Fitzpatrick Referrals has launched a new sports medicine and rehabilitation centre for dogs at its referral centre in Surrey.
Fitzpatrick Referrals has been running a dedicated rehabilitation centre since the practice opened at Eashing in 2007. It has now extended the offering to include sports medicine clinics and osteoarthritis clinics, creating what it claims is the largest centre of its kind in the country.
Building work has now been completed at the centre and Fitzpatrick Referrals has appointed David Prydie MRCVS, a small animal rehabilitation expert, to head up the centre.
Speaking about the launch of the new service, Noel Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Fitzpatrick Referrals said: "At Fitzpatrick Referrals, we believe that appropriate rehabilitation is integral to the success of orthopaedic and neuro-surgical intervention and fundamental in promoting pain free functional quality of life.
"Traditionally, the rehabilitation centre has been geared towards treating post-op patients. While the new centre will continue to treat animals which have been referred to Fitzpatrick Referrals for surgical procedures, helping to restore function, reduce pain and speed up the recovery process, we will now offer new dedicated Sports Medicine and Osteoarthritis clinics, of which there are currently only a handful in the UK. This will provide referring practitioners and clients with a new range of options for dealing with sports injuries and the on-going management of Osteoarthritis.
"For the first time, minimally invasive arthroscopic investigation and advanced diagnostic imaging with MRI and CT will be available side-by-side with a team of clinicians who truly understand the unique anatomy, physiology and exercise demands of working and sports dogs and who adopt an integrated approach to achieving maximum mobility for dogs of all ages. We intend that the new centre will create a new standard of integrated care for the active performance or pet dog because we will match function with form and intention with action. Every plan will be tailor made for the individual with sincere attention to the very special environment and demands of the sporting dog. I'm extraordinarily excited about this new horizon."
David Prydie added: "We expect to see cases where there are specific injuries which the canine athlete is prone to and which require specialist knowledge to identify and treat. Our goal is to help the dogs return to their performance event as soon as possible. We will also be offering advice on training regimes for the various activities. The centre will offer a new osteoarthritis clinic, treating osteoarthritis in all ages of dog using a multimodal approach such as weight management, exercise regimes, physiotherapy techniques and use of tools such as the therapeutic laser. There is a wealth of experience already present within the practice and I will be working with Noel and the other surgeons to develop our offering in sports injury management and also with Professor Stuart Carmichael in the development of osteoarthritis management schemes."
The practice will celebrate the launch of the new centre with its first festival for pets, 'Dogfest', built around the theme of the 'Active Dog'. The festival will take place on 10th and 11th of August and will feature a number of agility and flyball events, canine sports medicine lectures delivered by world experts, a range of tents and stalls, 'Have a Go' agility sessions, an agility display by former Fitzpatrick patients who have returned to compete in the agility circuit, a 'Meet the Fitzpatrick Heroes' display and a special '999' display by the Sussex Police Dogs on both days.
For information on the new Fitzpatrick Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre services and to discuss referrals, contact the reception team on 01483 423 761.
Virbac is offering its customers a discount on subscriptions to Vet Care Consult, an interactive veterinary medicine and anatomy tool designed to improve client understanding and aid compliance.
Vet Care Consult, designed by MediProductions with advice from veterinary specialists, uses more than 600 3D graphics, animations, videos and other imagery to help veterinary staff explain diagnoses and to discuss therapeutic options.
The veterinary surgeon or nurse selects the target species, then the relevant organ or system. A range of animations and videos are then offered to help explain their recommendation. The tool includes the option to email owners a link to a specific animation or video so that they can discuss the recommended treatment with family later. It can be used on a PC or tablet and is also available as an iPhone app.
A single user subscription normally costs £41 per month or £410 per annum.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Senior Product Manager at Virbac, said: "Gone are the days of scribbling diagrams on scraps of paper and whiteboards or pointing to a model of a stifle that has seen better days!
"Vet Care Consult harnesses the latest technology to help the veterinary team communicate more effectively with clients, helping them to understand their pets' health and wellness issues. Better communication leads to improved compliance which, in turn, helps to strengthen the vital bond between a practice and its clients."
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The RCVS has written to the MPs drawn in today's private members' Bill ballot to call upon them to introduce legislation to protect the title 'veterinary nurse' and introduce an effective regulatory system that would ensure that those veterinary nurses found guilty of serious professional misconduct are prevented from carrying out medical treatment to or surgery on animals.
