Petsox Ltd has launched a new waterproof and breathable bandage cover.

According to the company, most products available to practices are either waterproof or breathable, but not both, and so cause the wound to overheat and the underlying skin to become "sweaty". Petsox, however, has a membrane system which allows the wound to breathe while providing protection from the elements.

Designed to go over the already cleaned and dressed wound, PetSox can be secured in place by attaching a length of cohesive bandage to the top. Petsox can also be trimmed to fit each animal perfectly.

Petsox have a non-slip base, so the animal can feel secure on slippery surfaces, such as wooden or tiled floors.

The company will be exhibiting at the London Vet Show this year on the Barber of Sheffield stand, where there will also be a competition with the chance to win lunch for 2 on the Orient Express.

For more information about Petsox, visit: www.petsox.co.uk

The BVA and the RCVS have held a meeting at the House of Commons to brief MPs and peers about animal and public health, animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues raised by Brexit.

The briefing highlighted to members of both Houses the vital role the veterinary profession plays in order to ensure that the veterinary resource in clinical practice, public health, government services, academia and research is appropriately considered and effectively used during Brexit negotiations.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), environment spokespeople for the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru, and other parliamentarians from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the SNP, joined Crossbenchers, senior civil servants and key stakeholders at the event.

BVA President Gudrun Ravetz delivered a speech highlighting the main asks from the association's Brexit and the veterinary profession report, which was developed through consultation with BVA members, devolved branches, BVA specialist divisions and other key stakeholders.

The report sets out 52 recommendations for the short, medium and long term across seven areas of public policy: veterinary workforce, animal health, animal welfare, food hygiene and safety, veterinary medicines, research and development, and trade. 

Addressing attendees, Gudrun said: "We are a relatively small profession, but we are a diverse profession with far-reaching influence and impact in so many areas of political and public life.

"Last week, we were delighted to hear the Defra Secretary of State, speaking to the Today programme, rightly acknowledged the importance of EU vets to the UK economy; from food hygiene and safety, to monitoring disease outbreaks and facilitating trade. This is why BVA is calling on the Government to guarantee the working rights for non-UK EU vets and vet nurses currently working and studying in the UK at the existing level and with no time limit.

"As we progress with the Repeal Bill we are also calling on the Government to ensure we maintain animal health and welfare current standards – and prioritise them in all trade negotiations, so that high standards of animal health, welfare and food hygiene are a unique selling point for the UK. We can only make a success of Brexit if we harness our veterinary resource."

In his speech, RCVS Junior Vice-President Professor Stephen May highlighted the three RCVS Brexit Principles as well as the findings from the College’s recent survey of non-UK EU vets working in the UK. Professor May also made a call for greater certainty from the Government on the status of EU citizens living and working as veterinary surgeons in the UK and for a substantial transition period to prevent potential veterinary workforce shortages, particularly in areas such as public health and food safety.

Professor May said: "Negotiations with our European partners will no doubt be lengthy and complex on all manner of issues that affect the veterinary sector. For everyone concerned, we join other voices in calling for a substantial transition period to any new order created. This will provide us with time to take stock, to understand the implications and to navigate a pathway that safeguards the interests of our sector and the RCVS is determined to work with all its stakeholders, in particular Government and yourselves [parliamentarians], to ensure that vital veterinary work gets done.

"Key to this will be meeting the need for high-quality, capable veterinary surgeons in all sectors. This can only be achieved in the short-term by emphasising the continued welcome and appreciation of all veterinary non-UK nationals working hard for this country, to encourage them to stay, and continued access to graduates of accredited schools from around the world, alongside increased training of UK nationals to meet our ever expanding veterinary needs."

The event was hosted by BVA Honorary Member and RCVS Past-President, Lord Trees MRCVS, who has sat on a number of House of Lords committees and subcommittees that consider and seek to influence the Government’s plans and policy-making during the UK’s exit from the EU.

Lord Trees closed the BVA and RCVS Brexit briefing by encouraging fellow Peers and MPs to capitalise on the evidence-based, science-led perspective that the veterinary profession is able to provide, particularly as Brexit discussions continue to develop.

Lord Gardiner has since publicly recognised the vital role of the veterinary profession, responding to a question in the House of Lords regarding the retention of skilled workers post-Brexit. In his role as Defra Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lord Gardiner said:

"I am most grateful to the noble Lord [Teverson] because I was at the BVA and RCVS reception yesterday, where I know a number of noble Lords were also in attendance. This is an important issue and an element of the negotiations that we want to deal with as promptly as possible. Yes, we do rely on and warmly welcome the support we have from EU national vets, who are hugely important to us."

