Cystease® S, CEVA Animal Health's urinary tract support product for cats, is now available in a new 100 tablet pack size for greater convenience to the practice.
CEVA`s small animal veterinary advisor Fraser Broadfoot said: "Previously Cystease® S was only available in 300 tablet packs. The new 100 tablet pack size makes the product easier to store in the practice and easier to dispense to clients."
To help vets gain easy access to information on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), CEVA Animal Health have also produced a highly informative technical review on the subject. Produced in conjunction with Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, head of the feline clinic at the University of Edinburgh, the eight-page, colour brochure contains practical information on the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of FLUTD and also includes behavioural advice on reducing stress in cats, which can be a major cause of FLUTD.
To receive a free copy of CEVA's FLUTD technical review and for further information on Cystease® S, please contact Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS on 01494 781510, CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
VetSurgeon.org has launched a new collaborative publishing section of the website (called a wiki) in which any member of the site may publish case studies and reports, abstracts, short communications, research papers and the results of clinical audit for open discussion and review by all.
The state-of-the-art systems in use on VetSurgeon then allow all members to comment on the work submitted. Initially, it's hoped that this will stimulate valuable further debate, discussion and critical review of papers that have already been published elsewhere. However, another benefit of this system is that it enables anyone in the profession to publish their research to the veterinary community immediately, without being at the mercy of such things as the availability of space in a traditional print journal, so original work is warmly welcomed.
Arlo Guthrie, editor of VetSurgeon said: "Of course I recognise that authors still want the kudos of publication in a traditional peer reviewed journal. However, in addition to offering immediate publication, this system also opens the review process up so that everyone in the profession can participate in a completely open way. If it works, it may even come to be thought of as a more stringent and robust method of review than the traditional method. Or perhaps more likely, peer review could become a two stage process in which work is assessed by a panel of experts and then by the sort of 'open review' offered by VetSurgeon.org."
Doubtless there will be concerns about the validity of information published in this new section of VetSurgeon, primarily because it may NOT have been subject to peer review at the time of publication. Arlo said: "I don't think this is an issue. VetSurgeon members should just have a different starting point. When you read content in, say Vet Record, you can presume it's been scrutinised and read it in that context. On VetSurgeon, you should assume the opposite, and then use the tools offered by the site to judge the value of the work yourself."
Ways of assessing work published on VetSurgeon.org include:
In phase one of this project, taking place over the coming few days, all abstracts published in Veterinary Practice magazine are being uploaded to the new wiki.
Click here to visit the new VetSurgeon Wiki
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have, for the first time, revealed that digital dermatitis (DD) has been present on hoof knifes used on cattle and sheep following research1 jointly funded by DairyCo and EBLEX.
The research conducted at the University investigated if DD Treponeme can be present on equipment used to trim cattle and sheep hooves. The research team, led by Dr Nicholas Evans and Professor Stuart Carter of the University of Liverpool and in collaboration with Roger Blowey MRCVS, tested trimming equipment used on cattle and sheep with digital dermatitis and after it was disinfected.
After trimming, DD was present on 97% of cattle blades and 100% of sheep blades. This was reduced to 29% and 46% respectively after disinfection.
Dr Evans said: "It has long been considered that digital dermatitis was spread in slurry which we have some evidence for and are continuing to investigate but now, for the first time, we have discovered the digital dermatitis bugs in the farm environment.
"However, the high detection rate of digital dermatitis bacteria on trimming blades soon after trimming cattle and sheep hooves from digital dermatitis cases suggests this may be a significant and worrying route for the transmission of this infectious condition."
Leigh Sullivan, who conducted the field work as part of her study, said: "Interestingly, in the world of human dentistry, a completely different species of the bacteria is found to cause gum disease. Furthermore, studies have shown it will adhere to metal on orthodontic braces which is consistent with our detection of the digital dermatitis Treponeme on metallic trimming knives."
Dr Jenny Gibbons, DairyCo research & development manager, added: "This DairyCo and EBLEX-funded study could help farmers, vets and hoof trimmers to understand more about the transmission of digital dermatitis between cows and farms. A logical precaution to limit the spread is to disinfect hoof trimming equipment between animals and between farms."
To find out more about this and other R&D projects, DairyCo is hosting a research day on 17 July at Trenault Farm, Launceston, Cornwall.
To book a place, visit: dairyco.org.uk/researchday2014
Reference
The British Safety Council has launched a new qualification to help people who drive as part of their work stay safe on the roads.
According to the organisation, the Level 2 Award in Safe Driving at Work provides work drivers with key knowledge of the hazards and risks associated with driving and equips them with valuable guidance on the measures available for reducing these risks, such as vehicle inspection, behaviour and defensive driving.
