The webinar will take place at 11am and will be repeated at 7.30pm for those who are unable to listen during the day.
Hosted by Zoetis vet Dr Wendy Talbot the session will last for approximately an hour and equates to 8 AMTRA CPD points.
Wendy will explain the current situation and recommended approaches to help slow resistance.
The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A to give everyone the opportunity to discuss any queries, concerns or common questions they hear from their customers with Wendy.
Zoetis Equine Product Manager, Penny McCann said: "Our webinars continue to be very well received.
“This one is particularly important as it explains the important new thinking around the use of anthelmintics in order to address the serious challenge of resistance.
"It’s a must for all those involved with prescribing.”
To book the 11am webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6163460189961597967 To book the 7.30pm webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6394015684169009164
Cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency (CCLI) affects 3% to 5% of dogs1.
Past research has demonstrated satisfactory short (6-12 weeks)2 and medium (mean 16 months)3 term outcomes for lame dogs treated with TTA.
However, Steve says there is limited research on longer (>16 months) follow-up periods.
It has also been speculated that dogs with tibial plateau angles (TPA) of greater than 30⁰ are not well suited for a TTA4.
For the study5, the researchers reviewed patient records for a total of 149 TTA-Rapid procedures carried out in 120 dogs over an 80 month period.
They also reviewed owner questionnaires that evaluated the outcome of at least six months after surgery, using a validated clinical metrology instrument, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD).
Follow-up questionnaires were received from owners of 64 of the 120 dogs (53.3%), with a median follow-up time of 37.5 months.
This cohort included a wide range of breeds, aged between 2&12 years and with bodyweights ranging from 6.3 to 41.8kg.
The dogs included 37 females and 27 males, and of the 79 limbs treated in these dogs, 41 were left and 38 were right.
The researchers found 26 of the dogs (40.6%) had a TTA performed with a TPA less than 30◦ and 38 (59.4%) with a TPA of 30◦ or more.
Of the 79 procedures, meniscal injury was noted in 27 (34.2%), surgery to stabilise the patella was required in 11 (13.9%), there was one surgical site infection (treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics), one dog sustained a fracture of the tibial seven days after surgery, and one sustained a late meniscal tear 12 months after initial surgery (treated successfully by partial meniscectomy).
The outcome was judged to be satisfactory, based on frequency of lameness, in 63 (98.4%), while satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 61 (95.3%) based on severity of lameness and in 50 (78.1%) based on mobility score.
Statistical analysis showed that age, bodyweight, tibial plateau angle (TPA), meniscal injury, and concurrent patellar surgery did not influence the outcome, but time to follow-up positively correlated with mobility score (suggesting mobility declined with time from surgery).
The researchers concluded that the long-term (median of 37.5 months) outcome for dogs undergoing TTA-Rapid for cranial cruciate ligament disease is satisfactory, with no risk factors associated with poorer outcomes identified.
The study also revealed no evidence to support the suggestion that dogs with TPAs of greater than 30◦ may be inappropriate candidates for TTA - after testing several parameters to judge outcome including frequency of lameness, severity of lameness, distance walked daily and mobility score.
Steve said: “This research is important in trying to ensure that decisions on whether to use this treatment modality, are based on sound clinical evidence.
"The only factor identified that influenced the outcome measure was that of time since surgery.
"All other factors, including TPA, had no effect on the outcome.”
References
Genitrix has repackaged its Dentagen plaque prevention chews to provide added value and convenience to pet owners.
Packs of the chews, launched in 2008 as part of Genitrix' Dentagen dental range, will now be available in 'one month' packs in response to customer feedback. The new, bigger value packs will also be priced more cost-effectively and will offer environmental benefits as the amount of packaging is reduced.
Dentagen dental chews are impregnated with a plant extract called RF2 which enables them to act as an 'anti-biofilm' treatment, modifying the membrane of oral bacteria to prevent them from producing plaque. The chews, which come in two sizes for large and small dogs, are designed to be given on alternate days and form part of the unique Dentagen Dental Care Programme. Earlier this year, Genitrix also launched Dentagen Aqua, an innovative water additive treatment to control plaque and prevent bad breath in cats and dogs.
The new size packs of Dentagen chews, which will be available exclusively through veterinary channels, cost £6.35 for a pack of 14 small chews (one month's supply) and £8.09 for 14 large chews.
