At the outset of the hearing, Ms Giles admitted that between 1 August 2012 and 21 June 2016 she had failed to respond to reasonable requests from the RCVS to share her CPD records – these requests amounted to 11 letters, two emails and three telephone calls. Of these attempts to contact Ms Giles, she responded to just one email. This was in May 2016 in which she issued an apology (and an explanation that she had moved address) and offered to provide certificates proving that she had undertaken CPD – despite the fact that no such evidence could in fact be produced.
During the proceedings the RCVS asserted that Ms Giles had failed to comply with several crucial aspects of the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses – namely that all members of the profession are expected to undertake at least 45 hours of CPD over a rolling three-year period in order to keep their professional skills and competences up-to-date, that these CPD records should be provided upon request and that members of the profession must comply with reasonable requests from the RCVS.
In her evidence Ms Giles said that she knew she should have responded to these requests but admitted that she did not originally regard the requests as important and thought that the matter would 'go away' if she did not respond. When it became clear that this was not the case she said she found it difficult to face up to her obligations. She also admitted that her failures to respond were unprofessional and that she now has an appreciation of the importance of undertaking CPD in terms of keeping up with changing practices and advances in veterinary and nursing practice.
Having found the charges against her proved and finding her guilty of disgraceful conduct, the Committee then considered its sanction against Ms Giles. The Committee took into account the seriousness of Ms Giles' failings in that she made repeated decisions not to comply with requests from the RCVS over a protracted period of four years.
Professor Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "Your failures show, inevitably, a disregard for the regulatory responsibilities of the RCVS to police veterinary nurses' obligations to fulfil their CPD requirements."
He added: "The RCVS can only seek to ensure compliance with those obligations at one step removed, namely by requesting information from its registrants that they have complied with their CPD obligations. They are in this respect, therefore, heavily dependent on the cooperation of registrants to provide full, honest and prompt responses to their reasonable requests for confirmation of their compliance. It is that which has been sorely absent in this case."
The Committee heard mitigating evidence on behalf of Ms Giles including witness statements and letters from current and former colleagues which complimented her communication skills with work colleagues and animal owners and in which it was accepted that she is a "valued member of the veterinary nursing profession."
The Committee also recognised that she had shown insight into her failings, that she had not attempted to excuse the failures to respond to the RCVS and had been making efforts to keep records of her CPD.
However, the Committee decided that a suspension from the Register would be the most appropriate sanction. Professor Barr said: "The mitigation that has been advanced on your behalf has been considered by the Committee and that has served to reduce the period of suspension that a bare account of the facts pertaining to the charge laid against you might suggest is appropriate.
"In the result that mitigation has persuaded us that we would be acting consistently with our public duty by imposing a period of suspension of two months. In imposing that sanction we have noted the evidence as to your professional competence and your other professional qualities. The Committee trusts, therefore, that once you have served your period of suspension you will return to the practice which you say you love."
She said: "The veterinary family – which is my focus as BVA President – is part of the international scientific community, and we are a diverse profession with far-reaching influence and impact in so many areas of political and public life ... A healthy veterinary workforce is vital for UK animal and human health."
With the residence or working rights of UK-based EU vets a 'top five' priority for the profession in forthcoming Brexit negotiations, Gudrun highlighted workforce issues: "The UK veterinary profession relies heavily on EU graduates, who have felt the impact of the EU referendum result since day one … In the meat hygiene sector alone, some estimates suggest 95% of veterinary surgeons graduated overseas.
"That’s why our first action after 23 June was to call on UK governments to protect the status of EU veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses currently living and working in the UK. It was encouraging to see some of these key priorities … make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities. But we have said from the outset that our members need certainty and reassurance, so we urge the Government to make that firm commitment now."
"We know vets remain nervous about the changes to come, with many of our members concerned about the threat Brexit poses for UK animal health and welfare … Yet we can also see the opportunities Brexit presents, and BVA is determined to work with the Government to seize these opportunities, where they exist, to improve standards."
