Under the protocol trial, the RCVS can launch private prosecutions against unqualified people practising veterinary surgery or using the title 'veterinary surgeon'.
The College says that where breaches of the Veterinary Surgeons Act cross over to other criminal offences, for example, fraud by false representation, they will be more properly dealt with by the relevant police force.
Local authority trading standards agencies will also deal with issues around, for example, misleading courses that purport to lead to registration with the RCVS but do not; concerns about dog grooming businesses and concerns about dog breeding establishments (other than where there is illegal practice of veterinary surgery by unqualified persons).
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Director of Legal Services, said: “This protocol recognises that there are constraints on the time, resourcing, and budgets of both the police and public prosecutors which means that the pursuit of these breaches of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, both of which carry minor criminal penalties, is not necessarily a priority.
“While we are always willing to work with the police and other agencies to pursue such breaches, the protocol details how we can act independently where appropriate and ensure we are fulfilling our stated ambition to safeguard the interests of the public and animals, as well as the reputation of the professions, by ensuring that only those registered with us can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.
“We would like to manage expectations around this trial period as we will only be launching private prosecutions where they meet the criminal evidential standards of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ and it is judged to be in the public interest to do so.
"We will also be relying on members of the professions and the public to report breaches and provide sufficient evidence to us, as we have no statutory investigatory powers.”
The trial period will last for one year and the College has set aside £50,000 to pursue private prosecutions.
The trial will be overseen by the Disciplinary Committee/ Preliminary Investigation Committee Liaison Committee while decisions on whether to pursue private prosecutions will lie with the Registrar/ Director of Legal Services.
Suspected breaches of the Veterinary Surgeons Act can be reported to the RCVS Professional Conduct Department on breachvsa@rcvs.org.uk.
It's believed that VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk, which run on a platform that predates Facebook, may be the first online communities to require good manners.
Under the new policy, anyone who posts anything in the forums which is sarcastic, belittling, snide, rude or unkind towards another member will face immediate removal from the website.
This marks a very radical change to the previous policy in which members were free to say pretty much what they wanted.
VetSurgeon.org Publisher Arlo Guthrie said: "For years, I felt the right to free speech trumped all, and would rarely intervene.
"When I did, the worst anyone faced was a temporary suspension.
"As time has passed, I've realised the limitations of the written word, especially the short-form, hastily-written word, which can cause real distress.
"We all moderate our language offline, it's just a question of realising that we need a different set of standards online, to account for the lack of facial expression and immediacy of reply, and the public nature of the discussion.
Some people have questioned the new policy, and whether it will stifle proper debate.
Arlo added: "I believe not. It is perfectly possible and OK to disagree with someone, and express that disagreement forcefully, without being sarcastic.
"On the contrary, I think that allowing bad manners has a far more chilling effect on free speech, because it scares off opinions from the majority of more moderate members"
Others have asked whether this new policy is the consequence of the new partnership with Improve International, or proposed new laws surrounding social media.
Arlo said: "Again, no. It was a very personal decision I reached after years of wrestling with the problem. It was precipitated by a series of unkind posts and I just thought 'enough's enough'.
"That said, I am really excited about the prospect of working with Improve to grow the community as somewhere its members can come for high quality clinical content and authoritative opinion, which for sure would be hard to achieve if we don't have a friendly, collaborative atmosphere."
Another issue raised about zero tolerance is whether it is fair that there may be no second chance.
Arlo said: "I've tried loads of things over the years. Warnings. Red cards. Suspensions. None of them work. People just push the boundaries.
"But the moment I said 'zero tolerance', it seems people get the message and moderate themselves accordingly."
"I'm delighted. I want people to think of VetSurgeon.org as somewhere everyone can come for authoritative advice and support, confident of a friendly welcome and the highest standards of online behaviour."
The study was part of a research project called VetCompass, through which the RVC, in collaboration with Vets Now, collects anonymised clinical information on over 6 million companion animals under veterinary care in the UK.
The study investigated bitches presented with difficulty giving birth (dystocia) from among almost 20,000 bitches attending 50 Vets Now surgeries. Researchers found that out of 20,000 bitches receiving emergency veterinary care, 3.7 per cent of these were treated because of difficulties encountered giving birth.
The most commonly affected breeds were the French Bulldog (15.9 times more likely), Boston Terrier (12.9 times more likely), Chihuahua (10.4 times more likely) and Pug (11.3 times more likely).
Dr Dan O’Neill, a companion animal epidemiologist within the VetCompass Programme, said: "Giving birth in dogs is not always a benign process and our research shows this risk is especially exacerbated in some common brachycephalic and toy breeds. Prospective owners should bear these welfare costs for high risk breeds in mind when choosing their new puppy."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: 'VetCompass' research will not only enable dog breeders to make responsible breeding choices to improve the health of these dogs, it will help to highlight what puppy buyers need to be looking out for if they are intent on owning one of these breeds. If people are choosing a breed simply for its looks and are not going to a reputable breeder, they are likely to face high vet costs and a lifetime of heartache."
