The company says it thinks the film is an industry first because it depicts veterinary professionals in a way that they have never seen themselves before: cinematically showing the highs and lows of a typical day in veterinary practice.
Vets4Pets also says it wants the film to generate greater recognition for everyone working within the industry, not just its own staff, by showcasing the passion, dedication and commitment that unites them.
Keith Leonard MRCVS, Practice Owner at Vets4Pets Leeds Birstall where some of the video was filmed, said: “While there are no words that can do justice to the sheer passion and determination demonstrated by the entire veterinary community, taking part in this campaign and seeing the result is really emotional.
“After an unimaginably turbulent few years, this campaign makes me feel incredibly proud of my whole team.
"It genuinely shows what it’s like to work in veterinary practice and I can’t thank each and every one of my team enough for their outstanding dedication to the care of our clients – both the pets we care for and their owners.
"We all live and breathe what we do, and I hope they feel a sense of pride when they see this campaign.”
Gordon Dunn, People Director at Vets4Pets, said: “The veterinary sector has experienced immense pressure following years of unprecedented challenges and as an industry we need to do our utmost to ensure that veterinary professionals are supported in their development and careers. But alongside this, we need to understand that recognition goes a long way too.
The dog, called Pepe, needed urgent treatment to repair the cornea before it ruptured, so the team at Davies decided to use a new xenograft derived from a pig cornea, rather than waiting to see if an allograft became available.
The xenograft, which was developed in China, is aseptically prepared, sterilised and freeze-dried so it can be stored for months or years if necessary before use.
According to Davies, the graft had been used in China and the USA, where the early results had been promising. Now, following Pepe's successful treatment, Davies is now using the procedure in more cases over here in the UK.
The full case study, with photos, is here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/sa-ophthalmology/m/photo-video-media/138076.aspx
For more information, visit: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/services/ophthalmology/
Founded by Peter Rossdale in Newmarket in 1959, the practice now boasts a team of 50 veterinary surgeons and has established an international reputation for providing world class ambulatory, referral and laboratory services. The team is led by RCVS, European and American recognised veterinary specialists and operates from four sites in Newmarket, Exning, Hertfordshire and Lambourn.
Each year, Rossdales Equine Hospital in Exning hosts a large number of CPD courses which often include internationally recognised guest speakers who lecture alongside Rossdales’ specialist clinicians, with delegates attending from as far afield as Europe, Singapore, Dubai and Australia.
To celebrate the practice’s Diamond anniversary, Rossdales is hosting a special 'Diamond Series' of CPD events in 2019 in addition to its usual programme of educational courses.
Mike Shepherd, Managing Partner at Rossdales, said: "Since the practice was established by Peter Rossdale in 1959, it has always prided itself on clinical research and the willing distribution of this and other information to the veterinary profession. This ‘Diamond Anniversary’ series of CPD events is an initiative that we hope will benefit many of our veterinary colleagues. The first of these special events, the Diamond Series Veterinary Nursing Congress, was held at the beginning of June and was fully subscribed. We’re very pleased by the excellent feedback it generated."
Two further ‘Diamond Series’ events are scheduled, for veterinary surgeons and veterinary students respectively:
The Diamond Series Veterinary Surgeons Congress takes place on Friday,12th and Saturday, 13th July 2019 and is for all veterinary surgeons with an interest in equine or mixed practice. The programme covers a wide area of subjects, with talks provided by 12 veterinary surgeons from Rossdales Equine Hospital and Rossdales Laboratories. It also includes admission to The Moët & Chandon July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse on Saturday, 13th July.
The Diamond Series Undergraduate Congress will take place on Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th August 2019. This course is aimed at all current veterinary undergraduates who want to gain more knowledge and experience in the fields of equine veterinary medicine and surgery. There will be talks and presentations from 9 veterinary surgeons from Rossdales Equine Practice, Rossdales Equine Hospital and Rossdales Laboratories. There will also be a course dinner on the Saturday evening.
