Adam, who is one of only 17 ECC Specialists in the UK, will be developing an ECC service at Lumbry Park.
Following graduation and an internship at the Royal Veterinary College, Adam worked in hospital and emergency general practice. He completed his residency in Emergency and Critical Care in 2013 becoming board certified the same year. He also completed a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College.
Adam became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care in 2015. In his most recent role, he was Group Head of Emergency and Intensive Care for four RCVS-Recognised hospitals and branches and oversaw standards of out-of-hours provision to 50+ sites. He also led the development of the first specialist 24-hour veterinary intensive care unit in central London.
Ray Girotti, Hospital Director, said: "Adam will be working with our multi-disciplinary team to offer a dedicated point of contact for emergency referrals, a move which will enhance the provision of critical care for our sickest patients. We are delighted to welcome a Specialist of his calibre to Lumbry Park."
Adam said: "The leadership on all issues relating to patient care shown by CVS’ Clinical Advisory Committee was inspiring and, with its full support, I have been offered an unrivalled opportunity to develop a leading ECC service at Lumbry Park. I’m really looking forward to my new role and to participating on the Clinical Advisory Committee to enhance ECC services right across CVS."
Hill's Pet Nutrition is running an interesting prize draw to highlight a recent study which shows that by using Hill's Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare, sterile struvite uroliths can be dissolved in as little as 14 days.1
Send a canine or feline urolith for analysis at the Minnesota Urolith Center by the end of June, and you'll be entered into the draw to win a sparkling diamond worth £2000 (or €2000 in the Republic of Ireland. And no, Hill's hasn't explained why it's a cheaper rock up for grabs in Ireland).
You can download a form at www.hillspet.co.uk/urolith or www.hillspet.ie/urolith to send along with the uroliths.
Almost 80 percent of veterinarians polled on-line recently, used dietary means, either all or some of the time to treat FLUTD.2 It has been suggested that stones account for just 10 percent of non-obstructive and 15 percent of cases of obstructive FLUTD.3
Hill's says that along with its ability to dissolve sterile struvite stones in as little as 14 days, Hill's Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare dry pet food also has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that help to break the cycle of inflammation and reduce discomfort in cats with FIC, making it an appropriate choice in most cases of FLUTD.
References
Some big names from the art and entertainment worlds, including Cheryl Cole, Tracey Emin, Twiggy and Jamie Oliver are donating their own paintings and drawings of hares to raise money for two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
One of these A4 canvases would be a great addition to a veterinary practice waiting room. It would be sure to create an interesting talking point, particularly if you specialise in leporids.
If you're interested in buying one, they go under the auctioneer's hammer both online and at the 'Hare Ball' at the Dorchester Hotel in London on May 26th 2011.
The Hare Styling Celebrity Canvases Appeal is the brainchild of hairdresser Michael Van Clarke whose daughter Angelica was given a lifesaving operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital when she was just two days old. Now 15 years old, Angelica has drawn a hare to help raise funds for the hospital that saved her life. The hare has been reproduced on A4 canvases which have been sent to well-known names in the public eye inviting them to create an original artwork.
Other celebrities who have already donated include Stella McCartney, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Terry Venables and HRH Princess Beatrice The Duchess of York. Many more are expected ahead of the March deadline. All of the canvases will be displayed at a central London gallery exhibition and most will be included in a hard bound book printed to raise further money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Michael Van Clarke said: “The pioneering work carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital provides hope to extremely sick children and their families. My family knows first-hand the incredible difference the hospital can make and I am always looking for ways to show my gratitude. When we first came up with this Hare styling idea, we weren’t sure how it would be received, but we have been overwhelmed by the response from the recipients of the canvases.
"The fundraising potential of these canvases is huge and we are so grateful for the time and effort people have put in to creating them. We are also looking forward to handing over a big cheque to the charity once all the canvases have been sold.”
For further information or to see a selection of the canvases, please visit http://www.harestyling.com/.
Ceva Animal Health has launched PRID Delta, described as an improved intra-vaginal progesterone device for the synchronisation of oestrus in cycling and non-cycling cattle.
The company says it has used its 35 years of expertise in cattle fertility to develop PRID Delta, and that trials have demonstrated that the new device provides optimal progesterone release, preserved efficacy and high retention rates.
Ceva claims the special triangular shape and bi-material fabric of PRID Delta ensures maximum contact with vaginal mucosa to release optimal levels of progesterone at insertion and during treatment. The new PRID Delta continues to give a bigger progesterone peak after insertion as with the original PRID.
According to the company, clinical and field trials observing oestrus occurrence and fertility at fixed time artificial insemination have shown a preserved efficacy for PRID Delta. PRID Delta is licensed for oestrus synchronisation in both cycling and non cycling cows. It is licensed for fixed time AI. Trials have also confirmed that PRID Delta is quick and easy to insert, is well tolerated and has a retention rate of over 97%.
