Researchers from the University of Bristol have published the results of a study which has identified risk factors for syringomyelia (SM) and which could help breeders select away from characteristics which predispose dogs to the disease.
Syringomyelia, which more commonly affects toy breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Chihuahua, causes fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. In these toy breeds, SM is usually secondary to a specific malformation of the skull called Chiari-like Malformation (CM).
The research looked at the relationship between head shape and the incidence of CM/SM. Dogs were measured in several countries using a standardised "bony landmark" measuring system and photos analysed by researchers.
The researchers found two significant risk factors associated with CM/SM in the skull shape of the CKCS: brachycephaly (the broadness of the top of skull relative to its length) and the distribution of doming of the skull. The study suggests that brachycephaly, with resulting doming towards the front of the head, is associated with CM/SM.
Thomas Mitchell, the undergraduate student who conducted the study under the supervision of Dr Clare Rusbridge, said: "Dog breeders are very experienced at selecting for a certain conformation or appearance in dogs. Our findings may allow breeders to select away from the condition over fewer generations by choosing appropriate matings and offspring to continue breeding programmes. The identification of an appearance that might protect against developing the disease is a significant step forward in tackling this painful condition.
"The study also provides guidance to breed clubs, breeders and judges that have a responsibility to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be harmful in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of the breed. It will also provide vets with verified advice to provide to breeders outside the show ring and to occasional hobbyists."
The study has been published online in the journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, and a video animation which shows the differences in head shape is available on YouTube.
The work was funded by a grant from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the Companion Cavalier Club provided a grant for the publication of the research.
Reference
The Webinar Vet has announced that booking has opened for its third annual online webinar congress, with early bird discounts of up to 61% available for a limited time.
The 2015 congress will take place over 24 hours, with continuous lecture streams starting at midnight GMT on Saturday 10th January. Topics include soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, immune-mediated skin disease, haematology and feline and canine liver disease. All sessions will also be available for those delegates who can't take part in the live event (or don't feel like doing 24 hours of CPD in one sitting) to watch on demand later.
The Webinar Vet founder Anthony Chadwick MRCVS said: "The event has developed very quickly, from the first congress staged in January 2013 attracting over 360 vets from 26 countries, followed in 2014 by the addition of a virtual exhibition and 561 delegates from 42 countries."
For more information, visit www.theinternationalwebinarvet.com.
Royal Canin has announced that it has established a team of three specialist advisors to work directly with veterinary practices to help develop and improve their weight management clinics, client retention and product sales.
The Pet Weight Care Team will also provide practical training to all practice staff on how to recognise weight problems, communicate sensitively with pet owners and treat the problem effectively.
The first advisor to join the team is Shelley Holden VN (pictured right), who has 10 years' experience as the nurse for the Royal Canin Weight Management Referral Clinic at The University of Liverpool. Shelley has spent time running successful nursing clinics in general practice and lecturing internationally on the topic of obesity. She said: "I have spent many years dedicating my time caring for overweight pets, and the number of cases we see is continuing to rise. It's really important that as obesity specialists we can offer hands-on support to practices to assist them with helping to decrease the number of overweight pets they see.
"Our aim will be to offer specialist training through a number of sessions to practices who wish to improve their weight management clinics. We'll spend time with all members of staff helping them to feel more confident when dealing with owners who have overweight pets. The training will include all aspects of weight management including how to approach owners, Body Condition Scoring and the 30 minute consult. Staff will also be trained on how to support owners throughout the weight loss program and during the maintenance phase."
Royal Canin says the training will also cover the prevention of obesity in pets, how to advise owners on the appropriate diets post neutering and how to manage the animal's weight and calorie intake throughout their lives. The Pet Weight Care Team will be encouraging practices to carry out weight management assessments alongside medical examinations to ensure that potential weight problems are dealt with quickly.
The company says that practices that receive training will be followed up with on a regular basis to provide further support and training as needed.
For more information, contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager.
Zoetis has launched a new training programme for veterinary practices which explores every aspect of the 'client journey' - from 'pre-owner' to 'Lost' - and explains how to deliver an outstanding client experience.