This study builds on previous 'purchasing' research by the RVC which found that appearance is the number one reason why owners purchase flat-faced breeds, even though their large, round, wide-set eyes, and flat rounded faces are linked with a variety of inherited diseases.
Dr Rowena Packer, lead author of the study and Research Fellow at RVC, said: "Potential puppy buyers attracted to the appearance of these breeds should seriously consider whether they are emotionally and financially prepared to take on a breed with high risks of health complications, and consider whether alternative, lower-risk breeds would better fit their lifestyle."
Abbott Animal Health is launching GLUture Topical Tissue Adhesive this month.
Abbott says GLUture is an Octyl/Butyl cyanoacrylate blend that creates a strong and flexible bond that contours to the wound site. GLUture applies purple for visibility and dries clear for a neat cosmetic appearance. Offered in an economical multi-use package with 10 applicators, GLUture's viscosity and applicator design enable flow-controlled application. GLUture topical tissue adhesive offers a flexible seal, quick application and a strong bond.
For more information, ring Abbott on 01628 644354, or visit: www.abbottanimalhealth.com
The inaugural BVA Photography Competition received more than 400 entries from all over the world last year, with Devon-based small animal vet Stephen Powles and equine vet Karen Coumbe’s images of an Egyptian fruit bat in flight and an operation on an infected horse's hoof being declared winners in their respective categories.
Karen said: "I was encouraged to enter the competition because I am fascinated by the amazing things I am privileged to observe in my day to day work, many of which provide exciting photo-opportunities."
The competition, which is open to BVA members, seeks to showcase images that highlight the human-animal bond and offer a tangible insight into the veterinary profession and its work.
Submissions should promote responsible animal ownership and/or interaction, as well positive animal health and welfare.
Photos can be of any species and the BVA says it would especially like to see images of native and domestic species found in the UK. Photos can be submitted under one of two categories:
The winners will receive a £250 John Lewis gift voucher each and get the chance to have their photographs displayed at BVA Members’ Day in September, at other BVA events and in BVA communications.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: "From sparrows to elephants, and cats to alpacas, veterinary colleagues submitted such a range, quantity and quality of photographs for our first-ever competition last year that we are really excited to be launching the competition for a second year running.
"We’re all passionate about animal health and welfare, so the way we interact with and capture images of the animal world offers a unique perspective. Whether you enjoy taking photos on your phone or have all of the kit, we’re encouraging all of the veterinary family to give it a go and get involved."
The competition closes at midnight on 19 August.
This year’s entries will be judged by an expert panel of judges from the veterinary and photography worlds.
More details about the competition, including terms and conditions, can be found at www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/bva-photo-competition
Representatives from all sectors of the veterinary profession are encouraged to apply for the role, which is to represent veterinary surgeons in those regions to BVA Council and help shape the association's strategy and policy development.
Candidates are required to be based in the region they represent and to have time available to commit to gathering members’ views on key policy areas, representing those views at three meetings per year in London, and one elsewhere in the UK (attached to BVA Members’ Day). They will also need to meet members at local events where possible, and promote the good name and values of BVA. All of this work is supported by BVA headquarters.
The term of the BVA regional representative role is for three years. It suits motivated individuals who are interested in current issues affecting the profession. BVA pays your expenses and you’ll get free BVA membership for the duration of your term.
Daniella Dos Santos, President of the British Veterinary Association (pictured right), said: "BVA Council plays a key role in helping us to achieve our mission as the leading body representing, supporting and championing the whole UK veterinary profession. Our regional representatives are integral to that mission and to the activities of Council - contributing to effective horizon scanning on matters of veterinary policy and providing an informed steer to BVA’s Policy Committee.
"With an increasingly complex veterinary landscape, and wide range of issues and potential outcomes for animal health and welfare and the veterinary profession it’s essential that members have the best person to represent them at the highest level within BVA."
Emma Callaghan, BVA Scottish Branch regional representative and 2019 Bleby Cup winner, added: "I am currently in the middle of my first term on BVA Council and I would encourage anyone who is considering taking part to put themselves forward for election. This is a fantastic chance to represent the views of your region and to help BVA members to get their voices heard. I’m really enjoying my time as a regional representative - it’s been such a wonderful opportunity to meet a range of people from across the profession and to develop new skills outside my day-to-day role."
BVA members who are interested in becoming a representative for their area can apply before 9am on 16 December 2019 when nominations close. For more information or to submit your application, visit www.bva.co.uk/council/
Mr Antonovs faced three charges.
