Dr De Armas Jimenez faced four charges against him, that:
On or around 22 April 2022 or 23 April 2022, in relation to a cat, he a) failed to obtain informed consent to sedate/anaesthetise the cat and/or did so without the owner’s consent (admitted), b) failed to take adequate steps when the cat required emergency attention (admitted), and c) failed to provide adequate details to the owner following the cat’s death (admitted).
On or around 22 April 2022 or 23 April 2022, he a) failed to record adequate clinical record details of the cat’s sedation/anaesthetic (admitted), b) recorded when the cat became cyanotic, that i) a tube had been passed in order to intubate (proved not to have occured) and ii) chest compressions had been given when this was not the case (not proved that it did not happen), and c) failed to make adequate clinical records in relation to differential diagnoses and proposed treatment plan (not proved).
That his conduct in relation to charge 2(a) and/or 2(b) was a) dishonest and/or b) misleading. (Admitted his conduct was both dishonest and misleading in relation to 2(a), and the Committee found proved that his conduct was dishonest and/or misleading in relation to 2(b)(i)).
Between 22 April 2022 and 23 April 2022, he failed to have any professional indemnity insurance in place (admitted).
Dr De Armas Jimenez admitted most of the charges again him.
The Committee found that his actions had breached a number of sections of the RCVS Code of Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons and amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In deciding on a sanction, the Committee took into account the aggravating factor that Dr De Armas Jimenez had caused actual harm to the animal.
Mitigating factors included that he had no previous disciplinary history, that he had been working for eight years as a veterinary surgeon in the UK without complaint, that he admitted most of the charges, that he'd made subsequent efforts to avoid repetition by no longer working night shifts or locuming, and finally that the incident related to one animal.
The Committee also noted that he'd shown appreciable insight and remorse, and took into account positive character references.
Paul Morris, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “Whilst the misconduct in this case involved breaches of the RCVS Code, caused serious harm to both the cat and the client, and involved dishonesty which was concealed, the Committee decided that a lengthy suspension could take account of the seriousness of these matters and meet the wider public interest.”
He added: “In deciding on this period of suspension, the Committee took into account both mitigating and aggravating factors and the mitigation Dr De Armas Jimenez had put before it.
"It was not persuaded that a shorter period of suspension would properly reflect the seriousness of the proven misconduct.
"It concluded that this period of suspension had a deterrent effect and sent a signal as to how serious the Committee had found the misconduct to be.
"It also took into account Dr De Armas Jimenez’s remorse and insight.
“However, in order that the wider public interest was upheld and to reflect the Committee’s view regarding the seriousness of the proven misconduct, the Committee determined that the proportionate sanction and period of suspension should be a suspension order of eight months.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/
The annual survey gives an overview of remuneration levels within the veterinary sector.
It covers everything from basic earnings, bonuses, dividends and overtime, to benefits such as accommodation, car allowances and pensions.
SPVS is asking everyone in the veterinary profession to take part, whether they're in a clinical or non-clinical role, a vet, a nurse, a practice manager, support staff or working in industry.
The main findings of the survey will be published in a report and freely available to any participant who gives their email address at the end of the survey.
SPVS members will be able to access the full results with additional commentary and analysis.
All survey data is treated as strictly anonymous and totally confidential.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LOZS6O
Any questions: office@spvs.org.uk
ECM, a French manufacturer of ultrasound devices, has launched Exago, a new mobile veterinary ultrasound device which the company says is particularly suited for use with horses and pets.
ECM says the main features of the new device are:
For more information, visit: http://www.agroscan.com/
The new structure means that all 99 members of Pennard Vets' team, who work across six sites in Kent, are now practice owners and shareholders in the business. This, says the practice, will protect it's independence and 125-year-old core values.
The group celebrated the completion of the employee ownership trust earlier this month at a summer family BBQ and party held at Hadlow Manor Hotel in Tonbridge.
Pennard Vets’ three previous sole directors, comprising of Matthew Flann, Caroline Collins and Andy Green, all worked as vets at the practice for several years before becoming part of the leadership team in 2007, and the trio will all continue to work in the business following the EOT transfer.