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund has launched a short film about a veterinary surgeon's experience of severe depression and her inspiring recovery. 

The charity says it hopes the film, published on the Vetlife website today, will encourage the veterinary profession to talk more openly about stress and depression in the workplace and will motivate veterinary employers to adopt best practice in supporting their staff's mental health.

Nick Short, the VBF Director responsible for the development of the Vetlife website, said: "We are so grateful to the veterinary surgeon concerned for having the courage to share her story and for her insights into what could be done to make recovery easier for other vets. We were delighted to hear that she felt she was treated well and got the help she needed from the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme. 

"Recent press reports have estimated that the cost to the UK economy of stress, depression and suicide is £26 billion per year. We know that the profession has a high incidence of these problems, so it follows that depressive illness must have an alarming economic effect on it. This means it is essential to invest in improving awareness and support. 

"The VBF wants to produce more web videos on issues that veterinary surgeons, students or nurses commonly encounter such as debt, addiction, professional conduct or employment problems. However, we need to secure additional sponsorship in order to fund this work - each 5 minute video will cost about £2,500 to produce. If you or your organization would be interested in supporting this work, please contact the VBF office at 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ, telephone 020 7908 6385 or email info@vetlife.org.uk. Donations can also be made online at www.justgiving.com/VBF"

Rory O'Connor, National Co-ordinator at the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme said: "Many of us will have mental health problems at some point in our lives but most can make a full return to work with the right support. As highlighted in the film, it is really helpful if employers are willing to explore adjustments to working conditions or to the working environment such as flexible working hours or changes to working responsibilities. I am always available to help both employers and employees with these kinds of discussions and we are currently developing content on mental health support in the workplace for the Vetlife website.  All advice is completely confidential."

The film was made by John Somers and Ben Sheriff at the University of Exeter using an actress to speak the words of the veterinary surgeon. 

VetSurgeon.org is once again playing host to the RCVS Elections Section, where veterinary surgeons can now come and question the candidates lining up to regulate them.

This year, there are 10 candidates fighting to win one of 6 places on council. You can 'meet the candidates' here, read their manifestos, and then ask them questions either privately - via the 'Start Conversation' link in their profile - or publicly in the RCVS Forum.

There is a new incentive to vote this year: the RCVS will donate 20p to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Haiti Earthquake Appeal on behalf of every voter that takes part.

The RCVS has also made it easier to vote, with the addition of SMS text voting to the online and postal options.

However, I hope more than anything else that the opportunity to challenge the candidates and find out what makes them tick in the RCVS Elections Forum will be fun and really help inspire you, the electorate, to get involved.

CEVA Animal Health has launched the anti-inflammatory Meloxidyl for cattle and pigs.

Meloxidyl is meloxicam-based solution for the management of respiratory disease, mastitis and diarrhoea in cattle and non-infectious locomotor disorders and puerperal septicaemia and toxaemia in pigs. It is given via a single injection, when used in combination with suitable anti-infectives.

According to the company, Meloxidyl's one shot protocol means it is quick and economical to use; it allows control of inflammation and endotoxins and reduces somatic cell count, recovery time and risk of culling after clinical mastitis; it reduces the economical impact of respiratory signs in comparison with flunixin-based products and reduces the major clinical signs caused by toxins in cases of neonatal diarrhoea.

Meloxidyl can be used in combination with the company's range of anti-infectives, which includes Marbokem, Cevaxel and Florkem.

For further product information contact CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/

Ledston Equine Clinic in West Yorkshire has announced the launch of the Ledston Education Centre, which will provide training for veterinary surgeons, fire and rescue personnel, and horse owners.

The Ledston Education Centre will continue the clinic's "Tuesday evening lecture" series, and training for fire and rescue personnel will be carried out under the Safer Horse Rescues Initiative.

WebLeC is a new development through which the Centre says it will deliver online training for equine veterinary surgeons and students, and high quality equine healthcare information to horse owners across the UK. WebLeC uses web conferencing software to deliver live, interactive lectures and discussion forums to people in the comfort of their own homes.

Forthcoming WebLeC CPD meetings:

Wed 9th March 2011 at 7.30pm: "Strangles and the practical management of infectious disease outbreaks in horses"
Prof. Josh Slater, BVM&S PhD DipECEIM MRCVS Professor of Clinical Equine Studies, Royal Veterinary College.
Kindly sponsored by Intervet Schering-Plough
Fee: This meeting is FREE of charge for first 100 applicants

Thu 17th March 2011 at 7.30pm: "Insulin Resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, & Equine Cushings (PPID) - a practical approach to diagnosis and management"
Dr. Cathy McGowan, BVSc DipVetClinStud  MACVSc PhD DEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS Director of Equine Professional Studies, University of Liverpool
Kindly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
Fee: This meeting is FREE of charge for first 100 applicants

Further information can be found at: http://www.ledstonequine.co.uk/weblec_lectures.html. The Ledston Education Centre says details of how to register will be available on the website shortly. 