For more information, visit www.rossdales.com/news-events.
The awards celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary and charity industries, who go beyond the call of duty to better the lives of animals around the world. Nominations were submitted by friends, family, clients and colleagues.
Spanning six categories, the shortlist for the 2018 Ceva Animal Welfare Awards is as follows:
Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award supported by Your Dog and Your Cat magazines
Vet Nurse of the Year Award supported by Agria Pet Insurance
Charity Team of the Year supported by PDSA
Charitable Contribution of the Year supported by Blue Cross
Farm Animal Welfare Award supported by R.A.B.I. and NADIS
International Cat Care Welfare Award
International Cat Care will be choosing the winner of this award from its extensive membership base. The winner will be announced at the awards’ ceremony.
In addition to the scheduled categories, the judges have granted one additional award in special recognition of an individual’s lifetime commitment to animal welfare.
The shortlist for each award was decided following a day of deliberations by a panel of judges chaired by retired veterinary surgeon, Chris Laurence MBE FRCVS. Chris is chairman of the Animal Welfare Foundation, the Canine and Feline Sector Group of the Animal Health and Welfare Board and BVBA (British Veterinary Behaviour Association) and before retiring he was chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA and veterinary director of Dogs Trust. He is also involved in a number of charities and is a trustee of the Pet Blood Bank and the Bella Moss Foundation.
Chris said: "Judging the ever-increasing number of nominations takes a lot of work, just to read them all let alone deciding who should go forward as a finalist. The standard of nomination improves every year and each is an inspiration to the judges because of the selfless effort put in by each nominee to improve animal welfare, often in the most difficult circumstances."
Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health, added: "Year-on-year we are amazed and humbled by the individuals and organisations who dedicate their lives to enhance and improve animal welfare both in the UK and abroad. We are delighted to be able to honour these people, while highlighting their important work to a wider audience."
The winners will be announced and presented with their awards during a ceremony held in Birmingham ahead of BSAVA Congress on 4th April 2018.
To find out more about the awards, visit: www.cevawelfareawards.com.
Through the new service, which is designed to save clients' time and improve compliance, practices can arrange for owners to receive Bravecto for 12 week flea and tick control, together with the wormer of the vet's choice for six months to a year.
To use the new service, practices need to register clients on a portal provided by Easy Direct Debit (EDD) during the appointment. The first prescription is then dispensed at the practice with subsequent prescriptions sent direct to the owner in the post.
Amanda Melvin, Marketing Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "We launched VetsDeliver at the London Vet Show and had an extremely positive response.
"It is designed to build on the trust pet owners already have with their veterinary practices and adds convenient delivery to their door that is now familiar to most consumers. All branding and packaging has been designed to be eye-catching while communicating a high quality, professional service that reflects the quality of the veterinary practice.
"Furthermore, VetsDeliver will be the first service to offer 12-week flea and tick protection and provide the practice with the ability to add its wormer of choice. It’s easy for vets to sign-up clients and by offering Bravecto we reduce the number of deliveries and packaging required compared to monthly treatments."
Amanda added: "Vet practices remain an important source of reminders for owners to apply respective parasite treatment, however, it is mostly owners themselves (65%1) who try to remember the treatment.
"VetsDeliver builds on the advantage of the well-established bond between veterinary practices and owners to improve the reminding system. The service will ensure these reminders coincide with the delivery of the product so veterinary practices play an even bigger role in aligning the service to the personal needs of owners."
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager or visit: www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/vetsdeliver .
Reference
A man who worked as a veterinary surgeon in Wiltshire, despite being neither qualified nor registered with RCVS, has received a 20-month sentence at Swindon Crown Court.
