of sanction began at the lowest level that would ensure that the welfare of animals was properly protected; that proper standards would be maintained among practitioners in the profession; and, that would be in the interests of the public.
Speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, Chairman Professor Peter Lees said: "The Committee is satisfied that the respondent had complied fully with the spirit of the requirements of the undertakings he had entered into on 18 November 2010. Indeed, the view is that the respondent has done well to achieve the level of compliance that he has, given that he had suffered a period of significant ill-health during the period since he entered into those undertakings.
"The ultimate decision is that the respondent's conduct [...] warrants the imposition of at least a reprimand," he continued. "However, it is also the Committee's firm view that the respondent must be warned about his future conduct so that he will know the Committee considers he needs to maintain the level of continuous professional development that he has achieved [over the last] 12 months, and to have constantly in mind the paramount obligation of all veterinary surgeons to ensure the welfare of animals under their care.
"Such a warning as to future conduct should, and the Committee believes that it will, serve as a constant reminder to the respondent that he must undertake only those procedures, and only proffer professional advice, in the areas where he has the requisite up-to-date skills, knowledge and experience."
The Committee reprimanded Mr MacMahon and warned him as to his future conduct.
Avid has released a new version of it's microchip registration system, which offers a significantly enhanced statistical analysis of the microchipping done at your practice.
The new MicroChip Plus section of the site is specifically for implanters, and contains the following:
Avid says the registration system, which has built-in postcode software, can now re-use more registration details, so that registering a complete litter will take less time. This is especially important when microchips are being registered for or by breeders.
Denise Chaloner, Manager at Avid said: “Avid MicroChip Plus gives our customers more control of how they manage pet microchipping within their organisation. Listening to feedback has inspired Avid to develop a more tailor-made and efficient system for the end user, also enabling the generation of reports, statistics and targets”.
Customers with supporting practice management systems may register microchips directly from their software using VetXML and VetEnvoy.
For more information contact Avid on freephone 0800 652 7 977 or email sales@avidplc.com
Dunlops has changed its name to Henry Schein Animal Health.
David Hinton, Managing Director said: "As we change our name to Henry Schein Animal Health, we also reaffirm our company's strong commitment to offer a comprehensive array of products and services to help animal health practitioners in the United Kingdom operate more efficient and successful practices, and provide the best quality patient care.
"We have a new name, but we have the same strong team, the same values, and the same dedication to providing excellent service to our customers."
Henry Schein Animal Health’s expanded offerings include VetLink and Thrive. VetLink is a new e-commerce web site system that enables veterinary surgeons to access the growing internet sector, allowing you to sell anything from pet prescriptions to accessories online, to be delivered to your customers’ homes by Henry Schein Animal Health. Thrive is a new veterinary business analysis service that integrates with practice management software to use a Key Performance Indicator based approach that provides insight into a your practice and identifies areas where you can enhance your business.
The BSAVA has announced a partnership with the University of Liverpool to develop a national UK disease surveillance network for companion animals.
Originally established in 2008, the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network, SAVSNET, aimed to monitor the disease status of the UK small animal population (mainly dog, cat and rabbit). However, funding for the project came to an end in August 2011. At this point, BSAVA stepped in with support, as it believed that not only would the profession benefit from this source of information, but that it is in fact vital for the successful management of disease in small animals.
BSAVA President Andrew Ash said: "SAVSNET ticks all the boxes for BSAVA. High quality large scale epidemiological research helps us fulfil our obligations as a charity to public good, the information on disease surveillance gives us the information to treat animals better, and the research papers help us inform veterinary policy and education. This is an important scheme for both animal and human health."
Participation by diagnostic labs and practices is voluntary, and all data gained will be made anonymous before being reported. For more information, email savsnet@liverpool.ac.uk.
The London Vet Show was a runaway success this year, with more delegates on day one than visited the entire show in 2010.
Rob Chapman from CloserStill Media, organiser of the event said: "We're still number crunching, but it looks like numbers were up something like 40% on last year."
VetSurgeon.org visited the event and filmed a number of the commercial exhibitors, many of whom said what a good atmosphere there was at the show and how busy it was.
