Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched Mycinor tablets (clindamycin), an antibiotic for treating soft tissue infections in dogs.
Rebekah Dudek, Norbrook Veterinary Advisor said: "Clindamycin is one of the leading prescription medicines used to treat soft tissue infections and offers very effective treatment particularly for dental and oral infections.
"Mycinor can be used to treat infected mouth cavities and oral infections and to provide antimicrobial cover prior to dental procedures such as tooth removal, scale & polish etc. Beyond dental expertise, Mycinor can also be used to treat soft tissue infections, skin infections in the form of superficial pyoderma and osteomyelitis bone infections. Mycinor is a fast acting antibiotic, rapidly absorbed into the body with effective levels within 30 minutes of administration."
Mycinor is available as 25mg, 75mg and 150mg in packs of 100tablets, and as a 300mg tablet in a pack of 150 tablets. Rebekah added: "Mycinor is a very effective and safe antibiotic and is ideal for long and short term treatments. It can be dosed once daily or at twice daily intervals if preferred."
For more information, visit www.norbrook.com
Following issues with the implementation and associated costs of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' database (iMIS), independent IT specialists TFX Consulting Ltd have reported on both the implementation project and the long-term suitability of the database for the College's needs.
The TFX iMIS Report highlights inadequacies in the procurement process for the IT system, especially with regard to the drafting of the original brief. The Report suggests that this led to differing expectations from the College and ASI, the company licensing and assisting with the implementation of the software, in terms of the detail and complexity of the project.
Although TFX says it believes the iMIS system to be suitable for the finance functionality required, it is critical of its ability to support some other RCVS data structures, and considers it is a poor fit for the complex registration and education functions of the College. The Report writers note that the RCVS continues to fulfil its statutory duties in terms of fee collection and the maintenance of registration records.
The key recommendations of the Report are that the RCVS continues to work with the iMIS database in the immediate future, particularly with regard to core functions, but that a new partner is sought for ongoing support of the system. Thereafter, the Report recommends that a plan is put in place to migrate away from the system over a period of two to three years, as part of a natural upgrade path for RCVS IT systems.
As part of this programme, TFX recommends that a detailed analysis exercise is required, with the objective of more completely defining the College's complex requirements.
This is the second of two reports prepared by TFX; the first reviewed the College's technology more generally. The Technology Report provided valuable advice in areas of network security, staged replacement of legacy hardware and a coherent software and licensing programme, with associated staff training.
The TFX iMIS Report can be downloaded from http://www.rcvs.org.uk/TFX
The TFX Technology Report will not be published, as it concerns issues relating to security of the College's IT infrastructure.
RCVS President Jerry Davies said: "We are grateful to TFX Consulting, and Ben Murray in particular, for the depth and clarity of both of their reports. It has been very useful to have independent scrutiny of the iMIS project and our IT systems as a whole.
"Lessons can be - and have been - learned. For example, new project management protocols have been introduced by the College, and the instigation of an Audit and Risk Committee has been agreed".
Council accepted the findings of the Report at its recent meeting, and the new Chief Executive and Secretary, Nick Stace, will consider how the recommendations are best implemented, when he takes up his post in September 2012.
Royal Canin has announced the launch of a summer campaign to help small animal practices develop their relationships with cat-owning clients.
'Summer of the Cat' runs throughout July, August and September. As part of the campaign, cat owners are being invited to share adventures their cat has over the summer with their vet practice, for the chance to win a year's supply of Royal Canin cat food.
Entry forms, which contain spaces for photos and drawings, will be distributed to practices along with other promotional materials such as balloons, posters, bunting, tent cards and wobblers.
The competition - which also gives entrants the chance to win large A3 posters of their 'Summer of the Cat' storyboards - is being supported by a promotional offer to 'feed your cat free for a week' from July to September.
Veterinary Marketing Manager, Lindsay Calcraft, said: "Customers will be able to buy any 1.5 - 2kg bag of feline Veterinary Care Nutrition from their vet and get a 400g bag free. Those cat owners taking up the offer will also receive a money off voucher (£3/€4) for their next purchase to encourage loyalty and increased footfall in the participating vet practices."