The Client Experience Development Programme is divided into nine training modules which vary in length from one to five and a half hours. The whole programme can be completed in two days under the guidance of a Zoetis business consultant.
The programme breaks down each element of the client journey, from attracting new pet owners into the practice and making the right impact on new customers, to keeping long-term customers loyal.
Nick Steele, national consulting manager at Zoetis, said: "We believe that calling a practice's pet owners clients or customers is a misnomer. They are consumers because they not only purchase a practice's products and services but they also experience them and the consumer's interpretation of their experience can really affect the brand. What's more, the reality of today's information-rich environment is that consumers can experience a practice without the practice even knowing about it.
"Google have coined the term 'Zero moment of truth', which alludes to all the different points of contact a consumer can have with a product or service before physically experiencing it. The average shopper uses 10.7 different sources of information before making a decision on what product or service to use.¹ This means they may have disregarded a practice before the practice knew the consumer even existed."
The concept of the client experience is introduced with some interesting statistics which emphasise its importance. For instance, a typical business hears from only 4% of its dissatisfied customers, 96% just go away and 91% will never come back². What's more, a dissatisfied customer will tell 9-15 people about it and approximately 13% will tell more than 20 people about their problem.³
Drawing on concepts like 'The Fred Factor', which focuses on four key principles of customer care, the training programme explains how every employee can make the difference from the moment clients arrive.
Nick added: "Consumers are all powerful to veterinary practices so it is essential that the client experience is an exceptional one. Our business consultants have been trained to deliver the Client Development Programme to all types of veterinary practice to ensure that they attract as many clients to the practice as possible and keep those clients happy once they are there."
For more information about Business Consulting from Zoetis telephone 0845 519 4977 or contact your account manager.
References
Merial is inviting all equine veterinary surgeons that are going to BEVA Congress this year to the launch of updated ProteqFlu, its equine flu vaccine which now includes protection against the latest Clade 2 strains, including Richmond 07.
Speakers at the event include specialist Dr Richard Newton (pictured right), Head of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), and Dr Romain Paillot Head of Immunology at the AHT. Dr Newton will explain why the inclusion of the Clade 2 strain is so important for horse health, and the equine industry as a whole.
Louise Radford MRCVS from Merial said: "We're all incredibly excited as the event will mark the launch of the UKs first and only fully updated equine flu vaccine that contains both a Clade 1 and Clade 2 antigen. The new ProteqFlu® vaccine fully represents the latest 2014 OIE recommended EIV strains."
The launch is being held at the Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham on Thursday 11 September 2014. Presentations will cover 'A virological and immunological perspective on Clade 2 & EIV', 'How technology makes the difference' and independent vaccine trial results.
The evening starts at 6.30pm and includes dinner and evening entertainment.
To book, contact, Jo Gater-Willats, or Merial Customer Support on 0800 6000123.
Bayer Animal Health has launched Tracer Advance Slim, a new, smaller microchip which is delivered through an implanter needle that - with a diameter of 2mm - is 20% smaller than its predecessor.
The company says that the new product will help vets and nurses reassure the 27% of owners that have said the size of the implanter needle caused them concern over whether they should get their animal chipped1.
Bayer also says slimmer microchips make microchipping more accessible for smaller species including exotic pets, birds and rabbits, which in turn means a potential new client base for vets.
Dan Calvo Carrasco MRCVS from Great Western Exotics, said: "The small size of the modern devices, combined with newer technology, increases the ease of implantation, causes less discomfort for the animal and makes microchipping suitable for almost any captive animal, including small birds, mammals and reptiles."
In addition, the new chip has a reading distance of up to 30cm, which Bayer says can help improve the welfare of those animals that are easily stressed, or difficult to handle.
Dan added: "Some animals do not tolerate handling well and longer reading distances will allow identification without the stress of catching and restraining the animals. Automated readers can be placed on tunnels, gates and nest areas, so microchips are read without handler intervention."
It's not just the owners of small species and exotics that have concerns about implanter needle size. First opinion equine vet Nathalie Cole said: "Whilst working as a first opinion practitioner I have met equine clients who have been concerned about the size of needle used and reported hearing stories of horses becoming very needle-shy following a microchipping experience. I can recall at least one client who gave needle size, perceived pain and stress to the horse as the reason for declining to have their horse chipped.