According to estimates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), up to a third of all road traffic accidents in Britain involve someone involved in work-related activity. In 2013, according to government figures, 1,713 people died on the road, with the total number of casualties standing at 183,670.
The Ofqual-regulated qualification, which is designed to be delivered by employers or training organisations, instructs learners on a range of topics including the particular risks associated with vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, the importance of regular vehicle safety checks and how to adapt driving style in response to changes in driving conditions or the actions of others.
Alex Botha, the British Safety Council's Chief Executive, said: "Driving can be a risky activity, a fact borne out by the high number of injuries and fatalities that occur annually on our roads.
"However, simple steps can be taken by employers and drivers to manage and reduce this risk. Our new Level 2 Award in Safe Driving at Work provides learners with all the essential knowledge to help them stay safe on the roads.
"Learners can expect to leave the qualification with a thorough knowledge of the main risks posed by driving - whether to themselves or other road users - and how to reduce them.
"Once registered with us, employers or training centres deliver the training using the high-quality teaching and student materials provided. Qualifications are assessed through a 45-minute multiple-choice examination that can be either taken online or on paper.
"This is a stand-alone qualification designed for delivery as a short course. It is also well-suited for integration into wider vocational programmes of study or, for example, as part of an induction programme. Students need no former knowledge or experience, so can come from a diverse range of educational and employment backgrounds.
"Safer driving habits should also feed through into workers' personal lives, providing employers with a valuable corporate social responsibility tool to help make our roads safer in and out of work."
The 2022 programme will include 17 education streams, covering the veterinary and nursing care of companion animals, together with a stream covering veterinary wellness, leadership and management-related topics.
Speakers include veterinary experts and leaders from around the world, and the expected 2,000+ delegates will be able to collect 14 hours of CPD over the two days.
The VET Festival will also offer a Wellness Hub offering things like yoga, movement and mindfulness sessions alongside the lectures.
There'll be a diverse commercial exhibition, with more than 60 leading veterinary suppliers, and all delegates will also have free admission to the VETFest Live Party Night.
Noel Fitzpatrick, Clinical Chair at Fitzpatrick Referrals, who launched VET Festival in 2015, said: “The last 18 months have been tough for everyone but particularly difficult for veterinary professionals, many of whom were already suffering with challenges to their well-being and mental health because of the pressures of their work.
"VET Festival is an oasis of time during which they can relax and rejuvenate themselves; experiencing continuing professional development that is uplifting and inclusive and enjoying social activities and companionship that will replenish their souls.”
Tickets for VET Festival can be bought here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information
Merial has announced that a recent change of licence means you can now administer the new generation NSAID, Previcox® for the relief of post operative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery in dogs.
Mark Riggs MRCVS, Veterinary Technical Advisor for Merial said: "Previcox (firocoxib) is now licensed for the relief of post operative pain. Oral PREVICOX can be administered starting 2 hours prior to surgery and has a rapid onset of action reaching peak plasma levels within 90 minutes. The palatable tablet can be given without food and is a realistic option which should be seriously considered when choosing pain relief for surgical patients.
"Containing the active ingredient firocoxib, Previcox is also highly COX-2 selective, being 380 times more selective for COX-2 than COX-1. As a result, it offers a highly desirable efficacy and safety profile which is particularly beneficial in cases which have gone through the additional stress of surgery.
"The recently published study by John P. Punke et al strengthens the evidence reinforcing the benefits offered by firocoxib. The research evaluated the in-vivo effects of firocoxib, meloxicam and tepoxalin in target tissues of dogs suffering with chronic osteoarthritis.
"Eight dogs were used in the cross-over study and each dog received each of the treatments (and a placebo) for seven days, with an appropriate wash out period in between. Firocoxib significantly reduced inflammatory mediators within blood and synovial fluid at all time points, whereas meloxicam only showed a significant reduction compared to baseline values at day four.
"With evidence demonstrating the speed of the anti-inflammatory effect of firocoxib, it may be time for vets to reconsider their post operative pain management. Previcox can be administered orally prior to surgery and can be given once daily for up to three days post operatively. For orthopaedic surgery this treatment schedule can be extended after the first 3 days upon judgement of the attending vet."
For further information please contact your local territory manager or call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 601 4236.
Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, has teamed up with leading cardiac rehabilitation experts at Harefield Hospital to help patients in their final phase of coronary recovery.