Andy said: “Pennard Vets is a special practice that has been a part of the fabric of the local community for 125 years and we want to be here in another 125 years. At a time when many other practices are being taken over by large corporate organisations, we knew that the EOT was the right way to guarantee an independent future for our 99 team members. Although we received plenty of interest and offers from the corporates, it was important to remain true to ourselves and our values.
“It is increasingly difficult for vets to buy into independent practices and the traditional partner progression model no longer works, so after exploring various possibilities, it became clear that the EOT option was ideal for us and protects everything that we stand for.
“Crucially, it also means Pennard Vets won’t be taken over and gives everyone in our team both autonomy and a voice, as well as safeguarding our fundamental core values that are built around compassion, client focus and continually improving everything we do. There’s no doubt this will further enhance the high standard of care that our clients enjoy and is also helping us to grow our team and attract new talent.
“As we expand our practice across Kent, we’re recruiting both vets and nurses. Every new team member becomes an employee owner and can influence the decisions we make for the future of our practice. Our people are helping to shape our employee benefits scheme and influence how we reinvest profits in a forward-thinking practice, that will remain independent. This is proving very attractive to new members of the team, which makes it a really exciting and rewarding time for us.”
Newly appointed vet, Emma Ball, has become one of the first new recruits to benefit from the EOT model after joining the group’s Sevenoaks practice. Emma said: “I initially did work experience at Pennard Vets eight years ago and immediately felt like part of the family. Everyone took the time to make sure I learnt as much as possible, so when I was offered this role, it was an easy decision for me.
“Coming back to the practice has been a fantastic experience and to benefit from the EOT is the icing on the cake. Although lots of people dream of owning their own practice, it’s a very difficult thing to achieve. However, now we’re all stakeholders in the business, it has made our team spirit even stronger and means everyone makes even more effort to make Pennard Vets successful and ensure clients always enjoy the very best level of care.”
For the study, 309 university students were randomly assigned to one of three four-week stress prevention programs featuring varying levels of exposure to animal-assisted activities and evidenced-based stress management content.
The research found that students who were considered at a higher risk of poor academic performance saw a significant boost in executive function including improvements in attention, memory, self-regulation and improved cognitive function when they received exclusive exposure to interaction with the dogs.
This improvement was not seen in students who participated in a more traditional stress management learning program using lectures containing information about stress management or sessions that combined such information with lower levels of animal interaction.
Lead study investigator, Associate Professor Patricia Pendry, from Washington State University said:"Academic stress and associated negative impact on student performance is a significant issue for universities today and something we need to better address.
"While more traditional learning programs continue to play a role, the results of the study are exciting as they indicate this type of intervention can be a positive stress management tool especially for students who are at-risk of poor academic performance.
“We know from previous research the positive effects of animal visitation programs on the mood3 of college students – and even recently discovered their positive effect on stress hormone levels4. However, this is the first study to demonstrate that more frequent and regular inclusion of dogs can positively affect aspects of cognitive functioning that may be more difficult to change with existing interventions."
Study co-author and expert in Human-Animal Interaction expert Professor Nancy Gee said: "This study was informed by previous research and reinforces the growing body of evidence showing the benefits of pets for people in many different contexts and for at-risk groups.
"This type of animal-assisted stress reduction program is both easy to implement and low cost – offering a fantastic way for universities to support their students. After participating, participants feel calmer and more socially supported and this leads to an improvement in mental health and cognition.
"My hope is that evidence-based interventions which are already gaining popularity can become common practice in educational settings."
References:
IVC started writing to the practices at the start of last year, threatening legal action over their use of the term 'Pet Health Club', which the company says infringes its trademark rights.
In March 2025, IVC sent follow-up letters to affected practices, offering an extension until 31st December 2025 to comply with its demands, but according to We Are Spartacus, there has been no contact since the deadline passed.
Meanwhile, We Are Spartacus reports that 200 veterinary professionals have registered their opposition to IVC's claims via its website.
Dr Natalie Morris-Webb, owner of Malthouse Vets, one of the affected practices, said: “Last year was a worrying time for lots of independent practices with a ‘Pet Health Club.’
"Many of those that came forward had been using the term long before IVC registered its wordmark in 2019 and either had to face the cost and hassle of rebranding their health plans or enter into a legal dispute with IVC.
