Called the RCVS Academy, the new platform offers training in the following areas:
The College says the content has been developed in partnership with members of the profession to make sure it meets the needs of the veterinary team, including new graduates and registrants, and those who have been in the profession for many years.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Chief Executive, said: “As part of our ambition to be a compassionate regulator, we would like to ensure that all veterinary professionals have access to learning resources that will help them meet the standards set by their peers on RCVS Council.
"We’re aware of the pressures that veterinary professions are facing and the Academy has been built to respond to changing learning needs.
“The learning resources available on the platform have been designed to help vet teams develop their understanding of the RCVS professional guidelines and also how they can apply them in their everyday role. "
https://academy.rcvs.org.uk/
Virbac has announced the launch of what it describes as an affordable ciclosporin for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.
Called Cyclavance, the new product will make its debut at the London Vet Show (Nov 20th/21st at London Olympia).
Cyclavance is presented in a liquid formulation for precise dosing, in a container with a new 'AdaptaCap' designed to ensure leak proof dispensing and give the product a 6 month shelf life after being broached. Cyclavance is offered in four size presentations - 5 ml, 15 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml - to give practices maximum flexibility in its use.
Sarah Walker MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Atopic dogs present at practices across the country on a daily basis. It is a challenging condition which can be hard to treat successfully because owner compliance is so important. By offering Cyclavance at a great price to give greater appeal, allowing a wider scope of use, and with innovative features, such as the unique AdaptaCap, we aim to help practices achieve better outcomes for their patients and increase the number of clients it is available to.
Horiba Medical - UK has launched MLT-Diode Laser Systems, specifically designed for veterinary use, as part of its portfolio of animal healthcare products.
According to the company, the MLT-Diode Lasers are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of veterinary applications including surgery, endoscopy, dentistry and irradiation.
The two models, the MLT-Diode Laser Classic and Premium, both feature touch screen controls and are adaptable to each users individual preferences. Designed with small animal practices in mind, the Classic has a performance out-put of 8 watts whilst the more powerful Premium model is for equine medicine with an output of 15 watts. The system is mounted on a mobile cart with a protection case, allowing the whole system to be moved between treatment rooms and enabling near patient application.
Horiba Medical will be exhibiting the MLT-Diode Laser Systems at the London Vet Show at Olympia, 22nd to 23rd October 2010, on Stand M4.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched its complimentary blood testing service that allows practitioners to investigate one of the main infectious causes of early embryo loss in sheep flocks.
The annual subsidised Barren EweCheck diagnostic scheme is available from 1st December 2010 until 31st March 2011 for breeding ewe flocks. The service establishes whether Toxoplasma gondii is potentially implicated in any empty or aborting ewes.
According to the company, data from the Barren EweCheck and FlockCheck 2010 schemes showed that 86% of flocks had been exposed to the toxoplasma parasite at some point before blood sampling. As a result, practitioners were able to give clients receiving a positive diagnosis timely advice on disease control and the benefits of a Toxovax vaccination regime.
The company anticipates full availability of Toxovax in 2011 and says its Barren EweCheck blood sample submission pads are available directly from the company's Veterinary Support Group by calling 01908 685685.
Epiphen, Vétoquinol's canine anti-epileptic drug, has been re-launched with new packaging and a useful dosing syringe.
"Some of our customers reported that they were having difficulty administering the drops accurately," explains Slavica Sobot, Product Manager. "So with this in mind, we have introduced a new plug-on syringe which will make it even easier for pet owners to dose accurately. The syringe will prevent the risk of inaccurate dosing through ‘flooding' from the dropper."
For more information, please call the Vétoquinol help line on 0800 169 8197 or contact your Vétoquinol representative.
The information has been made available amid concerns from behaviourists and animal welfare organisations that there may be a rise in behavioural issues as lifestyle restrictions are lifted.
The Q&A explains what some of the behavioural concerns are and how they can be prevented and managed. Topics include separation-related issues, animals becoming anxious as the world around them becomes busier and noisier, and puppies lacking appropriate skills when greeting animals (including dogs and people) from other households.
The Q&A can be downloaded here.
