Jon Bowen, animal behaviour consultant at the Royal Veterinary College and Sureflap have declared 8th May 'Vet Cat Watch Day', and are asking the profession to record the reason why each cat seen that day is brought into the practice.
Jon explained: "There are more than 10 million pet cats in the UK, however there is little information about the prevalence of injuries, disease, cat fights and road traffic accidents on a national scale".
The absence of data became apparent when findings from research on over 1,000 cats - conducted as part of the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign, supported by SureFlap and Your Cat magazine - revealed cats that had suffered minor injuries from fights were more likely to develop other health issues, such as hair loss and eye infections.
Judith Bank from SureFlap said: "People often purchase a microchip-operated cat flap to help their pet to feel secure. Owners tell us that their pet is spraying in the house or has been losing fur and this motivated us to support research to look deeper into the problems that pet owners might be having. We soon realised that objective data from vets was not available to qualify the findings and this is where the idea of 'Vet Cat Watch Day' emerged."
Jon said: "The aim of Vet Cat Watch Day is to take a snap-shot of cats' health from veterinary practices across the nation, on one day. The results will be compiled alongside information from cat owners gained in 'Cat Watch Day' a few days earlier.
A report detailing preliminary findings from the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign is available from the SureFlap website. When complete the results will be used to help provide vets with an insight into the lives of domestic cats so they are better equipped to understand behavioural issues.
For more information on Vet Cat Watch Day please visit the SureFlap website The site hosts a PDF to print out and help record the feline cases that come through practice doors on the 8th May, which can be downloaded from www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch_info. At the end of the day, visit www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch to upload your data to the online survey.
For the survey, 565 respondents ranked their levels of concern about different aspects of veterinary life that may be affected by coronavirus.
The top concerns were:
In addition, 42% were very or quite concerned about contracting Covid-19 in their workplace, rising to 55% amongst those working in mixed practice and 50% in small animal/exotic practice.
Respondents were more concerned about stress and burnout amongst their colleagues (67% very or quite concerned) than the impact on themselves (45%), but more than half (58%) of small animal/exotics vets reported being concerned about their own stress and burnout. Managers and employees reported higher levels of concern around stress and burnout than business owners and those who are self-employed.
When it comes to employment, the profession is a bit more optimistic. 23% of respondents are not at all concerned about job security in the veterinary sector, with 43% a little concerned and 31% very or quite concerned. Equine vets (45%) and charity vets (64%) are very or quite concerned about job security in their own sectors, against an average of 23% across all areas of work.
However, 95% of respondents had some level of concern (a little, quite or very) about the potential impact of a recession on the veterinary sector, with government, equine and charity vets most concerned.
The findings will be used to inform BVA’s work on supporting the veterinary profession as the pandemic continues.
BVA President James Russell said: “Although this is just a snapshot survey, it tells us a lot about how our colleagues are feeling six months on from the national lockdown. It paints a worrying, but not surprising, picture about the health and wellbeing of a profession that has worked incredibly hard and in very difficult circumstances this year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the way the profession has adapted to working safely during Covid-19, but we know that it has taken its toll, for example with consults taking longer, needing to cover staff shortages, and dealing with anxious clients.
“BVA also shares the profession’s concerns about the impact on students and new graduates. EMS is the jewel in the crown of UK veterinary teaching and it’s frustrating that opportunities to gain practical training have been hampered by the Covid restrictions. The issue is at the top of our agenda with the RCVS and Vet Schools Council to make sure we can collectively support the next generation of vets through this difficult time.
“As the UK is braced for the second wave, we know we are much better prepared and far more able to work safely to do our bit to tackle the spread of coronavirus. But it’s vital that we continue to support one another, as well as continuing the spirit of collaboration with neighbouring practices that helped us get through the height of the pandemic.
The snapshot survey on Covid-19 is available to view at: https://www.bva.co.uk/media/3781/voice-covid-survey-2020-results.pdf
The 'Tea-Time Training' webinar will be led by Animalcare’s Senior Veterinary Manager, Felicity Caddick.
