Some big names from the art and entertainment worlds, including Cheryl Cole, Tracey Emin, Twiggy and Jamie Oliver are donating their own paintings and drawings of hares to raise money for two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
One of these A4 canvases would be a great addition to a veterinary practice waiting room. It would be sure to create an interesting talking point, particularly if you specialise in leporids.
If you're interested in buying one, they go under the auctioneer's hammer both online and at the 'Hare Ball' at the Dorchester Hotel in London on May 26th 2011.
The Hare Styling Celebrity Canvases Appeal is the brainchild of hairdresser Michael Van Clarke whose daughter Angelica was given a lifesaving operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital when she was just two days old. Now 15 years old, Angelica has drawn a hare to help raise funds for the hospital that saved her life. The hare has been reproduced on A4 canvases which have been sent to well-known names in the public eye inviting them to create an original artwork.
Other celebrities who have already donated include Stella McCartney, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Terry Venables and HRH Princess Beatrice The Duchess of York. Many more are expected ahead of the March deadline. All of the canvases will be displayed at a central London gallery exhibition and most will be included in a hard bound book printed to raise further money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Michael Van Clarke said: “The pioneering work carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital provides hope to extremely sick children and their families. My family knows first-hand the incredible difference the hospital can make and I am always looking for ways to show my gratitude. When we first came up with this Hare styling idea, we weren’t sure how it would be received, but we have been overwhelmed by the response from the recipients of the canvases.
"The fundraising potential of these canvases is huge and we are so grateful for the time and effort people have put in to creating them. We are also looking forward to handing over a big cheque to the charity once all the canvases have been sold.”
For further information or to see a selection of the canvases, please visit http://www.harestyling.com/.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to classify all anthelmintics as POM-V, so that they can only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon, rather than by vets and Suitably Qualified Person (SQPs) as at present.
The BVA has written to the VMD to request that changes are made to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. The BVA is also supporting the efforts of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe in lobbying the European Commission for tighter rules to be in place across all European Member States regarding the accessibility of anthelmintics.
The BVA says that at a time when expert opinion is increasingly alarmed at the growth in resistance to anthelmintics in grazing animals, it believes that it is important that all anthelmintics be classified as POM-V so that their use is conditional on appropriate veterinary advice for all species.
Many experts in parasitology have cited the distribution of anthelmintics by SQPs in the past as one of the main reasons for the dangerous levels of resistance to anthelmintics in grazing animals in the UK at present. SQPs do not have the level of expertise that a veterinary surgeon has in veterinary parasitology.
BVA is an active member of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance and in 2010 BVA launched a poster and detailed guidance for vets on how to prescribe and use anthelmintics responsibly. BVA's CPD Group is also working on a programme of CPD to reinforce the responsible use of these medicines.
Peter Jones, BVA President said: "We know that resistance to anthelmintics is a major problem that must be addressed vigorously if the livestock industry is to avoid a potentially disastrous situation of being unable to tackle parasites in grazing animals.
"Anthelmintics should only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon who has the animals under his/her care and based on a sound clinical diagnosis.
"We strongly supported the VMD's recent decision to continue to classify the new anthelmintic product containing monepantel as POM-V, but the UK stands alone in Europe in classifying other anthelmintics as POM-VPS.
"The UK must be brought in line with the rest of Europe and we need Europe-wide legislation to better control access to anthelmintics in order to safeguard the efficacy of these products in the future."
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has dropped the requirement that veterinary practices display a poster in waiting rooms which tells clients what the top ten medicines they supply are, and their costs.
The requirement was apparently dropped, initially for a six month period, following pressure from the Royal College, which felt says it felt the poster did not entirely serve its purpose.
The requirement for the poster was brought in following the Competition Commission investigation into veterinary medicine sales in 2005, as part of a range of measures. Some of the responsibilities were enforced via the RCVS as an alternative to legislation under the Fair Trading Act, to ensure that clients have access to sufficient information to be able to decide where to obtain veterinary prescriptions and medicines.
The poster, which was outlined in the Guide to Professional Conduct, and subsequently the Code of Professional Conduct, had to include information about prescriptions and repeat prescriptions, together with the 'ten relevant veterinary medicinal products most commonly prescribed during a recent and typical three-month period'.
How 'most commonly prescribed' has been calculated has often varied - for example, by price, volume, number of prescriptions, etc - and, in addition, different formulations, brands or pack sizes of the same active ingredient could cause confusion.
