The Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge is going to conduct new research to enable the creation of a blood test to identify Flatcoated Retrievers with early stage histiocytic sarcoma.

The charity says that although histiocytic sarcoma is rare, it is an aggressive form of cancer which Flatcoated Retrievers are particularly susceptible to. 

According to the AHT, almost half of all affected Flat-coated Retrievers will have a tumour in multiple locations in the body at the time of diagnosis. The outlook for these dogs is very poor and, in most cases, means they receive a terminal diagnosis.

The new research revolves around microRNAs, abnormal levels of which are often found in tumours. In addition, different microRNAs are involved in different cancers. These cancer-specific microRNA signatures can be found within the blood of cancer patients, meaning that a tumour could potentially be diagnosed with a blood test.

To start with, the researchers say they plan to confirm if there is a specific microRNA signature that is unique to histiocytic sarcomas amongst tumours and normal tissue samples from Flatcoated Retrievers. If a signature is identified, the project will investigate if measuring the levels of these microRNAs within a Flatcoated Retriever tissue sample can be used to accurately identify a histiocytic sarcoma. If it can, additional funding will be sought for more research to identify if the microRNA signature is also detectable in the blood of affected dogs, and thence to develop a blood test. 

If it comes off, this would mean that a blood sample from a Flatcoated Retriever that was lame, or was showing non-specific clinical signs of the disease such as depression, lethargy, appetite or weight loss, could be tested for the presence of the histiocytic sarcoma-associated microRNAs.

A dog with a positive test result could then have an early MRI scan and histopathology done to confirm the diagnosis, hopefully at a stage where treatment would be more successful. 

Dr Anna Hollis, cancer researcher at the Animal Health Trust, said: "I have Flatcoated Retrievers and have lost one of them to histiocytic sarcoma - it is absolutely devastating. This research could make a significant difference, and that is a huge personal motivation for me. Histiocytic sarcoma is a particularly tricky cancer to diagnose, because the tumours are frequently located deep within or between the muscles of the upper limbs - underneath the shoulder is a common location.

"Often lame dogs are rested and given pain relief before imaging is sought. Delayed diagnosis is a potential problem with histiocytic sarcoma given its aggressive nature and ability to spread rapidly to other locations within the body. If we could identify affected dogs at an earlier stage, this may allow more successful treatment of the disease."

The research project has been funded by the Flatcoated Retriever Society (FCRS) and the FCRS Rescue, Rehousing and Welfare Scheme. The Flatcoated Retriever Breed Health Co-ordinator, Liz Branscombe, said "Sadly, there is a high incidence of this aggressive form of cancer in our beautiful breed. Early detection of the disease is key in optimising cancer treatment and prolonging survival time so the prospect of a diagnostic blood test for use in the future is exciting.'

Photo: Liz Branscombe, Dr Mike Starkey and Dr Anna Hollis of AHT and Brian Jones of FCRS Rescue, Rehousing and Welfare.

Devon vet Jo Dyer has launched a petition for the RCVS to remove mandatory house visits from the Code of Professional Conduct, in response to the College's call for evidence on the provision of 24-hour emergency veterinary cover.

Clause 3.13 of the Code currently says: "Clients may request attendance on a sick or injured animal away from the practice premises and, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to do so. On rare occasions, it may be necessary on clinical or welfare grounds. The decision to attend away from the practice is for the veterinary surgeon, having carefully balanced the needs of the animal against the safety implications of making the visit; a veterinary surgeon is not expected to risk 'life or limb', or that of anyone else to provide the service."

In other words, whilst it is not mandatory to accede to every request for a home visit, the Code starts by saying: 'it may be desirable' and 'it may be necessary', thereby implying that the veterinary surgeon will need to explain themselves if they decide against.

Jo argues that this ambiguity, coupled with outcome of recent disciplinary cases and the risk, however small, of losing one's livelihood, means that there are many practitioners, particularly younger and less experienced graduates, who are now fearful of refusing home visits, rendering them to all intents and purposes mandatory. It's a situation compounded by the perception that if push comes to shove, a practitioner's actions will be judged by a Disciplinary Committee whose members may be out of touch with the sometimes harsher realities of life in practice.