Currently the title 'veterinary nurse' is not protected, so anyone can legally refer to themselves as a veterinary nurse, regardless of their level of training.
Furthermore, veterinary nurses (VNs) are not subject to statutory regulation; the RCVS uses powers under its Royal Charter to award certificates to VNs who have undergone approved training. Qualified VNs (whose names appear in a List of certificate-holders published by the RCVS) are allowed to give medical treatment to, or carry out minor surgery on, animals under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA).
In 2007, the RCVS introduced a non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses. Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) commit to follow a code of professional conduct, keep their skills and knowledge up to date and submit to a disciplinary system.
RVNs found guilty of serious professional misconduct can be suspended or removed from the Register at the direction of the RVN Disciplinary Committee (DC), but the RCVS has no power to remove them from the List. This means they can still legally give medical treatment or carry out minor surgery and perform other nursing duties specified under VSA (although they will then be formally listed as 'DC removal - Listed').
The RCVS has been working for some time to develop a framework for the regulation of veterinary nurses and has sent the ballot MPs a pre-prepared Bill, drafted by leading Counsel.
The statutory regulation of VNs is widely supported by the veterinary nursing profession and the public. This is evidenced by a 2012 HM Government e-petition, calling for the statutory regulation of veterinary nurses, which received over 2,500 signatures. Furthermore, the regulation of veterinary nurses by statute is supported by the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the British Veterinary Association, the representative bodies for veterinary nurses and surgeons in the UK.
RCVS Chief Executive Nick Stace said:"I urge MPs selected in today's Ballot to take forward legislation for the statutory regulation of veterinary nurses and the protection of the title veterinary nurse. The nation's animals and owners deserve better than the current situation.
"There is widespread support amongst the public and profession for such legislation, so the RCVS has had a Bill drafted by leading Counsel and is prepared to offer significant support to any MP willing to pick up this worthy cause."
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has announced that it is reducing the cost of its CPD by 50% this year and making its webinars free to members.
David Mountford, Chief Executive of BEVA said: "Last year we were able to capitalise on some efficiencies in other areas of BEVA operations. We are delighted to be able to hand the resulting benefits directly back to our members across all our CPD programme during 2013."
The Association says its CPD covers a broad range of topics is aimed at busy vets who need to build CPD points, whether new graduates, equine or mixed practitioners. It takes the form of clinical workshops, regional meetings, nursing meetings, webinars and one, two and three day practical courses, held in the UK.
This year's courses include:
For more information, visit http://www.beva.org.uk/news-and-events/beva-courses or ring +44(0)1638 723555 or email info@beva.org.uk.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has granted MSD Animal Health a provisional UK marketing authorisation for Bovilis SBV, the first vaccine specifically targeting the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in cattle and sheep.
SBV, which emerged in late 2011, is transmitted via insect vectors, mainly midges and causes transient clinical symptoms in adult cattle and sheep, such as fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk yield, as well as congenital malformation in newborn calves and lambs. As of March 31st 2013, 1753 cases of SBV had been confirmed throughout the UK. SBV has now been detected in every county in England and Wales.
Andras Bolcskei, Country Manager, MSD Animal Health UK said: "On behalf of Merck MSD, we would like to thank the VMD for its partnership and support to fast track the availability of Bovilis SBV to the market. There was a tremendous urgency for a SBV vaccine in the UK especially given the marked increase in confirmed cases over the past year and the increasing importance to help control this devastating disease."
MSD says that studies it conducted in support of the provisional marketing authorisation showed that all animals responded with formation of virus neutralizing antibodies. During the studies, reduced viraemia against SBV was observed in sheep vaccinated once and prevention of viraemia was observed in cattle vaccinated twice, whereas all animals in the control groups developed infection and became viraemic. In studies to date, Bovilis SBV has been shown to be efficacious in cattle and sheep.
The vaccine is based on wild-type SBV that has been inactivated and contains an adjuvant that stimulates the immune response.
The vaccine will be available in 20ml and 100ml vials. Bovilis SBV is indicated for the active immunisation of cattle to prevent viraemia against SBV and for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce viraemia against SBV.
