Protexin says Pro-Kolin Advanced contains beneficial micro-organisms, several prebiotic sources, an optimal level of a dual-source binding agent and soothing fibres to support gastrointestinal function.
The company also says that in a study involving 148 dogs, Pro-Kolin Advanced significantly improved clinical outcome compared to a placebo1.
Protexin Veterinary Director, James Kyffin, said: "Pro-Kolin Advanced represents an exciting development for Protexin Veterinary and fits in perfectly with our ethos to produce innovative, research-based products of the highest quality for pets.
"It is the first product of its kind to be supported by a randomised, controlled clinical trial that was undertaken in first opinion veterinary practices across the UK and Ireland.
"Not only are we pleased to be able to offer veterinary surgeons with an evidence-based option for the management of acute gastrointestinal disturbances, but also a very palatable formulation that was readily accepted by 92% of the dogs in the study."
Pro-Kolin Advanced is available in 15ml, 30ml and 60ml syringes for dogs and 15ml syringes for cats. The flavourings used in the product contain no proteins or common allergens so Pro-Kolin Advanced can be used in animals with known hypersensitivities.
Reference
Equitop GLME is a palatable, pearl formulation joint supplement developed to support the healthy function of cartilage, joint capsules, tendons and ligaments. It is derived from an active extract of New Zealand Green Lip Mussels - a natural source of glucosaminoglycans (GAGs), chondroitin and essential fatty acids – and is tested free of prohibited substances.
Boehringer says the nutrients in Equitop GLME help to lubricate joints, as well as supporting normal joint function, the stability and elasticity of ligaments and the shock-absorbing properties of cartilage.
Equitop GLME is fed once a day either separately or mixed with feed and one tub will typically last for 30 days and can be used in all horses and ponies.
Dr Amy Scott, brand manager for Equitop GLME at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "By encompassing Equitop GLME into the Equitop portfolio and launching easy-to-read new packaging, we are enhancing our product offering to both veterinary practices and horse owners."
For more information, contact your Boehringer account manager.
Time spent discussing the articles can be claimed towards the annual CPD requirement by pressing the ‘Claim CPD’ link at the top of the forum discussion thread.
The first article up for discussion is “What diet should we feed a cat or dog with cancer?”, by Owen Davies, who will be joining us in the forum.
Owen is an RCVS, American and European Specialist in Veterinary Oncology working at Highcroft Referrals.
He graduated from Cambridge in 2005, worked in rural practice for three years, followed by a spell working for charities and then at a large hospital.
In 2014, he moved to the RVC to specialise in oncology before joining Highcroft in 2017.
VetSurgeon.org Clinical Editor, Alasdair Hotston Moore said: “For general practitioners, I think this adds a really valuable extra dimension to your clinical reading.
“It’s not just the opportunity to ask questions of the author, but also to discuss the implications and practicalities of the article amongst yourselves.
VetSurgeon.org Editor, Arlo Guthrie added: “More than that, it’s also in a closed professional community where you can be 100% confident of a friendly atmosphere and authoritative opinions with provenance.
“And more even than that, the questions you ask and the discussion you have are then available as a useful, searchable resource for everyone in the profession.”
So do come and join in.
First read the article here: https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/what-diet-should-we-feed-a-cat-or-dog-with-cancer
Then come and join the discussion here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/001/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/f/misc-case-discussions/30507/new-clinical-article-club-what-diet-should-we-feed-a-cat-or-dog-with-cancer-with-owen-davies
The RCVS is to launch a consultation in the New Year on proposals to allow all RCVS-registered veterinary surgeons to use the courtesy title 'Dr'/'Doctor', and is seeking the views of all members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions, and the general public.
The proposals were raised by RCVS President Stuart Reid at RCVS Day in July 2014, with the aims of aligning the UK with international practice, providing greater clarity for the profession and offering reassurance to clients and the animal-owning public that all veterinary surgeons registered with the RCVS, regardless of where they qualified, have veterinary degrees of an appropriate standard.
In his speech in July, Stuart highlighted that most international veterinary surgeons use the title and that, in Australia and New Zealand, this is frequently tied to registration and professional standing, rather than necessarily academic attainment. He went on to outline that, of the three main clinical degrees in the UK, ie medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, only veterinary surgeons do not use the courtesy title 'Doctor'.
Stuart added: "given the fact that all continental EU graduates carry the title 'Doctor', there is now a greater chance of confusion for the lay public than previously.
"This is now an opportunity to provide, for those UK veterinary surgeons who wish it, the legitimate use of a title that offers a level of parity with fellow medical professionals."
The key objective of the consultation is to gauge whether the public and the profession are in favour of the proposal, not in favour of it, or don't mind either way. If agreed, the use of the title would be optional, although the College would regulate its use through the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.
Background information and draft guidance on using the title is available to read on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/doctortitle, from where respondents can follow a link to answer the consultation questions.