Dr Hannah Donovan, vet, clinical animal behaviourist and Social Media Officer at the BVBA said: “We hope that this information will help vets to support their clients and their pets when faced with potential challenges as we transition out of lockdown.”
Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA added: “This guidance has been developed in collaboration with the BVBA with the intention of supporting vets in practice in an ever-changing environment. It sits alongside other practical BSAVA resources vets can share with pet owners, such as Vaccination Guidance and Neutering Guidance, and follows the BSAVA’s core ethos – ‘By the profession for the profession.”
The BSAVA has also created a collection of resources for veterinary professionals relating to the prevention, management and treatment of behavioural issues in cats of dogs, which is freely available in the BSAVA Library until the end of July.
The collection includes chapters from the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine; for those wishing to buy the full manual, there is a £10 discount on both the print and online editions throughout July (using code BEHAV10 on checkout).
Further information for vets can be found in the BSAVA’s COVID-19 resources here.
A research project funded by The Horse Trust has discovered that a racehorse's performance does not markedly change after it has recovered from a tendon injury.
The research was led by Bryan O'Meara, who is in the final year of a three year clinical training scholarship funded by The Horse Trust.
Mr. O'Meara carried out the research at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Newbury, under the supervision of epidemiologist Dr Tim Parkin from University of Glasgow.
Tendonitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses, with a prevalence of 11-30%, according to earlier research.
Mr. O'Meara examined the clinical records and racing histories of 400 racehorses who had been treated for superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendonitis injuries over a five year period (2003-2008).
The race records of horses affected by tendon injury were compared with 400 matched control horses that had never suffered SDF tendon injuries.
The controls were horses training in the same establishment at the time of injury and of the same age and sex as the case horse.
The research looked at the performance of the racehorses in races before and after treatment for the injury, and at the performance of the control horses before and after the treatment date. The Racing Post Rating (RPR), which is published by the Racing Post after every race, was used as a measure of performance.
Mr. O'Meara found that there was no significant difference in RPR before and after the treatment date in case and control horses.
According to The Horse Trust, this result is unexpected as in vitro studies have found that healed tendon tissue has reduced elasticity due to the presence of scar tissue. This suggests that a horse with a healed SDF tendon would need to work its muscles harder to compensate and would therefore be expected to have lower performance.
Mr. O'Meara said more research is needed to back-up his finding that performance isn't significantly affected by tendon injury: "It could be that using Racing Post Rating to measure performance isn't sensitive enough to pick up a change in the horse's performance. However, it's encouraging that there's no marked change in performance after a horse has recovered from a tendon injury. These findings show that there's no need to give up on a horse that has a tendon injury - they can still come back and perform well, or can be used for other, less demanding riding activities."
The research also found that there was no significant difference between case and control horses when returning to racing and completing three races. Only after completing five races, or three years post treatment, was a significant difference found between case and control horses. This finding is a step towards developing a more accurate assessment of tendon treatment. Outcome after five races or three years post treatment is a better indicator of the outcome of treatment.
Mr. O'Meara said: "At the moment, some tendon treatments state their success as the percentage of horses that return to racing after treatment. However, we've shown that there's no significant difference between case and control horses at this time. At the moment, there are a myriad of treatments available to treat tendonitis. Hopefully this finding will be used in further research to learn which treatments are most effective."
Mr O'Meara's research also found a link between SDF tendon injury and the racehorse competing at its maximum performance level: the case horses were significantly nearer to their pre-injury maximum performance level in the race immediately before injury (compared to matched controls), suggesting that they were competing nearer their individual maximum performance level when the SDF tendon injury occured.
A survey commissioned by a new Sky TV series, Pets for Life, carried out in association with The Blue Cross, has found that 500,000 (2%) of Britain's 24 million pet owners say they no longer have money for their pet's food and are reduced to feeding the household animal with leftovers.
The survey also found that while two-thirds of pet owners dig deep into their pockets to find an average of £11.04 each week to care for their pets, one in five (21%) say they are dropping essentials such as visits to the vet in a bid to bring the weekly pet bill to under £5.