The recovery programme, Hounds Help Hearts, is, according to the charity, a UK first and encourages post coronary patients to walk dogs as part of their recovery.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team at Harefield Hospital aims to improve the physical, social and psychological well being of people after a heart attack or similar cardiac event. Among the recommendations for an ongoing healthy lifestyle, patients are being introduced to Dogs Trust Harefield where they can help staff, canine residents and themselves by walking some of the 150 dogs in their care. The charity hopes that heart hospitals UK wide will follow suit.
Hounds Help Hearts is part of a wider initiative to promote The Dog Prescription - a research document that highlights the ways dogs can improve human health. Dogs Trust is urging GPs all over the UK to prescribe a daily dose of dog with The Dog Prescription after research highlights the health benefits of dog ownership for both children and adults.
Lynda Evans, senior nurse /modern matron at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for patients recovering from a cardiac event and what better way to do it than alongside a grateful canine companion. We have been running the 'Care For Your Heart' Rehabilitation Programme for more than 20 years and as a leading specialist heart and lung hospital we are always looking for new ways to help patients to enjoy the best possible quality of life when they return home. We are delighted to be working with Dogs Trust on this initiative and partnering patients with dogs to help them reach their full potential through interaction and physical exercise."
The Dog Prescription highlights the mental and physical benefits of dog ownership and interaction and names dog ownership as an aid to the recovery of post coronary patients
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO said: "We undertook this research as we were aware of the health benefits of dog ownership but wanted to fully evaluate its potential. Amongst its ten points (which are not exhaustive), the prescription details health benefits including the fact that dogs can aid the recovery of post coronary patients. We want to spread the word about the health benefits of dogs and we hope that GPs and hospitals will start to encourage patients to engage with dogs for a healthier and happier lifestyle"
You can read the full research here.
Bayer Animal Health has announced the launch of, Dinalgen (ketoprofen), an NSAID injection approved for use in cattle, pigs and horses.
Dinalgen is available as a 150mg/ml Solution for Injection, and Bayer says the more concentrated format allows the product to provide the smallest dose, fast relief NSAID currently available for cattle in the UK.
In cattle, Dinalgen is licensed for the reduction of inflammation and pain associated with lameness, post-partum, and musculoskeletal disorders; the reduction of fever associated with bovine respiratory disease; and the reduction of inflammation, fever and pain in acute clinical mastitis in combination with antimicrobial therapy where appropriate. The withdrawal period for milk is zero hours and for meat two days.
In pigs, Dinalgen is licensed for the reduction of pyrexia in cases of respiratory disease and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows, in combination with antimicrobial therapy.
In horses, Dinalgen is licensed for the reduction of inflammation and pain associated with osteoarticular and musculoskeletal disorders, including lameness, laminitis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, and tendinitis. It also aids the reduction of visceral pain associated with colic.
Sharon Cooksey, MRCVS, FAP group product manager at Bayer, said: “We are excited to have this new addition to our portfolio. It is a good fit with our existing products.
"A recent field study*, carried out by Nottingham university, has shown that NSAID (ketoprofen) treatment maximises the chance of recovery from lameness in dairy cattle. Lameness remains one of the “big three” issues in dairy practice so maybe it is time we moved on from hoof blocks and/ or trimming in isolation and onto a more multi-layer approach. We have some great support tools in the pipeline to help both vets and farmers recognise and manage animals at risk for lameness.”
For further product information visit www.noahcompendium.co.uk or contact your local Bayer territory manager.
This year, in collaboration with Your Cat, the charity is looking for entries which showcase the cat-human bond with a brand new theme of ‘Cat-Human Relationships’.
The judges want to see a range of relationships in a variety of situations, locations and ages. For instance, entries can include but are not limited to: pet cats with their owners in the home, street cats with the public and cats with those who work with them eg, veterinary professionals with their patients and homing centre workers with the cats in their care.
Since its launch in 2013, the competition has collectively attracted over 15,000 entries from all over the world.
Eve Davies, who runs the competition, said: "Whilst we tend to think of our relationship with cats as that of pet and owner, cats and humans can have a huge variety of unique connections with each other and we would love to see this reflected in the entries.
"This year’s theme is quite different to previous topics – for example kittens or sleeping cats – but it has the potential to be much more rewarding. As well as receiving exceptional photos over the years, we have been sent some incredibly moving stories to accompany them and we are hoping that this year will be even better still."
Twelve winning images will be selected by the iCatCare and Your Cat Magazine judges to feature in the charity’s 2020 calendar (and other materials) which will be sold to raise funds for the charity’s work, with one crowned the overall winner and gracing the front cover.
All twelve winners will each receive a certificate, copies of the calendar and a selection of iCatCare merchandise. The overall winner will also receive £500 in prize money.