"Slimmer microchip products could be used to improve client perception and therefore uptake of microchipping, particularly given that the majority of UK equine microchip candidates are foals"
Bayer says that additional benefits of the new product include the fact that the transponder is encapsulated with an extremely robust bio-polymer which is ten times stronger than glass and less likely to shatter. Plus the new implanter has a removable needle which means sharps disposal should be easier and more cost-effective.
Tracer Advance Slim is available with a choice of registration options - online, postal or via participating Practice Management Software providers.
Tracer Advance Slim is available from veterinary wholesalers.
Dechra has launched a new support package to help veterinary surgeons and nurses dealing with otitis externa, and to encourage compliance amongst owners whose dogs are being treated for the disease.
Called the Dermatology Partners in Practice programme, the initiative includes a client compliance pack which contains the Guide to Good Ear Care, a leaflet on handling techniques, a treatment diary and a consultation report.
Roger Brown, Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are committed to supporting vets and vet nurses as they deal with cases of otitis externa at a time when responsible use of antimicrobials is in the spotlight.
"It is essential that owners comply with treatment programmes and that vets are supported with involving owners, which can lead to better outcomes for dogs receiving treatment and can be good for developing the practice business as well.
"We know from our research, and from talking to the vets and vet nurses, that owner compliance can be a barrier to successful first-time management and resolution of otitis externa.
"The new Client Compliance Pack is designed to support veterinary professionals as they diagnose, control and maintain this complex condition."
"All in all, it will provide extra support to the owner as they carry through the professional treatment plan once back home."
Veterinary surgeons are being invited to arrange a Business Support Discussion to find out more about the Dermatology Partners in Practice Programme and how it can benefit their practice. For details and to know more about the pack, call 01939 211215 or visit dechra.co.uk/timetochange.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, which makes Surolan and Surosolve, has launched a couple of short films to demonstrate to pet owners how to administer veterinary prescribed ear drops and clean their pet's ears.
Filmed with the University of Bristol and published on YouTube, the first shows how to administer ear drops:
whilst the second offers hints and tips on using a veterinary supplied ear cleaner:
As well as being viewed on YouTube, the videos can also be embedded into veterinary practice websites or used on waiting room TV screens. They are available in different formats upon request from your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager.
Matthew Rowe, senior brand manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: "The new YouTube films will enable dog owners to learn more about how to correctly administer ear treatments and cleaners to ensure that the procedure is as positive as possible for their pet. This will lead to better owner compliance and happier pets!"
Elanco has also revised its Surolan and Surosolve client leaflet and is running a special offer for the products offering veterinary practices up to 20% free Surosolve ear cleaner with qualifying purchases of Surolan.
For further information on the offer, or to ask for the Surolan or Surosolve footage or client leaflets to be sent direct to your veterinary practice, contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com
The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons to complete their registration process by confirming they have met the requirement for continuing professional development (CPD) and declared any outstanding convictions.
The College says that although the deadline for completing the annual renewal was April 2014, there are still some vets who, despite having paid on time, have not yet fully completed the registration process. This includes declaring that they have met the minimum requirement of 105 hours of CPD over a three-year period.
Failing to confirm that the CPD requirement has been met means that the College may request the individual's records as part of its annual monitoring of CPD compliance.
As of this year, veterinary surgeons must also declare any convictions, cautions and adverse findings since 1 January 2006 - or lack thereof - to complete the registration process.
Convictions disclosure forms and a document explaining the new protocol are available to download. The College also has a convictions helpline on 07818 113 056 which is open Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm.
Those veterinary surgeons who have yet to complete their registration should contact the Registration Department as soon as possible on 020 7202 0707 or registration@rcvs.org.uk for assistance from a member of the team.
Petplan is running its television advertising campaign from now until October.
The advert (below) is airing on Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, ITV2, ITV3, More 4, Gold and USA.
Suzanne Cheadle, Acting Head of Marketing at Petplan said: "As the UK market leader, it is imperative that pet owners recognise and understand who we are and what we stand for. We need to help pet owners understand not only why pet insurance is so important, but explain why they should choose Petplan over any other provider. In 36 years, there's not an illness or accident that we haven't seen, and our Covered For Life policies have been developed with unrivalled knowledge and experience."