Peter Keniry (also known as Patrick Keniry), from Great Yarmouth, had been practising under the name of a properly qualified and legitimately registered veterinary surgeon, and was arrested on 23 August. At his initial hearing in Swindon Magistrates' Court, Mr Keniry pleaded guilty to charges of fraud by misrepresentation and unlawfully practising as a veterinary surgeon, and was released on bail.
At the Crown Court on Friday, Mr Keniry also pleaded guilty to additional charges before being sentenced. It is understood he will serve a number of months in prison, before being released on licence for the remaining period.
The RCVS assisted Wiltshire police in their apprehension of Keniry in August, having been alerted the previous day to his fraudulent activities. Mr Keniry is no stranger to the College or the police, having already been dealt with in 1998, 2001 and 2005 for similar offences. On each occasion, Mr Keniry has impersonated a member of the College whose name is legitimately on the Register, which makes it difficult even for practices that do check the credentials of prospective employees to pick up a problem.
Commenting on the recent sentencing, Gordon Hockey, RCVS Head of Professional Conduct said: "We are satisfied that the Court has clearly recognised the risk posed to both animal welfare and public safety by bogus veterinary surgeons. Anyone working as a veterinary surgeon when not qualified to do so, risks a custodial sentence.
"Mr Keniry's continued pattern of re-offending shows him to be a very convincing fraudster. By publicising his photograph, we hope to help any potential employer or locum agency reduce the chances of this happening again," he added.
The RCVS has extended its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trial until October 2015 and broadened its remit, allowing more cases to be considered.
The idea of the ADR is to provide an alternative form of resolution for the many concerns raised with the RCVS which do not meet the College's threshold for serious professional misconduct and are, therefore, not taken through its disciplinary process.
The trial, which was originally due to end in May 2015, aims to gather evidence needed to develop a permanent scheme.
As well as the time-frame being extended, the trial will now also be widened to include concerns raised about the treatment of horses and other equines - in addition to those raised about small animals.
The RCVS has also lowered the maximum financial award that can be recommended by the Ombudsman Services, a not-for-profit complaints resolution service which is administering the trial, to £3,000 for small animal cases. The maximum financial award that can be recommended by the Ombudsman Services in relation to equine cases remains at £10,000.
Nick Stace, RCVS Chief Executive, said: "The trial got off to a slower start than we expected and so we have decided to extend its length and breadth to allow more time and scope to gather the evidence and testimonies which we need to assess the trial.
"It's important to stress again that the trial is free, voluntary, as both parties must agree to take part, and that the recommendations made by the Ombudsman Services are not binding - it is up to either party as to whether they accept them."
The results of the trial will now be reported to the November 2015 meeting of RCVS Council. For further information about the ADR trial please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/adr
Medivet has reported a wide range of public reaction to the recent Panorama programme 'It shouldn't happen at a vets', most of which has been at one extreme or the other.
On the one hand, says the company, many clients have gone out of their way to show their support, whilst on the other, staff have faced considerable anger from members of the public (not known to be Medivet clients).
After transmission, staff at a handful of practices received abusive comments and threatening behaviour. The day after transmission, a veterinary nurse in uniform who was not shown in the programme was called 'dog beater' in the street in Oxford, leaving her feeling very shaken. Staff from other branches have received similar treatment when out in uniform; Medivet recommended that its staff cover up their uniforms when outdoors, and has been working with the Metropolitan Police and other forces.
Two individuals named in the film - Arnold Levy, Medivet's managing partner, and a veterinary nurse who was shown admitting to having struck a dog - received emailed death threats. The nurse has since resigned.
At practices, a receptionist was sworn at, several received abusive phone calls and one of Medivet's kennel staff in Oxted, Surrey was woken in the early hours one morning by people banging on the doors and shouting abuse. Most incidents occurred within the first 48 hours following the programme.
In contrast, Medivet says several practices have been overwhelmed by the level of support shown to staff by clients. Some have brought in gifts of flowers, biscuits and chocolates, and one client visited his practice specifically to tell staff of his and his wife's support.