RCVS President, Jacqui Molyneux said: "Having seen how this has worked in practice, we have been keen to push for change because it was felt that the list could be confusing to clients.
"We have also been mindful of the fact that the ways in which consumers access information has changed radically over the last seven years or so, with internet searches becoming more prevalent.
"These factors conspired to make the list less meaningful as a tool that allowed consumers to shop around. It is thus hoped that the removal of the list will reduce potential misunderstanding among the public."
During the first six months following the change, the College and the OFT will monitor the situation. If there is no appreciable level of complaint from the public, the change will become permanent.
The other requirements of supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct Chapter 10 (Fair Trading Requirements) remain unchanged (www.rcvs.org.uk/fairtrading), and the OFT recommends that the notice advising clients that they can obtain a prescription from the practice be made even more prominent.
In addition, it remains important that veterinary surgeons communicate medicines prices clearly to their clients and other callers, and that invoices itemise individual products supplied (www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines).
The project was 'highly commended' at the RCVS Knowledge 2024 awards.
The CVS clinical improvement project found that a major barrier to conducting ultrasound scans was a lack of confidence - both in using equipment and interpreting images.
A recent Canadian industry study has also reviewed barriers, citing a lack of equipment, training and skills as root causes1.
The ultrasound project aimed to review practice equipment, improve clinician case identification, increase clinical skills and confidence, and recommend ultrasound in all appropriate cases.
The company put together resources for vets and nurses designed to help improve ultrasound scan rates, including clinical guidelines, webinars for how to approach cases, and machine guides.
CVS then held training sessions which for vets focussed on case identification and improving diagnostic skills, and for vet nurses looked at how to use ultrasound equipment and conduct scans.
An audit of each participating practices’ ultrasound scan rates was conducted at the start of the project. Results were then shared with each practice every month.
Twelve months after launch, data shows that the number of ultrasound scans has increased by 3,675.
Anecdotal evidence has also shown that colleague confidence and practice team culture has improved as a result of the project.
Dr Victoria Woods, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS responsible for the ultrasound clinical improvement project, said: “It’s fantastic to see the benefits increased ultrasonography is already bringing to our practices on this project – especially as a result of upskilling our nurses.
"I am certain that this will help contribute towards them providing some of the best clinical diagnosis and care in our profession.”
Following the success of the project in its first year, the project is now being developed to focus on echocardiograph and is being undertaken in 52 CVS primary care practices in year two.
Reference
Petplan has announced the finalists for the inaugural Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards.
The awards have been set up by Petplan to celebrate the outstanding work of animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK.
The finalists for each of the categories are:
Animal Charity Team of the Year
Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year
Animal Charity Employee of the Year
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "Animal wellbeing is central to all we do at Petplan. We work with over 1,500 animal charities and give over £2million to assist them every year. The Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards is another way for us to support and recognise the teams and individuals at charities dedicated to improving the lives of animals. We're delighted that these new awards have got off to a fantastic start with over 3,400 nominations from adopters, supporters, charity staff and volunteers."
Winners will be announced on the 2nd May in an awards ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon. For further information go to www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards
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.
The two cases came from Bristol and Kingsbridge, Devon, taking the total number this year to five countrywide.
David Walker, American, RCVS and EBVS European specialist in small animal internal medicine, who leads the team at Anderson Moores, said: “We’re very sad to confirm two further cases of CRGV.
"Unfortunately, we find ourselves at the time of year when cases are most commonly identified."
There were 47 confirmed cases in 2020 and 28 in 2021.
The two new cases bring the total to 284 since the disease was first detected in the UK in 2012.
Anderson Moores has launched a website dedicated to Alabama Rot, which offers advice and information for owners and veterinary professionals, including a live map of confirmed cases across the UK: www.alabama-rot.co.uk.
Vetsonic has taken over the marketing of Cavalesse, the oral nutritional supplement for horses that are prone to skin allergies, such as sweet itch.
Cavalesse contains a formulation of water-soluble vitamins and minerals, administered daily via a special pipette, either by sprinkling over a small handful of feed or adding to a treat. Vetsonic claims the supplement helps horses maintain a healthy skin and promotes normal immune function.
