BCF Technology has launched the Sonosite Edge ultrasound system.

According to the company, the new system is suitable for both small animal and equine reproduction, abdominal, musculoskeletal, cardiac and ophthalmic applications.

The Sonosite Edge was apparently designed for use in battlefields and disaster zones, so it should withstand veterinary use. It is upgradeable to Colour, Pulsed Wave (PW) and Continuous Wave (CW) Doppler. It can also be DICOM enabled. It weighs 15kg and has a start up time of less than 15 seconds. There is a range of linear, mico-convex, convex and phased array probes available.

The system with one probe starts around £22,000.

Nigel Perry, BCF Account Manager said: "The Sonosite Edge offers an excellent system with superior image quality than has not been seen on a field-based system before. This is a perfect system for a mixed practice looking to perform a wide range of applications. It is very durable and can be taken anywhere."

To find out more about the Sonosite Edge, visit www.bcftechnology.co.uk or call +44(0)1506 460 023.

York-based Alstoe Animal Health, maker of Gleptosil and Vetergesic, has been acquired by French company Sogeval, a leading supplier of companion and livestock animal products.

Established in 1994, Alstoe was privatelv owned by the two original partners, John Nellis and lan Ryder.

For the last five years the company has been working with Sogeval to develop flavoured tablet pharmaceutical brands from Sogeval whilst the two companies have collaborated to make Vetergesic successful in France.

The business will continue to trade from the current premises for the foreseeable future and says it will maintain its high standard of customer service and product supply.

John Nellis said: "lt will be business as usual. We look forward to continued sales growth for our existing brands and the introduction of exciting new products in the future".

Dr. lan Ryder said: "Our companies have worked very well together in the past. The acquisition will bring fresh impetus to the business and ensure continued growth"

The current Alstoe team remains in place to assist with any enquiries. For further information contact info@alstoe.co.uk or telephone: 01347 878605

The Advertising Standards Authority has decided not to uphold complaints against the Morrisons Christmas TV advertisement.

The full adjudication can be read here.

Peter Jones, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "This ruling is disappointing but the ASA has set out its reasons for the decision and we accept those reasons. Thankfully, the advert only had a short shelf life and we hope that Morrisons is now very unlikely to make the same mistakes again. Overall, we hope the whole incident has served to educate Morrisons and the general public about the dangers of grapes and raisins to dogs."

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol have had a study into domestic dogs' fear responses to noise published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

According to the University, the study provides an important insight into dogs' fear of noises, and could improve our understanding of behavioural signs of fear or anxiety.

In the study two approaches were taken to investigate the occurrence of, and risk factors for, behaviours caused by a fear of noise: a postal survey of dog owners to investigate general demographic factors and a structured interview of a sub-set of owners to gather more detailed information.

• Nearly 50% of owners reported that their dog showed at least one behavioural sign typical of fear when exposed to noises such as fireworks, thunder and gunshots
• Only 25% of the above reported their dog as 'fearful' of noises

It seems that while owners are often aware of their pet's behavioural response when exposed to a loud noise, they do not necessarily recognise it as being indicative of fear or anxiety. This has relevance both for awareness of compromised welfare, and the methodology for surveying such behaviour.

• The most commonly reported behavioural signs were vocalising, trembling/shaking, hiding, vocalising and seeking people, but researchers think trembling and shaking are more often reported than other behaviours because they are similar to fearful behaviours in humans

According to the researchers, other behavioural signs, such as decreased activity or salivation, may not be as easily recognised by owners as signs of fear, and may be under-reported. Also, signs of urination, salivation and destruction may make owners disappointed or angry, and this may influence their interpretation that such behaviours are associated with fearfulness.

• Responses to fireworks were the most common, but fear responses to loud noises such as fireworks, gunshots and thunder appear to commonly co-occur, suggesting generalisation between salient stimuli

The risk factors for owner-reported fear of noises included:

• Breed, although 12 breeds or breed types were less likely to show fear responses to noises than cross-breeds, including popular gundog breeds such as the Labrador, Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel
• Age, where risk increased with age
• Origin, where dogs living with the owner who bred them had a reduced risk compared to dogs purchased from the breeder by a second owner, supporting the view that an early environment that is very similar to the environment experienced in adulthood  is advantageous

The researchers suggest a dog's early life experience is an important factor in the development of fear responses to specific loud noises.

Dr Rachel Casey, European Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University, said: "Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environment, and exposure to specific loud noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises. Interestingly, less than a third of owners sought professional advice about treatment for their pet's response to noises."

