The group said the funding has enabled all of its practices to access equipment including capnography and multiparameter monitors, alongside a structured training programme and a “low-flow anaesthesia” care framework.
So far, IVC practices have taken delivery of over 500 pieces of equipment and IVC says thousands of clinicians have downloaded the digital training and resources.
The project is designed to overcome three main barriers to adoption that IVC has identified: awareness, equipment availability and clinical confidence, with a focus on empowering Registered Veterinary Nurses and supporting change management at a practice level.
IVC says emissions from anaesthetic procedures can account for around 30% of the carbon emissions of a typical veterinary practice, and that low-flow anaesthesia reduces the environmental impact while maintaining or improving patient safety1.
In particular, IVC points to three main areas in the literature where there can be patient benefits from using low-flow: smoother inductions and frequently reduced recoveries; reduced risk of hypothermia; and warmed and humidified gases can further reduce hypothermia risk and, due to airway benefits, reduce the likelihood of other complications2.
Richard Hooker, Country Medical Director said: “By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, we are empowering our teams to deliver sustainable anaesthesia with confidence and safety. This commitment ensures we continue to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.”
Low flow anaesthesia. Is it worth it? Discuss: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/f/clinical-questions/31308/low-flow-anaesthesia-is-it-worth-it
References
The company says that over that time, it has invested £122 million in sites, equipment and technology, but for some vets and nurses, a lack of training and confidence and a perceived lack of time has been a barrier to getting the most out of it.
The new CVS ‘Equipment Optimisation’ project will focus on CT, X-ray, dental X-ray, microscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy, aiming to maximise its value and longevity.
The project plans to do this by helping to increase colleague confidence in the equipment’s ability, and to improve its maintenance - thereby reducing down time.
Each CVS practice will select one piece of equipment as a focus area for the next 12 months.
Each practice will create a plan, set project goals and then evaluate and share what works.
To support practices in their work, CVS has created a new clinical projects hub offering information and guidance on equipment set up, use, clinical interpretation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The company is also offering additional training in the form of in-practice mentoring, radiation protection supervisor training, and a variety of online courses.
Lizzie McLennan Green, CVS Companion Animal UK Veterinary Director, said: “We’ve invested significantly in clinical equipment to improve patient diagnoses.
"And this project will help teams to feel confident in using and maintaining it.
"It offers a huge opportunity to continuously improve; offering better treatment and improved services to our clients and their animals.
“Each practice is being given the chance to select a piece of equipment that best fits their client base, their team and the way they work.
"We’re getting everyone involved from the start to tailor their own project – to make the process more targeted and meaningful.
“And to help colleagues, our clinical projects hub will be the go-to space containing all of the information, tools and support they need to get involved.
"It’ll also allow colleagues to connect with others, share ideas and build confidence as a wider team.”
The company conducted the survey of 404 owners after news that the bio-pharma company Okava plans to trial a weight-loss drug for dogs that mimics the effects of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, tapping into a potential $10 billion market.
Of the pet owners who responded, it was the younger group aged 25-34 who were most receptive to the idea of a weight-loss drug for their pet (56%).
That figure fell to 21% of 45–54-year-olds and 20% among those aged 55 and above, most of whom were probably holding up their hands in horror: "Whatever next".
Alicia Hempsted, pet insurance spokeswoman from MoneySuperMarket, said: “If GLP-1 style treatments for obesity become available for dogs in the future, it’s likely that owners will have to pay out of pocket for them, which may affect their availability."
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/pet-insurance/
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
IVC is one of 115 companies certified in the UK, including Vodafone, Bentley, Amazon and Pfizer, and the first veterinary organisation.
The certification benchmarks organisations globally on their people practices, including strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity, equity & inclusion, and wellbeing.
IVC says the certification reflects a series of initiatives introduced to enhance the colleague experience, including private healthcare options for all staff, a family-friendly policy, a growing network of wellbeing champions and mental health first aiders, and the launch of two new training centres.
