Bayer Animal Health, maker of Profender,  has released the results of some market research conducted amongst cat owners.

The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll amongst 1000 cat owners, found that:

• 57% see their cat as a member of the family
• 54% count their cat as a friend
• 45% choose to own a cat because they find them relaxing
• 10% have turned down a house or flat because it would not suit the cat

As regards worming:

• 80% didn't know that kittens can become infected with worms via their mother's milk
• 65% did not know cats can become infected with worms through hunting mice and birds
• 56% think it important to worm the cat regularly, but ...
• Only 26% actually do worm their pets every three months.
• 10% feel guilty when they have to give their cat medication
• 36% didn't know there is a spot-on worming product

When it comes to the relationship they have with their veterinary surgeon:

• 43% prefer to get their wormer from a vet
• 26% want reminders from their vet when preventative healthcare is due
• 25% said they'd be more likely to choose a practice that offers online appointment booking over one that doesn't
• 21% want advice that is tailored not just to their pet's health, but its personality
• 18% said they want their vet to be more of a healthcare partner than an advisor; to fully involve them in decisions about their pet
• 14% want advice that takes their personal lifestyle, as well as clinical factors, into account

When it comes to the Internet:

• 54% search for information about their cat online
• 47% said they believe cats are popular on the internet because owners relate to their mischievous behaviour
• 18% regularly post photographs of their cat online
• 10% of people have set up a social media page for their cat

Hill's has issued an open invitation to vets and nurses to come along to its stand to see some unique personal and practice development tools, now available on-line.

Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager said: "These are tough times for anyone in business but for many years now we have been listening to vets about the key problems they face. We found that vets and nurses felt that long term compliance was one of their biggest issues and quantitative measurements have certainly backed that up. In response, we have, over the last few years, been developing and refining a very exciting new initiative, the CRAFTworks programme, the new on-line version of which we will be launching at BSAVA. Working with veterinary practice input, we have tailored this programme to really deliver in terms of patient care and profitability. We are very much looking forward to introducing this scheme and I believe that many practices will see real benefits in terms of their bottom line."

Training has been widely tipped as critical if the UK is to work its way out of recession but cost can be an issue. Hill's has responded by launching a new addition to the Vet Nutrition Academy (VNA) website. This latest on-line course is case based, provides training in clinical nutrition and is available absolutely free of charge to those who register with VNA. The course can be viewed at terminals on the Hill's stand and delegates will also be able to sign up at no cost and receive a gift on completion of registration. The clinical nutrition offering is just one of a stable of courses available through the VNA website, which also includes registration forms for key CPD events and a facility to earn rewards for studying.

Last year on the Hill's stand, rehabilitation specialist Lowri Davies introduced many vets to goniometry, a technique to measure mobility that was then still quite novel in the veterinary sector. The on-stand seminars were so popular that the format will be repeated this year with 15 minute CPD sessions focusing on the development of appropriate exercise programmes in a range of scenarios including the growing, geriatric and overweight dog. Four topics will be covered each day for an hour of certified CPD during breaks and lunchtimes. 

There will be numerous opportunities for delegates to achieve work life balance with the popular Hill's speciality coffee bar available for those who want to chat through their nutrition dilemmas with technical staff or talk about the opportunities on offer. There is also a free gift for everyone who visits the stand and the chance to try out a Wii Fit - the latest product from Nintendo that combines fitness with having fun. There are three Wii Fit Bundles to be won by entering the daily competition.

Adrian said: "It's always good to talk to colleagues we already know but if it has been some time since you have talked to Hill's I really encourage you to come along for an informal chat and see just what we have to offer. The longer we work with veterinary practices the better we understand their needs and the better we can respond to those needs. We want to continue to learn from the profession and to use the resources we can bring to the table to help veterinary businesses to thrive and prosper." 

Novartis Animal Health is warning livestock producers to keep an eye on the weather, because wet conditions are ideal for fluke to thrive and pose real challenges to cattle and sheep this year, even in areas where there has been little risk before.

Novartis Animal Health veterinary adviser Saul Harvey said: "We are approaching the main season for fluke and with the changes in weather patterns and two previous wet seasons, there is a serious risk of an increase in the fluke challenge this year. The wet spell will also increase worm challenge on pasture as increased moisture allows worm larvae to migrate away from dung pats to be ingested by stock."

Mr Harvey said there were already definite signs of snail activity in regions much further east than before: "The recent rains and warm temperatures at up to 2^o centigrade above normal in some parts of the UK will kick off the fluke cycles this year.