MSD says it is working diligently to expedite stocks to the UK, and expects Bovilis SBV to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks.
The Royal College is calling for views on the Day One Competences required of newly qualified veterinary surgeons, via an online survey.
The survey can be accessed from the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations), and can be completed until 31 May.
The College says that the survey is the first step in a review of the Day One Competences, which define the level to be expected of new veterinary graduates when they first qualify. The competences set out in broad terms what is required of new graduates at the end of their veterinary degree, and provide the foundation for curriculum design and student assessment in UK veterinary courses.
RCVS Council member David Catlow, who chairs the Working Party undertaking the review, said: "The Day One Competences are deliberately general as they aim to convey the important principles that all students must master by the time they graduate, regardless of the precise curriculum they have followed, so they are safe to practise in a range of veterinary contexts from day one after they graduate.
"As it is over ten years since these competences were confirmed, we are reviewing them to ensure they remain valid, and to seek to ensure they reflect current and likely future expectations."
The Working Party will report to the Education Policy and Specialisation Committee (EPSC), and includes representatives from the veterinary schools and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), as well as a recent veterinary graduate.
Since being confirmed by the RCVS, the Day One Competences have also been adopted across Europe, through the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), and in countries such as Australia.
Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health has launched Ovatec Plus, which it claims will make equine faecal collection and in-practice worm count testing quicker and easier.
Ovatec Plus is designed to facilitate the in-house detection of worm burdens by enabling the coproscopic examination of parasite eggs, larvae and cysts. Zoetis says the built-in sample collection scoop allows for hands-off, quick, clean sample collection and controlled sample size, while the built-in cap, which can be written on for easy identification, snaps shut to seals the contents safely for contamination-free transport.
The system is based on zinc sulphate flotation technology, with a flotation time of ten minutes to provide rapid analysis. The Ova-Spin feature will break up difficult samples. The positive-locking filter chamber prevents any spill of test samples and reduces operator exposure to potential hazards. The overflow reservoir prevents overfills leaking onto the lab bench.
Zoetis says the high sensitivity and excellent specificity of Ovatec Plus enable informed treatment decisions to be made. A study has shown that samples proving negative with Ovatec Plus provide 95% certainty that the sample is <150epg and 100% certainty that the sample is <250epg, which means treatment may not be necessary1. Samples that prove positive, with one or more eggs seen, can be verified using a quantitative technique if needed, alternatively treatment may be indicated.
Ben Lacey, equine business unit manager at Zoetis, said: "Ovatec Plus is an excellent addition to our equine worm control portfolio. It's ideal for use in many test situations, giving a quick, easy and convenient solution."
To find out more, speak to your Zoetis Account Manager, call 0845 300 8034 or email CustomerSupportUK@zoetis.com.
Reference
The RCVS is seeking applications for a paid, part-time parliamentary internship from veterinary surgeons and students who have completed the third year of a veterinary degree.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of the veterinary profession in the UK.
The internship is to support the activities of Professor the Lord Trees, with the successful applicant expected to work three days a week whilst Parliament is sitting (around 150 days a year). The role is for one year, starting in October, and is London-based, with a salary of £15,000 (not pro-rata). A housing allowance may also be available.
Applicants should send a CV and covering letter to Lesley Evans, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF or email l.evans@rcvs.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 22 April 2013, with interviews taking place in late May/early June.
Further details about the role are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us.
Petplan has announced the winners of its annual Veterinary Awards.
The awards recognise and celebrate staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation's pets and their owners.
Isabella von Mesterhazy, Petplan's Head of Marketing, said: "As the leader in the pet insurance market for over 35 years, we have a rich history of working with veterinary practices across the UK. The Veterinary Awards is a great way to celebrate the fantastic work that goes on helping keep pets healthy and their owners happy."
She added: "This year saw over 11,000 nominations which goes to show the appetite from both staff and clients for celebrating exceptional work. We had an outstanding selection of finalists and I'd like to congratulate all the winners who thoroughly deserve their awards."
The winners for each category are:
VET OF THE YEAR - Laura Pugh, Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital - Long Eaton, NottinghamWhat really stood out was Laura's willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. As well as Laura's stressful day job she is very involved with the local community. Laura writes an animal column in her local neighbourhood magazine, runs evening talks on a variety of subjects and visits local schools.
