Animalcare has launched Clevor, a fast-acting emetic administered as an eye drop.

The active ingredient of Clevor is ropinirole, which is a dopamine agonist with high selectivity for dopamine D₂-type receptors¹.

This, Animalcare says, means that Clevor only activates the receptors in the brain necessary to trigger emesis.

Clevor is also the only emetic product in the UK which is licensed for repeat-dosing¹.

Clevor is available in packs of three eye dropper vials.

Each vial contains enough active ingredient to dose up to three, 20kg dogs at once, including a second dose if necessary¹.

Kai Crawshaw, Animalcare UK Brand Manager said: ‘It’s hard to keep pets away from toxic substances so we are pleased to be able to offer vets a new treatment option for pet poisoning, just in time for Easter.

"Clevor is revolutionary in the field of emetics, offering veterinary practices a highly selective product with a non-invasive method of administration.

"We are confident that Clevor will quickly become a tried and trusted product of choice for those emergency situations.’

https://www.animalcare.co.uk/learn-more-about-clevor 

Reference

1. The efficacy and safety of Clevor were assessed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical field study with 100 dogs receiving Clevor eye drops. Suokko, M et al. Vet Rec (2019), doi:10.1136/vr.104953.

The Competition and Markets Authority has completed its review of the veterinary sector, concluding that there are five main areas of concern and proposing a formal Market Investigation, subject to a 4 week consultation. 

The CMA review generated 11,000 responses from people working in the veterinary industry, including 1/5th of the country's vets and nurses. There were a further 45,000 responses from the general public. 

Issues identified by the review were that:

• Consumers are not being given enough information choose the best practice or the right treatments. The CMA highlighted that 80% of practices don't display any pricing information on their website, that consumers are often not informed about the cost of diagnosis or treatment before agreeing to it, and the lack of transparency over the ownership of corporate practices.
• In some areas of the country, corporatisation may be killing off competition. 
• Large groups which have invested in expensive, advanced equipment may be incentivised to offer more sophisticated, higher cost treatments, making consumers less able to access simpler lower cost treatments. They have also bought related businesses, such as referral centres, diagnostic labs, crematoria and out of hours care, providing an incentive to provide these services in-house to the detriment of choice and competition. 
• Pet owners may be paying too much for medicines: around 25% of pet owners are unaware they can have prescriptions fulfilled elsewhere, and there is little incentive for practices to advise owners that they have a choice. Furthermore, under the current regulatory framework, practices are often unable to source medicines at prices that can compete in the marketplace.
• Under the current framework, the RCVS regulates at practitioner level, meaning it has limited leverage over the commercial and consumer-facing aspects of veterinary business, such as how prices are communicated or whether there is transparency over practice ownership.

So far, the RCVS, the BVNA and IVC have all responded to the announcement, the RCVS welcoming the call for modernising the regulatory framework and the BVNA likewise (taking the opportunity to remind everyone that this would also be the moment to protect the 'veterinary nurse' title).

Meanwhile, IVC said that for its part, it has always tried to ensure its prices are competitive and that customers are informed of costs before treatment, adding that it believes price increases in the sector have been driven predominantly by the shortage of vets, necessary improvements to pay and conditions for veterinary professionals and inflation.  

The CMA has now launched a 4-week consultation to seek views from the sector on the proposal to launch a market investigation.

The consultation closes on 11 April 2023 at which point it will consider the responses received and a decision will be made on how to proceed.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk

The BSAVA has published the third edition of the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice, updated with new video content.

Four new procedures have been added: cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and wet-to-dry dressings.

The new video content, access to which is included with the printed book, has been designed as a ‘go to’ resource to reference prior to performing a procedure.  

Nick Bexfield, one of the editors of the new edition, said: “We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed.”

Print copies are available through the BSAVA store, you can also access the digital version in the BSAVA Library.

Prices are £45.50 for BSAVA members; £70.00 for non-members.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has published new research in Preventative Veterinary Medicine which concluded that surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures in dogs causes better outcomes for reducing lameness compared to non-surgical management¹.

The study was based on VetCompass anonymised clinical records from more than two million dogs under first opinion veterinary care in the UK in 2019.