"In cattle, liver fluke can lead to falls in milk yield of 500g / day over a 305-day lactation, as well as reduced weight gains of up to 1.2 kg a week in growing cattle. A flukicide that kills all three stages of fluke including immatures should be used in this high risk period, such as Fasinex 240 which is a low volume concentrated formulation and can be given through the floating hook doser for ease of administration.

"Liver fluke also affects the condition and growth of sheep and often leads to "sudden death" in acute cases. The first indication of fluke in sheep may come after slaughter at the abattoir, where damaged livers are often condemned due to liver fluke damage. To avoid these problems a flukicide such as Novartis's Fasinex, that kills all three stages of fluke - early immature, immature and adult - should be used. Fasimec Duo S, with ivermectin, should be used if worm control is also required."

Mr Harvey advised cattle farmers to dose their cows with a flukicide two weeks after they had been housed to clear out all the fluke ingested by the livestock while they were out grazing infected pastures. He said: "It is particularly important that they use a product like triclabendazole (in Fasinex 240) that will kill all stages of fluke after housing, because using an adult-only treatment will leave immature fluke around to continue to cause liver damage and that will affect productivity over the winter period."

The RCVS has announced that it is to host an open day on Monday 15 December for those members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions who are interested in joining the College’s Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC), Disciplinary Committee (DC) or Veterinary Nurse Preliminary Investigation Committee (VN PIC).

In January 2015 the College will be looking to recruit veterinary members for PIC and DC following a legislative reform order last year to reconstitute them separately from RCVS Council. This means that the committees must be made up of veterinary and lay members who are not on Council and members will be appointed on the advice of an independent selection committee.

The RCVS will be seeking to recruit four veterinary surgeons for DC as well as three veterinary surgeons for PIC. At the same time the College will be recruiting two registered veterinary nurses and a veterinary surgeon for VN PIC. Applications are particularly sought from practising or recently retired clinicians.

The Open Day (at Belgravia House from 9.30am to 4pm) will provide the opportunity for those who are interested in applying to hear from current members of each committee about what being a committee member is really like and the type of cases dealt with. Recruitment consultants will also be on hand to explain the hiring process and attendees will have the opportunity to put questions to Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar.

Those who are interested in attending the Open Day should contact Peris Dean, Executive Secretary, on p.dean@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0761 to register an interest or request an agenda.

Members of the XLVets, a collaborative group of independent veterinary practices across the UK, have raised over £35,000 in a recent charity challenge to travel the world without an engine.

To mark the 10^th anniversary of XLVets, all 53 member practices together travelled a total of 34,727 miles to complete the challenge, the equivalent of almost one and a half times around the world, by running, kayaking, swimming, cycling and walking their way thoughout the UK. 

Alex Cooper of Pembrokeshire based Fenton Vets raised the most, totalling £1,966.04, whilst his practice also clocked up the furthest distance, travelling 4,516 miles. He said: "The day took some coordinating with a horsebox carrying bikes and kayaks. The enthusiasm created amongst the team meant it became the talking point within the practice for weeks. It even reached the local press!"

He added: "We have already decided that it will become an annual event with invites extended to clients as well as all XLVets member practices."

Organiser Jane Simpson said: "The money raised has been split between member practices’ local chosen charities and Send a Cow, which will receive a cheque for £15,571.00." 

Sophie Porfirio, corporate partnerships manager for Send a Cow is delighted with the donation: "It’s a big fat thank-moo(!) from everyone at Send a Cow to everyone at XLVets who have made this fabulous donation possible. We don’t put cows on planes anymore, so they aren’t doing the mileage the XLVets teams have been achieving in recent months, but we do go to great lengths to provide the skills training, livestock and support so that some of Africa’s poorest families are able to help themselves. This donation ensures hundreds of people have food security and the knowledge to future-proof their families for generations to come. It’s an incredibly special gift and we really appreciate it."

Jane said: "The XLVets practices have shown how independent practices can work together to achieve amazing results. The generosity of all those that have supported our efforts will make a real difference to the charities.  It's a great achievement and I am sure that the resourceful and competitve nature of all of our members will mean that our fundraising efforts will not stop here." 

The RCVS has called for comments on a Concept Note which considers how the Practice Standards Scheme might develop in the future.

The Scheme is administered by the RCVS and the detailed Standards are decided in consultation with the Practice Standards Group (PSG), which includes representatives from all of the key veterinary organisations.

The PSG is considering the future direction of the Scheme as part of the second five-year review that has been undertaken - the first resulted in a new Manual and Standards in 2010.

The proposal this time is to move to a more modular approach, with greater flexibility and an increased focus on behaviours. The proposals also aim to address some of the perceived shortcomings of the Scheme, for example, that it is a 'box-ticking' exercise; that the Scheme puts too much emphasis on paperwork requirements; and, that it is inflexible, particularly at Hospital level, meaning that to qualify, practices would have to purchase expensive equipment that they would never use.