Tea-Time Training was launched by Animalcare in April to support veterinary surgeons and nurses keep up their CPD. The webinars are short, free, refresher-style training sessions, designed to be enjoyed over a cup of tea.
Animalcare Product Manager James Beaumont said: “A missing microchipped pet is much more likely to be reunited with its owner than an animal which has not been microchipped. National Microchipping Month is a great opportunity for practices to remind clients of the benefits of microchipping and, in doing so, to strengthen their relationships with clients – relationships which are even more important given the difficult times we’re living through.”
To register for ‘4 Essentials for Successful Microchipping’, visit https://mailchi.mp/animalcare/tea-time-training.
The traditional method for detecting equine lameness is subjective, using expert visual evaluation of gait to identify the presence or absence and degree of asymmetries. The lame horse is described as having a disorder, defect or loss of function and this clinical diagnosis has associated welfare implications if the horse is still asked to perform.
The article explains how advanced computer technology is starting to change all this. Optic motion capture or the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) is now enabling the detailed study and quantification of the horse’s gait; objective assessment against preset thresholds. The paper points out that while these digital systems can overcome the temporal and spatial limitations of the human eye they simply rely on one or a number of set gait parameters to decide about lameness and this can present obstacles.
Thresholds are forcibly based on a limited reference population, which doesn’t adequately reflect the millions of horses in the world. The individual environmental and mental conditions for each horse and its day-to-day gait variations are also not accounted for. On this basis to use the term ‘lame’ because a horse demonstrates a subtle gait alteration, causing it to fall below the threshold, could be inappropriate, particularly as it may not affect the horse’s welfare in any way.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal said: "An important first step is for researchers and clinicians to start to discriminate clearly between 'asymmetry' and 'lameness' and not to use these as interchangeable terms when interpreting gait analysis data. Asymmetry is often, but not always, a hallmark of lameness, but is not a clinical term, whereas lameness is."
The kit contains a guide to effective ear cleaning, an illustrated step-by-step instruction guide on how to administer the Canaural, and a diary and consultation pack so owners can engage with the diagnosis and treatment of their pet’s ear infection.
The Healthy Ears Combi Kit comes in a resealable wipe-clean bag and is available free of charge from veterinary wholesalers.
Dechra Brand Manager Claire Morgan said: "The new kit will give owners more confidence in the important role that they play in their pet’s ear health and encourage them to engage in the treatment plan, thereby supporting veterinary professionals in the cycle of care.
"As well as serving as practical storage for the products, it acts as a reminder to dispense CleanAural as well as Canaural, as the self-cleaning mechanism of the animal’s ears is often compromised by infection.
She added: "CleanAural does not compromise the antimicrobial activity of Canaural1 so they are perfect partners for maintaining healthy ears."
Free Healthy Ears Combi Kit can be ordered via your veterinary wholesaler.
Reference
Free places on Vétoquinol's webinar: 'Chronic Pain in the Geriatric Dog: Decision Making and Risk Management' are going fast, according to the company, and those wishing to attend are being advised to register as soon as possible.
Vétoquinol says that at one point, 200 vets registered in just 3 hours, demonstrating the extent to which vets are finding this to be a challenging topic when it comes to managing their day to day case load.
The webinar takes place at 8.30pm on Wednesday 15th June 2011 and the talk is being delivered by Dr. Jo Murrell, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia at Bristol Vet School and holder of The European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. She said: "Decision making can be a complex business when so many factors have to be taken into account. We all see geriatric dogs with painful conditions reasonably frequently and concurrent diseases are common. I will be aiming to describe a way to balance out the risks and benefits, to take into account client's concerns and develop a more logical, rational approach to treatment."
To register for the free webinar go to www.thewebinarvet.com/vetoquinol. Enter the code veto11 to obtain the webinar free of charge.
Woodley Equipment Company Ltd has announced the launch of InSight rapid diagnostic test kits. The test range includes FeLV, FIV, FeLV-FIV Combi, Giardia, Canine Heartworm, Canine Parvovirus and with more tests in development.