Ray Rochester, Managing Director of Vetsonic said: "It's an exciting phase in the development of Vetsonic which will see us rapidly expanding in the increasingly competitive small animal and equine market. Cavalesse is a welcome addition to our portfolio."
For further information, contact Vetsonic customer services on 01653 695333.
The 8-week study1, which was part-funded by the ISAZ/Waltham Petcare Science Institute Collaborative Research Award and Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.), compared the effects of walking with a shelter dog vs. walking with a human and the impact they had on psychological stress indicators, PTSD symptoms and the stress in reintegrating military veterans.
The veterans in the study who walked with shelter dogs experienced improved rate variability and decreased levels of salivary cortisol – both signs of relaxation and improved stress response.
Waltham points to a Journal of Psychiatric Research estimate that up to 25% of military veterans who have transitioned out of active duty would meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD2. This, says the Institute, could mean that up to 625,000 of the 2.4 million3 military veterans currently living in the UK could potentially be living with this mental health issue.
Dr Kay O’Donnell, Ph.D., Vice President of the Waltham Petcare science institute, said: “This study further highlights the potential of dog walking to improve the lives of both veterans and shelter dogs by offering veterans a way to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals – while dogs are simultaneously helping veterans with symptoms of PTSD.
"At the Waltham Petcare Science Institute we believe we have a responsibility to take scientific exploration further when evidence to date shows us that pets can be part of addressing conditions like PTSD. It’s important we undertake rigorous studies to understand how companion animals may provide a benefit and we’re proud to be part of this study, which takes us another step forward in understanding the human-animal bond."
References
The five-year strategy outlines actions required from the group and its members until 2025, as well as focusing on changing wider public attitudes to extreme conformations in brachycephalic dogs.
It identifies three core challenges:
Some of the actions committed to include working to prevent the inappropriate use of imagery of brachycephalic dogs in advertising, promoting relevant health testing schemes and sharing research with breeders and would-be owners, alongside developing and promoting a Brachycephalic Health Assessment veterinary consultation framework.
Dr Dan O’Neill, chair of BWG said: “BWG understands that the serious health problems associated with the flat-faced body shape can cause many dogs to suffer and considers that the health and welfare problems linked to breeding for a flat face are one of the UK’s leading canine welfare priorities.
"This new strategy lays out a plan to redress many of these issues and we call on everybody to ‘Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”
www.ukbwg.org.uk/?page_id=801
The practice will offer 24/7 care with the same team managing both daytime and out-of-hours emergencies to offer continuity and familiarity for clients and their pets.
Facilities at the practice include heated hospital cages for small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, custom-built vivaria with species-appropriate UV lighting tailored to different reptile requirements and advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment specifically designed for exotic animal care.
Molly said: "We know that exotic pets require highly specialised care and our mission is to provide that expertise with compassion.
"Our entire team is trained and experienced in handling, treating, and advising on a diverse range of exotic species.
"We are committed to providing the highest standard of care for every animal that comes through our doors.”
The practice is now open for new client registrations.
www.theexoticanimalvets.co.uk
The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) is launching its new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme today, designed to ensure that the Authority's registered Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) keep up to date with the latest animal medicines information.
In order to maintain their SQP status, every SQP will have to achieve a minimum number of CPD points during each AMTRA CPD period, running for two years from July to June. However, in the initial stages of the scheme, this first period will run for 33 months, from October 2008 to June 2011, allowing AMTRA to fine tune the system if required and give its SQPs time to get used to the new structure.
During these CPD periods, SQPs are required to obtain a minimum number of CPD points depending on their SQP type:
SQP Type: Modules; VPS medicines supplied; CPD PointsR-SQP: FAM+EQM+CAM; All VPS Medicines; 70 pointsG-SQP: FAM+EQM; VPS-farm animals and equines only; 50 pointsK-SQP: FAM+CAM; VPS-farm and companion animals only; 50 pointsE-SQP: EQM+CAM; VPS-equines and companion animals only; 50 pointsL-SQP: FAM; VPS-farm animals only; 30 pointsJ-SQP: EQM; VPS-equines only; 30 pointsC-SQP: CAM; VPS-companion animals only; 30 points
(FAM - Farm Animal Module, EQM - Equine Module, CAM - Companion Animal Module)
In essence, this means that 20 points are required per animal group, plus a further 10 points. Dr Roger Dawson, Secretary of AMTRA comments, "There is no maximum number of CPD points that SQPs can accumulate and we will be encouraging them to gain the benefit of as much CPD as they can."
