A paper introduced by the RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson looked at the possibility of the RCVS prosecuting, for example, unqualified individuals undertaking veterinary work and courses falsely purporting to lead to a registerable qualification.
The paper also explored other options, including better educating animal owners about veterinary services and assisting people with concerns about the breaches of the VSA to raise them with the authorities.
Council heard that over the past year, the RCVS had assisted other agencies on investigations of suspected VSA breaches on a number of occasions.
It was considered that the RCVS could consider undertaking its own private investigations and criminal prosecutions when statutory prosecuting authorities did not have the resources to pursue these cases.
However, the RCVS has no statutory powers of investigation, so if it did pursue a private prosecution, it would have no powers to carry out a criminal investigation or compel evidence.
Council members voted for a further paper setting out a draft policy on private prosecutions, as well as what general information regarding breaches of the Veterinary Surgeons Act could be provided to members of the public and the professions.
Alice and Mariella, who co-authored the book Cracking the Menopause, met with MPs earlier this month to present the goals of their campaign: education for all on the menopause, an end to scaremongering, prescribing women with the correct medication and making HRT affordable and accessible to all.
Vets Now says 88% of its 1800 employees are women, 28% of whom are aged over 40, when they could be perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.
The company's new app offers its employees video consultations with health experts, health and fitness programmes, and support with mental health and nutrition.
Vet's Now says it's the starting point for a wider menopause support plan being launched later in the year which will include steps to help manage mental wellbeing at work, menopause support hubs and encouraging a culture which talks honestly about menopause.
Laura Black, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace and sadly it’s estimated that almost 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs due to the menopause.
“We are committed to creating an understanding workplace for employees going through the perimenopause and menopause and want to make sure they feel supported by us at all times.
“We've launched Peppy to help our colleagues take control of their health and get the answers they need from experts, anytime, anywhere.
"The app is free to access for all employees and their partners.
“We’ve been working hard on formulating a menopause support package for staff over the past couple of years and we’re really proud that we’re one of the first major veterinary businesses to make this step change.
"We’d encourage other businesses in the sector to look at similar plans for their colleagues.”
While the drive to launch Peppy was initially to support the Vets Now Menopause policy, it also provides support for fertility, pregnancy, early parenthood and men’s health.
For more information on Peppy visit www.peppy.health.
The companies are encouraging the use of CT to direct early, targeted surgical intervention and improve outcomes.
Dr Dean Felkler, Founder and CEO of Exotic Vet Support and senior clinician at Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital in Hong Kong, says a recent case of his highlights the importance of accurate and early diagnosis.
A 7yr old rabbit was presented for anorexia and hadn’t passed faeces for over 12hrs.
Dean said: “A full diagnostic investigation was performed.
"From the radiographs it is difficult to appreciate the GDV.
"However, on the CT scan, reported by VetCT, it was very obvious when compared to the normal stomach orientation.”
After initial stabilisation the patient underwent surgery to re-orientate the stomach and an incisional gastropexy was performed.
Following surgery the rabbit recovered well and was eating and passing faeces within 24 hours.
Dr David Reese, Director of VetCT Australia and exotics expert said: “We are able to identify several life-threatening pathologies much more accurately with CT than radiographs.
"This is vital for early correction of acute surgical abdominal conditions to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.”
VetCT is offering a free trial of its specialist teleradiology and teleconsulting services at: www.vet-ct.com
Photo: VetCT report of a CT scan showing GDV in a rabbit - The pylorus (lime green star) denoted by the thick pyloric wall is located on the left side of the abdomen and the fundus (dark pink star) is right laterally located.
The new product contains astaxanthin (an anti-oxidant), fucoidan (a fucose-rich, sulfated polysaccharide) and indigo (a deodorant), which together are claimed to fight against gum infections, deodorise the mouth, and reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar.
Bob Ferguson, Commercial Lead for Accord Animal Health said: “We are excited to bring to the UK and Ireland market, Vivinicord Chews, a novel combination of natural ingredients designed to aid pet owners support their dogs’ oral health.
"Dental disease and associated infections are such a huge issue for vets and owners, we believe Vivinicord Chews can be a valuable part of the solution.
“Vivinicord Chews will only be available for owners to buy from their local veterinary practice, supporting our mission of building a sustainable partnership with our veterinary customers.”
Vivinicord comes in packs of 30 chews with a shelf life of 24 months.