“Neither of these are appealing options for independent practices, or their owner managers.
"Although IVC appears to have ceased defending the ‘pet health club’ wordmark, with none of the affected practices reporting any further correspondence for many months, the uncertainty is still there.
"It’s unacceptable that IVC has not yet achieved a commercial settlement, or revealed whether they have given the industry a reprieve and no longer plan to take legal action.”
An IVC Evidensia spokesperson said: "We have no current plans to approach anyone we haven’t previously contacted on this matter, but of course, we reserve the rights available to the company, as trademark holder, to protect our trademarks and customers in the future, as in any sector."
"A material number of those previously infringing our trademark have now updated their branding.
"Anyone still in breach was given clear notification, so the position is unambiguous - they are required to update."
The Pet Health Club website does not currently state that the scheme is owned by IVC Evidensia.
www.wearespartacus.co.uk
The company has identified that inconsistencies in the cleaning process have led to low levels of a previous product being carried over into the Stresnil batch no PP1466, EXPIRY: 30-09-2019.
For more information about the recall, contact Matthew Edwards: elanco_orders@lilly.com or telephone: 01256 779519.
A test by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) of samples from a newly prepared batch of Bova’s 100mg/ml injectable omeprazole formulation did not detect testosterone, and Racing New South Wales has now released a statement that the product can continue to be used in racehorses following the guidance of Australian Commonwealth and State legislation.
Nick Bova, managing director of Bova UK, said: "Traces of testosterone in the previous batch were less than one millionth of the internationally accepted standard for impurities.
"Independent experts confirmed that there could be no adverse effects on equine health or equestrian sport, however, we have taken steps to identify and completely eliminate the excipient ingredient that contained traces of testosterone."
Nick added: "Bova can confirm that new batches of this product will not contain the previous trace levels of testosterone and therefore Bova are confident there will be no antidoping issues, no matter what the equestrian pursuit is."
According to the AHT, glaucoma affects more than a thousand dogs across the UK. Now Border Collie breeders will be able to use this test to reduce the risk of producing glaucoma-affected puppies, whilst maintaining genetic diversity.
The work that resulted in the new test began at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, where scientists found a variant in a gene called OLFML3 reported to be associated with severe goniodysgenesis and glaucoma in Border Collies.
On reading this research, the AHT’s canine genetics team, which has an ongoing research programme looking at canine glaucoma, began to look at how a DNA test could be offered based on the mutation.
Hattie Wright, Vets4Pets Research Assistant at the AHT, genotyped a large cohort of Border Collies for the mutation, in order to obtain an accurate measure of the association between the mutation and goniodysgenesis and glaucoma in the Border Collie. These dogs all had their eyes examined, and their DNA collected, by veterinary ophthalmologist James Oliver.
The charity’s findings from this validation process replicated the findings of the Roslin Institute, so the AHT has been able to develop and launch a DNA test based on the reported OLFML3 mutation.
Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics at the Animal Health Trust, said: "We’re delighted to offer this test to Border Collie breeders and hope in time, through its use, we can lessen the prevalence of this disease in this lovely breed.
"Our research has found that the mutation is only associated with glaucoma in Border Collies, so we will publish our data at the earliest opportunity, in the hope that other commercial DNA testing providers will not be tempted to make the DNA test available to breeds other than the Border Collie."
For more information, visit: www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk
RCVS President Neil Smith has issued a statement in response to the petition by Devon vet Jo Dyer which called for the removal of mandatory house visits from the Code of Professional Conduct and received just shy of 1300 signatures over the past 48 hours.
The statement reads:
"I am delighted to see that so many veterinary surgeons are taking seriously our call for views and evidence on all aspects of the provision of 24-hour emergency cover, including those who have signed up to veterinary surgeon Jo Dyer's petition calling for the removal of 'mandatory house visits' from the Code of Professional Conduct.
"However, I am concerned that the petition is working on a misunderstanding. Veterinary surgeons are not mandated to attend away from the practice just because an owner has requested a visit. It is a professional decision based on a range of factors.