The consultation will open officially on Tuesday, 6 January for six weeks (deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday, 16 February) although it is already available to view via the RCVS website, to allow more time for responses over the Christmas and New Year break.
Do you think vets should be called 'Dr'? Discuss here.
The College says the speed and accuracy of scans produced by the new scanner will revolutionise the treatment of animals at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA). It also reduces the need for animals to be anaesthetised before being scanned, with most patients now only requiring partial sedation.
The new scanner has been named the 'Otter Scanner' after a patient of the RVC whose owner was made a significant donation towards the RVC's charity, the Animal Care Trust, which funded the new machine.
Professor Dan Chan, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine and Medical Director of the QMHA at the RVC, said: "It is very uncommon that such an incredible leap in the care of animals can be achieved with a single innovation.
"Because of the vast improvement in speed and quality of the images produced by the ‘Otter Scanner’ our specialists are now able to obtain much more detailed images of various diseases affecting our patients so that the best possible treatment can be planned.
"At the RVC, one of our most important missions is to always improve the welfare and care of animals and this latest innovation is just another example of that commitment. We are forever grateful to all our supporters who have made this possible."
The new vaccine offers up to 12 months' immunity against three of the biggest diseases that cause reproductive failures in pigs.
Alexandre Carvalho, business unit manager for pigs at MSD Animal Health, says the vaccine has the broadest protection against Leptospira on the market, offering protection against nine different serogroups including, Australis and Pomona.
He added: "This vaccine also includes protection against the Tarassov serogroup, which is unique to the product.
"It’s important to note that PORCILIS Ery+Parvo+Lepto can be used for mass vaccination and during pregnancy, which hasn’t been possible with previous products."
RSA has confirmed the initial 27 practices that have joined its new Preferred Referral Network, launching today.
The creation of the network means that whilst veterinary surgeons can continue to appoint referral practices as they do now, owners of animals needing a non-emergency referral outside the RSA network may need to pay £200 towards the cost of treatment.
The new rules currently apply to holders of policies issued by Tesco Bank and MORE TH>N, however RSA says it is in discussion with other insurance brands about adopting the new network.
RSA says the Preferred Referral Network will enable it to provide competitively priced products and deliver a range of benefits for customers including:
The company is highlighting the fact that its new network fields 178 RCVS, EBVS or AVMA recognised specialists, 49 Diploma holders and 71 Certificate holders or Advanced Practitioners, working at a mixture of large, multi-disciplinary centres (including five with links to university teaching hospitals), independents and corporates.
RSA says that over the last 12 months, vets have directed more than half of all RSA cases to the 27 practices in its network.
Bill Paton, Claims Director for UK and Western Europe said: “We are delighted to have twenty seven practices from around the UK join our preferred referral network. This is a huge step forward and will enable us to continue to provide competitively priced insurance cover with access to the highest standards of veterinary treatment and care.
"We expect further practices to join the Network in due course and we are actively engaged in discussions with a number of referral practices of varying size and scale, which have expressed an interest in joining."
The 27 referral practices are:
South East
South West
Midlands
North West
North East
East
Scotland
* referral arrangements still being finalised
The £35 course is aimed at veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practice managers who may be faced with difficult and sensitive conversations around pet loss with clients. It covers:
Empathy vs sympathy
Communicating with active listening skills
Open questions
Face-to-face emotional support, telephone support, email support and other written communication
The Blue Cross says that the new course complements its £280, eight-week 'Pet Bereavement Support' course for more in-depth training, and also its hourly webinars, which cost £20.
The eight-week course requires a minimum of three to four hours of study per week and counts towards 32 hours Continual Professional Development.
For specific needs, the Blue Cross can also work with practices to provide bespoke face-to-face training across the UK, specifically tailored and delivered at the practice.
For more information, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/pbss-course or call 01993 867216.
As part of the campaign, veterinary practices are being urged to measure their feline patients’ blood pressure from seven years of age and above, as recommended by ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) 1.
Ceva says it will also continue the Mercury Challenge, its study of feline blood pressure, throughout 2019 to help increase veterinary professionals' confidence in measuring blood pressure and identifying feline hypertension.
The company says that since June last year, 128 practices and over 1,000 cats have participated in the challenge. You can registered to take part at: mercurychallenge.ceva.com, where there's a chance to win diagnostic tools to help diagnose feline hypertension.
Dr Rosanne Jepson, American, European and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, said: "It is great to see that so many cats (over 1000!) and practices in the UK have been involved with the Mercury Challenge promoting the measurement of blood pressure and detection of hypertension.
"I would urge as many practices as possible to measure blood pressure; it’s simple, quick and easy to perform and means that we can help prevent target organ damage which at its most severe can leave cats sadly blind for the rest of their life. With careful identification and treatment this can so easily be prevented."
To help raise awareness of Feline Hypertension Month, Ceva has produced a range of marketing materials including waiting room displays, a pet owner leaflet and veterinary marketing packs, which are available upon request.