The poll of 1,200 pet owners indicated that higher insurance premiums, rising vet bills and rocketing pet-food prices have pushed the cost of owning a pet up to £574.08 a year. Nearly half of pet owners (47% or 12.2 million people) now spend an average of £9.40 on their pet each week, with a further 15% (3.9 million people) spending £19.50 a week, and 7% (1.8 million people) forking out more than £60 a week to keep their animals healthy and happy.
This comes as The Blue Cross revealed a 19% increase in stray and abandoned animals taken into its adoption centres in the last year compared to the same period the year before, with a total of 38 rabbits, 979 cats, and 419 dogs left to wander the streets. In addition, over 4,000 animals were given up voluntarily, many for financial reasons such as the owner being made homeless, having to move house or losing their job.
Laura Sleight, head of media relations at The Blue Cross said: "We pride ourselves on being a nation of animal lovers, but the sad reality is that some pet owners can either no longer afford to keep their pets or are unable to provide a suitable home for them. Animals add so much to our lives but it's important that people understand the cost, time and commitment involved before taking one on. Pets for Life aims to tackle these issues and provide real solutions to the everyday problems that can result in animals being given up or abandoned."
Pets for Life is on Sky Showcase (Channel 201, Freesat 403) on Sunday 8th May at 6:00pm and on Tuesdays at 7:30pm (repeated on Sundays) for at least a further seven weeks thereafter.
Vetoquinol UK has launched Marbocyl Solo – a one shot treatment for Bovine Respiratory Disease. Marbocyl Solo is a 100mg/ml solution of marbofloxacin given as one injection IM at 8mg/kg. It treats sick animals fast, killing bacteria in one go, therefore minimising lung damage and consequential morbidity. This fast action reduces the risk of the spread of infection. On top of that, Marbocyl Solo has a meat withdrawal of only 3 days (milk 3 days). “Marbocyl is a well proven antibacterial that is extensively used in cattle practice,” explains Alvin Cerely, Marbocyl’s product manager. “Marbocyl Solo is exceptionally well placed for applying ‘concentration killing’ or a‘strike action’ strategy as opposed to a ‘long action’ strategy used by other antibiotics. Marbocyl Solo is available as a separate presentation to Marbocyl 10% to avoid confusion, particularly with farmers, on different dosage regimes and withdrawal periods.”
Marbocyl Solo is available now and details have been mailed to all cattle vets in the UK and Ireland. Please contact your Vetoquinol representative or telephone 0800 169 8197 for more details.
Zoë Coker, a co-founder of VETbytes alongside Bronwen Eastwood, said: "This new feature will allow users to access real-time updates to the app so they can be assured they are following the most up-to-date clinical guidance."
The app, which was launched in partnership with the BSAVA earlier this year, covers more than 100 topics and includes other features such as drug (and CRI) calculators, a quick reference section and links to hundreds of source abstracts, as well as CPD accreditation for reflective learning.
It is available at a discount to BSAVA members and free to veterinary students.
BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey said: “The latest addition to the app advances our joint goal with VETbytes, to provide the latest practical, accessible, evidence-based resources for the small animal veterinary community.”
To view the ‘latest updates’ feed: https://vetbytes.co.uk/latest-updates.
For more information, visit: www.vetbytes.co.uk.
CPD Solutions has launched the Webinar Club offering twelve interactive online lectures in key small animal topics each year.
According to the company, the Webinar Club will deliver concise, informative presentations in essential areas for first opinion practice, from specialist tutors in small animal medicine, surgery and imaging. Webinar attendees will have the chance to ask questions in the general discussion at the end of each session.
CPD Certificates will be provided by CPD Solutions for all webinar attendees, and recorded webinars will be available on the Webinar Club website at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ for members to watch at any time.
The first webinar on March 22nd is 'How to Manage Diaphragmatic Hernias' by leading soft tissue surgeon Jonathan Bray of Massey University. This is followed by 'Headaches and Pains in the Neck' by Neurology Specialist Simon Platt of the University of Georgia, and 'Decision Making in Oncology' by David Argyle of Edinburgh University.
You can watch a free demonstration webinar by joining Webinar Club as a Silver member at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ .
Bayer Animal Health has organised for prominent clinical microbiologist Dr Joseph Blondeau, from Canada's University of Saskatchewana, to tour the UK in May, giving talks to practitioners about effective antibiotic usage to prevent bacterial resistance.