Duncan Phillips, IVC Evidensia CEO UK & Ireland, said: “This certification is a welcome acknowledgement of the progress we’ve made, and a motivator to keep improving the experience for every colleague across the UK.”
Androna Benade, Regional Manager for UK and Ireland, Top Employers Institute said: “With veterinary professionals playing a vital role in animal health, food safety, and public wellbeing, this recognition sends a powerful message about the importance of valuing and investing in the people behind the profession.
"As the UK faces ongoing workforce challenges in the veterinary sector, IVC Evidensia’s achievement sets a benchmark for how the profession can be supported, retained, and celebrated as a critical part of the UK economy and society.”
www.top-employers.com
The authors say the research marks a significant step forward in understanding how veterinary surgeons and owners can more effectively manage and prevent outbreaks of the disease.
For the study, researchers from the RVC, the University of Cambridge, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, analysed more than 500 S. equi samples from across the UK between 2016 and 2022.
In particular, they wanted to better understand the relative contribution of short-term (immediately post infection) versus long-term carriers (carriers that were infected months or years prior).
The samples were collected from clinical cases sent to diagnostic laboratories by veterinary surgeons seeking confirmation of infection.
Surplus samples were submitted to the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network and then cultured in the RVC’s research laboratory and their DNA extracted and sequenced to reveal each bacterium’s complete genetic code.
Adopting an approach that combined whole genome sequencing and epidemiological data, the researchers were able to trace how strains are related and have evolved.
With the use of computer programmes, they also tracked how genetically related strains spread between horses and across regions, over time.
By adopting this approach, the team was also able to pinpoint likely transmission events and chains of infection.
The main findings were:
The research highlights the need for early diagnosis, isolation and laboratory-confirmed clearance, particularly through guttural pouch testing, before assuming a horse is infection-free.
It also advocates for tighter biosecurity and movement protocols, especially when transporting horses across regions.
Dr Abigail McGlennon, former PhD student in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “Strangles is a challenging and distressing disease for horses, owners, yards and vets, and this work has highlighted just how easily it can be spread across the UK in a short period of time.
“This study shows how important enhanced surveillance utilising epidemiological and genomic data is to investigate and understand strangles transmission across the UK.
"Our data highlights the importance of greater awareness and adoption of post-outbreak screening protocols to confirm freedom from infection, rather than owners assuming recovery based on the resolution of clinical signs.”
Reference
The model was trialled at the group's Rotherham practice where it has introduced advanced soft tissue surgery, 128-slice CT scanning, orthopaedics and spinal surgery, cardiac scanning and ophthalmology.
To offer the service, the group has invested £280K in post-graduate qualifications for its vets and £130k in equipment over the past 18 months.
The Pet Vet Says that not only does the ‘First Opinion Plus’ model expand the group’s ability to serve more pets in their communities, it has also boosted recruitment and retention of clinical colleagues by offering rewarding technical career pathways in addition to traditional leadership routes.
Emily Chapman, Area Manager at The Pet Vet, said: “The implementation of the ‘first opinion plus’ model at The Pet Vet Rotherham has transformed our offering to customers and referring surgeries.
We’ve taken that success and tailored it for each of our 12 surgeries, so every local community we serve benefits from the best of both worlds: trusted first opinion care and advanced services under one roof, as well as a stable and motivated team of colleagues that are supported in pursuing their clinical passions.”
www.thepetvet.co.uk/careers.
The company said that from April 6, 2026, umbrella companies, along with the agencies or end clients using them, will become liable for unpaid PAYE tax.
Ronda.vet said that if an umbrella company fails to pay HMRC, the liability can be passed directly to the end client, the veterinary practice.
The company also said HMRC could potentially pursue the end client for unpaid tax without first exhausting recovery options against the non-compliant umbrella company or agency.
The new rules apply to any payments made to workers employed by an umbrella company on or after April 6.
Ronda.vet said that for veterinary practices there are two scenarios.