Highlighting opportunities that Brexit could offer in terms of improving animal health and welfare, Gudrun suggested a tightening up of the Pet Travel Scheme to reduce the growing trend of illegal puppy imports and improvements for welfare at slaughter. She said:
"The Welfare at Time of Killing or WATOK Regulations for England … are a case in point about the welfare-mismatch that could occur between domestic standards and those of our trading partners under the new Brexit arrangements. By failing to bring in evidence-based parameters for all waterbath stunning of poultry, [the] legislation has rendered it impossible for Official Veterinarians to protect the welfare of all chickens at slaughter. The regulations are simply not for fit for purpose, and could call into question England’s claim as a leader in high animal welfare."
The BVA President then shared a highlight of an early meeting between BVA and the then new Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom MP last July: "We were pleased to hear [the Defra Secretary of State’s] vision to make the unique selling points of 'UK PLC' high animal welfare and food safety standards. It's a commitment that BVA fully backs ... To ensure our high standards continue, it is essential that we maintain existing veterinary certification and controls to satisfy our own consumer demand for quality and safety. Official statistics put the value of UK livestock outputs at £13 billion and not a penny of that could be realised without veterinary input."
Gudrun concluded by saying: "We can only make a success of Brexit if we harness our veterinary resource in clinical practice, public health, government services, conservation, academia, research and industry. We are a small profession but our impact is significant."
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity Lord Gardiner of Kimble responded, saying: "In my role at Defra I am continually reminded of the importance of the relationship between vets and government - most recently in tackling the outbreak of Avian Influenza in the UK. Your thoughts and ideas are invaluable as we manage the many opportunities and challenges posed by exiting the European Union, ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, protect the country from new animal disease threats, and attract the brightest and best into the profession.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely together as we push ahead with our plans to create a world leading food and farming industry based on high standards of animal health and welfare."
To find out more about the BVA’s work on the UK’s exit from the EU, visit www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/policy/future-of-the-profession/brexit/
Vets4Pets says research has shown that 28% of cats between 11 and 15 years show at least one clinical sign of cognitive dysfunction, with this figure increasing to 50 per cent in cats over 15 years of age1.
The prevalence in dogs is also reported to be significant, with some estimates indicating that 28% of 11- to 12-year-old dogs and 68% of 15- to 16-year-old dogs are showing clinical signs of the condition2.
A 2010 study, which used data from pet owner questionnaires, also estimated that the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was 14.2% in dogs over the age of eight years, yet only 1.9% of older dogs were clinically diagnosed with the condition3.
The survey of 2,000 owners, which was conducted for Vets4Pets by market research company OnePoll, found that half would not be confident identifying the early indicators of cognitive dysfunction, namely: confusion, anxiety, restlessness, and a decreased desire to play.
62% said they would put any significant behavioural changes in their pet down to them getting old, and more than three in five admitted they can find it difficult to understand the signs of when they should be taking their pet to visit the vet.
Up to 33% delay taking their pet to the vet as they worry they might get bad news
However, 35% said they have or will increase the number of routine visits to the vets as their pet gets older.
Dr Huw Stacey, Director of Clinical Services at Vets4Pets said: “It is only natural that many pet owners can have apprehensions about bringing their pet along to the vets, which is just a testament to how much they care.
"But this is also why it’s incredibly important that we as an industry have the expertise and training needed to properly support pet owners with this diagnosis."
“Our ultimate goal is to help educate vets and nurses across the nation and empower them in their decision making when diagnosing elderly pets, as well as helping pet owners to care for their pets so they live a longer, healthier and happier life.”
As part of its campaign, Vets4Pets has sponsored a free CPD webinar in which Dr Sarah Heath, RCVS and European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine (pictured right), considers ways in which the veterinary profession can improve the detection of this condition, enabling them to offer practical advice and support for senior pets and their owners.
The recording consists of a 45-minute webinar and a 15-minute Q&A session which will be available for anyone to watch for a year.
