The BSAVA is reminding everyone that the closing date for the BSAVA PetSavers' 40th Anniversary Awards is Friday 1st August .
To celebrate 40 years of funding veterinary projects, the charity has up to £5000 for each vet school to fund veterinary undergrad student projects, and also a £5000 award going to veterinary nursing projects, both RVNs and undergrad students.
Derek Attride, chairman of the grants awarding committee, said: "The PetSavers 40th anniversary grants reflects the charity's commitment to ensuring that first-class research into small companion diseases continue in the future. This grant is the first of its kind for PetSavers and is a great opportunity for veterinary students and veterinary nurses to work on a companion animal clinical research project."
The closing date for applications will be the 1st August 2014. Veterinary students should apply through their university and veterinary nurses can apply directly to the BSAVA. Each university will be able to submit five applications.
The awards will be announced in December 2014 and the projects will have to be completed and written up by December 2015.
Further information about the anniversary grants can be found at www.petsavers.org.uk
Assistance dog charity Canine Partners is asking the profession to support its work by taking places on a number of fund-raising challenges this year, including the Reading Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon, Tough Mudder, Ride London, Forth Road Bridge Abseil and Para Tri.
Holly Bryan, Events and Challenge Co-ordinator, said: "We are looking for people of all abilities who are willing to take on a challenge this year in aid of Canine Partners. All we ask is that you give something back by raising money for us through sponsorship.
"We have places available for many events during 2016 but we can also support you if you have your own place and wish to fundraise for Canine Partners.
"This year we are delighted to announce that we are an official charity of the Reading Half Marathon and our gold package means that we have 30 guaranteed places as well as use of the Reading FC Players’ Lounge.
"By supporting Canine Partners you will be joining our amazing ‘purple army’ team who are helping us to change people’s lives for the better."
The national charity trains dogs to help with everyday tasks disabled people would otherwise find difficult, painful or impossible including opening doors, undressing, pressing buttons, unloading the washing machine and fetching help in an emergency. The assistance dogs also increase independence, confidence and provide loving companionship.
Paul Sparrow, who ran the London Marathon for Canine Partners last year, said: "The support I have received from the crowds and the charity were fantastic and if one person saw my vest and googled Canine Partners to learn more about them, then it will have been worthwhile."
For more information, visit caninepartners.org.uk/challenges, or contact Holly at: hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk or call 01730 716013.
The British Veterinary Association has welcomed a report published by The Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding, which sets out eight priority welfare problems.
Commenting on the report, BVA President Carl Padgett said: "We welcome the Dog Advisory Council's report which highlights key welfare issues of dog breeding and makes sound, practical recommendations for addressing them."
The eight priority problems addressed are:
Mr Padgett continued:"The Dog Advisory Council has covered these high priority concerns in some detail. I am pleased that the recommendations give strong support to screening programmes including the BVA/KC schemes for hip and elbow dysplasia and syringomyelia and that they suggest ocular examination under the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme should be regarded as routine for all dogs used for breeding.
"I am also delighted that the Council has recognised the value of using a reputable puppy contract, highlighting the puppy contract and puppy information pack (PIP) recently launched by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA. The contract and PIP arm buyers with the knowledge to give themselves the best chance of getting a fit, healthy and happy, well socialised pet to join their household and they have been designed to help good breeders demonstrate the care and attention they have devoted to their puppies' breeding and upbringing.
"We must all continue to work together to address these welfare challenges and keep up the momentum to improve dog breeding."
The British Veterinary Association has produced a series of expert videos to help employers and employees with the disciplinary process.
The five short videos, which can be accessed free on vets.tv as part of the BVA membership package, talk employers through the procedures they must follow to ensure it is a fair process. The videos also advise employees on how to approach the process including guidance on how much time employees should have to look at the evidence on which the disciplinary is based.
The videos use case studies to show what the particular stages in the disciplinary process mean, what they involve and how to prepare for them.