Companion Care Vets has reported a record calendar year in 2010, with 15 new surgeries opened taking the network up to 69.
Companion Care also welcomed 17 new joint venture partners, increasing the total number of partners to 87. The company expects to double the number of surgeries over the next 3 years following the announcement that it is to open standalone practices alongside the in-store Pets at Home surgeries.
According to the company, the opening of 15 new full service surgeries represents an investment of approximately £3 million during the year. More than £340,000 of that investment went on state-of-the-art digital x-ray imaging equipment - a feature of all new surgeries.
Managing director, Jane Balmain, said: "The in-store model has been hugely successful and we will continue to accelerate our growth plans for in-store surgeries as the Pets at Home store footprint expands.
"The launch of our new standalone division provides a solution for the vets and nurses who are looking for a partnership but whose preference is for a more traditional standalone style surgery. The level of interest since our announcement has been massive and we will be looking to capitalise on this in 2011 and beyond.
"Our vision is for Companion Care Vets to become a truly national leading veterinary group and with the record year in 2010 and our plans for 2011 and beyond, we are now well on the way and confident of achieving this."
Drawing attention to the symptoms of allergic skin disease that owners should look out for during the warmer months, the leaflet, poster and notice board materials discuss some of the substances that dogs can be allergic to, how to manage skin allergies and what to look for in an itch prevention plan.
The materials have been produced to support Apoquel, the oral therapy for the treatment of canine pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis. They feature two dogs – Eric and Daisy – whose lives have been changed by the product.
For more information, contact your Zoetis account manager.
Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), which starts on 23rd May this year, is calling on veterinary practices to sign up to its free health check scheme to help raise awareness of rabbits' behavioural needs.
Participating practices will receive free support packs to help them advertise and run their health check events, as well as goodie bags to give out to clients who bring their rabbits in.
The 2011 event will see a PR, advertising and marketing campaign with backing from Burgess Excel and RAW partners, including Panacur Rabbit, Petplan Insurance, RSPCA, PSDA, The Blue Cross, Wood Green Animal Shelters and RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund), which are the driving forces behind the RAW 2011 initiative.
Naomi Chatterley, marketing manager at Burgess Excel, said: "Following the success of last year's event, our aim is to create an even bigger success in 2011. This May, the focus is on raising awareness of rabbits' emotional welfare needs by encouraging owners to consider their rabbit's mental and emotional health. Rabbits that are not stimulated both mentally and physically tend to develop behavioral problems such as fur plucking, depression or severe aggression. Our sole aim is to educate owners about responsible rabbit ownership and improve the wellbeing of Britain's 3rd most popular pet."
If you are interested in supporting RAW 2011 by hosting rabbit healthcare clinics at your surgery, please visit http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/ to order your free support kit and register your event.
Ceva Animal Health has introduced Cevazuril, a toltrazuril-based oral solution for the control of diarrhoea in sucking pigs. Cevazuril is a one-dose treatment that comes in two pack sizes, both with dosing pumps, for convenient administration to large or small herds.
Ceva says newborn sucking piglets are especially sensitive to coccidiosis and infection may result in lost daily gain of almost 2kg in the first 28 days, due to diarrhoea. The control of coccidiosis using toltrazuril prevents damage to the intestinal mucosa caused by the developmental stages of Isospora suis, helping to preserve digestive function and maintain optimal growth rate.
Toltrazuril is absorbed very slowly in the intestine for longer-lasting action. It works on all intracellular developmental stages of coccidia and reduces oocyst production, even if administered after the appearance of the first oocysts in the faeces of the host.
According to the company, extensive trials showed that three day old piglets treated with toltazuril at 20mg/kg gained 801 grams at weaning and 1601 grams by the end of the post-weaning period compared to control pigs.
Cevazuril is available in a 250ml pack with a pump or a one litre pack with a multi-dose injector. It complements Ceva's swine portfolio which includes the antimicrobials Cevaxel, Coliscour, Florkem, Marbox, Spectam Scourhalt and Tiamvet.
For further product information contact Ceva Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at www.ceva.uk.com
Turning Over a New Leaf – How to Make Sustainable Change in the Veterinary Profession includes contributions from a range of organisations including the RCVS, Mars Veterinary Health and Investors in the Environment (iiE).
The report covers upcoming changes to the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, the value of external accreditation to support sustainability, and how to approach behaviour change within your team.