Bayer's Technical Veterinary Adviser, Lucy Smith, will also be giving a talk: Maximise Treatment Success, which comes at the subject from the practical veterinary side.
Bayer Animal Health Marketing Manager, Dr Markus Edingloh said: "We are incredibly fortunate to work with such an eminent expert. Dr Blondeau is a leading authority on a new parameter that supports a dosing concept to minimise selection of bacterial resistance - the Mutant Prevention Concentration. Fortunately, he is also expert at presenting complex matters in an engaging and memorable way."
He added: "Lucy Smith will share her specific experience of Bayer's recently launched Veraflox (pradofloxacin), the first and only next generation veterinary fluoroquinolone, which has a broad spectrum of treatment which attacks Gram +, Gram - and anaerobic bacteria, in a highly efficacious way.
The evening events take place on: May 14th (Glasgow), May 15th (Derby), May 16th (Swindon) & May 17th (Surrey). Full details in the VetSurgeon Diary.
Each roadshow session is equivalent to 1.5 hours of free Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
To register to attend one of the roadshows, please email animal.health@bayer.com
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has clarified regulations on equine dental procedures following a survey which showed confusion, even amongst vets, over who is allowed to do what in a horse's mouth.
In the survey of BEVA members, more than half were unaware of the dentistry techniques that equine dental technicians (EDTs) are permitted to perform and the levels of veterinary supervision required.
In response, the association has put together a new information leaflet which explains the regulations surrounding equine dental care and describes where recommended practice differs from the letter of the law.
All diagnostic and treatment procedures in the horse's mouth are Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The only exception is the manual removal of small dental overgrowths and sharp enamel points with hand instruments.
However it is acknowledged that there are a limited number of procedures that, despite being considered Acts of Veterinary Surgery, may be delegated safely to suitably qualified EDTs without compromising the horse's welfare and safety. In 2009 the RCVS, with assistance from BEVA, BVDA and BAEDT, listed these processes and categorised all dental procedures into three groups:
Despite there being no legal basis supporting non-vets performing Category 2 procedures, the RCVS has stated that there would be no public interest in prosecuting vets who collaborate with suitably qualified EDTs to perform non-invasive (Categories 1 and 2) procedures.
BEVA recommends that, for their own protection, all vets who deal with horses:
Vicki Nicholls, equine vet at Wright and Morten in Cheshire, chair of BEVA council's Paraprofessional Committee and member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) said: "The lack of awareness is alarming and clearly emphasises the need to make vets and equine dental technicians fully conscious of current regulations regarding equine dentistry. Non-adherence to the regulations is a serious matter and could lead to prosecution of the veterinary surgeon, EDT and/or owner."
The number of vets taking the BEVA/BVDA exam in equine dentistry has increased in recent years with about 15% of those who have passed the exam being vets. BEVA says this is indicative of the growing awareness, amongst owners and vets, of the importance of dental health. It also reflects a desire to develop and demonstrate both practical skills and a theoretical understanding of equine dental care to augment the vet's broader medical knowledge. Expertise in equine dental care has, for many veterinary practices, become a valuable asset.
Copies of the dental regulations information leaflet can be downloaded from the BEVA website at www.beva.org.uk. BEVA also runs regular dentistry CPD courses, details of which can be found on the website.
Image source: Rachel C from Scotland
Vygon Vet has launched two new 'procedure packs' containing disposable essentials for unblocking a tomcat or performing a spay or minor surgery.
The KatKath Urinary Catheter Insertion Pack contains a catheter, a drape towel, polypropylene suture, lubricating gel, a Luer-slip syringe and a clear tray. The complete set costs £10.99.
Vygon Vet General Manager Chris Kenyon, said: "Not only does our KatKath pack ensure everything that's needed is in one place and sterile, it can also save vets up to 50% compared with prices if they buy similar products separately. It's a win-win situation."
The Spay Tray and Minor Operations Set (pictured right) includes a selection of forceps, a Mayo Hagar needle holder, a scalpel, a pair of dissecting scissors, a hand towel, drapes, a tray and five radiopaque swabs.