The study applied causal inference methods to the analysis of random samples of 815 dogs with CCL rupture aged between 1.5- and 12-years-old to replicate a randomised clinical trial and explore the impact of the different treatment methods.

Balancing the arms of the study for variables including age, breed and bodyweight, the researchers compared the outcomes for the dogs who received surgical management for CCL ruptures to those that were managed non-surgically.

The results showed that dogs managed surgically were 25.7% less likely to show short-term lameness at 3 months post-diagnosis and 31.7% less likely to show long-term lameness at 12 months post-diagnosis than dogs managed non-surgically.

Surgically managed dogs were 38.9% less likely to have a pain relief prescription at 3 months post-diagnosis, 34.1% less likely at 6 months and 32.7% less likely at 12 months than dogs managed non-surgically.

The RVC says these findings also similarly demonstrate lower longer term pain in surgically managed dogs.

Camilla Pegram, VetCompass PhD student at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “This study used an exciting new approach that allowed us to determine ‘cause’ rather than being limited to ‘association’.

"Surgical management for CCL rupture is often considered as providing better outcomes than non-surgical management, but this study now provides an evidence base to support this.

"Whilst surgical management might not always be feasible for some dogs, the findings allow vets to quantify the benefit in their discussions with owners.”

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106165 

Reference

1. PEGRAM, C., DIAZ-ORDAZ, K., BRODBELT, D. C., CHANG, Y., FRYKFORS VON HEKKEL, A., WU, C., CHURCH, D. B. & O’NEILL D.G. 2024. Target Trial Emulation: Does surgical versus non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs cause different outcomes? Preventive Veterinary Medicine https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106165 

Nicola Menzies-Gow FRCVS, Professor in Equine Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, has been appointed Chair of the RCVS Ethics Review Panel (ERP).

The RCVS ERP provides an ethics review mechanism for researchers who are based in practice and don't have access to this process through university and industry connections.

The subcommittee has representation across a range of areas of veterinary expertise, including veterinary nursing, and also includes lay researchers and scientists.

Since its formation as a trial service in 2016, the ERP has reviewed more than 530 research proposals on behalf of the College.

Nicola said: “I am honoured to be offered this position.

"Having been a member of RCVS ERP for the past three years and undertaking a similar role as the Chair of the Clinical Research Ethical Review Board at the Royal Veterinary College, I felt that I had the right expertise to take on the role

“It is vitally important that all research, regardless of where it is undertaken, undergoes ethical review to ensure that robust results are produced especially when they have the potential to influence clinical practice, and so I really welcome the work the ERP has been undertaking.

“As chair of the ERP I hope to build on the success of my predecessor and continue to support those working in clinical practice that is not associated with a university to undertake valuable research and add to the body of evidence that supports our clinical decision-making.”

www.rcvs.org.uk/ethics

The RCVS has announced that the annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons will increase by 6% subject to government approval. 

RCVS Council recommended the increase due to inflationary pressures and increased business costs.

Dr Tshidi Gardiner MRCVS, RCVS Treasurer, said: “We recognise that these are difficult economic times, so Council has endeavoured to limit the fee increase as far as possible; however, in proposing these new fees, Council has had to take account both of increased costs due to inflation, and of additional costs related to ensuring we are fulfilling our regulatory remit to the best of our abilities and meeting our strategic priorities.

“For example, increased costs related to the additional number of veterinary degrees coming on stream, modernising our membership database, our Charter Case Committee, the trial of our private prosecutions protocol against non-vets breaching the Veterinary Surgeons Act, and much more besides.”

Vets need to pay their annual renewal this year by 1st April.

Anyone who hasn't paid by 1st May will face a late payment charge of £35.

Anyone who hasn't paid by 1st June risks removal from the Register.

As part of the annual renewal process, vets also need to confirm their registration and contact details, declare any convictions and declare they are compliant with the College’s requirements for continuing professional development (CPD).

Anyone who expects to encounter any difficulties in paying their fees is asked to contact the RCVS Finance Team on finance@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0722.

According to research conducted by Petplan, 65% of dog owners say they find visits to the vet difficult because of their dog's anxiety. 

25% of owners said they have seen their dog running away on hearing the word 'vet' and 30% have actively avoided a visit to the vet because of the animal's stress. 