Two further articles highlight how changes in clinical practice can combat antimicrobial resistance and reduce levels of surgical waste.
The report also features the personal experiences of practice sustainability leads, who discuss how they have worked with others to improve their sites.
Ellie West, Environmental Sustainability Lead at Linnaeus said: “Changing how we work day-to-day, when we are all so busy as a profession, can be a lot to juggle but sustainability brings a huge range of benefits.
"As well as helping the environment, it can promote the wellbeing of our patients and colleagues while also improving our performance as a business.
“It is important, however, to avoid dictating what sustainable change should be made because it will vary greatly between different teams and locations.
"This report shares ideas from contributors with a variety of roles and responsibilities, who have taken different approaches to supporting the environment but are all united in their commitment to delivering excellent clinical care.”
Sue Paterson, RCVS Junior Vice-President and RCVS Council lead for Environment & Sustainability, said: “Contributing to this report highlights the importance of working together as a profession to understand the environmental challenges we face and adopt solutions that will benefit our planet and the animals we care for.
"Upcoming changes to the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme will cover sustainability across a range of areas and we are committed to ensuring the veterinary profession can fully realise the benefits of this new guidance.”
April Sotomayor, Principal Consultant at iiE, added: “This report offers a range of perspectives that highlight how the veterinary profession can become a leader in sustainability and a shining example to other sectors.”
Download Turning Over a New Leaf – How to Make Sustainable Change in the Veterinary Profession here.
Vetericyn VF, the vet-only wound and skin care spray from Innovacyn has been named product of the year by Animal Health International, one of the world's largest food and companion animal health distributors.
Commenting on the award, Innovacyn said: "for an organisation the size and reputation of Animal Health International to give this top honour to Vetericyn is a great vindication of the product's efficacy but also the very positive feedback they have received from professional users."
Vetericyn VF is available throughout the UK from all the leading veterinary wholesalers. Further technical resources are available at: www.vetericyn.com/veterinarians or email enquiries to uk@vetericyn.com
Ceva Animal Health has launched a new initiative to help young vets attend a variety of educational opportunities to further their knowledge of cattle reproduction.
The reprodAction Young Vet Initiative was introduced this month and three young vets have already taken part in the scheme.
The new initiative is open to recently qualified vets who are keen to improve their knowledge of cattle reproduction and who work for practices that are interested in growing their business by improving cattle reproduction on farms. The scheme includes Ceva-sponsored cattle fertility courses and dissertation programmes.
Emily Denton from Shropshire Farm Vets (pictured right), Annelyse Desbois From Meadows Farm Vets and Alun Beckett from Larkmead Veterinary Group were chosen to attend a CPD day 'A Practical Approach to the Non-Pregnant Cow', organised by Nottingham University.
Carol Atkinson, Ceva's reprodAction range marketing manager, said: "The purpose of this project is to give new graduates working in practice the opportunity to participate in quality CPD. The aim is to help them build their expertise and enthusiasm for cattle reproduction work via practical sponsorship."
Emily Denton has been an intern at Shropshire Farm Vets for the past year. She was chosen for the initiative having recently completed the XL vets farm new graduate programme. She said: "It was an exciting opportunity to build on the skills I have developed in practice and to discuss cases with my peers and with other, more experienced clinicians. The course was excellent - my take home message was that as cow genetics change it affects their cycle. Our ability to manipulate this is dependent on having a good, accurate knowledge of the physiological changes taking place."
For more information about taking part in the reprodAction Young Vet Initiative, contact your Ceva Territory Manager.
According to the company, the new Avacta Allergy+ offers:
Existing customers will be getting a launch pack this week, which comes with a box of Yorkshire teabags (as that's where Avacta heralds from) and a pack of chocolate biscuits so practice staff can take break whilst they peruse details of the new portfolio and accompanying support materials.
To encourage the reuse of the old Avacta submission boxes, the company is also running a competition where practices can win a £100 Amazon gift voucher if they come up with the most practical and imaginative reuse idea. Full details can be found at avactaanimalhealth.com/news.
For more information visit www.avactaanimalhealth.com.
On Thursday 16th June at 4:00pm, Dr Jude Capper, PhD DSc (h.c.) ARAgS, livestock sustainability consultant and ABP chair in sustainable beef production at Harper Adams University, will present 'Managing Fertility to Enhance Sustainability'.