To watch the webinar, visit: https://vimeo.com/684610594/3d9d258bcb.
References
For the randomised controlled trial, 528 dairy heifers were monitored for 34 months to investigate the effects of routine treatment with a NSAID at calving and during treatment for lameness, on the future probability of lameness and culling.
The cows were exposed to normal farm conditions and were split into four groups:
During the study, the probability of lameness was assessed by a lameness outcome score collected every 14 days.
Data on culling was also extracted from farm records.
438 animals were included in the final analysis which revealed that treating a cohort of cows following the group three protocol led to an absolute reduction in lameness of approximately 10% and severe lameness of 3%, compared with animals treated in accordance with conventional best practice (group one).
James Wilson BSc(Hons) PhD, foot health consultant and lead researcher on the trial, said: “It appears that through giving heifers a NSAID at critical time points, we have imparted a substantial, long-lasting benefit to them.
"When freshly calved heifers enter the herd for the first time, we understand that they are (typically) naïve to lameness and have good hoof health.
"By utilising NSAIDs strategically, we believe that we have preserved the functionality of the foot, thereby reducing the risk of lameness.
"This is a highly efficacious, cost-effective means of managing lameness on farm.”
Herd Health Consultancy says that in dairy cows, it is advisable to consider using a zero milk-withhold NSAID which is fully licensed to treat lameness in cattle to avoid any need to discard milk, however no NSAID is currently licensed in the UK to treat the pain associated with calving, so careful advice should be given to farmers based on the farm type and production methods.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-21329
Reference
Vets with Horsepower is organised annually by Professor Derek Knottenbelt to help raise funds for equine and human charities around the world.
This year the group undertook an endurance motorbike trip of over 1600 miles: from the UK to Germany, across Scandinavia and back, hosting education events for equine vets along the way to raise funds for four charities including BEVA's Power for Ukraine.
BEVA Council member Alison Talbot, said: “Thanks to the generosity of equine vets in the UK we had just hit the halfway mark of raising £10,000, before Vets with Horsepower set off on their epic Scandinavian mission.
"We are so grateful for their donation of £9922 which means we can now buy another five generators, to help twice as many vets and horses in extremely difficult circumstances during enforced power cuts."
The generators will be transported to a collection point in Poland and then on to Ukraine in time for winter.
Donations to the BEVA Trust Power To Ukraine appeal can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/powertoukraine
Any surplus funds will be added to the general fund to support equids in Ukraine.
Veterinary scientist, Dr Alex German and veterinary nurse, Shelley Holden are joining presenter and vet, Mark Evans in a new Channel Four series exploring the secret life of dogs, the first of which airs tonight at 8:00pm.
The three-part series looks at how people's lives and those of their dogs have radically changed in the last 50 years.
Using hidden cameras, episode one investigates how dogs gain weight when their owners are not present or out at work, as well as what research is being done to understand the UK's obesity epidemic in dogs and cats.
Alex, who is head of the University's Weight Management Clinic, said: "Obesity is common in dogs and can lead to a range of illnesses and diseases.
"Although treatment for weight loss has been in existence for some time it has not been without its problems, and owners, with busy lives, can find it difficult to even understand how their dog has gained weight in the first place.
"By showing what dogs get up to out of their owner's sight, this programme explores how understanding our animals' behaviour and habits can help in producing a healthy diet and exercise regime."
Dr German has also contributed to the Channel Four website, which provides information for owners and access to case studies: http://dogs.channel4.com/fat-dogs/
They say that they've been aware of minor interruptions to the supply of such vaccines throughout 2022.
However, a significant, pan-European logistical problem being experienced by Boehringer Ingelheim has raised the prospect of a further reduction in supplies in the coming months.
BEVA is liaising with the three vaccine manufacturers to quantify the impact of the shortage and to consider solutions, both to minimise the threat to equine health and to prevent disruption to equestrian competition.
Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines.
"This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue.
"This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market.
"We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.”
