Professor Ian Ramsey BVSc, PhD, DSAM, DipECVIM-CA FHEA, FRCVS has taken up the position of President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) for 2020/2021. 

Ian graduated from the University of Liverpool and gained his PhD from the University of Glasgow. He gained both the UK and European Diplomas in Small Animal Medicine at the University of Cambridge and is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and European Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine. He returned to Glasgow University in 1998 and has been the Professor of Small Animal Medicine since 2009.

Ian has published in the fields of infectious diseases, endocrinology and neurology but is interested in all aspects of small animal medicine. In 2015 he was awarded the BSAVA Woodrow Award for his contribution to small animal medicine. In 2016 he became of Fellow of the RCVS, thereby becoming a jolly good fellow Fellow of the RCVS, or JGFFRCVS for short. 

Professor Ramsey has served BSAVA as a regional secretary, member of several committees and chair of Petsavers and Scientific. He is probably best known as the editor of four editions of the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary.

The Presidential handover usually takes place at BSAVA Congress but was delayed this year given the cancellation of the April event due to coronavirus.

Ian says that during his Presidency, he intends to promote and enhance the digital offering of the Association to BSAVA members coping with the pandemic. He will also oversee changes to BSAVA congress with a more interactive approach to training; shortened, more focussed lectures and greater integration between the exhibition, the scientific content, and the social events. 

Ian said: “At this time of great uncertainty in the profession, my focus will be on providing BSAVA members with the scientific information and clinical training that they need, in a suitable form. Clinical skills and science lie at the heart of being a good vet and BSAVA members get access to a huge range of cheap or free resources in these areas to help them in their careers. Congress 2021 will be evolving as a vital part of this effort and I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to Manchester during the last week of March 2021."

The RCVS Council has decided, by majority vote, to consult with the professions on possible changes to the disciplinary system.

At the meeting, which took place last Thursday, Council members were asked to decide how to proceed with three specific proposals on reforming the disciplinary system:

1. A change to the standard of proof used in deciding whether or not the facts of a case are proven from the current criminal standard (‘beyond all reasonable doubt’), to the civil standard (‘on the balance of probabilities’). Under the proposals, the decision as to whether the proven facts amount to professional misconduct would remain as currently.
2. The introduction of a ‘Charter Case Protocol’ in which cases that meet the threshold for a full Disciplinary Committee hearing, but which might be likely to attract a low sanction, can be concluded without a public hearing. Suitable cases may include those where factors such as insight or remediation have been shown. This, says the College, means that instead of a disciplinary hearing, certain cases might be concluded in a more proportionate manner, for example via a system of publicly-issued warnings and/or advice.
3. To end the current system of initial review of complaints via a Case Examiners Group with the more complex of these cases then reviewed subsequently by the Preliminary Investigation Committee. Instead a single stage review process with complaints considered by a number of ‘mini-Preliminary Investigation Committees’ with three members would be used. This, says the College, would simplify the system and potentially speed up the concerns investigation and disciplinary processes, thus reducing the stress of the process on all parties. Full Preliminary Investigation Committee meetings (involving five Committee members) would still take place to consider the most complex cases.

Acknowledging some of the concerns that have been raised about changing the standard of proof, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson said: “The RCVS is now one of just a few regulators that still uses the criminal standard of proof in determining the facts of a case. We have sought these changes as part of our ongoing aim to develop a compassionate and forward-looking disciplinary system with the protection of the public absolutely at its heart, whilst also acknowledging the huge toll the process takes on the mental health of veterinary professionals.

"Research that we carried out into the impact of changing the standard of proof indicated that it would not lead to a major increase in cases being referred from the Preliminary Investigation Committee to the Disciplinary Committee. Importantly the number is likely to be very low because the standard of proof only applies to proving the facts of a case; the judgement as to whether proven facts amount to serious professional misconduct will follow the same process as at present.

"We estimated that during 2019, there could have been just two more cases brought to DC under a altered standard of proof, with an additional three cases that were borderline but probably wouldn’t have proceeded any further. Conversely, we also estimated that three cases that did go to DC during 2019 would probably not have done, had the ‘Charter Case Committee’ option been available.

"Ultimately, the aim of the RCVS in regulating the veterinary professions is to protect the public and animal welfare as well as upholding the reputation of the professions. We believe these changes will better achieve that aim."

