The company says Nutramed kills over 99.9% of known bacteria and fungal spores whilst being safe and gentle enough for use on sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth.
Lianne O’Boyle RVN and Clinical Lead at Nutravet, said: “Veterinary professionals need a reliable, safe and effective solution for minor wound management and first aid.
"Nutramed hypochlorous spray and gel combine powerful antimicrobial performance with a gentle formula, making it a must-have in every practice and pet owner’s first aid kit.
“Designed to support everyday veterinary care, Nutramed provides peace of mind for professionals and pet owners alike by ensuring minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions are treated quickly and effectively.”
www.nutravet.com.
The session is designed for business owners who are considering succession planning and who may be interested in exploring alternative ownership structures.
Speakers include Jeff Lermer from JLA Accountants and Victoria Dorman from HCRLaw, both of whom have helped companies transition to employee ownership.
Matt Flann from Pennards Vets (pictured) will add the perspective of a business that has transitioned to being an Employee Owned Trust.
The session will cover the structure of Employee Ownership Trusts, the benefits of transitioning (including tax incentives) and the legal, financial and operational considerations.
The webinar was also offer practical guidance on the steps and timelines for implementing an EOT in your organization.
https://spvs.org.uk/employee-ownership-trusts-cpd
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons has unveiled a new logo in response to member feedback and a desire by the society to update its image to tie in with a more modern and campaigning approach. Here it is (roll of drums please):
CPD Solutions and Onswitch have announced that they have joined forces to offer a new online training course for veterinary receptionists called a Mini Series.
Dr Susie Coughlan, Managing Director of CPD-Solutions, said: "Today's competitive pricing between practices means that securing a client's return spending can depend largely on the quality of their early interactions. However, with such a busy schedule, it's almost impossible for most vets and practice managers to provide dedicated in-house training for frontline staff, even though many appreciate how crucial it is. The mini-series allows receptionists to perfect their skills in their own time and in the comfort of their own surroundings, saving the practice valuable time and resources while enhancing the initial customer experience. At the end of the day, this is what every veterinary practice is striving for - contented clients."
The first course commences on the 19th of February 2014 with a full programme planned for the future. More information is available at www.receptionistwebinars.com, or call CPD Solutions on 0151 328 0444.
Research carried out by the Kennel Club to coincide with Mother's Day has revealed that 35% of dog buyers do not see their new puppy with its mother.
The research also found that one in ten buyers take their puppy home before it is eight weeks old, and that 55% do not see the puppy in its breeding environment.
Bill Lambert, Manager of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, said: "March is the most popular month for searching for a puppy, but we are extremely concerned that so many are not seeing their puppy with its mother. Seeing mum not only helps people to find out how their puppy will be likely to turn out in terms of temperament and characteristics, but it also gives them the reassurance that it has been bred in a loving environment where it has been cared for and socialised properly."
Marc Abraham, TV vet and Kennel Club Veterinary Advisor, said: "Puppies depend on their mums in the early weeks of life, not just for milk but she's also critical for developing their socialisation skills which help set them up for life. If a breeder refuses to show the puppy with its mother without very good reason, then buyers should go elsewhere."
The Kennel Club is urging people to see puppies with their mother as part of its Stop Puppy Farming campaign and is joining with Marc Abraham to support the 'Where's Mum?' campaign. Kennel Club research has shown that as many as one in four could unwittingly be buying their puppy from a puppy farm.
The Kennel Club will be running a National Puppy Awareness Week (PAW) from the 8th - 14th September. To find out more visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/stoppuppyfarming.
The sessions are:
https://www.bsavacongress.com/programme
The organisers of Rabbit Awareness Week (15th-21st September) are calling on veterinary practices to show their support and sign up to its free health check scheme, to highlight the importance of preventative healthcare for rabbits.
This year's RAW campaign is focusing on vaccinations, to protect one of Britain's most popular small pets from two painful and potentially fatal diseases, myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD).
Participating practices will receive free support packs to help them advertise and run their own health check events, as well as care advice materials to give out to clients who bring their rabbits in.
Rabbit Awareness Week 2012 is backed by Burgess Excel and various partners, including MSD Animal Health, RSPCA, PSDA, Blue Cross, Wood Green The Animals Charity and RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund).