The first was that in September 2020 whilst in practice at Beverley Vets4Pets, he attended work when under the influence of alcohol.
The second was that between September and December 2020, whilst at Peel Veterinary Clinic, he attended work on two occasions when under the influence of alcohol.
The final charge was that between February 2021 and February 2023, Mr Antonovs failed to respond adequately to requests from the RCVS regarding concerns raised about his conduct and/or health.
Mr Antonovs admitted the facts of the charges and the Committee decided that the facts amounted to serious professional misconduct.
The Committee therefore decided, in the particular circumstances of this case, to impose a reprimand and warning as to his future conduct on the basis that it would be proportionate in order to maintain public confidence in the profession and uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.
The full details of the hearing and the Committee’s decision can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The BSAVA says there has been a real resurgence in the number of people keeping backyard poultry for a self-sufficient supply of food and because they often become part of the family, owners have come to expect a standard of veterinary care akin to that available for their cat or dog. Yet many veterinary surgeons are unfamiliar with consulting on and treating these birds.
The BSAVA Manual of Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery has been written by an international selection of specialist authors. It covers everything from husbandry and basic clinical techniques to medical and surgical treatment of conditions, and more advanced practices such as endoscopy and post-mortem examination.
The manual covers chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, ornamental pheasants and peafowl. The BSAVA says it is hoped that the manual will make treating backyard poultry more interesting and rewarding, and therefore encourage more practitioners to see feathered patients.
One of the editors, Guy Poland said: "We are very proud of the valuable contributions made by all the authors to the manual. We hope that their hard work will provide a useful resource for veterinary practitioners unfamiliar with poultry medicine to deliver improved care for their patients and maybe inspire an interest that they develop further."
BSAVA Manual of Backyard Poultry Medicine and Surgery is available in a printed edition (£85; £55 to BSAVA members) and online edition (£70.83+VAT; £45.83+VAT to BSAVA members).
The toolkit has been developed in conjunction with the RSPCA and includes a welfare workflow, quick download guides and welfare case forms. It can be downloaded here .
Merry Smith, a BEVA council member who led the project on behalf of BEVA, said: "Welfare assessments can sometimes be intimidating and it’s natural to feel vulnerable, particularly when circumstances are difficult. Our new Welfare Case Toolkit gives you access to the information and resources, even when you are on the road, to support you in dealing with a welfare case."
The interactive Welfare Workflow provides a step-by-step guide to what happens when a vet is called upon to provide an opinion on the health and welfare of the animals involved. It has been produced in a mobile-friendly format or can be printed out and kept in the car. Supporting the Workflow is a series of quick downloads, covering all aspects of the process:
Approach to the welfare case
Letter of instruction
Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (2006) certificate
Witness details sheet
Witness statement form
RSPCA vet exam form
Guidance notes on how to complete a vet exam welfare case form
Caroline Allen, Chief Veterinary Officer at the RSPCA said: "Vets are absolutely critical to the work of the RSPCA and while we know many vets get a lot of satisfaction from this work saving animals from cruelty and suffering, we know that this work can sometimes be daunting and the law confusing. We are delighted to have worked with BEVA on providing this guidance and hope it is the first step in us providing more support to vets doing this vital work- we literally couldn't do it without you"
The Welfare Case Toolkit is available free to BEVA members https://www.beva.org.uk/Resources-For-Vets-Practices/Clinical-Practice-Guidance/Welfare-guidance/Welfare-toolkit
The CPD-qualifying webinar is being given by Professor Saul Faust, Professor of Paediatric Immunology & Infectious Diseases at the University of Southampton, and Ian Wright MRCVS, a veterinary parasitologist, Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland and one of the owners of The Mount Veterinary Practice in Lancashire.
The webinar will reveal the real threat of this disease and its impact on sufferers, and give an insight to the challenges of diagnosing the condition.
Register for the webinar here: https://cloud.mc.zoetis.com/beneath-the-fur-webinar
Petplan has announced the results of a survey which shows that with less than a week to go before microchipping becomes compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales, there is still confusion about the law amongst pet owners.
In the survey of 2,000 British dog owners, 25% had not heard of the new law and 40% didn't know that it also requires owners to keep their microchip details up to date.
40% of respondents said they'd be happy to pay over £500 as a reward if their dog went missing. Despite this, 40% of those who were aware of the new law but had yet to chip their dogs admitted they had not done so because of reservations about the cost of the procedure.
The survey also highlighted the fact that even the most careful of owners lose their dogs. Nearly 40% of losses reported in the survey happened when the owner was taking their pet on a daily walk and 47.1% of respondents reported having a dog escape from an apparently secure garden.
The survey also found that a third of lost dogs came to harm while missing, most of which (84.8%) needed veterinary care.