The test kits are available to veterinary practices across the UK and to Woodley's global veterinary diagnostic distributors. Each test is based on a sandwich lateral flow immunochromatographic assay and contains 10 cassettes per box. The company says that the diagnostic kits are simple and easy to use and will provide point of care testing direct to the veterinary practice. The kits are stored at room temperature (2⁰C - 30⁰C).
The range of InSight Rapid Diagnostic Tests includes:
To place an order, email sales@woodleyequipment.com, fax 01204 669034, or telephone 01204 669033.
For more information, visit: http://www.woodleyequipment.com/.
Following a nationwide search to find the UK’s top veterinary professionals for 2008 and judged by an independent panel of experts, Petplan has announced the winners of the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards, which were presented at a black-tie gala dinner on 3rd April in Birmingham.
The winners of the awards, which acknowledge achievement in the veterinary world, are: VET OF THE YEAR Brian Faulkner of the Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge Brian’s understanding and compassion for his clients’ pets impressed judges. He receives literally hundreds of cards and letters expressing appreciation for his efforts, care and dedication and can deliver devastating news with the gentlest touch. Brian, often known as ‘Uncle Brian’ by his clients, continuously goes over and above the call of duty and fully deserves the title ‘Vet of the Year 2008’.
VET NURSE OF THE YEAR Louisa Baker of the Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, Chichester The judges believe that Louisa is an excellent role model for those interested in veterinary nursing. She spends quality time supporting and training those around her and has the unusual ability to win people over instantaneously with her kind and gentle manner. Louisa shows a deep-rooted compassion for owners and their animals and truly deserves the title of ‘Veterinary Nurse of the Year’. According to her clients, friends and colleagues she is “one in a million”.
VET RECEPTIONIST OF THE YEAR Margaret Gait of Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates, Lydd Margaret has worked at Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates for 15 years, and is now a popular, much loved member of the local community. She is a hard working, conscientious team player, who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty – and often stays late to help with emergencies or to clean up after surgery. She constantly goes the extra mile and Petplan is delighted to name her ‘Vet Receptionist of the Year’.
VET PRACTICE OF THE YEAR Orwell Veterinary Group, Ipswich Orwell Veterinary Group was described as having a number of ‘remarkable’ qualities by the panel of judges. The high level of customer care, staff’s dedication to continued professional development and the emphasis on developing strong client relationships were all described as exceptional.
Charles Bagnall, the practice owner and practicing vet, explains: “I am very proud of what my brother, I and our dedicated team have achieved over the past 14 years – we have built a well recognised and respected multi-centred practice and accredited veterinary hospital, while still providing friendly, professional and personal care.”
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD In addition to these awards, a Special Recognition Award, voted for by the general public, was also presented to Matt Brash who has become a popular TV vet. More recently, Matt’s ITV series, ‘Zoo Vet’ and ‘Zoo Vet at Large’ have received widespread appeal the world over.
Matt explains: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award for my work in the
Following the launch of Libromide, the only licensed formulation of potassium bromide in the UK for canine epilepsy, Genitrix has linked up with NationWide Veterinary Laboratories to offer a discounted blood test service to veterinary practices.
Genitrix says it is offering the discounted blood tests to help practices and encourage owners to test regularly, thus ensuring that the level of Libromide in dogs undergoing treatment remains within the recommended therapeutic range.
According to the company, factors which can cause the level to move out of therapeutic range include an increase in the chloride content of the diet or the administration of other drugs. Because Libromide takes a few weeks to reach a steady therapeutic state, testing at four, eight and twelve weeks is also recommended at the commencement of treatment to confirm that the rise to therapeutic level takes place.
To take advantage of the discount scheme, practices can download a test form from the Genitrix website (http://www.genitrix.co.uk/) or call its head office on 01403 786345. Copies are also available from wholesalers.
Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said: "Regular blood testing of epileptic dogs is an essential element of a successful treatment regime and is recommended by all canine epilepsy specialists. Unfortunately, feedback from practices suggests that owners are sometimes reluctant to comply with this advice and that the cost of testing is frequently an issue.
"We've launched the scheme to help practices increase compliance by making it significantly cheaper. Taking advantage of this scheme for blood testing is also convenient for practices now that the test forms can be downloaded as well as ordered by phone.
"Recent data suggests that canine epilepsy affects four in every hundred dogs making it a common disease affecting dogs in the UK. Following on from the launch of Libromide, we hope that the discounted blood test scheme will be another step forward in the move to improve treatment approaches for this distressing disease."
The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that it has no grounds to take action against IDEXX Laboratories Limited following an investigation into alleged abuses of a dominant position in the veterinary diagnostic testing sector.
The OFT opened its investigation in November 2010 after it received a complaint alleging that IDEXX was abusing a dominant position in the market for the supply of in-clinic pet testing equipment in order to foreclose competition.
The conduct assessed by the OFT included alleged practices of:
The full reasoning for the OFT's conclusion, including details of the methodologies used by the OFT to assess potential theories of harm relating to alleged mixed bundling (also known as multi-product rebates) and alleged predatory pricing in systems markets, is available from the OFT's website, here.
Ceva Animal Health has announced that it is now accepting nominations for its annual Animal Welfare Awards.
The awards recognise veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and charity professionals who go the extra mile to prevent and reduce welfare problems for animals.
If you think one of your colleagues, vet or nurse, should be recognised for their work improving animal welfare, you'll need to nominate them before the 15th February 2013 deadline.
The awards include:
Winners of all awards will have a choice of luxury prize - ranging from spa weekends, European city breaks, countryside retreats or an animal experience. All individuals who nominate will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £250 of high street vouchers. Ginette Bryant from Ceva, said: "The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards are an opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals in the veterinary and animal charity industry. Our mission 'Together, beyond animal health', recognises that the health of animals, humans and the planet are inextricably linked, these awards are fitting way to work towards improving the health of all. "Whether it is improving animal welfare through client education in practice, championing good causes or helping specific cases, we know there are many people who share our ambitions in preventing and reducing companion animal welfare issues. It is these passionate individuals who are the unsung heroes of our industry and we're really excited to hear the inspiring stories from each nomination."
There are also three awards for people who work outside the veterinary or animal charity sector.
Nominations forms are available from www.ceva.com.
The deadline for entries is 15 February 2013.
For further details or additional nomination forms for your practice call Ceva on 01494 781 510 or email welfare.awards@ceva.com The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 3 April 2013 during the BSAVA conference in Birmingham.
Public Health England (PHE) is urging veterinary surgeons, nurses, other healthcare professionals and the public to become Antibiotic Guardians by visiting antibioticguardian.com and pledging to make better use of antibiotics, to help make sure they work now and in the future.
The website first asks users to choose whether they would like to make a pledge as a member of the public or as a healthcare professional or leader.
Those who pledge as a Healthcare Professional > Veterinary Practitioner can select one of the following pledges:
Those who pledge as a member of the public can elect to do so as an adult, a family member, a pet owner or a farmer.
The available pledges change according to category and those who respond will be asked if PHE can follow-up to confirm they did keep their pledge.
The campaign forms part of activities that support European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD). Dr Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Lead for EAAD 2014 at Public Health England, said: "Everybody can help to tackle antibiotic resistance and we really urge people to help us do this. There is a lot to be done but we can start by making inroads into inappropriate prescribing.
"There are 2 elements to this. One is that we need patients to not always expect to receive an antibiotic for those self-limiting illnesses which are typically caused by viruses. This generally includes those where the symptoms include coughs, runny noses, muscle aches and fever. And the other is for GPs not to feel pressurised into prescribing antibiotics when they aren't really necessary.
"Community pharmacists and their teams also have a key role and should be seen as the first port of call for many winter illnesses caused by viruses. They can also help to manage patients' expectations by explaining the normal duration of these symptoms, what warning signs to look out for and providing effective over the counter treatments that will help relieve the symptoms.