For further info or stock enquiries, contact: info@accord-animalhealth.com / 01271 385 200
The scheme will allow regular referrers to gift free treatment worth up to £5000 to clients in need of financial assistance
Hospital Director Nicola Bromley said: “We recognise the challenge it is for families who may need specialist care for their animal friend but are unable to find the necessary funds.
"We highly value the relationship we have with our referring vets in providing options to their clients, and we hope this scheme will empower them to give hope to those who need it most.
"We are committed to supporting our referring primary care vets through collaboration, to make the whole sector as good as it can be for every animal.”
The new scheme will be activated immediately and apply to referrals made from January 2024, meaning practices and primary care vets who already refer to Fitzpatrick Referrals can refer pro bono cases immediately.
https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk
DISCUSSION
Sabrina joins Fran Taylor-Brown, Simon Bertram and head of service Tom Cardy.
Tom, a European and RCVS specialist in neurology, said Cave is now the biggest specialist-led neurology service in the South West:
“We are very pleased to have Sabrina join the neurology service at Cave, expanding our team to four European and RCVS-recognised specialists in veterinary neurology. This really sets Cave apart from our competitors.
“Sabrina’s arrival, in conjunction with the installation of our new state-of-the-art MRI scanner, means we can see most urgent neurology referrals within 24-48 hours in nearly all cases and increase the number of neurology cases we treat each day.”
Cave’s new £1.2m Phillips Ingenia 1.5T Evolution offers 50% faster scans at a far higher resolution than its previous MRI and shorter general anaesthetics for patients.
It also allows a more detailed and accurate diagnosis of complex neurological conditions.
Tom added: “The MRI scanner is one of the most advanced imaging modalities for the nervous system, providing millimetre-thick cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord which is essential for both accurate diagnosis and treatment.
“Having such advanced equipment and facilities plus four recognised specialists means all our clients and their pets will see a vet with the highest level of training in veterinary neurology.
“All of our specialists are happy to discuss challenging cases on the phone with our referring vets and Sabrina's skills and enthusiasm will continue to improve and diversify the service we offer.
https://cave-vet-specialists.co.uk
The new product, which is for the management of any condition where eye health is supported by providing additional moisture or lubrication, is suitable for dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and other animals.
Oculeze contains glycerine (0.8%), Aloe vera, chamomile and propolis extract, the latter of which contains polyphenols which Millpledge says have been shown to support corneal health by multiple mechanisms of action including modulation of the tear film and a reduction in inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress1.
Millpledge says Oculeze lasts longer on the ocular surface than non-lipid lubricants2 because it evaporates more slowly3.
This prolonged action means fewer administrations, which should help client compliance.
Oculeze comes in two sizes - a 10 millilitre bottle and a pack of ten resealable 0.6 millilitre vials, suitable for short term use and travel.
The 10ml bottle includes a filter, preserving sterility for up to three months after opening.
Oculeze is available direct from Millpledge or from your usual wholesaler.
https://millpledge.com/shop/oculeze
sales@millpledge.com
References
The response offers further evidence concerning the CMA’s potential concerns, and says that voluntary measures relating to transparency of fees and ownership could be introduced before the conclusion of a market investigation.
The BVA has formed a working group to develop guidance on transparency, client choice and the value of veterinary care to support companion animal practices.
British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson, said: “We’re keen to see healthy competition and consumer choice and we recognise that some of the areas identified by the CMA would benefit from further scrutiny.
"We are already taking steps to support vet practices by developing guidance for the profession in relation to transparency of fees, transparency of ownership, prescribing and dispensing of veterinary medicines, and contextualised care.
“However, we are extremely disappointed to see the suggestion in the CMA’s report, as well as in subsequent media reporting, that veterinary professionals might prey on owners’ desire to do the best for their pets by using these circumstances as a “strategy” to promote more sophisticated or expensive treatment.
"Vets enter this high-pressure profession out of genuine care for animals and will always prioritise their health and welfare."
“We also have significant concerns about the suggestion that practices might be mandated to provide information to clients about quality or outcome-related measures.
"We do not see primary concerns about the quality of veterinary treatment and we believe such a requirement would not meaningfully support consumer choice.
"Instead, it would be extremely challenging to deliver and could significantly exacerbate many of the complex issues faced by our members, who are already under significant pressure.