PSG Chairman, Peter Jinman said: "Although the fundamental aim of the Scheme remains to raise and maintain high standards, the PSG recognises that it's important to address criticisms that may be acting as barriers to new members joining.

"It is hoped that changes can also be made that will provide a pathway for existing members to attain higher, more meaningful standards, which are directly relevant to animal care."

The Concept Note is available on www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations, and feedback should be sent to Practice Standards Scheme Manager Eleanor Ferguson, at e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk, or to a Practice Standards Group member (as outlined in the Concept Note), by 20 December 2012.

This feedback will inform the development of more detailed proposals, which will be put out to full consultation in due course.

CVS and the University of Bristol are collaborating on a new antimicrobial stewardship clinical research project to increase the responsible use of antimicrobials in in acute (haemorrhagic) diarrhoea, cat bite abscess and otitis externa.

It will compare current prescription levels with two-year retrospective data to gain an understanding of prescribing behaviour.

It will also look at the proportion of prescriptions that are Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs). 

Individual practice data will then be given to a dedicated AMS representative at each surgery who will be responsible for sharing it with their team - to gain an understanding of their prescribing for these conditions and to review actions which can be taken at practice level.

CPD on antimicrobial stewardship will be given to all practices to encourage responsible antimicrobial usage. 

The research project will then capture ongoing data - from August 2024 until July 2025 - to show changes in antimicrobial prescribing. 

The research is expected to provide an opportunity to build upon ongoing veterinary antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

This could include: using diagnostics to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans, informing a change in prescribing behaviour, selecting antimicrobials responsibly, educating pet owners on antimicrobial resistance and using evidence-based guidance.

The clinical research project is being run by Kezia Wareham, Doctor of Philosophy student at Bristol Veterinary School (supervised by Dr Fernando Sanchez-Vizcaino, Dr Emi Barker, Dr Nicola Rooney and Dr Irene Bueno Padilla) and Deb Komianos, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS.

Deb said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top ten global health threats and the figures projected by the WHO for attributable deaths are truly startling.

"To address the development of drug-resistant pathogens requires a One Health approach.

"It is not enough to pay lip service to AMS, we need to be leading the change."

Fitzpatrick Referrals has launched a new sports medicine and rehabilitation centre for dogs at its referral centre in Surrey.

Fitzpatrick Referrals has been running a dedicated rehabilitation centre since the practice opened at Eashing in 2007. It has now extended the offering to include sports medicine clinics and osteoarthritis clinics, creating what it claims is the largest centre of its kind in the country.

Building work has now been completed at the centre and Fitzpatrick Referrals has appointed David Prydie MRCVS, a small animal rehabilitation expert, to head up the centre.

Speaking about the launch of the new service, Noel Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Fitzpatrick Referrals said: "At Fitzpatrick Referrals, we believe that appropriate rehabilitation is integral to the success of orthopaedic and neuro-surgical intervention and fundamental in promoting pain free functional quality of life.

"Traditionally, the rehabilitation centre has been geared towards treating post-op patients. While the new centre will continue to treat animals which have been referred to Fitzpatrick Referrals for surgical procedures, helping to restore function, reduce pain and speed up the recovery process, we will now offer new dedicated Sports Medicine and Osteoarthritis clinics, of which there are currently only a handful in the UK. This will provide referring practitioners and clients with a new range of options for dealing with sports injuries and the on-going management of Osteoarthritis.

"For the first time, minimally invasive arthroscopic investigation and advanced diagnostic imaging with MRI and CT will be available side-by-side with a team of clinicians who truly understand the unique anatomy, physiology and exercise demands of working and sports dogs and who adopt an integrated approach to achieving maximum mobility for dogs of all ages. We intend that the new centre will create a new standard of integrated care for the active performance or pet dog because we will match function with form and intention with action. Every plan will be tailor made for the individual with sincere attention to the very special environment and demands of the sporting dog. I'm extraordinarily excited about this new horizon."  

David Prydie added: "We expect to see cases where there are specific injuries which the canine athlete is prone to and which require specialist knowledge to identify and treat. Our goal is to help the dogs return to their performance event as soon as possible. We will also be offering advice on training regimes for the various activities. The centre will offer a new osteoarthritis clinic, treating osteoarthritis in all ages of dog using a multimodal approach such as weight management, exercise regimes, physiotherapy techniques and use of tools such as the therapeutic laser. There is a wealth of experience already present within the practice and I will be working with Noel and the other surgeons to develop our offering in sports injury management and also with Professor Stuart Carmichael in the development of osteoarthritis management schemes."