Amanda Melvin, equine business manager at MSD Animal Health, said: “Based on prior demand, MSD’s equine vaccines Equilis Prequenza and Equilis Prequenza Te are in full supply.
"MSD have taken steps to protect as many horses as possible at this time.
"We will continue to supply existing customers with the available MSD stock on ‘allocation’ and, where possible, to allocate stock to additional customers. Allocations are being made to our veterinary customers based on their historical demand which we believe is the most efficient way to manage the available supplies.”
Rebecca Cabrejas, equine business unit manager at Zoetis, said: “Demand for our vaccines currently exceeds what we can supply.
"Whilst we have adequate stocks to fulfil current customers’ orders unfortunately, we are not in a position to be able to supply new customers at this time.
"We will continue to work with BEVA to limit the impact of the current shortages.”
According to a survey of 2,000 dog owners by Burgess Supadog Sensitive, 18% of women say they speak to their dog more than their partner or husband.
Not only that, but it seems the older you are, the more likely you are to strike up a conversation with the dog: 21 per cent of respondents aged 45-54 said they talked to their dog more than their partner as opposed to 10 per cent of 18-24 year olds.
Other findings from the survey included:
Petplan has announced the finalists for the 2013 Petplan Veterinary Awards.
Now in its 14th year, the Petplan Veterinary Awards received its biggest response yet, with 11,000 nominations submitted for exceptional veterinary staff across the UK.
The finalists for each of the categories are:
Vet of the Year
Vet Nurse of the Year
Vet Support Staff of the Year
Vet Practice of the Year
Practice Manager of the Year
Isabella von Mesterhazy, Petplan's Head of Marketing, said: "As the leader in the pet insurance market for over 35 years, we have a rich history of working with veterinary practices across the UK. The Veterinary Awards is a great way to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work that goes on helping keep pets healthy and their owners happy. This year we have seen a near fourfold increase in nominations which goes to show the appetite from both staff and clients for celebrating exceptional work, it is going to be a fantastic night."
Gyles Brandreth will compère the award ceremony on the 4th April at Birmingham Town Hall.
Pulborough-based Arun Veterinary Group has been awarded the title of Best UK Vets, having achieved the largest number of positive online reviews on www.vethelpdirect.com.
The awards are based on the number of positive reviews (4 stars and above) left by owners on the site over the course of the year, with owners asked to review the practice on five key areas: respect for my animal, professionalism, friendliness, cleanliness and value for money.
Comments attached to the 182 reviews for Arun included: "Nothing is too much trouble", "Fabulous vets" and "More like good friends."
Vet Help Direct said: "A good online reputation is so valuable to both local people looking for a service and to business owners. That's why online vet reviews are at the heart of our vet directories. Vet Help Direct is determined to provide a fair reflection of the vet practices in their online directories; all reviews are subject to rigorous tests of authenticity, all are checked for duplicate IP addresses, email addresses and some reviewers are asked to provide evidence that they are recent clients of the practice."
In second place was St Georges Veterinary Group, Wolverhampton, which is now up to 132 reviews and in third place was Goddard Veterinary Group, Gidea Park in London, with 122 reviews.
Virbac has announced the launch of what it describes as an affordable ciclosporin for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis.
Called Cyclavance, the new product will make its debut at the London Vet Show (Nov 20th/21st at London Olympia).
Cyclavance is presented in a liquid formulation for precise dosing, in a container with a new 'AdaptaCap' designed to ensure leak proof dispensing and give the product a 6 month shelf life after being broached. Cyclavance is offered in four size presentations - 5 ml, 15 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml - to give practices maximum flexibility in its use.
Sarah Walker MRCVS, Product Manager, said: "Atopic dogs present at practices across the country on a daily basis. It is a challenging condition which can be hard to treat successfully because owner compliance is so important. By offering Cyclavance at a great price to give greater appeal, allowing a wider scope of use, and with innovative features, such as the unique AdaptaCap, we aim to help practices achieve better outcomes for their patients and increase the number of clients it is available to.