For more information, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has extended its Metacam 0.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension for Cats range with the launch of a 30ml bottle size, which the company says will last the average 5 kg cat for two months.
According to Boehringer, the new 30ml bottle will offer owners a cost saving compared to purchasing two 15 ml bottles. In addition, it will provide greater prescription options for veterinary practices currently stocking 3ml and 15 ml bottles,,
Andrew Francis, Metacam brand manager said: "The new 30ml bottle of Metacam Oral Suspension for Cats will provide both veterinary practices and their clients with a product that is great for the long-term treatment of chronic pain in cats in one convenient pack."
For further information on Metacam, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.
MDC Exports has launched the Soft E Collar in a small size suitable for rabbits.
According to the company, the Soft E Collar provides an effective barrier to a treatment area while ensuring an animal can eat, drink and sleep in comfort. It allows free movement of the head, neck and body so an animal can carry on as normal, being less likely to get depressed during recovery.
MDC says that unlike a traditional 'Elizabethan' collar, the Soft E Collar is flexible, lightweight, can withstand chewing, folds flat for easy storage and springs back into shape when needed.
Sandra & Steve Ayers, RSPCA Rabbit Rehoming, Reading Branch said: "We fitted the collar for a few days on a newly spayed rabbit. It didn't appear to get in the way when she was feeding and looked less cumbersome than the traditional plastic buster collars."
Melvyn Driver, Managing Director of MDC Exports said: "The design of our Soft E Collars has proved to provide great relief for dogs and cats post op, giving them a better quality of life at a difficult time. We're delighted that vets and rabbit welfare officers are championing the Soft E Collar too, as rabbits deserve the best care too."
For more information about the Soft E Collar, visit www.mdcexports.co.uk.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against a Kent veterinary surgeon convicted of tail-docking and also charged with misleadingly altering an owner's record relating to tail dockings.
At the outset of the four-day hearing, David Smith, of Lakeview Veterinary Centre, Deal, admitted he had been convicted of an offence of tail docking on 14 December 2010 at the Channel Magistrates Court.
He said that, in 2008, he had misinterpreted the legislation about tail docking and as a result had removed the tails of a litter of 13 Rottweiler puppies. He was subsequently convicted of illegal docking.
Mr Smith also accepted he had altered the owner's record, at the owner's request, when the RSPCA was investigating the circumstances of the docking by adding the words "for law enforcement", but maintained this alteration was to clarify the record to which he had initially added the words "for security selection"; he denied any attempt to mislead, or that he ought to have known it may mislead.
The Committee accepted that Mr Smith misinterpreted the legislation and had taken some steps to satisfy himself that the tail docking was legal, namely: he had asked an employee colleague to make enquires of the College and, as advised, he had downloaded a copy of the AWA 2006 to read and to make his own decision with regard to legality; some enquiry had been made by the practice of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at Reigate; and, Mr Smith had himself researched dog breeds on the Kennel Club website.
The Committee also accepted that he had asked and been told that the client had previously supplied dogs to the police.
However, the Committee found that these steps were inadequate; in particular, he should have contacted the College and Defra himself and not delegated this to administrative staff. Furthermore, that he should have obtained confirmation of the advice given in writing.
Regarding the alteration of the owner's record, the Committee was satisfied that this annotation was added for clarification. The Committee was not satisfied that the addition 'for law enforcement' altered the meaning of what was already stated on this form, and found the wording confirmed Mr Smith's misapprehension at the time of the legality of the tail docking.
This charge, which alleged that the alteration had been carried out misleadingly, was dismissed.
The Committee also said that Mr Smith's reluctance to engage with the police and the RSPCA during their later investigation had been regrettable: as a professional he had had a duty to co-operate fully. However, it concluded that this had been "of little probative significance".
The Committee would like to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every practising veterinary surgeon to ensure that tail docking is legal in each and every instance before carrying out the procedure. If there is any doubt, then tail docking should not take place.