To find out more and to enter, visit: www.icatcare.org/photography-competition. The competition closes at 10 am (BST) on 1 July 2019.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association has announced the appointment of Dr Frances Barr as Academic Director, tasked with developing the new BSAVA postgraduate qualification in association with the Open University, ready for launch in 2012.
Frances is a European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, and a double diplomat of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. She has worked both in practice and as an academic, with 26 years working in Higher Education, and has a long history of working as a BSAVA volunteer, eventually taking on the presidential mantle in 2007.
BSAVA says it aims to provide the best possible educational offering to the profession, particularly to those in practice. Grant Petrie, BSAVA President, said: "Producing a postgraduate qualification is a natural progression to BSAVA's current CPD offering - there is clearly a need for it and we have a strong legacy as a provider of quality CPD. We want to make sure that the profession is served well - with a programme designed by vets for vets. As a charity with education at the core of our remit, BSAVA is best positioned to create something that will keep investing in the knowledge and talent of the profession. However, we always knew that we would need an exceptional individual to oversee the programme, and, in Frances Barr, we know we have that person."
Frances said: "This will fill a really important need. Many practitioners have a real appetite for learning more about their particular area of interest. Of course, they can currently do this with general CPD courses, but this new qualification will provide a structured and focussed learning programme which is flexible enough to fit around the busiest lifestyle, yet challenging enough to make the qualification a personal achievement, one that will be well respected by the whole profession."
She added: "The proposed new certificates in small animal medicine and surgery will comprise a combination of traditional taught courses, a wide-range of web-based material that will include interactive sessions, and workplace-based projects. This is the way forward for practitioners and will lead the profession into a more secure future."
The qualifications will be aimed primarily at the general practitioner, so they are not designed to replace the European Diploma system or aspiring to provide specialised knowledge. Instead they will be created very much for the interested, busy practitioner for whom an accredited residency programme is not an option. Grant Petrie said: "Encouraging small animal practitioners to embark on a clinically useful, challenging yet achievable, highly regarded postgraduate qualification sits very well with the BSAVA's remit to promote excellence in small animal practice through education and science."
The BSAVA postgraduate programme will launch in 2012, with more information about registration available at Congress 2011 and online from April next year. Frances Barr will begin working with the Open University and the BSAVA team in November.
The Petplan/Panasonic Monitoring Kit, which was launched last year, allows pet owners and veterinary staff to check on their animals via an app on their smartphone or tablet.
Petplan says is it being used by some veterinary practices to help provide additional security and monitoring capability within the practice.
The kit includes an indoor camera, which comes with an in-built temperature sensor and night vision, a door sensor and Smart Plug which can be remotely activated to turn on a radio, lamp, portable heater or fan to help keep animals content.
The kit also contains an SD card which allows clients to save and share video footage of their pet in its home environment with their veterinary surgeon, and practices to record and share footage with their staff or clients.
Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing at Petplan, said "For Petplan, keeping pets healthy always has been and always will be our priority. We worry about our pets when we are not with them and the pet Monitoring Kit addresses this problem by providing welcome reassurance that they are safe and well. We are delighted to be able to share this exclusive, time limited offer with our customers and veterinary partners to allow them to check in on their pets, from wherever they are."
To find out more and access a discount code, veterinary staff should login to petplanvet.co.uk.
The first webinar will be run by Dr Sarah Caney (pictured right), the CEO and founder of Vet Professionals, and Dr Hannah Newbury, technical lead vet at MSD Animal Health.
It will cover how telemedicine can benefit you, your practice and your patients. Sarah and Hannah will offer practical tips on how to set up a remote consultation, what you can do via telemedicine during the UK lockdown, and how to carry out these consultations and provide care during this time. There will also be an opportunity to ask specific questions in advance.
The series will also explain the financial benefits of remote consulting and the release of a new telemedicine platform.
To register for the first webinar, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4735768510902351372.
Click here to submit your questions before the webinar: https://getfeedback.com/r/hBY8qihT/q/1.
Colin graduated from the RVC in 1992 and has worked as a clinical veterinary surgeon in a variety of first opinion practices and referral centres. He trained as a veterinary anaesthetist at Bristol and Cambridge Universities before moving into the pharmaceutical industry, gaining experience in drug development and technical support, and pre- and post-marketing, at a number of companies.
Colin said: “Animalcare is introducing a number of new and innovative medicines, such as Daxocox, its weekly NSAID to reduce breakthrough pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, to the veterinary sector. This makes it an exciting environment in which to provide technical support.