VET NURSE OF THE YEAR - Catherine Raw, Broadleys Veterinary Hospital - Stirling, ScotlandCatherine's passion for her role within the practice and her dedication to providing the best service for her clients put her above the other finalists. Catherine is not only committed to her professional role of delivering the highest standard of clinical care for her patients and the best service for her clients, but she also devotes a lot of her own time to animal welfare. Catherine is a fantastic role model for her nurses.
VET SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR - Vivienne Jeffs, Arvonia Animal Hospital - Cheltenham, GloucestershireVivienne's reliability, empathy and selflessness really stood out for the judges. Whether it is knowing the name of a pet owner during telephone conversations, or entertaining toddlers in the waiting area, Vivienne is the type of receptionist vet surgeries dream of. The practice would not be the same without her according to those that nominated her.
VET PRACTICE OF THE YEAR - Bridge Veterinary Surgery - Highbridge, SomersetThe practice's hard work and dedication to their clients really impressed the judges. The practice is open 24 hours a day and the dedication the veterinary, with a small practice of only four staff members, it is a particularly well deserved award.
VET PRACTICE MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Cery Lawson-Tankred, Golden Valley Veterinary Hospital - Nailsea, SomersetCery has worked at Golden Valley for over five years, during which time the practice has seen a large degree of upgrade and reinvigoration. Investments made in new equipment and facilities have meant improved care for an expanding array of animals that come through the surgery doors. It was clear to the judges that Cery is the glue that holds the Golden Valley Veterinary Hospital together.
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) has changed its name to International Cat Care in order to better reflect the work the charity does to help improve the lives of cats both in the UK and internationally.
Along with the name change, the charity has developed a completely new visual identity, which has been applied to its new website (www.icatcare.org).
Claire Bessant, CEO of International Cat Care, said: "We continue to evolve as a charity and we are increasingly working internationally to help vets and local communities provide better care for cats. While our mission and core values will remain the same, we needed a strong brand identity to better reflect this work and to help us engage more directly with consumers and vets."
Underneath the International Cat Care umbrella, there are three core areas which are designed to help streamline the charity's work and make it easy for vets, professionals and consumers to engage in the right way. The three areas are:
The charity's new website will continue to host information and advice on virtually every aspect of cat care, but also showcases the charity's work internationally. Most recently, the team has been in Sudan teaching vets about the safe handling and neutering of cats, with a special emphasis on street cats.
Claire Bessant continued: "We really wanted to achieve a clear and succinct explanation of who we are and what we do, and we think the new name and visual identity perfectly sums this up. It's been such a rewarding process because the rebrand has been so positively received by our dedicated staff, members and supporters."
International Cat Care will be officially unveiled on the first day of this year's BSAVA Congress, where vets and the media will be invited to the stand to see the new identity for the first time, and for a glass of celebratory champagne.
To meet the team and find out more about the rebrand, visit stand 704 at the BSAVA Congress.
The BSAVA and Vets Now have signed a partnership agreement to develop a new postgraduate certificate in emergency and critical care (ECC).
The programme, which will follow the same broad structure as BSAVA's existing postgraduate certificate, will take its first group of students in May 2014.
Prof Michael Day, pictured above with Amanda Boag at BSAVA, said: "This is an exciting development to develop a qualification which will be relevant and accessible to vets in practice."
Amanda Boag added: "The combined expertise of both organisations will result in an engaging and high quality qualification in this field."
Pets at Home has announced the acquisition of the joint venture practice business, Vets4Pets, adding 93 stand-alone veterinary practices to the 116 in-store practices it already operates under the Companion Care brand.
Providing veterinary and grooming services to consumers is seen as the way for the retailer to overcome competition from the Internet.
Nick Wood, CEO of Pets at Home said: "The expansion of our veterinary business is a key element of our growth strategy for Pets at Home, providing additional services to our customers within our stores or close to our customers' homes. The acquisition of Vets4Pets is an important step in the delivery of this strategy. Vets4Pets is highly complementary to Companion Care, sharing fundamental beliefs and values, and is an excellent strategic fit for Pets at Home. I am delighted that Peter Watson has agreed to stay with the business. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our veterinary business with both stand-alone and in-store practices. He will work closely with Jane Balmain, the Managing Director of our Companion Care business as we integrate the two businesses."