In deciding whether Mr Smith was fit to practise, the Committee took into account two previous RCVS Disciplinary Committee findings involving tail-docking.
It concluded these were significantly different. In the first case, the respondent knew that the tail docking he had carried out was illegal. On the contrary Mr Smith had misguidedly believed the docking he carried out was permitted.
In the second case there had been several charges, in addition to the charge of tail docking. In this case no charges other than those related to tail docking had been alleged against Mr Smith.
It further noted that no issues of clinical competence were raised, and that the dockings were undertaken less than 12 months after the new legislation came into force.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Vice-Chairman Beverley Cottrell, who chaired the hearing, said: "The Committee has expressed its disapproval about Mr Smith's failure to make adequate investigations of the College and of Defra, and his erroneous interpretation of the Act.
"In reaching its decision, the Committee has paid particular attention to issues of animal welfare, maintaining public confidence in the profession and the upholding of proper standards of conduct.
It has concluded that Mr Smith's conduct fell short of that to be expected of a veterinary surgeon but does not consider that it fell far short."
After directing that the case should be dismissed, Mrs Cottrell added: "The Committee would like to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every practising veterinary surgeon to ensure that tail docking is legal in each and every instance before carrying out the procedure. If there is any doubt, then tail docking should not take place."
MSD Animal Health has obtained regulatory approval in 21 European countries, including the UK, for Cobactan LA 7.5% (cefquinome) - a new-generation, injectable antimicrobial for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD).
Raul Berro DVM, global marketing director swine at MSD Animal Health said: "Cobactan LA 7.5% is a long-acting version of our highly effective Cobactan 2.5%. Its longer duration of action means greater compliance for swine producers with fewer injections and less stress to the animals, without sacrificing performance."
According to the company, the long-acting antibiotic formulation is effective against three major SRD pathogens in growing and finishing pigs - Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida. Considered the most important threat to the swine industry worldwide, SRD causes increased mortality, decreased weight gain and increased feed consumption.
Cobactan LA 7.5% requires two intramuscular injections 48 hours apart, compared to Cobactan 2.5%, which requires three daily injections. The recommended dose rate is 1 mL (3 mg cefquinome) per 25 kg bodyweight. The product isavailable in 50-ml, 100-ml and 250-ml glass vials.
Raul aded: "COBACTAN LA 7.5% also has a short withdrawal period of seven days. This makes the injectable product also safe to use throughout the finishing period for the treatment of SRD."
MSD adds that the use of COBACTAN LA 7.5% should be according to established responsible use guidelines and strictly according to the label instructions where specific restrictions apply to this class of antibiotics.
For more information, contact your local MSD Animal Health representative or go to www.msd-animal-health.com.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, maker of Comfortis, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the perennial problem of fleas, and the importance of regular treatment.
The campaign revolves around some new research which shows that while nearly half of dog owners1 allow their pets to swim at least once a month during the summer, over 45% of those questioned were unaware that if a dog is bathed or swims it may lose protection from spot-on flea treatments with only a sixth realising that the active ingredients in some spot-on insecticides can harm aquatic organisms2.
Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, and RSPCA veterinary surgeon David Grant (pictured right) are being wheeled out to talk about the new research, both on the radio and on web TV.
In addition, Elanco says that a range of Comfortis support materials are available to help educate pet owners about fleas and the healthcare issues associated with fleas and encourage enquiries about flea control solutions.
For further information please contact your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoah.uk@lilly.com.
References
Petlog has kicked off its annual National Microchipping Month by joining forces with Hampden Veterinary Hospital in Aylesbury.
Petlog holds National Microchipping Month throughout June each year to promote the benefits of microchipping and the importance of keeping contact details up to date.
This year, Hampden Veterinary Hospital has been encouraging pet owners to make sure their pets are microchipped by offering half price microchipping at a 'responsible pet ownership' event hosted at the hospital.
