The BSAVA has opened enrolments for a new postgraduate certificate programme in small animal diagnostic imaging.

The programme starts in January 2022 and places are on a first come, first served basis. 

The BSAVA says the new programme is designed primarily for veterinary surgeons working in small animal practice who have a particular interest in diagnostic imaging. The aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and expertise they need to choose the most clinically relevant diagnostic imaging technique confidently and competently.

Participants will also learn how to interpret images obtained with radiography and ultrasonography accurately and enhance their understanding of more advanced imaging techniques.

The programme is designed to allow part time study and comprises 75% core teaching with a 25% elective component, allowing participants to personalise their study to meet their clinical needs. The in-person attendance part of the programme focuses on hands on practicals and workshops.

The online units for the programme will contain both pre-recorded webinars as well as interactive live sessions with the unit teachers. Students can also choose one of the two currently available electives to focus on at the end of the second year: either ‘Enhanced Ultrasonography’ or ‘Enhanced Cardiac Imaging’.

Lucie Goodwin, Head of Education said: “The certificate has been designed to take into account the caseload and facilities in primary care practice ensuring that it is relevant, and the skills students learn can be directly applied to practice. An increased amount of content delivered online means that the certificate is more accessible to vets around the UK and overseas, minimising travelling for attendance days, which are mainly for practical sessions. We are also pleased to be able to offer an elective component to this PGCert and following feedback from students, will look to develop further electives.”

The programme will be assessed by written exams, a case diary and a case book. Successful completion will lead to the award of BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging (BSAVA PGCertSADI).

To apply, visit the BSAVA website here. If you have any questions about the certificate, you can contact certificate@bsava.com.

Novartis Animal Health has launched its Summer Worming Packs.

The packs are part of an ongoing campaign by the company to get pet owners to worm their animals at least 4 times a year (as recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites¹), as opposed to the current norm of 2.6 times per year².

The Summer Worming Packs include waiting room and client materials, and practice PR support materials. There is also a pet owner website http://www.wormpatrol.co.uk/.

For further details about the Summer Worming Pack or the Worm Patrol Campaign, veterinary practices should contact their Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager.

UK Pet Food has launched the Pet Food & Nutrition Course for Veterinary Professionals which will be hosted by The Webinar Vet and runs from the 6th October to the 4th December 2025.

UK Pet Food says that with pet owners increasingly turning to their vets for nutrition guidance, this course is designed to equip veterinary teams with the knowledge and confidence to offer clear, evidence-based advice.

The course offers 20 hours of CPD comprised of on-demand modules and live Q&A sessions covering pet food formats, clinical nutrition, pet obesity, regulatory frameworks, sustainability, and client communication.

There'll be contributions from independent speakers and chairs from leading academics, veterinary nutritionists, and industry experts

Sarah Hormozi, Head of Science & Education at UK Pet Food, said: “This course is about helping veterinary professionals critically evaluate the science behind pet nutrition.

“We’ve worked with board-certified veterinary nutritionists, academics, industry experts, and veterinary associations to develop a resource that supports everyday clinical conversation - giving the veterinary community practical tools and confidence to talk about pet food and nutrition with clarity and credibility.”

There are early bird tickets for £90 if you book by 15th August 2025.

https://thewebinarvet.com/events/uk-pet-food-2025 

https://www.ukpetfood.org

Photo: www.depositphotos.com

Practice Management Software provider Agilio has partnered with R;pple Online Safety to promote wider adoption of its internet browser extension which intervenes when someone searches for self-harm or suicide-related content. 

The extension, which does not collect any data, interrupts searches related to a broad range of mental health and life challenges, including substance misuse, financial struggles, eating disorders, domestic abuse and more, with a positive message of hope and signposts to a variety of different mental health services. 

According to R;ipple, its extension has now interrupted over 100,000 harmful online searches and 32 people so far say they are still alive today because the software intervened at a moment of crisis. 

Nick Berryman from Agilio said: “Our commitment aligns with R;pple's mission to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and provide essential resources for those at risk.

"As part of this, we have implemented the tool across our own organisation to safeguard the wellbeing of our staff.

"In parallel, by supporting R;pple’s wider initiatives, we are helping to raise awareness and empower healthcare communities to take proactive steps in supporting those in need.”

R;ipple will be holding a live webinar on Tuesday 7th May at 1pm: Supporting workplace mental health and suicide prevention: my brother’s legacy.