"In fact, paragraph 3.13 of the Supporting Guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct states 'Clients may request attendance on a sick or injured animal away from the practice premises and, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to do so. On rare occasions, it may be necessary on clinical or welfare grounds. The decision to attend away from the practice is for the veterinary surgeon, having carefully balanced the needs of the animal against the safety implications of making the visit; a veterinary surgeon is not expected to risk 'life or limb', or that of anyone else, to provide the service.'
"I appreciate that recent disciplinary hearings, especially that of Mr Chikosi, have increased concerns in the profession that vets will be disciplined for not turning out to every single request for a home visit. This is not the case. In order for someone to be taken to a disciplinary hearing for refusing to attend away from the practice, first there needs to be a complaint, and second, the Preliminary Investigation Committee needs to be convinced that the veterinary surgeon could not justify their decision. Such cases are rare. In fact, last year, only 3% of the complaints we received were about 24-hour cover, and not all of those related to home visits.
"Having said this, the number of signatures received on Jo Dyer's petition, and the comments of the signatories, will be fed into the material reviewed by the Standards Committee, alongside formal responses to our call for evidence, and views gathered from animal-owner research. Clearly if so many veterinary surgeons believe that house visits are mandatory in all circumstances, the wording of our guidance needs to be reviewed, at the very least.
"It is likely that any recommendations for change in our 24/7 policy would go to the June meeting of Council, although this timetable is subject to change, depending on the nature of the report from the Standards Committee."
The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons last week directed that the name of a man who had been illegally practising as a veterinary surgeon in the North West of England be removed from the RCVS Register, having found him guilty of fraudulent registration.
In March 2008, Russell Lewis Oakes had been charged with fraudulent entry onto the Register of Veterinary Surgeons, on the basis that he had (either (A) knowingly, or (B) unknowingly) submitted a fake degree certificate and letter of 'good standing' from Murdoch University, Australia. Mr Oakes agreed that the hearing could proceed in his absence provided the Committee confined itself to consideration of charge B alone.
The hearing commenced on 18 April 2008, but the Committee decided to adjourn, as Mr Oakes was also subject to a police investigation which required that the hearing be held in private. The Committee felt that it was in the public interest for an open hearing to take place in respect of both charges at a later date. Mr Oakes' bail conditions prevented him from practising as a veterinary surgeon at this time.
On 16 October 2009, Mr Oakes was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court, on a guilty plea, of a substantial number of offences, including those under consideration by the Committee: he was sentenced on 11 January 2010 to two years in prison.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee's hearing resumed and concluded on 5 February 2010. Mr Oakes was not present.
The Committee was provided with evidence from RCVS staff regarding the registration process, and received statutory declarations from representatives at Murdoch University. The latter confirmed that signatures on the certificate submitted by Mr Oakes were fake and that there had never been a student with his name at the University. Furthermore, a letter purporting to be one of support from Professor Edwards of Murdoch University contained text he would not have written and was signed with a false signature.
The Committee was also provided with evidence from equine veterinary surgeon Seamus Miller, who had become suspicious of Mr Oakes' qualifications and membership of the College. He outlined incidents which had cast doubt on Mr Oakes' competence. Mr Miller's complaint had initiated enquires which led to the charges against Mr Oakes by the College, and the Committee recorded its commendation of Mr Miller, and his colleagues.
Having found that Mr Oakes knowingly submitted fraudulent registration documents, the Committee was bound, under Sections 14 and 16 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and paragraph 17 of the 2004 Rules, to direct that his name be removed from the Register.
Alison Bruce, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, said: "Even if it retained any discretion by virtue of Section 16 of the Act in respect of sanction, the Committee would have had no hesitation in directing Mr Oakes' name to be removed from the Register in this case. This was a deliberate and dishonest offence by a man without the necessary qualifications to practise as a veterinary surgeon, and it had the effect of exposing members of the public to his fraud, and their animals to harm."
The College has revised its registration procedures in the light of this case, and now requests that all registrants produce original copies of certificates and letters of 'good standing' at the registration ceremony.
Elanco Animal Health has launched AviPro Salmonella Duo, a new live vaccine which provides simultaneous protection against S Enteritidis and S Typhimurium in poultry.
Jessica Cross, Elanco's poultry veterinary consultant said: "AviPro Salmonella Duo is the first vaccine to have both Salmonella strains in the same vial and also the first to be licensed for turkeys and ducks as well as chickens."