Jo also points to the increased risk of assault that practitioners face when making home visits, rather than treating the patient from the relative security of the practice premises. She also makes the point that leaving a practice unattended (as can happen if the only vet on the premises has to go on a home visit), may compromise the welfare of any other animals that need emergency treatment in the meantime. 

The petition calls for the complete removal of clause 3.13 from the Code, and for clause 3.2 to be amended to read: 'The responsibility for the welfare of an animal rests primarily with the owner, keeper or carer of the animal. Veterinary surgeons are unable to make a definitive decision regarding diagnosis and treatment until they have undertaken a physical examination of an animal. This examination may take place at the surgery or other address entirely at the discretion of the veterinary surgeon on duty. It is expected that farm animals and equines will mainly be examined away from the surgery and pets at the surgery."

Jo said: "It is important to stress that I am not calling for the abolition of home visits, and nor do I think this would be the effect of my proposed change to the CoPC. The profession is almost entirely made up of people who care desperately about the quality of the service they offer, and who want to offer the best to their patients and their clients. Of course we'll continue to make home visits. But I do feel passionately that the decision in each case must rest unambiguously with the veterinary surgeon concerned and not be subject afterwards to the judgement of others."

To sign the petition, visit: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/royal-college-of-veterinary-surgeons-remove-mandatory-house-visits-from-the-code-of-professional-conduct

The RCVS is inviting vets to a focus group to look at the profession's needs for a Specialist GP status and contribute to the development of a curriculum on Friday 3rd May 2024 between 9.30am and 4.30pm at the Woburn House Conference Centre.

Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education, said: “The overall aim of this event is to gather stakeholders' thoughts and insights on the need for GP specialty training, the potential impact and advantages to the profession as well as any potential risks.

"Those in attendance will also discuss what appropriate content for this training should be and explore potential learning environments, and prerequisites for how the training might be implemented”.

“After an introduction to the VCCP project, we will then be asking participants to consider some of the key questions around the development of this curriculum.

"This includes: establishing the overarching purpose of the training programme with reference to the needs of the workforce, the profession and veterinary care services; identifying appropriate areas of content for the training; identifying suitable learning environments; and establishing consideration of the required mechanisms of supervision and support.

“In terms of attendees, we are very keen to have a good mix of people including those working in independent veterinary practices as well as corporate environments, those working in general practice, Advanced Practitioners, Specialists and those who work in the education sector.

"The focus groups will be on interactivity, finding solutions and building engagement – we want all voices to be heard and all ideas to be shared.”

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rcvs-veterinary-clinical-career-pathways-stakeholder-focus-group-tickets-873231397617?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

COMMENT

Given the above-inflation rise in the cost of veterinary care, leading to the Competition and Markets Review and the proposed Formal Market Investigation, is now really the moment to be adding yet another layer of training and qualification, with attendant costs which will ultimately be borne by the pet-owning public?

And where is the need for a Specialist status for general practitioners?

Isn't one of the biggest issues facing general practitioners today the referall (sic) culture which has developed in recent years, leading to the deskilling of GPs, reduced job satisfaction and increased costs for pet owners?

Isn't it now the time to call a halt to further specialisation and instead focus on cutting costs, reducing the regulatory burden, and encouraging all GPs to regain lost skills so they can all deliver first class, affordable, pragmatic care for the masses?

Just a thought.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has reprimanded David Henry Eccles MRCVS and warned him about his future conduct after he admitted to clinical failings relating to his treatment of a cat.

Mr Eccles had first appeared before the Disciplinary Committee in November 2018 where he admitted a number of clinical failings regarding his diagnosis of a cat, the keeping of accurate and detailed clinical records, giving the animal appropriate treatment, surgery and care, and failing to provide the cat’s owners with adequate information on the cat’s care upon discharge.