Robin Hargreaves, Chair of the BVA Members Services Group, said: "Many have already downloaded the videos which are short and easy to follow, arming members with the knowledge they need to prepare for the difficult journey through the disciplinary process.
"There is evidently a need for such information and I hope members of the veterinary team check the whole range of free employment resources BVA members can access before paying for external legal advice - it might not be needed."
The videos are available at http://www.bva.co.uk/vetsTv/2792.aspx, the downloadable guides at http://www.bva.co.uk/guides and legal services at http://www.bva.co.uk/legal.
The organisers of the Vet Charity Challenge have announced that the 2015 fundraising and teambuilding event for the profession will take place on Saturday 26th September at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.
The event consists of teams of four walking/running, cycling and kayaking as well as some orienteering and mental and physical tasks. The day is designed for every level of fitness and to reward those that work the best together as a team.
So far the Vet Charity Challenge has raised over £100,000 for animal based charities. In 2015 the charities being supported are Canine Partners, SPANA and International Cat Care.
Registration for the event opens online at the start of April. Organisers say that spaces are limited and last year filled up very fast, so to avoid disappointment it is highly recommended to book early.
This year there will be discounted entry fees for students teams.
Gavin Mitchell from BCF Technology said: “We were delighted at the success of the Vet Charity Challenge so far. Last year we had 50 teams taking part and raised a serious amount of cash for three very deserving charities. We hope to top this in 2015, making the event even bigger and better than last year.”
Dechra Veterinary Products has joined the challenge as a new sponsor this year. Larry King, Dechra Marketing Manager said: “Having entered a team into the Vet Charity Challenge in previous years, we are delighted to become sponsors of the challenge in 2015. The Vet Charity Challenge helps raise a significant amount of money for worthwhile causes at home and abroad and we look forward to being part of such a well organised event. This year we will be entering teams into the challenge again and we hope that colleagues from across the veterinary industry join us for what is sure to be a fun-packed weekend. We are proud to be 2015 sponsors.”
In addition to BCF and Dechra, the event is also sponsored by Kruuse, the VPMA, Mojo Consultancy and Veterinary Practice magazine.
For more information visit www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or: https://www.facebook.com/vetcharitychallenge.
VRCC the Essex-based veterinary referral specialists and centre for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats has become the first in the UK to offer a canine melanoma vaccine.
The vaccine, previously only available in the U.S. where it has been granted a conditional license by the USDA, has been made available to VRCC's Head of Oncology Dr Susan North who fulfils the US Academic Credentials required.
According to VRCC, most oral tumours are not noticed early by owners, so many go undiagnosed and untreated until they are advanced and the dog has a poor chance of recovery.
Canine melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy, which readily metastasises to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys but is chemo-resistant. There is little evidence that chemotherapy improves survival time.
The canine melanoma vaccine develops effective immunotherapy in dogs that recognises and targets specific antigens on melanoma cells and may account for long-term tumour control and survival.
The vaccine is indicated for dogs with stage II or stage III oral melanoma for which local disease control has been achieved: negative local lymph nodes or positive lymph nodes that were surgically removed or irradiated.
The conditional license was granted based on the reasonable expectation that when used along with surgery and/or radiation therapy to treat the initial tumour the vaccine may help extend survival time and improve quality of life in dogs with canine oral melanoma.
US research concluded that canine patients with advanced disease have a median survival time of less than 5 months with standard therapies. In initial trials, dogs receiving the vaccination sequence had a median survival time of 389 days.
A canine transdermal device is especially matched to the vaccine for needle-free delivery and optimal distribution. Veterinary surgeons with a patient with oral melanoma should contact Dr Susan North at VRCC, www.vrcc.co.uk to discuss the case at an early stage, as initial treatment is important to ensure suitability for the vaccine.
BSAVA PetSavers is funding a research project at the University of Liverpool designed to help vets and owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.