Royal Canin is running summer marketing campaign focusing on felines, to help small animal practices further develop their relationships with cat-owning customers.
The 'Summer of the Cat' campaign runs till the end of August and aims to help practices boost sales with an offer of £10.99 on 1.5kg bags from the VCN Neutered range, as well as money off next purchases if bought at the same practice, to encourage return custom. The campaign is being supported with a free display package (consisting of products, posters, a temporary cardboard stand and other point of sale items) to provide maximum impact in the waiting room.
In addition, Royal Canin is rewarding clients already using its diets. The first 100 pet owners at every practice that buy any bag of Royal Canin cat food during July and August will be able to feed a homeless cat in a rescue centre on Royal Canin food for a day, and to vote for their 'rescue cat of the year' (the rescue centre of the winning cat will get food to feed up to 50 cats for a month).
Veterinary Marketing Manager, Marianne Lomberg, said: "The RSPCA has reported an 8% increase in cats entering their rescue centres from 2010 to 2012 and the trend continues. We want to help by supporting local rescue centres across the UK and Ireland. With every purchase of Royal Canin cat food during our Summer of the Cat campaign, practice customers can donate a day's worth of Royal Canin cat food to a local rescue centre."
Another part of the campaign this year is promoting responsible and respectful cat ownership. Royal Canin is doing this by giving participating practices 20 flyers for their clients to use to register at www.catwyse.co.uk - a new online cat owner education programme covering topics such as choosing a cat, grooming and managing your cat's weight.
Finally, Royal Canin is rewarding practices for the best Summer of the Cat display. Send your Veterinary Business Manager a photo of your waiting room display and you'll get a £10 high street voucher and be entered into the best display competition to win an additional £100 in high street vouchers.
Marianne added: "We know that the best way to get cats and their owners to love our diets is to try them, because their quality, benefits for the cat's health and great taste speak for themselves. Therefore, this year's campaign aims to encourage cat owners to trial our products whilst also rewarding the loyalty of our existing customers and their practices by supporting rescue centres local to them."
For more information, contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
MSD Animal Health has launched the Big Flea Guarantee, a new marketing initiative to support its flea and tick treatment for dogs, Bravecto.
The launch began with a live webcast from the University of Bristol offering advice for pet owners on managing fleas and ticks, supported by a page in The Times and coverage on BBC news, encouraging owners to seek advice from their veterinary practice.
The Big Flea Guarantee offers owners a free flea check for dogs, a flea free guarantee and a flea free year.
The free flea check is an initial consultation with a nurse at the practice to check the dog for fleas and ticks and discuss parasite control with the owners. Dog owners can download a voucher for this service by visiting www.mypetonline.co.uk where they will be able identify veterinary practices which are taking part in the scheme.
Following initial prescription, the flea free guarantee offers a free replacement product if additional treatment to manage the flea problem is needed within three months from the initial Bravecto treatment.
If the client buys three doses of Bravecto, the fourth dose will be provided free of charge, thereby ensuring a flea free year. You can claim back the free dose (and register your intention to take part in the initiative) at www.ukvetsonline.co.uk.
Chris Wright, Bravecto Marketing Lead for MSD Animal Health said: "The BFG has been designed to support and grow ectoparasiticide business in veterinary practices, many of which have lost a significant amount of custom to over-the-counter treatments throughout the years. So confident are we in the flea-killing efficacy of Bravecto that we are providing vets the opportunity to offer dog owners a money-back, satisfaction guarantee."
MSD says it is also promoting participating practices through its community website for pet owners, MyPetonline (www.mypetonline.co.uk), which was the lead sponsor of the the London Pet Show earlier this year.
For further information, contact your MSD Animal Health Territory Manager or telephone 01908 685 685.
Ceva has announced that its cardiology webinar series, which attracted over 1,600 veterinary professionals when viewed live, is now available to view on-demand by visiting www.cardaliscpd.co.uk.
The webinars, which cover the management of heart failure, are presented by some of the UK's leading veterinary cardiology specialists:
Each webinar lasts for around 1.5 hours. CPD certificates are then available after answering questions relating to each webinar.