Peter Watson, Founder and CEO of Vets4Pets said: "Pets at Home holds a unique place in the retail landscape, built on a strong identity and a real passion for people and pets. It is clear to me that Nick and his team have a similar vision for their veterinary business. I'm delighted to be working with Nick to continue to expand the veterinary business by offering attractive joint venture opportunities for vets in stand alone locations to complement the offering in Pets at Home stores."
Companion Care MD, Jane Balmain added: "Companion Care and Vets4Pets each enjoy a strong reputation among both vets and customers. Both businesses have a common business model, offering joint venture partnerships with vets. I am looking forward to working alongside Peter as we bring the businesses together, continue to expand our joint venture partnerships and accelerate our growth."
Vets4Pets' UK operational centre will remain in the East Midlands, with its support functions being split between Companion Care's operation in Oxfordshire and Vets4Pets' Guernsey office.
Novartis Animal Health has announced that it has assumed marketing responsibilities for the joint health supplement Cosequin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Cosequin, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, is available in a range of presentations for dogs, cats, and horses.
The product, which was previously marketed by MSD, is the leading joint health supplement among veterinary surgeons in the US and Europe.
Novartis says Cosequin is an important addition to its Orthopaedic Health Category, which in 2009 introduced Onsior (robenacoxib), the first tissue-selective pain relief for cats and dogs.
Gaynor Hillier, General Manager UK & Ireland Novartis Animal Health said: "Our strategic intent is to expand our presence in orthopaedic health to address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in a more comprehensive manner. Cosequin represents an important step toward achieving this objective".
Cosequin is available from Novartis Animal Health in the United Kingdom and Ireland, from licensed veterinary wholesalers. For more information on Cosequin, contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager.
The Royal College is inviting veterinary surgeons to the first-ever Virtual Question Time, which is being held online with The Webinar Vet, from 8-9.30pm on Wednesday 24 April.
Lizzie Lockett, Head of the RCVS Communications Department said: "This is an ideal opportunity to put your burning questions to members of the RCVS Officer team and to VN Council. Our regular Question Time meetings are popular, so we are following their format by asking delegates to set the agenda via their choice of questions. This time there is the extra advantage that busy vets and nurses can take part from the comfort of their own homes. If the Virtual Question Time proves successful, we may hold these events regularly."
The meeting will be run as a free, live-audio webinar. RCVS President Jacqui Molyneux will open proceedings, and introduce the panel, before answering questions from the participants.
Questions may be put to the College in advance and can also be submitted as discussion unfolds on the night. These can be on any issues affecting the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions - there is no set agenda - and might range from the First Rate Regulator initiative, new vet schools, veterinary nurse training and clinical governance, to proposed changes to the Practice Standards Scheme and recent amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The session will also be recorded so those unable to attend on the night can still listen afterwards.
The meeting can be counted towards continuing professional development for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Registrations and questions can be submitted online at http://thewebinarvet.com/rcvs/#.
Virbac has announced the launch of My Virbac, a new website offering a range of business, marketing and technical services for veterinary professionals.
The main elements of My Virbac are:
Virbac Product Manager, Ms Victoria Hudson said: "Virbac was one of the pioneers of the concept of practice support and the services we already offer are highly valued by our customers. In developing My Virbac, we're taking things to a new level. We've worked with business and veterinary experts to develop a practical and helpful range of services which will make a real difference to practices that use them. We plan to add additional services and tools on a regular basis.
"As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, providing an outstanding clinical service is no longer enough. Practices must also be well-run businesses, with a strong focus on marketing and client retention. Taking advantage of the services and tools available on My Virbac will help practices to ensure they are well placed to succeed even in difficult times."
To access Virbac's services platform, practices and individuals can register at www.my-virbac.co.uk.
The Born Free Foundation, British Veterinary Association, Captive Animals' Protection Society and the RSPCA have welcomed the Government's draft legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in England, to be implemented in 2015.
The groups, which have worked closely together for a number of years on the campaign to seek an end to the use of wild animals in big tops in the UK said that they were "delighted" to see the ban brought forward in concrete terms.
A spokesperson, talking on behalf of all four leading organisations said: "We are pleased to see that the Government appear to have come good on their promise to ban the outdated practice of using wild animals in circuses.