On Thursday 21st June at 4:00pm, Dr Stephen Butler, MAgrSc MSc PhD, principal research scientist and group leader for dairy cattle reproduction research at Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority (pictured right), will present 'Using Sexed Semen in Dairy Herds', followed by Dr Tom Clark, BVSc MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and clinical director of Synergy Farm Health, who will present 'Practical Implementation of Sexed Semen Strategies'.
The webinars will update vets on how they can support the improvement of reproductive sustainability on dairy farms and provide new data demonstrating how they can promote the implementation of sexed semen protocols in dairy herds.
They will also include information on the practical use of sexed semen strategies with useful hints and tips from on-farm case studies and scenarios.
To register, e-mail cevauk-webinars@ceva.com giving your name, practice name and the date(s) of the event you wish to attend.
Further details and the link will be sent out before the webinar.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has set up a new Veterinary Legislation Group to consider proposals for changes in veterinary regulation, in the light of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's inquiry into the current Veterinary Surgeons Act, and the Government's response to the EFRA Committee's report.
The new group, which will be chaired by RCVS Council Member and Dean of Glasgow Veterinary School, Professor Stuart Reid, will be tasked with taking a fresh look at changes that need to be made to the current legislative framework, and how these might be accomplished. It will not restrict itself to looking at a replacement for the Veterinary Surgeons Act, but will consider other ways that changes can be made in the short- and long-term.
The Group will meet in September, and comprise RCVS Council members and non-members - both lay people and veterinary surgeons. Once the RCVS position has been clarified, further discussion will follow with DEFRA, the BVA and the profession.
Responding to the Government's response to the EFRA Committee report, RCVS President Jill Nute said: "We welcome the fact that DEFRA is willing to consider any detailed proposals that might come forward from the profession, although we accept that DEFRA itself does not have time or resources to be proactive at this stage.
"We are also pleased that Government acknowledges that the veterinary nursing profession has come of age and that the time is right for the regulation of veterinary nurses to be taken forward, although again it is disappointing that DEFRA does not have the resources to progress this at present.
"Finally, we welcome the suggestion that the Presidents of the BVA and the RCVS meet with the Chief Veterinary Officer to discuss plans and to what extent DEFRA can help us - accepting the fact that DEFRA, like the RCVS, feels that a piecemeal approach may not be the most effective," she concluded.
A survey carried out by CEVA Animal Health, manufacturer of the pheromonatherapy products D.A.P.® and Feliway®, has revealed that 94 per cent of veterinary professionals believe that owners' lifestyles are the major cause of behavioural problems in pets1.
Over three-quarters of those questioned believed that owners should spend more time with their pets to prevent these issues, while 89 per cent thought that owners were too busy to deal with their pets if they developed behavioural problems.
According to CEVA, the fast pace of owners' lifestyles is significantly affecting the stress felt by both dogs and cats and this is further exacerbated in cats by the social demands that pet owners put on them. Cats are solitary survivors that cope better with short, frequent interactions and like their own company. While they are popular for their independence, owners often like to have their pets' full attention when they return from work which is at odds with their cats' preferred behaviour patterns.
Behavioural issues can also result from changes in a pet's environment and new experiences such as moving house, building work, the introduction of a new pet to the household, going to a kennel or cattery, travelling in a car, visiting the vets and stressful events such as Bonfire Night and Christmas. To help combat stress, nearly 65 per cent of dog owners avoid putting their pets in stressful situations, while 19 per cent choose to ignore their stressed dog2.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "Our modern lifestyles are leading to stressed pets which, in the long-term, will exacerbate behavioural and medical problems. It's important that veterinary professionals educate their clients on the implications of canine and feline stress to help prevent these issues from developing."
For further information about D.A.P.® and Feliway®, please contact your CEVA Animal Health representative or call CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510.
BVA members who join the Webinar Vet before the end of this month will receive a USB headset and microphone worth £40
Webinar Vet founder Anthony Chadwick MRCVS said: "The idea is to help new members get equipped and ready to listen and ask questions during the regular Thursday evening member webinars."
"BVA members already benefit from half price gold membership to the Webinar Vet and many have already taken advantage and are enjoying the many benefits of online CPD."
Gold membership includes invitations to weekly members' live CPD events, full access to the library of over 150 hours of categorised pre-recorded webinars, and a monthly CD of one of the presentations to listen to in the car.