If a practice is using an agency, the recruiters will generally be liable first.
If the practice is contracting directly with an umbrella company, the liability falls squarely at their door.
Ibra Hernando, co founder of Ronda Vet said: "Many practices use umbrella companies without fully understanding where liability sits.
"From April, ignorance won't protect a practice from a significant unexpected tax bill if a provider further up the chain fails to pay HMRC.
"These changes are a bit of a wake-up call for the entire profession to know exactly how their locum staff are being paid."
www.ronda.vet
Dear Colleague,
On behalf of the local organizing committee for the EVECCS 2010 Congress I would like to make you aware that Registration is now OPEN.
Below is a flyer for the event. You can find further information and register at www.eveccs2010.org
With small animal veterinarian and nursing programmes, an equine programme, social events and a beautiful city EVECCS 2010 is set to be a success. Why not come and join us?
Please help us by distributing this email to anyone you know who may be interested in attending.
Please note Royal Canin offers a number of free registrations to young veterinarians and vet nurses on a first come first served basis, young applicants should book and pay for their registrations and Royal Canin will refund them prior to Congress if they are selected within the first group.
If you are interested in submitting an abstract then please also see the information on the website.
Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you in Cambridge.
Toby Birch
EVECCS 2010 Local Organising Committee
www.eveccs2010.org
EVECCS 2010 will be held from 18th - 20th June 2010 at the University Arms, Cambridge CB2 1AD
A Pre-congress day will be held on 17th June 2010
Programme attached. A registration form can be downloaded from the 'news' section of the website.
Dear SAMSoc colleagues,
Many will remember the talk Prof Martin Bland gave at our meeting last year. His secretary has asked me to post the following advert for a course on statistics for vets this October (four day) entitled 'Introduction to Statistics for Vets', to be delivered by Professor Bland himself at the University of York. Attached is the flyer.
Regards,
Stijn.
The researchers say their analysis shows more needs to be done within the profession to acknowledge, raise awareness of and dismantle the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism that exist.
For the qualitative study, all BAME veterinary professionals and students in the UK were asked to complete an online questionnaire, containing open questions about their experiences.
The questionnaire was was distributed online, in veterinary schools, veterinary organisations and the media, with responses analysed using inductive and deductive approaches.
The findings identified three main themes regarding BAME people’s experiences in the sector.
The first was alienation and insecurity, ranging from blatant rejection, or being deliberately patronised, such as:
"In practicals in the vet school, I’ve noticed more and more times that students would rather work on other stations and not want to work on stations me and my friends (who are also from ethnic minority backgrounds) are working on, even when the other stations are full. This has happened on multiple occasions."
or
"On work experience, the vet I was shadowing at the time would ask me questions like, “Are you integrated into society yet?”, and “What do you eat?”. I am a British citizen who was born in the UK, and so were my parents, so I found this particularly confusing."
through to more subtle forms of "othering":
"People assume that you aren't British and are different, whereas I would say since I was born and grew up in Britain that I identify as British. People ask me if I can speak another language, or like, do I eat my ethnic food all the time?
"An older couple once probed, “Where are you from?”, I said [name of UK city], they asked again, I said I grew up in [name of UK county], and they asked one more time and I said I have Caribbean heritage. I find this is a common form of racism amongst older people and often they’re not trying to be hurtful, but they’re curious and don't understand how it would make someone feel uncomfortable.
The second theme was homogenisation and inferiorisation, for example when BAME people are labelled, often incorrectly, according to perceived ethnicity:
"I've had lay colleagues refer to me as ‘the Chinese vet’ in front of clients and other colleagues rather than address me by my name – and it's weird because I grew up in Australia."
"Clients often asked to book in with the Singapore vet, but commonly referred to him as ‘the Chinese vet’ on the phone instead of his name, or if they forgot his name. I believe the nurses corrected these clients, but sometimes the clients would ‘jokingly’ comment that it's ‘the same thing’."