The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge by the British Homeopathic Association over a decision by NHS England to stop funding the discredited treatment.

The case came after the NHS issued new guidelines for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in November 2017 which listed homeopathy alongside herbal medicine and glucosamine/chondroitin as treatments which should not now be prescribed to new patients and which CCGs should assist in de-prescribing in all patients, on the grounds that they are "products of low clinical effectiveness, where there is a lack of robust evidence of clinical effectiveness or there are significant safety concerns."

The British Homeopathic Association challenged the decision on the grounds that the public consultation which preceded the guidelines was, amongst other things, conducted unfairly and biased/predetermined.

The judge, however, ruled otherwise, saying in his ruling that the consultation was "fair and balanced" and there was "no evidence of bias or predetermination on NHSE's part".

NHS chief Simon Stevens welcomed the decision, saying: "There is no robust evidence to support homeopathy which is at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds.

"So we strongly welcome the High Court’s clear cut decision to kick out this costly and spurious legal challenge."

Photo: Multicolored homeopathy tubes isolated on a white background. Lush. Shutterstock.

The International Society of Feline Medicine has announced that two 'giants of feline medicine and infectious disease' will headline its European Feline Congress, which is open to all and taking place in the beautiful Croatian town of Cavtat from 26th-30th June.

Richard Malik from the Centre for Veterinary Education at the University of Sydney and Mike Lappin from Colorado State University, known for their amusing and questioning presentations, will be joined by experts including Jayne Sykes, Séverine Tasker, Donato Traversa and Francesca Mancianti to present the latest information about the diagnosis and treatment of a veritable smorgasbord of feline infectious diseases, including heartworm, leishmaniasis, toxocara, aspergillus, bartonella, coronavirus, erlichia, anaplasma, rickettsia, lungworm, mycobacteria, FeLV, FIV, haemoplasmas, cryptococcosis, GI disease and  emerging feline pathogens.

Together with a mini-symposia organised by the congress sponsors – Idexx, Hill’s, Ceva, Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim – the five-day event is worth 25 hours of feline CPD.

If you need more in-depth knowledge of feline infectious diseases, there are also three masterclasses planned.

The venue looks drop-dead gorgeous too. Set on a small wooded peninsula embraced by two harbours, Cavtat has a pretty waterfront peppered with restaurants, pebbly beaches and an interesting assortment of artsy attractions, making it one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the region. ISFM says it's a great base from which to explore Dubrovnik and the surrounding area.

The welcome party will take place at the congress hotel’s waterfront restaurant on Thursday evening.

Tickets cost £475 for ISFM members and £605 for non-members. Masterclasses are an additional £50 each.

That seems like an absolute steal to me, and I'm not even a vet. Where do I sign?

Ah, here it is: https://icatcare.org/isfm-congress

Roundhouse Referrals in Glasgow has started publishing clinical outcome and client satisfaction results for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery performed at the practice, the first practice in Scotland to do so, possibly in the whole of the UK.

It is not the first time Roundhouse Referrals has innovated in this area. Last year, it launched the first 'Fixed Price TPLO' - a guarantee that pet owners will have no additional costs, should complications arise and further treatment be required following surgery.

Ross Allan, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery and Surgical Lead at Roundhouse Referrals, said: "We loved the idea of providing price certainty for referral clients, allowing those with no or lower levels of insurance to access our services and plan their finances. We also realised that in putting 'Fixed Price Fix' first and foremost we are also immediately highlight the possibility of complications and we felt the very best way to provide context for owners and referring vets would be to be open about our outcomes."

Following on from this Roundhouse Referrals has published the first of what it says will be a series of reports on TPLO+ clinical outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Ross said: "I think we're the first in Scotland to publish this kind of information outside scientific journals in a way that is easily accessible for pet owners, maybe in the whole of the UK."

The clinical outcome data was collected using a previously published questionnaire which enabled clients to give feedback on their pet’s recovery and status following their TPLO+ surgery.

According to Roundhouse, the results show that over 97% of dog owners rated their pets’ outcome as either excellent (85.29%) or good (11.76%) based on the first 70 TPLO+ surgeries performed. A figure which Ross says compares favourably with studies that have been previously published.

Additionally, 94.1% of pet owners agreed that if faced with having to make a similar decision again, they would choose to have the TPLO+ surgery done at Roundhouse Referrals, compared to 84.6% of owners in the previous study.