Staff and managers have received many supportive emails, cards, letters and verbal comments contrasting between the picture portrayed by the programme and their personal experience of Medivet and the level of care their pets receive.
Medivet says that discussions with clients about the programme have been balanced, with many appreciating that the programme was not made in a balanced or fair way. The company also says it believes that, in the vast majority of cases, the strength of the relationship of trust between clients and the teams that look after their pets has not been undermined.
Policyholders will get unlimited access to Joii Pet Care’s video consultations with UK veterinary surgeons, which usually cost £24 per call.
Pet owners with Asda Money pet insurance will also be able to access Joii Pet Care’s symptom checker, which is designed to help pet owners pinpoint issues from their home.
Paul Hallett, co-founder of Vet-AI, said: “We’re delighted to announce this major partnership, which completely opens up access to professional vet care for thousands of pet parents who will benefit hugely from accessing regular, preventative veterinary care from the comfort of their homes.
“Many pet owners are now facing high vet bills and difficulties accessing in-practice veterinary care.
"Both Markerstudy Broking and Asda Money share our commitment to put animal welfare first, and collectively we’ll ensure more owners have easily accessible choice to receive the very best care for their pets.”
The product was one of eight NSAIDS that had been suspended following a European ruling that an excipient, diethanolamine, may pose a risk to human health.
Allevinix is licensed for both intravenous (I/V) and intramuscular (I/M) administration over one to three days in cattle. It has a dose rate of 4ml per 100kg liveweight in cattle, and milk withdrawal times of 24 hours after I/V injection and 36 hours after I/M injection.
Ceva says Allevinix reaches peak plasma levels (CMax) approximately 30 minutes following I/M injection. It is available in 100ml and 250ml vials.
Peter Keyte, ruminant business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "Allevinix is the only flunixin licensed for both intramuscular and intravenous administration in cattle and provides both vets and farmers with a cost-effective, fast-acting and versatile NSAID that is a useful addition to the range of NSAID options available."
For more information, contact your Ceva account manager, email cevauk@ceva.com or call the ruminant marketing department at Ceva on 01494 781510.
The company says that its own market research has found that two out of three pet owners have at least one dog with bad breath, and 90% of owners try a single chew before deciding to buy a bag of 15.
The company also says that in addition to dealing with halitosis, the chews have been scientifically proven to reduce calculus and plaque when given daily1.
Product Manager Claire Lewis said: "We are delighted to be able to add VeggieDent FR3SH singles to the Virbac oral healthcare range. Single chews make a great addition to practice waiting rooms, but can also be a useful tool to promote oral care in consult and even during puppy parties.
VeggieDent FR3SH™ singles are available to order from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The British Veterinary Association has responded to 'alarmist' headlines linking contact with cats to schizophrenia due to the risks posed by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
The report in today's Independent contains some important messages regarding the need for good personal hygiene and the need for pregnant women and immuno-compromised groups to be aware of the risks. However, the BVA says it is concerned that the headlines could cause significant alarm to cat owners.
Most people who become infected are asymptomatic but 10-20% can show transient symptoms which are flu-like. There is a more serious risk to pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised, but as with all infections common sense and good personal hygiene reduces the risk significantly and the BVA says there is no reason that families with, or those intending to have, children shouldn't have pet cats.
As outlined in the article sources of infection include eating undercooked meat and vegetables that have not been washed properly and contact with cats. It is not known which the greater source of infection is but according to the BVA, anecdotal evidence suggests that meat is likely to be more important than contact with cats. The BVA says it echoes advice that meat should be prepared and cooked properly, and offers the following hygiene advice for cat owners:
BVA Past President and veterinary surgeon Harvey Locke said: "While the facts are true, the headlines in this story have been quite alarmist and we are very keen to reassure cat owners that the risks can be managed with good basic hygiene and common sense.