Those SQPs who do not achieve the minimum number of CPD points by the end of the period will not be eligible to renew their status for the following year. However, such SQPs will have the option of sitting an examination before the end of that CPD period in order to maintain their SQP status and eligible be to renew for the next year.
SQPs will have a range of avenues through which to gain CPD points, ranging from four types of AMTRA-accredited CPD Events, to online study and personal study. With CPD Events and online studies, accreditation and points will be awarded by the AMTRA CPD Accreditation Panel. With personal study, AMTRA accepts a degree of self-certification of this form of CPD, however the points gained in this way are limited to a relatively small proportion of the minimum required in a CPD period.
Throughout a CPD period, all SQPs are required to attend at least ONE CPD Event. These events will comprise a range of modules that will be assessed for coverage, of relevant topics ranging from legislation, regulations and prevalence & effects of parasites and pathogens, to control of disease management, resistance, warnings and SARS.
Dr Dawson says, "The new CPD scheme has the necessary flexibility to allow SQPs to gain the required CPD points via a number of routes, from accredited CPD events and online study to personal study. Furthermore, the structure of the scheme ensures that their studies will be properly assessed to ensure they have gained the necessary knowledge to secure their CPD points."
Linda gave her address at the Royal Institute of British Architects, venue for the RCVS Annual General Meeting last Friday.
Linda, an equine vet and director of the Wiltshire-based George Veterinary Group, said: “A Royal College and a regulator – it’s a challenge but this combined role is also an opportunity for us.
“In the time I’ve served the RCVS, I’ve definitely learnt some of what it takes to fulfil these roles under the remit of both the Veterinary Surgeons Act and our Royal Charter; to think not just from personal perspective and experience, and also to try to look beyond the needs of the profession today and consider what tomorrow might bring.
“Vets are not just one thing.
"The roles we fill in our working lives are many and varied, and I would argue that the MRCVS is the best placed arbiter of animal health and welfare.
"As such, keeping the MRCVS at the heart of decision-making around how veterinary care and services are provided is essential both to safeguard animal health and welfare and also to retain public trust in our work.
“Cultivating trust is a big part of what many of us do, day in and day out – trust in us from within our teams, from our clients and perhaps even from our patients.
“The RCVS with its two hats does a tough job for both the professions and the public.
"In many cases, the interests of the professions and the public align and there is no conflict.
"Of course, as a regulator where the interests don’t align, the RCVS regulates in the wider public interest and this, too, is a positive for us as a profession.
“Working in a regulated environment is a strength for us.
"The landscape in which we work has changed and the regulatory environment needs to change too. Now we are the other side of the general election, work can continue on legislative reform seeking parliamentary time for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act.”
As the 13th female President of the RCVS, Linda will lead an Officer Team comprising the now Senior Vice-President Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS, Junior Vice-President Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS and Treasurer Dr Tshidi Gardiner MRCVS as well as VN Council Chair Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN, who attends Officer Team meetings as an observer.
BCF Technology has announced that it now has the 9020HF ultralight and the 10040HF ultra orange x-ray generators available in blue.
Jason Rogers of BCF said: "Our range of generators aims to meet the needs of any size of veterinary practice. The new blue generators will compliment our existing range. The bright blue colour means they will be eye-catching in the field, meaning you wont leave them behind!"
What next? The BCF Spring Collection - a range of ultrasound scanners in pale, neutral shades guaranteed not to clash with your overalls?
To find out more about BCF Technology's range of x-ray equipment and generators visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/
Ceva Animal Health has launched Libeo, a new four-way break, palatable furosemide for the management of heart failure in dogs.
According to the company, furosemide - a diuretic - is the most frequently used treatment for the management of heart failure because it helps reduce pulmonary oedema and its quick onset of action is associated with a noticeable reduction in clinical signs.
However, Ceva highlights the fact that long-term under or over-dosing can have profound health implications for the patient, and says that current recommendations are to reduce the dose to the minimum effective dose as soon as the animal is stable and only increase it if required due to deterioration in heart function.
Ceva says that unlike other furosemides, Libeo has been designed solely for the veterinary market - specifically to facilitate easy and accurate dosing.
The four-way break tablet is available in a traditional 40mg tablet size as well as a unique 10mg size for small patients. The clover-shaped tablet is chicken-flavoured, designed to make it easier for owners to dose their pets and help improve long-term owner compliance. Each box of Libeo contains 120 blister-packed tablets, removing the need for someone to have to count out tablets.