The final theme was the disappointment and futility felt by many of the participants, and the impact on their job satisfaction:
"Job satisfaction worsens when I learn that my colleagues (nurses or vets) are unaware of the impact of their words and do not understand what constitutes racism, e.g., use of the word ‘golliwog’, even when not used to describe a specific person. The judgement placed on someone due to their ethnicity creates an unpleasant atmosphere which impacts job satisfaction."
Dr Christine Thuranira-McKeever, Vice Principal (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Director of Distance Learning at the RVC, said: “At the RVC, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the sector and have implemented several initiatives – aligned with our Strategic Plan in which EDI is a core component – to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
"This includes the RVC For All campaign and Veterinary Gateway Programme to broaden access to veterinary education; the RVC's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Race Equality Task Group to focus on addressing racial disparities and shaping policy; and Animal Aspirations, founded in 2019 by RVC students, to support individuals from minority backgrounds.
“However, there is more to be done, and the findings of this study emphasise a significant need for the veterinary profession to come together and do more to acknowledge and raise awareness of the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism, to challenge and dismantle them, and to empower those who are affected.”
SAMSoc Autumn meet taking place at Warwick University 25th October 2019.
Visit www.samsoc.org to register!
Programme attached including details of how to register
Early bird registration deadline is 3 March for the SAMSoc pre-BSAVA meet. Please register soon!
Visit www.samsoc.org for details.
Entries for our case report competition are invited before Friday 1 March 2019.
In addition to the postings below the notes for SAMSOC AGM are now avalaible in the WIKI section
Fabio Procoli DMV MRCVS, Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Small Animal Internal Medicine RVC
The Royal Veterinary College
As part of the LUPA initiative ( http://www.eurolupa.org ), the Royal Veterinary College, University of London and the Universities of Manchester and Uppsala are collaborating to investigate the genetic...
Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) Treatment Study Aran Mas DVM MRCVS P-J.M.Noble BSc BVM&S PhD MRCVS, A.J.German BVSc PhD CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
We are currently looking at the predisposition of Birman cats to congenital portosystemic shunts. The project is being run by Angie Hibbert and Professor Tim Gruffydd-Jones at the Feline Centre Bristol
Stijn Neissen RVC
A study is underway to evaluate the efficacy of Protexin Pro-Kolin Enterogenic in conjunction with ronidazole in the treatment of T.foetus in cats with diarrhoea. Referring vets who have diagnosed T.foetus by PCR are asked to contact Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore or Stephanie Lalor at University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals using the contact details below to discuss enrolment of cats into the study.Tel. 0131 650 7650Email. slalor@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
See attached document for details of BMUS meeting in Brighton which has a veterinary stream
The 2011 AGM meeting minutes have now been uploaded to the media section of the SAMSoc website on vetsurgeon.org
Alex Gough
Dear Colleagues,
We are conducting a survey of veterinary surgeons to try and establish some baseline facts about the treatment of canine lymphoma. We would be most grateful if you would complete the following questionnaire.
The questionnaire is short and simple and should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete. Needing no specific case details, it does not require you refer to clinical records. Furthermore it requires no case follow up at all. If you prefer you can save your responses and return to the survey later, though it is very short.