Celia Walsom, Petlog Executive said: "National Microchipping Month is a fantastic chance to promote the benefits of microchipping, and we are thrilled that Hampden Veterinary Hospital took such a proactive role in encouraging responsible dog ownership through this event. Microchipping is a great way to permanently identify your pet, and ensure that if he or she goes missing that you are reunited as quickly as possible."
Petlog says that last year, it received almost 120,000 lost and found calls in total from around the UK.
This June, Petlog customers can upgrade to the Petlog Premium lifetime service online for £7.50, allowing them to update their contact information as often as needed with no extra costs.
For more information on National Microchipping Month or Petlog visit www.petlog.org.uk or www.thekennelclub.org.uk.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a range of support material to help educate owners about pet ear health.
Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, Larry King, said: "This extensive range of new material will help veterinary professionals raise client awareness of ear infections and also help owners understand why ear health is important.
"The information available includes a leaflet for owners on how to treat their pet's ear infection as well as a guide to effective ear cleaning, which is also available as a video for practice and client use."
Videos entitled: 'How to clean your dog's ears' and 'How to clean your cat's ears are available to view at www.dechra.co.uk/How-to-Guides/Dechra-how-to-videos-guides.aspx
The It's Time to Change campaign offers best practice guidelines and information on ear disease in cats and dogs. It provides assistance in helping to diagnose the organisms associated with infection, support in choosing the correct approach to control as well as help in educating owners to apply and use treatments correctly.
More information on the support material can be found at www.dechra.co.uk/timetochange or veterinary professionals can contact their local Dechra representative.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, maker of Comfortis chewable tablets for dogs, has launched a range of support materials to help educate pet owners on flea infestation and the healthcare issues associated with fleas and encourage enquiries about flea control solutions.
The Range of Comfortis materials features point of sale equipment including free-standing zig-zag display units, window hanging displays, stacking cubes, freestanding easels and leaflet holders as well as client leaflets, waiting room display kits, posters and 20% discount letterheads and postcards for mail-outs. An animation (shown below) is also now available in various formats for veterinary practices to use on their waiting room monitors or websites. The animation, which aims to educate dog owners on flea infestations and complications, covers common risk factors for flea infestations, flea facts including the lifecycle of the flea and encourages pet owners to ask for further information on oral flea control options.
Matthew Rowe, senior product manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health said: "With many pet owners seeking their flea control solutions from other sources, such as the increasingly competitive pet superstores, veterinary businesses need to provide unique preventative healthcare services to their clients to help bond them to the practice and ensure that they return again and again. The new Comfortis support materials will help raise client awareness of the benefits of veterinary prescribed flea treatments and thereby help differentiate veterinary practice flea control solutions from those available in country stores, pet shops, supermarkets and pharmacies."
For further information on Comfortis, or the range of support materials, contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancocah.uk@lilly.com.
BSAVA Congress was invaded by Orangemen this year to promote the Vet Charity Challenge (VCC) taking place on 15th September 2012.
Veterinary surgeons and industry colleagues are being encouraged to take part in the one day event in which teams of four will complete a series of physical tasks and puzzle-solving challenges. Teams can choose their own routes which include walking / running, cycling and kayaking stages and can make it as easy or hard as they like.
The Vet Charity Challenge is hoping to raise in excess of £20,000 for Hounds for Heroes; SPANA, and Pet Blood Bank. VCC says it will be a great PR opportunity for practices and an opportunity for team-building.
The event will take place at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester and all details may be found on www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or by phoning 01727 859259. The VCC will provide training guidelines and sponsorship forms. Places are limited so early booking is advisable. To be sure of a place, practices and business are urged to book their team of four by the deadline of Friday 29th June 2012.
The Vet Charity Challenge is sponsored by BCF Technology, Kruuse UK Ltd and Vets2.net and is supported by the VPMA, Mojo Consultancy and JCA Media Group.
The Government has announced that it is extending existing dangerous dogs laws to apply to private property, closing a loophole in the current law which only applies to public land.
Jim Paice, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, said: "We've all heard the stories of snarling dogs not being properly kept under control or heard from health workers, postal workers or social workers who are at risk of serious injury from out of control dogs while just doing their job, attending to people in their homes.