The initiative will be supported with an extensive PR campaign aimed at pet owners, including a radio day starring CBBC’s Rory the Vet.
For more information, contact cevauk@ceva.com or visit mercurychallenge.ceva.com.
References
The association has also compiled free access special collection on backyard poultry in the BSAVA library which is available until the end of December 2019.
The BSAVA's Q&As on avian influenza in backyard poultry are:
What is avian influenza?Avian influenza (AI) is highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. AI viruses are usually classified into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes no or very few clinical signs in poultry, and high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) which typically causes high mortality rates in poultry1.
What are the clinical signs of disease in poultry?The type and severity of clinical signs displayed will be dependent upon the strain of the virus and the species affected; some species such as ducks and geese may show few clinical signs2.
How is the disease spread?Wild bird species are the natural host and reservoir for all types of avian influenza, naturally carrying the virus in their respiratory and intestinal tracts, commonly without developing signs of the disease1,3. The virus is predominantly spread via body secretions, both directly and indirectly2. Migratory birds (predominantly waterfowl and gulls) can spread the disease over a wide geographical area3.
Why is the winter a higher risk period for avian influenza? The UK is at increased risk of avian influenza from migrating birds during winter2. Furthermore, avian influenza viruses are able to survive for prolonged periods of time in the environment, particularly in low temperatures4.
How can I prevent my birds from contracting avian influenza?All keepers of poultry should ensure that they uphold good levels of biosecurity to prevent disease entering their flock. This includes:
maintaining good levels of hygiene and regularly disinfecting hard surfaces;
changing shoes before entering/leaving to avoid transferring faeces in/out of the poultry enclosure;
minimizing contact with wildlife by humanely controlling rodents and deterring wild birds. Contact with wild birds can be minimized by placing food and water in an enclosed area such as the coop, and preventing poultry from accessing ponds/standing water frequented by wild bird populations, for example by erecting temporary fencing;
where possible, keeping birds of different poultry species separate (e.g. ducks and geese should be separate from chickens).
Whilst it is important that all backyard keepers maintain good levels of biosecurity, it is particularly prudent for keepers in areas deemed at higher risk of an incursion of avian influenza. In Great Britain, a number of High Risk Areas (HRAs) have been identified based upon previous experience, scientific expertise and veterinary opinion, and are predominantly areas where large numbers of migratory wild birds gather. To find out whether you are in a HRA, use the interactive map.
What should I do if I suspect avian influenza?Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. If it is suspected, it must be reported immediately:
In England, contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301
In Wales, contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office on 0300 303 8268
In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office
For keepers in Northern Ireland, contact your local DVO.
There are only 11 other practices in the UK that hold the Gold Standard Award for rabbit care. To achieve it, Valley Veterinary Hospital had to demonstrate excellence across all aspects of rabbit care, including pain relief and management, dentistry and airway management.
The practice was commended on its top-quality facilities, including a dedicated exotic department with separate waiting and consulting rooms, as well as kennel areas for rabbits to keep them away from larger animals, relieving them of stress and anxiety.
Valley Veterinary Hospital exotic animals specialist, Tariq Abou-Zahr, BVSc CertAVP(ZooMed) MRCVS (pictured right), said: "I am absolutely delighted that Valley Veterinary Hospital has met the grade to achieve the first RWAF gold status in Wales. I believe that rabbits are just as deserving of excellent veterinary care as cats and dogs, and I am so pleased that I work in a veterinary hospital where we have the facilities to provide this standard of care.
"Rabbit medicine has always been an interest of mine, and I’m very grateful to Vet Partners for investing in such great facilities and to RWAF for considering our application and granting us Gold status."
Applications for the Awards are assessed by Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, one of the UK’s leading specialists on rabbit welfare and veterinary advisor for RWAF.
Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, who assesses applications on behalf of the RWAF, said:
"As a dedicated rabbit charity aiming to improve the wellbeing and welfare of domestic rabbits throughout the UK, our requirements to meet a Gold standard in rabbit care are very high. Valley Vets has met all of these standards and I’m delighted to reward a practice in Wales who have demonstrated that they are as passionate about rabbit care as we are.”
The RWAF has published a list of award-winning rabbit-savvy practices on its website which can be viewed here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
Any veterinary practices interested in applying for the Rabbit Friendly Vet List should visit https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-vets/vet-membership/
Petplan has launched this year's Insurance Advisor Award in association with VetSurgeon.org, and is calling for nominations.
The award is to recognise the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially.
Petplan says pet owners often look to vet staff to help them better understand veterinary procedures, treatment and medication, but they're also increasingly looking for advice about insurance, and that is why it is important that a formally trained member of staff is available to answer customer queries when it comes to pet insurance.
Petplan works with over 4,000 veterinary practices throughout the UK to promote pet insurance. These are Appointed Representative (AR) practices who receive training and certification to speak about specific insurance policies. The PIA scheme is an extension of this - AR practice staff can train to become a dedicated Pet Insurance Advisor by registering on www.petplan.co.uk/pia
Becoming a PIA allows vet staff to earn valuable CPD points whilst developing transferable skills such as confidently promoting products and handling client objections.