There will be a panel discussion about the CMA investigation at BVA Live this year.
https://bvalive.vetshow.com
COMMENT
There are lots of good points made in this latest response to the CMA, if no more than a nod to the real issue here: which is the often eye-watering cost of modern veterinary care.
But it is hugely disappointing to see the BVA (and others) berating the CMA and the media for suggesting that vets might prey on owners' desire to do the best for their pet, rather than asking WHY people think that, and how can the profession regain trust.
That, surely, is the starting point here: for the profession to stop feeling sorry for itself, and instead think how it can change to meet the needs of its customers and dispel their perception of being taken for a ride.
The CMA investigation is a bit of a red herring: the price of veterinary care is not going to be significantly changed by displaying the prices for a few standard procedures on practice websites, with greater transparency over practice ownership or with slightly cheaper prescriptions, all of which is just tinkering.
The biggest influence on the size of the client's bill is not marketplace competition, it's the vet's recommendation.
Paul Manktelow, Chief Vet at the Blue Cross has already hit the nail square on the head when he called on the profession to practise pragmatic medicine.
The BVA now alludes to this with talk in its response of 'contextualised care' - a concept which allows practitioners to offer pragmatic medicine (aka what people can afford, rather than 'gold standard'), without the judgement that it is inherently associated with.
The benefits of 'contextualised care' are well explained by Ruth Serlin at VDS Training here.
That's great, but will it be enough?
Perhaps not, because whilst someone might be happy to walk out of the car showroom with a Dacia Sandero knowing they cannot afford a Bentley, they may be less happy to accept the Dacia level of care for their beloved pet, when they watched 'Supervet' only the night before.
If that's true, then pragmatic medicine will have to be combined with all sorts of other measures, such as reviewing and reducing the cost of regulation, questioning the value of diagnostics and changing to a less 'referall' (sic) culture.
This new injectable fluralaner formulation is approved for the immediate and persistent killing of fleas for one year (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis), from 3 days to 12 months after treatment for the ticks Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus, from 4 days to 12 months after treatment for Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and from 7 days to 12 months after treatment for Ixodes hexagonus.
MSD says it will also reduce the risk of Babesia canis via transmission by Dermacentor reticulatus from day 3 after treatment for up to 12 months, and also reduces the risk of infection with Dipylidium caninum via transmission by Ctenocephalides felis for up to 12 months.
Victoria Miles, UK Companion Animal Business Unit Director, MSD Animal Health said: “Imagine not having to worry about flea and tick protection for a whole year."
Bravecto 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for injection for dogs can be administered to dogs and puppies six months of age and older.
The product is already available in France and Germany and MSD told VetSurgeon.org that stocks are expected in the UK in September, for which the company is now taking pre-orders.
Contact your MSD Account Manager for further information on pricing.
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations for better pay and conditions earlier in the year.
Valley Vets, which is owned by VetPartners, offered a 7.27% increase to its lowest paid staff, with smaller increases for higher paid staff.
However, the BVU rejected the offer, describing it as a "derisory real terms pay cut".
A postal ballot was held and 94% of members voted for industrial action, with a 93% turnout.
The BVU says it is open to restarting negotiations in the hope that an improved offer will make the strike unnecessary.
Ms Evans was charged with causing or allowing a veterinary nurse colleague to order a prescription-only medicine from a practice supplier knowing that it was intended for human use, and made a false entry prescribing the medication on the clinical records of a cat belonging to her nurse colleague.
She was also charged with falsely recording details purporting to be the results of the blood tests on cat and then entering notes on the animal's clinical history which falsely indicated that there had been a meaningful result, and then indicating to the animal's owner that there had been a meaningful result, when in fact the tests had failed to produce any meaningful results.
The final charge was that her conduct in making the false entry for the prescription-only medication, and all elements of the second charge was dishonest and misleading.
Ms Evans admitted the first charge on the basis that she had allowed rather than caused the order to be made, all the other facts of this charge were admitted.
She admitted the second charge on the basis that she had failed to inform the cat’s owner of the test results, all the other facts of this charge were admitted.
She also admitted that elements of her conduct had been dishonest and misleading.
Having found the charges proven by Ms Evans’ admissions, the Committee considered whether her admitted actions and conduct amounted to serious professional misconduct.
Ms Evans, through her legal counsel, accepted that the admitted charges passed the threshold for serious professional misconduct, though that question still needed to be determined independently by the Committee.