In the first part of the study, veterinary professionals were interviewed about the services currently provided to senior dogs and their owners regarding preventative healthcare, treatment, and advice.
Owners were interviewed about their experiences of living with and accessing veterinary care for senior dogs.
The results of these interviews were then used to develop the online survey which researchers now need vets to take part in, to validate the interview findings in a quantitative way.
Dr Carri Westgarth said: “The veterinary survey focuses on the perceived barriers to care for senior dogs, end-of-life care including quality-of-life, and the potential design of the BSAVA PetSavers guidance tool.
"We would be grateful if any veterinary professional could take a few minutes from their day to help us with this project.”
The survey should take around 20–25 minutes to complete.
Survey participants will also have the opportunity to win an Amazon voucher.
The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/PetsaversOAPVetSurvey.
Across Europe, the company has over 30 technical experts who get over 2,500 technical calls each year about Cushing’s.
The company also publishes the Dechra Academy, which provides a range of free online courses for vets.
There's also Dechra’s endocrinology app which was developed using data from the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass database to help vets diagnose and manage the endocrine disorders Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and Cushing’s syndrome.
For owners, Dechra publishes the 'Suspecting Cushing’s' website and has created the Cushing’s monitoring app to help simplify the management process, improve compliance with medication and increase engagement in the dog’s care.
Sarah Musgrave, companion animal brand manager at Dechra, said: “Dechra has extensive experience in endocrinology.
"Cushing’s can be a challenge to identify, diagnose and manage and our ‘They’ve got Cushing’s. You’ve got us’ initiative demonstrates the comprehensive support that we have available for both vets and dog owners to help ensure that dogs with Cushing’s live long and healthy lives.”
https://www.dechra.co.uk/cushings-connect
The two-day event, being held in collaboration with the Veterinary Voices Hiking Group, offers a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, get together, and raise vital funds for this crucial charity.
The event is being led by passionate hiking enthusiasts and Vetlife trustees Robyn Lowe and Paul Horwood.
Each day's route will cover 12-19 miles of stunning Northumberland coastline, but participants can opt for shorter distances.
Robyn said: "The Northumberland hike is more than just a walk – it's about coming together as a community, supporting one another, and embracing the mental health benefits of being in nature.
"We hope to see as many people as possible join us, not only to enjoy the experience but to help us continue Vetlife's essential work."
While fundraising is not compulsory, participants are encouraged to try and raise £365 for the charity, symbolising the number of days Vetlife provides support for the community each year.
To register your interest, email fundraising@vetlife.org.uk.
Photo: www.depositphotos.com
The Kennel Club has broadly welcomed Professor Sir Patrick Bateson's 'Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding', which has recommended that steps be taken to tackle irresponsible breeders and to change the way the public think about buying dogs.
The Kennel Club, which commissioned and funded the report in conjunction with Dogs Trust, welcomes the report's focus on irresponsible breeders who farm puppies with little concern for their welfare and those who sell poorly socialised puppies on to owners to use as 'status dogs' or as fighting weapons.
The Kennel Club agrees that additional training and support needs to be given to local authorities, which are responsible for issuing breeding licences to those people who breed five or more litters of puppies in a single year, as the current provisions are deemed to be ineffective. It agrees that compulsory microchipping of dogs and increased public education to stop people falling prey to puppy farmers and to help them find responsible breeders are necessary.
It is also glad that the report recognises the need for a 'robustly policed and well respected quality assurance scheme', consisting of breeders that buyers can trust to look after their puppies' health and welfare, and that it suggests that the Kennel Club's Accredited Breeder Scheme, with some modification could be used.
However, the Kennel Club is concerned that the report could have gone further and that its recommendations do not appear directly to cover those breeders who breed less than five litters per year and who are not part of the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme. The Kennel Club would have liked to have seen a recommendation for regulation to ensure that these breeders follow higher standards, such as compulsory health testing.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: "Whilst the report recognises that the majority of breeders are responsible, there are those whose actions are bringing the rest of the dog breeding community into disrepute and this needs to be stopped.