“I’m looking forward to exploring how my experience can be most useful in supporting Animalcare’s expansion and, more importantly, ensuring that the company’s customers receive the guidance and advice they need to optimise the effectiveness of Animalcare’s product range in treating their patients.”
For technical support, email: technical@animalcare.co.uk
The results of the UK's first ever public National Equine Health Survey have quantified non-notifiable healthcare issues affecting horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK.
The survey, which was pioneered by The Blue Cross animal charity and is supported by The British Equine Veterinary Association, was carried out last November following two years of pilot schemes. The intention was to find out more about endemic non-notifiable diseases that have never before been recorded in horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, such as coughs, skin diseases and lameness.
The results were announced at the National Equine Forum by Professor Josh Slater, Professor of Equine Clinical Studies at The Royal Veterinary College, who has been working with The Blue Cross on the survey.
A total of 306 sets of records were submitted from 3120 horses in mainly private ownership, with a balance of representation from competition yards, riding schools, welfare charities and studs. A broad range of syndromes and diseases were assessed including colic, sarcoids, laminitis, wounds, dental issues, eye disease, lameness and weight issues.
The results showed that lameness was the most common problem affecting horses (11% of horses surveyed) but that the foot was not the most common cause of lameness and that laminitis (3%) was less common than the 7-8% total that previous surveys had suggested.
Weight management was the next most common issue for horse owners, with 9% of horses recorded as overweight and 8% as underweight. These figures are lower than previous surveys which may be because they are based on the owner's assessment of their horse's weight which is subjective and may vary according to their perception of 'the right weight'.
Skin disease and wounds (5% and 4% respectively) posed a significant problem and colic (2%) was also a common occurrence, with a 6:1 ratio between medical and surgical cases.
The survey is breaking new ground in Europe as well as the UK. Currently Government agencies in all European countries conduct surveillance for prescribed exotic diseases such as West Nile Virus and African Horse Sickness but currently there are no large scale surveillance programmes for endemic diseases.
Professor Slater said: "The regular collection of such data holds numerous benefits to the UK equine industry. Not only does the survey provide a benchmarking facility for equine disease, welfare, standards of care and codes of practice but it will also underpin standards for yard inspection schemes. Not least it confirms the workability of an important template to monitor the serious threat of infectious and exotic disease in the future."
He added: "It's exciting to see hints in the NEHS 2010 survey that data 'straight from the horse's mouth' might challenge some established ideas. For example; the survey found that lameness was common, as you would expect, but that the foot was not the most common cause of lameness, which you might not have expected. This kind of data has never been collected before and is invaluable to the veterinary profession and wider animal welfare industry, helping to inform our future research, training and education. It will be really exciting to see the results of the larger surveys The Blue Cross are running in 2011."
Kerry Doyle, education officer at The Blue Cross said: "We are thrilled to be involved with this innovative project to enhance the future health of our horses and very grateful to all those who have participated in the survey so far. We now need even more horse owners to sign up for the next round so that we can capture as much useful data as possible."
The National Equine Health Survey is currently funded by The Blue Cross but sponsorship is being sought. It is to be conducted twice-yearly with the next census week planned for 9-15 May 2011. All keepers and owners of horses are urged to participate and details of all horse owners will remain anonymous. It's very quick and easy to complete and should only take around five minutes. To register online visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk.
The association says the qualification will help vets conduct clinical research relating to their work - in particular vets working in practice. It is aimed at people who already have any accredited postgraduate certificate (60 credits at Level 7) relevant to some aspect of veterinary medicine or surgery and are keen to develop a deeper understanding of their research topic.
The Masters starts with online study into the principles of clinical research, which students then apply to their own research project, based on a further 1,200 study hours that could be flexibly achieved in two years of part-time study or up to five years, depending on the project type and an individual’s availability.
Lucie Goodwin, BSAVA Head of Education (pictured right), said: "For those vets who have already completed a postgraduate certificate it is an opportunity to develop their skills further, partake in research and collect valuable data from the field. So much of the published data in veterinary journals is based upon a referral population and this may not necessarily reflect what truly happens in clinical practice."
She added: "The BSAVA Masters is designed to appeal to vets who want to undertake research alongside their job role, without having to commit to a full-time programme of study."
Students will be allocated a ‘matched’ supervisor to provide project advice and guidance, plus the BSAVA team will be on hand to ensure ongoing support and encouragement.
Johanna Forsyth, senior veterinary technical manager with the diagnostic laboratory Avacta Animal Health, joined the Masters programme when it launched in 2016. She said: "The thing that has given me the most satisfaction from taking part in this programme is the way my views have changed. I look at things I wrote a little while back and think: 'Did I really say that?'. You become so absorbed in the project that you don’t notice how your understanding of the topic has grown. It’s so subtle, we haven’t been force-fed anything - it’s just like osmosis."