"We have long argued that the complex needs of wild animals cannot be met in a travelling circus environment and were disappointed when the Government introduced a licensing regime earlier this year which appeared to legitimise a practice which we, and our hundreds of thousands of supporters, want to see abolished altogether.
"We are looking forward to seeing the ban fully implemented at the earliest opportunity".
BVA President Peter Jones said: "Whilst there are only 20 wild animals kept by two licensed circuses in the UK, their welfare is emblematic of the way we treat all animals."
The groups said that they would work to support Government in the formal enactment of the Bill and the Born Free Foundation and the RSPCA reiterated their pledge to offer to find safe homes for life for all wild animals currently being used in English circuses.
Animalcare Ltd has launched Marbocare (marbofloxacin) 100mg/ml solution for injection, a third-generation fluoroquinolone for the treatment of E.coli mastitis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, and Metritis Mastitis Agalactia in pigs.
The company highlights the product's unique flexible dosage regimen of once daily injections for 3 days against E.coli mastitis and BRD, plus a single intramuscular (IM) high dose (8mg/100kg) for BRD.
Animalcare says this regimen, coupled with the flexibility of administration afforded by all three injection routes (intravenous IV, subcutaneous SC and IM), a low volume dose and good syringeability, all combine to offer ease of use; resulting in a reduction in handling and less stress for the cattle.
Developed for veterinary use only, Marbocare has broad spectrum activity against Gram+ve and Gram-ve pathogens. Animalcare says the product is especially effective against E.coli mastitis and the key bacterial pathogens associated with BRD, as well as M.bovis.
Marbocare has milk withdrawal times of 36 hours after the last treatment following the 3 day course and 72 hours after a single shot for BRD. Meat withdrawal is 6 days after multiple injections and 3 days after the single shot.
Marbofloxacin has proven efficacy in a comparative international, multi-centre, controlled, randomised field trial1 in 62 dairy cows with E.coli mastitis. Marbofloxacin cure rates were significantly higher than the control product. In respiratory disease it showed a more rapid clinical response in comparison to tilmicosin2, ceftiofur3 and oxytetracycline4. Marbofloxacin was shown to be well tolerated, leading to a fast return to appetite, liveweight gain and associated welfare benefits.
Marbocare is also licensed in the treatment of Metritis Mastitis Agalactia syndrome in pigs, given by IM injection, with a 4 day meat withdrawal.
Tony Liepman, Product Manager from Animalcare said: "Marbocare is competitively priced whether used on its own or alongside a single-dose anti-inflammatory such as Emdocam (meloxicam)."
Marbocare is a POM-V licensed product presented in 50 and 100ml multi-dose vials.
References
Virbac has launched Inflacam, a meloxicam-based NSAID for the alleviation of pain in both acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders in dogs and horses.
Inflacam is presented both as an oral suspension and as a chewable tablet for dogs. The suspension is available in 200ml, 100ml, 42ml and 15ml sizes with a measuring syringe provided. The tablets come in two sizes - 1 mg and 2.5 mg - and are available in packs of 100. It is available for horses as an oral suspension.
Virbac Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS, said: "Virbac is well known for launching innovative products in areas such as dermatology and reproduction but we also aim to support practices by offering tried and trusted practice 'standards' for everyday use. Inflacam fits this brief well - meloxicam is the most commonly-used NSAID in dogs and we are delighted to add it to our range."
For more information contact your territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243 243.
Ceva Animal Health has launched Marboxidin chewable tablets for dogs and cats for the treatment of micro-organisms susceptible to marbofloxacin, including skin and soft tissue infections (in cats and dogs), respiratory tract infections (in dogs and cats) and urinary tract infections (in dogs).
Containing marbofloxacin as its active ingredient, Marboxidin has a taste-masking lipid coating to ensure that its bitterness is not detected. In palatability trials over 90% of dogs and 80% of cats voluntarily consumed Marboxidin chewable tablets from the hand or in food1. Ceva says that Marboxidin is also very cost-effective, with an ongoing discount using the new CevaSave rebate scheme.
Marboxidin chewable tablets are available in three tablet sizes (5mg, 20mg and 80mg).
For further details, contact your Ceva Territory Manager or telephone the customer support team on (01494) 781510.
The WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) has launched a Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals.
The non-branded toolkit contains the following materials:
The toolkit is available for download at http://wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit.