Ceva has recently introduced a new website www.reprology.com/ for technical advice on the best solutions for the management of cattle reproduction. For further information contact your Ceva sales representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at www.ceva.uk.com/
The organisers say that the vision for the WellVet Weekend is to offer a range of sport and wellbeing events which give the opportunity to recharge, refresh and re-energise.
This year, the weekend includes the Tour de Cambridge cycle ride, the WellVet sports day, HiiT (high-intensity interval training) sessions as well as some thought-provoking workshops delivered in collaboration with Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify (www.vsgd.co).
The WellVet Mindful stream aims to bring a mellow approach to the weekend with yoga and meditation alongside some reflective workshop-based sessions.
This year also sees the addition of the WellVet Family stream, which will focus on supporting new parents returning to practice, and building mind and body confidence after welcoming a new addition to the family.
The weekend will include plenty of social time, with a gala dinner on Saturday night where the headline speaker is none other than the ultrarunning veterinary surgeon, Jasmin Paris. She'll be giving a speech called 'The Mountains are calling, and so is the baby!' in which she'll talk about her achievement in being the first woman (let alone vet) to win the Montane Spine Race, widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. Not only that, but she smashed the overall course record by over 12 hours.
WellVet Co-Founder, Liz Barton, said: "We volunteer a great deal of time and energy to run these not-for-profit events, because of the positive impact it offers individuals. It makes it all worthwhile when we see life-changing experiences from the weekend carried forwards to improve the everyday lives of colleagues within the profession. It’s our way of giving something back. Tickets are subsidised thanks to our generous supporters, making them very affordable and meaning that delegates get a lot of content for their money."
Tickets are now available. For more information and to book your place at WellVet Weekend 2019, please visit www.wellvet.co.uk
Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched a dermatology e-newsletter called Under The Skin, designed to help veterinary professionals stay informed and up to date on a wide range of skin conditions.
Featuring a guest editor for each edition, experts will review interesting case studies and research papers and discuss diagnosis and treatment options.
The launch issue focuses on otitis and is edited by Dr Peri Lau-Gillard DerMedVet CertVD DipECVD MRCVS, European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.
Topics include a review of a clinical case - Pseudomonas otitis in a Cocker Spaniel called Rosie, a video otoscopy before and during Rosie's ear flush, information on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a discussion on whether to carry out in-house ear cytology, product information on Surolan and a review of the causes of otitis.
The newsletter also features hints and tips on how to prevent contamination of ear medication/ear cleaners, the importance of marking products with expiry dates, information on applying topical ear cleaners/ear medication and owner education on how to apply the medication.
To receive priority notification of future editions of Elanco's 'Under The Skin' e-newsletter, register at www.thewebinarvet.com/elanco
For further information please contact your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or phone 01256 353131.
The RCVS and BVA have expressed their concern about a BBC Newsline report last week of suspected badger baiting in Northern Ireland, which also alleged that veterinary surgeons might be complicit in this illegal activity by not reporting cases of suspiciously injured animals to the relevant authorities.
Bert Allison MRCVS, President of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, said: "Our Association, and veterinary surgeons across Northern Ireland and Great Britain, are sickened and appalled by these activities. We are grateful to the BBC for highlighting the problem and bringing it to the attention of the public.
"Veterinary surgeons work under a professional code of conduct to uphold animal health and welfare and care deeply about the animals under their care. The claim by USPCA that veterinary surgeons are deliberately failing to report incidents is therefore shocking.
"However, if there is evidence that this has happened the USPCA must provide all relevant information to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons which is the statutory regulator of the veterinary profession.
"Under our professional code all veterinary surgeons must provide treatment to alleviate the suffering of an animal presented to them however the gangs abusing these animals may be obtaining veterinary care by deception. We are contacting our members urgently to offer support and remind them how to report suspected incidents safely and within the law."
The RCVS says it has yet to be presented with any evidence to support the claims, but will investigate any genuine complaint supported by first-hand evidence.
The College is also reminding veterinary surgeons about its guidance concerning breaching client confidentiality where a veterinary surgeon believes that animal welfare or the public interest may be compromised.
If there is suspicion of animal abuse, as a result of examining an animal, a veterinary surgeon should consider whether the circumstances are sufficiently serious to justify breaching the usual obligations of client confidentiality.
In cases where discussing these concerns with the client would not be appropriate, or where the client's reaction increases rather than allays these concerns, the veterinary surgeon should contact the relevant authorities, for example the RSPCA, SSPCA or USPCA, to report alleged cruelty to an animal.
Such action should only be taken when the veterinary surgeon considers on reasonable grounds that the public interest in protecting an animal overrides the professional obligation to maintain client confidentiality.
A veterinary surgeon may contact the RCVS for advice before any confidential information is divulged (020 7202 0789 / profcon@rcvs.org.uk).