Disappointingly, less than a third of owners currently seek professional advice about treatment for their pet's fear. The researchers recommend there is a need for veterinary surgeons to increase awareness among the general dog owning public that treatment is both available and effective in dealing with fears of loud noises, and to direct them towards appropriate sources of help.

Information for vets and dog owners on finding an expert to help treat behaviour problems including fear of noises can be found at www.rspca.org.uk/findabehaviourist

Paper: Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour, Emily J. Blackwell, John W.S. Bradshaw, Rachel A. Casey, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, published online 22 January 2013.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed that a Leeds-based veterinary surgeon, whose convictions for threatening behaviour, theft, and assault made him unfit to practise, should be removed from the Register.

At the outset of the two-day hearing, Dr Gary Samuel admitted his convictions. These related to his actions near his property in Cardiff on 10 July 2011, and were received at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 22 November 2011. The Committee was asked to decide if these convictions made Dr Samuel unfit to practise veterinary surgery, and to decide upon any sanction.

The facts of the offences, as set out at the magistrates' court by the prosecution, were that Dr Samuel took a camera and memory card from a neighbour who was taking photographs of construction works behind his property. In doing so, he grabbed the neighbour from behind, twisting her arm, and later threatened her and her partner with a large piece of wood.

Although Dr Samuel wrote to the College saying he had pleaded guilty to the charges, he also denied some of the offences charged, suggesting that it was the neighbour who had been abusive towards him.

The Committee allowed the possibility that Dr Samuel was provoked by the taking of photographs and may have been subjected to offensive abuse by the neighbour, and considered that he acted impulsively and lost control of his actions. However, the convictions were for serious offences: the assault resulted in injury to the victim; the threatening behaviour involved a risk of injury to the victim and her partner; and, the theft involved dishonesty. Dr Samuel's conduct at the time was "reckless", and he had since displayed very limited insight into his behaviour.

Professor Peter Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "The Committee considers that the offences of which the Respondent was convicted, and to which he pleaded guilty, were serious, as is reflected in the suspended sentences, community service orders, fines, restrictions and penalties imposed by the court. The Committee accepts that this is not a case in which the welfare of animals has been put at risk, but takes the view that a serious sanction is required in order to uphold the reputation of the veterinary profession, and public confidence in it, and to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour on the part of its members."

The Committee directed Dr Samuel's name should be removed from the Register.

Bimeda has announced the UK launch of Selenate LA, for selenium deficiency in calves and adult cattle.

Bimeda's Head of Technical Services, Padraig Hyland MVB said: "The slow release product provides raised selenium levels for a full 12 month period. When injected, Selenate LA forms a reservoir under the skin and its low solubility sees an even release of selenium over a year. But it's not just the efficacy of Selenate LA that make it such a stand out product, it's the convenience too".

Bimeda says the health properties of Barium Selenate in selenium deficient herds are well documented, from prevention of white muscle disease, anoetrus and mastitis, to improved conception rates and milk yield¹.

However there are various choices for farmers when dealing with selenium deficiency.

Padraig said: "The beauty of Selenate LA is that it is one injection, once a year. You know exactly how much each cow is getting so it's very predictable. And with many farmers already time short, it makes selenium supplementation extremely straightforward and cost effective."

Selenate LA is a POM-V medicine and can be offered by veterinary surgeons based on serum levels of glutathione peroxidase from a representative sample of the herd, or as part of a herd health and fertility plan. Padraig said: "It allows vets to offer a cost-effective and licensed alternative to oral supplements, with the added piece of mind only an injection can bring.

"The long-lasting and effective levels of selenium allow injection of the dam at any time, including mid to late pregnancy, to ensure good selenium levels in the new-born calf. This also prevents those post-calving complications such as retained foetal membranes, metritis and poor calving to conception times, where selenium deficiency has been implicated".

The company confirms that there is no milk withdrawal period and a thirty one day meat withdrawal for the product. Selenate LA is administered via a subcutaneous injection from a multi-dose bottle. For further information contact Andrew Lane, Bimeda UK Sales Manager on 07917 208524.

References

1.       1987 (Taranaki, North Island)

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has refused an application for restoration to the Register by Mr Joseph Holmes, who was struck off in 2011 for serious professional misconduct associated with surgery he had carried out on a dog and two cats.