"We are glad that the report recognises that the Kennel Club has made a good start in its efforts to unite responsible breeders within its Accredited Breeder Scheme, for the benefit of puppies and puppy buyers, and we believe that this should be the basis for moving forward. We are currently working towards UKAS accreditation of the scheme as suggested by Professor Bateson.
"We agree that responsible breeders should be rewarded and believe that the show ring is the best forum for this. The report recognises that 'dog showing and judging are a powerful lever for change' and the Kennel Club is dedicated to ensuring that only the healthiest dogs are rewarded at shows.
"Public education is vital and all dog welfare organisations must continue to work together to ensure that people know what to look for when buying a dog."
The report looks at genetic diversity in breeds and recognises that the Kennel Club has banned close matings. It advises that future decisions about matings that could affect genetic diversity should be 'breed specific' and made upon evidence based scientific information and advice. To this end it is recommended that the veterinary profession should gather data to show the prevalence of certain diseases and that an advisory council should develop evidence based breeding strategies.
Mrs Kisko continued: "The Kennel Club has long recognised that genetic diversity plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health of dogs and the report is absolutely right to suggest that there are no further blanket rules in place but that decisions are based upon scientific knowledge and are made on a breed by breed basis. This is why we are well on the way to creating a new database which will revolutionise the way that we record dog health data. The data will enable us to bring out our Mate Select programme, which will help breeders to find suitable mating pairs which are most likely to produce healthy offspring. The database will go further than the report's recommendation, as the data will be attributable to specific dogs, rather than being anonymous, and will give us a better picture of the health of pedigrees and crossbreeds. Such knowledge is critical and will enable us to provide information to breeders, vets, geneticists and ultimately the puppy buyer.
"We are keen to harness as much knowledge as possible for the benefit of dogs so we welcome the principle of an advisory council whose members will work with the Kennel Club to advise on decisions about breeding and health. A structure already exists in the form of the Kennel Club's Dog Health Group with its recently extended remit. Additional independent experts include canine and human geneticists, veterinary surgeons and an epidemiologist. Using this framework for establishing the advisory council under an independent chairman would save significant sums of money, which can instead be devoted entirely to the dog health research that the report identified as being in 'urgent' need of more funding."
The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust will now arrange a meeting between all relevant parties in order to move forward with the recommendations from all three reports.
The full report may be downloaded at www.dogbreedinginquiry.com
With Christmas just around the corner, Petplan is giving practices the chance to win £1,000 towards a Christmas party.
Any member of a practice can enter the competition by visiting www.petplanvet.co.uk.
Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew said, "It's been another busy year for vet practices and we want to thank them for their tireless efforts to keep the nations pets full of health. The £1000 will allow them to really celebrate the festive season in style."
Veterinary staff can also enter the competition at the Petplan stand at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) from 8th-10th October and at the London Vet Show on 22nd-23rd October 2010.
The RCVS is calling for comment on a proposed new Case Management Protocol for its Disciplinary Committee.
The new protocol provides additional guidance to all parties, ensuring that evidence is agreed or considered well before the hearing. Its emphasis is on the Committee being able to read skeleton arguments and bundles of evidence from respondents before the hearing takes place, which speeds up the process and enables decisions to be made more quickly. At present, this is not always possible, as the information is not always made available.
Gordon Hockey, Head of Professional Conduct said: "The new protocol formalises the standard procedural direction for cases to be heard by the Committee, with the aim of promoting the timely and efficient preparation of cases and the smooth running of hearings. This is in the interests of all parties."
The Disciplinary Committee hears between ten and 15 cases per year. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, the Committee can consider charges of serious professional misconduct, fraudulent registration and criminal convictions that affect a veterinary surgeon's fitness to practise.
A disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses was set up in April 2011 and the nurses' Disciplinary Committee would follow the new protocol, as and when it is finalised.