Britain's dairy industry is doomed unless it takes more effective steps to control the spread of endemic diseases like tuberculosis and bovine virus diarrhoea, according to a leading cattle vet.
At a conference on infectious disease at the Royal Veterinary College last week, Devon practitioner Dick Sibley warned that the management and economic trends in the UK dairy industry are increasing the risk of disease transmission - and its potential impact once it does enter a herd.
Figures he obtained from the British Cattle Movements Service show that about four million cattle, or half the total UK cattle herd, are moved from one premises to another each year. Those being sent for slaughter were unlikely to spread infections but moving cattle of unknown disease status to new premises greatly increased the risk of bringing in new diseases. "If you set out to design a system that guarantees that we will continue to have problems with endemic disease then I could not think of a better one than this," he said.
Cattle numbers are increasing in those areas like Devon and Cheshire which already have among the highest population densities for dairy animals in the world - and are also the main hot spots in the current bovine TB epidemic. Farmers feel compelled to buy in heifers from as far afield as Germany and Holland to replace animals culled as TB reactors, as they will lose bonus payments from customers who demand that they maintain constant levels of production.
Several other factors also increase the likely impact of disease in a previously healthy herd - the concentration of cattle numbers into fewer but larger units, the growing emphasis on cattle kept indoors all year round and breeding for high yielding animals that are more vulnerable to disease. Meanwhile, a shortage of skilled manpower means that half the available stockmen are shared between farms and can therefore be responsible for bringing in disease.
But farmers have little or no control over some of the more important risk factors - particularly movements of badgers and the presence of diseased herds on neighbouring premises. "So these farmers with big herds in high density areas and neighbours that have the disease are done for unless we can do something serious to manage the risks."
Dairy farmers can work with their veterinary advisers to reduce risk using the four main pillars of disease control - improved biosecurity, better surveillance, appropriate vaccination and containment of disease transmission within the herd. But diseases also had to be tackled on a national level and if DEFRA is unwilling to take on the task, he proposed the creation of an independent livestock disease agency with sufficient staff and resources to carry out its remit. The costs of running such a body should be shared among all those stakeholders with an interest in preserving an economically viable dairy industry, including, for example the cereal producers who provide the dairy industry with much of its food materials, he suggested.
The original survey was sent last year to more than 5,000 UK-registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who gained their qualification from a non-UK EU institution, with a response rate of around 55%.
This year the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), on behalf of the RCVS, contacted over 6,000 veterinary surgeons and almost 50 veterinary nurses – including those previously surveyed as well as EU registrants who have joined since the last survey – who trained in non-UK EU countries to seek their views on the implications of Brexit for European veterinary professionals.
Chris Tufnell, RCVS Senior Vice-President and Chair of the College’s Brexit Taskforce, said: "The aim of this survey is to gain a greater understanding of the views and expectations of our EU colleagues now that certain elements of the UK’s withdrawal process from the European Union, as well as the timing, have become clearer. The survey will also be looking for the views of colleagues on how the College has addressed the challenges of Brexit so far.
"It is particularly important that those who responded to last year’s survey do so this year because the aim is to get a sense of how their views and plans are shifting as the Brexit process moves forward."
As with last year’s survey, the views collated through the consultation will help the College understand the immediate and longer-term impact of the UK’s exit from the EU, gather evidence that could be used to make a case for special treatment of veterinary professionals with regard to future immigration policies and allow the College to provide informed advice to European veterinary professionals as they make decisions about their future careers.
Dr Tufnell added: "I would strongly encourage EU veterinary professionals to respond to this survey, even if they didn’t do so last year, as their views really do matter to us and really do have an impact on our Brexit policies and the views we put forward to the government in these critical times."
The deadline for sending responses to the IES is Wednesday 18 July 2018 and all data will be managed and analysed by IES, an independent not-for-profit research institute, on a confidential basis with no individual responses being seen by the RCVS.
The College says it intends to conduct a third survey when the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and the impact of this on non-UK EU nationals, are better defined.
John Alborough presented the awards at the event. Liz Rawlings from Dechra said: "It was certainly a whirlwind at this year’s LVS and we are delighted to have scooped such a prestigious award." Zoe Appleyard-Ley, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Rockster Superfood for Dogs said: "We were so excited by the response Rockster had at the London Vet Show, and thrilled to have been given the award by VetSurgeon.org."
The campaign came after the company surveyed livestock farmers in January, February and March this year, and found that cattle producers are struggling to implement changes.
The survey, which received 190 responses, investigated the extent to which beef and dairy producers are aware of methods to sustainably control parasites, how many are following best practice techniques, and what advice and support they need to make a change.