According to Petplan, despite more than half of dog owners citing expensive veterinary bills as one of their biggest concerns around dog ownership, over 45% of respondents reported not having their dogs insured.
Petplan has published information for pet owners about the new microchip law here: petplan.co.uk/microchip-dog-law-info.
However, many of the causes of above-inflation increases in the cost of veterinary care go well beyond the remit of the CMA and it therefore has limited scope to propose or enforce changes that will likely have any significant impact on costs.
The CMA concluded that the main barriers to healthy competition are: owners not being given enough information, barriers to owners being able to make appropriate choices and an out-of-date regulatory environment.
To correct these issues, the CMA has proposed that veterinary practices should be compelled to:
Given that treatment inflation, rather than a lack of competition, is likely the biggest contributory factor to rising veterinary costs, it seems unlikely that providing price lists, itemised bills or written estimates will do much more than increase the administrative burden on veterinary practices.
What's more, it is very hard to see how price lists and estimates can ever be truly representative in such a complex area as medicine.
So these proposed measures are no more than rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic.
To switch metaphors, the problem is less that pet owners don't know what they're buying and more that the veterinary profession is trying to sell caviar to people who only want or can afford a Big Mac and large fries.
Real change can only be driven by the veterinary profession - not just veterinary surgeons, but the regulator, universities, manufacturers and others, after reflecting on the real, rather than assumed needs of its clients and patients, together with the ethical issues in play.
A good starting point for that reflection is the new book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, available now: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-the-cmas-provisional-decision-in-its-vets-market-investigation
A group of some of the best-known referral practices in the country has issued a formal response to the recent announcement by pet insurance underwriter RSA that it is building a network of preferred referral practices to direct its clients to.
Whilst RSA has clarified the contents of a letter it sent to practices in the Midlands and North West, and apologised to the profession for the confusion it caused, it has not yet responded to any of the other concerns raised by the profession.
Perhaps chief amongst those is the claim by RSA's Head of Pet Claims, Keith Maxwell, that the company is looking to provide like-for-like treatment at a lower cost from its list of preferred referral practices.
Referral vets from Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire, Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset, Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire, Dick White Referrals in Suffolk, North Downs Specialist Referrals in Surrey, The Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre in Warwickshire and Willows Veterinary Centre in the West Midlands say that RSA's current list is simply not representative of the RCVS Recognised Specialist expertise and advanced therapies available within the veterinary profession, thereby making it impossible for RSA to offer like-for-like treatment, let alone at a lower cost.
Clive Elwood, Managing Director of Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire, speaking on behalf of the practices who have expressed concern about the move, said: "An approach that focuses on cost-cutting rather than quality of patient care and lacks any genuine or objective process to benchmark clinical standards is inappropriate. Many multi-disciplinary centres place enormous value on the importance of Recognised Specialists being involved at every level of care including consultation, anaesthesia and imaging assessment and the proposed restrictions may preclude this level of service in some instances. We understand that balancing high standards of care and affordability for owners and insurance companies is an important issue and we hope insurers will work with all sectors of the profession to find constructive workable long term solutions."
Mike Martin of the Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre in Warwickshire added: "Owners buy pet insurance to ensure that they can access the best available expertise when their animals are ill. I don't think any owner wants to have their choice of practice restricted by insurance companies who are primarily concerned with encouraging shortcuts to reduce costs."
The British College of Veterinary Specialists has invited RSA to attend a meeting to discuss issues of concern, but says it hasn't thus far received a reply.
Research amongst veterinary surgeons by Janssen Animal Health, maker of Cavalesse oral and Cavalesse topical, has revealed that owners could be doing more harm than good when it comes to managing sweet itch in their horses.
92% of vets questioned are aware that people follow old wives' tales by administering lotions and potions such as garlic and olive oil to ward off flies during the summer sweet itch season, when garlic actually has the opposite effect of attracting them.
According to Janssen, it is thought that only a quarter of horse owners are aware that it is important to carry out preventative measures before the start of the midge season to help alleviate sweet itch. 14% of people are thought to go to their vet for advice on sweet itch, while 30% seek help from their country store or tack shop, 27% search for information on websites and 26% ask other horse owners for guidance. This is despite the fact that 92% of those questioned believe that sweet itch would clear up quicker if people sought advice from their veterinary surgeon.
Nicki Glen, marketing manager at Janssen Animal Health said: "Sweet itch can be an incredibly difficult and frustrating condition to manage, however horse owners do not tend to seek advice from their vets. It is therefore important to educate horse owners while you are on yard visits with pro-active advice on the condition for the long-term health and welfare of horses."