The proposed new Case Management Protocol can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/consultations. Comments are welcomed from members of the veterinary team and from the public, by Monday, 8 August 2011, and should be sent to Carrie Gage, Clerk to the Disciplinary Committee, on c.gage@rcvs.org.uk.
Norbrook Laboratories has produced a new pet owner advice booklet: The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment with the help of the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.
The booklet, which sits alongside a range of marketing materials to support Pestigon, the company's new spot on for cats and dogs, details the dangers of certain spot on products when used in the incorrect species, the risks of buying veterinary medicines online and the benefits of implementing a complete flea treatment program to treat the household and animal.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager said: "For pet owners, an infestation of fleas can be a nightmare. The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment has been produced to help pet owners, under the advice of their vet, understand the potential issues that could be faced with purchasing decisions when dealing with flea and tick infestations."
She added: "Pestigon was launched recently as a POM-V product and is sold exclusively through veterinary practices. The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment is available as part of a wider number of support materials available from Norbrook Laboratories including a useful waiting room display pack which will help support vets when prescribing the product and discussing flea treatments with their clients. "
The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment and other supporting materials are available through your Norbrook representative.
Norbrook has launched an Android version of its existing free iPhone app: ‘the Veterinary Excellence Tool’ (VET).
VET offers a range of functions to assist veterinary professionals and farmers including a product dosing calculator. The Android version has been developed to meet customer demand and has the same features as the Apple version which is available for both iPhones and iPads.
Norbrook highlights the following features of the app:
The app can be downloaded for free by searching for “Norbrook” in either app store.
For further information please contact Laura Holmes, E-Marketing Manager, laura.holmes@norbrook.co.uk or 01536 741147.
Apparently the commonly reported use of AI technology was for radiography diagnostics and reporting (44%), followed by laboratory diagnostics and reporting (27%), communications with clients (11%) or to assist with administrative work (7%).
Vets were asked about the benefits and risks of using AI technology in their work.
The most common reported benefit was data interpretation (55%), followed by diagnostic testing (49%), saving time more generally (40%) and for routine admin tasks or note taking (38%).
The most commonly reported risks of AI were the possibility that results are interpreted without context (83%) or that AI is used incorrectly, without follow up checks (82%).
The other reported risks were an overreliance on AI undermining human skills (68%) and a lack of data protection (25%).
BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “It’s fascinating to see how many vet teams are already using AI technology in their daily work.
"The massive boom in the use of these tools represents an exciting opportunity for the profession, particularly around diagnostics and interpreting large data sets.
"But as well as benefits there are clear challenges and risks, so this timely session is a great opportunity to address some of the ethical questions around the use of technology when it comes to treating animals and ensuring their welfare.
"It’s set to be an interesting debate, with the chance for delegates to pose questions to our incredibly knowledgeable panel, and I hope many of you will join us to add your voice to the discussion.”
On the AI discussion panel at BVA Live will be: Nick Jackson, Director, Veterinary Surgeon, Council Member - NGJ Locum Ltd, Ben O'Halloran, Policy Officer - BVA and Nicolò Frisiani, Co-founder and CEO - Lupa Pets.
https://bvalive.vetshow.com/conference-programme
Intervet/Schering-Plough has announced that Estrumate®, in both the 10ml and 20ml vial size is back in stock and available to order from your veterinary wholesaler.
The stock out situation had arisen as a result of increased demand during the early part of the year but the company is confident that there will be sufficient stock to supply the increased level of demand in the foreseeable future. Intervet/Schering-Plough would like to thank their clients for the patience and understanding.
Further information is available from Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Managers or the Veterinary Support Group (VSG) on 01908 685685.
The Registrar and Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Jane Hern, has announced that she will be standing down at the end of the year.
After 15 years in the job, Jane says she has been pleased to oversee a number of significant reforms and new initiatives in her time leading the organisation, but has decided that it is time to move on and pursue other interests.
