The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF), a group of 26 veterinary practitioner, neuropharmacology, neuropathology and neurology experts led by Holger Volk, Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, has issued new guidelines for treating and caring for dogs with epilepsy.

The guidelines have been adopted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and published in the form of a ‘consensus statement’ in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM).

Professor Volk, who co-chaired the consensus statement process, said: "I was honoured to have been asked to co-chair such an important forum in American veterinary practice. This will be another landmark paper to help improve the care vets deliver for the patients with epilepsy, both in America and beyond.

"Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases encountered by veterinary surgeons and practitioners around the world. The prevalence of the condition means there have been numerous research studies carried out over the years. But, despite such frequent research, there has been a lack of consistency when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

"This lack of cohesion and collaboration made it difficult for owners and veterinary professionals to communicate effectively on the issue of pet epilepsy. This has led to the global veterinary community changing its approach and, in recent years, working more closely together."

Professor Volk says the aim of these latest guidelines is to provide joined up and collaborative thinking, teaching and learning on various different aspects of the condition that specifically affect America. These include the development of treatment strategies and any potential issues with chronic anti-epileptic drug treatment.

The ACVIM guidelines follow on from seven in-depth consensus statements produced by the IVETF and published open access in BMC Veterinary Research last year, outlining recommendations and classifications on all aspects of canine epilepsy. It was the first time this many veterinary neurology clinicians and neuroscientists formally agreed on the key aspects of the condition.

Professor Volk, who is also the Clinical Director of the RVC’s Small Animal Referral Hospital, added: "There is a real exciting buzz around canine and feline Epilepsy currently. Finally getting to global consensus from the international veterinary community will accelerate research and lead to improved patient care and quality of life for owners and patients alike."

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is launching a forum to facilitate research into the welfare of pet chickens.

According to the charity, hens have been badly neglected by the world of evidence-based academic research, with only two known papers written about their welfare. 

However, researchers are now starting to take an interest and it is hoped that the new forum, nicknamed The Coop, will pave the way for ground-breaking studies around the world into hen welfare and hen keeping.

Jane Howorth MBE, Founder of the BHWT, said: “The research about to be undertaken ranges from exploring how hens benefit our mental health to seeking good veterinary care and appropriate drugs. They will also examine how the pet hen population has grown over the years and reasons for keeping them, and which homegrown remedies are used and which work. 

One of the first bits of research to be supported by the BHWT is a study called ‘From the Backyard to our Beds’ by Jenny Mace BSc, MSc AWSEL, FHEA, Visiting Lecturer on the MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law at the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester. 

The survey will collect data on the care-taking practices and attitudes towards chickens of non-commercial chicken carers, and you can take part here: https://winchester.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/from-the-backyard-to-our-beds-the-spectrum-of-care-in.  

Jenny said: “To my knowledge, this research constitutes the first quantitative study to distinguish between ex-commercial and ‘standard’ chickens. It is also the first to enquire about some niche care-taking practices, such as the use of hormonal implants as a possible means of healthcare in hens. 

“The results should be fascinating and I urge all backyard chicken keepers/rescuers to make sure their experiences are captured by filling out this survey. Thank you so much!”

The BHWT is also supporting work undertaken by Keiran Ragoonanan, a student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, who is investigating backyard chicken husbandry and feeding practices in the UK.

For more information visit: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/hen-health/take-part-in-ground-breaking-research-to-help-pet-chickens/

Defra has announced that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine is now available from two pharmaceutical retailers to manage the risk of a BTV incursion.

At the start of June, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), Goat Veterinary Society (GVS), and Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) welcomed the announcement that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine would be available by mid-July to support farmers and smallholders in managing the risk of a bluetongue outbreak predicted to reach mainland UK by late summer.

Since the Defra risk assessment indicates a high risk by late summer of a BTV incursion from France, veterinary associations have been involved in discussions with government, farmers’ representatives and manufacturers to ensure vaccine is available to meet potential demand particularly in the south of England where risk is highest. The situation remains under constant review by Defra as the disease develops and the weather warms up, promoting midge activity.

Pharmaceutical companies MSD and Zoetis announced that batches of vaccine would be available from mid-July, which Defra has just confirmed.

