Bayer Animal Health has announced the results of a survey1 which shows that despite 80% of dog owners being aware of lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum), 85% of dogs remain unprotected against the parasite.
The survey, which was carried out amongst 1,000 dog owners, also found that more than 5% had encountered lungworm in their own dogs. However, only 15% of owners treat their pet against parasites on a monthly basis, with the remainder admitting to missed routine lungworm worming treatments or not treating at all.
Bayer highlights evidence from the Royal Veterinary College2, which confirms the lungworm parasite has spread across the UK from its traditional habitat in the south of England and Wales, and is now widespread in Central England, also reaching northern regions and Scotland, with one in five vet practices nationwide reporting at least one case of the parasite. In another survey of 150 veterinary practices across the UK a total of 952 suspected cases were reported (157 laboratory confirmed), with 81 deaths thought to have been caused by the parasite3.
To encourage more pet owners to take action, Bayer will launch a consumer campaign called 'Act on Lungworm' in March. The campaign will include the world's first 24-hour radio station for dogs and their owners, 'Hound Waves', broadcasting live from Crufts on Friday 7th March. The event will also see the launch of a new television and advertising campaign from Bayer.
For veterinary professionals, the campaign launch will also include online videos detailing the 'ACT on Lungworm' veterinary support and showing the new television advertisement exclusively to vets before the national launch.
Caroline Braidwood, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "After launching the 2013 lungworm awareness campaign and providing owners with a social media platform, we quickly began to recognise the enthusiasm that exists to encourage action.
"We received feedback from owners who had tragically lost their pets to lungworm, and whilst we were pleased that we were helping to raise awareness, we became conscious that we needed to do more to prevent dogs from dying unnecessarily. Our 2014 campaign focus has come as a direct result of talking to these owners and providing individuals like Sandra Stevens with a platform to discuss their experiences in the hope that more owners will take action before it is too late."
'ACT on Lungworm' is part of Bayer Animal Health's wider 'It's a Jungle Out There' parasite protection initiative. Further information is available at www.facebook.com/jungleforpets
References
BCF Technology has launched a competition for its customers to win a Kindle by reviewing the company's imaging products.
To enter the competition, visit www.bcftechnology.com and navigate to the relevant product. At the foot of each product page you'll see a link marked 'Review it now'. Use this to tell others how your ultrasound or X-ray equipment has changed things in your practice. How it aids patient treatment, improves workflows, makes processes simpler, or anything else you would like to pass on to help others in the search for the right imaging product for them.
Gavin Mitchell, BCF Vet Imaging Director said: "We want to make it easier for vets to find the imaging product thats most suitable for their practice. By leaving a product review, you can help others looking for X-ray and ultrasound.
We value customer feedback at BCF, and use it to continually improve our products and service. Come to the BCF website and let us and others know what you think of your equipment. We expect this to really help vets looking for new imaging equipment."
BCF says it will select one reviewer at random to win a Kindle every month.
Bayer Animal Health has doubled the number of pipettes in its Advocate all-in-one flea, worm and mite spot-on to provide an additional range of six-month treatment packs for cats and dogs.
Bayer says the doubling of the number of pipettes in a pack is aimed at providing vets with greater prescribing flexibility and to help improve compliance for owners over a six-month period. Bi-annual vet visits will now give a full year’s parasite cover with Advocate.
Advocate is now available in three- and six-pipette packs for small and large cats and for medium, large and extra large dogs, and three-pipette packs for small dogs. The product remains the only combined flea, worm and mite spot-on that is licensed for the treatment of A. vasorum in dogs.
Dechra has launched a new administration rate guide developed to help vets and nurses administer the haemoglobin-based, oxygen-carrying fluid Oxyglobin at the correct rate (in ml/kg/hr).
"The handy dosing wheel allows you to line up the weight of the dog with the rate of administration in one window and then the ml/hr and drips per minute will be shown in the window below," explains Carol Morgan, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products. "This rate guide will help vets and nurses to quickly establish the rate they need when giving Oxyglobin to anaemic dogs. It is important, especially during critical care and emergency situations, that these figures are readily available."
According to Dechra, Oxyglobin requires no typing or cross-matching and ensures no transfusion reactions or disease transmissions. Its effectiveness can be measured by a rapid improvement in clinical signs, increased plasma haemoglobin concentration and arterial oxygen content. In addition, it can be stored at room temperature and has a shelf-life of three years. Further details can be obtained from Dechra territory managers or phone for your free Oxyglobin dosing wheel: 01743 441 632.