The consultation on whether to change the standard of proof as well as to introduce the Charter Case Protocol and ‘mini-PICs’ is now planned for later this year.

Further information about the proposals, including some of the arguments for and against changing the standard of proof, can be found in the papers for RCVS Council at: www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council/council-meetings/4-june-2020/ (pages 70-97).

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Floxabactin (enrofloxacin), a new antibiotic product to treat urinary tract infections in dogs and upper respiratory tract infections in cats.

Floxabactin is indicated for use in dogs with lower UTIs including those associated with prostatitis, upper urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis in dogs, and superficial and deep pyoderma. For cats, the 15 mg dose can be used with upper respiratory tract infections.

Floxabactin is presented in blister packs: 15mg for cats and dogs, plus 50mg and 150mg for dogs.

Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: “Floxabactin has been developed with the responsible administration of antibiotics in mind. We would always promote only using antimicrobials when an infection has been documented and based on the results of culture and sensitivity testing, and or cytology testing, if applicable.

"Other treatment options should also be considered before the systemic use of antibiotics such as topical treatment for superficial  pyoderma."

For more information, visit: https://www.dechra.co.uk/new-from-dechra 

A study published in Animals¹ has found that the most common cause of potentially-fatal heatstroke in dogs is being exercised by their owners.

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that exertion or exercise – which could include dogs walking, playing or running with their owners – was responsible for three quarters (74%) of heat stroke cases. Many of these cases were in the summer months.

For the study, the researchers analysed the clinical records of more than 900,000 UK dogs. They found that 1,222 had received veterinary care for heatstroke at some point during their lives, almost 400 affected in a single year. 14.2% of them died as a result of their heatstroke.

Hot weather alone was responsible for 13% of cases, while travelling or being left in hot vehicles accounted for 5% of cases. Other triggers for heat stroke included undergoing treatment at a veterinary surgery or a dog grooming parlour, being restricted to hot buildings or trapped under blankets.

Male dogs and younger dogs were more likely to develop heatstroke triggered by exercise, with breeds including the Chow Chow, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Greyhound, English Springer Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull Terrier at increased risk.

Older dogs and brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, were at increased risk of getting heatstroke just by sitting outside in hot weather. Brachycephalics were particularly at risk of developing heat stroke if left in hot cars.

Emily Hall, a researcher and veterinary surgeon in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences said: "It appears that people are hearing the message about the dangers of hot vehicles, but campaigns to raise public awareness about heat-related illness in dogs need to highlight that dogs don’t just die in hot cars. Taking a dog for a walk or a run in hot weather can be just as deadly so consider skipping walks altogether during heatwaves, or be sure to take dogs out early in the morning whilst it’s still cool.

Dr Dan O’Neill, co-author and senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology at The Royal Veterinary College, said: “The UK is currently in the midst of an ill-fated love affair with flat-faced dogs. Demand for breeds such as the French Bulldog, Pug and British Bulldog has soared during the Covid19 lockdown. I appeal to owners to put the needs of the dog ahead of their own desire to possess something that looks cute."

Reference

1. Hall, E.J.; Carter, A.J.; O’Neill, D.G. Dogs Don’t Die Just in Hot Cars—Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs. Animals 2020, 10, 1324. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/8/1324. 

VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk are kicking off the New Year with a quick competition for a veterinary surgeon or nurse to win one of two Ororo heated gilets. 

The gilets, which normally cost $170, have three heating zones: one around the neck, one across the back of the shoulders and one which heats the pockets, all powered by a small battery. 

VetSurgeon Editor Arlo Guthrie (pictured right) said: "As some members will know, I have a sideline reviewing gadgets and consumer tech on YouTube. Having reviewed the Ororo gilet, I bought a number of them for myself and my family, but thanks to a mix up by Amazon, I ended up with a spare men's XL size gilet (45-48 inch chest, 40-43 inch waist and 46-49 inch hip) .

"I'd like it to go to a good home, and I thought maybe a veterinary surgeon or nurse who now has to attend to clients in a frosty car park might be very glad of it.

"Of course, there are more women than men in the profession, so I'm going to offer one of the womens' vests too."

To win one of the gilets, watch the review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l84lRgEN1s4, then email: support@vetsurgeon.org with the answer to the following question:

On the medium heat setting, how long does the Ororo heated gilet stay warm? 

First two correct answers out of the hat from those received by close of play next Wednesday (13th January) will get the gilets.