To try and get round the problem, 30% of owners use language to avoid alerting their animal: either spelling out the word 'V-E-T', or using a different word, like the 'dogtor'.

47% of owners disguise the trip and take their dog for a walk first, whilst 46% give their dog extra treats that day.  

NoBACZ Healthcare, the wound protection company spun out from the University of Cambridge, has launched NoBACZ Navel, a novel, rapid-setting and long-lasting solution for navel dipping lambs and calves.

Developed in conjunction with Fiona Lovatt BVSc PhD FHEA DSHP DipECSRHM FRCVS, past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and RCVS-recognised specialist in sheep health and production, NoBACZ Navel disinfects and dries the navel in a couple of hours and seals with a colourful, natural resin that forms a long-lasting waterproof barrier to protect against bacterial ingress from the environment. 

It can also be used on the area around ear tags in lambs and calves.

Nobacz Navel can be applied by dipping or spraying and contains a bitter agent to deter ewe or cow interference.

Fiona said: “Attention to detail is an essential component in the care of neonatal lambs. 

"To reduce the risks of joint ill, shepherds need to do whatever they can to protect lambs from bacteria infecting either the navel or the ears at the point of tagging. 

"This product has been carefully designed to both desiccate the area and to form a barrier to protect these vulnerable sites. 

"I’ve seen it used successfully in a number of flocks now – both in late lambers from last year and early lambers from this.”

https://nobacz.com 

Improve Veterinary Education has launched an 18-module programme in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery.

The programme covers periodontal treatments, restorative dentistry, orthodontics and maxillofacial surgeries, among others.

Improve says training will be delivered via a mixture of face-to-face theory and practical skills using real-life cases that can be immediately applied in practice.

The course is led by Alix Freeman (pictured), a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry, who developed the course content. 

Alix said: “This course will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable you to perform advanced dentistry and oral surgery procedures in practice. 

"The tutors will enthuse you with their passion for dentistry and oral surgery.

"You'll be taught the most up to date and innovative treatments in a leading dedicated dental training lab with the best equipment and materials.

"You'll gain the confidence to undertake root canal treatments, jaw fracture planning and repair, oronasal fistula repair and oral oncologic surgery.

"This is the first advanced dentistry certificate of its kind in the UK and is sure to be very popular”.

Upon completion, participants will be eligible for the General Practitioner Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Dentistry (GPAdvCert SADen&OS) from the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

https://improveinternational.com/uk/coursedate/gpadvcert-in-small-animal-dentistry-and-oral-surgery 

International Cat Care, the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and a further eight cat charities and welfare groups have contacted Universal Pictures to express their disapproval of the starring role given to a Scottish Fold cat in the studio's forthcoming blockbuster, Argylle, which is coming out on 2nd February.

The Scottish Fold is bred for a cartilage abnormality which gives them their distinctive folded ears.

However, that same cartilage abnormality affects their joints, meaning that they go on to develop painful arthritis, even from a young age.

The charities say the impact of using this breed in a Hollywood film cannot be overstated and is likely to significantly increase their popularity with potential cat owners. 

Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, said: “International Cat Care (iCatCare) and its veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), believe that it is simply unethical to continue to breed cats with a genetic mutation that is known to cause significant painful disease – the rationale for breeding these cats was purely for traits considered attractive to humans, as some people believe the folded ears look appealing.

"This is an unnatural appearance for a cat, and the underlying genetic defect has far-reaching and severe consequences for the health of the cat.

"Health should always be more important than looks.”

The trailer for the film also shows a cat travelling in a backpack and subjected to rough handling, including being picked up by the scruff and thrown from a building.

ISFM says that although these scenes have been created using digital animation, the organisations share concerns that suggesting these interactions with cats are acceptable or entertaining may have a negative impact on the welfare of cats. 

Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, said: “Scruffing a cat is an unacceptable form of restraint that can cause a cat considerable discomfort, fear and even pain, as the weight of its body is completely unsupported, and the cat cannot escape the pressure from its skin being grasped.

"Backpacks are not a cat friendly way to transport a cat; they can leave a cat cramped, without enough ventilation, struggling to control body temperature, and uncomfortable due to the unpredictable movement from being worn on a person’s back.