For further information visit www.cardaliscpd.co.uk.
The RCVS Day held last Friday saw the investiture of Professor Stuart Reid as the new President for 2014/15, the formal adoption of a new Royal Charter that recognises veterinary nurses, and a smorgasbord of awards.
Professor Reid, who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987, began by outlining three things he wants to pursue during his term in office:
Jacqui Molyneux then stood down as Vice-President, replaced by Dr. Bradley Viner, who in turn was replaced as Treasurer by Amanda Boag.
After approving of the minutes of last year's RCVS Day and the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2013, members of the College were then asked to vote on a motion to adopt the new Royal Charter. The motion, which was proposed by Professor Reid and seconded by Robin Hargreaves, President of the BVA, was passed unanimously. The proposed new Charter was delivered to the Privy Council that afternoon. According to the College, approval should be given later this year or early next.
Introducing the new Charter, Professor Reid said it would better define the objects of the College, provide a clear framework for the existing functions of the RCVS and give Council the power to create new classes of associate.
However, the greatest impact of the new Charter will surely be felt by veterinary nurses, as it formally recognises them as professionals and associates of the College for the first time. Professor Reid said: "Words like 'historic' should be used sparingly, but on this occasion it is justified. We now have some 12,000 veterinary nurses on the books, nine-tenths of them being registered veterinary nurses. Yet the present Charter does not so much as mention their existence.
"The new Charter gives the RCVS a formal duty to keep the Register of Veterinary Nurses and makes the Veterinary Nurses Council responsible for setting standards for their training, education and conduct."
After adopting the Charter, David Bartram, Mandisa Greene and Susan Paterson were formally welcomed on to Council. Amber Richards was welcomed onto VN Council, which Neil Smith is also joining.
Outgoing President, Neil Smith, then conferred a range of awards including:
Nick Stace, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the RCVS, then gave an update on what the College had achieved in the last year. Among the achievements he noted was the introduction of a new system to reduce the time it takes to process complaints; the imminent launch of the new Advanced Practitioner status; and the development of a new Practice Standards Scheme, due to come into force next year.
He said: "In addition, we have listened and responded to fair criticism from the profession, including a very productive evidence-gathering session on 24/7 emergency care, which has resulted in important changes.
"I believe listening and responding is a sign of strength and confidence. We do not seek to be popular but to be sensible in how we regulate and respectful in how we carry out our Royal College duties."
He also outlined how he wanted the RCVS to be a "force for good" in the world by supporting the very best veterinary practitioners and ensuring that the public feels properly protected.
Dechra Veterinary Products has announced a new lower recommended starting dose of Vetoryl (trilostane), its treatment for dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
Dechra says the change to the Summary of Product Characteristics for Vetoryl Hard Capsules for Dogs follows the publication of research and studies into the effects of lowering the initial dose rate.
The new, lower recommended starting dose is 2 mg/kg once daily, and the 10 mg capsules can now be used as a starting dose. Further guidance is also given for switching to twice daily dosing.
Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "Since Vetoryl capsules were first launched more than ten years ago, vets have accumulated a considerable amount of practical experience in using the product to transform the lives of dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
"Several leading veterinary teaching establishments have carried out studies investigating the effects of reducing the initial dose rate and the published literature indicates that lower starting doses are efficacious and may reduce the risk of side effects.
"Our new dosing recommendations are in line with current thinking from veterinary specialists in endocrinology and internal medicine, ensuring that Vetoryl evolves with the times and continues to restore vitality to Cushingoid dogs."
For further information contact the Dechra Veterinary Technical Services Team on 01939 211200 or e-mail technical@dechra.com, or speak to your Dechra Territory Sales Manager.
A new study carried out to look at the efficacy of spinosad (Comfortis) in cats has shown that they can acquire a flea infestation even when kept in a controlled laboratory environment.
The study was conducted on a laboratory colony of 15 cats that had been kept strictly indoors for at least a year, four of which had presented to the dermatology clinics of the Small Animal Hospital of the Toulouse Veterinary School, two with miliary dermatitis lesions and two with symmetrical alopecia.
Further investigation revealed that despite these animals having been confined to quarters for so long, adult Ctenocephalides felis and flea dirt were found on coat brushing.