Vets across the UK are also contributing to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), helping to make farmers aware of the risk, clinical signs and what action to take, through speaking at local JAB information events and displaying posters and leaflets in practices.

While welcoming the announcement of vaccine availability in June, veterinary organisations also sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter. This information is now available.

BVA President Sean Wensley said: "We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control."

Photo by Fourrure (http://www.boulesdefourrure.fr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Vets Now has this month launched a new fast track programme called 'Cutting Edge', which the company says is aimed at young, dynamic vets.

The 'Cutting Edge' initiative is apparently the first training programme of its kind in the UK and will see 40 graduates who graduated between 2006 and 2009 recruited into a 10 week fast track training programme, before they take up permanent positions in Vets Now clinics. Each recruit will get a salary package which will put them on £40k within 24 months.

Interviews and selection will be held mid-late August at a number of selection centres across the UK, with the first intake of 20 recruits commencing their fast track training programme on 4 October and taking up their positions in a Vets Now clinic in December.

A second intake of recruits to the programme will be selected during November, with these recruits taking up their positions on the fast track training late in January.

The programme is being spearheaded by Vets Now Clinical Director and experienced clinician and teacher in Emergency and Critical Care, Amanda Boag, MA VETMB DipACVIM DACVECC FHEA MRCVS who said: "This is a unique and hugely exciting opportunity for recently qualified vets to enter the field of Emergency and Critical Care. We're looking for dynamic and energetic young vets with a real passion for continuing their clinical development who feel they have what it takes to succeed in this exciting, and growing sector of veterinary medicine."

She added: "The recruits who we select will embark upon an intensive period of training over the 10 week period which will give them the necessary skills and knowledge to launch their career in ECC. They will also receive ongoing support during their first two years as a veterinary surgeon in a Vets Now clinic with a very generous CPD allowance. The initial 10 week period will be a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, practical training in our clinical skills laboratory and mentored work in our clinics. Developing clinical expertise and problem solving skills will clearly be the most significant component of the training but there will also be support and training in other vital skills including communication."

Until now, Vets Now would only employ veterinary surgeons with at least two years post-qualified small animal experience or who have completed their PDP. This new programme has been launched to attract and support young talent in making the move to this growing sector of veterinary medicine. 

Recent graduates who are interested in developing a career in ECC are invited to apply in the first instance by contacting the Vets Now recruitment team on 01383 841181 or by emailing cuttingedge@vets-now.com. 

The new initiative also has a Facebook page - www.facebook.com/vetsnowcutting edge and you can follow news and updates on the 'Cutting Edge' Twitter page at www.twitter.com/vncuttingedge.

The RSPCA has launched a campaign to try and help stamp out puppy trafficking. As part of the campaign, the charity has released the results of a survey of vets (June 2008) which shows that:

23% of you reported an increase in puppies being presented at your practice that may have been bred on a puppy farm (compared to three years ago).

73% of vets are 'fairly' or 'very' concerned about the trade in puppies.

33% of you have seen an increase in puppies presented with canine parvovirus (compared to three years ago), 34% with endoparasites (e.g. worms), 31% for ectoparasites (e.g. mites) and 35% with campylobacter.

54% of you say that you believe there is a higher incidence of parvovirus in puppies from puppy farms, 66% for endoparasites and 65% for ectoparasites and 44% for campylobacter.

36% of you report that there has been an increase in puppies presented at your practices in the last three years that have not been vaccinated at the appropriate age for their primary course.

A separate survey found that nearly a third of 16-24 year olds are contemplating buying a puppy, and that half would consider buying from a pet shop.

The RSPCA said it believes it's high time that people planning on buying a puppy know the risks they face if they don't do their research and get one from either a rescue centre or a responsible breeder.

US-based Life Technologies has launched a new PCR-based test system which, according to the company, allows large numbers of pigs to be screened more quickly and cost-effectively for a range of common pathogens, such as PRRSV, SIV and PCV2.

The system uses samples of oral fluids which can be obtained by leaving a cotton rope in each pen for pigs to chew on. After 20 minutes or so, the rope can be retrieved and the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid squeezed into a sample bag and represents a pooled sample from the group.

Studies have demonstrated that oral fluid samples collected in this way can form the basis of a quick and cost-effective method for screening a range of common viral pathogens. The samples were tested using a commercially available sample preparation and real-time PCR test system which can isolate and identify viral nucleic acid in a matter of hours.