Sioned Timothy, Ruminant Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health said: “Reassuringly, 70% of respondents who are the main decision maker indicated that they were either very concerned or a little concerned about wormer resistance on farm. This level of awareness is positive since wormer resistance is on the rise, and the livestock industry must make changes to parasite control if we are to safeguard the effectiveness of wormers."
However, the survey indicated that farmers are not asking professionals such as their vet or SQP for advice on parasite control as much as they could. Only 55% of main decision maker respondents asked their vet for advice on parasite control planning as part of overall herd health planning, and that dropped to 21% for specific parasite control advice.
In addition, only 65% of main decision makers sought advice from an SQP when purchasing worming or fluke products, despite SQPs being qualified to provide parasite control advice at the point of prescription and supply.
Positively, over 60% of main decision maker respondents had already implemented some methods of sustainable parasite control, including quarantining and treating bought-in animals, managing pasture use, and calibrating and testing dosing guns.
However, more than half of the same respondents were aware of but had not implemented several other methods, including weighing or tracking growth rates of youngstock, testing individuals or groups of animals for parasites, and using preventative methods such as vaccinating for lungworm.
Sioned pointed out that nearly 25% of main decision makers had not implemented the calibration or testing of their wormer dosing guns, and a further 12% were not even aware of the practice. She said: “These producers are missing a simple opportunity to ensure that their cattle are dosed correctly. Under-dosing is one of the factors that drives resistance to anthelmintics on farm, and over-dosing increases costs unnecessarily.”
When respondents were asked why they haven’t implemented changes to their parasite control methods, 22% said they did not believe they needed to make changes, 20% don't have the necessary equipment or buildings, 37% said the cost of installing new/better equipment was a barrier, and 32% cited the cost of additional diagnostic tests or treatments.
The survey did highlight some positives. Victoria Hudson, Senior Brand Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “Respondents indicated a good appetite for change provided they could access the appropriate advice and support, including implementing weighing and tracking growth rates of youngstock (53%), testing for parasite burdens in individual animals (52%) and testing for parasite burdens in groups of animals (43%).
“Just over a third of respondents felt they might be able to quarantine and treat bought-in cattle, manage pasture, and use vaccination or other preventative measures. However, only 31% of main decision maker respondents felt they could make the easiest and simplest change: calibrating and testing dosing guns before use.”
One method of sustainable parasite control, targeted selective treatment, where the best performing animals in a group are left untreated, was not well understood or implemented by respondents (30% had implemented, 36% were aware of it but had not implemented, and 33% were not aware of it), and just under 35% felt that even with advice and support they would not be able to implement this method within the next three years.
Victoria said: “Unsurprisingly, over half of main decision maker respondents cited they needed funding to support new equipment/infrastructure to help them make changes to their parasite control practices, but there is a desire for more advice and support.
“Nearly 49% want help in understanding the parasite challenges on their farm, 54% want advice on which changes will most benefit their cattle, and just over 33% want more information on the different types of wormer products.
“However, survey results were conflicting on how farmers would get this advice and support since only 13% wanted more visits from their vet, and 11% from their SQP, despite these professionals being best placed to provide advice at an individual farm level.
“It shows that there is more work to do to help beef and dairy producers make the most effective and sustainable changes to parasite control. This is why we have launched Change One Thing, a campaign to support farmers in understanding and implementing the options available to improve the sustainable control of parasites.”
The campaign is also calling on farm vets to Change One Thing, relating to the information, support and advice that they give livestock farmers.
Victoria said: “It can be difficult for vets to have conversations with farmers about making changes to their parasite control practices, so we urge them to think about changing their approach to discussing the topic, especially if their client/customer has so far resisted making any changes.
“Being inquisitive, and asking questions, can be more effective than ‘telling’, and it’s important that farmers believe in the need to make the change, and that they can practically do it. Even small changes can make a big difference, and testing and trailing strategies tailored to an individual farm will help the farmer to see the benefits for themselves.”
Boehringer says that changes that farmers could make to improve their parasite control in a sustainable way, include:
Resources for farmers, vets and SQPs to Change One Thing are available on the Beat the Parasites website: www.beattheparasites.com/change-one-thing.
Next week, Princess Anne will unveil a new life-sized bronze of the Household Cavalry horse Sefton at the Royal Veterinary College in North Mymms, Hertfordshire.
The statue of Sefton is sited outside the College's Teaching and Research Centre, standing on the footprint of the former Sefton Equine Hospital, a facility which has now been relocated to a new Equine Referral Hospital on campus.
Sefton suffered terrible injuries in the Hyde Park bombing of July 1982 in which four men and seven horses died. In the aftermath of the bombing, as the most severely injured horse, his story of recovery captured the nation's hearts and the horse came to symbolise the resilience that is characteristic of the armed forces.