Rob McLintock MRCVS, Companion Animal Business Unit Manager at Ceva Animal Health said: “87% of vets in the UK believe that the dose of furosemide given to pets by their owners is adversely affected by how difficult it is to split the tablets1. This is especially likely to affect pets whose owners are less dextrous or have difficulties using their hands. Libeo is both easy to administer and effective, thereby improving owner compliance and the long term health and welfare of their pets.”
VetSurgeon.org has published a light-hearted practice waiting room poster designed to help pet owners learn good 'vetiquette'
The idea came about after Hamilton-based Julie Innes MRCVS shared a poem she'd written to display in her own practice waiting room in the VetSurgeon.org forums. It was such a gem that VetSurgeon.org commissioned Joe Wright, the illustrator behind the much loved 'What a Mess' children's books, to bring Julie's poem to life.
The resulting poster (pictured right; click to enlarge) is now available to buy on Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.co.uk/vetstuff), priced at £10.45 +P&P for an A2 version and £9.40+P&P for the A3 version.
The price includes a 5% royalty, which will be donated to the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VetLife).
There is also a collection of VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk exclusive coffee mugs (£10.30 +P&P), bearing cartoons from the poster. Again, the royalty on sales of these mugs will be donated to the VBF.
The poster has also been published on VetSurgeon.org's Facebook feed, so it can be shared on practice Facebook pages.
At the outset of the hearing, which was to consider evidence for a number of charges relating to the treatment of three colts at his former practice in 2015, Mr Denny made an application to the Committee that the hearing should be adjourned contingent on a form of undertakings being accepted. These undertakings were that his name be removed from the Register with immediate effect and that he never apply to be restored to the Register under any category.
The application was granted by the Committee, taking into account a number of factors. These include the fact that Mr Denny had now retired and closed his practice, his long and hitherto unblemished veterinary career and the fact that it would not be proportionate, or in the public interest, for there to be a lengthy hearing on the matter.
The Committee noted that there were several precedents for concluding cases in such a manner. The Committee also noted that the application was supported by both the College and the complainant.
Mr Denny was removed from the Register as of Monday 24 April 2017.
The Royal Veterinary College has received a donation of £1m from the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust towards a £1.5m refurbishment of the Beaumont Animals' Hospital in Camden, London.
The Hospital will be renamed as the Beaumont Sainsbury Animals' Hospital in Jean Sainsbury's honour, as a reflection of the matched values shared by Jean and the College. The Hospital has remained open during the refurbishment, which is due to be completed in Spring 2011.
Graham Milligan, Clinical Services Director at the Royal Veterinary College said: "This Landmark donation enables the College to create a 21st century veterinary primary care practice that is unrivalled in Central London. We are delighted to be able to celebrate Jean's life by renaming our Hospital in her honour, as she was dedicated to improving animal welfare and promoting responsible care of animals and sound primary veterinary care."
Jean Sainsbury, who died in 2007, was a frequent visitor to the hospital and provided funds to assist clients in receipt of state benefit with essential care and treatment of their pets. Jean especially valued the work of the Beaumont Animals' Hospital because it provides the highest quality first opinion services for pet owners in Camden, and that this service is based on the ethos that all treatments and procedures should be necessary and appropriate to the animal's needs.
Colin Russell MBE, Chairman of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust said: "The Trustees feel it is a fitting tribute to Jean Sainsbury, who was dedicated to animal welfare, to have her name added to the Beaumont Animals' Hospital which she supported so enthusiastically during her lifetime."
For many years Jean Sainsbury was a supporter of the Royal Veterinary College and its hospital for small animals in Camden. Grants to the College helped to fund the first phase of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at the Hawkshead campus in Hertfordshire and grants were used at the Camden Town site to refurbish operating theatres and waiting and reception areas in the animals' hospital. Since 1994 the Trust has subsidised veterinary costs for those on low incomes. Jean Sainsbury's support was formally recognised in 1994 by the award of an Honorary Fellowship of the College.