CloserStill has already confirmed that the London Vet Show will again take place in the Grand Hall at London Olympia next year. However, it will be expanding into West Hall for the clinical lectures, so that everyone can have a seat, unlike this year when demand was so high, some had to sit on the floor.
Vetoquinol has announced that the 50g pack size of Ipakitine will shortly be replaced by a 60g pot.
The company says this will provide the convenience of a 30 day supply for a 5kg cat or dog who is on 1g/5kg bodyweight twice a day (one level scoop twice a day).
The 60g pot will be available from the end of December. Also at this time, the existing 150g size pot will be replaced by a 180g pot.
The new packaging is more eye-catching, easier to read and gives more description. A 300g pot will also be available in February 2012. Pricing will be in-line with increase in pack size, so proportionally a 20% increase for 20% more product.
Ipakitine is a phosphate binder formulated specifically for veterinary use. It is designed for both cats and dogs and is available as a tasteless powder formulation for easy administration with food.
Fitzpatrick Referrals scooped two awards at last week's Vet Marketing Awards, held at the London Vet Show.
The practice picked up the Training Initiatives Award, in recognition of its CPD, Internship and Residency programmes, the launch of Fitzpatrick Learning Academy and the commitment of Fitzpatrick Referrals to pushing the boundaries to advance the veterinary profession.
Noel Fitzpatrick was also awarded the 2011 Science prize for his dedication and commitment to moving the profession forward through scientific and technological development, his research, philosophy and practice.
Organised by Grove House Publishing, who produce OvertheCounter magazine,Vet Marketing and Farm Business, the Vet Marketing Awards are designed to award best practice companies and individuals who are driving innovation in branding, communications and product development, in a way that promotes health and wellbeing for the good of practice, customer, and animals in their care.
Commenting on the Training Initiatives Award, the judges said: "The mission of Fitzpatrick Referrals is to deliver 'the best level of surgical, medical and compassionate care for small animals,' and they have certainly achieved this since the opening of their state-of-the-art practice in 2008. To offer their unparalleled level of care means a high level of training for their staff, and for vets and trainees from across the country. The judges were impressed that they offer more residencies, internships and fellowships than any other private practice in Europe, their commitment to CPD and the in-depth nature of their entry."
Presenting Noel Fitzpatrick with his Science Award, host of the awards ceremony, Alan Whibley, publisher of Vet Marketing said: "For the judges, this is was by far the winner in this category. Noel Fitzpatrick advances scientific and technological development in the veterinary profession, based on the moral and ethical obligation to adopt these new techniques responsibly. He pushes the boundaries, through technology, and also his support for his fellow veterinarians, through internships, CPD lectures and key note speeches, such as the one earlier today. He promulgates the moral imperative to ensure that whilst the client is fully aware of every procedure possible, that a pet is a member of the family and should be treated as such."
Norbrook Laboratories has launched NoroQuin, a nutritional glucosamine-based supplement which the company claims will help maintain healthy cartilage and joint fluids in cats, dogs and horses.
The NoroQuin range has six active ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, manganese sulphate, zinc sulphate, absorbic acid and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine which combine to maintain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels in joints and, according to Norbrook, ease and reduce the onset of joint damage and cartilage degeneration.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook Brand Manager, said: "Our new NoroQuin range is an exciting new development to our joint-management range.
"NoroQuin offers more ingredients than the competition with 6 active ingredients working together to help improve mobility. The main ingredient, glucosamine stimulates natural repair and prevents cartilage degeneration and thinning while it is widely considered that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have anti-inflammatory properties, making Noroquin ideal for assisting with pain management. The addition of manganese sulphate helps stimulate natural cartilage repair."
NoroQuin is available in a range of meat flavoured tablet sizes that have been formulated to treat all dogs from growing puppies to the largest dogs. For cats, the range is available in a tablet form or as a powder which can be added to a cat's food.
NoroQuin for dogs and cats is available to order from wholesalers now.
Bayer Animal Health has announced that it will launch Seresto, a new POM-V collar for cats and dogs that kills fleas and repels and kills ticks for up to eight months, in March.
According to Bayer, Seresto is the first treatment to provide repellency against ticks in both cats and dogs, and represents the fruit of a multidisciplinary effort incorporating the company's research into insecticides, polymers and veterinary parasiticides. The end result is a polymer-based collar that transfers the active ingredients to the lipid layer, from where they are spread by the animal's neutral oils.