Based on its importance to overall health, the WSAVA is campaigning to have a nutritional assessment confirmed as the fifth vital assessment in a standard physical examination and for the veterinary healthcare team to provide nutritional recommendations for each animal as an integral component of patient care.
The launch of the Nutrition Toolkit follows on from the Global Nutrition Committee's first initiative, the creation of a set of Nutrition Guidelines in 2011. These were aimed at helping veterinary professionals and pet owners ensure that pets are fed according to an optimal and individually tailored nutrition plan. According to WSAVA, they have been successful, securing endorsements from 19 veterinary organizations in 16 countries. They have been translated into ten languages and are available for download at http://www.wsava.org/guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines.
GNC Co-Chair Dr Marge Chandler said: "Research shows that more than 90% of pet owners would like nutritional advice but fewer than 15% feel they receive it. In some parts of the world, pet malnutrition remains a major challenge, while in many other countries, pet obesity is an increasing problem. In addition, there is confusion about optimal nutrition because there is now so much conflicting and inaccurate information available online.
Our Nutrition Toolkit is designed to help the veterinary healthcare team address nutrition at every patient visit and to advance the central role of the veterinary healthcare team as the expert source of nutrition information."
Owners of hyperthyroid cats say they would rather veterinary surgeons prescribed the appropriate dosage for their pets than have an easy way to administer the medicine, according to new research carried out by feline expert Dr Sarah Caney BVSc PhD DSAM (Feline) MRCVS.
111 cat owners were questioned for the research, which was supported by Dechra Veterinary Products and has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Dechra says the results of the study challenge long-held perceptions, and should encourage a reappraisal of the approach to oral anti-thyroid medication:
89% of cat owners agreed with the statement that it 'was more important to me that the vet prescribes the most appropriate dose for my cat than that they provide me with an easy method of administering the medicine.'
Dr Caney said: "The survey has shown that cat owners are not a barrier to prescribing twice daily medication. Their overwhelming drive is to provide the best level of care that they can.
"From an owner perspective, the ideal anti-thyroid medication offers low doses and a variety of dosing strategies to ensure that each individual cat receives the dose they need and no more."
The findings revealed that 'once daily treatment' was not ranked as the most important statement on dosing by any of the owners and that only 21% of owners who had experienced oral dosing of their cat described the process as either 'tricky' or 'very difficult'.
Craig Sankey, Brand Manager for Felimazole at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are very pleased to have supported such an important piece of independent research relating to feline hyperthyroidism which challenges some of the assumptions made about owner needs.
"Ease of administering the medicine is not the overwhelming issue for owners of cats with hyperthyroidism - administering the correct dose is. In fact, 79 % of cat owners questioned were happy to give pills twice a day if necessary."
To see the latest research in full, please visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Pexion (imepitoin) a novel treatment for canine idiopathic epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy can affect up to 5% of dogs6. In most dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy no underlying cause for the seizures can be found. While the condition can affect any dog, it is more common in young (one to five year old), purebred dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Vizlas, Beagles, English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters, Poodles and Dachshunds.
Boehringer says Pexion has a highly targeted mode of action1-3 to suppress a dog's seizures. It starts to work within a few hours and reaches steady state within three days4,5. Boehringer claims this will make it easier to stabilise epileptic patients. It also says there is no evidence of hepatotoxicity or liver-associated enzyme elevation, so repeated blood tests for liver enzymes or therapeutic levels are no longer required.4,5
Pexion is available in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets. The tablets are white, scored and divisible in half. Both tablet strengths are available in 100 tablet packs from veterinary wholesalers.
Jemima Mead, brand manager at Boehringer said: "Pexion is a ground-breaking new product which gives vets a new first-line treatment option for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, improving the lives of newly diagnosed epileptic dogs and their owners by reducing the number of seizures and their impact on the patient's life".
To support the launch of the new product, Boehringer hosted an epilepsy webinar presented by neurologist Dr Holger Volk DVM PhD DipECVN FHEA MRCVS, recognised RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. The webinar is now available on demand at www.bi-academy.co.uk.
For further information on Pexion visit www.pexion.co.uk, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or telephone +44 (0)1344 746959.
Invicta Animal Health has launched EthyCalm Spray, a cryoanalgesic for minor procedures.