All BVA members who sign up before March 31st will also qualify for the free headset. For more information visit www.bva.co.uk/webinar.
Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of a Milbemax television advertising campaign to educate pet owners about the importance and ease of worming.
The 30-second advertisement will appear as pre-roll to video content on a number of websites from the end of August, and will broadcast on mainstream TV channels including ITV1, Channel 4, Channel Five, Sky, ITV2, ITV3, E4, More4, Film4, UKTV and Five Digital in mid-September to reach an estimated nine million people – of which nearly three million will be identified/targeted pet owners.
Elanco says the advert is designed to target female pet owners between the ages of 25 and 49 and drive them to seek further information and buy pet wormers from their local veterinary surgeon with the call to action: ‘Make an appointment with your vet to find out how easy worming your pet can be.’
Viewers watching the online advertisement will be able to click through to campaign specific pages on Elanco’s WormPatrol website - www.wormpatrol.co.uk/easyworming - where they can use 'Find a Vet', a worm risk checker and worming reminders to connect them with veterinary practices. The advertisement will also be available to view on the WormPatrol website.
The campaign is supported by a range of educational marketing materials and initiatives which are available to Milbemax customers from the vet section of the WormPatrol website or from their local Elanco companion animal territory manager.
The materials include a video to embed in practice websites and to use on social media, a subtitled version of the video for waiting rooms, a range of pet owner worm education materials, social media resources and SMS text message broadcasts.
Matthew Rowe, marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “Elanco is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership; the new Milbemax advertising campaign will educate pet owners about the importance and ease of regular worming while driving them to veterinary practices for further information and to purchase pet wormers.”
For further information please contact your local Elanco Animal Health territory manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.
Dr Westwood, who now lives in Australia, had been referred to the Committee in relation to a number of charges against him relating to the treatment of a cat at his former practice in Cardiff in October 2015.
He was not present at the inquiry and had requested that his solicitor, Tony Wilson, act on his behalf.
Mr Wilson made an application to the Committee that the hearing should be adjourned contingent on a form of undertakings being accepted. These undertakings were that Dr Westwood’s name be removed from the Register with immediate effect and that he never apply to be restored to the Register under any category.
The application was granted by the Committee, taking into account a number of factors. These included the fact that Dr Westwood has retired as a veterinary surgeon, that he has closed his practice and returned to his home in Australia with no intention of returning to the UK, and that animal welfare and the reputation of the profession have been protected as Dr Westwood will no longer be in practice.
The Committee noted that there were several precedents for concluding cases in such a manner, and that the application was not objected to by the complainant or opposed by the College.
Dr Westwood’s name was removed from the Register of Veterinary Surgeons with immediate effect as of Monday 14 August 2017.
The Blue Cross is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2008.
The annual award is presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress. It recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the welfare of pets in the community.
This year's Congress will take place on 10-12 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.
Last year's award was won by Anna Hatchett for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Anna Hatchett was nominated by two vets, Edward Gillams and Kate Loomes, who previously worked with her at The Beck Veterinary Practice in Whitby. Ms Loomes commented: "Anna is an exceptionally dedicated and talented nurse. She has an amazing memory for clients and takes time to enquire as to how their individual pets are. She doesn't hesitate to take in and care for stray and lost animals and works well over her working hours when animals are in need of help."
Nominations for this year's award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2008or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 82557. The deadline for nominations is Friday 15 August 2008.
Woodley Equipment has become the UK distributor for the full portfolio of SpotChem products from Japanese manufacturer, Arkray.
The range of products includes:
For more information about the new SpotChem analysers, visit: www.woodleyequipment.com/, email: sales@woodleyequipment.com or call on +44(0)1204 669033.
Dairy nutrition consultant Hefin Richards of Profeed Nutrition Consultancy is warning vets to be on the lookout for an upsurge in over-conditioned cows as winter progresses through spring.
He says his prediction is based on a number of factors that have come together over the last year to greatly increased the risk of cows being over-conditioned at calving, not only potentially affecting productivity but predisposing to a number of clinical conditions.
A high body condition score at calving significantly increases the risk of subclinical ketosis in early lactation, depressing the immune response and increasing the risk of conditions such as retained foetal membranes, metritis and left displaced abomasum.1,2 Conversely, these obese cows go on to suffer excessive body condition loss due to decreased voluntary feed intake and poor energy metabolism.