Chris said: "Our Spay Tray and Minor Ops Sets are produced to the highest standards using top quality materials. Having the required items in one pack eradicates the need to go through the expensive process of washing, re-packing and re-sterilisation, and from an admin point of view invoicing is easy with one single code covering all the different pack parts."
The Spay Tray and Minor Ops Sets are available for an introductory price of £12.50 for a limited period.
In the blurb, Vygon Vet says the benefits of its procedure packs include:
The company is also offering a retrieval service through which the instruments from up to ten packs can be disposed for £14.50.
For more information, visit www.vygonvet.co.uk, telephone: 01793 748900 or visit Vygon Vet at the forthcoming BSAVA Scottish Congress (29-31st August at the Edinburgh Conference Centre).
RCVS President, Dr Jerry Davies, has committed to prioritise the establishment of a new Audit and Risk Committee, following publication of the recommendations of a report into two overspends at the College.
Earlier this year, outgoing President Peter Jinman had announced that a review would be carried out into the circumstances that led to higher-than-expected expenditure on the College's new database and building development works in the Lower Ground Floor at Belgravia House.
The RCVS Officer team asked Professor Bill McKelvey - a member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to look at all aspects that related to its budgeting and expenditure process of those projects, and propose lessons that should be learned.
Dr Davies said: "That such a review was required is regretted, but I would like to thank Professor McKelvey, Richard Davis and Judith Webb for their diligence in this work. Their recommendations will be a very helpful addition to the work that is currently underway to ensure corporate governance is fit for purpose and, in particular, that the management of capital projects within the College is optimised."
The full Overspend Report (one sentence was redacted on legal advice) was considered by Council at its meeting on 3 November. Council agreed that the recommendations should be made public. The College is currently seeking further legal advice on whether it is proper for the report to be made available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Dr Davies added: "The recommendations of the report are under consideration by a group of five past Presidents, together with Richard Davis and Judith Webb as lay members of Council, under the Chairmanship of Peter Jinman, and their proposals will be considered by Council in due course.
"The recommendation that an Audit and Risk Committee be set up will be prioritised, as this was highlighted as an imperative. Other related activities, such as the development of a protocol for the management of major projects, had already been put in place by Officers prior to the overspend review."
Regarding the two projects at the heart of the report, the College says building work in the Lower Ground Floor at Belgravia House has been complete for some time and the new rooms and their facilities are being used, particularly when Disciplinary Committee hearings render much of the rest of the building out of bounds. The new data management system is also in use and an external consultant is currently looking at the work that has been carried out so far, and will make recommendations for the future.
"Meanwhile, although there are many lessons to be learned from the report, it's business as usual in terms of bringing to a conclusion many of our important ongoing initiatives, such as the introduction of the new Code of Professional Conduct, the consultations on the recommendations of the Specialisation Working Party and a draft Performance Protocol, and, of course, the ongoing work of the Disciplinary and Preliminary Investigation Committees," said Dr Davies.
The recommendations of the report, which were adopted by Council, can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/McKelvey.
The elections will again be held completely online this year.
Veterinary surgeons have until 5pm on Monday 31st January 2022 to put themselves forward as candidates for the elections which will take place in March and April 2022.
The full eligibility criteria can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil22, where prospective candidates will also find further information about the role of the RCVS, RCVS Council and RCVS Council members, guidance notes, and frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the elections, said: “We look forward to hearing from prospective candidates and are happy to give further information about what being an RCVS Council member means and what the role entails to those who may be considering standing for office.”
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council can also contact RCVS President Dr Kate Richards for an informal conversation on what it means to be an RCVS Council member on president@rcvs.org.uk
Kate said: “I’m on Council for my second term and can reassure any prospective candidates that it is a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally.
"You will learn new things not only about the College, but also the professions, policy and government; you will have fascinating discussions and debates with colleagues on issues of great importance and consequence; and you will make those important professional 'connections that count' with colleagues across the veterinary world and beyond. It is a career highlight.”
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council are welcome to attend the next Council meeting online, on Thursday 20th January 2022.
Contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, if you would like to attend: d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk.