After Mr Eccles admitted the two charges against him, and the Committee found him guilty of serious professional misconduct, the Committee then postponed its decision on sanction on the condition that Mr Eccles agreed to abide by a set of undertakings in the interim. They included: the preparation of a personal development plan, the enrolment of his practice in the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, the appointment of a veterinary mentor, the completion of additional training and CPD, and his agreement to pay any costs of complying with the undertakings, including the appointment of and work undertaken by the appointed mentor.

At the resumed hearing last week, the Committee received evidence from Mr Eccles confirming that he had complied with all the original undertakings agreed to in 2018. It also considered some further undertakings that Mr Eccles had agreed to in October 2020 when his reconvened hearing was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. They included: confirming his compliance with the personal development plan he had drawn up in 2019, his practice achieving the Core Standards accreditation level within the Practice Standards Scheme, continuing to meet with his veterinary mentor, and undertaking additional CPD – all of which were found to be completed.

The Committee also heard evidence from both the veterinary mentor and Mr Eccles himself. In his evidence, Mr Eccles apologised to the owners of the cat for the care he had provided, admitting that he had let them and himself down by not having sufficient knowledge to recognise the cat’s needs and to provide him with a sufficient level of care. He also confirmed he was continuing to make improvements to his practice and that he had enjoyed the process of being mentored.

Dr Martin Whiting, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “In November 2018, Mr Eccles practice had fallen significantly short of an acceptable and adequate standard. He was a sole practitioner who had drifted away from professional standards.”

“The Committee today considers that Mr Eccles has met the undertakings which he accepted in November 2018 and again in October 2020 when the resumed hearing was adjourned owing to Covid-19. It accepts the College’s analysis as to how those standards have been met. It notes that Mr Eccles’ practice has achieved accreditation in Core Standards under the Practice Standard Scheme, something which is voluntary in ordinary practice. That is an exacting scheme. He has engaged with his mentor and had indicated that he will continue to do so as the need arises in order to maintain his development.”

Dr Whiting added: “The Committee also recognises that this was a single incident in a long career. It accepts that he has shown insight into his shortcomings. He understands what went wrong and why. The Committee was impressed with Mr Eccles’ statement of apology in his oral evidence today.”

“The Committee found the language which he used in answering its questions, as to the effect compliance with the undertakings has had upon him professionally, reassuring. He said he had been rejuvenated and stimulated; he had renewed enthusiasm for the profession. The Committee commends him for exceeding the minimum requirement of the undertakings, despite the stressful context of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

In considering its sanction for the original admitted charges from November 2018, the Committee considered that a reprimand and warning as to future conduct was the most appropriate and proportionate sanction.

The full findings for the case can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary

The RCVS has produced a checklist poster for use in practice to help veterinary surgeons remember the things they need to consider when delegating work to veterinary nurses under Schedule 3.

Under Schedule 3, vets can delegate medical treatment and minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) to registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses under certain circumstances.

However, following an RCVS survey of the profession to gauge how well both vets and vet nurses understood the provisions of Schedule 3, the College says it was clear that both groups, but especially vets, could benefit from additional guidance and greater clarity.

Following the publication of the survey report, the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Schedule 3 Working Party made a number of recommendations, including the production of a number of case studies (available via www.rcvs.org.uk/schedule3) and a reference poster to help veterinary surgeons in making decisions on delegation in practice. 

An A3/A4 poster setting out the principles of delegation has now been prepared and will be printed and posted to all UK veterinary practice premises this autumn.

Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, who helped develop the poster with the RCVS Standards Committee and the College’s Standards & Advice Team, said: "It was clear from the survey results that we could do more to help vets and vet nurses understand and remember the principles of delegation under Schedule 3, so hopefully our six-point checklist, using the memorable mnemonic 'SUPERB', will do just that.

"If the poster can be placed in a prominent position in the practice setting, we hope it will become a handy, everyday reference tool for all veterinary professionals, and help vets remember the six questions they need to consider before delegating work to their VN colleagues. 

SUPERB stands for:

• Specific procedure – is the procedure medical treatment or minor surgery not involving entry into a body cavity?