For more information, please contact masters@bsava.com or visit the website https://www.bsava.com/Education/Masters
A single vial can now be used for 8 days after reconstitution when stored in a fridge at between two and eight degrees celsius.
This, says Virbac, will help maximise the use of each vial, ultimately reducing wastage and providing a cost-effective solution.
The veterinary group is stumping up more than £100,000 for the initiative, which will enable 20 vets and nurses, and 56 new grads from across the group to work with the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and other overseas animal charities.
The grants are for £1,500 and those taking part will also get up to one week of paid time off work whilst they volunteer.
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “We wanted to support colleagues to have a fantastic experience while improving their skills in a different environment.
"It will give people a chance to use their clinical skills to give back to charities which are doing great work.
“If you’re working in a veterinary practice in Europe, you have support from team members around you and great facilities and equipment compared to the more challenging conditions working for a charity overseas.
"Working in these more challenging environments while they are volunteering will help build resilience, as our team members are unlikely to have experienced anything like this before.
“Charities like the World Veterinary Service are working ethically to help animals that may or may not have ever had veterinary care, and are doing a great job so we are delighted to support them.”
Does your vet practice or an individual in the team deserve to be recognised for their commitment and dedication to their job? If so, this is your last chance to nominate your practice or colleagues for the Petplan Veterinary Awards held at a glittering award ceremony at BSAVA in April.
You can nominate under four categories:
Alison Andrew, Petplan's Marketing Manager, said: "Nominating your colleagues for an award is a fantastic way of expressing your appreciation for their hard work. The veterinary profession is dedicated to animal welfare and at Petplan we believe that their invaluable care and support deserves special recognition. The 11th annual Petplan Veterinary Awards will bestow great accolades upon the stars of the industry."
Ben Jones was awarded Vet of the Year in 2009. He said: "It was a great honour to be named the 2009 Petplan Vet of the Year and it has had a really positive impact. The award has greatly increased the practice's exposure in the local and national press and we've also been able to use the award to generate our own publicity."
However Ben says the greatest impact of the award has been on his customers: "They were all delighted and I think it gave them a lot of reassurance in the service we provide. It has also generated more business with new clients saying they have come to us because of the award."
Ian Patterson, a partner at St Clair Veterinary Group in Fife, said being named the 2009 Practice of the Year has also had a tremendous impact on their practice. He said: "The award meant so much to everyone right across the practice and the team here is extremely proud of their efforts. It has also given us the opportunity to generate more business through the exposure that the practice has received since winning the award."
You can nominate online at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards. Remember to also encourage your clients to nominate your team for the contribution you have made to their pets wellbeing.
UK veterinary surgeons strongly prefer recommending branded treatments, according to a survey conducted by specialist advertising agency Masius.
The survey, conducted amongst members of www.vetsurgeon.org, received 725 responses. It gave a conclusive insight to veterinary surgeons' opinions on branding, with 87% of respondents saying that they prefer to recommend a branded POM-V over a generic equivalent.
While branded treatments are clearly preferred over generics, vets recognise that higher prices can be an issue for clients. Price is justified mainly through a higher level of trust in the quality of the product (through extensive trialling). They also cite the added support in the event of client usage issues and the value that clients attach to brands. The cascade is a further factor, requiring the use of licensed drugs.
When it comes to supplements, vets are still in favour of brands, but less so - as the cascade is not a factor. On the issue of price differential, most vets felt that a premium of 10-25% is justifiable for a brand over a generic.
Jonathan Posner, Business Director at Masius said: "As well as the quantitative data, we also got some interesting qualitative comments as well. Looking at these, one can see a range of opinions - from the vets who value the easier client acceptance of brands, to those who feel that their professional care of the patient is paramount and that a generic should be used where it delivers the same benefit as a brand. Client ability to pay was also mentioned as a factor - a generic being more likely to lead to compliance for a client on a tight budget."
The fact that branded products come with better information and marketing support was agreed by the large majority (93%) of respondents.
All the participants in the survey were entered into a draw to win an iPad 2. The winner of the draw was Megan Wood MRCVS (pictured right) from Fife. She said: "The iPad is brilliant; I love it, and am a lucky lady!"
Membership of the Dechra Academy is free and gives access to content from key opinion leaders examining topics such as diagnosis and treatment, monitoring and best practice.
The Academy covers subjects like anaesthesia, analgesia, endocrinology, dermatology and fluid therapy relating to exotics, equines, companion animals and food-producing animals.