"Today we are announcing a comprehensive package of measures that tackle the problem head on, which will better protect legitimate visitors to private property and will enable the police to take action before someone is hurt or killed."
The plans also put forward proposals to allow the police, when dealing with any dogs which are subject to proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act, to take a common sense decision as to whether the dog really needs to be kept away from their owners until the outcome of proceedings.
Mr Paice added: "Our plans must strike the right balance between protecting the public from dangerous dogs and ensuring that safe and properly looked after pets don't need to be wrenched from their home unnecessarily.
"We're giving the police more discretion to take common-sense decisions where dogs are clearly not a threat by ending the requirement that they be seized and kennelled, at great cost to the taxpayer and distress to the owner involved, while a decision is taken on whether to exempt the dog from being destroyed under the Dangerous Dogs Act."
Other measures announced today include:
However, the proposals do not go far enough for Dogs Trust, the dog welfare charity. Clarissa Baldwin, the charity's CEO said: "The Government has spent a great deal of time examining this legislation since it came to power and whilst we accept DEFRA has done their best to look at this issue, unfortunately, their best is no where near good enough. Not good enough to better protect the public or good enough to improve animal welfare.
"Government must tackle this problem head on with completely new legislation rather than just tinkering around the edges. We're extremely disillusioned that there is nothing in the consultation on measures that will actually help to prevent dog attacks, which is surely what the aim of these proposals should be. We seem to be waltzing along on this issue rather than the quick step we need to meaningful reform.
"We consider that the introduction of compulsory microchipping of all dogs, not just those born after a certain date, is the only way that we will see immediate welfare benefits and a reduction in the number of stray dogs in the UK.
"Microchipping will not prevent dog attacks but it will allow the owner of a dangerous dog or a dog that was dangerously out of control to be identified by enforcement agencies. The act of microchipping is also a key intervention, providing an opportunity to advise owners about responsible dog ownership and the law."
Woodley Veterinary Equipment has launched a range of eight veterinary stains.
The company says that the range offers a comprehensive product base to suit most requirements, and that they are all quick and easy to use.
The range is made up of the following individual stains for single test use:
Also available is the Automated Slide Stainer, which Woodley says is capable of precise, balanced slide stains for use with Haematology and Gram staining. Maintenance free and self-cleaning the Automated Slide Stainer is also programmable for individual preferences.
For more information, email: sales@woodleyequipment.com or call Woodley's customer service team on +44 (0) 1204 669033 Option 1. Alternatively visit www.woodleyequipment.com
Pfizer Animal Health, maker of the equine wormers Equest and Equest Pramox, has unveiled www.wormingyourhorse.info, a new website which aims to make it easier for horse owners to understand and follow the most up-to-date principles of sustainable worm control.
Based on the company's Manage, Test, Plan, Dose campaign, Pfizer says the new website is designed to take the confusion out of equine worm control with clear, logical and easy-to-understand guidance and advice.
The four main sections use diagrams and text to explain how and why it's important to manage the worm challenge on the pasture; the role of faecal worm egg counts (FWECs); how history and management play a part in planning the best worm control programme and how to choose and use the right wormer at the right time of year.
There's an interactive and educational parasite page that shows the parasites that can affect the health of your horse. There are click through buttons on parts of the horse's anatomy revealing details about the appearance of each particular parasite, their lifecycle and the symptoms they can cause. In addition there's a section on frequently asked questions which provides no-nonsense answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about worm control.
Paul Blanc, Pfizer's equine brand manager said: "In developing our new website we have listened carefully to what horse owners really want and need to know. The result is a source of plain-speaking, unbiased facts and advice, providing horse owners with the most current thinking on sustainable worm control in a format they can really identify with."
US-based Life Technologies has launched a new PCR-based test system which, according to the company, allows large numbers of pigs to be screened more quickly and cost-effectively for a range of common pathogens, such as PRRSV, SIV and PCV2.