http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=37382vpylk
Many thanks indeed in anticipation of your help
Yours faithfully
Christopher Saul, BVetMed CertSAM MRCVS, Cranmore Veterinary Services and Chestergates Referral Hospital
Just a reminder of research projects by our members that are ongoing. Full details can be found in the wiki on the group homepage:
Diabetes Treatment Survey for vets, nurses and owners
Primary Investigator Contact Info:
Stijn Niessen
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,
Royal Veterinary College,
University of London, UK
sniessen@rvc.ac.uk
Genetic Basis of Endocrine Disease in Dogs
Further details can be obtained from:
Brian Catchpole BVetMed PhD MRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Immunology
Dept. of Pathology & Infectious Diseases
Royal Veterinary College
Hawkshead Lane,
N. Mymms
Herts AL9 7TA
Tel: +44 (0)1707 666388
Fax: +44 (0)1707 666483
Email: bcatchpole@rvc.ac.uk
Congenital PSS in Birman Cats - DNA Project
Angie Hibbert BVSc CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
Feline Centre
University of Bristol
Langford
Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) Treatment Study
Aran Mas DVM MRCVS
P-J.M.Noble BSc BVM&S PhD MRCVS,
A.J.German BVSc PhD CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
If you have a suitable case and would like to discuss enrolment on the trial, please do not hesitate to contact us (telephone 0151 795 6100, vetinmed@liv.ac.uk)
Efficacy of masitinib in dogs with steroid-resistant inflammatory bowel disease
cic@rvc.ac.uk
Fabio Procoli
Efficacy of Protexin Pro-Kolin Enterogenic in conjunction with ronidazole in the treatment of T.foetus in cats with diarrhoea
Tel. 0131 650 7650
Email. slalor@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Just as a reminder i have pasted below from our SAMSOC WIKI the studies that recruiting cases
If you have a project you would like to post in the wiki drop me a line ( iab@vetspecialists.co.uk) and i can sort it out for you.
As before i will send a list of all projects around to members from time to time (Just to keep them relatively fresh in peoples minds).
All the best
Ian
FOUR great case reports have now been selected for the case report competition at the SAMSOC meeting (see finalised programme below), complementing an exciting & thought provoking programme.
Please note: Registration deadlines for your yearly shot of grade A medicine are approaching....if you are in any way serious about your medicine, don't get left out and register ASAP.
Pre-BSAVA SAMSOC Satellite Meeting - Wednesday April 7th 2010, Hall 10, ICC, Birmingham
8.30 – 9am
Registration
9 – 9.45
Epilepsy: when the (usual) drugs don’t work...
Dr Holger Volk DrMedVet PhD DipECVN MRCVS (RVC, UK-Germany)
9.55 – 10.40
Antimicrobial usage in companion animal practice: facts and moral dilemmas
Dr Susan Dawson BVMS PhD MRCVS (University of Liverpool, UK)
10.40–11.10
Break
11.10-12.05
Case Reports – sponsored by Vetoquinol
1. Abdominal mycetoma in a dog caused by Scedosporium apiospermum 2. Deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal carcinoma causing signs of mineralocorticoid excess and hypokalaemic myopathy in a dog 3. Colonic candidiasis in a dog
4. Four cases of feline hyperprogesteronism
Rosanne Jepson (RVC)
Ruth Gostelow (RVC)
Caroline Kisielewicz (Glasgow University)
Natasha Hetzel (Bristol University)
12.05 – 1.00
Venous thromboembolism: learning from a human perspective
Dr Nandan Gautam MA, BM ChB, MRCP DICM. Consultant in medicine and critical care. Member of the NICE venous thromboembolism prevention committee (Birmingham UK)
1.00 -2.30
Lunch (till 2.00 for those attending lunch-time session)
2.00-2.30
How to write a successful CertSAM casebook? (optional)
Jon Wray BVSc DSAM CertVC MRCVS (Dick White Referrals, UK)
2.30-3.15
Controversies surrounding treatment of aortic thromboembolism
Dr Matt Beal DVM DipACVECC
(Michigan State University, USA)
3.25-3.35
3.35-4.20
Feline Acromegaly: separating facts from assumptions
Stijn Niessen DVM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS (RVC, UK-Netherlands)
4.30-5pm
AGM and presentation “best case report award” sponsored by Vetoquinol
Satellite meeting fees (lunch is included if you register before March15th 2010)
Members £65, Non members £95. SAMSOC annual membership - £25
If you are interested in joining the society and/ or attending the meeting contact yvonnemcgrotty@hotmail.com
or iab@vetspecialists.co.uk. Details can also be found on the SAMSOC webpage (log onto www.vetsurgeon.org).