The Academy includes webinars, eLearning, eBooks and videos, all of which provide CPD credits with downloadable certificates.
Dechra is currently running a new series of webinars through the Academy about how to successfully manage cases with the constraints of the coronavirus outbreak as part of its enhanced support for veterinary professionals.
Roddy Webster, Country Manager for the UK and ROI, said: "The Dechra Academy offers a vast range of valuable training support materials developed and led by our technical veterinary advisors and industry key opinion leaders. The platform reinforces our commitment to supporting the veterinary profession in the development of veterinary skills and knowledge.
“The refreshed Academy is more intuitive and flexible to use with improved functionality and navigation that makes it easier to access training as and when it suits the user.
“A community of more than 30,000 veterinary professionals are already benefiting from the learning opportunities available through the Academy and we would encourage anyone looking for exceptional and free CPD support to sign up now.”
To register for free access to the Dechra Academy, visit: www.dechra.co.uk/academy.
The event, which was cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first opportunity for the profession to get back together after the past two turbulent years. To mark BEVA’s 60th Birthday, special celebrations are in the pipeline as well as the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium taking place during the event.
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are all so excited that BEVA Congress is back this year, albeit that it will be a little bit different. You can expect the same event we all know and love but with a few new measures in place to ensure we can all stay safe during these uncertain times. We are also offering a virtual option for those that can’t attend in person, so that no one misses out.”
Congress Committee co-chair Tim Barnett said: “My co-chair Ceri Sherlock and I have been working hard over the past few months to put together a programme that rivals anything we’ve had before. You can expect lectures, discussion and debates on a number of topics including learning from mistakes, working in teams, and a dedicated stream of nursing lectures.”
This year Lucy has selected teamwork as the theme for BEVA Congress 2021, in celebration of the Association’s 60th anniversary. She said: “In modern day veterinary medicine, no one person can satisfactorily deliver all that is required.
“Without a team approach, from vets, nurses, practice managers, farriers and paraprofessionals the potential to maximise the health and welfare of horses cannot be fulfilled.
"This year, we intend to celebrate 60 years of teamwork and how we can do far more to serve our patients as a harmonious team than if we work alone.”
Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available from 19th April until 16th August 2021. Tickets provide access to all three lecture halls and exhibition halls as well as the virtual congress hub. They also include a complimentary ticket to the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium.
Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all 3 days (with concessions available for those in their first three years of graduation or on a lower salary). Virtual tickets are £99 for BEVA members.
BEVA has introduced a 'peace of mind' bookings policy to reassure those whose personal situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
Full details of the BEVA Congress programme will be announced shortly. To find out more and to book your tickets visit http://www.bevacongress.org/
Eggshell membrane is rich in proteins and contains collagen type I, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine. Virbac says the components of eggshell membrane help to limit inflammatory processes that occur in osteoarthritis and preserve the existing cartilage structure whilst promoting synthesis. The company points to a study which showed that eggshell membrane contributes to a reduction in pain perception by 25%, improved joint function by 33% and increased quality of life by 35% within 6 weeks1.
Rémi Mandray, Product Manager at Virbac said: "I am delighted to be able to introduce this innovative new ingredient to the Veterinary HPM Joint & Mobility Clinical Diet. This is an addition to an already very comprehensive approach to nutrition in dogs with osteoarthritis, which affects 20% of the adult canine population2. Studies have shown that improvement on mobility is visible as quickly as 2 weeks after diet introduction3 – changing their diet truly can change their life!’
For more information contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
Michale Garvey (pictured) has the official title of National Property Coordinator and he will work with local surveyors to ensure that landlords have realistic expectations supported by evidence at rent reviews and lease renewals.
VLA Treasurer Nicky Paull said: "This should help speed up what are sometimes protracted and expensive negotiations to the mutual benefit of corporate tenant and landlord alike.”
Michael is a Chartered Surveyor who has worked in the commercial property sector for 35 years.
He is the Managing Director of Chandler Garvey, a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, as well as being an RICS Registered Valuer.
He has specialised in rent reviews and lease renewals all of his career and has been a member of the RICS Arbitrators Panel for more than 10 years.
Michael also has extensive experience of the veterinary sector, having represented owners relating to disputed rent reviews, as well as acquisitions and lettings on different types of premises.
He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by the VLA as the National Property Coordinator, with the intention of allowing the owners of veterinary premises, to have a better understanding of the rent review and lease renewal processes and in doing so even the playing field so that better outcomes are achieved.
Richard Hillman one of the VLA’s founders said: “Negotiating with large corporate groups can sometimes feel like trying to run through treacle for small landlords.