Many who knew and rode Sefton have provided the detailed briefings necessary for the sculptor, Camilla Le May, to capture the character and spirit of a great horse. Camilla said: "It was fascinating to talk to those who rode and knew Sefton well and this, along with studying old photos, enabled me to find out some of his individual traits such as the way he often tilted his head, looking back over his shoulder, which I chose to represent in this work. He was by all accounts a strong character and quite a handful, especially in his youth. Perhaps it was partly this strength of character that helped him pull through his appalling injuries."
Professor Josh Slater, head of the equine clinical group at the RVC, said: "The College has a proud tradition of furthering care and developing innovative treatments through dedicated equine veterinary surgeons and nurses. We were proud to have received a grant from The Horse Trust in 1986 to build our former equine hospital in Sefton's memory. Whilst we may have moved our practice to bigger and better facilities this new statue will serve as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of Sefton that inspired so many."
The new statue was commissioned to recognise and honour the life-time achievements of one of the College's longest servicing senior academics Professor Peter Lees, who retired in 2010. It was funded by RVC Honorary Fellow and Chairman of Norbrook Lord Ballyedmond OBE.
Professor Stuart Reid, Principal at the RVC, said: "I would like to thank the generosity of our friend Lord Ballyedmond for his kind donation in recognition of our esteemed colleague Professor Lees that has enabled us create this statue in memory of a great horse."
Preliminary results, which recorded a decline in the quantities of antimicrobials prescribed from 2014 to 2018, were published in 2022.
A further audit has now been undertaken in all 22 of the company's first opinion practices to investigate the age, breed and estimated weight of each horse, the clinical indication for antibiotic use, the drugs prescribed, their dose rates, the route of administration and whether culture and sensitivity were used to guide antimicrobial selection.
Data collection was completed in August 2022.
This secondary audit was conducted using a ‘point prevalence’ survey, in which each CVS Equine first opinion Quality Improvement Lead gathered information about all systemic antibiotics prescribed by each of their practices on one day a month for 12 consecutive months.
The project yielded information on 331 cases where systemic antimicrobials were prescribed.
Complete data about the first line-drug selection were available for 261 prescriptions.
The commonest prescribed antimicrobial was sulfadiazine/trimethoprim (41%), followed by oxytetracycline (23%), procaine penicillin (16%), doxycycline (13%), gentamicin (4%), metronidazole (1%), ceftiofur (1%) and enrofloxacin (1%).
Highest priority critically important antimicrobials (ceftiofur and enrofloxacin) were only prescribed in four horses (clinical indications for these included possible sepsis, skin infection, lower respiratory tract infection and a wound complication – in none of these cases was the first-line drug selection based on the results of culture and sensitivity.
Overall, the clinical indications for antimicrobial use were recorded in 246 cases; the commonest indications were cellulitis/lymphangitis (27%), uncomplicated wounds (19%), surgical prophylaxis (15%), respiratory infections (11%) and skin infections (8%).
Hattie Lawrence, Director of CVS Equine, said: “Though the impact of this work is yet to be documented, there is anecdotal evidence that it has raised awareness amongst our veterinarians of the importance of antimicrobial stewardship.
"Taken together, the results of both pieces of work will be used to help develop and inform clinical audits and clinical guidelines of antimicrobial use in horses.”
Reference
VECCS was founded in 1974 to promote the advancement of knowledge and high standards of practice in veterinary emergency medicine and critical care.
To that end, it hosts a membership community, medical journal, monthly webinars, facility certification, wellness initiatives, a charitable arm and two annual educational conferences.
The two organisations are collaborating to raise awareness of Improve's Emergency Medicine and Surgery online learning programme.
Upon successful completion of the training and examinations, delegates can earn an ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate and a Postgraduate Certificate awarded by Harper Adams University.
Delegates cover 14 subjects and take part in three practical sessions under the guidance of specialists in preparation of real-life scenarios.
On completion, veterinary surgeons can earn 168 RACE-approved CE credits and also an ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and Harper Adams Postgraduate Certificate (PgC).
Dr Charlotte French, Head of Business Development for the US at Improve Veterinary Education, said: “We are excited to partner with VECCS and to expand our global efforts in improving emergency medicine in practice.
"It is one of the most difficult areas that vets must tackle, so we are proud to be working together in building a strong foundation of knowledge so vets can approach these high-pressure situations with the right tools.”
improveinternational.com
Norbrook has launched palatable pork liver flavoured Carprieve tablets to help make dosing dogs a stress-free experience for dog and owner.
Offering Cox-2 preferential pain release, Carprieve Flavoured Tablets are indicated for chronic inflammation, such as degenerative joint disease in dogs, as well as post-operative pain management. According to Norbrook, tests have shown 75 per cent of dogs will take them voluntarily.
Sascha van Helvoort MRCVS, international veterinary adviser for Norbrook Laboratories, said: "Palatability is an important consideration for owners, especially for dogs with chronic inflammation, who often need regular tablets.