The ketosis risk has been increased in part because national milk yields were low last summer and autumn as a result of poor weather conditions, low milk prices, high feed costs and the spread of Schmallenberg virus (SBV).3
Hefin said: "SBV and bad summer weather with associated poor forage quality may have delayed rebreeding, leading to more extended lactations and longer dry periods. These two factors can lead to excessively fat cows at calving."
Through the winter many herds were running average milk yields some way below usual winter levels and currently mid and late lactation cows are substantially under target yields.4 This lower yield means that feed intake is very likely to be in excess of actual energy demands, with subsequent fat deposition.
Increasing awareness of this potential issue gives vets the opportunity to reinforce the need to monitor body condition, adjust feeding, review milk yields and consider drying cows off early, using controlled energy feeding.
Hefin suggests that vets ensure that their clients' dry cow nutrition and management is geared towards maximising feed intake in early lactation to help prevent animals falling into a state of negative energy balance. Ketosis is often missed on farm because the signs are not apparent. Consider routinely monitoring herds for ketosis using either blood monitoring or Elanco's Keto-Test cow-side milk test to identify both at-risk cows and herds. Forming a team involving vets, nutritionists and herd managers and harnessing the different skill sets and knowledge allows strategies to be developed that can improve herd performance.
Roy Geary, regional director for Northern Europe (including the UK) at Ceva Animal Health, said: “The manufacturing of vaccines is a complex process that involves stringent quality control measures and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
"There have been unforeseen manufacturing issues at our production facilities, which have temporarily affected the ability to meet the demands of the UK sheep market within the main seasonal vaccination period for EAE.
"As a responsible provider, we are actively addressing these issues to minimise the impact on customers.
“In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we have implemented comprehensive contingency plans to optimise the manufacturing and distribution process.
"Our dedicated team is working closely with our partners to resolve the challenges and restore normal supply levels as soon as possible.
"The vaccine challenge is being treated with the utmost urgency, and we are actively exploring alternative sourcing options to supplement the existing supply chain.
“We anticipate that the delay in supply will be resolved in the near future, however we recognise that for some farmers the supply will arrive too late for them to use. "
Ceva is encouraging these farmers to consult their vet and explore alternatives.
Roy added: “We will provide vet practices and the wider industry with regular updates as we progress toward a resolution and return to normal supply levels.”
All veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and VN students are to be invited to take part in an RCVS survey of their profession and, for the first time, these surveys will measure mental wellbeing at a population level.RCVS Registrar, Jane Hern said: "Both surveys are being undertaken on our behalf by the Institute of Employment Studies - an independent research organisation. As in previous surveys, all the data will be anonymised by the IES before being shared with us. This will ensure individuals cannot be identified."The information will provide a snapshot of the veterinary profession and help the RCVS to understand and analyse changing trends. Some of the anonymised data will also be shared with researchers at Defra and at the School of Medicine, University of Southampton, who will analyse selected topics in more depth.Jane added: "These surveys produce very useful information about the veterinary and veterinary nursing profession, not least because they usually get a good response rate.
"We will use the information, for example, in our discussions about new veterinary legislation, 24/7 and the Professional Development Phase for newly-qualified vets. So please make sure that you send the form to the IES - or fill it in online - before 8 February."The RCVS normally surveys veterinary surgeons every four years, and last surveyed veterinary nurses in 2008. To obtain concurrent data regarding vets and VNs, both these surveys are taking place at the same time. Forms can by sent back in the freepost envelope provided, or completed online at www.employmentresearch.co.uk/vs2010.htm (vets) and www.employmentresearch.co.uk/vn2010.htm (VNs). The findings of previous studies can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/surveys.
CM Research, the veterinary market research company, has released the results of a survey which suggests that staffing and HR issues are becoming an increasing challenge for the profession.
629 veterinary surgeons picked from 12 answers to the following question: "What would you say are the biggest challenges facing your vet practice at the moment?"
The biggest challenge, voted for by 42% of respondents, was 'Clients unable to pay their bills'. However, only marginally behind in second place (up significantly from fifth place the previous year), was 'Managing and retaining staff' (41%).