Justin Heaton, Head of Marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: "This September, RAW aims to promote the importance of preventative healthcare, including regular vet health checks and vaccinations for rabbits, to protect them from disease. Rabbits are at risk from myxomatosis and RHD and this year's goal is to highlight how important vaccinations are against these diseases and encourage owners, particularly those not currently registered with a veterinary practice, to bring their rabbits in for free veterinary health checks and vaccinations.
"RAW partners believe that many rabbit owners are unaware that injections for rabbits are a necessity for them to live a long and healthy life. The average rabbit should live at least 8-12 years, but one in three pet owners (38 per cent) estimate a rabbit's maximum lifespan to be five years*. Along with meeting their dietary, behaviour, environment and companionship needs, Britain's rabbits' must be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease to ensure they are healthy and happy. Vaccinations are an important part of responsible pet ownership and will help to ensure that rabbits live a long and healthy life."
If you are interested in supporting RAW 2012, by hosting rabbit healthcare clinics at your veterinary surgery, visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk to order your free support kit and register your event.
The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), which is comprised of representatives from the UK's leading animal welfare organisations, has launched a set of minimum standards for websites that advertise pets for sale.
PAAG says the new standards have been developed to improve the welfare of the pets and to protect members of the public from the risk of ending up with sick, dangerous or even illegal animals. The standards have also been endorsed by Defra and Lord de Mauley, the Minister for Animal Welfare, who has been discussing the need for improvement with the leading online pet classified websites.
The Group points to Kennel Club research which shows that one in five puppies bought online are dying before they reach six months, together with some of the worst adverts the organisation has seen online, as evidence for the urgent need for these new standards:
PAAG says it is working with the Government to remind consumers and websites that an animal is not a commodity like a washing machine or a car, and should not be advertised or bought in the same way. Websites in compliance with the standards will be identifiable to consumers on the PAAG website as the ethical and safer choice when deciding to find a pet online. The group is encouraging the public to stay vigilant to ensure that websites meet the standards consistently, and not to use sites that don't apply the Minimum Standards.Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "Whilst we recognise that puppies are commonly advertised online, it is still shocking to know that there are between 100,000 and 120,000 pet advertisements appearing on UK websites each day. The research undertaken by PAAG has revealed some truly terrible examples where animal welfare was clearly the last thought in the mind of the advertiser. Every day we hear from people who have bought a puppy online only for it to fall sick or die soon after, and the Kennel Club's research for its Puppy Awareness Week shows that one in five pups bought online die before they're six months old. "We hope that the Minimum Standards will be just that, a minimum standard that a website must reach before posting advertisements for pets. In an ideal world we would prefer people not to buy pets online but would advise that if you are doing so that you check the website adheres to PAAG's Minimum Standards. We urge people to go to a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme if they want the best chance of getting a healthy and well cared for puppy, as this is the only scheme in the country that sets standards for and monitors breeders."
Lord de Mauley, Minister for Animal Welfare at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: "It is vitally important that advertising websites do all they can to ensure the welfare of animals sold on their sites and to prevent the sale of banned breeds. I fully support PAAG's Minimum Standards and would encourage all advertising websites to sign up to these."
PAAG says that the Minimum Standards are just the first step to improving how pets are advertised online, and that it will work closely with websites including Gumtree, Loot and Preloved to provide support on the reporting of suspicious adverts and the moderating of such ads. A team of volunteer moderators will also be created to provide further support for the websites and ensure that if anyone is turning to the internet to buy an animal they can do so with more confidence that they are buying a healthily bred pet.PAAG has compiled a video of case studies showing the impact of inappropriate online advertising on members of the public, the veterinary profession and animal welfare authorities. See: http://www.paag.org.uk.
PAAG comprises: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA), One Kind, PDSA, RWAF, Raystede, Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA), Wood Green the Animals Charity, World Horse Welfare.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is appealing for rural homes for a number of dogs currently housed at Dogs Trust Shoreham. Staff at the Rehoming Centre have affectionately nicknamed them ‘The Famous Five’.
This motley crew (pictured above, left to right) also go by the name of Kay (a five year old male Pointer cross), Ashes (a six year old male Collie cross), Josh (a seven year old male German Shepherd cross), William (a three year old male cross breed) and Maria (a four year old German Shepherd cross) and are unfortunately finding their time in kennels very stressful indeed. Dogs Trust are therefore looking for some very understanding new owners who have the patience and dedication to get to know these dogs on a one-on-one basis.