Cavalesse is a natural food supplement containing a specialised formulation of water-soluble vitamins and minerals, including nicotinamide. Once a month the contents of each sachet are dissolved in water to form an oral solution, which can be administered daily via a special pipette, either by sprinkling over a small handful of feed or adding to a treat such as a sugar lump. Janssen says the supplement helps horses maintain a healthy skin and promotes normal immune function in horses prone to summer allergies.
Cavalesse Topical is a skincare gel that can be used in combination with the Cavalesse solution. The gel can be applied to the skin to help support natural immunity from the outside, whilst the oral solution works in partnership from the inside.
For further information on Cavalesse and Cavalesse Topical please contact your Janssen Animal Health account manager or phone 01494 567555.
The newsletter will include anaesthesia updates, bulletins and recaps, access to videos and downloadable resources.
Articles in Anaesthesia1ST are being written by Jurox’s technical advisors in collaboration with anaesthesia specialists such as Carl Bradbrook (European Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia and an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia) and Ian Self (European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Associate Professor in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham).
The first newsletter launched on 15th May and included: ‘Capnography I – not just a load of hot air’, ‘Perspectives on premeds – Alpha-2 agonists’ and ‘What’s new in anaesthesia? Highlights of recent preoxygenation paper’.
Articles in future editions will include: ‘Capnography II – what happened to the elephants?’, ‘Pain, what a pain! Local and regional nerve blocks improve outcomes and welfare of patients’, “The Big Chill – temperature management in sedated and anaesthetised patients’ and ‘Perspectives on premeds – a complete series of articles covering the ins and outs of the different agents, how they compare and recommended use in the different patient types’.
Jurox says that downloadable resources will include a capnography cheat-sheet detailing different traces and their meaning, premedication drugs comparison tables and pre and post rabbit anaesthesia check-lists.
Richard Beckwith, country manager of Jurox (UK) Ltd, said: "We take great pride in our investment in educational initiatives to enable veterinary professionals to deliver best practice anaesthesia to their clients. The new Anaesthesia1ST newsletter further demonstrates our commitment to educational support resources to enable veterinary professionals to attain and maintain 1ST class anaesthesia for all patients."
To sign up to the Anaesthesia1ST newsletter, click here, visit the Alfaxan website – www.alfaxan.co.uk, contact your local Jurox technical sales representative or email Jurox at: info@jurox.co.uk.
A petition to protect the title Veterinary Nurse has received an impressive 1,285 signatures, including many from veterinary surgeons, and an official response from HM Government.
The petition, which was started by VetNurse.co.uk member Nick Shackleton Dip AVN (Surgical) VN on 6th June last year, explained: "The title veterinary nurse at present is not a protected title. A lot of people who work in practice call them selves veterinary nurses, when they have no theoretical training in such a position. As qualified nurses we feel that this issue should be addressed so that the general public are no longer confused as to the qualification and hopefully make them more aware of the hard work it is to gain the qualification. As we are heading for autonomy within the profession I think it is right and fitting that the title should be protected."
The Government response, whilst predictably noncommittal, did at least seem to recognise the issue: "The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) maintains the Statutory List of veterinary nurses. In order to qualify, nurses must undergo a two-year period of vocational training which is assessed at work and through examination by the RCVS Awarding Body.
On being added to the Statutory List they are entitled to undertake a range of veterinary treatments and procedures on animals under veterinary direction. Only listed nurses are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'VN'. The RCVS are introducing new arrangements for 'registered' veterinary nurses which provides greater accountability and transparency for those nurses whose names are entered on the register. These arrangements run in parallel with the Statutory List.
Some veterinary practices may employ staff who do not carry out the duties of a veterinary nurse but possibly use that title or wear a uniform which might imply that they are a trained veterinary nurse. We appreciate that there are issues surrounding best practice that the RCVS and the Veterinary Nursing Council to address.
It is generally accepted that the arrangements for regulating veterinary nursing could be modernised. This would, in due course, help provide greater protection for the title of veterinary nurses. Although Defra currently has no plans to undertake a fundamental review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, we are regularly in touch with the RCVS to better understand its priorities for regulatory reform.
The most recent case of rabies in a bat in Great Britain was in July 2020 in Wimbourne, Dorset and there were four cases in 2019.
Like many wild animals, bats can carry a number of different pathogens, including European Bat Lyssaviruses (EBLVs) 1 and 2 – also referred to as bat rabies. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected bats and is usually spread to humans or other mammals by the bite of an infected bat. The virus may also enter the body via open wounds or mucous membranes.
The BSAVA says that whilst the risk of transmission to humans is considered low, those handling bats may be at an increased risk of contracting the disease and those who regularly handle bats should be vaccinated against rabies.
Those who are not vaccinated against the disease should assume that all bats are possible carriers of rabies. Individuals handling bats should wear gloves of a suitable thickness for the species of bat they are handling to avoid being bitten or scratched. Further information on how to safely contain and handle a bat can be found on the Bat Conservation Trust website.