Bayer Animal Health group product manager, Caroline Braidwood, said: "Seresto is simple to use on both cats and dogs. And because it is long lasting, it offers pet owners an alternative to those struggling to maintain a monthly routine. Bayer believes in innovation and Seresto is an enhancement to our product portfolio that meets the needs and requirements of pet owners and vets alike in the treatment of ticks and fleas."
Seresto contains two active ingredients - imidacloprid for fast action against fleas and flumethrin, which repels and kills ticks.
Caroline added: "Thanks to Seresto's unique polymer structure the active ingredients are safely locked away in the collar's matrix, and are released directly from the collar surface into the lipid layer of the animal at just the dose needed, ensuring optimal protection is sustained for up to 8 months."
Bayer says that because of its repellent (anti-feeding) effect, Seresto reduces the risk of vector-borne disease transmission - a first for cats. The company also says that because the active ingredients are stored on the inside of the polymer, it doesn't matter if the pet is shampooed and the lipid layer stripped off - the active ingredients are quickly replenished by the collar.
Seresto is odour-free and has a safety release mechanism to prevent strangulation. It is available in three sizes, Seresto Cat for cats less than 8kgs, Seresto Small Dog for dogs up to 8kgs and Seresto Large Dogs, for dogs over 8kg.
For further information about Seresto, contact your Bayer territory manager or call 01635 563000.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is giving veterinary practices the chance to offer cat owners a free 3ml pack of Metacam to trial treatment in cats with chronic pain.
Boehringer says each free Metacam pack will provide up to seven days' pain relief to an average-sized arthritic cat, and that it comes in an easy-to-administer cat friendly syringe for accurate dosing. The company also points towards a study which demonstrates that Metacam is highly palatable in 95% of cats1.
To qualify for the offer, veterinary surgeons have to fill in a redemption form logging five new cases. The offer is limited to 25 free bottles per practice. Replacement stock will be sent via your usual veterinary wholesaler. In addition, all completed forms will be entered into a prize draw to win one of six copies of the textbook 'Feline Orthopedics'
According to Boehringer, it is estimated that up to 90% of older cats (over 12 years of age) have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease2. However, cats may be more restrained than dogs in the way they react to chronic OA pain, and subtle behaviour changes can be a sign that cats are suffering from chronic pain3.
For further information on Metacam and the 3ml trial pack offer, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.
References
Novartis Animal Health has launched a new website providing product information, news, up to date advice and insights into key issues facing the farming industry.
Nikki Crossley, Associate Brand Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "This new site is set to offer our customers a fantastic new resource and learning space as well as an opportunity to interact with us as a company. We aim to provide a service which is not typically associated with animal health companies and bring key elements of the industry closer together."
Farmers, vets and SQPs are invited to register at: http://www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/.
Pete Wedderburn MRCVS is reporting on the latest veterinary developments in the USA, with a daily blog from the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas.
You can read / subscribe to Pete's engaging blog here.
Petplan has revealed the top 10 most claimed for health conditions in cats and dogs for 2011.
They were:
Husky, a rather aptly named refrigeration company, has announced it is to launch a veterinary vaccine fridge.
According to the company, the new fridge is a specially adapted version of its SS1 model, one of the most popular refridgerators for caterers because of its performance, reliability and durability.
The new unit is designed to ensure the safe storage of a wide range of vaccines at 2º - 8º degrees Celsius. The unit also incorporates an audible door open alarm, failed temperature alarm, and a fail-safe secondary back-up digital display thermometer as an added safeguard.The vaccine refrigerator door includes security lock as standard, and the refrigerant used in manufacture is R600, a highly efficient hydrocarbon refrigerant coolant - CFC-free and a natural non-greenhouse gas.
Geoff Thomasson, Chief Executive of the Husky team of companies said: "The SS1 has long been a winner with the hospitality trade and we believe we will enjoy similar success with this medical version. The potential market is enormous."
For more information, ring 01455 555340 or email: info@husky-global.com
VetSurgeon.org member Aubrey Kumm MRCVS, a Joint Partner at Companion Care in Harlow, has become one of the first vets based in the UK to gain the GPCert(Endo) from the ESVPS. He joins a group of just 11 vets who currently hold this certificate in Europe.