Unlike inactivated vaccines which are administered by injection, AviPro Salmonella Duo is administered in the drinking water. Elanco says this offers producers significant advantages since the oral route allows mass administration without stressing the birds, saving labour and improving welfare. A three-dose programme provides immunity throughout lay.
The new vaccine also provides an eight-week increase in the period of immunity over its predecessor, to 62 and 68 weeks of age for S Typhimurium and S Enteritidis respectively.
Jessica said: "This development represents the third generation of vaccines, moving on from the early dead vaccines, individual live vaccines to the bivalent product. Producers will welcome the simplified administration it offers."
Lead surgeon at Roundhouse, Ross Allan (pictured right), an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, said: "We know many practitioners and clients have been frustrated by the difficulties in availability of TPLO in Scotland and we wanted to change that.
"As with our other Roundhouse Referral offerings, we have done away with long waiting lists, unpredictable pricing, and challenges in clinical continuity. We know that in doing so we will revolutionise access to this service and the experience of its users.
"Our TPLO service offers excellent value and quality – we have invested heavily in the very best DePuy Synthes TPLO plates and implants and, together with our hospital status, standards and track record, we are offering a premier TPLO service in Scotland: a TPLO with a recovery that is as reliable and predictable as our Fixed Price!"
The fixed prices for a TPLO are £3000 for dogs under 40kg and £3100 for dogs over 40kg.
The price includes the consultation, diagnostic X-rays/assessment, pre-surgical blood samples, hospitalisation, anaesthesia, surgery (including implants), follow up consultation and follow up X-rays.
Ross added: "We don’t expect anything to go wrong, but should we need to revise our surgery we would do so at no additional cost to the client – that’s our Fixed-Price Fix!"
To make an enquiry, or refer a patient for a Fixed Price Fix TPLO contact Roundhouse Referrals at 0141 649 1316 www.rhr.vet
Insistor, which contains methadone hydrochloride, is now available in the UK in a 10ml bottle for use in dogs and cats, POM-V.
Chanelle says Insistor can also be used for analgesia in animals experiencing post-operative pain or pain caused by trauma.
Chanelle’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Killian Gaffney, said: "Insistor joins Chanelle’s extensive anaesthetic, analgesic and sedative range. Insistor (methadone hydrochloride), Butador (butorphanol) and Bupaq (buprenorphone) complete the 360° Opiod suite of products from Chanelle.
"We are pleased to add Insistor to our portfolio of products, which builds the offering to veterinary surgeons of anaesthetic products."
Abbott Animal Health has announced the launch PropoFlo Plus, a 28-day preserved version of propofol intravenous anaesthetic for use in dogs and cats.
PropoFlo Plus contains benzyl alcohol, an antimicrobial preservative that provides it with a shelf life of 28 days, once opened. PropoFlo Plus is indicated for therapeutic use as a short-acting, intravenous general anaesthetic with a short recovery period. PropoFlo Plus can be used for procedures of a short duration, lasting up to approximately five minutes, and for induction of general anaesthesia where maintenance is provided by inhalation anaesthetic agents. Abbott says the extended shelf life of PropoFlo Plus provides an option for practices that may not routinely use an entire bottle of unpreserved propofol.
Jeff Schaffnit, Senior Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Business Development, Abbott Animal Health said: "Many veterinary surgeons are rightfully concerned about ways to save on costs and reduce waste in their practices, including anaesthetic waste. PropoFlo Plus is designed to minimise waste while providing veterinary surgeons with the confidence of using a familiar, trusted anaesthetic."
Abbott says that in addition to an extended shelf life, PropoFlo Plus provides the same established performance of PropoFlo, including:
The company also claims that studies show administering PropoFlo Plus results in no pain on injection.
PropoFlo Plus is available now through veterinary wholesalers. Abbott says it will be providing expert product support for PropoFlo Plus through local representatives, anaesthesia consultants and training tools for staff.
The machine-washable wound/bandage protector is available in denim blue, in five different sizes.
Pads, sold separately, can be added to pockets in the Head Cover for additional protection. Alternatively, the pockets can be used to hold a dog’s ear to prevent wound fluids and ointments from sticking to the fur.