For PRRS, pooled samples of oral fluids were collected from groups of experimentally infected pigs using the rope technique, along with serum samples from each individual pig on the same days. Both serum samples and oral fluids were processed using the same Applied Biosystems preparation system and real- time PCR test, both of which were supplied by Life Technologies. The results showed that PRRSV nucleic acid was detectable in both serum and oral fluid samples from the day of infection through to 40 days after infection.

For PCV2, 24 pigs that were free of PRRSV and SIV were divided into 4 pens in separate rooms, and challenged with two different virus strains (PCV2a and PVC2b) at different times. One pen acted as a (non-challenged) control. Oral fluids were collected regularly up to 140 days after initial challenge and tested using real-time PCR. High titres of PCV2 were detected from day 12 to day 28 post infection and virus was detectable throughout the entire testing period (days 2 to 98).

For SIV, a total of 180 spiked oral fluid samples were tested using real-time PCR, and subtyping reagents were also used to identify haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes. The results showed that SIV nucleic acid was detectable in oral fluid samples spiked with high, medium and low copy numbers of SIV, and all positive samples could be successfully sub-typed.

Christina Boss, European Professional Service Veterinarian for Life Technologies said: "Collecting samples in this way is far less invasive for the pigs and so avoids unnecessary stress. And because all of the pigs will chew on the rope, it provides a very broad sample from the group, which is the key to assessing overall herd health. In addition, if the pooled sample provides a positive result, then the animals in that pen can be tested individually to identify those that are infected.

"These results show that the simplicity of oral fluid sampling, combined with the speed and sensitivity of a PCR-based system, provides a practical and cost- effective way of monitoring large numbers of pigs for common virus pathogens.

"The use of a semi-automated, PCR-based diagnostic system means that nucleic acid purification can be achieved in just 25 minutes and results from the real-time PCR available in 90 minutes. The molecular test is very specific and reliable, so the veterinarian can initiate individual testing as quickly as possible and make confident recommendations to the producer."

According to Life Technologies, screening for PRRS using samples of oral fluids has been gaining popularity over recent years because large numbers of pigs can be tested without increased cost or labour. The new research is due to be presented as a poster at the ESPHM meeting in Bruges in April.

Two guides for equine veterinarians have just been produced by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging covering the role of MRI in diagnosing lameness.

MRI Cases in the Standing Sedated Horse looks at fourteen cases from seven clinics in the Hallmarq user community. Compiled for Hallmarq by Dr Julien Olive DMV and complete with clinical MRI images, this 38 page booklet reviews the history, clinical examination, MRI examination, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of each case. The examples illustrate how MRI can enable a diagnosis to be made and a suitable course of treatment prescribed in difficult or ambiguous cases.

The second booklet, MRI Protocols for the Standing Sedated Horse, focuses on the procedures and terminology associated with MRI, from a brief description of the technology and the types of image that can be obtained, to a more detailed description of the methodology.

Hallmarq says that with 20 scanning centres now operating in the UK and Europe the ability now to refer selected cases for an MRI examination makes these booklets relevant to routine practice.

The booklets are available free of charge from Hallmarq for equine veterinarians and veterinary students, and they may be previewed on Hallmarq’s website.

Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging: (01483) 877812 or email info@hallmarq.net

A team at Liverpool John Moores University has developed Early Evidence Kits to help with the collection of dog DNA from attacked livestock so that irresponsible dog owners can be held accountable. 

According to the NFU, last year farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million pounds were severely injured or killed by dog attacks last year.

Obtaining forensic samples after an attack can be difficult because so often they happen in remote places and rural police can't always attend quickly enough to get a sample. 

Dr. Nick Dawnay from Liverpool John Moores University therefore developed Early Evidence Kits to enable samples to be collected by vets, famers and police from the crime scene immediately.

Following a successful proof of concept in Wales, the research team is now trialling the kits in ten regions of England and Wales, with support from IVC Evidensia farm practices.

Over the next twelve months the trial will refine best practices for collecting forensic samples from livestock attack scenes.

David Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia said: “This project marks an exciting step forward in collecting and analysing canine DNA from livestock.