The webinars are being presented by Sian Tranter MRCVS, who has a business called VetReflect which supports veterinary staff in resolving issues in their day-to-day working life, clinical or non-clinical, with support, guidance and direction.
In the hour-long interactive webinars, Sian will concentrate on providing practical advice to support clinicians and promote both personal and team development.
The first webinar, "Using Clinical Supervision – Looking After Ourselves", will focus on how professionals can improve their job satisfaction and reduce the impact that work has on the rest of their lives.
The session, which will take place on Thursday 31st March at 3.00pm, will include the opportunity to complete a personal audit to identify the actions required to achieve these goals.
To register for the event visit: https://tinyl.io/5aIa
The second webinar, taking place on Thursday 28th April at 7:30pm, is titled: "Using Clinical Supervision – Looking After Our Team", and will focus on applying practical and relevant tools to get the best out of veterinary teams to promote teamwork, performance and positivity.
To register for the event, visit: https://tinyl.io/5aIf
The webinars are free-of-charge and are available to veterinary clinics across the UK and the US, including those not affiliated to the Premier Vet Alliance.
The day included a number of CPD sessions on parasitology from ESCCAP board member Dr Hany Elsheikha, Associate Professor of Veterinary Parasitology at Nottingham University. In between, delegates were put through their paces by former Bake-off winner, Nancy Birtwhistle, after which there was a competition which Derek and Vici won with their pet- and parasite-themed cup-cakes.
Josien Woolmer, Virbac Senior Territory Manager, said: "Awareness and knowledge of parasite diseases in companion animals is increasing both in Europe and in the UK so it’s more important than ever that veterinary professionals are kept up to date with the latest developments. With the start of the 2016 series only weeks away, we thought we’d ‘spice up’ this CPD session by inviting delegates to show Nancy their baking skills. We also asked them to show creativity in carrying the pets and parasites theme across to their cup-cakes and they certainly rose to this challenge!"
Picture shows: Monique Noronha MRCVS from the Park Veterinary Centre in Watford with some of her creations.
Shor-Line has announced the launch of YesWeCanSee, a webcam system which allows veterinary surgeons to monitor inpatients from anywhere, over the internet.
The system allows you to watch, listen to and record or photograph the patient remotely. In addition, there is a built-in light which can be used to illuminate or stimulate the patient.
Steffan Veterinary Services, a seven-vet mixed practice based in Lampeter, Ceredigion, recently bought the system and used it to monitor a RTA patient. Jim Hopkins, a director at the practice said: "Boio was unfortunately run over by his owner. He was brought to the practice and hospitalised for monitoring and treatment. Due to his status on arrival he was given pain relief and intravenous fluids. He was kennelled and kept quiet with minimal disturbance. The camera was used to avoid unnecessary contact. The camera could also be turned to check that the IV fluids were running. Once stable and pain relief was working he was radiographed and fully examined. There was a slight increase in respiratory rate but he was otherwise OK. He was kept overnight and monitored. During the evening when checked in person, Boio was settled and not showing any pain, however when remotely monitored he was pacing the kennel and appeared anxious. Further pain relief, Vetergesic, was administered and then Boio settled for the night. Without the camera it is unlikely he would have had further Vetergesic. The following morning Boio was sore but well enough to return home. He has since made a full recovery”.
For more information about YesWeCanSee, visit: www.yeswecansee.com, contact Dan Puddick on 01446 772041 or email ywcs@shor-line.co.uk
The new course is called ‘New staff training course with Post2Pet’, and, as the name suggests, it will look at how to incorporate the home delivery option into a preventative healthcare plan.
Premier Vet Alliance says the course is suitable for any member of the practice team that wants to increase their knowledge about healthcare plans.
The course is 4 modules long with an assessment leading to 1.5 hours of completed CPD. It will launch towards the end of April.
James Tudor, Head of Customer Experience at Premier Vet Alliance, said: "This is a fantastic resource and I am I so proud of the team who’ve developed this and helped practices to train staff efficiently and effectively.
"It’s opening up the future of training and we hope to gain guidance in developing our training provision by working directly with practices, to help keep the training relevant.