The University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine, is calling for help with research into the prevalence of pseudopregnancy in spayed bitches.
The research takes the form of a survey being conducted amongst a representative sample of veterinary surgeons by Pippa Hutchison, Dr Tim Parkin, Caroline Warnes and Dr Philippa Yam.
In particular, the research aims to gather data looking into how often veterinary surgeons are diagnosing and treating pseudopregnancy, and how frequently the condition occurs both before and after spaying.
Tanya Leslie MRCVS from Ceva Animal Health, sponsors of the work, said: “Ceva is delighted to have been given the opportunity to support this work to investigate and raise awareness of this important issue”.
The questionnaire is being sent out towards the end of this month. If you're one of the recipients, there's the added incentive of being entered into a draw for a £300 cash prize if you complete the questionnaire and return it by the 13th November.
The researchers say that after this initial work, they plan a prospective study establishing the wider incidence of pseudopregnancy in both entire and spayed bitches.
Diagnostic imagers at Davies Veterinary Specialists have been exploring the power and 3D resolution of their new CT scanner, and have come up with a fascinating virtual CT bronchoscopy (VB) that tracks the airways of a dog.
A movie of the bronchoscopy can be seen here: http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk%20/06_Animal_Welfare/Services/Diagnostic_Imaging.html
Using the multiple image slices generated, and considerable computing power, virtual broncoscopy allows the user to navigate through the images as if within the actual airway. In human medicine VB is commonly used in diagnostic procedures such as guided biopsy, pre-surgical planning and teaching. It may be combined with real bronchoscopy to facilitate lesion localisation and sampling.
Jerry Davies, managing director of DVS and RCVS Specialist in veterinary diagnostic imaging explains: “Whilst the usefulness of this technique in veterinary medicine remains to be explored, the exciting potential applications include anatomic assessment of the airway, foreign body localisation and pre-surgical planning.”
Hill's has launched Science Plan Snacks: a new range of treats which includes light, immunity support, healthy mobility, oral care and skin & coat variants for adults, and immunity support and skin & coat variants for puppies.
Market research has shown that 76% of UK dog owners feed their pet treats, and that snacks represent 33% of total market value in the dog food segment. Hill's has identified that 84% of pet owners want their pet's snack to be healthy and 67% want the snack to meet a specific need. However, the company says many pet snacks and table scraps are high in salt, sugar and fat and overfeeding can unbalance a nutritionally balanced diet provided by the main meal, as well as being a major cause of obesity.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's said: "Owners like to treat their pets to snacks as it helps cement their close bond but they are also aware that feeding unhealthy food is a bad idea. We believe that responsible snacking is the way forward and to that end have launched Science Plan Snacks. The range is not only low in calories and made with all the optimal nutrition principles that guides the formulation of Science Plan main meal but also features on-pack guidelines to indicate the number of snacks that can be given per day. "
Hill's says the new range outperforms other mainstream biscuit treats in taste tests, being up to 79% preferred. Science Plan Snacks offer fatty acid ratios and blends to support healthy mobility and patented fibre technology in the oral product, with controlled levels of calcium and salt. The resealable bag maintains freshness and the high impact premium black packaging provides great stand out on shelf.
For further information contact your Hill's Territory Manager or Hill's customer service on 0800 282438.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, manufacturer of Comfortis chewable tablets for dogs, has developed a Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) algorithm to provide veterinary surgeons with step-by-step guidance on its diagnosis and treatment.
Developed in conjunction with Dr Chiara Noli, DVM, Dip ECVD, a referral dermatologist and dermatopathologist from Northern Italy, the algorithm covers the many complexities and causes of pruritus. It also advises veterinary surgeons to prescribe strict oral flea control if antibacterial shampoo or lotions are used.
Anna Jackson, veterinary manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health said: "Canine patients with dermatological conditions including Flea Allergy Dermatitis are often prescribed topical treatments, such as shampoos, which may compromise the effectiveness of many spot-on topical flea control products. The new Flea Allergy Dermatitis algorithm takes this into account by providing veterinary surgeons with step-by-step advice on the diagnosis and treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis including the benefits of using oral flea control if a shampoo is administered."
For a copy of the Flea Allergy Dermatitis algorithm, please contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancocah.uk@lilly.com.