The extensive £1.5 million refurbishment of the hospital includes improvements to the reception and waiting areas for clients, refitting of the five consultation rooms; major upgrades to the dispensary and treatment room, a complete refit of the radiography suite including updating to the latest digital standards, a refit of surgical facilities including the creation of a new dedicated dental suite, the expansion of ward facilities for exotics, an overhaul of the ward space for dogs including expansion of the isolation facilities (to minimise likelihood of spread of infectious diseases) as well as complete refurbishment of seminar room facilities for students, new office accommodation and major improvements to living quarters for the veterinary nursing team.
TVM, which has a wide range of products in ophthalmology, neurology, geriatrics, gastroenterology, anti-poison management and health and wellness, says that the acquisition is designed to boost the company's international scope, building market share and expanding its leadership in the fields of ophthalmology and neurology beyond France.
The acquisition will also strengthen TVM’s position in the area of animal anti-poison treatment as Forum Animal Health already supplies a canine emetic which it has been marketing in the UK for three years with an awareness campaign about the dangers of toxic products to dogs. This, the company says, has contributed to a significant increase in early interventions by veterinary surgeons in cases of poisoning. A similar campaign is currently being led in France by the TVM laboratory.
To accompany the change, Forum Animal Health is adopting a new visual identity, shown above right.
The company says it has renamed the product to better reflect its main use, which is for maintaining skin and coat health in cats and dogs.
Chris Jones, Managing Director at Nutravet said: “We’re continually looking at ways to improve our product offering, which includes ensuring our product range can be discussed with ease between veterinary professionals and pet owners.
"Nutracoat has been used in international markets since launch, and we now feel that the natural progression is to mirror transition the use of Nutramega to Nutracoat in the UK."
www.nutravet.com
The researchers say their analysis shows more needs to be done within the profession to acknowledge, raise awareness of and dismantle the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism that exist.
For the qualitative study, all BAME veterinary professionals and students in the UK were asked to complete an online questionnaire, containing open questions about their experiences.
The questionnaire was was distributed online, in veterinary schools, veterinary organisations and the media, with responses analysed using inductive and deductive approaches.
The findings identified three main themes regarding BAME people’s experiences in the sector.
The first was alienation and insecurity, ranging from blatant rejection, or being deliberately patronised, such as:
"In practicals in the vet school, I’ve noticed more and more times that students would rather work on other stations and not want to work on stations me and my friends (who are also from ethnic minority backgrounds) are working on, even when the other stations are full. This has happened on multiple occasions."
or
"On work experience, the vet I was shadowing at the time would ask me questions like, “Are you integrated into society yet?”, and “What do you eat?”. I am a British citizen who was born in the UK, and so were my parents, so I found this particularly confusing."
through to more subtle forms of "othering":
"People assume that you aren't British and are different, whereas I would say since I was born and grew up in Britain that I identify as British. People ask me if I can speak another language, or like, do I eat my ethnic food all the time?
"An older couple once probed, “Where are you from?”, I said [name of UK city], they asked again, I said I grew up in [name of UK county], and they asked one more time and I said I have Caribbean heritage. I find this is a common form of racism amongst older people and often they’re not trying to be hurtful, but they’re curious and don't understand how it would make someone feel uncomfortable.
The second theme was homogenisation and inferiorisation, for example when BAME people are labelled, often incorrectly, according to perceived ethnicity:
"I've had lay colleagues refer to me as ‘the Chinese vet’ in front of clients and other colleagues rather than address me by my name – and it's weird because I grew up in Australia."
"Clients often asked to book in with the Singapore vet, but commonly referred to him as ‘the Chinese vet’ on the phone instead of his name, or if they forgot his name. I believe the nurses corrected these clients, but sometimes the clients would ‘jokingly’ comment that it's ‘the same thing’."
The final theme was the disappointment and futility felt by many of the participants, and the impact on their job satisfaction:
"Job satisfaction worsens when I learn that my colleagues (nurses or vets) are unaware of the impact of their words and do not understand what constitutes racism, e.g., use of the word ‘golliwog’, even when not used to describe a specific person. The judgement placed on someone due to their ethnicity creates an unpleasant atmosphere which impacts job satisfaction."
Dr Christine Thuranira-McKeever, Vice Principal (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Director of Distance Learning at the RVC, said: “At the RVC, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the sector and have implemented several initiatives – aligned with our Strategic Plan in which EDI is a core component – to encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
"This includes the RVC For All campaign and Veterinary Gateway Programme to broaden access to veterinary education; the RVC's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Race Equality Task Group to focus on addressing racial disparities and shaping policy; and Animal Aspirations, founded in 2019 by RVC students, to support individuals from minority backgrounds.