The Committee found that Dr Evans’ conduct had breached several key parts of the Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance, particularly around honesty and integrity.
It also found aggravating factors in this case, including the risk to human health by allowing the prescription-only medication to be ordered knowing it was for human use, the abuse of her professional position, the breach of client trust, the potential adverse impact on the welfare of the cat for whom she falsified the blood test records, and the potential adverse impact on the welfare of the cat for whom she had falsely recorded the prescription-only medicine.
The Committee found no mitigating factors relating to the facts.
Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said in relation to the first charge: “In the Committee’s view, this irresponsible approach to a prescription-only medicine risked human health, potentially compromised an animal’s welfare, since the clinical record suggested the cat had been given Fluconazole when it had not, constituted an abuse of the trust placed in her as a registered veterinary surgeon and was in breach of legal provisions designed to safeguard human health.
“Such behaviour falls far below the standard expected of a registered veterinary surgeon, undermines public confidence in the profession and would be considered deplorable by colleagues and the public alike.
"The Committee was thus satisfied that charge 1 on its own amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
He added: “Acting dishonestly runs contrary to one of the most fundamental principles of the profession.
"The public need to know that they can rely on the honesty and integrity of the people to whom they entrust the care and welfare of their animals.
“Further, Dr Evans’ conduct in both incidents had the potential to undermine public confidence in the profession of veterinary surgery and bring the profession into disrepute.
"In all the circumstances, the Committee was satisfied that Dr Evans’ behaviour as reflected in charge 2 fell far short of the standard expected of a veterinary surgeon and amounted to disgraceful conduct.
“Accordingly, the Committee found proved the allegation that Dr Evans was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
Having found serious professional misconduct in relation to all charges, the Committee considered what the most appropriate and proportionate sanction would be for Ms Evans’ actions and conduct.
In doing so, it considered 137 positive references and testimonials from Dr Evans’ professional colleagues and clients, poor staff morale at the practice at the time as well as compelling, exceptional evidence relating to Dr Evans’s health at the time of the two incidents.
In mitigation, the Committee considered the fact that Dr Evans had no previous disciplinary history and had a hitherto unblemished career as a veterinary surgeon; her open and frank admissions; the circumstances of pressures at work exacerbated by Dr Evans’ desire to please everyone and not let anyone down; the fact that Dr Evans was feeling very isolated; the significant insight into her conduct and its impact; effective and targeted remediation to ensure there would be no likelihood of the conduct being repeated; genuine expressions or remorse and apology; support from her employers; and the very significant number of positive testimonials.
Summing up the Committee’s decision on sanction, Mr Morris said “In all the, somewhat exceptional, circumstances of this case, the Committee was satisfied that a reprimand and a warning not to behave in this way again, would provide adequate protection to animals, as it was satisfied Dr Evans was most unlikely to ever make such a flawed set of decisions again.
“The Committee was satisfied that Dr Evans does not represent a risk to animals going forward, indeed from the character evidence it is clear that she always puts the welfare of animals first.
"She has also shown, since this episode, that she can work under pressure and not resort to making bad decisions and thus the Committee considered the wider public interest would best be served in this case by a reprimand and a warning.
“Notwithstanding the serious nature of Dr Evans' conduct, the Committee was satisfied that a fully informed member of the public would not be shocked if Dr Evans were allowed to continue to practise.
“The decision of this Committee is, therefore, that Dr Evans be reprimanded and warned about her behaviour.
"Dr Evans should, however, be under no illusion of how serious it is to have a finding of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect made against her and she should not take lightly the decision of this Committee to reprimand and warn her.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
All practices are eligible to register and no FCA authorisation is needed.
Carefree Credit says it will also process applications to make practice administration hassle free.
Mike Aldred, Director at Carefree Credit, said: "With the deepening cost of living crisis, owning a pet has never been more expensive for many pet owners and having these longer terms available will really help their pets get the treatment they need."
To register your practice with Carefree Credit, email office@carefreecredit.co.uk or call 0345 313 0177.
https://www.carefreecredit.co.uk
The RCVS says this is the first time that two leading organisations in veterinary QI are collaborating to establish a new evidence-based model for QI specific to veterinary care.
The project is being overseen by Jocelyn Toner MRCVS, an experienced veterinary surgeon with a background in shelter medicine and an interest in evidence-based interventions to improve welfare outcomes.