Bayer Animal Health, maker of Profender, has released the results of some market research conducted amongst cat owners.
The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll amongst 1000 cat owners, found that:
As regards worming:
When it comes to the relationship they have with their veterinary surgeon:
When it comes to the Internet:
The BVA is calling for urgent reassurance from the government concerning farm animal welfare.
The association says the government decision to revoke farm animal welfare codes risks undermining public confidence in animal welfare standards.
When Defra consulted in 2013 on proposals to move away from statutory codes to non-statutory, industry-led guidance BVA broadly supported more flexibility to allow for guidance to be updated more regularly and in light of new welfare science, but raised a number of questions regarding enforcement and, critically, around the definition of 'industry'.
BVA emphasised that veterinary surgeons, farmers, animal welfare scientists with species-specific knowledge, industry bodies and other groups must all be involved and consulted.
BVA also warned Defra of implications in relation to the message conveyed to stakeholders by such a change and the value attached to the welfare codes by the government.
BVA President Sean Wensley, said: "It is essential that any changes to the welfare codes do not undermine public confidence in the high animal welfare standards set for English farms. Although BVA broadly supported the idea of moving to a more flexible system that could take account of new animal welfare science, we maintained that a range of expertise must be used to draw up new guidance.
"We are pleased that there will be no changes to the legislation that underpins animal welfare but it is unclear where the checks and balances now lie. It is vital that Defra puts measures in place urgently to provide that reassurance.
"The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has suggested that it would be possible for the fundamental principles to be laid down in statutory codes which are subject to parliamentary scrutiny with operational details being set out in guidance. This idea may be worth further exploration to allow both the flexibility required to reflect new animal welfare science and the public confidence that the statutory welfare codes currently provide."
Horses suffering from neurological conditions similar to those that affect humans could be helped by a breakthrough from stem cell scientists, according to a study published in the journal Stem Cells and Development.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute took skin cells from a young horse and turned them into stem cells using a technique that was originally developed for human cells. The reprogrammed cells are pluripotent, which means they can be induced to become any type of cell in the body. The team used them to create nerve cells in the laboratory and tested whether they were functional by showing that they could transmit nerve signals in a test tube.
The university says horse stem cells have been produced in the laboratory before but this is the first time that scientists have created working cells of a specific type from them. The advance may pave the way for cell therapies that target conditions similar to motor neurone disease.
In addition, the research could also benefit horses affected by grass sickness, a neurological condition that affects around 600 horses a year in the UK. Little is known about the disease, which causes nerve damage throughout the body. It is untreatable and animals with the most severe form usually die or have to be put down.
Dr Xavier Donadeu from the Roslin Institute, an author of the study, said: "Stem cells hold huge therapeutic potential both for people and animals. Our research is an important step towards realising that potential for horses and provides an opportunity to validate stem-cell based therapies before clinical studies in humans."
The new gel is made from natural resin combined with zinc salts which NoBACZ says provides both physical and microbial protection.
NoBACZ says that unlike water-based gels and sprays, including aerosols, that dilute in water and wash away, Ambugreen’s natural resin is hydrophobic which improves contact times between the product and the skin in wet conditions.
The gel barrier can be used anywhere on the skin where a bandage or spray has conventionally been used for protection, such as the management of lameness and to protect sore skin in livestock and to manage udder cleft issues in cows.
Ambugreen also offers fly protection and is suitable for use on all livestock, including copper-sensitive sheep breeds.
Dr David Charles, veterinary surgeon and international business development manager at NoBACZ Healthcare, said: “Ambugreen provides farmers with next generation protection for their livestock and is the perfect antibiotic-free tool to help protect wounds from bacterial ingress from the environment; enhancing the health and welfare of animals whilst preventing economic losses.”
Laura Donovan, veterinary surgeon and partner at Nantwich Farm Vets, adds: “We were lucky enough to have trialled Ambugreen with our dairy clients who have successfully used the gel barrier for udder cleft dermatitis and were very pleased with the results.”
www.nobacz.com
The first, hosted by Sam Taylor, head of veterinary specialists at ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) is titled ‘Whetting the appetite: purr-fectly feeding your knowledge of feline inappetence and why early detection shouldn’t be overlooked’.
The session, which starts at 12:30pm on Tuesday 6th, will explore the importance of feline inappetence, how it goes overlooked by owners and practices alike and why it shouldn’t be underestimated.