“However, there is more to be done, and the findings of this study emphasise a significant need for the veterinary profession to come together and do more to acknowledge and raise awareness of the systemic and often overlooked forms of racism, to challenge and dismantle them, and to empower those who are affected.”
Virbac Animal Health has launched a twitter-based early warning system to alert vets and dog owners of cases of canine parvovirus (CPV) in their area. It is to go live on 1 November 2012.
@parvoalert is a twitter feed that updates followers on the geographic location of cases of the disease using the first half of the relevant postcode. The company is asking vets and owners learning of a case to tweet the first half of the postcode where it occurs to @parvoalert. Virbac will then retweet it to everyone else following @parvoalert. The company is also advising vets and owners to check the feed regularly for news of cases. The service is free.
Virbac says that when it hears of a case, it will also provide practices in 'at-risk' areas with a 'Parvo-alert' Pack, containing a range of tools and support materials to help them alert dog owners. These include waiting room posters, leaflets, stickers and template text for newsletters.
The Veterinary Director of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Shaun Opperman, said: "As recent viewers of ITV1's 'Paul O Grady: For the Love of Dogs' may have seen, parvovirus causes dreadful suffering to dogs. Unfortunately many people still aren't vaccinating their dogs, so we see cases on a regular basis and it's vital that owners vaccinate their dogs, are aware of the disease and remain vigilant for the early signs."
Simon Boulton MRCVS, Product Manager at Virbac, said: "One of the problems in tackling canine parvovirus is that little information is shared on the frequency and location of cases so, in some ways, it's a hidden problem. While it's not as common as some other infectious diseases, when outbreaks occur, as they did earlier this year in South Wales and Oxford, the disease proves fatal in around half of diagnosed dogs."
Once @parvoalert is established, Virbac says it aims to build it into a comprehensive web-based CPV resource, featuring background on the prevention and treatment of the disease; comment from veterinary experts and downloadable practice support materials.
Simon continued: "It's heart-breaking for owners to lose their pets in this way and to see them suffer from a disease that could easily have been prevented. We hope @parvoalert will help to raise awareness of the fact that CPV continues to represent a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs. It will benefit all practices in areas affected as they will receive a Parvo-alert Pack, which they can use to encourage their clients to get their dogs vaccinated and look out for signs of the disease."
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed an application to be restored to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons from former Wirral-based vet Ian Beveridge.
In May 2013 the Committee had asked the Registrar to remove Mr Beveridge from the Register following a four-day hearing in which he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct after finding that he had treated clients badly, kept inadequate clinical records, was dishonest in his dealings with the RCVS and that animals in his care were placed at risk.
In June 2013 Mr Beveridge, who was not present or represented at the original hearing, then appealed the decision. The appeal was withdrawn in May 2014 which was when Mr Beveridge was formally removed from the Register.
Then, in April 2015, Mr Beveridge applied to be restored to the Register. The Disciplinary Committee met to consider his application in June 2015, however, this hearing was adjourned after new evidence was served to the Committee concerning allegations that Mr Beveridge had ordered prescription-only veterinary medicines when he was not authorised to do so. He was subsequently interviewed by police who took no further action.
In deciding whether Mr Beveridge was fit to be restored to the Register, the Committee heard evidence in regards to the circumstances in which the prescription-only drugs were ordered using his account and delivered to his former practice address which had been taken over by Medivet after he sold the premises to the company.
During the course of the hearing, Mr Beveridge admitted that his account had been used to buy the drugs, but that a part-time member of his staff, who was neither a veterinary surgeon nor a veterinary nurse, had done so without his prior knowledge or approval.
In relation to this evidence Ian Green, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee, said: "The Committee takes the view that the unauthorised use of a veterinary surgeon’s drugs account for which he carries the ultimate responsibility is a very serious matter and, of itself, demonstrates that the applicant has at best a cavalier attitude to his work which of itself means that he remains unfit to be on the Register.
"This attitude is further demonstrated by the fact that, even after the first orders were placed in late April and early May 2014, the applicant did not seek clarification from the College of his status following the withdrawal of his appeal against the original Committee’s findings."