Arlo added: "Good luck, and a very happy New Year to you all. Let's hope we all get the vaccine soon.

"Oh, and if you enjoy the review, do subscribe on YouTube!"

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has reprimanded Dr Vanja Fures MRCVS for giving a false (and startlingly bad) excuse for his conviction for drink driving. 

Dr Fures was convicted of driving with excess alcohol in the Dublin Criminal Courts of Justice in December 2018. 

Later, when renewing his UK RCVS registration, Dr Fures told the RCVS Chief Investigator that on the day of his offence, he'd been on a flight from Frankfurt to Dublin which suffered engine failure, causing the pilot to perform a forced emergency landing in Amsterdam. There, he claimed, the passengers switched to an airworthy plane for the rest of the journey, during which he had several drinks to calm his nerves.

In a remarkably detailed and complex investigation, the RCVS Chief Investigator rang Lufthansa and discovered that the flight had not suffered engine failure and had flown direct from Frankfurt to Dublin without incident. 

In May and July 2020, the RCVS Chief Investigator wrote to Dr Fures setting out the result of his investigations and research. In his responses Dr Fures accepted that his memory of the incident was wrong.

At the outset of the hearing Dr Fures made an application to the Committee enter into undertakings to voluntarily remove himself from the UK Register and to not apply to re-join. However, the Committee did not accept these undertakings in part on the basis that he was not of retirement age and intended to continue to practise in Ireland.

The Committee considered that if it were to accept his undertakings, then there would be no judgement or findings that could be passed on to the Veterinary Council of Ireland for consideration via its own disciplinary procedures.

Ian Arundale, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee decided that this is a case in which the public interest, confidence in the profession, and, potentially, the welfare of animals, demands that there be a full hearing, with determinations made by the Disciplinary Committee."

The Committee then went on to consider the facts of the case.

Dr Fures admitted that he had supplied the RCVS with false information about his conviction for drink driving but denied that this was dishonest at the time that he supplied the information. He accepted that the information he provided was wrong, in that his flight between Frankfurt and Dublin, while delayed by just over an hour, did not have to land in Amsterdam as he had previously claimed.

He said that his false statement was based on misremembering the circumstances and that he had genuinely believed his statement was true at the time it was made to the RCVS. He said that, due to shame over his conviction and the negative impact it had on the life of him and his family, he had created a false memory of the circumstances.

However, the Committee was not persuaded that there was any other explanation in this case, other than that Dr Fures deliberately and dishonestly gave false information to the RCVS, to excuse his behaviour.

The Committee then considered if the admitted and proven charges amounted to serious professional misconduct.

Ian said: “The Committee was of the view that Dr Fures’ actions in dishonestly giving false details to his regulator was serious. While it was the case that there was no actual harm or risk to animals arising out of his conduct, the Committee took into account that the dishonest account was given deliberately.

“In addition, it was sustained, in that it was relied upon and expanded upon on several occasions when the College sought further clarity. Dr Fures had the opportunity to correct the situation, and give the truthful account, but he did not do so. The dishonesty was designed to achieve personal gain to Dr Fures, in that he wished to minimise the actions which the College may take against him, and, in consequence, safeguard his career.

“Dr Fures’ action in dishonestly giving false information to his regulator struck at the heart of his obligation, as a registered professional, to be open and honest with his regulator. This obligation is necessary to allow the College, as regulator, to carry out its crucial and statutory functions in ensuring that it investigates concerns properly.”

In considering the sanction for Dr Fures, the Committee took into account the mitigating factors, including the fact that there were no previous regulatory findings against Dr Fures or any previous conviction for dishonesty, that he had demonstrated remorse for his actions, that there was no actual harm or risk of harm to any animal, that no concerns raised about Dr Fures’ practice, that there was no repetition of the dishonest conduct and that he had demonstrated some insight.

However, in terms of aggravating factors it considered that there was deliberate and sustained dishonesty and that he had sought personal gain as a result of his actions.

After considering various options, the Committee decided that a reprimand and warning as to future conduct was the most appropriate sanction for Dr Fures.

The full findings for the case can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary

Virbac, manufacturer of Stelfonta, has announced that it will host a series of free webinars on the diagnosis of canine mast cell tumours, in collaboration with BattLab/Laboklin.

The webinars will be presented by specialists in their respective fields; small animal oncologist Sara Verganti and clinical pathologists Francesco Cian and Roberta Rasotto. 