"The biggest threat is to pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised, which we have known for some time. It is useful to reiterate that they should take extra care but there is no need for people to get rid of their pet cats or choose not to have cats as pets."
Vétoquinol has announced the return of Navilox powder (isoxsuprine hydrochloride), the only medication specifically licensed in the UK for use in cases of navicular disease in horses.
Navicular disease is a chronic degenerative condition of the navicular bone and associated structures. It is a syndrome with a complex pathogenesis which combines various underlying causes. Vétoquinol says it is a common cause of lameness in the middle aged riding horse.
Robert Simpson, Navilox Product Manager said: "Navilox has been sorely missed by equine vets in the UK which is why I am thrilled to be able to announce that it is available again."
To order Navilox powder, call Vétoquinol on 01280 825424 or contact your wholesaler directly.
Krka says Milprazon Chewable is the first wormer in its category with proven palatability for dogs based on EMA Testing Guidelines.
In a study¹, more than 85% of dogs ate the tablet ‘voluntarily’, with 75% taking it unprompted from their food bowl.
Milprazon chewable is available in a range of presentations suitable for puppies from two weeks old (0.5kg) and kittens from six weeks old.
Milprazon comes in colour-coded packaging for easier dispensing.
Will Ridgway, Krka’s National Sales Manager said: "Milprazon Chewable is a premium product.
"It offers pet owners the reliability of Milbemycin oxime and Praziquantel, together with enhanced palatability, while supporting practice profitability."
Following the news on Friday that a Bulldog and Pekingese had failed their vet checks at Crufts, a further four animals have failed: Chervood Snowsun, a Clumber Spaniel; Secret Charm Avec Dibest, a Mastiff; Ithani, a Neapolitan Mastiff and Ch Buzz Lightyear At Dereheath, a Basset Hound. All were disqualified from winning Best of Breed, or representing their breed for the remainder of the competition.
The veterinary checks have been introduced by the Kennel Club to ensure that Best of Breed awards are not given to any dogs that show visible signs of problems due to conditions that affect their health or welfare.
Dog World magazine appears to have got hold of a copy of the Clumber Spaniel's Veterinary Health Check Record, and interviewed the owner:
The vet checks have, predictably, polarised opinion. The owners of the Bulldog Mellowmood One In A Million have already setup a facebook page: 'A group dedicated to honoring the win of Ch Mellowmoods One in a Million AKA Jenny who was wrongfully stripped of her Best of Breed win at Crufts based on a political move by the Kennel Club.'
Elsewhere, there has been a considerable amount of support for the vet checks:
The congress, which is now in its 6th year, also saw Millie Barnsley from Dudley scoop Nurse of the Year and Cassandra Pearson from Walsall win Client Care Co-ordinator of the Year.
Four more team members were also were singled out for their achievements, including Senior Vet Dr Laura Pugh, from Derby, who won the Quality Award, Veterinary Nurse Ann-Marie Mayren, who was presented with the Directors Choice Award, Dr Tom Cammack MRCVS, who was named Best New Team Member and Ed Newbold, who won the Leadership Award.
White Cross Vets' Managing Director Tim Harrison said: "It’s been a very special congress this year, as we are also celebrating 80 years since White Cross Vets was founded. It was really hard choosing the award winners, as there have been some fantastic examples of people going above and beyond, but Emily, Katherine, Millie, Cassandra, Laura, Ann-Marie, Tom and Ed were all very deserving winners, who are incredibly passionate about what they do.
Tim added: "In addition to recognising our award winners, we saw the culmination of our 80 prizes in 80 days competition on the final night of our congress, with veterinary nurse Amy Hood from Middlesbrough winning the star prize of an all-expenses paid trip to New York.
"As is now tradition at congress, we also randomly selected a Client Care Co-ordinator, vet nurse and vet to go to the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (formerly known as NAVC) in Orlando, Florida. Katrina Robinson, Isobel Hobbins and Dr Alex Beech will be heading to America for some sunshine and CPD in February next year."