"It offers police and farmers a means to hold irresponsible dog owners culpable for the damage and losses caused by their pets.”

“As a profession we can support this research by ensuring samples are taken from as many cases within the relevant force areas as possible so that the team at John Moores gets sufficient material to be able to complete this project as soon as possible.

"All IVC Evidensia farm practices in the participating regions are being encouraged to use the kits and we want to ensure all farm practices in those regions know about this important project.”

It is hoped new legislation for England and Wales will be brought in to give police officers the power to take a DNA sample from a suspected dog to compare to canine DNA left at an attack scene.

Dave Allen, North Wales Police and NPCC Livestock Offence Working Group Secretary said: “These kits are an exciting development and can be utilised for an issue that causes major concern to our UK rural communities”.

Veterinary practices are now being encouraged help raise awareness of the project, particularly to encourage farmers to take part and use the kits to collect evidence in the following regions:

1. North Wales
2. Dyfed Powys
3. Gwent
4. Cheshire
5. Cumbria
6. North Yorkshire
7. Northumbria
8. Kent
9. Dorset
10. Devon and Cornwall

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2024/5/17/forensic-science-to-help-farmers-foil-sheep-attacks 

The RCVS has announced that the first members of its reconstituted Disciplinary and Preliminary Investigation Committees have been appointed and will join the Committees from July 2013.

Beverley Cottrell and Catherine Goldie (pictured right) have been appointed to the new Disciplinary Committee (DC), and are retiring as elected veterinary surgeons on Council to take up the posts. Veterinary surgeons Jane Downes and Charles Gruchy, and lay members Stuart Drummond, Ian Green, Chitra Karve and Mehmuda Mian, will also join the DC.

The new Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) members will include veterinary surgeons Andrew Ash and William Reilly, plus lay members Penny Howe, Sarah Pond and Elana Tessler.

These new appointments result from a legislative reform order (LRO) made to separate the RCVS disciplinary committees from the RCVS Council. The Royal College says this will improve the independence of the disciplinary process and bring it into line with regulatory best practice.

The LRO came into force on 6 April 2013, and amended the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA). The VSA now requires that the RCVS PIC and DC are made up of veterinary surgeons and lay members who are not RCVS Council members, and who are appointed independently. The change to the legislation ensures that the same group of people is not responsible for setting the rules, investigating complaints, and adjudication.

The LRO also brings lay people formally into the PIC and will increase the pool of people available to investigate complaints and sit on disciplinary hearings.

RCVS Registrar and Head of Legal Services, Gordon Hockey said: "The LRO fundamentally improves the way the veterinary profession is regulated, and will help to ensure public confidence in our disciplinary processes. I am delighted by the constructive and collaborative working relationship that we had with Defra and the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which has allowed this major reform to be introduced."

To make these appointments, a long-list of lay and veterinary surgeon candidates was put together by recruitment consultants, and a shortlist was referred to an independent selection committee chaired by Sir Michael Buckley and including Christopher Laurence and Dr Joan Martin. The selection committee's choices were then ratified by RCVS Council at the June 2013 meeting.

As part of a transition phase, both committees will also include some Council members; after a two-year period, members of RCVS Council will become ineligible for membership of either committee.

Centaur Services has announced a new partnership with VBS Direct which will allow the wholesaler to offer USA-based K-Laser products to its customers for the first time. 

According to VBS, the K-Laser range can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. However, the company says most practices choose to buy K-Laser so they can start osteoarthritic pain management clinics and improve post-surgical rehabilitation, often using trained nurses or physiotherapists to run the clinics.

Centaur says K-Laser offers the most advanced Class IV therapy laser platform in the world, with the team of scientists and doctors at K-Laser USA having researched, tested and implemented therapy presets that are categorised anatomically and subdivided by clinical indication. The company claims that during treatment, laser energy is absorbed in water, increasing local circulation and thereby drawing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This, it says, creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. 

Apparently, more than 8,000 US veterinary practices and almost 100 in the UK have invested in Class IV laser therapy. 

Colm McGinn from Centaur said: "We're committed to finding innovative products and services for our customers so that we can help them to grow their businesses and succeed together.