All the cats were then combed meticulously twice at the start of the study using an extra fine comb and fleas counted before being replaced on each cat. In total 60 fleas were counted. On the cats showing no lesions there was an average of 5.2 fleas per cat and on the cats exhibiting flea allergy dermatitis it was less than one. Two of these cats had no fleas on them, probably due to excessive grooming caused by pruritus.
Spinosad was found to be 100% effective, with no adult fleas found on any cat from day 15 of the study through to day 90.
The cats with skin lesions were assessed for pruritus levels using the SCORFAD system, an extent and severity scale for feline hypersensitivity dermatitis. The SCORFAD value rapidly decreased throughout the study and achieved 98% reduction by day 90. The skin lesions in the flea allergic cats completely resolved during this time without the use of any other flea control or the use of anti-inflammatory products on the cats.
Researchers Maria-Christine Cadiergues and Charline Pressanti from Toulouse Veterinary School also noted a greater level of palatability than previously reported in clinical trials and there were no side effects in any of the cats.
Reviewing the study, David Grant MBE BVetMed CertSAD FRCVS said: "This study confirms that indoor cats, even in a tightly controlled laboratory environment, can still acquire an infestation of fleas. These can be brought in on the clothes of owners of cats if they have been in the garden, for example, particularly in the summer.
"In addition, flea allergic cats may have few fleas on them due to excessive grooming caused by pruritus, and it is often very difficult to persuade owners of the diagnosis, even more so with indoor cats. This study provides precise data to support the above statement.
"This study also demonstrates that spinosad can be used as a stand-alone treatment for mild to moderate flea infestation in an indoor environment without the need for environmental insecticides or anti-inflammatory treatment of the cats. This would be a major consideration for many cat owners."
Marie-Christine Cadiergues and Charline Pressanti, "Efficacy of Spinosad Tablets Administered to a Colony of 15 Indoor Cats Naturally Infested with Fleas," ISRN Veterinary Science, vol. 2014, Article ID 484308, 4 pages, 2014.doi:10.1155/2014/484308
Dunhelm Veterinary Group in Durham has been targeted by an unusual protest, parked outside its front door.
According to a report in the Northern Echo, the van appeared outside the practice last Saturday.
One of the partners, Jack Creaner told the newspaper that there were no outstanding complaints against the practice and the protest was unexplained.
Although the van has now gone, the practice still has no idea who was behind the protest. However, it does seems to have backfired spectacularly, unleashing a wave of support on the practice's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunelm-Veterinary-Group/299184546875132
Jack said: "We are very grateful to all the people who took time to make such lovely remarks on social media."
He added the following advice for anyone else who in the profession who finds themselves at the receiving end of this kind of behaviour: "Try not to let these things get to you on a personal level. As we saw lots more people like what we do than don't. As one client put it - you can be the ripest sweetest juiciest peach in the world but someone out there doesn't like peaches."
The University of Liverpool's School of Veterinary Science has announced the introduction of a new curriculum designed to enhance undergraduate veterinary teaching and learning.
The University says that the curriculum, which was developed in consultation with staff, current and past students, and other key stakeholders, will provide world-leading clinical training, underpinned with the latest scientific knowledge.
The review also explored new ways of teaching in order to reduce the number of lectures in favour of more dynamic forms of training, such as 'scenario' sessions where students work in groups to tackle clinical problems.
Dr Alex German, programme director for the new curriculum, said: "Instead of a modular format, where subjects are taught in self-contained units, we now integrate subjects throughout the degree programme so that students can seamlessly connect what they have learnt to what they are practising.
"Pre-clinical subjects are taught early on, but then revisited during the later stages of the course to ensure that clinical knowledge is based on sound physiological and pathophysiological principles."
Fundamental research skills, such as basic statistics and scientific writing, are taught in the early years, and then reinforced when students undertake a full honours-degree-equivalent research project in their third year.
Evidence-based veterinary medicine principles also underpin all clinical subjects, enabling undergraduates to review clinical evidence critically, and appraise new data as it emerges.