In the event that an individual is bitten or scratched by a bat or exposed to bat saliva or nervous tissue in any other way, they should seek immediate medical advice. The contact area should be washed with soap and water, and any wounds must be disinfected. Further information can be found on the APHA, PHE and NHS websites.
In 2008, a case involving an injured bat carrying EBLV type 2 was treated by a vet and her staff, who were unaware of the potential of rabies risk from bats. The bat handlers had previously been vaccinated as recommended by the Department of Health but despite sustaining a needlestick injury during surgery, the vet and her staff had neither sought nor received post-exposure prophylaxis.1
Professor Ian Ramsey, president of the BSAVA, said: “Although this case was 12 years ago it is a pertinent reminder of why we need to be well-prepared when handling bats. Whilst the risk of human rabies infection from bats is low, the publication of the new statistics show that EBLVs are circulating in a small number of wild bats. Injured bats are often presented to small animal vets, so we have taken this opportunity to remind our members and others of the potential risks of rabies transmission, and how to mitigate against these.
"For more advice on the handling and treatment of wildlife casualties including bats, we advise vets to consult a reference book such as the BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties."
Reference
To use the service, you order recycling boxes to suite your needs, and then place them where it will be most convenient for staff to throw the rubbish in.
Once full, you send the box back to TerraCycle via UPS.
It is then saved from incineration or landfills and recycled by TerraCycle.
Once collected, products and packaging are sorted and separated by material composition.
The separated items are then cleaned, shredded, and made into new recycled products such as outdoor furniture and decking, playgrounds, benches, or watering cans.
Hannah James, Head of Environment, Social & Governance at VetPartners said: “We started using the Zero Waste Boxes at our practices during the pandemic to recycle the large volumes of PPE being used, and they were instantly popular with practice teams.
"We’re now recycling plastic packaging, pet food packaging and medicine blister packs through TerraCycle as well, and since 2020 we’ve saved over 14 tonnes of waste from landfill and incineration.
"The Zero Waste Boxes are an important feature of our sustainability strategy, providing a solution for much of the waste generated by veterinary practice that isn’t hazardous and yet isn’t widely accepted for recycling.”
www.vetcycle.co.uk
The awards are based on more than 11,000 pet owner reviews submitted to VetHelpDirect.com over the past 12 months.
The reviews cover 2,500 veterinary practices around the UK, with awards given to the practices with the highest number of four and five-star reviews from customers.
Tracey Morley Jewkes, Managing Director of Willows, said: “I am so proud of our team here and it’s fantastic to have won such a prestigious award based on client reviews.
"It was fabulous to receive such wonderful feedback as part of this award process. Our team at Willows is one of the best in the world, and we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, providing the very highest standards of veterinary care to our patients, their owners and our referring vets."
Susie Samuel, managing director of VetHelpDirect.com, said: “The Best UK Vet awards are now in their eighth year and are a fantastic way to illustrate the strength of veterinary care in the UK.
“The awards are based on real-time customer reviews written over the past calendar year and recognise the very best veterinary practitioners.
“For animal owners, choosing a vet can be an anxious time, having access to reviews from other owners cuts down that anxiety. A vet who has been positively reviewed a number of times by different owners is clearly trusted and we know this provides peace of mind for new customers.
"The awards are categorised by geographical region, and also by type of practice and we have been delighted by the diversity of practices reviewed positively by their customers this year."
The silver award went to St Anne's Veterinary Group and the bronze award winning practice was Mayow Veterinary Surgery.
Photo: Toby Gemmill, Willows clinical director, Deputy Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Flo Nash, Tracey Morley Jewkes, managing director of Willows and Susie Samuels, founder and CEO VetHelpDirect
Frontline wormer for cats contains praziquantel and pyrantel embonate, and for dogs it also contains febantel.
According to the company, Frontline Wormer is effective agains all types of intestinal worms found in the UK: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms.
It is presented as a palatable tablet which can be given as a treat without food, or mixed with food.
The press release from the company says the new product "gives pet parents an easy way to worm their cats and dogs".
"Pet parents?"
Someone please pass me the sick bag.
If I get one more press release describing cat or dog owners as 'pet parents", so help me god I will turn up at the press office and chain myself - naked - to the photocopying machine in protest.
It's a ghastly, patronising, cloying way to refer to people who own an animal, besides which, if I really was the parent of a pet, I would expect to be serving time at His Majesty's pleasure.
Frontline Wormer is available in packs of two tablets for 3 pet sizes.
As an AVM-GSL-licensed product, it can be sold off the shelf.