In the webinar, R;ipple founder Alice Hendy MBE will draw on her experience of having lost her brother, Josh, to suicide in 2020 at the age of 21, and explain how healthcare organisations can create safer, more supportive environments through practical steps and awareness.

To register to attend, visit https://tinyurl.com/my-brother-s-legacy.

https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com 

https://agiliosoftware.com/ 

A new study, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ)¹ has concluded that whilst horse owners are increasingly looking to vets for worm control advice and use faecal worm egg counts more frequently, they remain largely unaware of the threat of resistance to dewormers and the importance of appropriate 'targeted' dosing.

The authors of the study say that although the findings are encouraging, they indicate that further effort is needed to help owners fully understand the issue of dewormer resistance, in order to help preserve the efficacy of dewormers currently available and protect the health and welfare of their horses.

According to the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), resistance of equine gastrointestinal worms to the currently available dewormers is a serious problem. The association says small redworm are the greatest concern, given their very high prevalence, potential to cause life-threatening disease and high levels of resistance. Of the three classes of anthelmintic available for their control, there is now widespread resistance to benzimidazoles (e.g. fenbendazole) and tetrahydropyrimidines (e.g. pyrantel) and reduced effectiveness of macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin and moxidectin). With no new classes of dewormer on the horizon, it's essential that efficacy of existing effective products is preserved.

The study was conducted by a UK team, led by Claire Stratford, Horse Trust Clinical Scholar in Equine Medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and at Moredun Research Institute. The collaborators were also supported by funding from the Elise Pilkington Trust and Horserace Betting Levy Board.

The study examined equine helminth control practices in Scotland, and was based on responses from 193 questionnaires detailing the parasite control programmes of 993 horses and ponies. The results demonstrated a lack of awareness of the significance of dewormer resistance, with 86% of respondents stating that they were unaware of the presence of resistance on their yard. The majority were relatively unconcerned about dewormer resistance, assigning a score of only 6/10 (with 10 representing highest level of concern) when asked to grade how important they perceived it to be.

On a more positive note, many respondents stated that they involved their vet in planning control strategies. Faecal worm egg count (FWEC) analysis had been performed on 62% of yards and annual treatment frequency had been reduced accordingly. The macrocyclic lactones or related combination products were the most commonly administered products; however, owners did have misconceptions regarding the specific worms they should be targeting.

Although treatments licensed for use against encysted small redworm larvae were administered by 80% of respondents, only 57% perceived that they treated for this parasite stage. Similarly, only 78% of respondents believed they were treating for tapeworm when, in fact, 90% reported using a product licensed for tapeworm treatment.

While responses indicated increased implementation of strategic (44% respondents) or targeted control (40% respondents), variations in the apparent influence of the targeted approach on treatment practices suggested some confusion over this term. Claire Stratford said: "Targeted dosing involves using regular FWEC analysis to identify an individual's egg shedding level. This is currently considered best practice, when used in conjunction with annual dosing against encysted small redworm and tapeworm. The survey indicates a need for continued knowledge transfer, together with a consistent definition of 'targeted' treatment."

Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "It's very encouraging to see that vet advice is being increasingly sought and it seems logical that the use of FWECs is rising accordingly. But, it is equally important that the information gained from the FWECs is used wisely. Resistance to dewormers is a major health concern that is with us right now and horse owners need to be made more aware of it."

Reference

1. A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite control in Scotland CH Stratford, HE Lester, ER Morgan, KJ Pickles, V Relf, BC McGorum, JB Matthews

Pfizer is giving away a free equine weigh tape with every purchase of Equest & Equest Pramox (while stocks last), to help encourage accurate treatment against encysted small redworms this season.

According to the company, Equest & Equest Pramox are the only wormers in the UK that treat encysted small redworm in a single dose. Using a weigh tape to work out their horse's weight will help your clients avoid under dosing, which increases the risk of resistance development.

Pfizer says small redworms are the most common worms found in horses today. They can pose a very serious health risk to horses and it's important for owners to make sure that they are treated properly during the autumn or early winter.

Small redworms can grow up to 2.5cm in length and are thin and reddish in colour. Small redworm eggs are passed in the faeces and then hatch on pasture and continue to develop into more advanced larval stages before being ingested by the horse as it grazes. The larvae burrow deeply into the wall of the gut where they encyst and may account for up to 90% of the redworm burden in the horse¹. Encysted small redworm will not show up in a Faecal Worm Egg Count - even if the horse has shown a negative or low count it could still be harbouring several million encysted small redworms².