The most significant changes, however, focus on the teaching of clinical skills, which is now taught throughout the five-year programme. To support this, the School has appointed a number of new lecturers specifically to teach clinical skills, and opened new purpose-built teaching laboratories.
Teaching includes the use of models such as a cattle obstetric simulator, a life-size model of a horse with foam pads for practising injections, and a 'Lambinator' for lambing practise. Many of the models have been designed and built by the new lecturers.
A 'cow laboratory' has also been developed to provide an area for self-directed teaching where students can practise skills such as, haltering and casting a cow, learning how to cast a calf's leg, and perform rectal examination with the use of 'Betsy', the in-house reproductive tract simulator (pictured right).
Alison Reid, clinical skills lecturer, said: "When I qualified ten years ago, I could not confidently perform some of the skills we are now teaching our first year students and I remember how unnerving that was when I first entered practice.
"If we can take away the difficulty associated with performing unfamiliar manual skills under pressure, we will be improving the lives of our graduates, their colleagues and their patients."
Vétoquinol, the makers of Zylkène, is offering the chance for a veterinary professional to receive a bursary towards the Centre of Applied Ethnology (COAPE) Behaviour Diploma, worth £5000.
The company says behavioural training offers a wealth of benefits to veterinary practices and staff, including safer pet handling, improved client loyalty and a more comfortable environment for animals, as well as the opportunity to help increase the clinic's income.
The COAPE Behaviour Diploma is designed to help professionals further their knowledge of behavioural issues and gives them the skills to deal with situations that may arise during the course of their work. It is broken down into 3 one-year-long courses, each costing £5000.
Jodie Foster of Haygate Vets in Telford was the recipient of last year's bursary and has since been voted the VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year. She said: "I'd been interested in doing this course for some time, so it was amazing to hear that I'd been selected. I have found it challenging at times, but it's also been very rewarding and has really helped to improve my confidence when dealing with behavioural situations at work.
"The course tutors were fantastic and really fuelled my desire to further develop my knowledge of animal behaviour. The course definitely contributed to being awarded the prize from VN Times so I would strongly recommend that anyone with an interest in pet behaviour applies for the bursary."
To apply, complete the application form at www.zylkenepet.co.uk/COAPE by 10 August 2014, explaining why you want to further your knowledge of animal behaviour and what you hope to achieve on completing the course.
Idexx Laboratories has announced the addition of pradofloxacin (Veraflox, Bayer Animal Health) to the list of antibiotics that it tests samples sent for culture and sensitivity testing against.
The company says that in the past, only a small percentage of the 350-400 samples it processes every day included a specific request from veterinary surgeons to include sensitivity testing to pradofloxacin. The now-routine testing for pradofloxacin is a positive move toward better clinical outcomes in difficult cases, including specific indications such as wound infections, superficial and deep pyoderma, and in cases with infections resistant to other antibiotics.
Idexx says that as the only next generation fluoroquinolone, pradofloxacin has been shown to be the least likely veterinary fluoroquinolone to select for resistance1, giving vets a lower risk option, when they decide to use an antibiotic from this class.
Matt Jones, Microbiology Manager at Idexx Laboratories said: 'Removing the need to specifically request samples to be tested for sensitivity to pradofloxacin has streamlined the culture and sensitivity testing process for vets and will make it easier for them to adhere to good practice in antibiotic prescription.
"This is important, as antimicrobial resistance is an area of deep international concern. Idexx are pleased to be helping vets identify those cases for which pradofloxacin may be effective and believe that, where indicated, it will lead to improved compliance and excellent clinical outcomes with the added benefit of reducing the likelihood of selecting for resistance, when compared to older generation fluoroquinolones."
The company says this move is in line with BSAVA's PROTECT initiative, which stresses the importance of culture and sensitivity, especially when prescribing antibiotics of the fluoroquinlone class.
BVA Past President Peter Jones is appearing before an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Antibiotics today, to update parliamentarians and stakeholders on the efforts the association and the profession are making to tackle the issue. Speaking to the APPG, Peter will say: "We know that the biggest cause of antibiotic resistance in humans is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine and this was highlighted in the joint report on resistance from the Department of Health (DoH) and Defra.
"However, we are not complacent about the role of antibiotic use in veterinary medicine and we are one of the leading voices in the campaign for the responsible use of antibiotics in all species.