The company has also announced the launch of the new Medical PetS Boot, a waterproof paw protector which, unlike the alternatives, comes in a variety of sizes and is firmly held in place with both velcro straps and a drawstring.
For more information, visit: https://www.jakmarketing.co.uk or ring 01347 878697
Purina carried out a survey earlier this year which revealed the different ways British cat owners manage sensitivity to cat allergens2. They included removing the cat when sensitivities to allergens act up (76%), restricting the cat to specific places in the home (75%), using special cat products on the cat such as dander removers or allergen sprays (64%), bathing the cat (56%) and taking the cat to a groomer (52%).
92% also use a high-quality vacuum cleaner, 66% put covers on their furniture and 26% clean their home and furniture daily to remove traces of cat hair.
Dr Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD, immunologist for Nestlé Purina Research and lead investigator on the research that led to the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, said: “Many people think that cat hair or dander is the allergen, but it’s actually what’s on it – the major cat allergen called Fel d 1, a protein that cats produce naturally in their saliva.” 3,4
All cats produce Fel d 1, regardless of breed, age, hair length, sex or body weight, but at differing levels.4-6 When cats groom themselves, Fel d 1 gets on the hair and skin through the saliva and with shedding, it eventually gets into the home environment. Feld d 1 attaches itself to any surface it comes into contact with and remains in houses for over a year or more.
Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear contains a specific protein, sourced from eggs, which binds itself to the Fel d 1 and safely neutralises it in the cat’s mouth, thereby reducing the amount of active allergen shed in the environment 7,8.
In a study, feeding Pro Plan LiveClear was shown to reduce the allergens on cat hair and dander by an average of 47%, starting in the third week of daily feeding7.
There have been no studies as yet which have tested the effect of this allergen reduction on human symptoms, but Purina says anecdotal evidence from consumers who have tried the product has been positive thus far.
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "There are a number of ways in which cat owners try to manage their exposure to cat allergens and keep their symptoms at bay, including taking antihistamines, using inhalers for quick symptoms relief as sensitivity to cat allergens is often linked to allergy-related asthmas, regularly cleaning and hoovering, bathing and grooming the cat by non-allergic family members. And if these measures do not work, current medical advice is often to relinquish the pet to limit exposure to the allergens.
"Every cat is unique though, and so the level of Fel d 1 they produce varies, just as every person's sensitivity level to these allergens is different. That is why there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to manage exposure to cat allergens. Every little bit helps so a combination of management tools often works best to help reduce cat allergens in your home - the combination is unique to your lifestyle. We welcome the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, which when used as part of a cat allergen management regime, could be a meaningful extra tool for affected households.”
Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear is not intended to replace other cat allergen-reduction strategies but to add another measure that can help reduce the cat allergen burden in cat households.
Pro Plan LiveClear is available at Pets at Home retail stores and from the Purina online shop as a complete life-stage range with six products tailored for Kitten, Adult and Adult 7+.
References
The popular novels, which were written by real life Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, depicted Herriot - and others like him - as working all hours, doing favours for clients free of charge and being paid in cake, all with scarcely a mention of how he made ends meet.
This misguided image still informs expectations of the profession today, they say.
Henry Tremaine, a specialist in equine surgery and dentistry, said: "The nostalgic thing is of this romantic life driving around in an old car being appreciated by the clients - but actually the reality is working very long hours in stressful conditions with poor reward, being poorly equipped, and with unappreciative clients.
"That’s being consigned to history - gradually - but I think the public still cling onto the notion that that’s what a vet’s life is."
His comments echo those of BSAVA President, Sue Patterson, who earlier this year blamed James Herriot for the assumption among some clients that vets' love of animals would make them prepared to work for nothing: "I think James Herriot is to blame because we’re all supposed to love animals and work for nothing, but we all run businesses."
At the BEVA Congress earlier this month, equine vet and congress speaker, Ben Mayes, who graduated in 1992, also criticised the Herriot legacy for making it harder for vets to achieve a good work-life balance: "We’ve been left in that Herriot mentality, and it was a nightmare."
This week's edition of the Vet Record has six case studies of veterinary surgeons who have pursued careers through non traditional routes, including Peter Harlech Jones, Daniella Dos Santos, (pictured right), and Enrique Vega.