"2017 has been a very successful year, we have opened two new practices, won several awards and were listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 companies to work for league table for the fifth year running. We also welcomed our 200th team member into the practice. The congress gave our whole family the chance to come together and celebrate all of our achievements and it was a huge success.
"The ethos of the White Cross Vets congress is to learn, make friends, have fun and reward success – and we certainly did that."
The two-day event, now in its fifth year, aims to combine world-class CPD for the whole practice team with an outdoor ‘festival’ atmosphere.
The organisers say that the wellbeing of veterinary professionals has always been a strong focus of VET Festival, but the inclusion of Lara Heimann in the Wellness and Practice Development lecture, takes it to a new level. Laura has developed her own vinyasa yoga style and regularly leads international retreats and workshops.
Speakers in the clinical programme will include:
Dr Antonio Pozzi, Head of the Clinic for Small Animal Surgery at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
Dr Susan Little, co-owner of two feline specialty practices in Ottawa, Canada, and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Dr Ronaldo da Costa, Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at Ohio State University, USA.
Veterinary cardiologist Professor John E Rush. A Diplomate of both the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care, Dr Rush has been a professor for 25 years at the Cummings Veterinary Medicine Centre at Tufts University in Massachusetts
Behaviourist Dr Sarah Heath. A founding Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine
Soft-tissue surgeon Professor Christopher Adin. Professor Adin is Chair of the University of Florida’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Associate Professor of Soft Tissue.
Veterinary nurses are welcome to attend any of the lectures, in addition to those in the dedicated nursing stream. An exhibition of the latest products and services for all veterinary professionals takes place in a dedicated arena.
Nicole Cooper, event director, said: "VET Festival is unique in bringing together cutting-edge, inspirational learning, fun and the great outdoors. CPD from our world-leading speakers is delivered in a high quality and contemporary setting but, once work is done, we encourage delegates to relax and enjoy free admission for them, their friends and family to the VETFest Live Party Night."
She added: "With the wellness and wellbeing of members of our profession increasingly in the spotlight, we’re delighted to welcome Lara Heimann for 2019 and hope that she will help our delegates to develop practical solutions to living healthier and more balanced lives."
Supported by MWI Animal Health, VET Festival also offers a 'Family Hub', a place where children can play whilst their parents listen to lectures.
Alan White Group Commercial Director at MWI Animal Health, said: "Balancing work and family life can often be a juggling act, particularly in the veterinary profession where time is in short supply. This can sometimes compromise the work-life balance of vets, nurses and other team members. At VET Festival, the 'Family Hub' means that there is no compromise and that both our attendees and their families can get the best out of their time with us."
You can buy tickets here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information
Rodney (pictured right) has spent the last 26 years practising in the USA, latterly at the California-based Advanced Veterinary Specialists & Animal Specialty Group.
After growing up in Zimbabwe and graduating from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1985, he moved to London, where he became an MRCVS, and thence to the USA.
He undertook a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Centre in Manhattan, before moving to the Ohio State University for his residency in medical oncology in 1989. He achieved Board Certification in medical oncology in 1994 and in radiation oncology in 2000.
Rodney specialises in the application of multi-modality therapy protocols for the treatment of cancer in animals, and has conducted research on the phenomenon of multi-drug resistance, mast cell tumour and oral melanoma.
He said: "Thirty-something years on, I have come back to the UK as a specialist, where I started as a GP. Living in the UK also brings me much closer to my family, which is very important to me.
"Over the years, veterinary practice in the USA has changed significantly, where it has become more corporate and less personal. I enjoy being part of a new group where typically it is much closer, friendlier and more like a family."
Rodney now plans to oversee the development of a comprehensive oncology department to include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immune-therapy and molecular targeted therapy.
He said his work at Paragon will focus on educating referring vets and clients about what is possible in the oncology field.