Deputy Veterinary Practice Manager Kelli Vogt, of Polsloe Veterinary Clinic in Exeter, who won the 'Petplan Insurance Advisor Award 2010', said: "The scheme is such a great programme and I recommend it to all my colleagues and anyone that will listen. It's a great link between veterinary practices and insurers and it means that we can really help pet owners have financial security should anything happen. The more pet owners are informed of the importance of pet insurance the more likely it'll become mandatory, which will allow them to always get the best possible treatment for their pet without having to worry about the financial implications."
Director of Petplan, Neil Brettell said: "We are incredibly proud to help recognise the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors give their customers, helping to keep them constantly informed and up-to-date. So please get your nominations in!"
To nominate your dedicated colleague for the Petplan Insurance Advisor Award, please visit www.petplan.co.uk/pia. The PIA of the Year will receive a 16GB Ipad2 with WiFi, worth £399.
Nominations close on 9th September and the nominees will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress, taking place from Friday 7th - Sunday 9th October 2011.
For information on how to become a PIA contact Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or alternatively log onto www.petplanpia.co.uk.
To find out more about Petplan visit http://www.petplan.co.uk/
Concern has been expressed in the profession about environmental contamination from products used in companion animal treatment for ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks.
In recent years there has been a widely documented fall in the abundance of many terrestrial invertebrate populations1.
While the decline has been mostly linked to agricultural chemicals, there is a concern that companion animal ectoparasiticides could also be a contributing factor, with a recent study2 confirming the presence of common compounds used in flea-treatment3 in UK waterways.
However, the association with companion animal ectoparasiticides is currently poorly understood, with a significant knowledge gap and little robust research available to assess the true importance and environmental consequences.
The funded project ‘Assessing the Environmental Risk from Ectoparasite Treatments in Companion Animals’ will be led by Professor Richard Wall, Professor of Zoology and Dr Emily Bell, Senior Lecturer at University of Bristol in collaboration with Dr Imogen Schofield, Veterinary Statistician and Epidemiologist at CVS, and Lizzie McLennan-Green, Small Animal Veterinary Director at CVS.
It will be conducted via a PhD studentship at the University of Bristol as part of the CVS Clinical Research Awards.
The research will include a longitudinal ‘citizen science’ study with pet owners to develop a greater understanding of owner use and attitudes towards ectoparasiticides.
It will also include laboratory assessments of ectoparasiticide residues collected from companion animals to provide evidence-based information on the potential environmental impact of the treatments when applied to companion animals.
It is hoped the study will help the wider veterinary profession develop the most appropriate approaches to prescribing and use of ectoparasiticides in the future, and inform educational strategies to support owners with ‘responsible use’. The study is also set to benefit companion animals, as the research will inform strategies to ensure the most appropriate control of parasitic burden to pets.
The project starts in January 2023 and will run for three-years as a full time PhD.
CVS is providing £95,000 to fund the research.
Freelance Surgical says electrosurgery has yet to take off in the veterinary profession in the way that it has in human surgery because many veterinary surgeons are still unfamiliar with the technology and have concerns about safety.
In fact, the company says, it can make surgery more efficient, faster and safer.
In the new series of videos, Alasdair Hotston Moore covers the background of electrosurgery, an overview of the Gima Diathermy unit and a practical demonstration of how to use the equipment correctly and safely.
Bilitis Hammond, Veterinary Specialist at Freelance Surgical said: “With the GIMA electrocautery units being so popular, we were surprised to find there was very little training on best use available online.
"We wanted to offer some short bitesize videos that show surgeons what this machine can offer so they are using it to its full potential and safely.
"We feel these videos will be a huge asset to everyone in practice. “
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKRtTQ2EA16cP-gfkqSVdA
https://www.freelance-veterinary.co.uk/surgery/electrosurgery
The grant has been awarded to Dr Carri Westgarth, a Lecturer in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool, for her project entitled Using citizen science to develop a ‘Canine Ageing and Wellbeing’ tool for use in veterinary practice.
Dr Westgarth’s initiative aims to determine what senior dog preventative healthcare and treatment advice is currently offered in UK veterinary practices and then take steps to build a practical tool to facilitate knowledge-sharing between owners and veterinary professionals.
Carri said: "Dogs are living up to twice as long as they did 40 years ago and there are implications for senior dogs’ healthcare and wellbeing.
"As life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time spent in poor health. Many dog owners may not be aware of the signs of serious age-related diseases as they attribute them to normal age-related changes."
The Citizen Science project will investigate owner expectations, experiences and attitudes to ageing in dogs, including preventative care and general understanding of normal and abnormal changes during ageing.