The full results were:
Coincidentally, VetSurgeon.org also carried out some research recently which explored what candidates look for in an ideal job - one of the keys to staff retention and good employer / employee relationships. You can download the report here.
When vets were asked to predict what they thought the future held for the profession, key themes included more corporatisation, more specialisation and the Internet having a still greater impact on business, both in terms of competition and clients consulting Dr Google:
Dr Henry faced one charge, that in January 2020 she wrote and/or signed an undated letter confirming that a ewe had died in transit to the surgery due to dystocia and peri-parturient stress, when in fact she had euthanised the animal at the veterinary practice the day before. The letter, which was addressed 'To whom it may concern’, was on practice letterheaded paper and signed "Louise Henry MRCVS".
The second part of the charge outlined that her conduct concerning the letter was dishonest.
The Committee heard that the ewe was lambing and brought to the practice by a client. Dr Henry was on-call at the time and advised a Caesarean section. The client agreed and Dr Henry delivered two live lambs and one dead lamb.
Dr Henry was concerned about the welfare of the ewe post-surgery because of the risk of peritonitis and advised that the ewe should be euthanised.
The client agreed to the ewe being euthanised and then asked Dr Henry to write a letter in which it was stated that the ewe had died in transit on route to the practice. Dr Henry agreed to write the letter in which she falsely certified that the ewe had died in transit.
The letter came to light when the practice director found it in an insurance file. The practice arranged an investigatory meeting with Dr Henry where she admitted that writing the letter was an error of judgement. When asked about her conduct, Dr Henry explained that the client had subsequently been dissatisfied with the letter she had written and asked her to change it. She refused to amend the letter and told him that it was wrong of her to have written it in the first place and that she regretted having done so.
Dr Henry told the Committee that she valued integrity very highly and that she was deeply ashamed that she had been prepared to write the dishonest letter.
The Committee heard several testimonials from people who had worked with or studied alongside Dr Henry, who all attested to her skill as a veterinary surgeon and that they had no concerns about her integrity and honesty. She self-reported her actions from January to the RCVS and from the outset admitted the facts of the charge. During the hearing, Dr Henry submitted that her action of dishonest false certification amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Dr Martin Whiting, chairing the Committee, and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee considered that, in this case, the aggravating features were limited and the mitigating factors extensive. There was no premeditated dishonesty or financial gain involved, there was no actual harm or risk of harm to an animal or human and this was a single incident in an otherwise unblemished 13-year career. The Committee found that the shame and remorse expressed by Dr Henry were entirely genuine. Her conduct on this occasion was entirely untypical of her practise.
“After careful consideration, the Committee concluded that the substantial mitigating features permitted it to take the somewhat unusual course of issuing a reprimand in a case involving dishonesty. In taking this course, the Committee attached significant weight not only to the isolated nature of the event but also to the genuine insight shown by Dr Henry and the lasting impact this event has had upon her. In the Committee’s assessment, a reasonable and fully informed member of the public would, in this particular case, regard a reprimand as a sanction which protected the public interest in the profession and upheld its standards.”
The full documentation for the hearing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched a new consumer campaign to support the company's joint care supplement, Cosequin.
The campaign centres around a series of paw-tapping internet videos which showcase the perfectly poised paws of dog and cat dance duo, Fred and Ginger, highlighting the importance of good joint health. The videos are available to view at http://www.cosequin-dance.co.uk/
Pet owners are encouraged to purchase Cosequin from vet practices to enter a prize draw to win a photography day with leading animal photographer, Sam Lunt, or one of ten tickets to an upcoming live dancing tour. Posters and in-practice leaflets are also available for vet practices to help drive awareness and encourage uptake.
Sarah-Jane Minter, Marketing Manager for Intervet/Schering-Plough, commented; "We wanted to create a campaign which would support vets in practice and attract the attention of pet owners, especially those who may not have previously thought about the joint health of their pet. With these lighthearted new videos of Fred and Ginger demonstrating everything from the jive to the rumba and an eye-catching print campaign, we certainly expect to grab pet owners' attention!"
ISPAH says that by supporting joint condition and maintaining not only healthy cartilage, but also healthy joint structures, Cosequin is suitable for all dogs and cats that need some joint support, especially highly active or older animals. It adds that the joint care supplement contains 100% pure chondroitin sulphate and the unique formulation has been proven in over 50 clinical trials.
For further information, please contact your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Business Manager or phone the company's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.