The active ingredient, ethyl chloride, acts as a local analgesic (pain relief) when sprayed or wiped onto the skin.
According to the company, the product is effective in a few seconds and works for a few minutes until the skin warms up again. This makes it suitable for such things as venepuncture, tick removal or placing of PVC's, where it should help reduce stress for the patient and the practitioner.
Ethycalm is presented in a 50ml vial which provides up to 100 applications.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to launch EthyCalm. During theatre training sessions for our product, ChloraPrep, we realised that the busy nurse doesn't have time to use traditional analgesia methods such as creams. They needed something instant yet cost-effective. Seeing the widespread use of ethyl chloride in places like Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was obvious that this product needed to be made available to veterinary practices".
For further information see www.invictavet.com or phone 01403 791313
Novartis Animal Health has announced the launch of a new campaign called Prepare, Predict, Prevent and designed to raise awareness of blowfly strike management in sheep.
The campaign will include new industry research, an expert-led report, and information tailored to farmers, veterinary surgeons and SQPs. The campaign is aimed at improving awareness of blowfly strike management, with a particular focus on prevention.
In the UK, blowfly strike (myiasis) occurs on over 80 per cent of sheep farms2. If untreated, strike can severely affect the welfare of infested sheep, and may result in death. For farmers, poor management of blowfly strike brings economic costs in terms of the loss of animal, production losses and in terms of treatment and control of the disease, which is easily spread.
Furthermore, previous research from the University of Bristol4, which simulated the pattern of parasite growth in different climate-dependent environments, showed that an increase in average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius would be enough to quadruple the incidence of strike in ewes and double the rate in lambs. This is a growing concern, with climate change models for the UK suggesting that over the next 50 years summer temperatures are set to increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures by 2.5 degrees Celsius5.
Research conducted at the 2013 Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) Annual Conference indicated that, in the past five years, many believe the blowfly strike season is lasting longer and beginning earlier in the year, with the majority of early reported cases occurring unexpectedly in March. The findings have prompted a wider survey from Novartis Animal Health, which is urging SQPs, farmers and key opinion leaders nationwide to contribute answers at: www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/fleecebind-questionnaire.
Katherine Openshaw, Ectoparasiticides Category Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "This has always been a serious issue for the sheep industry and elevated temperature is likely to bring about increased levels of blowfly strike and a longer season.
"We recognise the need to evolve attitudes towards parasite control and to provide farmers and prescribers with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate a better management of blowfly strike. The 'Prepare, Predict, Prevent' campaign is all about simple, yet effective, measures to prevent the occurrence of blowfly strike, which can be enough to ensure farmers are protected from the potentially devastating impacts of flock infestation, offering season peace of mind.
"We have developed a range of materials to aid prescribers in promoting preventative solutions to farmers; these include farmer leaflets, posters and counter displays. We will also be offering training support so prescribers are best equipped to help farmers make informed decisions about preventative blowfly solutions."
To what extent changing diets and adding novel feed additives can cut emissions from beef cattle is being investigated in a new three-year research project.
EBLEX, the organisation for beef and sheep producers in England, has teamed up with Scotland's Rural College, SRUC, in Edinburgh, to look at how changes to feeding regimes can improve efficiency and drive business profitability, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced as a by-product of rumination.
Steers will be finished on either concentrate based or forage based diets, each with two different feed additives, such as vegetable oils. The role of the rumen microbial population in the responses will be measured to look at how rumen function changes according to diet, additive and breed. Results will be related to the greenhouse gas emissions and feed efficiency, as well as long-term effects of feed additives.
Dr Mary Vickers, senior livestock scientist with EBLEX said: "The animals will be moved into specialist chambers for short periods of time where their emissions can be captured.
"In addition, when they are accessing rations from group pens, special plastic hoods over the feeding stations can measure the specific emissions at those times. Measuring emissions, rumen function, feed intake and growth rates can help us build a picture of any effect the additives have.
"The ultimate aim is to ensure the cattle are having their full nutritional needs met in an efficient, cost effective way while minimising the emissions produced."
In addition, carcase quality, meat quality and shelf life will also be recorded to ensure quality of the final product is maintained. The outcomes of this project will provide producers with independent advice about the efficacy of two feed additives fed in a range of commercial conditions.