Aubrey said: "Although there are over 50 veterinary surgeries offering specialist endoscopic surgery in the UK I wanted to ensure I was as well versed as possible in the latest developments of this method of surgery and the ESVPS certificate offered a comprehensive course, the benefits of which I am now able to pass on to clients."
Aubrey's qualification involved a year of study and several examinable components including case studies and a written exam.
The practice has invested around £60,000 in a Force Triad and two laprascopic cameras, along with various operating scopes, a broncoscope,and other associated equipment.
Aubrey added: "As a practice we are now able to offer less invasive surgery to our clients and their pets and we no longer have to ask clients to travel to distant referral centres."
Kruuse has announced that it has become the exclusive distributor for VideoMed GmbH and its range of veterinary endoscopes and documentation systems.
VideoMed produces a range of equine and small animal endoscopes, gastroscopes and laryngoscopes that multifunction with a flexible documentation console. This provides a mobile capability to file, frame and forward digital and dicom images for review and referral diagnosis.
According to Kruuse, VideoMed products are synonymous with the very highest quality of design, function and reliability that have been developed through years of close working relationship with veterinary professionals. An after care and repair service is also provided by the company for its own and a range of other scopes.
Kruuse says the Overground scope gives a mobile, high resolution, recordable image that clearly determines functional and morphological abnormalities of the larynx, pharynx and upper respiratory system (see image right).
Andrew Groom, Managing Director, Kruuse UK Ltd., said: "This exciting agreement will further enhance our equine and small animal presence within the veterinary industry to bring even more leading edge technology to our customers."
For more information, visit www.kruuse.com and http://www.videomed-gmbh.de/
Picture courtesy of:Neil Townsend MSc BVSc Cert ES (Soft Tissue) DipECVS MRCVSClinician in Equine Soft Tissue SurgeryPhilip Leverhulme Equine Hospital
Pfizer's Vet Support+ has launched the Practice Management Academy, which offers online training in the key management disciplines required to run a successful veterinary business.
There are twelve courses which cover four key areas of management: financial operations, staff management, client relations and marketing. Participants can choose to study individual courses, a specific area of management, or enrol in the full Practice Management Academy.
The courses are four weeks in length and contribute up to ten hours of CPD learning through a mix of interactive activities, case studies, questions and a student learning forum.
Each course is also allocated a Pfizer Business Consultant to work as an online expert tutor, posing questions and stimulating forum discussion amongst the students.
Pfizer says that the significant cost saving e-learning represents over external CPD is making the Academy a popular choice for all members of the practice team, especially those who may be taking on new management responsibilities or those looking for a refresher. According to the company, one large vet group has already taken twenty places on each of the courses to improve the practice management skills across its extensive team.
Ned Flaxman, Director Business Innovation said: "Using an E-Learning platform is a well-trodden path, ideal for busy individuals wishing to improve or gain new practice management skills without leaving the surgery, or sofa. However, unlike some e-learning which can leave the participant feeling like they are gaining theoretical know-how only, and working in somewhat of a silo, our Academy offers an 'online campus'. This provides a flexible, convenient and supportive training environment for shared theory and practical learning with other colleagues from the veterinary profession under the guidance of e-tutors and experts."
For further details visit http://www.vetsupportplus.co.uk/
Vets Now has won the 'Social Entrepreneur of the Year' award in the Scottish Business Awards for Pet Blood Bank UK.
The charity was initiated by a Vets Now employee, Wendy Barnett, following a change in legislation which created the opportunity to establish a pet equivalent of the human national blood transfusion service. After a trial through Vets Now, Pet Blood Bank UK was set up in 2007 as an independent charity, with a loan and ongoing fundraising support from Vets Now.
Pet Blood Bank UK collects blood from donor dogs, processes it and supplies it to the veterinary profession to use in cases such as traumatic injuries or where major surgery is required. Last year 164 specially organised dog donor sessions were held where owners are encouraged to bring along their dog to 'donate a pint'. Each donation has the potential to save up to four lives. Nearly 9,000 units of blood have been collected in the past five years.