The practice will celebrate the launch of the new centre with its first festival for pets, 'Dogfest', built around the theme of the 'Active Dog'. The festival will take place on 10^th and 11^th of August and will feature a number of agility and flyball events, canine sports medicine lectures delivered by world experts, a range of tents and stalls, 'Have a Go' agility sessions, an agility display by former Fitzpatrick patients who have returned to compete in the agility circuit, a 'Meet the Fitzpatrick Heroes' display and a special '999' display by the Sussex Police Dogs on both days.

For information on the new Fitzpatrick Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre services and to discuss referrals, contact the reception team on 01483 423 761. 

RCVS Knowledge is looking to fill two new volunteer Trustee positions. 

The charity – whose mission is to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public, and society – is currently governed by a board of 11 Trustees chaired by Amanda Boag.

It is now looking for driven individuals to help expand its impact and influence in two new roles - ‘Digital and Communications Trustee’ and ‘Lay Trustee (Finance)’.

The Digital and Communications Trustee role will support the development and implementation of an integrated strategic digital and communications plan to advance brand identity of the organisation, and increase its visibility and accessibility across a wider veterinary audience.

The Lay Trustee (Finance) role will support the Treasurer in the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.

Trustees are expected to contribute actively to the Board by giving strategic direction; helping shape overall policy; defining goals and setting targets; evaluating performance; ensuring the charity’s effective and efficient administration and financial stability.

Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, said: “This is a great opportunity to join the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees and help us develop and champion the advancement of veterinary care. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to contribute to the governance of the charity, focusing on Finance, Digital and Communications. There is no need to have previous trustee experience, as training and support will be provided.”

The posts are unremunerated but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Applications are now open and will close on Monday 9th August. More information about the available roles and how to apply can be found on RCVS Knowledge’s website: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/home.

Visitors to BSAVA Congress 2010 can navigate the commercial exhibition stands and lectures more effectively this year, thanks to a free iPhone app developed by IT provider, AT Veterinary Systems.

The app includes floor plans of the ICC and the NIA, a list of all the exhibitors and stand locations, details of the presentations being held and the ability for users to create a customised list of 'favourite' lectures.

AT Veterinary Systems says the Congress App is its fifth successive release of software in the last six months and marks a prolific year of development for the company. AT's latest software releases include VISION Email Server, Insurance Claims Manager and the latest SPECTRUM Release (1L). Further products are also in the pipeline and will also be launched at this year's BSAVA.

To find out more about the BSAVA app, please visit: http://vetsystems.co.uk/vetcongress/

New research carried out by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association on behalf of National Pet Month has provided an insight into the latest pet purchasing trends in the UK:

• There are 27 million pets in the UK with dogs and cats being the animal of choice for pet lovers with over 7.3 and 7.2 million across the UK respectively. 
• The ten most popular pets are: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, horses/ponies, snakes, gerbils, tortoises/turtles and rats (in that order).
• 39% of London’s pet owners purchase their pet for companionship, despite living in the UK’s highest populated city.
• 60% of single people in the UK buy a pet for companionship – 39% of whom have replaced their partner with a pet
• 21% of pet owners have wanted a pet since childhood, and almost of half of people living in the North East have wanted a pet since their early years
• The East Midlands has the most pet lovers, with 14% of the pet population living in the heart of the UK, compared to only 4% of the population residing in Wales.
• 39% of London pet owners feel the need for companionship despite having over 7.5 million neighbours across the city
• 21% of owners bought their pet for companionship, compared to only 5% who have their pet for security
• Over a quarter (27%) of the UK’s pets were bought or acquired from an animal welfare or rescue centre compared to 20% from a pet shop

 Congratulations to Merial for a creative initiative to celebrate the 25th birthday of Eqvalan®.

The company made a much needed donation towards the upkeep of the Pewsey White Horse in return for being able to use it as part of Eqvalan's birthday celebration publicity programme for 2008.

The money will be used to restore the protective fencing around the ancient landmark, near Marlborough in Wiltshire.

Merial's Claire Parry- Baggott explains: "There are a number of white horse sites across the UK, many of which are extremely popular visitor destinations. To keep these sites open to the public requires year-round maintenance, often from a small army of volunteers.

"Horse owners have been using Eqvalan to help protect their trusty companions for 25 years, and this initiative will help provide protection of a different kind!

"The idea sprang from the current Eqvalan advertising campaign which celebrates 25 years of worming protection. The result is a fantastic 100 feet replica of our Eqvalan birthday horse, and brand new fencing for the Pewsey White Horse!

"We were delighted to help the Pewsey Council raise funds to preserve the site and hopefully this money will enable the horse to be enjoyed by many for years to come," concludes Claire.