The course offers veterinary surgeons and students six hours of CPD covering the five stages of EBVM and an overview of its evolution.
Users can progress through the six modules in order, or dip in and out of individual sections to deepen their knowledge in particular areas. The course includes a number of practical examples and quizzes, and there's a certificate of completion at the end.
The course can also be used as a reference tool for specific aspects of EBVM, such as how to search the literature effectively.
RCVS Knowledge says the new release of EBVM Learning has been well received by veterinary surgeons and nurses who helped test the course. Lucie Goodwin MRCVS said, simply: “This course is excellent.” Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge (pictured right), said: “This fresh iteration of our EBVM Learning course is the culmination of a huge amount of committed work from an international network of leaders in EBVM, and we are proud to launch it on our new, accessible platform RCVS Knowledge Learn. The course constitutes an important way in which the charity supports all veterinary practitioners to advance the quality of care they provide through evidence-based veterinary medicine, regardless of their role, location or background.”
EBVM Learning can be accessed for free at http://learn.rcvsknowledge.org/ebvm-learning
With the profession currently suffering a staffing crisis, some now question the ability of the profession to provide a blanket OOH service, and whether it should remain a requirement for all practices.
A logical first step, however, might be to discover just what percentage of OOH calls really are genuine emergencies, and how many are simply the result of society's increasing demands for a 24 hour service, not just from the veterinary profession. Hence the survey.
The question is open to veterinary surgeons and nurses working in general practice only.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6495987/Out-Of-Hours
The company says that with an estimated 3.2 million UK households welcoming a new pet into their family home during lockdown1, many experienced and new dog owners will be unaware of the risks to their dog of CCC when it socialises, hence the new risk assessment tool, which is available at: https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/KBPH/contagious-canine-cough-risk-assessment.
The risk assessment campaign will be supported with 'Does your dog ...' posters for vets, information and advice for dog owners on the website and a social media campaign encouraging dog owners to spread the information to other dog owners.
Carley Chutter, Nobivac(r) Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "With so many new dog owners now socialising more, taking their dogs on holiday and even considering taking their dogs into the office, protecting their dogs as they socialise is vital.
"Currently only an estimated 1 in 3 vaccinated dogs in the UK are also covered against Bordetella2 so the 'Ask us to protect your dog' resources offers the chance for practices to start the conversation about protection with clients.
"A common barrier to vaccinating against CCC is the belief that it is only necessary for dogs going into kennels, rather than all social dogs. Most dogs meet others, however, while out walking, during training, or while attending the vets, CCC is infectious even at low levels. Indeed, dogs can be asymptomatic but infectious.
"So, improving protection levels against this disease which is distressing for both the owner and dog, is important in both reducing the risk of outbreaks and the need for antibiotic treatment."
Nobivac(r) Respira Bb injectable vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica, gives 12 months protection when used as a single-dose booster in dogs previously vaccinated with Nobivac(r) KC. Dogs not previously vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica require two doses administered four weeks apart. Duration of immunity is 7 months after the primary course and 12 months after a booster with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb. It may also be given 12 months after a primary course in cases where the 7 months dose is missed.
To support the use of Nobivac(r) Respira Bb a range of tools are available to practices and further information can be found at www.nobivacrespiraBb.co.uk, or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
Royal Canin has launched 'Calm', described as the UK's first complete nutritional support for cats and dogs during stress.
Royal Canin says Calm contains a combination of two nutrients known to help support stress management. Alpha-casozepine is a patented milk peptide developed after observations of the post-prandial calming properties of milk in newborns, while L-tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin, involved in mood control. According to the company, Calm also helps support the skin and digestion, promote the elimination of hairballs in cats, and help delay the formation of tartar in dogs. Calm also contains Royal Canin's S/O Index to help maintain urinary health.
Because palatability becomes even more important when animals are stressed, Calm has been designed to be highly palatable - preferred by 68 per cent of cats in trials compared to a control food.