The College says it is now embarking on a comprehensive review of its governance, committee and management structures, during which the Officers and Council will consider how best the executive should be led in future.
Jane said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time with the College and the Trust. Working with a profession held in such high regard by the public has been a real pleasure. I wish veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and all my colleagues all the very best for the future."
The President, Dr Jerry Davies said: "The Royal College has been very fortunate in having the benefit of Jane's wisdom and guidance for so many years, and we wish her every success in the future."
Owners of hyperthyroid cats say they would rather veterinary surgeons prescribed the appropriate dosage for their pets than have an easy way to administer the medicine, according to new research carried out by feline expert Dr Sarah Caney BVSc PhD DSAM (Feline) MRCVS.
111 cat owners were questioned for the research, which was supported by Dechra Veterinary Products and has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Dechra says the results of the study challenge long-held perceptions, and should encourage a reappraisal of the approach to oral anti-thyroid medication:
89% of cat owners agreed with the statement that it 'was more important to me that the vet prescribes the most appropriate dose for my cat than that they provide me with an easy method of administering the medicine.'
Dr Caney said: "The survey has shown that cat owners are not a barrier to prescribing twice daily medication. Their overwhelming drive is to provide the best level of care that they can.
"From an owner perspective, the ideal anti-thyroid medication offers low doses and a variety of dosing strategies to ensure that each individual cat receives the dose they need and no more."
The findings revealed that 'once daily treatment' was not ranked as the most important statement on dosing by any of the owners and that only 21% of owners who had experienced oral dosing of their cat described the process as either 'tricky' or 'very difficult'.
Craig Sankey, Brand Manager for Felimazole at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are very pleased to have supported such an important piece of independent research relating to feline hyperthyroidism which challenges some of the assumptions made about owner needs.
"Ease of administering the medicine is not the overwhelming issue for owners of cats with hyperthyroidism - administering the correct dose is. In fact, 79 % of cat owners questioned were happy to give pills twice a day if necessary."
To see the latest research in full, please visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism
VetNurse.co.uk has officially launched a completely revamped job advertising section designed to make it quite simply the best place to advertise jobs for veterinary staff online.
VetNurse Jobs now allows jobseekers to search for veterinary positions by distance from their front door (or from a city, county or country). Other filters allow them to narrow the search yet further, by job title, contract type, hours or practice/employer type. Each advert now also includes a map of the location, and a link to contact the advertiser at the foot of the page.
Jobseekers can subscribe to receive email or RSS alerts the moment a job advert is posted on VetNurse Jobs. Alternatively, they can now 'follow' or 'like' dedicated VetNurse Jobs pages on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter, to have VetNurse Jobs delivered direct to their timelines.
For advertisers, VetNurse.co.uk remains the largest community of veterinary nurses and support staff to advertise in front of. And its free. But now recruitment adverts are pushed out onto other social networks and there's work being done behind the scenes to push them up the search rankings too. What's more, the advanced new search tool also means that where before users had to sift their way through a long list of vacancies, adverts will now be far better targeted.
Arlo Guthrie, Publishing Editor said: "My aim with VetNurse Jobs has always been to support veterinary practices by eliminating the need to pay for recruitment advertising. But it's not enough just being free. We need to be the best, too."
The Human Factors aspect of the course considers how interactions between people and their environment can affect patient care and outcomes.
Systems Thinking looks at how well-designed systems in practice can help achieve better results.
Pam Mosedale, Quality Improvement Clinical Lead at RCVS Knowledge said: “When’s the last time you thought about the impact human interactions between your team are having on your patients?
"What about the processes you use to deliver care?
“Every veterinary professional wants to achieve good outcomes, but the role that Human Factors and systems can play is sometimes overlooked.
"Making sure that your processes are well-designed, and understanding how the people in your team interact with them can optimise the quality of care you provide, while improving team wellbeing."