The system uses samples of oral fluids which can be obtained by leaving a cotton rope in each pen for pigs to chew on. After 20 minutes or so, the rope can be retrieved and the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid squeezed into a sample bag and represents a pooled sample from the group.
Studies have demonstrated that oral fluid samples collected in this way can form the basis of a quick and cost-effective method for screening a range of common viral pathogens. The samples were tested using a commercially available sample preparation and real-time PCR test system which can isolate and identify viral nucleic acid in a matter of hours.
For PRRS, pooled samples of oral fluids were collected from groups of experimentally infected pigs using the rope technique, along with serum samples from each individual pig on the same days. Both serum samples and oral fluids were processed using the same Applied Biosystems preparation system and real- time PCR test, both of which were supplied by Life Technologies. The results showed that PRRSV nucleic acid was detectable in both serum and oral fluid samples from the day of infection through to 40 days after infection.
For PCV2, 24 pigs that were free of PRRSV and SIV were divided into 4 pens in separate rooms, and challenged with two different virus strains (PCV2a and PVC2b) at different times. One pen acted as a (non-challenged) control. Oral fluids were collected regularly up to 140 days after initial challenge and tested using real-time PCR. High titres of PCV2 were detected from day 12 to day 28 post infection and virus was detectable throughout the entire testing period (days 2 to 98).
For SIV, a total of 180 spiked oral fluid samples were tested using real-time PCR, and subtyping reagents were also used to identify haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes. The results showed that SIV nucleic acid was detectable in oral fluid samples spiked with high, medium and low copy numbers of SIV, and all positive samples could be successfully sub-typed.
Christina Boss, European Professional Service Veterinarian for Life Technologies said: "Collecting samples in this way is far less invasive for the pigs and so avoids unnecessary stress. And because all of the pigs will chew on the rope, it provides a very broad sample from the group, which is the key to assessing overall herd health. In addition, if the pooled sample provides a positive result, then the animals in that pen can be tested individually to identify those that are infected.
"These results show that the simplicity of oral fluid sampling, combined with the speed and sensitivity of a PCR-based system, provides a practical and cost- effective way of monitoring large numbers of pigs for common virus pathogens.
"The use of a semi-automated, PCR-based diagnostic system means that nucleic acid purification can be achieved in just 25 minutes and results from the real-time PCR available in 90 minutes. The molecular test is very specific and reliable, so the veterinarian can initiate individual testing as quickly as possible and make confident recommendations to the producer."
According to Life Technologies, screening for PRRS using samples of oral fluids has been gaining popularity over recent years because large numbers of pigs can be tested without increased cost or labour. The new research is due to be presented as a poster at the ESPHM meeting in Bruges in April.
Bayer Animal Health has organised for prominent clinical microbiologist Dr Joseph Blondeau, from Canada's University of Saskatchewana, to tour the UK in May, giving talks to practitioners about effective antibiotic usage to prevent bacterial resistance.
Bayer's Technical Veterinary Adviser, Lucy Smith, will also be giving a talk: Maximise Treatment Success, which comes at the subject from the practical veterinary side.
Bayer Animal Health Marketing Manager, Dr Markus Edingloh said: "We are incredibly fortunate to work with such an eminent expert. Dr Blondeau is a leading authority on a new parameter that supports a dosing concept to minimise selection of bacterial resistance - the Mutant Prevention Concentration. Fortunately, he is also expert at presenting complex matters in an engaging and memorable way."
He added: "Lucy Smith will share her specific experience of Bayer's recently launched Veraflox (pradofloxacin), the first and only next generation veterinary fluoroquinolone, which has a broad spectrum of treatment which attacks Gram +, Gram - and anaerobic bacteria, in a highly efficacious way.
The evening events take place on: May 14th (Glasgow), May 15th (Derby), May 16th (Swindon) & May 17th (Surrey). Full details in the VetSurgeon Diary.
Each roadshow session is equivalent to 1.5 hours of free Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
To register to attend one of the roadshows, please email animal.health@bayer.com
The British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons have launched a waiting room poster to help practices raise awareness of the status of their VNs and promote the welfare benefits that VNs can help provide.