• Under care – is the animal under your care?

• Person – can you delegate to this person?

• Experience – does the RVN/SVN feel capable, and have sufficient competence and expertise?

• Risks – have you considered the risks specific to this case?

• Be there – are you available to direct or supervise as necessary?

Only if you, as a vet, can answer 'yes' to all six questions, can you delegate the job to an RVN or SVN.

The poster will also available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/schedule3 where further resources about delegation are available, including links to the relevant chapter of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and the Schedule 3 case studies.

I think anything which gives veterinary surgeons confidence to delegate more is to be warmly welcomed. But what do you think? Will this poster encourage you to delegate more, or less, or the same? Discuss here. 

The RCVS has issued a statement in which it commits to consult with the profession over a proposal to change the standard of proof required in disciplinary proceedings from the criminal standard to the lower civil standard. 

The proposal seems to have its roots in the First Rate Regulator initiative announced by Nick Stace in November 2012. As part of the initiative, the College commissioned Sally Williams and Associates to conduct research amongst stakeholders and report back with recommendations for being a first rate regulator.

One of those recommendations was to move to the civil standard of proof (page 33/34 here). There is no stated rationale for this recommendation, other than: "The majority of other professional regulators have moved to the civil standard of proof".

Nevertheless, the recommendation then found its way into the RCVS 2017-2019 Strategic Plan.

The proposal was then mentioned in the published summary of the Legislation Working Party's meeting in December 2017:

"In considering reform to the disciplinary process, the Registrar noted that the RCVS is one of the only regulators (and the only healthcare-based regulator) still using the criminal standard of proof (‘beyond all reasonable doubt’) when determining the facts of a case. Most other regulators used the civil standard of proof (‘on the balance of probabilities’) when making their determinations. Consideration of moving to the civil standard has also been carried over from the College’s previous Strategic Plan and the Registrar agreed to review the last six months’ cases to assess what the likely outcome of those cases would have been under the civil standard, and the cost of change. The Working Party also decided to contact other regulators about their disciplinary processes, in order to gather information about their experiences of what does and does not work, both for long-standing issues and new reforms."

The proposal then resurfaced last week in the Veterinary Record, which reported that the College is in 'advanced discussions' about adopting the lower standard (Standard of Proof for disciplinaries could change). 

The College has now issued a statement to VetSurgeon.org as follows:

"The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is currently very much in the minority of regulators still using the criminal standard of proof ('beyond all reasonable doubt') in its disciplinary proceedings, rather than the civil standard of proof ('on the balance of probabilities').

"By comparison, all nine of the healthcare regulators in the human field (as overseen by the Professional Standards Authority) have moved to the civil standard, as have other regulators such as the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

"In our last two strategic plans we have committed to considering whether or not the RCVS should change the standard of proof in line with other regulators and these discussions have been taking place as part of the ongoing deliberations around legislative reform.

"A change to the standard of proof would require an amendment of our 2004 Procedure and Evidence Rules via the Privy Council rather than new primary legislation, but we would consult with the profession before any such changes were made and, at present, this matter has not been put before RCVS Council for a decision."

COMMENT

So, as it stands now, no evidence has yet been presented to the profession which supports the need for - or benefits of - a change to the standard of proof required in disciplinaries. The idea that it should be done simply because 'that's what the other regulators are doing' does not hold water. The veterinary profession is unique. According to the College's own research, it enjoys a remarkably high level of trust amongst the public. But at the same time, it also suffers one of the highest suicide rates. 

Clearly Council will need to reflect extremely carefully on whether the members of such a widely trusted profession should face an even greater threat of losing their career, particularly when they seem to be at such a risk of vexatious complaints, fear of a disciplinary is already so high, and the consequences of this change on mental health in the profession could be so profound. 

It may even be true to say that lives could depend on this decision.

Some interesting research from the Daily Express today, which shows which UK towns and cities have the most veterinary practices per capita.

You could otherwise call them "Britain's Best Places to Get Ill (if you are a dog)", or alternatively "Britain's Worst Places to Open (another) Veterinary Practice".