Encysted small redworms can remain dormant inside a horse for up to two years, but they usually 'wake-up' in late winter or early spring, developing and emerging from the gut wall all at the same time. In severe infestations mass emergence can lead to a disease syndrome known as 'larval cyathostominosis', causing diarrhoea and colic with up to a 50% mortality rate³. Young horses of less than six years of age can often be at higher risk of the disease³ but small redworm can cause life-threatening illness at any time of year and in any age of horse.

Ben Gaskell, Pfizer's veterinary adviser said: "Treating encysted small redworms successfully in the late autumn or early winter is important to avoid the risk of larval cyathostominosis. It's important to advise your customers to choose a product that is licensed to treat the worms they are targeting and that they give the correct dose, by weighing their horse beforehand, as this will help preserve the efficacy of the drug used."

Pfizer's Does your wormer measure up campaign is backed with point of sale materials and a media campaign. To receive a free weigh tape, valued at £7 your clients need to buy a tube of Equest or Equest Pramox, fill in an application form and send Pfizer the batch and expiry flap from the pack. Pfizer will then send them a FREE Weigh Tape while stocks last.

For further information contact your Pfizer Account Manager.

References

1. Bairden K. et al (2001) Veterinary Record 148, 138-141
2. Dowdall S.M.J. et al (2002) Veterinary Parasitology 106, 225‑242
3. McWilliam H. et al (2010) International Journal for Parasitology 40, 265-275

The RCVS is inviting veterinary nurses to take part in a consultation considering the competences, skills and professional behaviours required of newly-qualified veterinary nurses.

The College says the consultation, which closes on 22nd December, reflects its commitment to keep reviewing its requirements for newly-qualified VNs to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect the standards and expectations of current veterinary nursing practice.

Participants will be asked to comment on a proposed new set of requirements, which is divided into three parts:

Day One Competences: the minimum essential competences that the RCVS expects all student veterinary nurses to have met when they register, to ensure that they are safe to practise on day one.

Day One Skills Lists: the essential clinical skills that veterinary nurses are expected to possess on entering clinical practice.

Professional behaviours and attributes: this encompasses the behaviours newly-qualified veterinary nurses are expected to demonstrate on entering the profession.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing (pictured right), said: “With this consultation we want to gain an effective representation of what the professions desire from future RVNs in term of their range of skills and knowledge and professional behaviours from their first day in clinical practice.

"Any feedback we receive on the proposed new requirements will be vital in helping to ensure that student vet nurses receive the appropriate education and training, and that our RVNs are fully prepared and armed with what is necessary to thrive in and add value to current veterinary clinical practice.

Once the consultation is complete, the responses will be reported to the working group, which will then have a final opportunity to amend and agree the proposals, before being submitted to VN Council for consideration.

The aim is that VN Council will agree to the new version of the requirements in its February 2022 meeting.

The deadline for completing the consultation is 5pm on Wednesday 22 December 2021. A PDF document with the proposed new requirements as well as the link to the online survey can be accessed from www.rcvs.org.uk/VNdayone.

To take part, visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/VNdayone

Changes to the registration procedure for veterinary surgeons, which are being put forward for approval by the Privy Council, have caused some concern in the profession.

Most contentious is the new requirement for veterinary surgeons to confirm their contact details annually, or face removal from the register.

Judging from the remarks in the VetSurgeon forums, many in the profession see this as just another example of bureaucratic-big-brother-pen-pushing-time-wasting (a perception that probably hasn't been helped by the RCVS stating that the change is driven by the need to meet EU Directive 2006/123/EC). Nor would Lynne Hill's remarks have done anything to calm the situation. She said: "If that [the requirement for vets to confirm their address once a year] is beyond the wit and the capability of supposed professional people that we expect to follow a guide to professional conduct, to act as professionals in everything that they do, then I really despair of this profession.

"I do not see anything wrong with the College asking people to confirm their address year in, year out when they make a payment. And if those people cannot be responsible for doing that then they deserve to go forward to be taken off the Register because, if they can't do that, God only knows what else they may well be doing in their professional lives!"

At face value, it's completely understandable why the new regulation was bound to get members' backs up. I mean, the threat of losing your license to practise because you didn't confirm something which hasn't changed anyway. It's a bit extreme isn't it?