Rolled copies of the A2 posters are available in a tube for £2.50 (to cover postage). Folded copies are free or you may download the poster here.
Contact the BVNA office on 01279 408644 to request a copy.
Woodley Equipment has launched ImmunoComb diganostic test kits for FIP, canine Leptospira and Ehrlichia
Woodley says the kits are easy to use and provide results within 20 minutes. No specialist laboratory equipment is required as the kits are self-contained with all the necessary reagents. The diagnostic kits determine the animal's antibody titre levels, in the case of the canine Ehrlichia as early as 7 days after infection, giving veterinary surgeons the opportunity to act more quickly in developing a prevention/treatment program.
Tests can be performed singly or up to 12 simultaneously.
For more information about ImmunoComb Diagnostic kits email sales@woodleyequipment.com or call: +44 (0) 1204 669033 Option 1. Alternatively visit http://www.woodleyequipment.com/
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced the results of the RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurse Council elections.
A record number of candidates stood in the RCVS Council election this year, and the results were much closer than usual.
Two candidates entirely new to the Council have been elected, one of whom - Amanda Boag - received the highest number of votes. The other - Chris Barker - also did well, coming in third place overall.
Three existing RCVS Council Members have been re-elected for a further four years, and Stephen May, who was formerly an appointed Council Member from the Royal Veterinary College, was also voted onto Council for the first time.
Of the three candidates standing for election to VN Council, one existing Member - Kathy Kissick - has been returned, and one new member - Elizabeth Figg - has been elected.
All successful candidates will take up or resume their seats at RCVS Day on 6 July 2012.
Turnouts for both elections remained low, with just 3,625 veterinary surgeons (15.1%) and 743 veterinary nurses (7.5%) choosing to exercise their right to vote.
By comparison, in 2011 voting figures were 3,887 (15.9%) and 723 (7.6%), respectively.
Veterinary surgeons' and veterinary nurses' use of online and text voting, rather than postal voting, increased again this year from 25% to 30.6%, and 12.9% to 20%, respectively.
Dechra has launched a two hour online CPD session on skin and ear cytology for veterinary surgeons and nurses.
The module was created in conjunction with Peter Forsythe BVM&S DVD MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.
Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, Larry King, said: "Cytology is a key to diagnosing otitis externa, a common condition seen by vets and nurses but one which can be challenging to manage.
"Carrying out cytology will assist them in deciding on the appropriate approach to control the infection. Our online CPD module, presented through a series of videos, will explain cytology step by step from initial presentation to organism identification."
Peter Forsythe added: "It is difficult to practice good dermatology without doing cytology, which is inexpensive, quite quick to do and is a great aid in the diagnosis of skin disease. These videos cover the investigation of pyoderma, Malassezia and otitis externa, but actually this is just the tip of the iceberg and the same techniques can be used for investigation of a range of other inflammatory skin diseases."
The free of charge CPD, available at www.dechra.co.uk/academy, includes downloadable resources and a short quiz to support the module, with a certificate upon completion.
Research carried out by the Kennel Club to coincide with the start of Open for Dogs Week has found that 40% of British people think dogs are a happy alternative to having children.
One reason for this is perhaps because 25% of respondents said that a dog would fit more easily with their lifestyle than a child. Or maybe it's partly because 25% said that whilst their children always come first, they prefer to do things with their dog.
In addition, 80% said their dog is attentive and loving when out and about, compared to only 50% who said the same is true of their other half.
However, despite the central place that dogs hold in their owners' hearts, the Kennel Club says many people experience difficulty taking their dogs out and about, particularly to restaurants. In the survey, 40% said that they have problems finding a place where their dog is welcome while they eat, and almost 50% said that they'd like to see a wider variety of restaurants open their doors to dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "This research proves what a well loved member of the family a dog is. Given how much we love spending time with our dogs, it is surprising that there are still so many businesses that refuse to allow dogs in their premises, but there is a real appetite for this to change.