"We remain committed to the One Health principle and the need for the medical and veterinary professions to work together to tackle antimicrobial resistance. BVA and our specialist divisions are currently working on a plan to deliver the five-year strategy on AMR from the veterinary perspective. The actions being taken have been published along with those of our partners in the RUMA response to the DoH/Defra strategy.
"One of our key aims for the strategy will be to promote the importance of evidence-based responsible use among both vets and their clients. We are already encouraging education on minimising resistance and principles of responsible use through engagement with the veterinary schools and other stakeholders, and through our own continuing professional development (CPD) programme.
"The use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine in Europe in the future may well be different to how we have used them in the past, with certain constraints on certain classes of critically important medicines used in man. We will cooperate in adapting to this new environment but any changes must be based on sound scientific risk analysis and not on misrepresentation of the evidence, or at worse falsification of that evidence."
Another key action for BVA is the updating of BVA's responsible use guidance for the veterinary profession, and BVA's species divisions continue to work on advice tailored to their particular sectors.
BVA is also continuing to call for quicker, cheaper and more accessible accurate sensitivity and pen-side testing for veterinary use, and repeated this call in recent submissions to the Science & Technology Select Committee and the APPG on Eggs, Pigs and Poultry.
BVA has also agreed in principle that antibiotic use should be recorded and reported and will consider how such recording and reporting may be encouraged, how usage may be measured and audited, and how prescribing habits can be assessed. Such measures will help us to monitor trends in resistance development and track the progress we can make in addressing the problem.
Ceva Animal Health, maker of Vectra 3D, has released the results of some market research which gives a little insight into current levels of owner compliance with veterinary flea treatment advice.
Of the 228 owners surveyed:
When selecting a flea treatment:
Looking at the first set of stats, it seems like the year-round message is getting through, but that perhaps with greater awareness of fleas' prodigious egg-laying habits, and the difficulty of eliminating an infestion once established, might just help improve monthly compliance.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has launched its 2014 Salaries Survey.
SPVS is urging everyone involved in the veterinary sector to complete a questionnaire to ensure a comprehensive insight into the levels of pay amongst veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and those in industry.
The survey is open to members and non-members alike, and SPVS is offering three months' free membership to those non-members who complete the questionnaire.
Designed to provide a complete picture of remuneration levels, the questionnaire covers everything from basic earnings, bonuses, dividends and overtime to benefits such as accommodation, car allowances, private medical insurance and pensions. The survey also includes questions on employment contracts, hours worked, out of hours and weekend working.
The 2013 Salary Survey revealed a dip in salaries among small animal practice vets for the second year running, with only mixed and large animal practices showing an increase. There were also large regional variations and a worrying gender gap.
Adi Nell, SPVS senior vice president said: "We are aiming for the 2014 Salaries Survey to be our biggest and best yet. To achieve this, we need as many of the veterinary profession as possible to complete the questionnaire so that the results give us a really accurate picture of what is happening to our salaries around the country."
To take part in the survey simply follow the link on www.spvs.org.uk or for a printed version telephone 01926 410454.
Bayer Animal Health, maker of Profender, has released the results of some market research conducted amongst cat owners.
The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll amongst 1000 cat owners, found that:
As regards worming:
When it comes to the relationship they have with their veterinary surgeon:
When it comes to the Internet:
Tramadol has become a controlled drug and has been added to Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
The change to the regulations, which was made by the Home Office means that the drug is now subject to special requirements when writing prescriptions.
The RCVS says practitioners should also note that:
Although tramadol is exempt from Safe Custody Regulations, the RCVS advises that all Schedule 3 controlled drugs are locked away.
The Home Office has also reclassified ketamine as a Class B controlled drug. However, it remains under Schedule 4 (Part 1) of the 2001 Regulations meaning that the legal requirements for supply, storage and record keeping remain the same.
The RCVS therefore continues to advise that practice premises should:
Further details about the specific requirements for controlled drugs can be found in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s Guidance Note No 20 – Controlled Drugs.
Practice premises can also contact the RCVS Professional Conduct Department for further guidance on 020 7202 0789 or profcon@rcvs.org.uk.