"Having an acknowledged expert on our team should help the VLA to give much needed support to our members.”
Further information about the VLA can be obtained from Richard Stephenson vicechair@vla.org.uk
https://vla.org.uk
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has released the results of a survey carried out earlier this year which has found that there may be up to 5 times as many veterinary graduates wanting to work in equine practice as there are jobs available.
The survey was carried out amongst the 2,500 vets and vet students who are members of BEVA to help ascertain manpower requirements of equine practices in the UK.
Of the 819 new veterinary graduates in the UK in 2012, BEVA says it estimates conservatively that between 10-15% intend to work in equine practice. Meanwhile, the extrapolated results of the survey suggest that in 2012 there was less than 1% growth in full time equine vet positions and as few as 24 new permanent jobs available in the UK.
BEVA says that in line with the survey's suggestion of restricted opportunities, some of its members are also finding that internships, commonly the domain of new graduates to gain paid, supervised experience in practice, are now often taken by vets with some post-graduate experience. Furthermore, unpaid externships, which traditionally gave vet students valuable work experience, appear to be being filled by unemployed veterinary graduates wanting to gain experience in order to improve their chances of securing a job in equine practice.
Tim Mair, a partner at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in Kent said: "Earlier this year we had more than 80 applications for just one internship. Several years ago we would expect 50 or so applications for an advertised intern post but now, without advertising at all, we are constantly receiving applications, not just from new graduates but also from those who have been qualified for a year or more."
Charlie Schreiber, a partner at Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery in Berkshire, said: "We take on an average of two externs a month and over the past four years have had more than 350 applicants but their calibre is noticeably changing. We used to hear primarily from students but now it tends to be recent graduates or those who have already done a job in mixed practice and are keen to move into equine but can't find an internship."
Andrew Harrison, a partner at Three Counties Equine Hospital in Gloucestershire, said: "In addition to the numerous applications we received for our recently advertised internship position, we are inundated with unsolicited enquiries about job opportunities from recent veterinary graduates from across the globe. Our most recent advertisement for an equine veterinary nurse has attracted interest from a handful of recently qualified vets desperate to find work. This employment problem is not confined to internships; some of our recent interns have found it very difficult, if not impossible to find a job in horse practice, once they've completed their internship."
Amanda Piggot, a recent graduate, has first hand experience of the challenge of finding a suitable placement. She said: "I have always wanted to work in equine practice and my approach has been very strategic. It took me five months to find my current position at Kessock Equine Vets in Inverness, which necessitated moving 500 miles further north than I ideally wanted. For my next position I applied to Liphook twice and had no luck but I have now been accepted by Rossdales for a two year internship."
According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) the problem isn't confined to equine practice. The Association's President Peter Jones said: "The findings of the BEVA survey make sober reading and reflect the growing concerns in the wider veterinary profession about opportunities for new graduates in all types of veterinary practice.
"The issue has recently been brought into sharp focus by the announcement of a new veterinary school opening at the University of Surrey in 2014, with many BVA and BEVA members worried about an oversupply of veterinary graduates into an already competitive market. We are expecting the results of the RCVS survey of recent graduates shortly and, alongside the findings of the BEVA survey, they will provide an evidence-base to build on as we continue to assess the UK veterinary manpower implications of potential new veterinary schools in the future."
BEVA is keen to help both potential employees and employers tackle the situation as constructively as possible. BEVA President Keith Chandler said: "BEVA is proud that equine practice is attractive to so many younger members of the profession and it can provide a rewarding and fulfilling career. However we urge all stakeholders to ensure that current and prospective veterinary students are fully aware of the very limited opportunities in equine practice. Most of all we urge the students themselves to consider carefully their career path and prospects before making their final decisions."
Next month the RCVS will be releasing details of a survey of vets who have graduated within the past five years and how easy they have found it to find a job that meets their needs.
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has announced the retirement of its President Dr. Lydia Brown, who had served the maximum of nine years as a trustee and member of the VBF Board.
Lydia became a director of the VBF following the merger of the Fund with the Vet Helpline (VHL) and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme (VSHSP) in January 2005.
A past-president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and former chairman of the RCVS Trust, Lydia was a driving force behind the establishment of the VSHSP in 1999. This support programme was developed in response to the genuine need for a confidential service to treat veterinary surgeons with a wide variety of addictive conditions. Since then she has been involved in the expansion of the Helpline service from a telephone service to an increasingly-widely used email service.
The charity says that it is as a result of Lydia's thoroughness, sympathy and understanding, that very many veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses have been helped to recover from many forms of addictive conditions and health problems.