The truth of the matter is probably a little more prosaic:

• It'll be a question of just ticking a box: 'I confirm these are my current contact details', or words to that effect, on the new RCVS website (when it arrives). The point is that it'll only take a second or two.
• The reality is that removal from the register is very much the action of last resort. The Veterinary Surgeons Act requires that the RCVS gives at least 6 months for a return on a confirmation before removing a member from the register. 
• There is also a new requirement to make an annual declaration of how many hours CPD has been completed. That seems a perfectly sensible requirement, in line with many other professions. The point is, you'll have to be in touch with the RCVS anyway, so is it really such a big deal to confirm your contact details simultaneously? 

At present, many members pay registration fees by standing order, and may never have updated their contact details. You could argue that it is only right that the authority changed with regulating veterinary surgeons knows how to get hold of them. If a consequence of this is also that the RCVS is able to work more efficiently and cost-effectively (apart from anything else, it shouldn't have to spend so much time tracking down and chasing non-payers), then so much the better.

A new company supplying pet chews to the veterinary profession has launched this month.

The Soft Chew Company has been set up by Kevin Ingram, owner of the veterinary supplier J.A.K Marketing and Niall McFerran, who has in the past worked for a number of veterinary healthcare companies including Animalcare, Ceva and Alstoe.

Kevin said: "The healthcare supplement market in the UK is worth over £20 million and rising but most customers are asked to use products which were designed for use on humans. The aim of The Soft Chew Company is to provide those health benefits in the form of treats that the dogs and cats will readily accept."

The new company's product range will be branded: "Chewz" and marketed as palatable healthcare supplements in order that they will not be confused with pharmaceutical products. 

The range will initially consist of:

• Dog joint support chews, (available in tubs of 120 and 60 chews)
• Cat joint support chews (in tubs of 60 chews)
• Dog multi-vitamin heart shaped chews (in tubs of 60 chews) 
• Cat bladder support chews (in tubs of 60 chews) 
• Cat hairball relief chews (in tubs of 60 chews). 

The Chewz range can be obtained from all wholesalers or directly from J.A.K Marketing.

For further information contact; info@thesoftchewcompany.co.uk or 01347 293150

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 Kennel Club Charitable Trust has announced that nominations are now open for its new Veterinary Awards for veterinary surgeons, scientists and veterinary students that are carrying out innovative research that will help to improve dog health.

According to the charity, the Awards will identify and encourage visionary thinking, ambition and life-changing accomplishments and those who receive the awards will be passionate about making a difference for dogs. Each award provides a large funding programme to the recipient, which rewards them for their dedication and innovation in the field of canine health and welfare and invests in helping them to continue making a difference for dogs. The awards will be:

• The Lifetime Achievement Award -presented to someone who has made a significant impact on the world stage of canine health. They will receive a £10,000 prize fund.
• The International Prize in Canine Health Award -presented to someone who is currently involved in world class innovation but with much still to contribute. They will be provided with a £40,000 prize fund.
• The Student Inspiration Award - presented to an extraordinary student studying at a British veterinary school, who demonstrates the potential to significantly advance the frontiers of veterinary medicine and research in the field of dogs. They will be awarded a £10,000 prize fund.

The awards will be judged by representatives from the veterinary profession and the world of scientific research, including experts in the nominees' selected fields. Dr. Alan Kelley, Dean Emeritus of The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, will chair the distinguished committee selecting the International Prize Winner.

Vernon Hill, Founder and President of Metro Bank and Shirley Hill, whose Foundation underwrites the Awards, said: "Metro Bank is a visionary, innovative bank, and we support the same spirit in these prestigious awards. Dogs Rule at Metro Bank, and we welcome them in with fresh water bowls, treats and Metro Scarves 361 days a year. We look forward to our gift making a difference and supporting the future leaders in veterinary science."

Rosemary Smart, Kennel Club Chief Executive, said: "We are extremely pleased to be working with Vernon and Shirley in this exciting Awards scheme, which will reward and support those people whose work is making a difference to dogs' lives."

To nominate somebody for these awards contact: cas.oakes@thekennelclub.org.uk or write to:

Cas Oakes
The Kennel Club Charitable Trust
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London
W1J 8AB

Nominations for the Student Inspiration should come from the Deans/Faculty Directors of British Veterinary Schools.

For further information and to find out how to enter visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/charitabletrust