In the second session, which starts at 12:30pm on Friday 9th, Libby Koytzoumis, veterinary technical advisor at Dechra (pictured), will talk about one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine diseases in dogs, Cushing’s syndrome.
Libby's webinar, ‘Are you seeing these usual suspects in practice?’ will explore the common signs, routes to diagnosis and the effective treatment and monitoring of Cushing’s.
https://thewebinarvet.com/events/virtual-veterinary-congress-2024
The RCVS is seeking applications for a paid, part-time parliamentary internship from veterinary surgeons and students who have completed the third year of a veterinary degree.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of the veterinary profession in the UK.
The internship is to support the activities of Professor the Lord Trees, with the successful applicant expected to work three days a week whilst Parliament is sitting (around 150 days a year). The role is for one year, starting in October, and is London-based, with a salary of £15,000 (not pro-rata). A housing allowance may also be available.
Applicants should send a CV and covering letter to Lesley Evans, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF or email l.evans@rcvs.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 22 April 2013, with interviews taking place in late May/early June.
Further details about the role are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us.
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has launched a new support website, vetlife.org.uk. Designed to help veterinarians access emotional and professional support, the website is part of a series of initiatives aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of the veterinary profession.
Vetlife.org is designed to make it easy for veterinary surgeons, nurses and students to find information about the different types of professional and emotional support available. This includes support provided by established veterinary care organisations such as Vet Helpline and the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme and trusted sources outside the profession such as Mind, the leading mental health charity, and the Samaritans.
The website was conceived after the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) asked Dr Wendy Harrison to chair a Veterinary Support working party, formed from representatives of all the main veterinary organisations and the Samaritans, to look at what could be done to improve support to the profession. The impetus for the formation of the working party was the publication, in The Veterinary Record in October 2005 of research by Richard Mellanby that indicated that the suicide rate for the veterinary profession was four times higher than that of the general population and twice that of doctors and dentists.
Congratulations to Merial for a creative initiative to celebrate the 25th birthday of Eqvalan®.
The company made a much needed donation towards the upkeep of the Pewsey White Horse in return for being able to use it as part of Eqvalan's birthday celebration publicity programme for 2008.
The money will be used to restore the protective fencing around the ancient landmark, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.
Merial's Claire Parry- Baggott explains: "There are a number of white horse sites across the UK, many of which are extremely popular visitor destinations. To keep these sites open to the public requires year-round maintenance, often from a small army of volunteers.
"Horse owners have been using Eqvalan to help protect their trusty companions for 25 years, and this initiative will help provide protection of a different kind!
"The idea sprang from the current Eqvalan advertising campaign which celebrates 25 years of worming protection. The result is a fantastic 100 feet replica of our Eqvalan birthday horse, and brand new fencing for the Pewsey White Horse!
"We were delighted to help the Pewsey Council raise funds to preserve the site and hopefully this money will enable the horse to be enjoyed by many for years to come," concludes Claire.
Dear SAMSoc colleagues,
Many will remember the talk Prof Martin Bland gave at our meeting last year. His secretary has asked me to post the following advert for a course on statistics for vets this October (four day) entitled 'Introduction to Statistics for Vets', to be delivered by Professor Bland himself at the University of York. Attached is the flyer.
Regards,
Stijn.
The BVA has announced the launch of a new Organisational Membership scheme, following the recent activation of its Affiliate and Associate membership categories which saw the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) welcomed as Affiliate members.
BVA President Nicky Paull said: "The Organisational Membership scheme is a fantastic new initiative that allows an employee, through an employer, to make great savings on the annual BVA membership subscription fee when renewing or joining.
"Simply by registering your practice or organisation for the scheme, staff can benefit from an excellent deal on BVA membership, saving up to 60% off the normal subscription fee of £252 a year".
To qualify for the new membership scheme, all staff holding a veterinary medicine degree must become a BVA member. The subscription is £1,000 for up to 10 members with increments of £500 for each additional five members. Suitably qualified associate members (for example, veterinary nurses or veterinary practice managers) also have the option of being part of an employer's scheme membership.
Nicky said: "Organisational Membership, along with the Affiliate and Associate membership categories, is a reflection of the BVA's awareness of the changes effecting the composition and structure of veterinary practice and the wider veterinary world and of our determination to adapt in order to be able to fully support and promote all members of the veterinary team."