"Success is often hit-and-miss, with dogs leaving tablets given in food or spitting them out. This led to us testing pork liver tasting carprofen tablets on dogs who needed treatment, and the vast majority ate them from a bowl. This means vets can prescribe them with all confidence that the dogs will get their medicine.
Sascha added: "Studies undertaken by Norbrook covered a wide range of breeds, and included dogs from one year old to 14. In addition, the majority preferred the Pork liver flavour to top brand 'palatable' tablets.
"Getting the dosage right is also easy. That's why we decided to introduce our Carprieve Flavoured Tablets in blister packs rather than in tubs to aid dosage administration."
For more information, visit: http://www.norbrook.co.uk
Petplan is calling for nominations for this year's 'Petplan Pet Insurance Advisor Award'.
The award is to recognise the hard work and dedication that Pet Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially. You can nominate a PIA at your practice by visiting www.petplan.co.uk/pia. The winner will receive a new laptop and their practice will receive £100 in vouchers.
Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew said: "At Petplan we are proud to recognise the dedication and hard work that Pet Insurance Advisors put in to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice. So please get your nominations in!"
Nominations close on 3rd September and the nominees will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress on 9th October.
The Crafty Vet Project aims to ignite your interest in one of a range of creative hobbies, which include cheese, beer, candle, soap and teddy-bear making, with kits available for sale from the new 'Craft Corner' section of their website. £3 from the sale of each kit will go to Vetlife.
Sarah said: "We wanted other veterinary professionals to experience the same pleasure that we get from creative hobbies. It is a chance for people no matter what day you have had to switch off, follow a pattern or instructions and come out with something at the end that you can be truly proud of."
Your new hobby might even turn into a nice sideline business. Sarah said: "One evening over a catch-up Zoe and I were discussing items that we wished we had in practice to make our lives as nurses easier.
"Despite having drunk 2 bottles of wine together we felt that there and then was the best time to start our new business. Two hours later having chopped up an old pair of curtains, accidently sewn my jumper sleeve into the material and woken my husband up at 3am to our cackles, we had the first prototype of our Slumberpet Recovery Coat.
"Our business has grown nicely since then and we are still coming up with more ideas, albeit in a slightly more sober, professional manner."
To select and order your hobby kit, visit: https://www.vnpetproducts.co.uk/craft-corner
The course is comprised of a 14-module programme of lectures, case discussions and practical sessions, during which Improve says delegates will learn how to approach the dog, cat and exotic patient presenting with manifestations of oral pathology in a logical and scientific manner.
Lecturers for the programme, which starts in January 2020, include Bob Partridge and Rachel Perry (pictured right), both European and RCVS Specialists in Veterinary Dentistry, and Owen Davies, an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Oncology.
Each module will be supported with an online learning management platform offering additional learning resources, together with a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library which gives access to scientific articles and abstracts for those progressing to a PgC. All delegates have a dedicated Programme Tutor.
Juliet Pope, Operations Manager at Improve International, said: "The diagnosis and management of dental and oral disease is a significant – and growing - component of small animal practice.
"The programme we have developed offers a thorough case-based approach and includes the opportunity to practice oral surgery in a wet-lab environment.
"It will support general practitioners in taking a more well-informed clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these cases and give them confidence to manage some cases that they might otherwise have felt they should refer."
The research project, which is being carried out by RVC student Collette Taylor for her PhD, is looking at the development of novel diagnostic targets to establish the specific leptospira implicated in canine clinical cases.
Collette said: "Existing leptospirosis diagnostics have a number of limitations. MAT serological testing may provide information that can be supportive of a serogroup diagnosis but may also provide false positives due to previous vaccination or indeed be confounded by cross-reactivity. It can also be difficult to interpret serology in the absence of paired samples.
"PCR tests are sensitive, usually specific, but are dependent on timing of sampling and do not tell you which serovar is concerned.
"My research is focused on offering more specialised diagnostic tests which can differentiate antibodies associated with infection from those due to vaccination. Extending this theme, our group is interested in further typing of samples where the Leptospiral DNA is identified using Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). I am now at the stage of validation and we are able to offer additional testing of serum or blood test samples from confirmed clinical cases."
If you'd like to send in a sample for further tests, you will need to complete a questionnaire, and samples must be from confirmed cases of leptospirosis that have already undergone leptospirosis diagnostics from another laboratory.
John Helps, Senior Technical Manager, Companion Animals, MSD Animal Health said: "As a 3rd year PhD student Collette has two main areas of study. The first is looking at the risk factors of leptospirosis including ecological niche modelling for specific serogroups in different regions across the country. The second part is the development of new specialised diagnostic tests that can provide better targeted serological approaches to diagnosis of this disease."
"As a potentially serious zoonosis, leptospirosis is an important differential diagnosis for a variety of canine disease presentations. These include not only acute renal or hepatic disease; it should also be on the differential list in conditions such as uveitis and retinal bleeding, acute respiratory distress, and haemorrhagic gastoenteritis when parvovirus is excluded.