Each 30-minute session will focus on a specific aspect of MCT diagnostics followed by a multidisciplinary Q&A. The sessions, which all start at 7:30pm, are:

• Thursday 7^th October: A GP approach to work up canine mast cell tumours with Sara Verganti, register here: https://bit.ly/SaraMCT
• Thursday 14^th October: What cytology can tell you with Francesco Cian, register here: https://bit.ly/FrancescoMCT
• Thursday 21^st October: The histopathology report and proliferative markers: what they mean for your patients with Roberta Rasotto, register here: https://bit.ly/RobertaMCT

Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "Mast cell tumours are the most common form of canine cutaneous neoplasia, although relatively simple to identify, knowing what diagnostic steps to take can be challenging. We believe this truly comprehensive bite size mini-series will provide vets with the confidence to navigate the diagnostic approach for their next MCTs."

For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.

Alasdair Hotston Moore FRCVS has become the Clinical Editor for www.vetsurgeon.org and its YouTube channel, Brains & Drains.

Alasdair qualified from Cambridge in 1990. After graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as an intern and then as a resident.

He then became a Lecturer and Senior Clinical Fellow in small animal surgery at Langford from 1997 to 2009.

He was also the Programme Director of the veterinary nursing degree and led years 3-5 of the BVSc programme.

He then moved to private practice, becoming Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Vet Referrals, and then Group Veterinary Advisor and member of the Clinical Advisory Board when it was acquired by IVC, after which he moved to Vale Referrals.

He received his Fellowship for Contributions to Clinical Practice in 2017 and is an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.

Alasdair will mainly be helping to develop Brains & Drains, a new library of peer-reviewed clinical demonstrations published on YouTube for the benefit of practitioners around the world.

He’ll also be helping to steer the development of other content on VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk

Publishing Editor Arlo Guthrie said: “Alasdair and I first collaborated nine years ago to make a film called: Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy.

"Who’d have that would be such a box office hit, with over 90,000 views on Facebook!

“Now we’re stepping up production, both by filming our own content and inviting all vets and nurses to film demonstrations themselves and submit them for peer review.”

Arlo added: “In recent years, there's been an explosion in the number of social media groups for the veterinary profession, primarily on Facebook and Instagram, which has led to a real fragmentation.

It’s as yet unclear whether that'll always be the case. Certainly young people are already migrating elsewhere, both because it’s not very hip to be on the same platform as your parents, and also a growing awareness of some of the harms of Facebook on mental health."

“Either way, with so much fragmentation, it is clear we need to offer more by way of quality content on VetSurgeon.org than we have in the past, and I’m really excited to be working alongside Alasdair to do just that, so that whatever the ups and downs of other social media, VetSurgeon and VetNurse remain reliable, transparent places for good quality information sharing.”

Animal Trust, the Community Interest Company (CIC) practice group founded by Owen Monie MRCVS in 2012, is to open a second, 6,000 square foot veterinary hospital in Rhyl, Wales. 

The new facility will have 9 consultation rooms and 4 theatres, and is expected to open in early 2022.

It will be Animal Trust’s 10th veterinary hospital – with existing locations in Wrexham, Yorkshire and North England.

Animal Trust now employs more than 300 vets and veterinary care staff.

A further 15 jobs will be created in Rhyl when the new hospital opens. 

Owen said: “Our ethos has always been that every animal deserves access to experienced and professional veterinary care as soon as they become ill.

"That’s why we offer free consultations for sick and injured animals brought to our surgeries.

"Our clients are from all walks of life and they come to us because of what we stand for and in some cases, for the prices we offer. 

“As a CIC, we try and make sure that a comprehensive veterinary service is within reach of as many pet owners as possible.

"We build large veterinary hospitals that will serve the needs of the local pet-owning community and make a positive impact on their lives.

"Our new surgery will allow us to extend our services to the residents of the North Wales coastline, many of whom currently have to travel to one of our other existing surgeries.”

Funding for Animal Trust was provided by the £500 million Wales Flexible Investment Fund. 

Virbac has reformulated Vet Aquadent, the solution used in daily drinking water to reduce plaque build-up in cats and dogs, with its FR3SH technology ingredients.