The best town, in the whole of the UK, for a dog to get ill, is, wait for it ... Worcester, which has a veterinary practice for every 7,308 people. Not far behind, Worthing, Chelmsford, Southampton, and Exeter all have a practice for every 9,916 people or less.

At the other end of the scale, the very worst place for a dog to get ill - and possibly the best place to open a practice - is Birmingham, where (according to this research) each practice serves 227,424 people. London was in second place (one practice for every 210,119 people), Manchester in third (1:181,833) and St Helens in fourth (1:179,331).

The research was part of a bigger analysis to see where in the country pets are best catered for, according to the number of pet shops, dog groomers, vets, parks, dog walkers and kennels in the area, as listed on yelp.co.uk.

Blackpool was the clear winner, with pet-friendly facilities for every 2,680 people. In fact, it was the only Northern town in the top ten. In second was Chelmsford and in third was Woking.

The full rankings of UK towns and cities by number of veterinary practices per capita was:

1. Worcester (.0001368)
2. Worthing (.0001277)
3. Chelmsford (.0001192)
4. Southampton (.0001189)
5. Exeter (.0001008)
6. Cheltenham (.0000939)
7. Gloucester (.0000930)
8. Eastbourne (.0000872)
9. Watford (.0000828)
10. Cambridge (.0000801)
11. Oxford (.0000776)
12. Bath (.0000742)
13. Maidstone (.0000715)
14. Woking (.0000692)
15. Reading (.0000675)
16. Southend-on-Sea (.0000660)
17. Ipswich (.0000650)
18. Blackpool (.0000643)
19. Norwich (.0000641)
20. Swindon (.0000635)
21. Crawley (.0000627)
22. York (.0000625)
23. Blackburn (.0000605)
24. Telford (.0000569)
25. Brighton (.0000555)
26. Poole (.0000529)
27. Newport (.0000528)
28. Bournemouth (.0000513)
29. Lincoln (.0000508)
30. Peterborough (.0000503)
31. Dundee (.0000471)
32. Solihull (.0000467)
33. Portsmouth (.0000466)
34. Wolverhampton (.0000462)
35. Rochdale (.0000458)
36. Northampton (.0000443)
37. Belfast (.0000441)
38. Newcastle upon Tyne (.0000439)
39. Bristol (.0000435)
40. Basildon (.0000434)
41. Warrington (.0000429)
42. Nottingham (.0000425)
43. Kingston upon Hull (.0000422)
44. Luton (.0000419)
45. Coventry (.0000416)
46. Cardiff (.0000414)
47. Slough (.0000403)
48. Edinburgh (.0000390)
49. Derby (.0000389)
50. Oldham (.0000385)
51. Plymouth (.0000380)
52. Colchester (.0000368)
53. Middlesborough (.0000356)
54. Bolton (.0000351)
55. Gateshead (.0000346)
56. Basingstoke (.0000342)
57. Glasgow (.0000338)
58. Stoke-on-Trent (.0000313)
59. Stockport (.0000275)
60. Milton Keynes (.0000262)
61. Doncaster (.0000259)
62. Wigan (.0000246)
63. Swansea (.0000244)
64. Liverpool (.0000224)
65. Aberdeen (.0000219)
66. Wakefield (.0000205)
67. Sheffield (.0000190)
68. Sunderland (.0000180)
69. Rotherham (.0000152)
70. Leicester (.0000141)
71. Salford (.0000119)
72. Bradford (.0000112)
73. Leeds (.0000102)
74. St Helens (.0000056)
75. Manchester (.0000055)
76. London (.0000048)
77. Birmingham (.0000044)

A three and a half year old white German shepherd dog from Dorchester, Dorset, has become the first in the world to have an ankle amputation prosthesis.

Mitzi Davis was trampled by a horse which crushed her foot, tearing off all blood and nerve supply, back in October 2010.

In a pioneering procedure, Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick from Fitzpatrick Referrals fitted a titanium implant to the bone below her joint - the first time a prosthesis has been put in a fully articulating bone of a dog.