At a two-week Disciplinary Committee hearing that concluded on 14 January 2011, two separate complaints had been considered against Mr Holmes, formerly of Waltham Veterinary Clinic, Grimsby. These involved a total of 31 charges, of which 28 were found to amount to serious professional misconduct. Mr Holmes was found to have advised on and undertaken surgical procedures without sufficient clinical grounds or consideration of alternative treatment options; failed to obtain the informed consent of his clients; undertaken procedures outside his area of competence; failed to refer or discuss the option of referral to a specialist; and, failed to provide his patients with adequate pain relief.

The then-Committee directed Mr Holmes' name be removed from the Register, whereupon he appealed to the Privy Council, who dismissed his appeal on 22 December 2011, concluding that removal from the Register "was the only disposal which could properly reflect the primary need to serve both the interests of animal welfare and the reputation of the veterinary profession".

At the hearing last week the Committee considered several factors in relation to Mr Holmes' application for restoration.  Although Mr Holmes gave assurances that he accepted the findings of the original hearing, this contrasted completely to the robust way in which he had challenged all of these at that hearing and the majority in his appeal. Mr Holmes had been off the Register for only 12 months - just over the minimum period before an application for restoral was permitted. The Committee took the view that the application was premature and was not satisfied that Mr Holmes truly appreciated the seriousness of the findings made against him.

In response to questions from the Committee, Mr Holmes showed deficiencies in his knowledge, such as not knowing all of the constituents of the human drug, Anadin Extra, in spite of having produced a record of continuing professional development (CPD) on analgesia and having prescribed it to a dog in the original complaint. He did not provide records of CPD for 2010, 2011 and 2012, and although recognising that working in isolation from the majority of his fellow practitioners had contributed to his failures, he had made very limited efforts to observe first-opinion veterinary practice.

The Committee accepted at face value Mr Holmes' statement that he had not worked as a veterinary surgeon whilst de-registered, and accepted that removal from the Register had had a profound effect on Mr Holmes and his family, including the sale of his practice. It noted that Mr Holmes produced only the testimonials previously submitted to the Privy Council, which were of limited scope.

Professor Peter Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "Having regard to all the factors set out above, the Committee regrets that it is not satisfied that the applicant is fit to be restored to the Register. Accordingly, the application is refused."

A new study¹ published in the Equine Veterinary Journal's (EVJ) special American Association of Equine Practitioners supplement has concluded that maggots can play an integral role in modern veterinary care for a variety of wounds in horses.

The study assessed the efficacy of maggot debridement therapy in a diversity of equine lesions and found that the method was beneficial in 93% of cases.

Maggots have been used for the treatment of wounds for hundreds of years. Freshly emerged, germ-free larvae of the common green bottle fly are usually used for the purpose. Their wound-healing action is attributed to a debridement effect, an antiseptic effect, a direct effect on cytokine and cell proliferation involved in wound healing and breakdown of biofilm formation. Maggots also destroy and digest bacteria and may also be beneficial in the fight against multi-drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA.

The study involved the retrospective analysis of 41 horses with various lesions including foot injury, limb laceration, soft tissue abscesses and musculoskeletal infection. Depending on the type, size and location of the wound the maggots were applied either in direct or indirect contact. In some cases a second maggot application was necessary to reach the desired level of healing. Debridement, disinfection and healing occurred in all but three cases, in less than a week. Of the three that did not respond two were complicated by the presence of tumours and one by pre-existing damage to the underlying bone.

Olivier Lepage of the University of Lyon, who led the study, said: "These results show that maggot debridement therapy potentially has an integral place in modern veterinary wound care. It can be used to treat many types of lesions, although not those involving tumours or bone sequestration. Associated high costs present a limiting factor but maggot debridement therapy should certainly be considered for lesions that fail to respond to conventional methods."

Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ, said: "Horses often suffer from non-healing wounds, particularly in the limbs where the skin is under continuous movement and there is very little subcutaneous tissue. Although at first glance this study might seem counter-intuitive and we might think of maggots as being the last thing one would want on a clean wound, it shows that maggots can be an effective way to clear damaged tissue and this is an important adjunctive approach in equine wound management."

¹The use of maggot debridement therapy in 41 equids OM Lepage, A Doumbia, MF Perron-Lepage and M Gangl. EVJ ISSN 0425-1644 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00609.x

The study is published by Wiley-Blackwell and can be accessed at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00609.x/abstract

The RCVS is to hold an online hustings on Tuesday, 19 March at 7pm to help voters decide who they wish to vote for in the upcoming RCVS Council elections, and is inviting members of the veterinary profession to suggest questions for the candidates to answer.

Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar said: "From feedback we've received, one of the reasons why people don't vote is because they know little about the candidates or their views. We hope this hustings will provide the candidates with a platform to address the veterinary electorate directly, and give voters the chance to put their own questions to those hoping to serve on Council."

The hustings will be run as a live webinar by 'The Webinar Vet' and will be free to listen to. However, the College says that due to the high number of candidates standing for election, it isn't possible to hold a debate, so questions should be submitted in advance (see below). Each candidate will be allocated around three minutes to introduce themselves and answer up to three questions of their choosing. The whole event will run for just under an hour.

Anthony Chadwick, who runs The Webinar Vet, will moderate proceedings, and Gordon Hockey will be on-hand to address any factual inaccuracies.

Veterinary surgeons can register to listen to the hustings at www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs and submit their questions at the same time; alternatively, questions can be emailed to Ian Holloway at the RCVS (i.holloway@rcvs.org.uk).

Questions should be relevant to the role of the RCVS and the role of Council Members (see www.rcvs.org.uk/about). If questions should remain anonymous, please say so.

Ballot papers and candidates' biographies and manifestos are due to be posted on 7 March. Votes may be cast online, by text message or by post, by 5pm on Friday, 26 April 2013.

The PDSA has announced the launch of a new graduate programme to help train the veterinary surgeons of the future.

Applications for PDSA's Veterinary Surgeon Graduate Programme open today, and the programme is open to all veterinary surgeon graduates - including the current 2013 graduating student cohort.

According to the PDSA, its Veterinary Surgeon Graduate Programme is one of the first comprehensive -  UK wide - graduate schemes in the veterinary profession to combine clinical experience, development of surgical skills, promotion of preventive services and pet wellbeing education. It is delivered via a structured programme with dedicated support including mentoring, training and continuing professional development opportunities - within a busy small animal charity practice environment.

Following the framework of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Professional Development Phase (PDP), the duration of the programme is one year. Successful applicants will be based at one of five PDSA PetAid hospitals - Glasgow East, Bradford, Liverpool Kirkdale, Stoke-on-Trent or Bow - and will also work at several other PDSA PetAid hospitals within the geographic location, building up experience in different hospitals and working with different teams. There will also be dedicated time off the veterinary rota to be able to train and coach the new graduates to develop their clinical skills.

The charity says that the programme will provide the necessary experience for new graduates to complete their compulsory PDP. It is hoped that those successfully completing the graduate programme will continue their careers with PDSA taking on available permanent opportunities in the charity.

Richard Hooker, PDSA Director of Veterinary Services (pictured above left), said: "At PDSA, we have great talent within our veterinary teams and we are looking to add to that even further with the launch of our Veterinary Surgeon Graduate Programme; five outstanding graduates will join us in September 2013 to be part of PDSA's future and to develop their skills and experience as veterinary surgeons.

"On average, our PetAid hospitals see around 5,695 pets each working day - including consultations, emergency treatment, surgical procedures, through to preventative measures and education on pet wellbeing. The Veterinary Surgeon Graduate Programme will give our cohort the opportunity to gain invaluable small animal practice with the UK's leading veterinary charity, home to some of the most experienced and long-serving vets in our profession."

Applications are open until 29 March 2013. For further information and to apply, visit http://www.pdsa.org.uk/careers/graduate-programme/veterinary-graduates/apply-now or contact PDSA at hr.adminstration@pdsa.org.uk

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that its 'Talk About Laminitis' campaign will run from Mid March until the end of June. 

Last year, the initiative saw over 9000 horses and ponies tested for PPID through its free ACTH test scheme. This year, to build on this success and support the testing of even more animals, the company has announced a high impact, co-ordinated campaign to drive awareness that up to 90% of laminitis cases may have an underlying endocrine cause^1,2.

Once again, Boehringer is urging veterinary surgeons to carry out free ACTH blood tests on laminitic or foot-sore horses as part of the campaign, which is backed by Redwings, The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare.

Professor Andy Durham from the Liphook Equine Hospital, where the ACTH tests are performed, said: "We are learning so much from these tests. For example, we are now recognising PPID routinely in laminitic horses and ponies as young as 10 years old, and in the spring when we might expect to see more EMS cases, where veterinary surgeons have also tested for PPID we are seeing both abnormally elevated ACTH and insulin. Unless the PPID is addressed, horses will continue to be at risk of painful recurrent laminitic episodes which is a significant welfare issue to the horse and extremely frustrating for owners."

To participate in the scheme, veterinary surgeons and horse owners can download ACTH blood test vouchers from www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk. Attach the voucher to the ACTH sample submission form and the ACTH laboratory fees will not be charged.