A number of in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys with veterinary professionals and dog owners will be conducted, and pet owners will be invited to submit diaries, photographs or videos to share their experiences of living with an older dog. The study will also examine electronic health records of senior dogs reported in the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network.
The findings will be used to develop the Petsavers Canine Ageing and Wellbeing tool, to guide on best practice discussions in consultations with senior dogs.
Christine will take over from Nigel Gibbens who is stepping down at the end of February 2018 after 10 years in the post.
Christine, who comes from a farming family in the south of Scotland, is an experienced veterinary surgeon who worked for a number of years in private practice in Scotland and the north of England, prior to joining the Animal Health agency (now part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency) in 2008 as a Divisional Veterinary Manager in Scotland.
Since 2016, she has been working as the CVO in New South Wales, Australia, where she has led major improvements to biosecurity across many farming sectors.
Christine said: "I am delighted to have been appointed and it will be a privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry in this hugely important role.
"I am very much looking forward to working again with the team at Defra, its agencies, the devolved administrations and all the individuals and groups which will contribute to meet future challenges across animal health and welfare.
"The UK Government has made no secret it wants to cement its place as a world-leader on animal welfare as they leave the European Union, and I’m delighted to have an opportunity to play a part in that."
Nigel said: "I would like to congratulate Christine on her success against a strong field of candidates and I am certain she will be a great addition to the department.
"Her breadth of experience from work within Government and in the private sector will enable her to provide excellent veterinary leadership to the Defra group to deliver government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining our high animal health and welfare standards and to represent the interests of the whole of the UK internationally."
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner added: "I warmly welcome Christine to her important role. She brings to it a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.
"This Government is embarking on an ambitious programme of animal welfare reform, including plans to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years in prison and introducing mandatory CCTV in all abattoirs. Christine will be invaluable in helping us in achieving world leading standards.
"I thank Nigel Gibbens for his outstanding contribution as CVO over the past ten years. Leaving the department at the end of February, he is hugely respected across the veterinary community and beyond – leading on responses to disease outbreaks including avian influenza and advising government on issues from antimicrobial resistance to animal welfare."
British Veterinary Association President John Fishwick said: "We’d like to congratulate Christine Middlemiss on her appointment as the UK’s next CVO and welcome her return to Defra - as well as to the UK, following her 16 months as CVO in New South Wales, Australia.
"As Christine notes, she will take up her role amidst EU Exit negotiations when the vital role veterinary surgeons play in so many areas of political and public life must be championed and considered more than ever.
"The work of all vets in government is indispensable in protecting and promoting animal health and welfare and public health, and current UK CVO Nigel Gibbens CBE has been crucial in steering this with calm direction and sage insight from the heart of government.
"We hope to continue our effective working relationship with the new UK CVO, and really look forward the opportunity to work with Christine moving forwards."
Christine will take up her new role as CVO for the UK on the 1 March 2018.
Budding veterinary impresario Noel Fitzpatrick has announced the dates for the inaugural VET Festival, an outdoor summer event for the profession which will combine world-class CPD with family entertainment and an evening rock concert headlined by Mike Rutherford of Genesis fame.
The VET Festival, sponsored by NVSL and Natural Instinct, will take place in the grounds of the University of Surrey on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2015.
In a complete departure from the way CPD is usually delivered, lectures will take place in a 1000-seat main theatre marquee in the middle of the university campus, surrounded by smaller breakout tents, exhibitors, family entertainment and 'street food'.
Noel said: "The simple goal of The VET Festival is to provide education which is both cutting-edge and relevant to the day-to-day clinical work of vets, vet nurses and veterinary professionals in companion animal practice. But we also seek to make education fun - like going to a movie - something you can treasure, enjoy and then readily employ in clinical practice.
"There are four lecture strands: orthopaedics, oncology and soft tissue surgery, neurology, and veterinary nursing. Ten education themes will be delivered by world-class lecturers with significant experience in clinical veterinary practice. We will present this education on an innovative platform combining a fun festival atmosphere with dynamic delivery. We aim to provide real value for money, with tickets priced very affordably for a packed educational program which can also form part of the 35 CPD points needed throughout the year."
In addition to Noel himself, speakers at the event (pictured below), include: Will Eward (Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Duke University), Nick Bacon (Head of Surgical Oncology, Fitzpatrick Referrals), Julia Tomlinson (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic), Duncan Lascelles (Professor of Surgery and Pain Management at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine), Ian G Holsworth (Director VetSurg Small Animal Hospital, Ventura, California), Nick Jeffrey (Professor, Neurology and Neurosurgery College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University), Laurent Findji (Senior Surgeon Soft Tissue and Oncology, Fitzpatrick Referrals) and Jolle Kirpensteijn (Chief Professional Relation Officer, Hill's Pet Nutrition).