"Backpacks are simply not cat friendly - they do not respect the cat as a species and run the risk of psychological and physical suffering to the cat.”

The organisations have contacted Universal Pictures, asking them to adopt Cat Friendly Principles in future, and not to promote cat breeds with extreme features in future.

Pennard Vets has won the Employee Ownership Association's (EOA) Rising Star award, which recognises the success of an organisation within three years of employee ownership

The judges praised the practice group for leveraging employee ownership (EO) to drive growth and staff satisfaction, protect independence, and champion EO in the veterinary sector.

Pennard Vets, which has eight practices in Kent, says its driving ambition when it took the decision to transfer the business into an employee ownership trust and make its 150-strong team business owners, was to protect its independence and core values.

Pennard Vets has also been eager to spread the word about employee ownership to other veterinary practices.

Matthew Flann, a director from Pennard Vets, said: “Winning this award is a huge coup for our entire industry, who have been searching for ways to secure the future of their independent practices.

"Set against a backdrop of increasing corporatisation of UK veterinary practices, we chose to protect our heritage by becoming an EOT.

“It hasn't been easy, but it has been massively rewarding and our team have passionately bought into their new status as owners, and the results can be seen throughout the practice – from team-led initiatives to the impact on the range of procedures we can now offer to our patients.

"It’s genuinely been transformational and since 2021 we’ve doubled turnover and grown our team by 30%.

"We’ve also welcomed Abbotsley Veterinary Group and Priory Lodge into the group with the two local Kent practices citing our EOT status as a motivating factor for their moves.

“Crucially our EOT structure provided the launchpad to becoming the first veterinary practice in Europe to achieve B-Corp status in 2022, which we see as another step towards becoming the very best practice possible, using input and ideas from our team to provide a better service, give back to our community and protect the environment.

“We’re also determined to make the journey less arduous for other veterinary practices to follow our lead and we regularly hear from practice owners who are exploring becoming EO.

"We’ve established the British Veterinary Employee Owned Association to help guide other practices through the journey of becoming an EOT by networking, attending events and presenting webinars.

"This year we have supported thriving practices to become EO in all parts of the UK, including Arrowfield Vets in Herefordshire, Animal Tails Veterinary Practice in Stirling, Shetland Vets and Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic in Belfast.

“We believe intrinsically in the value of supporting and promoting our team as the best way to grow our business and provide the best possible service to our clients and patients, and that same approach will pay dividends for other veterinary practices. Because of this we fully intend to continue to campaign for the benefits of EO.”

James de le Vingne, CEO of the EOA, said: “Congratulation to Pennard Vets on winning this award.

"The awards recognise businesses and individuals that are delivering great employee ownership. Collectively, great employee owned businesses deliver significant uplift in productivity and performance, outperforming their non-EO counterparts across multiple impacts for employees, society, the environment and the economy.”

The Veterinary Landlords Association (VLA) has appointed a 'fixer' to help its members negotiate rents with tenants, who are often the corporate groups.

Michale Garvey (pictured) has the official title of National Property Coordinator and he will work with local surveyors to ensure that landlords have realistic expectations supported by evidence at rent reviews and lease renewals.

VLA Treasurer Nicky Paull said: "This should help speed up what are sometimes protracted and expensive negotiations to the mutual benefit of corporate tenant and landlord alike.”

Michael is a Chartered Surveyor who has worked in the commercial property sector for 35 years.

He is the Managing Director of Chandler Garvey, a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, as well as being an RICS Registered Valuer.

He has specialised in rent reviews and lease renewals all of his career and has been a member of the RICS Arbitrators Panel for more than 10 years.

Michael also has extensive experience of the veterinary sector, having represented owners relating to disputed rent reviews, as well as acquisitions and lettings on different types of premises.

He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by the VLA as the National Property Coordinator, with the intention of allowing the owners of veterinary premises, to have a better understanding of the rent review and lease renewal processes and in doing so even the playing field so that better outcomes are achieved.

Richard Hillman one of the VLA’s founders said: “Negotiating with large corporate groups can sometimes feel like trying to run through treacle for small landlords.

"Having an acknowledged expert on our team should help the VLA to give much needed support to our members.”

Further information about the VLA can be obtained from Richard Stephenson vicechair@vla.org.uk

https://vla.org.uk