Lee Hackett from The British Horse Society said: "Without the 'Talk About Laminitis' initiative and the support of Boehringer Ingelheim, literally thousands of horses may not be receiving the appropriate treatment and management for their laminitis to help prevent recurrence. We hope as many veterinary surgeons as possible get involved this year to continue this welfare success."

To ensure that horse owners are fully aware of the initiative, a PR and advertising campaign in the equine consumer media will start in March. The ad campaign includes an infomercial on Horse & Country TV (SKY Channel 280), with viewer numbers in excess of 450,000 per month.

There will also be a live online broadcast for horse owners on endocrinopathic laminitis presented by David Rendle BVSc MVM CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS, from the Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire. The one-hour webinar, which takes place at 8.00pm on Wednesday 10 April, will educate horse owners on how the veterinary profession's understanding of this debilitating and devastating disease has been completely revolutionised over the past five years. It will be followed by an interactive Q&A session when viewers will be able to pose questions for David to answer.

David said: "As our knowledge of the two hormonal diseases responsible for the majority of cases of laminitis improves, veterinary surgeons can offer their clients more comprehensive advice on treatment options to prevent laminitis. For many owners who have struggled with this condition, this is an absolute revelation and has enormous welfare benefits".

Horse owners can register to view the online programme by visiting www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk.

To ensure that veterinary surgeons are versed in the most up to date research available, Boehringer Ingelheim will also be hosting a webinar for veterinary professionals at 8.00pm on Wednesday 13th March, presented by Professor Andy Durham BSc BVSc CertEP DEIM DipECEIM MRCVS.  The online seminar, 'The laminitis revolution.... An update on our understanding of endocrinopathic causes of laminitis', will entitle the viewer to a downloadable certificate for one hour of CPD. To register, visit www.bi-academy.co.uk. Places are limited, so register early to avoid disappointment.  The webinar will also be available to view after the event on demand.

For further information on how you can promote 'Talk About Laminitis' in your practice contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Territory Manager or call 01344 746959

References

1.    Karikoski et al. (2011). The prevalence of endocrinopathic laminitis among horses presented for laminitis at a first-opinion/referral equine hospital. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 41 111-117

2.    Donaldson et al. (2004). Evaluation of suspected pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses with laminitis. J Am Vet Med Assoc;224:1123-1127.

Kruuse has announced the launch of two new two new wound dressing products: Kruuse HydroGel and Kruuse Foam Dressing.

Kruuse HydroGel is a clear amorphous hydrogel with Polyhexanide (0.04%). According to the company, HydroGel will help maintain a moist healing environment encouraging autolytic debridement and gentle removal of slough and necrotic tissue. It is presented as a single dose 15g applicator tube. 

KRUUSE Foam Dressing is a non-adhesive; absorbent hydrophilic foam wound dressing coated with bacterial resistant micro porous thin foam backing. The company says it 'breathes' to allow oxygen in, expands as it absorbs exudate and conforms to shallow wound cavities. It is presented in 3 sizes: 5x5cm, 10x10cm and 15x15cm.

Andrew Groom , Managing Director, Kruuse UK Ltd. said: "Both products enhance the Kruuse's wound care product portfolio available to all customers, combined they increase the already extensive range of wound products available to the veterinary practitioner".

Both products will be on dispay and available at BSAVA 2013.

Life Technologies has announced the launch of a new ELISA test for bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies.

According to the company, studies have confirmed that the LSI VET Ruminant Bluetongue II-serum ELISA can detect antibodies to BTV in experimentally infected sheep after 6 days, and in cattle after 7-8 days - several days sooner than some other commercially available test kits, including the company's previous ELISA test which the new product has replaced.

Life Technologies asked the UK's Pirbright Institute, the European Union Reference Laboratory for BTV, to conduct a preliminary assessment of the new test. The new test was able to detect antibodies in all 24 BTV reference sera and BTV 26 held by Pirbright, and showed high sensitivity in a longitudinal study of experimentally infected animals.

The Pirbright study also demonstrated that the LSI VET Ruminant Bluetongue II-serum ELISA could detect BTV antibodies in cattle and sheep that had been vaccinated with an inactivated Bluetongue vaccine.

The new test was developed by Life Technologies Animal Health in its research laboratory near Lyon in France and will be available in EU countries via Life Technologies Animal Health distributors according to local regulatory requirements (see www.lifetechnologies.com/lsi-animal-health) for details.