He said: "My job will be about increasing the level of knowledge, both of owners and general practitioners, of how we treat cancer in animals.
"It can be a scary disease and the first door an owner needs to step through, is understanding that treating a pet is very different to treating a human.
"The intention in humans is usually to cure but with pets, it is more about providing a good quality of life for as long as possible.
"There can be a fear of cancer therapy but if you stick to the protocols, it is no different to treating any other chronic incurable diseases. We use the safest methods with an abundance of caution and try to make sure that the treatment is not worse than the disease.
"It’s about internal training too, from reception right up to nurses and interns, looking at what we do and how we do it, to optimize the quality of life of the pet and their owners.
"I would like to see an oncology department that considers the emotional, financial, time and patient concerns of the owners, so they feel their commitment to cancer treatment for their pet is not a commitment to putting their pet or themselves through a difficult time."
Whilst declawing is illegal in many countries of the world, it remains surprisingly common in others, including North America, where it is performed electively to stop cats from damaging furniture, or as a means of avoiding scratches.
The operation to declaw does not just remove the claw, but also the end bone of the toe. Previous research has focused on short-term issues following surgery, such as lameness, chewing of toes and infection, but the long-term health effects of this procedure have not to date been investigated.
For the study, the author group, based in North America, investigated a total of 137 non-declawed cats and 137 declawed cats, of which 33 were declawed on all four feet. All 274 cats were physically examined for signs of pain and barbering (excessive licking or chewing of fur) and their medical history was reviewed for unwanted behaviours.
They found that inappropriate toileting, biting, aggression and over-grooming occurred significantly more often in the declawed cats than the non-declawed cats (roughly 7, 4, 3 and 3 times more often, respectively, based on the calculated odds ratio).
A declawed cat was also almost 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with back pain than a non-declawed cat (potentially due to shortening of the declawed limb and altered gait, and/or chronic pain at the site of the surgery causing compensatory weight shift to the pelvic limbs).
International Cat Care has issued a position statement saying that even if surgical techniques were improved to negate some of the adverse effects of declawing, it would remain of the opinion that the procedure is unethical other than if required to manage a medical condition, and should be legislated against wherever possible.
Urging vets to 'get off their backsides and respond to a VMD consultation' on the introduction of a new POM-EA category (Vet Times, 19th October) is premature.
Contrary to the report, the VMD has not yet launched a formal consultation.
Jo Cawthorne from the VMD said: "In fact, we've only launched an informal consultation on a concept note amongst a small group of key stakeholders from the RCVS, BVA, RPSGB, AMTRA, AHDA and NOAH, in order to decide whether this is a viable idea and merits a formal consultation."
She added: "There is no need for vets to respond to a consultation which doesn't yet exist. If there is a formal consultation, it will be announced formally on our website and everyone will be given the opportunity to respond."
Virbac has been granted a Limited Marketing Authorisation in the UK for its Gudair vaccine, indicated for the active immunisation of sheep and goats against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
MAP is the causal organism for Johne's Disease, a chronic infection of the intestinal system for which there is no cure.
According to Virbac, Johne's Disease enters most flocks following the introduction of infected stock, often breeding rams, bought at markets without checks on disease provenance. It is then spread by the faeces of often apparently healthy animals but which can contain huge numbers of MAP. The main clinical sign is a thin ewe resulting in poor productivity followed by inevitable death. It can be passed between sheep and cattle.
Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) in sheep is widespread in Australia where annual death rates of up to 17% have been seen in infected flocks. Virbac says that trials conducted there have demonstrated that vaccination with Gudair can reduce the number of deaths due to OJD by 90% and reduce the numbers of OJD-causing organisms excreted in sheep faeces by 90%.