The team will test the model against a prevalent problem in practice and measure the cost of making the changes against the benefit it brings.
They will refine the model based on lessons learned before they make it available to all veterinary practices, to tackle any area a practice wants to improve, regardless of practice type or specialism.
The aim is to help time-poor practitioners implement proven QI methods to improve outcomes and provide a return on investment.
Jocelyn said: “I’m looking forward to working with colleagues from across the sector to develop a model that will make Quality Improvement more accessible, and show that it can have a real economic benefit.
"We know that there is increased demand for veterinary teams to provide more efficient and effective care while maintaining high levels of animal welfare, improving team welfare and client satisfaction.
"Over recent years an increasing number of veterinary teams have embraced QI techniques.
"Now is the time to take this to the next level by creating an evidence-based model for QI, which can be applied systematically in any veterinary setting.
The project will involve bringing together veterinary professionals to co-design the model and test it in practice.
If you are interested in supporting this work, please register your interest at: rcvsknowledge.org.uk/forms/ktp-interest-form/
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.
SAMSoc Autumn meet taking place at Warwick University 25th October 2019.
Visit www.samsoc.org to register!
Programme attached. A registration form can be downloaded from the 'news' section of the website.
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
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
See attachment for info on discounted rates for BSAVA manuals at pre congress meeting
Best wishes
Yvonne
Free plasma metanephrines – a novel diagnostic approach for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in dogs
The Royal Veterinary College is investigating whether an increased plasma metanephrine concentration can be used to identify pheochromocytomas in dogs. We hope this will provide a useful indicator for pheochromocytomas, which are otherwise challenging to diagnose and our preliminary data suggests that plasma metanephrine concentrations increase in affected dogs.
EDTA plasma samples are being submitted for metanephrine measurement by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and we also plan to validate a radioimmunoassay for metanephrine measurement.
We would welcome EDTA plasma samples from dogs undergoing investigation of adrenal masses, especially if pheochromocytoma is strongly suspected. The full cost of this test will be covered by the project grant and HPLC results are usually available within 7 days.
For further information or to discuss submitting a sample for analysis, please contact:
Ruth Gostelow BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS
Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Email: rgostelow@rvc.ac.uk
Or call the RVC Clinical Investigations Centre on 01707 666605
Fellow investigator: Harriet Syme BSc BVetMed PhD MRCVS D-ACVIM D-ECVIM
Other projects listed in the SAMSOC Wiki
Thought i would let you all know, that we have now reach the milestone of 100 SAMSOC members registered on the site.
The commitee is now starting to look for new ideas to develop within the site that will benefit members. Current features include - the forum, a wiki for listing projects that are recruiting cases and a media section for interesting radiographs/case material.
If you have any good ideas please contact us and we will see what we can do
All the best and see you tommorow
PS- There are still some members have yet to register on the site. So if you know one of them give them a nudge.
Hi all,
Just wanted to thank everyone again who came along to the satelitte meeting. I am sure you will agree it was a great day and we heard some interesting talks.
The results for the case report competition are below - Much to the relief of the presenters i forgot my camera so there is no photo to follow.
1st Place - Deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal carcinoma causing signs of mineralocorticoid excess and hypokalaemic myopathy in a dog
Ruth Gostelow (RVC - Medicine resident )
Second Place - Abdominal mycetoma in a dog caused by Scedosporium apiospermum Rosanne Jepson (RVC - Medicine Resident)
3rd place - Colonic candidiasis in a dog - Caroline Kisielewicz (Glasgow University - Medicine Resident)
4th place - Four cases of feline hyperprogesteronism - Natasha Hetzel (Bristol University - Medicine Resident)
In total we had 10 excellent submission from practioners and residents - whioch ave the commitee a nice but difficult task of slecting the top 3 . infact we expanded it to four. We hope to secure funding for the competition, so keep the competition in mind when you are on clinics.
Other news is that the commmitee has had alittle re shuffle
Marge Chandler and Clive Elwood have stepped down. Again the Commitee would like to thank them for their hard work and input over the last 4-5 years.
New members of the commitee
Mark Dunning - has joined the program commitee
David Walker - has taken over the PR role from me
My role will change and I will be keeping an eye on the website and hopefully coming up with some new ideas to make it more interesting ( let me know if you have any) and focusing on the antibiotic usage project.