Nicholas Brown, President at the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC), said: "Recently published research in BSAC's Journal, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, confirms that despite government recommendations to reduce prescribing for viral illnesses there are still many GPs who do this. Of course GPs don't want their patients to feel unwell but there are many medicines which are available over-the-counter which can really help to reduce symptoms and make people feel better.
"We want to encourage everyone to self-treat as much as possible when it is safe and appropriate to do so. By using antibiotics only when they are needed we can all help to make sure that we keep our antibiotics working for everyone in the future.
"Antibiotic resistance is one the biggest threats to public health and PHE is delivering 4 key aspects of the 5-year UK strategy to help combat antibiotic resistance. These are improving infection prevention and control practices to reduce the number of infections in patients; optimising prescribing practice, improving professional education, training and public engagement and enabling better access to and use of surveillance data."
Children learn lots of important lessons about life, sickness and death from animals and veterinary practitioners. There seems to be an important role here for the profession to educate adult animal owners why antibiotics need to be used carefully both in pets and in humans.
The 15 minute video (see below) is hosted by Chris Dixon, veterinary ophthalmologist and director at Veterinary Vision Ophthalmic Referrals, who discusses things to consider when examining a patient with an ocular disorder. He offers practical advice on how to perform an ocular examination, including tips on how to use an ophthalmoscope effectively, examining the ocular structures including the front eye, distant direct examination, indirect examination and close direct examination.
Chris said: "This series of videos aims to help vets learn how to perform the fundamental techniques of ophthalmic examination, hopefully enabling them to spot potentially degenerative conditions earlier. The second video in particular delves into practical tips that vets can use within practice. The videos have been created in partnership with Bayer as part of their ongoing commitment to training, and aim to help ensure that chronic conditions, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, are diagnosed and treated early."
The veterinary practice waiting room display materials are designed to help practices educate dog owners on the signs and management of Dry Eye in the hope that the condition may be diagnosed and treated earlier and to emphasise the importance of ongoing treatment and management.
Hannah Watts, Group Product Manager at Bayer said: "It is important that dog owners with a predisposed breed are aware that their pet may be at risk of developing Dry Eye and are aware of the symptoms. Annual testing in at risk breeds for Dry Eye is recommended to help reach an early diagnosis and optimise the chances of a successful treatment outcome."
The Dry Eye practice display materials are available to order via the Bayer Vet Centre www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk. Alternatively, ask your Bayer rep for more details.
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The 'Lifelong Ear Partnership' resources, which were developed in conjunction with a panel of vets, are designed to help vets in practice improve their owner communication and achieve owner buy-in about otitis.
To that end, Dechra has developed various owner communication tools for use in practice or to refer owners to after the consultation.
They include an owner website: www.ear-inflammation.co.uk and a postcard with QR code links to educational videos which cover clinical recommendations, treatment options and the importance of revisits.
There is also a brochure for owners and an online 4D ear model: www.4d-earmodel.com, which demonstrates a healthy ear and an ear with mild, moderate or severe otitis.
Finally, Dechra has also launched an ear cytology webinar series on Dechra Academy: www.dechra.co.uk/academy.
The course consists of tips for everything from greeting the patient to performing and interpreting cytology slides.
Claire Westoby, companion animal brand manager at Dechra, said: “Otitis externa in dogs is not a quick fix and to successfully treat a case several factors need to be considered.
"Most cases call for a thorough investigation of the primary causes, a correct diagnosis and treatment of potential secondary dysbiosis, handling of perpetuating factors and constructing a long-term plan that ensures owner compliance and reduces the risk of recurrent problems.
“Our extensive new range of Lifelong Ear Partnership resources will ensure that vets can refresh their knowledge on otitis externa and educate clients on all aspects of the condition within a limited consult time.”
www.dechra.co.uk/otitis-externa.