Ken Sibley MRCVS, Technical Advisor at Virbac says that the number of infected flocks in the UK is unknown and the disease often remains undiagnosed: "Johne's Disease can be a significant cause of loss in infected sheep flocks because of reduced productivity and high culling rates. Vaccination provides the only possible assurance when sourcing sheep from potentially infected flocks and will help to reduce losses from the disease should a farmer inadvertently introduce sheep into an infected flock.
"Lambs identified as replacements should generally be vaccinated between 4 and 16 weeks of age, subcutaneously behind the ear. Sheep over 16 weeks of age can also be vaccinated as this will reduce shedding of organisms in infected animals while bought-in replacements can be vaccinated on arrival at the farm. Sheep require only one vaccination for their lifetime.
"Following its success in Australia, we are delighted to be able to offer Gudair to veterinary surgeons in the UK."
For further information, contact your Virbac territory manager or call: 01359 243243
Zenifel contains synthetic feline facial pheromones which imitate the facial F3 pheromone which has been found to be significantly important when it comes to cats creating areas they feel safe and relaxed in1.
According to the company, Zenifel contains a 48ml vial of the same synthetic F3 feline facial pheromone as the market leader, but, thanks to its own diffusion system and a higher concentration of F3, lasts up to 6 weeks; i.e. 50% longer. This, says Virbac, means that Zenifel is both more economical and more environmentally friendly.
Alongside the launch of the new product, Virbac is offering a practice support pack which includes things you need to create a calm area for feline visitors and promote the benefits of pheromones to pet owners. The company is also running a promotion in which practices could be eligible for a year’s free supply of Zenifel.
For more information, contact your local Virbac Territory Manager.
Hysolv says the vaccine, which was developed by IDT Biologika, has been used successfully in Germany, where 1.7 million doses have been prescribed. The company says field trials have shown that vaccination not only protected against clinical signs of influenza but also resulted in improvements in reproduction and piglet performance.
Two 1 ml doses of the inactivated vaccine can be injected intramuscularly three weeks apart to pigs from 56 days old, providing immunisation to the majority of animals within seven days.
Hysolv director, Geoff Hooper said: "Swine flu can be devastating to a herd and this vaccine will broaden protection, particularly when used with our existing vaccine Respiporc FLU3, which we are strongly advising."
Respiporc FLU3 protects against three other strains of swine flu (H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2). Hysolv says that when used together, the two vaccines protect pigs against the most relevant strains in the British Isles.
Geoff added: "There have been several flu pandemics throughout the years – the latest in 2009. It is not possible to predict the emergence of a pandemic strain accurately but this vaccine combined with Respiporc FLU3 will greatly decrease the chance of pigs becoming infected."
This list was originally prepared BVDA President, Alex Smithson after being asked by lots of colleagues which dentistry CPD he knows of or recommends.
To his list, we've also added events hosted by Improve International and Bob Partridge.
In addition to the following courses, Orosurgeon Ltd provides in-house, group and individual training throughout the year. Courses can cover all dentistry and oral surgery topics, basic to advanced, including restorative & endodontic dentistry.
Contact admin@orosurgeon.co.uk for details.
Zoetis has announced the launch of Contacera (meloxicam) 15mg/ml oral suspension, a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory preparation for horses.
According to the company, meloxicam has been shown to hold advantages over Phenylbutazone for the alleviation of musculoskeletal inflammation and pain in horses over six weeks of age1,2,3,4.
Contacera can be mixed with food or syringed directly into the mouth to ensure compliance. It is available in 100ml or 250ml bottles, with a measuring dose syringe and a syringe adaptor. Contacera solution for injection is also available.
Penny McCann, Equine Product Manager, Zoetis UK Ltd, said: "Contacera is an exciting addition to our NSAID portfolio. Due to the potential clinical advantages of Meloxicam, Contacera gives vets an important additional option for NSAID management. It is a logical fit with the other products in our range and benefits from a choice of presentations."
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager, visit www.zoetis.co.uk, or ring Zoetis' Customer Support: 0845 3008034
References