The charity, which has an education and animal welfare remit, charges veterinary practices just the costs incurred in collecting, processing and storing the blood. As well as providing blood, the Pet Blood Bank UK team are experts in transfusion medicine and receive numerous calls through their advice service. Regular lectures, educational talks to the profession and guidance is given to enquiries from all over the world on how to set up a blood bank.
Wendy Barnett, who is now Head of Clinical and Professional Services at Pet Blood Bank UK, said: "At the heart of our charity is a real desire to ensure that should a dog need blood there is a supply available and I'm delighted that our work, and the support of our many doggy donors and their owners, has been recognised through this award.
"Literally thousands of dog lives have been saved as a result of the service and this has been a real collective effort with Vet Supervisor Jenny Walton and the team here contributing to our success. However, we can't rest on our laurels. Demand from vets has been such that we've had to increase our donor sessions considerably. Like humans, there is a less common dog blood type and we desperately need dogs with negative blood type - such as Greyhounds, Weimaraners, Flat Coat Retrievers, Airedales, Boxers, Dobermans and German Shepherd Dogs to donate at our sessions."
Richard Dixon, founder of Vets Now, said: "Wendy was instrumental in setting up the charity and through her vision and leadership donation sessions have grown from one to three a week, with a 38% increase in donations year on year. We are proud of what Wendy has achieved and the role that the charity now plays in providing much needed blood and guidance to veterinary practices the length and breadth of the UK."
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against an Essex-based veterinary surgeon, having found him not guilty of charges relating to the measurement of horses and ponies.
At the ten-day hearing, Marc Auerbach of Oak Equine Veterinary Surgery, Ongar, answered charges relating to measuring the height of 29 horses/ponies presented for measurement by two agents in early 2009. Dr Auerbach had undertaken these measurements as an Official Measurer (OM) for the Joint Measuring Board (JMB), which provides a system for independently measuring and certifying the size of competition horses/ponies. An animal's financial value relates to its size, with larger animals being more likely to win in their competitive class.
The case centred on the expected accuracy of such measurements, whether Dr Auerbach was dishonest in colluding with the agents, or whether there had been signs of malpractice which a reasonably competent vet acting as an OM ought to detect.
From evidence submitted, the Committee determined a margin for measurement accuracy, and consequently dismissed from its consideration ten animals where the difference between the initial measurement and the re-measurement was 3 cm or less. However, the College submitted that the average difference was so great that, either, Dr Auerbach had failed to take sufficient steps to ensure that the correct measurements were recorded, or else he had been dishonest. Dr Auerbach's Counsel accepted the inference that presenting agents were dishonest, but denied that Dr Auerbach was dishonest or had failed to pick up signs of malpractice on the part of the agents.
The Committee was of the view that there may be unscrupulous presenters capable of materially interfering with the height of horses. While it was unable to determine with certainty the extent to which it could be done, the Committee formed the view that unscrupulous interference (together with intrinsic variables) could have caused the differences between measurement and re-measurement in the 19 horses.
The Committee noted there was no evidence of improper payments being received by anyone. It also accepted evidence that Dr Auerbach was not a dishonest man, taking into account his record of 23 years of honesty and excellence in the profession, unchallenged character references and the lack of any credible motive for him to act dishonestly.
Next, the Committee considered whether there had been signs of preparation malpractice which ought to have been picked up by any reasonably competent veterinary surgeon acting as an OM. The College submitted that Dr Auerbach had failed to take several steps including the amount of time and attention given to the animals he measured, and whether they might be drugged or sedated.
The Committee concluded from the evidence, including scientific papers, that mildly sedated animals may not be distinguishable from properly prepared animals; well-behaved horses were not an indication that something was amiss. The Committee accepted that Dr Auerbach took around 15-20 minutes to measure each of the horses presented on 9 January; and, in the absence of guidance from the JMB, it could not conclude this was rushed or unreasonable. Consequently, the Committee was unable to be satisfied, so that it was sure, that the allegation of failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the recording of correct measurements was proved.
"Accordingly, the decision of the Committee is that the facts set out in the Charge in relation to all the horses and ponies listed have not been proved to the necessary standard of proof," said Prof Peter Lees, speaking on behalf of the Committee as he directed the charges be dismissed.