The results from the Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire showed that 100% of Roundhouse Referrals’ clients felt supported throughout the referral process, 96.97% of clients felt that the TPLO+ surgery was adequately explained and 100% would recommend Roundhouse Referrals to a friend or colleague.

Ross said: "Pet owners whose dogs’ had been through TPLO+ surgery and rehabilitation completed this questionnaire, enabling us to start measuring the outcome of the surgery, our aim being to ensure the surgery is optimal for the pet, and that owners feel supported throughout the entire surgical journey. 

"We are delighted with these results, and will continue to monitor our outcomes and commit to publish our TPLO+ clinical outcome and customer satisfaction questionnaire results in the months and years ahead".

Vet Festival, the annual outdoor learning event for the veterinary team, has announced its speaker line up for 2020, taking place on 5-6th June at Loseley Park in Surrey. 

The speakers include Aldo Vezzoni, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Peter Southerden, a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry, orthopaedic specialist Daniel Lewis, veterinary physiotherapist Barbara Houlding, neurosurgeon Fred Wininger, Gary England, Professor of Comparative Veterinary Reproduction at Nottingham University, Rob Lowe, the ophthalmologist, Nick Bacon, Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and Rachel Lumbis, a lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at the Royal Veterinary College, and, of course, Noel Fitzpatrick himself. 

Dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, endoscopy and hepatobiliary disease have all been added to this year's education streams, together with a new ‘Top Tips’ stream, offering practical advice for immediate use in clinical practice.

In total, Vet Festival will have 18 separate education streams covering small animal clinical topics with dedicated nursing and rehabilitation content a key component of the programme.

The integration of veterinary professionals is a fundamental theme of the festival so, in the rehabilitation stream, surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and hydrotherapists will offer perspectives in tandem. 

Over the weekend, 135 lectures will be offered to suit those at every level of clinical practice. Delegates will collect 14 hours of CPD over the two days.

Also new in 2020 is the introduction of a ‘Wellness and development for you and your practice’ theatre, with speakers from both within and outside the profession, including paralympic champion Rachel Morris MBE, psychotherapist Di Gammage and mindfulness leadership specialist, Natalie Pennicotte-Collier. Various wellbeing activities, such as yoga, movement, fitness and mindfulness, will take place alongside the lectures. 

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Clinical Chair at Fitzpatrick Referrals, who launched Vet Festival in 2015, said: "Outdoor festivals bring joy to the soul and I have always wanted education and continuing professional development to feel uplifting, inclusive and life-enhancing, both professionally and from a personal wellness perspective. That’s what VetFest is all about – food for the mind, body and soul."

Nicole Cooper, VET Festival Event Director, added: “For veterinary professionals keen to learn about the latest thinking and developments in small animal veterinary medicine, Vet Festival is simply unmissable. The breadth of content on offer and the quality of our speakers increases every year but what really sets VET Festival apart is the opportunity it offers for delegates to learn in a relaxed, fun environment.

Tickets for VET Festival can be purchased here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information 

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has paid tribute to its former President Professor Bob Michell, who died on the 8th October, aged 75.

Bob was a member of RCVS Council from 1992 until 2004 and was President in 1999/2000. During his time on Council he also served as a member of all of the major committees of that time, with the exception of the Disciplinary Committee, and chaired several of the subject boards for the RCVS Diplomas.

Current RCVS President Chris Tufnell said: "Bob was 100% responsible for my involvement with the RCVS, putting me forward for a working party in my first year in practice. Throughout his career he nurtured young professionals who he genuinely saw as the future and he was particularly dedicated to furthering and improving the education and development of veterinary surgeons, as demonstrated by his involvement in the RCVS Diplomas, the College’s continuing professional development (CPD) board and the former RCVS Trust.

"His dedication to our profession was exceptional and his kind and erudite observations, both public and private, were always welcome. We will miss him and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Photo courtesy Dulwich College.

The BVA is asking its members to share their views on the training and revalidation system for Official Veterinarians (OVs), following concerns that frustration with the current process could exacerbate capacity and capability issues.

A short survey, which has been emailed to BVA members this week, asks respondents to confirm which Official Controls Qualifications (OCQ(V)s) they currently hold or previously held. 

They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.

The BVA says members have raised concerns via Council about the OV training and revalidation process, citing time, cost, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules as reasons for choosing not to renew their qualifications.

The BVA plans to take the data and insights captured in the survey to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and make recommendations for how the system can be made more user-friendly and fit for purpose.

John Fishwick, BVA President, said: "Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud. We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification.

"It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive. Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit. 

"We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate.  BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future."

BVA members can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7Y2Y3RR. The deadline for responding is 29 June 2018.