In addition to this, the Committee also considered the seriousness of his original failings, the fact that Mr Beveridge’s acceptance of these failings was ‘qualified’, that he had been off the Register for 20 months and the fact that his efforts in terms of continuing professional development had been inadequate and not focused on those areas in need of improvement, among other factors. In mitigation it did consider that Mr Beveridge had demonstrated genuine remorse about previous actions and noted a petition and a large number of letters in support of him from former clients of his practice.
However, the Committee felt that this did not detract from the seriousness of the original failings and, in conjunction with the subsequent unauthorised ordering of veterinary drugs, that the application for restoration must be dismissed.
Zoetis has announced the launch of Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate), a new treatment for pruritus associated with canine allergic dermatitis and the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis.
Uniquely, the new treatment inhibits the JAK enzyme, a protein that is integral to the signalling pathway of cytokines that are pro-inflammatory or have a role in allergic and itch response.
According to the company, pruritus affects about one in six dogs whose owners seek veterinary help, and about half of all itchy dogs will have an underlying allergic skin condition for which the new product would be indicated.
Zoetis says that because Apoquel targets the specific pathways of pruritus (itch) and inflammation, it is less likely to cause unwanted side effects than glucocorticoids and demonstrates anti-pruritic efficacy within four hours.
Pascal Prélaud, a dermatology specialist from Paris, who took part in the clinical development programme of Apoquel, said: "When a dog develops an itch related to an allergy, it can be life-disrupting for the dog and the entire family. I've learned firsthand the fundamental difference this treatment can make to a dog and its owners in stopping the itch, but without many of the side-effects that are common with steroids.
Zoetis reports that in clinical trials, Apoquel demonstrated a good safety profile and efficacy for the treatment of pruritus and resulted in improved skin lesions in dogs diagnosed with a number of allergic skin diseases as well as atopic dermatitis and treated either short or long term. The decrease in itch scores was observed by pet owners within 24 hours of administration, and pruritus continued to decrease compared to baseline until the end of the study. Skin lesions scores assessed by veterinarians were significantly improved after one week and continued to improve long term during the studies (four months).
Apoquel is a POM. Apoquel tablets, dosed at 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg, are administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy if medium- to long-term treatment is required, such as in dogs with seasonal skin allergy and atopic dermatitis.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has clarified regulations on equine dental procedures following a survey which showed confusion, even amongst vets, over who is allowed to do what in a horse's mouth.
In the survey of BEVA members, more than half were unaware of the dentistry techniques that equine dental technicians (EDTs) are permitted to perform and the levels of veterinary supervision required.
In response, the association has put together a new information leaflet which explains the regulations surrounding equine dental care and describes where recommended practice differs from the letter of the law.
All diagnostic and treatment procedures in the horse's mouth are Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The only exception is the manual removal of small dental overgrowths and sharp enamel points with hand instruments.
However it is acknowledged that there are a limited number of procedures that, despite being considered Acts of Veterinary Surgery, may be delegated safely to suitably qualified EDTs without compromising the horse's welfare and safety. In 2009 the RCVS, with assistance from BEVA, BVDA and BAEDT, listed these processes and categorised all dental procedures into three groups:
Despite there being no legal basis supporting non-vets performing Category 2 procedures, the RCVS has stated that there would be no public interest in prosecuting vets who collaborate with suitably qualified EDTs to perform non-invasive (Categories 1 and 2) procedures.
BEVA recommends that, for their own protection, all vets who deal with horses:
Vicki Nicholls, equine vet at Wright and Morten in Cheshire, chair of BEVA council's Paraprofessional Committee and member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) said: "The lack of awareness is alarming and clearly emphasises the need to make vets and equine dental technicians fully conscious of current regulations regarding equine dentistry. Non-adherence to the regulations is a serious matter and could lead to prosecution of the veterinary surgeon, EDT and/or owner."
The number of vets taking the BEVA/BVDA exam in equine dentistry has increased in recent years with about 15% of those who have passed the exam being vets. BEVA says this is indicative of the growing awareness, amongst owners and vets, of the importance of dental health. It also reflects a desire to develop and demonstrate both practical skills and a theoretical understanding of equine dental care to augment the vet's broader medical knowledge. Expertise in equine dental care has, for many veterinary practices, become a valuable asset.
Copies of the dental regulations information leaflet can be downloaded from the BEVA website at www.beva.org.uk. BEVA also runs regular dentistry CPD courses, details of which can be found on the website.
Image source: Rachel C from Scotland