Royal Canin veterinary support manager Gudi Stuttard said: "We all know how stressful life can be, especially in a busy vet practice, and we recognise that dogs and cats can also be affected by stress. Calm is a unique way to help support them during stressful periods, as part of your multi-modal approach, in the form of complete, high quality nutrition to help keep pets in the best of health."
Royal Canin recommends that Calm is fed at least 10 days before any anticipated period of stress, and should then be maintained for two to three months. It can also be fed on a long-term basis if required. Calm is available in 2kg and 4kg bags - for more information, please contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager or call 0845 717 800.
The Association is also encouraging horse owners to join in the celebrations by sharing birthday cakes with their vet or veterinary practice.
BEVA President Huw Griffiths said: "Our 60 faces initiative celebrates some of the many outstanding people who have left an indelible mark on the profession and whose actions complement BEVA’s work in championing progress and/or diversity."
The list of 60 faces, which were nominated by BEVA members, showcases people who have inspired, influenced and progressed the equine veterinary profession for the better.
The faces range from 16th Century humanist Thomas Blundeville to 21st Century social media entrepreneur Ebony Escalona.
Every day for a month, two faces will be released on BEVA’s social media channels.
Huw added: “It was a really tough challenge to whittle the list down to 60 people as all of the nominees were exceptional individuals.
“The list showcases some of the best-known names in the industry as well as some heroes whose stories are less well known or who have been consigned to history.
“It’s not a “Top 60”, nor are all the faces vets, but it does highlight the breadth of people who have impacted what we do.
"We hope you will enjoy reading about them and we hope our lovely clients will join in the celebrations during the week starting 18th November by sharing a celebratory piece of birthday cake with their cherished horse vet!”
You can see the 60 Faces here: https://www.beva.org.uk/60-Faces
The audit1 was led by Paragon Veterinary Referrals’ head of cardiology, Chris Linney (pictured), to review treatment for patent ductus arteriosus.
He set up the study whilst working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, and the other centres collaborating on the study were Anicura Oslo Animal Hospital, Heart Vets; Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, University Hospital of Companion Animals, Copenhagen and Veterinary Cardiology Consultancy.
Other clinicians taking part included Brigite Pedro, Mike Martin and João Neves, formerly of Willows, along with Jo Harris and Dave Dickson, of HeartVets.
Chris, an RCVS and EBVS specialist in cardiology, said: “This published multicentre prospective clinical audit was a first of its kind in the cardiology world.
“This type of audit acts as a quality control to improve patient outcomes through systematic review of care, comparing to predefined criteria and then implementing change, and so the process repeats.
“Improving patient outcomes and benchmarking against existing standards is essential for elevating patient outcomes.
In the centres in this study, we are already delivering excellent patient outcomes but with room for improvements, however small, this audit will help future patients but also colleagues across the cardiology world.”
The Linnaeus OAPC initiative was launched in 2021 and originally allocated £30K for 2022.
However, that figure was doubled after the company received a growing number of high quality submissions.
33 papers were accepted for funding in 2022, of which 24 have so far been published and the remainder are undergoing peer review.
The authors comprise clinicians, specialists, residents and interns across nine referral and primary care sites within the group.
The OAPC was introduced by Professor Luisa De Risio, Clinical Research & Excellence Director at Linnaeus (pictured right).
She said: “By making clinical research open access, we can ensure it makes the widest possible impact – while also supporting the author’s profile and career development.
"We are continuing to offer OAPC funding to our associates in 2023 and look forward to seeing the fantastic research published as a result.”
The object of the exercise is simply to find out whether a significant number of veterinary professionals feel that they have been bullied, and look at the impact it has had on them.
If a significant number of people say they have, the hope is that the survey will trigger constructive discussion on the subject, both amongst key opinion leaders in the profession and in practice.