"K-Laser, as well as being a revolutionary piece of clinical equipment, is also a fantastic revenue generator for veterinary practices and with our flexible payment options our customers are able to reap the benefits to their businesses very quickly. We appreciate that making capital investment in equipment can be a big decision and we want to fully support our customers in improving the services their practices can offer."

For more information, contact Centaur on 01963 350005 or VBS Direct on 0845 528 0336.

Freda Andrews, the Director of Education at the RCVS, has announced her retirement from the position on 2nd April after nearly 16 years at the College.

Freda joined the RCVS as Head of Education in September 1999 and became Director of Education in 2013, with strategic responsibility for both veterinary and veterinary nursing education.

Nick Stace, RCVS Chief Executive Officer, said: "We will miss Freda for her professionalism, her encyclopaedic knowledge of all things related to veterinary education and her attention to detail, but she leaves behind a team that is stronger-than-ever and a considerable legacy for the profession as a whole.

"Under her watch the Education Department has seen a significant number of achievements. This includes the introduction of the Professional Development Phase which has helped veterinary graduates develop their confidence and competence during the first few years of practice and the accreditation of the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science - the first new UK vet school in 50 years."

Freda's responsibilities as Director of Education will now be split between Christine Warman, Head of Education, and Julie Dugmore, Head of Veterinary Nursing.

Freda said: "I have really enjoyed working with such a fascinating profession and I think that through working very closely with our colleagues in the vet schools, as well as with practising vets, veterinary education has made some significant advances. For example, there is more focus now on communication and professional skills and greater alignment of accreditation standards internationally, to name but two things.

"I am sad to leave but I know that the future of veterinary and veterinary nursing education has been left in the very safe hands of Christine and Julie and their respective teams." 

A new company called The Practice Business is to launch at BSAVA with a series of free wine tastings.

The company's core offering is the Pet Health Plan. Designed to help veterinary practices conduct their business more effectively, easily and profitably, the monthly payment plan for clients focusses on preventive healthcare for cats and dogs.

The Practice Business will also be launching Pet Health Loans at the BSAVA. Interest-free and designed to be approved in-practice within just a few minutes over the phone to The Practice Business, the loans can eliminate bad debt worries for both practice and client.

To celebrate the launch, The Practice Business is hosting 21 free wine testing challenges at the Hyatt Regency Soprano Room on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Attendees will also be presented with complimentary bottle of their favourite wine.

For more information or to book a place on The Practice Business Wine Tasting Challenge call 0800 169 9958.

Elanco is to hold a seminar on piglet gut health, to help support the transition away from medicinal zinc usage to control post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), at the Jury’s Inn hotel, near Hinckley, Leicestershire, on 21st September from 11am – 1pm.

Leading industry experts including Faye Murch from Kingsgate Nutrition, Eric Nadeau, Elanco Global Pig Vaccine Advisor, veterinary consultant Daniel Parker and Francesc Molist from Schothorst Feed Research will share their learnings on alternative approaches to managing PWD, including vaccination.

Jack Fellows from Elanco Animal Health says that with 90% of producers using their vet as their first port of call when it comes to PWD¹, it is vital they start to encourage producers to consider an alternative prescription to zinc.

He said: “Producers must start to prepare now to avoid being forced to turn to antibiotics when zinc is no longer an option.

"Vaccination will become an increasingly important component of PWD prevention. Amongst other topics on mastering piglet gut health, the seminar aims to support knowledge on the application of in-water vaccines to ensure appropriate and effective use.”

Jack says that while vaccination may appear costly in comparison to zinc oxide, it offers a good return on investment: "Piglets can be vaccinated from 18 days of life, so they are protected from the pathogen at weaning, and we are seeing a growing number of UK herds using vaccines as part of their PWD prevention strategy.

"Farms using the Coliprotec vaccine are no longer using in-water medication to control scours. They’re also noticing that piglets are eating more, and that they’re achieving an extra 2kg of slaughter weight² while reaching market weights seven days sooner³.”

To register for the event, visit: https://www.myelanco.co.uk/pub/swine-seminar-registration 

References

1. Elanco Market Research Farmers Weekly Post Weaning Diarrhoea Research 2020 (v1.0)
2. Purina Mills Purina Mills EACH PRODUCTION PHASE IMPACTS THE NEXT 2015 (v1.0)
3. Vangroenweghe F et al 10th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management 2018 254 (v1.0)