"Collette's highly valuable research expands understanding of the epidemiology of canine leptospirosis within the UK. Veterinary practices that take advantage of this scheme will gain a better understanding of locally relevant disease data which is likely to better inform the approach to dog vaccination."
For further information contact Collette Taylor at ctaylor18@rvc.ac.uk.
Medivet senior partner Adi Nell says the profession needs to consider new business models to encourage more vets into ownership, as well as fresh approaches to supporting the role.
Responding to issues and recommendations highlighted in the latest VetFutures report, such as the number of female practice owners and a perceived lack of business skills in the profession, Adi said practices need to be flexible when it comes to attracting new vets or owners.
"Client expectations have changed drastically in the past 15 years, but so have the desires of potential practice owners. The world of clinical practice is changing at a rate we’ve never seen before. Owning a practice, along with the other increasing demands on our limited time and energy, is becoming more of a challenge too. This is evident with the growth of business support and development services, indicating an increased demand for that support.
"New practice owners aren’t like previous generations. Although traditional models of ownership are changing gradually, we also need different models of working, such as flexible hours, and different methods of support are needed."
One of the trends noted in the 2014 VetFutures report was how, despite dominating the profession in terms of overall numbers, women are still less likely to be a sole principal, director or partner.
Medivet claims an excellent track record here, with a near 50/50 split of male and female branch owners/partners.
Adi added: "We’re very happy to have so many women as business partners with us. The combination of clinical freedom, business support and a real feeling of teamwork and care for each other are some of the features that enable our partnership model to work so well. The scope for clinical and business development is huge, and we do our very best to look after all our people as they grow.
"However, there are still far too many bright, talented and highly trained vets leaving the profession after too short a time. Why do we turn these diamonds into coal? We need to understand what’s driving this and how we can adapt. The VetFutures report starts to offer some of the answers – and has uncovered even more questions!"
The VetFutures report also found aspirations of practice ownership or partnership dropped from 45% among students to 25% once vets start work. Adi says that offering opportunities for vets to expand into other areas of expertise is key to reducing the decline in appetite for practice ownership. He said: "I started out offering dermatology referral services to various Medivet branches before becoming a branch partner myself. I’m now in charge of a Medivet region of 16 practices as well as being involved in strategy, marketing, HR and operations, which I absolutely love, but never predicted I would do.
"I believe fewer and fewer vets see themselves doing the same job in clinical practice for their entire careers. That includes not wanting to be an employee for life, but also not wanting to have all the responsibility and burden of individual practice ownership. A big group like Medivet allows them to find the niche they enjoy and to develop the skills they value, to the benefit of their own careers, their business success, their client care and their patients’ health."
The company is encouraging owners to post a simple 'thank you' on Facebook with the hashtag #thankuvets.
Boehringer has also produced a thank you video, depicting a day in the life of an equine vet during these tough times.
Warren Ball, Equine Brand Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “This year has been a year like no other, but equine vets throughout the country have carried on regardless of the challenges they face and are deserving of a huge thanks from all who need them.”
"Our ‘Thank You Vets’ initiative will show how appreciated each and every vet is by bringing together owners, trainers and others in the equine community."
To watch the video and see the thank you messages from owners, visit: https://www.facebook.com/equitopmyoplast/posts/2188633904615007
What a lovely initiative. Makes a change from the usual griping on Facebook.
Henry won the title in recognition of his work tackling bird flu, as the outbreak of this devastating disease spread across the country this summer.
A total of 140 nominations were received for this year’s Zoetis-sponsored award, which celebrates vets who have made a significant impact in the first stages of their professional career.
The judging panel comprised BVA President Anna Judson, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) President Sue Paterson, National Veterinary Lead Ruminant and Equine at Zoetis UK Ally Ward, and last year’s award winner vet Hannah Hunt.
In addition to his work tackling bird flu, the judges also acknowledged Henry’s role in encouraging other young vets to join the poultry industry.
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2018, he began working at Crowshall Veterinary Services, Norfolk, providing dedicated consultancy and Official Veterinarian (OV) provision to the poultry/gamebird industry across Great Britain and internationally.
This has seen him working through the recent bird flu outbreaks, holding multiple OV panels, and preparing for export changes associated with Brexit.
Henry is also a mental health first aider and trustee of regional rural mental health charity You Are Not Alone (YANA), deputy rotation lead for the new RVC poultry rotation, which takes its first students in 2024, and is also co-lead of his practice green group through which he has steered his practice to the top Green accreditation for sustainability with Investors in the Environment.
In his role as external lecturer for the RVC, Henry provides opportunities to engage with avian population medicine for new members of the profession.