Daniella Dos Santos said: "James Herriot continues to inspire vets and future vets, and we know from our own research that he along with other vets in literature is still very popular across the profession.
"At the same time, the profession is very different to what was depicted in the age of Herriot and it continues to undergo significant change. We need to make sure that there is a diverse range of role models in place that reflect modern demographics and modern ways of working while continuing to inspire future generations of vets."
Adele Waters, Vet Record editor, added: "James Herriot may be a popular cultural figure, but he is 70 years out of date and we should retire him gracefully. With 60 per cent of UK vets being female, Herriot is no longer representative of the modern working vet, and today we should really be talking about Jane Herriot instead."
Vets Now has published a response to the RCVS DC ruling in which Munhuwepasi Chikosi, a locum working for the company, was struck off for delaying an emergency OOH home visit.
The response is available in full here: http://www.vets-now.com/news/?item=4191
The association has written a joint letter with the British Equine Veterinary Association and the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate asking for licence to be granted to specials manufacturers to produce isoflurane whilst the shortage persists, which Zoetis forecasts will be until March 2019.
In addition, the association's incoming Chair of the BSAVA Scientific Committee, Ian Self, an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia has provided advice to support practitioners looking for alternative anaesthesia options, available here: https://www.bsava.com/News/ArticleID/2535/Isoflurane-supply.
The association has also made Chapter 14 of its online edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Analgesia 3rd edition free to access until the end of March 2019. The manual contains further information on alternative solutions such as TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia protocols) which some will be unfamiliar with.
The manual can be accessed here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443231.chap14
The chewable, prescription-only tablet contains sarolaner, which kills fleas and ticks; moxidectin, for the prevention of heartworm, lungworm disease and for the treatment of some intestinal worms; and pyrantel embonate, for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms).
Professor Tim Geary, BSc PhD, Professor Emeritus, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Canada, and Professor, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, a consultant to Zoetis, said: “Serious diseases that are preventable and of increasing prevalence threaten dogs in Canada and Europe. Simparica Trio today offers a better solution to preventing and controlling these parasites against the concern of their increasing prevalence."
Rob Kelly, President, International Operations at Zoetis said: "With Simparica Trio, we bring to market an advanced parasiticide solution, helping to deliver improved client satisfaction and patient protection.
"Thanks to its broad spectrum, Simparica Trio helps veterinarians and dog owners provide more complete parasite coverage with a single-monthly chewable tablet. The broad spectrum of Simparica Trio minimises the potential risk of parasite protection gaps."
Simparica Trio is indicated for dogs from at least eight weeks of age and 1.25 kg and will be available in six tablet strengths for dogs of all sizes.
For more information about Simparica Trio and full prescribing information, visit www.zoetis.com.
In one of the finest pieces of investigative journalism since Watergate, the erstwhile-criminal-law-barrister-cum-tv-reporter Robert Rinder discovered that he could buy a wormer for his dog from some online retailer for half the price that he'd bought it at his veterinary practice.
Incensed by his discovery that things can cost less online, Mr Rinder then asked a handful of pet owners whether they could recall seeing a sign at their practice to advise them that they could buy things cheaper elsewhere.
None could. But then I'll bet if he asked whether they could remember a sign for the toilet, they'd have struggled.
Still, by now certain they'd found evidence that pet owners are being 'fleeced', Watchdog then rang 70 practices to ask for the price of some common drugs and then compared them to the prices being offered by online retailers.
Their research confirmed the awful truth. Some places really do charge more than others.
Honestly, who, in a million years, would have guessed?
BBC Watchdog (piece starts at 42:25).
The company says the product is highly effective against common bacteria including Staphylococci, Clostridia, Corynebacteria and Streptococci, and gram-negative bacteria including Bacteroides spp, Pasteurellae, and Proteus spp.
Clavubactin is available in a range of dose strengths to treat all sizes of patient. It is presented as a doubly divisible tablet for accurate and flexible dosing and to help avoid the development of antibiotic resistance associated with under dosing. The tablets come in blister packs of 10, designed to help reduce unnecessary exposure when dispensing in practice.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "The introduction of Clavubactin to our antibiotic portfolio will give veterinary professionals even more choice of effective and targeted treatments in their day-to-day practice."