And if that wasn't enough, there'll be an evening concert on the Saturday headlined by Mike and the Mechanics. The ONE LIVE concert is being held to promote "One Life One Medicine": the belief that we all only have one life and that there should be a symbiosis of effort to move animal and human medicine forward together. It's in support of The Humanimal Trust, the UK's first charity to further the principles of One Medicine and with the aim of progressing clinically relevant healthcare initiatives for both animals and humans at the same time.
Mike Rutherford said: "I am a huge supporter of 'One Life - One Medicine' - combining animal and human health is an important way forward and I'm looking forward to playing at the Festival, as are the rest of the Mechanics! It will be a fantastic week end - not to be missed!"
As a media partner for the event, VetSurgeon.org will be offering members a special discount, more details to be announced in due course. Publishing Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "Sounds like it should be a lot of fun, and could be a great opportunity for some of our members to meet up and have a pint or two."
All VetSurgeon members can have a 10% discount on the ticket price, by visiting the following link and entering the code VFVSURGEON10
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-vet-festival-2015-tickets-16256763417?aff=VFVSURGEON10
For more information about the VET Festival visit: www.vetfestival.co.uk
The surgery was carried out in August 2018 and is, they say, the first time it has been performed on a companion animal anywhere in the world. The dog, a five-year old spaniel called Gigha, has now made a full recovery.
Gigha’s surgery was carried out by Dr Guy Killick and featured in a recent episode of The Yorkshire Vet. Guy said: "Gigha provides vital companionship to her owner, Mrs Taylor. She fell into a drainage ditch last summer and this caused a tiny cut on her elbow.
"The initial wound did not seem severe, however, despite intensive decontamination and treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, the wound proved to have been infected with a resistant Haemolytic E. coli infection, causing a significant loss of skin from the medial aspect of the elbow. During this time, Gigha was hospitalised and was at significant risk of DIC and septicaemia."
"The skin loss was full thickness and, once the compromised tissue was debrided away, she was left with a large wound.
"We managed the wound in hospital for four days with daily dressing changes and an irrigation device to provide local anaesthesia and the delivery of topical antibiotics.
"Unfortunately, skin grafting in her case was not suitable given the infection and a lack of sufficient loose skin to donate. As such, we elected for healing by second intention but, given the large area, we felt it was important to explore novel methods to accelerate the healing process and reduce Gigha’s pain.
"Surgery using Tilapia fish skin grafts was pioneered at UC Davis in the USA and was used successfully on a horse with acid burns in the UK last year. It is still very rare, however, and had not been used to treat an infected wound before. Nor had it been used on a dog.
"Having done our research though and finding that these grafts have a natural anti-infective and analgesic effect, while also reducing the frequency of bandage changes that would cause discomfort and distress to the patient, we felt it was an appropriate treatment for Gigha and carried out the surgery a week after the initial wound."
Guy says the surgery was straightforward and simply involved tacking the skin in place. It adhered to the developing granulation bed, accelerating its growth and providing an antiseptic and analgesic effect. After application, Gigha’s owner reported that she was much brighter and seemed to be in less pain. Pain-scoring during check-ups confirmed this to be the case despite pain relief being voluntarily withdrawn by the owner.
This initial graft stayed in place for two weeks before breaking down and being removed. By this stage, granulation of the wound had been completed and around one cm of neo-epithelisation had occurred. A further graft was then placed which remained for a further two weeks until the wound was 50% of its initial size. No further grafts were placed as the team did not have access to further supplies so they simply bandaged the wound with traditional bandages. It was completely healed within nine weeks. Eight months on, Gigha has made a full recovery and the wound has healed completely.
Guy said: "Given the large wound area and risk of further infection we decided on this novel approach to improve the quality of life for the patient while the wound was healing. While we were naturally apprehensive of making the first attempt at this potentially revolutionary technique, what we knew about fish skin grafts and suggested that they could work in her case so we were determined to give it a try.
"Looking at her now, you wouldn’t believe that she’d been days from death just a few months ago. Her case is a demonstration of the efficacy of fish skin grafts as a treatment for large wounds where there are no other suitable methods of closure – and for their use in dogs. We hope her story and her recovery will be useful to colleagues treating dogs with similar wounds in the future and are happy to discuss the case with them if this would be helpful.
"I would also like to thank Dr Jamie Peyton, Chief of Integrative Medicine Service at UC Davis for her invaluable help and advice during this case and her assistance in the use of the Tilapia graft."
Cortotic contains hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA), a diester glucocorticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
In a clinical field study, published in Veterinary Dermatology, Cortotic was shown to be as effective in treating acute otitis as a fixed-combination product containing a corticosteroid, an antibiotic and an antifungal, with an equivalent improvement of clinical and cytological scores1.
A secondary reduction of bacterial and yeast overgrowth was demonstrated and a concomitant treatment with an antimicrobial was unnecessary.
The product was shown to provide rapid relief from clinical signs, pruritus and pain1.
Virbac says the lipophilic nature of the HCA diester provides enhanced penetration into the skin, a reservoir effect and low plasma availability for high local activity with reduced systemic secondary effects2.