"The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website lists more than 26,000 places throughout the UK and Europe that allow dogs inside, which makes it easier for dog owners to plan days out and holidays without having to leave their dogs behind.
"During Open for Dogs Week we are asking businesses, whether it is a restaurant, hotel, pub, shop or office, to trial a dog friendly policy. There are more than eight million dogs in the UK, so those that get involved will be appealing to a massive customer base, which can only be a good thing in tough economic times." The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Week runs from 20-26 August 2012 and businesses and public places are encouraged to adopt a dog friendly policy for well behaved dogs.
To nominate your favourite dog friendly venue or town for the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Awards, visit www.openfordogs.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 31st August.
Vetoquinol, makers of Sedalin (acepromazine), has published a free clipping guide for horse owners.
The company says the launch of the guide has been timed to coincide with the horse clipping season, when owners may be considering sedating horses to make things safer for themselves and their horses.
The guide refers owners to their veterinary surgeon for professional advice if sedation is appropriate.
The company has also produced promotional practice posters: ' Less Stress more Success'
For your poster and accompanying guides, contact your Vetoquinol Territory Manager or Teleservices directly on 01280 825424. You may also wish to put a link to a downloadable version of the guide on your practice website: http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/clippingguide.pdf
BCF Technology has launched a competition for its customers to win a Kindle by reviewing the company's imaging products.
To enter the competition, visit www.bcftechnology.com and navigate to the relevant product. At the foot of each product page you'll see a link marked 'Review it now'. Use this to tell others how your ultrasound or X-ray equipment has changed things in your practice. How it aids patient treatment, improves workflows, makes processes simpler, or anything else you would like to pass on to help others in the search for the right imaging product for them.
Gavin Mitchell, BCF Vet Imaging Director said: "We want to make it easier for vets to find the imaging product thats most suitable for their practice. By leaving a product review, you can help others looking for X-ray and ultrasound.
We value customer feedback at BCF, and use it to continually improve our products and service. Come to the BCF website and let us and others know what you think of your equipment. We expect this to really help vets looking for new imaging equipment."
BCF says it will select one reviewer at random to win a Kindle every month.
Norbrook has announced the launch of Total Pet Health Month 2012, a pet education campaign aimed at improving the health and welfare of dog and cats.
The campaign, which began on 13th August, offers advice and guidance to pet owners about a range of pet health problems. Norbrook says the main aim is to encourage owners to speak with their vet if they have any concerns about their pet.
The main vehicle for the campaign is the Norbrook's Pet Healthcare website on http://www.norbrook.com/pets-health/.
The first topic featured in Total Pet Health Month 2012 is parasite control and treatment. Norbrook commissioned petbuzz to carry out research on parasite concerns for pet owners.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook Small Animal Brand Manager said: "Almost 80% of pet owners reported seeing an increase in fleas and ticks in the summer so it is timely to launch Total Pet Health Month with a focus on parasite control. 70% of respondents were concerned about the risk of skin problems and discomfort in their pets due to fleas and ticks. We hope that our campaign will address these concerns and help pet owners manage what can be a very unpleasant and irritating problem."
The research highlighted that 63% of pet owners sought advice from a vet in relation to flea and tick treatment and 66% purchased treatments from a veterinary practice.
Michelle said: "It is very encouraging that two thirds of pet owners purchase treatments from a vet. Total Pet Health Month is a great opportunity for pet owners to find out more about concerns they have for their pets. We would actively encourage them to engage with animal health experts and veterinarians because they will get invaluable advice during the purchase which they may not otherwise get."
During Total Pet Health Month 2012, Norbrook will also look at conditions including gum disease and hip dysplasia.
Total Pet Health Month will run across the Total Pet Publishing network (a Europe-wide network of pet sites). Norbrook says it will engage with more than 3m pet owners, guiding them to the Norbrook pet healthcare portal and to seek solutions and treatments from their veterinary practice.
The petbuzz market research was conducted in May 2012 with 1,147 pet owners: 86% dog owners, 41% cat owners, 10% rabbit owners.