One of the biggest challenges in measuring the incidence of bullying in practice is the highly subjective definition of the word. For this reason, the survey asks whether you've been on the receiving end of very specific types of behaviour, ones which most people would agree are at best unconducive to a happy and effective working environment, and at worst, outright bullying.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "Early responses to the survey have already shown, if we didn't know it already, that bullying is going on, and how bullies can make life utter hell at work. We just don't yet know the scale of the problem.
"Either way, there are two ways I think this survey could make a difference. Firstly, by discussing the subject openly, so it creates an environment in which bullying behaviour is less likely to happen. Secondly, I suspect that a significant amount of bullying may happen as a consequence of poor communication. For example, if one member of the team thinks another is underperforming but is uncomfortable having a candid but constructive discussion. If there is no other process in place to resolve the issue, they may resort to other types of behaviour which can have a profoundly negative effect on their colleague."
To take part in the survey, please visit: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3783698/Behaviour-In-Practice
NDSR’s director of neurology Rodolfo Capello said: "This technology is one of the most advanced in medicine and helps to surgically remove tumours while also reducing the tissue damage to vital structures.
"The accuracy and control of the system offers us greater versatility and precision, and minimises invasive manoeuvres during both soft and hard tissue dissections.
"Surgeons can therefore be extremely confident of accurate tumour excision with reduced blood vessel and tissue damage which will all help increase and improve the outcome of our surgeries.
"We’ll be using the ultrasonic surgical aspirator for the removal of tumours in the brain, liver and to cut through bone where necessary. It will be a great asset."
For more information, visit: www.ndsr.co.uk
Su Page MRCVS, Amodip Product Manager at CEVA, said: “If left untreated, hypertension can result in target organ damage (TOD), with ocular problems developing in at least 80% of hypertensive cases1.
"Other major body systems that are commonly affected include the brain, heart and kidneys.
"Despite the potential for catastrophic sequelae such as retinopathy and blindness, owners may see very little in the way of warning signs.
"That means these patients are completely reliant on a veterinary recommendation for blood pressure monitoring.”
Ceva says that ideally, all cats over nine should be screened regularly. But given the pressure the profession is currently working under, the priority is to address the needs of the most at risk cats, ie those with predisposing conditions such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.
Su said: “There is a real danger that many of those cats will be close to crisis point right now and the sooner we can identify those that need help, the better a chance we have of extending their quality and quantity of life.”
Vets looking to update their knowledge on feline hypertension, including the importance of regular screening, blood pressure monitoring techniques, and appropriate treatment options, can complete Ceva's free Feline Hypertension Ambassador CPD course at: https://veterinarywebinars.com/community/ceva/.
Improve International has launched 'Fast-Track' Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) Programmes, designed for veterinary surgeons who wish to take an immersive approach to study and complete the taught components in either its Small Animal Medicine or Small Animal Surgery programmes in three months.
The new programmes are set to begin in October 2015 with each able to accommodate a maximum of 12 delegates drawn from across Europe. In developing the content programme to suit a three month study period, Improve says it has added a range of features, including a dedicated mentor to support delegates.
The content for both the Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery Fast-Track PgC programmes is the same as the PgC programmes Improve runs over two years with the difference of the completion of the taught modules in three months. The programme then follows the normal PgC programme, with the completion of case reports, case studies and an examination, in order to gain a PgC. The Medicine PgC programme also includes additional practical sessions covering ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging, plus other core practical skills.
Practical training sessions for the Medicine Fast-Track programme will take place at Improve's Training Centre in Swindon while classroom-based sessions will be held at the Farmers' Club on the Embankment in Central London for ease of access. Delegates undertaking the Surgery programme will also be able to undertake practical sessions at Improve's facility at the John Krebs Field Station, Wytham, near Oxford. In addition to the tutored sessions, delegates on the Surgery programme will see practice with a subject expert for ten days, with the opportunity of scrubbing in to assist in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical procedures.