"We see real value in CPD accredited courses, especially where they help enable veterinary staff to increase their knowledge on maximising their clients’ compliance. They can also learn how to influence animal health, and drive other aspects of the business through health plans."
"This is just the beginning; we will continue to increase our CPD accreditations and share best practice across Europe and the United States."
For more information contact 0117 370 0300 or email pcp@premiervetalliance.co.uk .
A DNA test which will save foals from unnecessary pain and suffering, and ultimately death, has been launched by the Animal Health Trust.
Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS), a genetic disorder which is known to affect Fell and Dales ponies, causes foals to become anaemic and prone to opportunistic infections. Any foal born with the syndrome will not survive.
The new diagnostic DNA test, which costs £40, is the result of ten years of research by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and the University of Liverpool. The test will not only identify foals which have the fatal condition but will highlight adult ponies who are carriers of the genetic trait which causes the syndrome. Affected foals will be prevented by avoiding covering a carrier mare with a carrier stallion.
Owners and breeders who wish to find out the genetic status of their ponies can arrange for a simple pulled mane or tail hair sample to be taken by a vet and submitted to the AHT. The Fell Pony or Dales Pony Societies will supply sample bags for submission on request. A fast-track system to identify foals suffering with the condition will report results within three working days.
The team that developed the DNA test was led by the AHT's Dr June Swinburne and Professor Stuart Carter of the University of Liverpool with research student Laura Fox-Clipsham. They believe that by using the test, owners and breeders will eventually be able to eradicate this awful condition.
Dr. June Swinburne, said: "The DNA test gives owners and breeders the power to overcome this devastating illness. It enables them to make informed decisions about which ponies to breed. We have already had samples submitted by HM The Queen from her own breeding stock of Fell ponies. I'd urge any breeders of Fell or Dales ponies to submit samples in order to arm themselves with the facts they need to prevent the birth of affected foals and thereby avoid this distressing condition."
Professor Carter, said: "The research, and ultimately the DNA test, has only been possible thanks to funding from The Horse Trust and the support of the Fell Pony Society and the Dales Pony Society who have supplied DNA samples. We consider that the efforts of all involved in enabling this research have lead to a major advance in animal welfare."
For more information on testing, contact the Fell or Dales Pony Societies. Alternatively visit the AHT website http://www.aht.org.uk/genetics_fis.html or email FIStesting@aht.org.uk
The RCVS Trust is offering vets, veterinary nurses and their friends chance to win a stylish small car - and support this small charity - for a mere £2.00.
On offer in this better-than-the-average raffle is a Fiat 500, the 2008 European Car of the Year winner - and described by Jeremy Clarkson as "practical without being boring".
You can buy tickets online at http://www.everyclick.com/rcvstrust until 21 August, or ask Sarah Briggs at the Trust (020 7202 0743 or s.briggs@rcvstrust.org.uk) for a book to sell to colleagues, friends and family.
Tickets will then be entered into the Small Charity Car Draw, organised by the Foundation for Social Improvement, with the Trust receiving over 95% of the ticket price. The draw will take place on 1 October 2009.
The British Veterinary Association's Members' Services Group has devised a Vet Helpline sticker as a practical way to promote the help and support available to members of the veterinary profession suffering from anxiety or depression. It will be sent out with the 20th February edition of the Veterinary Record.
The suicide rate within the veterinary profession is around four times higher than in the general population and around twice that of other high risk groups including farmers and medical practitioners. Research has shown that long hours, the risk of professional mistakes and rising client expectation and administrative work lead to high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Ready access to and knowledge of lethal means such as medicines and firearms may also be contributing factors in the increased suicide risk.
The Vet Helpline sticker acts as a constant reminder to veterinary professionals that a confidential helpline, manned by trained volunteers from the veterinary profession, is available around the clock on every day of the year to offer support and direct them to specialist help where appropriate. In addition to the Vet Helpline phone number the sticker also gives the number for the Samaritans and includes the address of the Vetlife website which is a "one stop shop" for all the help available.
BVA President, Professor Bill Reilly, said: "Please remember that if you're feeling depressed, lonely or under pressure, or are perhaps worried about a colleague, you can talk it over in confidence with trained volunteers from the veterinary profession. The Vet Helpline is there for all veterinary surgeons, nurses and students.