Chris Newark, Product Manager at Virbac said: "With Cortotic we’re excited to offer clinicians the ability to reduce antimicrobial usage when treating otitis externa in dogs, whilst offering the same efficacy as a fixed-combination product.
"The product’s easy administration also makes it an attractive choice for pet owners with 94% of owners stating that they would choose to use Cortotic again3".
Cortotic is presented in an ear spray device with atraumatic cannula, which delivers a fine mist spray for even application.
Dosing is 2 pumps per application, whatever the dog’s size, once a day for 7-14 days.
Mr Molnar had been convicted at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court in March 2018 of five counts of importing puppies to the UK in contravention of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974.
At that court hearing he also pleaded guilty to one count of keeping premises as a pet shop without the authority of a licence granted by a local authority.
As a result of his conviction Mr Molnar was sentenced to 270 hours of unpaid supervised work and was ordered to pay compensation of £2,683.93 and costs of £250.
The Committee, which proceeded with the hearing in Mr Molnar’s absence, found that the RCVS charges against Mr Molnar were proven and went on to consider whether, individually and cumulatively, they resulted in Mr Molnar being unfit to practice being a veterinary surgeon.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee accepts the College’s submission that the fact that they [the puppies] were imported contrary to the law of the UK, because they were underage and had not been properly vaccinated, undermines the integrity of a system which is designed to ensure that effective vaccination and precautions against disease take place in every case.
"The Committee also notes that the convictions in this case were directly linked to the respondent’s veterinary practice, as they related to animals sold from his veterinary practice address. By operating an unlicensed pet shop, and by doing so through an email address that referred to his occupation as a veterinary surgeon, the respondent was abusing his position as a veterinary surgeon, and acting in a way that was liable to undermine the reputation of the profession."
The Committee therefore found that, because Mr Molnar’s conviction was directly linked to his veterinary practice and posed a substantial risk to animal welfare and public health, his conviction meant his conduct fell far short of what was expected of a professional.
In considering the sanction for Mr Molnar the Committee considered that, while he had no previous convictions or adverse professional findings against him, the case against him was very serious "because of the risk of serious harm both to animals and the public, as well as being for financial gain."
Ian Green said: "The Committee considered that the respondent, as a veterinary surgeon, must have known the serious implications and consequences of what he was doing by importing these puppies unlawfully. The public should expect to be able to trust a veterinary surgeon to ensure that his conduct does not put at risk the health of both animals and humans."
Mr Green added that the Committee felt that the only appropriate sanction was to direct the Registrar to remove Mr Molnar’s name from the Register.
The survey, which received 2445 responses from BVA members, found that 16% of vets and vet students have personally experienced discrimination within a veterinary workplace or learning environment in the past twelve months, while 20% had witnessed discrimination.
Senior colleagues were most commonly responsible for the discrimination (47% of incidents), with discrimination from clients accounting for 35% of incidents.
Sex discrimination was the most common type reported (44% of incidents) and was particularly prevalent in academic settings and in production animal, equine, and mixed practices.
Race discrimination was the next most commonly reported (27% of incidents).
Respondents also gave details of discrimination in relation to other protected characteristics, including age, sexuality, disability and gender reassignment.
Younger vets were more likely than older vets to have personally experienced discrimination in the past year (27% of those under 35 had experienced discrimination).
Female vets were more than twice as likely to have experienced discrimination than their male colleagues (19% and 8% respectively).
The incidence of discrimination was higher amongst vets from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds. Those who described their sexual orientation as bi, gay or lesbian were twice as likely to have personally experienced discrimination in the past year.
Despite the high incidence of discrimination reported, responses to the same survey showed that only 56% of the profession feel concerned about discrimination.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Daniella Dos Santos (pictured right) said: "This is the first time anyone has collected such a significant body of evidence on this issue and the results are truly shocking. It is completely unacceptable that so many members of the veterinary team are subject to discrimination not just from clients but from members of our own profession.
"Worryingly, it seems that the scale of the issue will come as a surprise to many members of our profession and so it is vital that we all join the conversation and reflect on what role we can play to improve equality and inclusion. The veterinary team must become a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We cannot accept anything less for ourselves, for our colleagues and for our profession."
Only 12% of respondents were satisfied with how their incident had been dealt, rising to 23% among those who felt able to report. Daniella said: "Many of the experiences documented in our report are shocking and distressing and this distress is often compounded by what comes next. It was very saddening to hear that so many people have felt unable to report their experiences or that their reports were handled badly by those who received them.
"Experiencing discrimination can be very traumatic, without the ‘double-whammy’ of having your complaint dismissed or mishandled by managers or senior staff. We need to make sure everyone who experiences discrimination is able to get the outcome they deserve.
"Through the discrimination questionnaire we heard many distressing stories from vets, students, vet nurses and other colleagues. We are incredibly grateful to them for sharing these with us so that we can raise awareness of what’s happening in our veterinary workplaces."