The ITAP implant (which stands for Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis) is a new way of attaching prosthetic limbs. It involves implanting a titanium rod in the bone, onto which skin can attach just like a deer's antler, leaving a "peg" sticking out of the skin which can't get infected because of the resilient seal. The technology was developed for dogs by Professor Gordon Blunn at University College London (UCL) in association with Dr. Fitzpatrick.

The "exo-prosthesis" or foot is then screwed onto the peg and can be changed and modified as necessary. First Mitzi's gait had to be modelled on a computer, much like in a CGI movie. Then a foot was made using computer finite element analysis, designed so that the material of the foot would absorb shock from the ground and, most importantly, snap and break before the implant in the bone or the bone itself.

Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick said: "Today of course has implications not only for animals but for human amputees in the future and I will continue to work closely with Professor Blunn and the Stanmore Implants team to advance this technology to improve the quality of life for animals and eventually, for humans."

The ITAP technology is being tested in humans and has already been used to create a prosthetic for a woman who lost her arm in the July 2005 London bombings.

Professor Blunn said: "Humans and other animals share a large number of degenerative musculo-skeletal conditions. The repair process of the musculoskeletal system is essentially the same whether in a dog, cat or human being.  Reconstruction of the musculoskeletal system share common problems and the interchange of information between both veterinary and human orthopaedics is very important. Therefore treating animals is not only ethical in its own right but is a useful paradigm for human orthopaedics.

"Treating Mitzi with an ITAP device has proved to be beneficial and the information learned from this case has been directly applied to human surgery.  Mitzi's ITAP is made from titanium alloy which is attached to the residual bone. The surface of the implant is coated with hydroxyapatite which enhances bone attachment, securing the implant in place. Part of the implant just underlying the skin has a surface which encourages dermal and epidermal attachment. This ties the skin into the implant and produces a seal preventing infection. This implant has been adopted for human use."

Boehringer Ingelheim has produced an calculator to help veterinary surgeons prescribe the most appropriate dose of Vetmedin for canine congestive heart failure patients.

The company says the calculator is particularly relevant because Vetmedin has a wide dose range of 0.2-0.6mg/kg/day, giving vets the opportunity to tailor and alter the prescribed dose according to clinical signs. Overall, the recommended dose is 0.5mg/kg/day. The daily dose of Vetmedin should be divided into two equal doses and given 12 hours apart, ideally one hour before food.

Boehringer's Vetmedin product manager, Jemima Scott said: "We hope that the calculator will help veterinary surgeons prescribe the most appropriate starting dose for Vetmedin, and provide guidelines on how to continue to tailor the dose as the condition progresses."

The dose dial will be mailed out to vets in October. Additional copies are available from the company directly on +44 (0) 1344 746959.

Virbac has launched Pronefra, a palatable phosphate-binder to aid with the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and dogs.

The company says that managing blood phosphate levels is regarded as one of the most important aspects of managing CKD, with various studies showing the benefits of restricting phosphate in the diet^1,2. The company also points to a study which shows that Pronefra, which contains two intestinal phosphate binders: calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, can significantly decrease serum phosphate levels³.

In addition, Pronefra also contains:

• chitosan, a uraemic toxin binder
• polysaccharides of Astragales, which Virbac says are known to help to maintain normal kidney architecture
• natural vasoactive marine oligopeptides, which, it is claimed, contribute to supporting a balanced blood pressure

Virbac is at pains to stress that palatability has been a focus of Pronefra's development as it is an essential attribute for a product aimed at often inappetant animals.

Pronefra is presented in a liquid formulation for ease of use and should be mixed with food or given orally (it can be syringed) at meal times.

Virbac is providing a practice pack of support materials to practices, including a pet health recording book for clients to aid in compliance and other educational tools for vets, nurses and clients.

Simon Boulton MRCVS, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals, said: "CKD causes a vicious circle of deterioration but good management can increase both the quality of life and life expectancy of affected animals.  