Participating practices will learn about dental disease pathophysiology and diagnosis, gain insights in pet owner behaviour and learn how to increase client engagement while implementing a dental home care plan.
Animalcare has also made available free social media packs and waiting room materials to help educate clients on pet dental health.
Will Peel, Marketing Manager at Animalcare said: ‘We know that UK veterinary surgeons consider dental disorders to be one of the most important health related welfare issues currently affecting UK dogs.
"We’ve introduced our CPD sessions to help the entire veterinary team learn more about dental disease and to help them educate their clients about implementing an at home dental regime which works for them and their pets.'
To book your Lunch and Learn or request a social media pack and other materials, contact your local Animalcare territory manager or email animalcare@animalcare.co.uk.
For the study, researchers reviewed the anonymised medical records of 2,040 chelonia on the College's VetCompass database.
94.26% were recorded as tortoises, 3.63% terrapins and 2.11% turtles.
The most common tortoise species were Hermann’s tortoise, Horsfield’s tortoise and Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, while the most common terrapin species were musk turtle and yellow belly slider.
The study found that the most common disorders in tortoises were beak abnormality (17.68%), overgrown nails (11.91%) and shell abnormality (9.67%), while the most common disorders in terrapins were top and bottom shell abnormalities (13.51%).
The researchers say that most of these disorders are externally visible making them easier to recognise and diagnose, however they also often correspond with inappropriate husbandry and can be related to internal diseases that are harder to identify and diagnose.
The average age of death in the study was found to be 7.32 years, which is below the expected lifespan of most species of tortoise, suggesting that many are dying prematurely.
Dr Jessica May Hornby, exotic veterinary surgeon and lead author of the study, said:
“This research has provided us with a base to start to understand what veterinarians are currently seeing in practice and therefore give an insight into the health of the chelonian population.
"People are no longer only keeping the more common species of pets, such as dogs and cats, so this data is vital to understanding where and how owners and veterinarians need further support and training to ensure these brilliant little guys get the veterinary care they need, especially when many should easily be outliving us!”
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The sessions will allow members of the profession to find out about upcoming College projects and put questions to the RCVS Officer Team, RCVS Council members and senior staff, in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
The first event is taking place at the Hilton Glasgow on William Street at 6:30pm, where there'll be supper and drinks before the main event at 7:30pm, when RCVS President Melissa Donald, RCVS Treasurer Niall Connell, RCVS Senior Vice-President Kate Richards, Junior Vice-President Sue Paterson, VN Council Chair Matthew Rendle, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson and RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett will update everyone on College activities and take questions.
The College says that the topics for discussion will be up to the audience but are likely to include workforce issues, the review of RCVS guidance on under care, proposals for legislative reform, VetGDP and the future of extra-mural studies.
Melissa said: “In my opening speech as RCVS President I said that one of the key missions of my presidential year was to talk – and especially listen – to as many members of the professions as I possibly can.
“Relaunching our question time programme after a hiatus will give me the opportunity to do exactly this, as well as giving members of the professions that all-important opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to us.
"We might not be able to address every problem, but these events give an excellent opportunity for vets and nurses to raise issues, forge connections with their peers and work together to find solutions.
“I hope that many of you will be able to come to our first in-person event in Glasgow but we will also be holding these question times virtually in the future for those people who may struggle to make it to these evening events.
"Rest assured – if you want to be heard, we will find a way to listen.”
The next in-person event is due to take place in Nottingham in January 2023 while the first virtual question time will take place in November 2022.
To register for the Glasgow event visit: tinyurl.com/22pem3d6
Ceva Animal Health has launched Hepaticare, a new liver support supplement for cats and dogs.
The company says Hepaticare contains the same high quality ingredients as Hepatosyl, but is now enhanced with micro-encapsulated SAMe to enhance product stability and patient acceptance.
Hepaticare contains the antioxidants of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), vitamin E and silybin to help maintain liver function, and vitamin K to support the normal blood clotting process. Ceva says these ingredients help neutralise damaging free radicals produced by the liver during times of stress, while the SAMe has been micro-encapsulated to enhance stability, reduce any bitter aftertaste and increase patient acceptance.