According to Dogs Trust, these dogs are exceptionally loyal and urgently need rural homes. Regrettably, they cannot cope with walks on a lead. A home with a large plot of secure land or fenced garden would be ideal for exercise and play. These dogs will be happy living in or outside as long as suitable accommodation is available.
If you you know anyone who might be able to give any of these dogs the perfect rural home then please contact Dogs Trust Shoreham on (01273) 452576 or visit the website http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
The European Commission has announced the EU's animal health strategy for 2007-13. The announcement provides the framework for animal health measures over the next 6 years, taking into account feedback from stakeholders and potential challenges in the future.
The overall aim is to put greater focus on precautionary measures, disease surveillance, controls and research, in order to reduce the incidence of animal disease and minimise the impact of outbreaks when they occur. Click here for more ...
BCF Technology has published a new clinical guide to the non-reproductive applications of ultrasound in farm animals.
Kimberly Palgrave BS BVM&S, created the booklet with the aim of helping veterinary surgeons understand the value in using ultrasound for more than reproduction purposes.
BCF says On farm ultrasound uses: Beyond pregnancy diagnosis provides key clinical descriptions and tips, along with normal and abnormal ultrasound images to show how ultrasound can aid in diagnosing various on-farm conditions you may be presented with, such as scanning the teat to detect stenosis, the umbilical area for an abscess, and even the thorax for help to diagnose BRD.
Kimberly said: "This clinical guide was created to help vets get more out of on farm ultrasound than just pregnancy diagnosis. There are a range of other uses for ultrasound on farm and this guide explains how to use your equipment for these applications. As always we are happy to receive feedback on any of our clinical materials."
To find out more or to get your copy of the guide, visit the learning section of the BCF website: www.bcftechnology.com
The RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council elections are now underway for 2013, and ballot papers and candidates details have been posted to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: "At a time when the College is experiencing a period of significant change, it's more important than ever that the Councils have the right personnel to help steer us along the path to becoming a first-rate regulator. The annual Councils elections represent a key opportunity for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to ensure this happens."
This year, 13 candidates, five of whom are current Council members, will contest the six available seats on RCVS Council, and four candidates are contesting the two available places on VN Council, including one existing member. The candidates are as follows:
RCVS Council
VN Council
*denotes existing Council member
For the first time this year, the College is organising an online hustings for RCVS Council candidates to allow veterinary surgeon voters to put their questions to them directly. This will be run as a free, live webinar by 'The Webinar Vet' and will take place on Tuesday, 19 March at 7pm. Questions need to have been submitted in advance as there are too many candidates to hold a debate, but veterinary surgeons can still register to listen to the hustings at www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs. The hustings will also be recorded and available to listen again via the same web address until the voting deadline.
Votes in both elections may be cast online, by text message or by post, and must be received by 5pm on Friday, 26 April 2013. Details of how to vote are printed on the ballot papers and candidate information is also available on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13.
Anyone in need of a replacement ballot paper for RCVS Council should contact Ian Holloway (i.holloway@rcvs.org.uk / 020 7202 0727), or for VN Council, contact Annette Amato (a.amato@rcvs.org.uk / 020 7202 0713).
To ensure independence, the elections are being administered by Electoral Reform Services.
Animal training and behaviour experts have joined forces to try and end bad practice by poorly trained individuals.
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is being launched to regulate the education and training of those working in the animal behaviour modification sector.
The new organisation brings together leaders in the veterinary, welfare, rehoming, animal training and behaviour therapy fields. It aims to set standards for the knowledge and skills required to be a recognised professional.
The agreed standards will be used to assess the competency of practitioners before they are included on the Council's national register of animal trainers and behaviour therapists. The details will be publicly available to help people to find an appropriate expert.
The standards will also help those seeking a career in animal behaviour or further developing the skills of those already practicing the profession.
Council chairman David Montgomery said: "Regulation of this industry sector is long overdue. The formation of the council has been met with widespread enthusiasm and support from professional organisations both in the UK and overseas."
Organisations represented on the Council already include major charities such as RSPCA, Guide Dogs and The Blue Cross, with interest being expressed from organisations in Europe, Australia and Brazil.
Senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare at Bristol University Dr Rachel Casey said: "There is currently a plethora of groups and individuals providing dog training which makes it difficult for owners to choose the right one to suit the needs of their pet.
"We believe that the ABTC will aim to solve this problem and will be a very important step forward in raising standards in animal training and behaviour."
For more information visit: www.abtcouncil.org.uk
Teeside veterinary nurses Debbie Rowley and Karen Taylor from Wilton Vets made history yesterday when they were called out to catch a 6ft, 18lb python spotted by the side of the road by a motorist in Guisborough.
Talking to the Guisborough Gazette, Debbie said: "We were shocked it was so big."
The snake is apparently in good shape, and now in the care of Kirkleatham Owl Centre.
Anyone missing a 6ft ft python is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.
CEVA Animal Health, manufacturer of the veterinary behaviour products Feliway and D.A.P., has launched a guide to the practical applications of pheromones.
The 80 page book, entitled 'D.A.P.® and Feliway® Papers and Abstracts', features details of 31 published trials. It includes an introduction to pheromonatherapy by veterinary behaviourist, Sarah Heath, and covers research into the use of pheromones for a wide range of behavioural issues in both dogs and cats, including feline urine marking, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), the introduction of new pets to a household, noise phobias and firework fears, and puppy socialisation and adoption.
The guide contains an overview of each behavioural issue, and details of the trials and recommendations on the use of Feliway® or D.A.P.® to help prevent and control the problem.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "There is considerable data supporting the use of Feliway® and D.A.P. ®. The reference guide brings together this research into one comprehensive handbook which is a must for veterinary professionals interested in feline and canine behaviour."
For a copy of the D.A.P.® and Feliway® Papers and Abstracts reference guide, please contact your CEVA Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
Dechra is expanding its Veterinary Essentials portfolio of veterinary licensed generics with the introduction of five new products.
Flexicam® - a NSAID for the control of pain and inflammation in dogs with acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders, joins the range following the acquisition of VetXX. Roger Brown, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products said: "Flexicam provides vets with all the proven benefits of meloxicam, one of the most frequently prescribed NSAIDs."
Prednidale 25 also joins the fold as the first veterinary licensed 25mg strength prednisolone, which together with Prednidale 5, gives vets a wider variety of treatment options for inflammatory diseases, allergic diseases, some autoimmune diseases and some neoplastic conditions. Roger said: "Under the cascade system, practices currently using non-veterinary licensed 25mg strength prednisolone can now convert to using a veterinary licensed product instead."
Alongside Flexicam and Prednidale 25 is a new combination of sedation and reversal agents (Sedator® and Atipam® respectively). Sedator, which contains the active ingredient medetomidine hydrochloride, is used for sedation, analgesia and anaesthetic premedication in cats and dogs. Roger said: "This product can now be used in combination with Atipam, our new reversing agent and generic partner to Sedator. Atipam is an alpha-2-adrenoceptor antagonist which is chemically identical to the market leader, but can offer practices permanent savings of at least 37 per cent."
For further details on the new products, please contact your local Dechra territory manager or call Rachel Horton 01743 441 632.
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh has opened an emergency clinic for injured animals, to allow the public to bring in wildlife in need of treatment. The Wildlife Emergency Clinic is the first of its kind in the UK.
The new emergency clinic, based at the School's Hospital for Small Animals, will treat animals with the aim of releasing them back into their native habitat. The venture will also enable veterinary students to gain more hands-on training in treating wildlife.
The emergency clinic will treat animals, such as hedgehogs or injured birds, as well as larger animals such as deer. However, people are advised to contact the SSPCA to arrange for an inspector to be sent out for support if they have found a larger injured animal or if an animal seems in too much distress to be transported.
Emma Keeble, a wildlife veterinary expert at the Hospital for Small Animals, said: "At this time of year there may be orphaned hedgehogs found out during the day time, which are not able to fend for themselves or hedgehogs suffering from conditions such as fly-strike. As summer progresses there tend to be lawnmower and strimmer injuries. There are also other animals that may have been injured as a result of road accidents."
The School's Hospital for Small Animals already has an exotic and wildlife ward and works with the SSPCA to treat animals so that they can be released back into their native habitat.
A new study of 1,000 children aged between nine and 10 years old, conducted by Mars Petcare in conjunction with the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition and The University of Liverpool, with partners Liverpool John Moore's University and Liverpool City Council, has revealed the depth of the bond between children and their pets.