Derbyshire surgeon Victoria Lilley BVSc CertSAM MRCVS has launched a petition calling on the RCVS to abandon its plans to remove Certificate and Diploma holders' post nominals from the RCVS Register at www.rcvs.org.uk.
Under the current plan, which followed a consultation in 2011 and a submission to Council in 2012, the College will only distinguish the new "Advanced Practitioners" and "RCVS Recognised Specialists" in the Register from some time after the autumn. Vets with old-style RCVS Certificates can apply for "Advanced Practitioner" status but must complete module A of the CertAVP or 100 hours of equivalent CPD and pay £50 to apply, plus £110 per year to maintain the status.
Victoria said: "I want to spread the word that this is happening, as I don't feel the RCVS has publicised it well enough. I did my certificate in practice, it was a lot of hard work and I feel that the RCVS removing my CertSAM post-nominals from the register undermines this. Whilst I acknowledge that I could apply for "Advanced Practitioner" status, I strongly feel that spending a large proportion of my CPD time and budget learning about ethics and public safety is not going to help me improve my small animal medicine knowledge or skills. I also don't feel that I should be penalised by having to pay to be an "Advanced Practitioner" when the Royal College should be supportive of vets who undertake further study. My biggest objection is to post-nominals being removed from the register, which I feel is very unfair."
Speaking at the RCVS's online Question Time on thewebinarvet.com, RCVS Treasurer and Vice-President-elect Dr Bradley Viner said: "To clarify the situation with the Register: the Register no longer goes out to members routinely as a printed document. It is now primarily online, and in line with other regulators such as the GMC, the only information that is in the official part of Register is whether that person is a Member or a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and their registrable qualifications, in other words the primary qualification they achieved which entitled them to become a Member or Fellow of the Royal College.
"But we are certainly not going to be inhibiting people from using their post-nominals freely. They can use any of the post-nominals that they have achieved as long as they are not misleading.
"But I think there is confusion between a qualification and a status. A qualification is something that you obtain and you've got for life, and of course the old style Certificate is one of those, the new RCVS CertAVP is another. A status is something that a qualification within our context might enable you to attain, but it is something that has to be maintained.
"So what is going to be happening, hopefully from autumn this year, is that in line with the recommendations of the Specialisation Working Party, [there will be] an extra tier. So there will be Practitioners, there will be Advanced Practitioners and there will be RCVS Recognised Specialists, and there will be lists of those available via the Royal College. An Advanced Practitioner will be somebody who has a relevant qualification in the area of their advanced practice, and that may well be an old-style Certificate, certainly the CertAVP but there are also other qualifications which can also be relevant and used for that purpose. But they also have to prove that they are working actively in that area of practice, and they have an advanced requirement for CPD.
"Now in the case of old style RCVS Certificate holders, that qualification will be in line with the qualification they require to be listed as an Advanced Practitioner, but within the first three years they will have to show that they have either done the RCVS A module which is part of the new RCVS Certificate, or have done work that is equivalent to that in various areas such as communications, teamworking and personal and professional development, because we think from a Royal College point of view that it is really important that those areas are included within the Advanced Practitioner Status."
To sign the petition, visit: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/royal-college-of-veterinary-surgeons-keep-post-graduate-qualifications-on-the-rcvs-register?recruiter=89624244&utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition
Jonathan Hill (UK Country Manager) said: “I’m delighted to announce that TVM UK is changing its name to Dômes Pharma.
"This will align with the other operating companies within the group.
"TVM UK has always been owned by the Dômes Pharma group, and since the start of our journey in the UK market we have been synonymous with expertise and outstanding levels of customer service in selected speciality segments of the animal health market and this won’t change.”
“Under the Dômes Pharma name we will continue to build and grow on this very strong foundation.
"I’m looking forward to working with the entire Dômes Pharma team as we increase our presence as a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, bringing our ethos to new speciality segments with innovative products and solutions for vets in the UK.
"Dômes Pharma remains a family-owned business, and the culture of the company really reflects this and we live by our values of kindness, boldness and responsibility.” https://www.domespharma.com https://www.tvm-uk.com