Hepaticare capsules can be given whole or opened and sprinkled onto, or mixed with, food.
Rob McLintock, companion animal business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Following a change in supplier we have taken the opportunity to launch a new liver support supplement, ensuring that the new and improved product, Hepaticare, is as effective and as easy to administer as possible.”
Hepaticare pack sizes and pricing will remain the same as for Ceva’s Hepatosyl. Until the end of September, Hepaticare will be available on a buy one get one free offer.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager or phone 01494 781510.
Medivet has announced that the Pilgrims Veterinary Clinics based in Dartford and West Kingsdown have become the 100th and 101st practices to join the Medivet Veterinary Partnership
Arnold Levy, Managing Director of Medivet said: "We are delighted to welcome the Pilgrims group. Medivet was founded in 1986, and we have been growing steadily ever since. Our model is based on acquisition or partnership with existing practices. That means we are still entirely vet owned and vet managed - and I strongly believe this traditional partnership model is the reason for our success."
He added: "We invest alongside our partner practices. We share the cost of investment for new equipment, and we share the profits. This has been a consistently successful approach for us. It's given our group the resilience to thrive whatever the competition, or the state of the economy."
Merial Animal Health has announced that the duration of immunity for the tetanus component of Proteqflu-Te has been extended to 2 years.
Merial's Veterinary Technical Manager Kevin Whelan said: "This is a welcome new addition to the label claims for this advanced vaccine, which is the only equine flu vaccine in the UK to contain a recently updated influenza virus strain. The updated strain, innovative canarypox vector technology and now the extended tetanus duration of immunity claim make the vaccine an excellent choice for vets in the UK"
Merial says Proteqflu-Te can now be used on an alternate year basis in combination with the company's other flu vaccine, Proteqflu, which does not contain tetanus toxoid. The one year duration of immunity for the influenza component remains unchanged.
Please contact your local Merial Representative or the Merial Technical Support line on 0870 6000 123 for further information.
An online quiz by the RCVS has shown that veterinary surgeons generally have good understanding of the Guide to Professional Conduct, but that misconceptions about the role of the college are rife.
Around 850 people completed the quiz since it was launched in November 2009, with veterinary surgeons accounting for 70% of those that took part. The average score was 20 out of 25
Despite the high average score, there were several questions which a very significant number of people got wrong. The worst related to the role of the RCVS: 76% of people wrongly thought that the College's remit included negligence, whilst 66% believed that the RCVS could not consider criminal convictions (it can).
Nearly half of those taking part were not aware that the standard of proof to which the RCVS Disciplinary Committee must be satisfied is 'so as to be sure' - the same as for a criminal court.
Other questions poorly answered related to 24-hour cover, delegation to paraprofessionals, consent and ownership of records. The RCVS Communications Board will consider how to improve communications in these areas.
In terms of age, the highest scoring age-band was 51-60, achieving an average of 20.5 right answers; the lowest was '30 or under', at 18.7. However, this is not backed up by distribution of complaints to the RCVS, where only 27% of complaints relate to those who have less than ten years' post-qualification experience, although this group makes up 43% of registrations.
The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the genders in terms of Guide knowledge, at 19.54 right answers for men and 19.46 for women. Meanwhile, only 34% of complaints to the RCVS are made about women, while they account for 51% of the Register. However, as women tend to dominate the younger end of the profession, this statistic may be linked to the fact that a greater percentage of complaints relate to older individuals, more likely to be men.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications said: "We hoped the quiz would offer a light-hearted way for vets - and others - to review their knowledge of the Guide, which can be a dry read, and have been pleased with the response.
Intervet/Schering-Plough has announced that the license for Leptavoid-H has been improved allowing concurrent use with Bovilis BVD.
Intervet/Schering Plough says that given both vaccines are typically administered in the busy pre-turnout period, this will ease on-farm workload and should help to ensure that all primary courses or boosters take place sufficiently in advance of the period of risk.