“That is why we’re delighted to announce the launch of free, practical support on Human Factors and Systems Thinking for all veterinary teams.”
learn.rcvsknowledge.org
Vets Now has announced its selection centre dates for young vets applying for a place on the new 'Cutting Edge' Emergency and Critical Care fast track programme.
With the 20 August deadline for applications fast approaching, Vets Now has confirmed that interviews for the first intake in October will take place on 25th and 26th August. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the applicant meets the necessary criteria and is able to take up a place on the programme if extra places become available.
According to the company, the 'Cutting Edge' initiative is the first training programme of its kind in the UK. It'll see 40 vets who are likely to have graduated between 2006 and 2009 selected for a place on one of two 10 week fast track training programmes which will take them straight to the heart of emergency, working as a veterinary surgeon in a Vets Now clinic.
The induction courses will be held in October and January, each taking up to 20 vets through 10 weeks of intensive ECC training on a robust programme which has been designed by Vets Now Clinical Director and ECC Diplomate, Amanda Boag.
Amanda said: "The recruits who we select will embark upon an intensive period of training over the 10 week period which will give them the necessary skills and knowledge to launch their career in ECC. They will also receive ongoing support during their first two years as a Veterinary Surgeon in a Vets Now clinic with a very generous CPD allowance. The initial 10 week period will be a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, practical training in our clinical skills laboratory and mentored work in our clinics. Developing clinical expertise and problem solving skills will clearly be the most significant component of the training but there will also be support and training in other vital skills including communication."
She added: "Initial response to the programme has been very promising and we are delighted to see so many veterinary surgeons interested in developing their career in ECC."
Vets Now will continue to accept applications for the January intake to the 'Cutting Edge' programme throughout September and October.
Graduates who are interested in applying for a place on the 'Cutting Edge' training programme should contact the Vets Now recruitment team on 01383 841181 or email cuttingedge@vets-now.com
Protexin Veterinary has launched CystoPro, a new product to aid in the management of urinary tract infections in dogs.
According to the company, the key active ingredients in the new product are proanthocyanidins (Type A PACs), derived from cranberries, which work by reducing the ability of E.coli bacteria to infect a dog's urinary tract.
In addition, CystoPro contains the probiotic Enterococcus faecium (NCIMB 10415) E1707 which Protexin says reduces pathogenic bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract thereby lessening the risk of ascending UTIs of faecal origin.
The product also contains Mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), which Protexin claims binds E.coli and upregulates the innate immune system by attracting phagocytes to opsonise the bacteria.
Lastly CystoPro contains N-acetyl D-glucosamine which is said to reinforce the structure of the Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer that lines and protects the bladder urothelium.
CystoPro is available in boxes of 30 and 120 capsules.
Veterinary Nurse Nick Shackleton has started a campaign to protect the title Veterinary Nurse
The campaign has a section on Facebook where Nick explains: "The title veterinary nurse at present is not a protected title. A lot of people who work in practice call them selves veterinary nurse, when they have no theoretical training in such a position. As qualified nurses we feel that this issue should be addressed so that the general public are no longer confused as to the qualification and hopefully make them more aware of the hard work it is to gain the qualification. As we are heading for autonomy within the profession I think it is right and fitting that the title should be protected."
The group has already gained an impressive 781 members.
In addition, Nick has started a petition on the Prime Minister's website: Number10.gov.uk, which has gained 139 signatories so far.
If you'd like to sign the petition on Number10.gov.uk, I recommend you add the letters after your name (MRCVS / RVN).
Bob Martin has launched FleaClear (fipronil) for cats and dogs, which will be sold through multiple retailers and leading pet retailers for as little as £4.50 per treatment.
The company says it is backing the launch with 'considerable marketing spend', which will include TV advertising, a press campaign in women's consumer lifestyle titles, PR and social media campaigns.
According to the company's press release: "Not only is it cheaper than Frontline it can be bought off the shelf saving a costly visit to the vets."
Indeed. Not to mention the savings to be made by not having to hospitalise the permethrined cat.