Ms Mulvey faced a number of charges relating to the treatment of a cat called Spooky: that she failed to provide Spooky’s owner, Mrs Parsons, with either Spooky’s lab results or an adequate explanation as to why they could not be provided; that she failed to respond adequately or at all to communications from Mrs Parsons; that she failed to respond to requests from the College for information relating to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), her professional indemnity insurance (PII), and her correspondence with Mrs Parsons.
At the beginning of the hearing Dr Mulvey admitted the facts to all the charges, and accepted that they constituted disgraceful conduct in a professional respect. The Committee had been provided with written evidence from Mrs Parsons, her husband, and four College staff, namely Gemma Crossley, Maria Fearon, Robert Girling and Michael Hepper.
Mrs Parsons provided a statement in which she spoke of how, in August 2016, she had taken Spooky to CornYard Veterinary Centre for a skin irritation where she was seen by Dr Mulvey.
Dr Mulvey decided to take blood tests and send them to the laboratory, but they agreed to defer them actually being tested until Mrs Parsons gave permission. Mrs Parsons then returned to the practice with Spooky to take said samples, after which followed a series of attempts to contact Dr Mulvey for the test results. Finally, in October, she demanded a refund, after which she began a small claim in County Court.
Mr Parsons went to the practice at the beginning of December 2016 and obtained the refund. At this point Mrs Parsons made a complaint to the College. The Committee received information from Mr Parsons, who corroborated the facts of the complaint, and from College staff who confirmed the many attempts to contact Dr Mulvey, starting with requests for documents by Ms Crossley and Ms Fearon, repeated requests for CPD and PII information from Mr Girling, and finally a hand-delivered letter by Mr Hepper, during which he learnt that her PII had lapsed at the beginning of 2017.
The College submitted that Dr Mulvey’s conduct fell far below the standard expected of a veterinary surgeon. It submitted that failing to provide the test results and communicate with the Parsons could have had a negative impact on animal welfare and damaged the reputation of the profession, while having PII is a fundamental obligation of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. Finally, not responding to the College about the concern raised, CPD or PII compromised the College’s ability to maintain public confidence in its regulatory processes.
The Committee considered that no harm had actually come to Spooky and that there were problems with the testing laboratory which slowed down the process. In addition, some of the lack of communication was due to a receptionist not following protocol, and Dr Mulvey was going through a particularly difficult part of her life and was clinically understaffed. The Committee heard from four different character witnesses, and were given 16 more written testimonials.
The Committee heard that in 2013 there had been complaints from three separate clients, all of which concerned Dr Mulvey’s failure to communicate and to process insurance claim forms, after which she agreed to participate in the Performance Protocol and entered into undertakings with the College.
The Committee having considered all the facts and background circumstances found that Dr Mulvey’s conduct was disgraceful in a professional respect.
The Committee went on to consider what sanction was appropriate. In reaching its decision the Committee took into account a number of aggravating factors, namely that there was a slight risk to the health of Spooky and that the disgraceful conduct occurred over a prolonged period of time. The Committee also considered that there was blatant disregard of the role of the RCVS and the systems regulating the profession.
In determining the sanction the Committee also considered mitigating factors, including that Dr Mulvey, apart from those previous concerns, had a long and unblemished career and that she’s made a huge difference to the health of the animals within her care. She also admitted her shortcomings, and had very impressive references.
The Committee therefore determined to postpone its decision on sanction for a period of one year on condition that Dr Mulvey enter into the following undertakings:
To agree to the appointment of a veterinary surgeon as a work place supervisor by the College and meet with them at least once every month
Allow the supervisor access to all aspects of running of the practice and to implement any recommendations made by the supervisor relating to the administration of the practice and the provision of out of hours’ cover.
To allow the supervisor to provide a report in relation to the matters set out in 2 above to the RCVS at least one month before the resumed hearing of this case.
To appoint within two months an experienced Practice Manager (who does not need to be full time).
To enrol in the voluntary Practices Standards Scheme and to achieve the Core standards of the Scheme within the next 12 months.
To submit a plan to the supervisor of CPD for the next twelve months within one month of agreeing to these undertakings. The plan should then be implemented and shall include aspects of practice management.
To pay all of the costs of complying with the undertakings, with the exception of the costs associated with the appointment and performance of the supervisor.
Ian Green, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee recognised that Dr Mulvey has been subject to undertakings before and yet committed the disgraceful conduct the subject of this inquiry. But it bore in mind the context of that conduct and it observes that the undertakings previously imposed in reality address a particular aspect of her practice.
"This Committee hopes that when the matter is relisted before it, the Respondent will be able to demonstrate that she has finally been able to address her administrative shortcomings. If she cannot do so, she will know that the Committee that sits on her case at the resumed hearing is likely to have more restricted options for disposal of her case."
Ceva Animal Health has launched a new broad-spectrum, flavoured endoparasiticide tablet, Milbactor for dogs.