The research revealed that:
The research looked at the ownership of a range of pets - including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, horses and fish - and revealed that more than 50% of children consider their dog to be their "favourite" pet, followed by cats (15%).
The research also looked at the impact that pets have on children who do not have siblings, showing a strong attachment between single children and their pets. Lead researcher Dr Carri Westgarth from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health said: "In the absence of siblings, pets offer children the chance to care for and nurture others; a vital skill in a child's learning and development. The youngest siblings in a family also had stronger attachment to their pets which can be attributed to a lack of younger, more dependable siblings to care for. "
Dr. Sandra McCune, Scientific Leader for Human - Animal Interaction at WALTHAM, said: "Pets play a crucial role in the development of children; allowing them to socialise, care for and nurture others. This is particularly important for children who do not have siblings to learn from and play with, and for the youngest siblings in the family who do not have a younger, more dependable sibling to care for. Children often yearn to own a pet and the developmental impact that they have for kids is significant. Not only are they good in terms of exercise and responsibility, but also helping children understand relationships. Playing, taking care of and talking to animals can have a really positive impact on a child's development."
Improve International has announced that it is to hold the first conference aimed specifically at Official Veterinarians.
Taking place from 22-23 October 2015, Improve says the conference aims to provide a forum to update OVs on the latest developments and thinking on all aspects of OV work and to provide an opportunity to network and share experiences and ideas.
Organised in association with the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Official Veterinarian Conference programme includes a two-day stream of large animal lectures and round-table discussions on topics including Bovine TB, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Sheep Scab and other important diseases.
A lecture stream for small animal practitioners will provide updates on export regulations and small animal exotic diseases, with dedicated lectures for equine practitioners also running on Friday 23 October.
Speakers at the event include Peter Jinman, Chair of the RCVS Certification Sub-Committee (pictured right); Dr Tim Brazil, Directorate of Equine Medicine on the Move and Andy Paterson, Veterinary Head of Intervention Epidemiology. An exhibition of the latest products and services for OVs will run alongside the conference which takes place at the Alexandra House Hotel and Conference Centre, near Swindon, where Improve International is based.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "The world of the OV is a fast-changing one so this unique event provides an opportunity for OVs to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to hear industry experts deliver up-to-date and practical lectures which will have a positive impact on their work as an OV.
"The programme and content has been developed by our Scientific Committee in collaboration with APHA which is supporting us and we believe it will offer highly relevant content for all OVs."
Are you planning to come to this event? If so, indicate it here, so other VetSurgeon members can see you'll be there!
To book, visit www.officialvet.com
The subscription-based service offers both online and face-to-face training in both clinical and non-clinical subjects, from selected third party training providers.
Emma Hunt, UK Country Manager, MWI Animal Health, said: “This service addresses the regulatory requirements for vets and veterinary nurses to complete mandatory CPD hours, while helping alleviate the all-too-common challenges practice owners face in budgeting and negotiating with multiple training providers.
"By centralising all training under one digital roof, Vet Sphere CPD aims to enhance performance, build team culture and expand the range of services practices can offer."
https://www.mwiah.co.uk/professional-development/vet-sphere-academy
MORE TH>N Pet Insurance has released the results of its Pet Theft Census, which looked into the prevalence of pet theft in the UK.
The research shows that in 2012, 833 dogs and 83 cats were reported stolen to the police. That trend has continued into 2013, with 722 dogs and 62 cats reported stolen by the end of October.
MORE TH>N says the average value of a stolen cat or dog is £344.86, which would mean that pets worth £678,000 have been stolen since the start of 2012.
However, according to the survey of 4865 cat and dog owners, 37% of cat and dog thefts in the last 12 months were never actually reported to the police, so the value of stolen pets is likely far greater.
According to the survey, pets left in gardens were the most likely to be stolen (52%), followed by those left home alone (19%). Looking at dogs specifically,16% were stolen by brazen thieves while being walked by their owner. 7% were stolen when left tied up outside a shop and 5% were stolen from a car.
To help tackle the issue, MORE TH>N is giving away 500 free microchips for cats and dogs at five RSPCA centres across the UK. A hundred will be available in each centre on a first-come first-served basis. For more information visit www.facebook.com/morethan.