To support delegates interested in the PgC Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery programmes, Improve has created a new website at www.vetpgc.co.uk.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "While vets generally take a PgC over a two year period in order to combine it with work commitments, there are circumstances in which it may be preferable to take some blocks of time out and complete the taught lectures in a shorter period of intensive study. Vets can be applying the new techniques in their practice after just three months and can gain a PgC in just one year.
"We wanted to offer this alternative study route to vets and have been working for some time to develop a consolidated three month version of both our Medicine and Surgery PgC training programmes. We're delighted to able to launch these exciting new programmes and look forward to welcoming our first cohort of delegates in October 2015."
For further information, visit www.vetpgc.co.uk or www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
The three companies will now offer their services, which include marketing strategy, brand management, search engine marketing, online advertising, email marketing, webchat, social media copywriting, graphic design and web design under the VetsDigital brand.
Sarah Spinks, Managing Director of VetsDigital, said: "In the pursuit of better animal welfare, we empower animal owners, and bridge the gap between the veterinary professional and the pet parent using the most effective digital channels.
“As one combined company, we become Europe’s leading digital agency that specialises in the veterinary sector. With our current presence in 11 countries, we’ll be able to further develop our network whilst still providing our clients with the same personal service they’ve come to expect and deserve.”
Marcelo Alves, Managing Director of Vet Inflow, will move into the role of Managing Partner for Portugal and Spain at VetsDigital, as the company expands to have bases in both the UK and Portugal.
Will Stirling, who becomes a Managing Partner at VetsDigital, bringing with him 14 years of experience marketing in the veterinary industry, having previously worked with veterinary group YourVets and CVS, said: "The veterinary industry is buzzing with growth and renewal as many parts of veterinary marketing and management move into the digital realm. It’s the perfect time to combine the talents of our 3 teams, so that together we can offer industry-leading digital marketing services to veterinary businesses across the UK and Europe.
For more information, visit: https://vetsdigital.com
The elections will again be held completely online this year.
Veterinary surgeons have until 5pm on Monday 31st January 2022 to put themselves forward as candidates for the elections which will take place in March and April 2022.
The full eligibility criteria can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil22, where prospective candidates will also find further information about the role of the RCVS, RCVS Council and RCVS Council members, guidance notes, and frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the elections, said: “We look forward to hearing from prospective candidates and are happy to give further information about what being an RCVS Council member means and what the role entails to those who may be considering standing for office.”
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council can also contact RCVS President Dr Kate Richards for an informal conversation on what it means to be an RCVS Council member on president@rcvs.org.uk
Kate said: “I’m on Council for my second term and can reassure any prospective candidates that it is a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally.
"You will learn new things not only about the College, but also the professions, policy and government; you will have fascinating discussions and debates with colleagues on issues of great importance and consequence; and you will make those important professional 'connections that count' with colleagues across the veterinary world and beyond. It is a career highlight.”
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council are welcome to attend the next Council meeting online, on Thursday 20th January 2022.
Contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, if you would like to attend: d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk.
According to MORE TH>N pet insurance, men aren't just upset by the loss of a pet, 13% of them take a week or more off work if their pet is lost or stolen.
Notably, that compares to just 5% of women who have taken that much time off work to get over the upset caused by a pet going missing or being stolen.
According to the company, men are also more likely to cancel social engagements if a pet goes missing (15%) compared to women (12%).
In addition, men are prepared to spend more trying to find their pet than women, with almost 20% prepared to spend between £100 and £1000 for the safe return of an animal, compared to 14% of women.
Chartered psychologist, Beverly Stone said: "These findings highlight the inherent differences between men and women. Whereas women tend to fear for the potential loss of their pet when it goes missing and mourns the loss if their pet dies, a man not only experiences a similar fear and mourning but may also feel a strong sense of responsibility."As a consequence, they are likely to feel that they have failed to protect their pet. Men need more time to get over the guilt, and they would not want to be exposed to people asking what happened in social events, if they feel responsible''.
The research, conducted amongst 3000 British pet owners in March 2011, also revealed that a third of pet owners do not invest in pet insurance.