To raise awareness of the scale of the issue, the BVA is inviting all members of the veterinary team to join a "Big Conversation on equality and inclusion in the veterinary professions", starting with the release of its report on the current situation on discrimination, which can be downloaded here, then inviting everyone to join online engagement sessions through social media and BVA members to feed in views via their regional representatives ahead of Council on 24 July.
Tramvetol is presented in two pack sizes of 30 and 100 tablets to assist practices with dispensing and storage as a Schedule 3 controlled drug. The meat flavoured 50mg tablets can also be divided into two equal parts to ensure accurate dosing.
Virbac says Tramvetol is suitable for both short courses and long-term treatment; 2-4mg per kg of Tramvetol can be administered every 8 hours or from 6 hours, if required, based on the intensity of the pain. In addition, Tramvetol has a wide therapeutic window and a maximum daily dose of 16mg per kg.
Commonly used in combination with other forms of analgesia, including NSAIDs1, Tramvetol is quickly absorbed and boats a rapid onset of action2. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 45 minutes3.
Dan Johnson, Product Manager at Virbac said: ‘Tramadol is already an important part of the analgesia toolkit for many veterinary practices. We hope that Tramvetol will prove to be a much more convenient option for practices, whilst helping to provide dogs with a better quality, pain free life’.
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
When you post a job advert, or a shout for assistance on VetSurgeon Jobs, it is emailed to subscribers immediately and fed out onto other social networks. You can further extend the reach of your post by sharing it yourself and (with "Share and reward") encouraging other members of your team to do likewise.
I have taken the decision to drop the charge for advertising because it seems very clear now that we all face a very grim few months ahead, and it has never been more important that we all pull together and support each other, both personally and in business.
Of course, removing the charge for advertising for help on VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk is not, in and of itself, going to save anyone from going under, but I hope perhaps other veterinary suppliers might follow my lead and consider dropping their prices until such time as everyone is back on their feet.
I have a number of other ideas in the pipeline, all designed to help bring the profession together and support each other, which I will announce shortly.
In the meantime, there's a forum discussion for sharing ideas to make the next few months more bearable, here: Getting through coronavirus. Do come and share your thoughts, and I will email the best ideas to all members.
And take care, everyone.
Genitrix has reformulated and repackaged its Lacto B range of broad spectrum probiotic supplements for the maintenance of normal digestive function in pets.
The products are provided in a powder formulation for direct application onto food or to be dissolved in water. They are available in five-day sachets or in 75g tubs suitable for longer term use.
Genitrix says that unlike single-strain formulations, the Lacto B range contains live freeze-dried cultures of three probiotic organisms which, when ingested, colonise the gut, helping to re-establish normal function. The three strains of probiotic organisms occupy the same sites in the gut as certain pathogenic bacteria thus preventing their attachment.
Indicated for dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and birds, the Lacto range is formulated to provide a guaranteed concentration of 1x109 CFU/g probiotic organisms.
Genitrix suggests that the Lacto B range can be particularly helpful in:
Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said: "The Lacto range has been tried and trusted in small animal practice for twelve years and feedback shows that its multi-species indication make it a flexible and cost-effective solution."
"With its new formulation and new packaging, we believe it will prove even more attractive as a high potency probiotic supplement."
For more information, please click here.
The company hired Onswitch to call 700 veterinary practices and ask about kennel cough. 43% of callers were told it was up to them whether their dog had a vaccine for CIRD, with no clear recommendation in over 50% of calls.
MSD says that there was very little detailed information given about CIRD or kennel cough or vaccinations, with nothing at all mentioned in 18% of calls.
Whilst 18% of calls mentioned that dogs can contract kennel cough mixing with other dogs, 9% were told that their dog would only need the vaccination if it was going into kennels!
According to the company, vaccination for Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus has declined dramatically during lockdown, with over 350,000 less doses being bought in 2020 vs 2019 April - December1, however the risks are still prevalent, because dogs are still mixing.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor for the Companion Animal team at MSD Animal Health said: "CIRD, more commonly known as kennel cough, is often mistakenly believed to be only a disease of kennels. The reality is that respiratory pathogens are most commonly transmitted between dogs that mix or share the same air space. This results in risk anywhere where dogs are being social, including parks, groomers and vet practices. Due to this confusion, we recommend referring to the disease with pet owners as contagious canine cough."
She added: "This data reveals a significant amount of confusion in the advice veterinary practices give to dog owners in relation to protection against CIRD,or contagious canine cough. Practice team members have often received no formal training on what to tell dog owners and how to discuss CIRD, so messages vary widely and are not always correct. This data reveals that there is a great opportunity for practices to proactively discuss contagious canine cough as a standard component of the annual vaccination programme and ensure more dogs that socialise with other dogs and are at risk get the protection they need."
For more information on the Nobivac vaccine range, vaccine protocols and product and team training, contact your MSD Account Manager or visit www.nobivacrespirabb.co.uk.