"We are delighted to launch Pronefra in the UK, following a 'sell-out' launch in mainland Europe, as a new option to aid in the management of CKD."

References

1. Caney S. Caring for a cat with chronic kidney disease: Cat Professional; 2011.
2. Caney S. Pet owner insights: importance of phosphorus control. In ISFM Proceedings; 2013; Barcelona: ISFM.
3. Bernachon N, Fournel S, Gatto H, Monginoux P, McGahie D Effect of a product containing the dietary phosphate binders calcium and magnesium carbonate associated with other reno-protectant substances (Pronefra®) on blood parameters and mineral balance in adult cats. The International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine. Vol 12. No. 1 

Dechra Veterinary Products has announced the launch of two new antibiotics to treat a range of bacterial infections in cats and dogs.

Doxybactin, a second generation Tetracycline, can be used to target conditions caused by bacteria sensitive to doxycycline such as rhinitis, bronchopneumonia, and interstitial nephritis in dogs and respiratory infections in cats. It will be available in multiple tablet strengths of 50 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg.

Spizobactin (spiramycin and metronidazole) is indicated for the treatment of (peri)oral and periodontal multi-bacterial infections in dogs such as those associated with gingivitis, stomatitis, glossitis, periodontitis, tonsillitis, dental fistula and other fistulous wounds in the oral cavity. It will be available in three different tablet strengths.

Both treatments are meat flavoured and the tablets can be divided twice for accurate dosing. This, Dechra says, is to help avoid the development of antibiotic resistance associated with under dosing.

Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "The launch of Spizobactin and Doxybactin to the UK and ROI markets will offer vets even more choice when it comes to the targeted and responsible use of antibiotics for these specific conditions.

Zoetis has announced that it plans to launch Simparica Trio (sarolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel) chewable tablets, a once-monthly triple combination antiparasitic medication for dogs with, or at risk from, mixed external and internal parasitic infestations in spring 2020, now that it has gained the necessary EC marketing authorisation.

Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, which is active against fleas and ticks; moxidectin, effective against heartworm, lungworm and some intestinal worms; and pyrantel embonate, effective against gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms).

Dr. Domenico Otranto1, DVM, PhD, DipEVPC, Professor in Veterinary Parasitology at the University of Bari (Italy), said: "The approval of Simparica Trio provides veterinarians a safe and effective option for the treatment of mixed external and internal parasitic infestations in dogs in the form of a new oral chewable.

"Simparica Trio has been shown to rapidly kill fleas and ticks with concurrent efficacy for the prevention of heartworm disease and angiostrongylosis (lungworm disease) and treatment of intestinal round- and hookworms. The convenience of a once monthly chewable tablet helps increase compliance with treatment, giving veterinarians and dog owners confidence in continuous protection."

Dr. Catherine Knupp, Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development at Zoetis, said: "We are excited to bring Simparica Trio to veterinarians in the European Union as a new, effective triple combination parasiticide for dogs."

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a cat-specific presentation of Metacam Injection combined with a new indication which permits the company's existing oral suspension (0.5mg/ml meloxicam) to be used for up to four follow-on days.

The company says this will give veterinary surgeons increased flexibility for managing feline post-operative pain, and that the new Metacam 2mg/ml Injection helps accurate dosing. Used at the recommended dose rate of 0.2mg/kg, the injection can be followed by Metacam 0.5mg/ml Oral Suspension to provide up to five days of analgesia following surgical procedures in cats. The licensed claims for Metacam 5mg/ml Injection for dogs and cats have not changed.

Boehringer added that Metacam is now the only brand which enables vets to offer their feline patients several days of post-operative analgesia, as well as being approved for long-term use for chronic musculoskeletal disease.

Claire Fowler, Boehringer Ingelheim's companion animal marketing manager, says that the new presentation and indication are significant developments in feline post-operative pain management: "Around half of all dogs undergoing surgery receive an injectable NSAID followed by a follow-on oral NSAID. In cats this figure is around 22%, yet there is no evidence to suggest that pain perception in cats should be any different to that of dogs".