JSAP is pleased to announce that it will provide two seminars to be held during BSAVA Congress, in conjunction with the Clinical Research Abstract sessions, aimed at providing guidance for those seeking to publish their research and wishing to critically evaluate published studies. These sessions are free to attend but numbers are limited (see below).
Friday 9 April
12.05–12.35 (Hall 7b, ICC)
How To Put A Paper Together
Speaker: Malcolm Ness
BVetMed CertSAO DipECVS FRCVS
Vets in practice are ideally placed to conduct and publish clinical research because they are the ones actually seeing the cases! Many practitioners are put off because of a perceived difficulty in "getting published". This is largely fear of the unknown and like most things, once you know the rules, it is easier to play the game. The purpose of the seminar is to look at and learn the "rules" of writing a paper for publication in a peer reviewed veterinary journal. Areas considered will include:
What makes a good clinical research project?
Understanding the standard format for writing a paper – which bits go where, and why
The peer review process – how it works and why
Handling rejection!
The seminar is intended for anyone aspiring to seeing their work published in a peer reviewed veterinary journal including interns, residents, researchers and referral clinicians but especially colleagues working in primary care clinical practice.
Saturday 10 April
12.05–12.35 (Hall 7a, ICC)
Critical Reading
Speaker: Adrian Boswood
MA VetMB DVC DipECVIM-CA FHEA MRCVS
Reading original articles from the peer-reviewed literature can at first seem a daunting task. It is however, only by evaluating full papers (rather than skimming and believing abstracts!) that the strengths and weaknesses of published studies can be truly appreciated. This seminar at BSAVA congress is designed to give attendees a basic understanding of how to approach original papers.
The seminar will begin with an outline of the formal structure of a scientific paper and give guidelines for readers as to where critical information in the paper should be sought. Examples from the veterinary and medical literature examples of good (and in some cases bad!) practice will be used to illustrate this critical approach. The seminar is designed for practitioners wishing to develop a more questioning approach and for those in the early stages of a clinical academic career (although anyone is welcome to attend).
Adrian Boswood is Professor of Veterinary Cardiology at the Royal Veterinary College and a RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology and a European Specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology).
Malcolm Ness is Founding Partner at Croft Veterinary Hospital and a RCVS and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery.
Spaces for these seminars are limited, and those attending the Saturday seminar will be sent a paper to evaluate in advance that will be discussed at the meeting. Therefore, if you would like to attend either of these seminars please contact Ian Mellor, Media Sales Manager, British Small Animal Veterinary Association (email: i.mellor@bsava.com) by Friday 26 March.
Willows Referral Service
Locum Internal Medicine Clinician required
During 2010 Willows Referral Service has opportunities for part-time Internal Medicine locum cover. The successful applicant(s) should either hold an RCVS, European or American Diploma (or equivalent) or have undertaken Residency training and be ready to take their final Diploma examinations. Candidates must share our aim of providing the best possible levels of care for clients, their pets and for referring veterinary surgeons.
We have an excellent team of support staff who give our clinicians the opportunity to concentrate on their clinical caseload and to work in a pleasant, supportive and good humoured atmosphere. Facilities include a superbly equipped intensive care unit, kennelling for over 100 in-patients, all-new GE imaging equipment, including 1.5T MRI, top-end 16 slice CT with in-room CT fluoroscopy, two general digital X-ray rooms, mobile image intensifier, high-end ultrasound and Olympus video endoscopy. Our medicine clinicians, Jane Eastwood DSAM and Kirsty Roe DipACVIM, work alongside specialists in the disciplines of soft tissue surgery, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, imaging and anaesthesia, and our philosophy is very much one of friendly co-operation between clinicians in every specialism.
For further information about Willows internal medicine service please visit http://www.willows.uk.net/en-GB/specialist-services/specialisms/internal-medicine
If you are interested and would like an informal chat about the position, please contact Jane Eastwood on 0121 712 7070
Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, West Midlands www.willows.uk.net