Henry said: “To be named BVA Young Vet of the Year is a huge honour and it means all the more having heard about the outstanding work, dedication and skills of the other two finalists.
I’m delighted that after a challenging few years the poultry sector has been highlighted tonight, as all those involved have worked tirelessly to overcome the largest animal health outbreak the UK has experienced in recent times - I hope that winning this award will encourage more young vets to consider joining us in the poultry sector.
"It’s extremely rewarding work.”
Henry was shortlisted alongside vet Rebecca Hampson, who co-founded animal welfare charity Veterinary Education Malawi, and equine vet Camilla Church, who set up her own practice, Perth Equine Vets.
BVA President Anna Judson said: “The standard of nominations this year was outstanding. It sounds cliché, but we really did have our work cut out when choosing the finalists.”
Photo: Young Vet of the Year Henry Lamb with finalists Rebecca Hampson, BVA President Anna Judson and Camilla Church.jpg
The practice's first residents are Sara Cermeno Fernandez and Lucy Venman (pictured right), who began their programmes last month after completing successful internships.
Cave’s clinical director Nele Van den Steen, an RCVS and European specialist in internal medicine, said: “We are naturally very pleased to have achieved this milestone and are delighted to get started, with our first residents Sara and Lucy continuing their career development with us.
“To be approved for a residency programme, you have to show you can support the caseload required and provide the training which the residents will need.
“So, this accreditation shows we have the integrity and the capacity to support the programme, which is a notable achievement and a ringing endorsement of our work here at Cave.”
For more information, visit cave-vet-specialists.co.uk.
The nomination period runs until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2018. In order to stand, candidates will need to submit a nomination form along with contact details, a short biography and a statement, and supply a high-resolution digital photograph.
Each candidate also needs two nominators, who should be veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s Register but are not current RCVS Council members.
Professor Stephen May, RCVS President, said: "I myself have been an elected Council member since 2012, and it has given me tremendous opportunity to get involved with a whole range of subjects, including my particular interests, undergraduate education and lifelong learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the decisions you make during your time on Council can really benefit the profession, and I would encourage anyone who shares an interest in the future of our profession, whether that be about graduate outcomes, practice standards, the wider veterinary team or the effects of Brexit, for example, to stand for election."
Although the RCVS is planning the elections as usual, it is concurrently preparing for a change to its governance arrangements, including a reduction in the size of the Council, as agreed in March 2016.
Commenting on the Legislative Reform Order (LRO) that will be required to amend the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson said: "This is a complex matter and, unfortunately, due to unavoidable delays associated with the 2017 General Election and the impact of preparing for the UK’s departure from the European Union, the LRO has not yet completed the legislative process.
"This means that whilst we will be running the elections on the basis that there will be six elected places available, as per the old size and structure, it should be expected that under the new size and structure, only three places will ultimately be available."
Meanwhile, due to comparable changes to the governance of the Veterinary Nurses Council, including a reduction in its number, there will be no 2018 VN Council elections as the outgoing members will not need to be replaced.
The RCVS Council election period will start around mid-March and voting will close at 5pm on Friday 27 April 2018.
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions are available for prospective RCVS Council candidates at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil18.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton was originally removed from the Register in June 1994 for failing to maintain his practice’s equipment and facilities in working order such that it evidenced a total disregard of basic hygiene and care for animals, thereby bringing the profession into disrepute.
The restoration hearing on Monday 15 May was Mr Seymour-Hamilton’s fifth application for restoration, with previous applications being submitted but refused in July 1995, June 2010, January 2015 and March 2016. However, as the Committee made its decision on the merits of the case before it, those previous applications were not considered as relevant to its decision.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton told the Committee that he currently works as a herbalist and naturopath for humans and wished to be restored to the Register so he could include animals in his research, citing his treatment of one of his dogs as evidence.
The Committee rejected his application on a number of grounds, including the impact on animal welfare should Mr Seymour-Hamilton be restored to the Register; the length of time he had been off the Register and the fact that he was therefore not up-to-date with contemporary veterinary practice and professional conduct; that his efforts to keep up-to-date in terms of knowledge, skills and developments in practice were insufficient; and his lack of evidence of public support for him or his work.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee has very great concerns about the future of the welfare of animals in the event of the applicant being permitted to have his name restored to the Register. He has made it clear that whilst he has no intention to return to routine veterinary general practice, he would intend to treat animals and to continue his research using animals. The Committee observes that were he to be restored to the Register, there would be no power to prevent the applicant practising as a veterinary surgeon in any way he may choose."
He added: "The applicant has now been off the Register for nearly 23 years. It will be apparent to anyone that the veterinary profession today is in many respects different from what it was 23 years ago, (eg: in terms of medical understanding and its own regulation). The Committee is far from persuaded that the passage of 23 years has not had a negative impact on the applicant’s ability to practise safely and competently as a veterinary surgeon at this present time."