Each vaccine is to be given by separate routes and sites, to animals of 8 months or older. The concurrent use in cattle may result in fewer animal interventions, less stress and better welfare.
The studies, undertaken by Intervet/Schering Plough's R&D division in the UK, focussed on both the safety and efficacy aspects of the concurrent administration of Leptavoid-H with Bovilis BVD. The company says no systemic adverse events occurred, there was no effect on the outcome of pregnancy or milk yields and the efficacy in cattle was not compromised.
Leptavoid-H is licensed to reduce the shedding of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in urine. Leptavoid-H is the only Leptospirosis vaccine licensed to improve herd fertility when Leptospira hardjo is the cause of herd infertility, and the only vaccine proven to protect stock against both strains in the UK.
National Veterinary Services has launched NVS Webshop, an online veterinary shop that practices can bolt on to their own website, or setup as a standalone online shop.
NVS says the shop, which is branded with your practice livery, includes the following features:
For more information visit: http://www.vet2pet.co.uk, email: salesandmarketing@nvs-ltd.co.uk or call 01782 770326.
The RCVS has removed 333 veterinary surgeons from the Register for non-payment of their annual renewal fees.
The final deadline for payment of the annual renewal fee passed on 31 May and the RCVS has written to those who have not paid to inform them of their removal from the Register. In 2013, 369 veterinary surgeons were removed from the Register for non-payment.
A list of the veterinary surgeons who have been removed - and who have not been subsequently restored to the Register - has today been published on the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/vetremovals2014).
This list is published to alert those veterinary surgeons who have not responded to RCVS communications to check their registration status, and to remind employers to check the registration status of their employees. The registration status of any veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse can also be checked online at www.rcvs.org.uk/check-the-register.
Any veterinary surgeon whose name appears on the list who believes they have paid their fee should contact the RCVS Finance Department as soon as possible on 020 7202 0723.
Veterinary surgeons and employers are reminded that, under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, it is illegal to allow anyone who is not on the RCVS Register to practise veterinary surgery. They can also no longer use the postnominal 'MRCVS' and any professional indemnity insurance the veterinary surgeon may have is also rendered invalid.
Further information about restoration to the Register, and a restoration application form, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/registration or by contacting the Registration Department on membership@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0707.
In order to be restored to the Register, veterinary surgeons must pay a fee of at least £299, in addition to the outstanding annual renewal fee. The restoration fee increases each successive year a removed member remains off the Register.
A new study1 lead by led by Dr Séverine Tasker at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences and published in the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology (CVI), has shown that cats previously infected with the blood-borne bacteria M. haemofelis develop immunity from re-infection.
Haemoplasmas are a group of blood borne bacteria found in a wide range of mammals, including domestic and wild cats, and can cause severe anaemia. The findings of the new study have significantly advanced researchers' knowledge of immunity for these pathogens.
Information about the immune responses that occur in animals following haemoplasma infection is relatively unknown, largely due to the fact that researchers struggle to study these bacteria as they are unable to grow them in the laboratory. Antibiotics do not consistently clear infection and without correct treatment the anaemia can be fatal. Recently haemoplasma associated anaemia has been reported in a human too.
The aim of the study was to determine whether cats who had previously recovered from M. haemofelis infection were protected from re-infection. The researchers found that they were, representing a significant advancement in scientists' knowledge of immunity for haemoplasma infections.
The exact methods of protective immunity could not be clearly identified despite extensive investigations, but the study's results suggest that a vaccine, using a weakened form of the bacteria, may offer protection against haemoplasma infection.
Séverine said: "This is the first study to demonstrate protective immunity against M. haemofelis reinfection and it provides important information for a possible future haemoplasma vaccine.
"Our findings could help prevent the disease in cats and could also be of particular importance to farm animal species where haemoplasma infections can cause huge financial losses."
The study recommends future research should explore whether the bacterial animal infection could be transmitted to humans and how the immune system targets the pathogen.