Milbactor contains milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, which offer protection against the common nematodes seen in the UK and the main species of tapeworm.
Milbemycin oxime treats Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis, the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum, the whipworm Trichuris vulpis and the eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda. Milbactor also prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
Praziquantel protects against Echinococcus spp., Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp. and Mesocestoides spp.
Puppies weighing more than 0.5 kg can be treated with Milbactor from two weeks of age. Milbactor comes in two tablet sizes for dogs and puppies, and the tablets are flavoured for easy administration.
Ceva has also launched The Ceva Protection System for dogs, a two-step solution featuring Vectra 3D and Milbactor to provide ectoparasite and endoparasite protection for dogs with one monthly topical treatment and one flavoured tablet. The Ceva Protection System uses Vectra Felis for flea protection for cats and Acclaim for the treatment of the pet's home environment.
Rob McLintock MRCVS, companion animal business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "The launch of Milbactor and The Ceva Protection System will enable veterinary surgeons to offer their clients a simple regime featuring Vectra 3D and Milbactor for comprehensive parasite control in dogs. Offering protection both inside and out and with no bite required to kill fleas, the regime offers a simple, effective combination to treat and prevent fleas, ticks, biting flies, roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms and to prevent heartworm.
For further information on The Ceva Protection System, Milbactor, Vectra 3D or Vectra Felis, contact your local Ceva territory manager or call 01494 781510.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has restored a veterinary surgeon who had previously been convicted of fraud to the Register, after finding him fit to resume practising.
Matthew Morgan had pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud in July 2013 having fraudulently claimed over £200,000 in pet insurance claims between November 2009 and December 2012. In August 2013 he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, for which he served 12 months and was then released on licence.
Following his conviction and sentence, his case was brought to the RCVS Disciplinary Committee in February 2014 where it was decided to strike him off the Register. When his licence period expired on 18 August 2015, Mr Morgan applied for restoration to the Register.
During the course of the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee heard evidence from Mr Morgan, who accepted the findings of the Committee, describing the evidence as ‘fair’ and acknowledging the seriousness of his actions.
The Committee felt that Mr Morgan’s criminal conduct was very grave, as reflected in his custodial sentence and the fact that, as an Australian citizen, he had been issued with a deportation notice by the Home Office. It also felt that his crime had struck at the heart of public confidence in a profession for which honesty and integrity is expected.
However, the Committee considered that Mr Morgan, if restored, would pose few risks in respect of protection of the public, having no concerns about his competence as a veterinary surgeon, and accepted that there was little future risk to animal welfare if he were to be restored.
The Committee also considered that, since his release from prison, Mr Morgan has taken extensive steps to rehabilitate himself, has undertaken continuing professional development and has been working as a veterinary care assistant at two veterinary practices to keep up-to-date with current practice.
Furthermore, the Committee was satisfied that there was public support for Mr Morgan continuing as a veterinary surgeon given the references and testimonials submitted on his behalf.
In coming to its conclusion the Disciplinary Committee reiterated the seriousness of Mr Morgan’s criminal offending, saying that it had caused it “the greatest concern”. However, it also felt that issues of rehabilitation needed to be considered.
Professor Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee cannot emphasise enough the fact that veterinary surgeons who commit acts of fraud in the exercise of their practice can expect severe consequences, both in the criminal courts and within their own College and there can be no doubt that the decision to remove the applicant from the Register was a proper reflection of the seriousness of his offending.
“Given all of the matters referred to above, however, the Committee considers that the applicant has demonstrated sufficiently that he has learned the lessons required and is now fit to be restored to the Register.”
Brigite said: "We are leading an international multi-centre study to further investigate the impact of this heart disorder on the quality of life and life expectancy of affected dogs.
"This is an extremely important research project, so we need the co-operation of referring vets in the area to send cases to us to be included in the study. Clearly, the more cases we can assess then the more we can learn and the more we can help.
"The hope is this study will revolutionise the way in which this condition is treated in dogs around the world, both improving their day-to-day lives as well as giving them longer at home with their families."
For more information, visit: www.willows.uk.net
The app, which works on tablets and smartphones, allows vets to e-mail audit results directly to clients following an interactive calf health assessment at the farm.
MSD Animal Health’s youngstock marketing manager Robert Simpson said: “Our new app allows both parties to explore, record and score calf health performance across five core areas to identify the strengths and weaknesses of any rearing unit’s environment and processes.
“Working through a series of 10 questions within each core area – designed to tease out where a rearing unit is in terms of accepted best management practice – allows vet and farmer to quickly pinpoint any areas needing attention.
"What’s more, repeating the checklist every six or 12 months is a great way to keep things on track, allowing both parties to monitor progress against agreed targets”.
For more information about the app, contact your MSD account manager.