The new ingredients include pomegranate, which Virbac says helps clean and control dental plaque^1,2,3, Inulin to balance intestinal microflora and reduce foul smelling intestinal gas emissions^4,5, and Erythritol to freshen breath with a cooling and anti-plaque effect^6,7.

Dan Johnson, Product Manager at Virbac, said: "Bad breath is a common complaint by pet owners⁸, but some pets do not accept any brushing, especially cats, so Vet Aquadent FR3SH is an easy way to help control bad breath and plaque at home

"The benefit of water additives as part of passive homecare is already recognised by the WSAVA Dental Guidelines, meaning Vet Aquadent FR3SH plays a trusted and proven role in any proactive dental care routine".

For information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.

References

1. Hasegawa M et al. Effect of Natural Polyphenols on Dental Biofilm Formation In Vitro. J Dent Res 88, Spec. Issue A, abstract 251, 2009
2. Viana G.S.B. et al. Biological effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), especially its antibacterial actions, against microorganisms present in the dental plaque and otherinfectious processes. Bioactive Foods in Promoting Health: Fruits and Vegetables 2010, Elsevier, 459-478
3. DiSilvestro R.A. et al. Pomegranate extract mouth rinsing effects on saliva measure relevant to gingivitis risk. Phytother Res. 2009; Aug;23(8):1123-7
4. Flickinger E.A et al. Nutrient digestibilities, microbial populations, and protein catabolites as affected by fructan supplementation of dog diets. J Anim Sci 2003; 88:2008-2018
5. Propst E.L. et al. A dose-response experiment evaluating the effects of oligofructose and inulin on nutrient digestibility, stool quality, and fecal protein catabolites in healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci 2003; 81:3057-3066
6. De Cock, P et al. 2016. Erythritol is more effective than xylitol and sorbitol in managing oral health endpoints. Int. J. Dent. 2016. 2016:9868421
7. Hartel R.W. et al. 2018 Physico-chemical Properties of Sweeteners in Confections. In: Confectionery Science and Technology. Springer, Cham.
8. Eubanks DL. Canine oral malodor. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 2006;42:77-79 

Premier Vet Alliance is hosting 'Managing Challenging People & Handling Difficult Conversations’ a free webinar which will give vet practice staff guidance and practical tips. 

The webinar, which takes place on Thursday 30th June at 7.30pm, is being presented by Debbie Boone, billed as one of America’s most prominent and experienced veterinary communications consultants.

Gerrard Harkins, Premier Vet Alliance’s Commercial Director said: “Many people struggle with managing challenging behaviour and confrontation in the workplace and Debbie will be focusing on providing delegates with pragmatic advice and skills to put into practice.

"She is one of the veterinary industry’s most prominent and successful communicators so we’re extremely fortunate to be able to access her advice.

“We’re also looking forward to gaining a US perspective on this important subject.” 

To register for the webinar, visit: https://tinyl.io/5aIk 

Following the campaigning work of the broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, journalist Alice Smellie and others to raise awareness of the menopause, Vets Now has launched Peppy, a new app to support those of its staff who are going through it.

Alice and Mariella, who co-authored the book Cracking the Menopause, met with MPs earlier this month to present the goals of their campaign: education for all on the menopause, an end to scaremongering, prescribing women with the correct medication and making HRT affordable and accessible to all.

Vets Now says 88% of its 1800 employees are women, 28% of whom are aged over 40, when they could be perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.

The company's new app offers its employees video consultations with health experts, health and fitness programmes, and support with mental health and nutrition. 

Vet's Now says it's the starting point for a wider menopause support plan being launched later in the year which will include steps to help manage mental wellbeing at work, menopause support hubs and encouraging a culture which talks honestly about menopause.

Laura Black, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace and sadly it’s estimated that almost 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs due to the menopause.

“We are committed to creating an understanding workplace for employees going through the perimenopause and menopause and want to make sure they feel supported by us at all times.

“We've launched Peppy to help our colleagues take control of their health and get the answers they need from experts, anytime, anywhere.

"The app is free to access for all employees and their partners.

“We’ve been working hard on formulating a menopause support package for staff over the past couple of years and we’re really proud that we’re one of the first major veterinary businesses to make this step change.

"We’d encourage other businesses in the sector to look at similar plans for their colleagues.”

While the drive to launch Peppy was initially to support the Vets Now Menopause policy, it also provides support for fertility, pregnancy, early parenthood and men’s health.

For more information on Peppy visit www.peppy.health.