"Ours is a small profession and sadly most of us know someone who has suffered mental ill health or taken their own life. We hope that by reminding colleagues how to get help and continuing to publicise the Vetlife website and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund support services the BVA can play its part in supporting vets in crisis."
A new study carried out to look at the efficacy of spinosad (Comfortis) in cats has shown that they can acquire a flea infestation even when kept in a controlled laboratory environment.
The study was conducted on a laboratory colony of 15 cats that had been kept strictly indoors for at least a year, four of which had presented to the dermatology clinics of the Small Animal Hospital of the Toulouse Veterinary School, two with miliary dermatitis lesions and two with symmetrical alopecia.
Further investigation revealed that despite these animals having been confined to quarters for so long, adult Ctenocephalides felis and flea dirt were found on coat brushing.
All the cats were then combed meticulously twice at the start of the study using an extra fine comb and fleas counted before being replaced on each cat. In total 60 fleas were counted. On the cats showing no lesions there was an average of 5.2 fleas per cat and on the cats exhibiting flea allergy dermatitis it was less than one. Two of these cats had no fleas on them, probably due to excessive grooming caused by pruritus.
Spinosad was found to be 100% effective, with no adult fleas found on any cat from day 15 of the study through to day 90.
The cats with skin lesions were assessed for pruritus levels using the SCORFAD system, an extent and severity scale for feline hypersensitivity dermatitis. The SCORFAD value rapidly decreased throughout the study and achieved 98% reduction by day 90. The skin lesions in the flea allergic cats completely resolved during this time without the use of any other flea control or the use of anti-inflammatory products on the cats.
Researchers Maria-Christine Cadiergues and Charline Pressanti from Toulouse Veterinary School also noted a greater level of palatability than previously reported in clinical trials and there were no side effects in any of the cats.
Reviewing the study, David Grant MBE BVetMed CertSAD FRCVS said: "This study confirms that indoor cats, even in a tightly controlled laboratory environment, can still acquire an infestation of fleas. These can be brought in on the clothes of owners of cats if they have been in the garden, for example, particularly in the summer.
"In addition, flea allergic cats may have few fleas on them due to excessive grooming caused by pruritus, and it is often very difficult to persuade owners of the diagnosis, even more so with indoor cats. This study provides precise data to support the above statement.
"This study also demonstrates that spinosad can be used as a stand-alone treatment for mild to moderate flea infestation in an indoor environment without the need for environmental insecticides or anti-inflammatory treatment of the cats. This would be a major consideration for many cat owners."
Reference
Marie-Christine Cadiergues and Charline Pressanti, "Efficacy of Spinosad Tablets Administered to a Colony of 15 Indoor Cats Naturally Infested with Fleas," ISRN Veterinary Science, vol. 2014, Article ID 484308, 4 pages, 2014.doi:10.1155/2014/484308
Animalcare has announced the launch of a new epilepsy monitoring programme to support users of its Phenoleptil (phenobarbital) tablets.
As part of the programme, veterinary surgeons can have patients' phenobarbital plasma levels analysed by Carmichael Torrance Diagnostic Service (CTDS). CTDS Veterinary Director Nick Carmichael (RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology) and his team will also be available both to interpret results and discuss all aspects of therapeutic monitoring at no extra cost.
In addition, veterinary surgeons can opt for additional chemistry, including bile acids to assess hepatic function plus haematology. All Phenoleptil users are eligible for 50% discount off these services.
Animalcare has also expanded the Phenoleptil range and launched new strength tablets of 25mg and 100mg. Presented as new "snap- tabs" with a four-way score for more accurate dosing, whatever the weight of the dog, this enables fine adjustments to be made thereafter, reducing the risk of sub-optimal dosing.
The 100 tablet packs are designed for quick and easy dispensing with flavoured tablets to aid compliance. The 12.5mg and 25mg strengths are the only phenobarbital tablets licensed for dogs under 12kg and make it possible to treat dogs as low as 2.5kg (assuming a 2.5mg/kg bid starting dose) in weight. The 100mg tablets are useful to treat larger dogs.
For more information, contact your local Animalcare representative.