"Reasons to be fearful? Rising proportions of positive faecal worm egg counts among UK horses (2007–2023)1" which was conducted in collaboration with Animal Health Vision International, the University of Liverpool and jDATA Pty (Ltd), analysed quarterly surveillance data summaries of FWEC test results that were submitted to the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance report (EQDSR) by 36 UK laboratories.
Of these, 18 laboratories provided additional details through a survey on the testing methods adopted.
The researchers say there was considerable variation between laboratories in both the FWEC test methods used and the FWEC positivity thresholds applied to designate a test result as positive for either surveillance reporting or for treatment purposes.
However, the analysis revealed an increase in the proportion of positive FWECs over time, even after accounting for the time of year that testing was conducted, the FWEC positivity threshold used for reporting a sample as positive and the laboratory undertaking the testing.
Researchers say these findings raise questions about targeted treatment strategies, where anthelmintics are administered if FWECs exceed a certain threshold.
If this threshold remains low, the increasing proportion of positive FWECs that were identified would lead to increased use of wormers, potentially accelerating the development of anthelmintic resistance.
This highlights the need to better understand the factors driving rising FWEC positivity rates and if they are a cause for concern.
For example, is this trend leading to increased numbers of horses exceeding the treatment threshold and therefore being recommended for treatment?
The study authors say that the continuation of coordinated efforts to enhance parasite control strategies across the UK equine industry is essential.
The recently available guidelines from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and CANTER provide essential resources for vets, pharmacists and RAMAs/SQPs who prescribe equine anthelmintics to optimise parasite control2,3.
References
Defra has announced the detection of Bluetongue (Serotype 1) (BTV1) in five imported cattle on a premises near Blackpool in Lancashire.
The animals originated from within the BTV1 and 8 Restricted Zone in the south west of France and were detected as a result of post-import testing carried out by Defra on all Bluetongue susceptible animals arriving from continental Europe. The animals' documentation complied with the EU Bluetongue rules governing the movement of livestock as the movement occurred at least 60 days after they had been vaccinated.
This is the first case of BTV1 infection in the UK and the five animals have been culled as they may pose a disease threat to other animals. One further animal from the same consignment has also been culled. Test results for that animal were positive for bluetongue although it was not possible to determine the serotype.
There is no evidence that BTV1 is circulating in the UK and no additional control zones have been declared.
This response is in accordance with Defra's Bluetongue Control Strategy. The premises are now under restriction while an epidemiological investigation takes place. This will include further checks on the other animals present on the premises.
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of BTV1 infected animals being imported into the UK. Taking into account the epidemiological evidence and the consideration of the risk represented to British livestock, I have taken the decision to cull these animals.
"This incident shows how important it is for farmers to consider potential disease risks when buying stock. Buyers need to consider how best to protect their own businesses and those of their neighbours and make sure they are clear about the stock they are intending to buy."
Defra continues to test all susceptible animals imported to the UK from continental Europe for all strains of Bluetongue and continues to urge industry to consider the risks and check the health and vaccination status of animals when sourcing any animals from within the UK or abroad.
In line with EU legislation, and our UK Control Strategy agreed with industry, control measures are in place in UK and abroad to prevent the spread of Bluetongue from existing zones around Europe:
Veterinary Nurse Nick Shackleton has started a campaign to protect the title Veterinary Nurse
The campaign has a section on Facebook where Nick explains: "The title veterinary nurse at present is not a protected title. A lot of people who work in practice call them selves veterinary nurse, when they have no theoretical training in such a position. As qualified nurses we feel that this issue should be addressed so that the general public are no longer confused as to the qualification and hopefully make them more aware of the hard work it is to gain the qualification. As we are heading for autonomy within the profession I think it is right and fitting that the title should be protected."
The group has already gained an impressive 781 members.
In addition, Nick has started a petition on the Prime Minister's website: Number10.gov.uk, which has gained 139 signatories so far.
If you'd like to sign the petition on Number10.gov.uk, I recommend you add the letters after your name (MRCVS / RVN).
Vetoquinol is offering vets the opportunity to win one of five Selekt Cattle Pumps worth £240. In order to take part, you'll need to tell Vetoquinol about your experiences with Marbocyl 10% when treating acute mastitis.
Susan Mitchell, Vetoquinol's Large Animal Product Manager said: "This case study competition aims to gather information on the incidence and treatment of acute mastitis. Acute mastitis is a genuine veterinary emergency and rapid treatment is vitally important."
Vetoquinol says Marbocyl 10% has proven to be an effective treatment for acute E.coli mastitis, with a bactericidal action which does not liberate endotoxins. Administered intravenously, Marboyl 10% provides rapid improvement and an early return to milk production.
The company also says farmers have found toxaemic mastitis cases have benefited from the use of fluid therapy, using the Selekt Cattle Pump. Oral fluid therapy is a quick, easy and inexpensive option to intravenous treatment and improves the efficacy of hypertonic saline.
To enter the competition, visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/, click the Marbocyl link on the right, and download and complete a brief case history.
Five winners will be chosen at random on 30th June 2010.
Virbac has announced that its recently launched parasiticide Neoprinil has been granted a shelf life extension from one to two years after first opening.
The company says the extension will help minimise the risk of wasted product and increase its convenience to farmers.
An eprinomectin pour-on solution, Neoprinil is indicated for use against internal and external parasites in cattle, including gut and lungworms, mange mites, sucking and chewing lice, horn flies and warbles. It is administered using the company's Farmpack and Flexibag, and offers a zero-day withdrawal period in milk.
Virbac's Product Manager for Large Animals Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS said: "Understanding the challenges our customers face and offering products to overcome them is our goal so we are delighted that Neoprinil has received a shelf life extension because this adds to its flexibility and convenience for farmers. It also brings it into line with Deltanil, our deltamethrin-based pour-on for use against a range of ectoparasites in cattle and sheep.
"We now offer a comprehensive and flexible parasiticide range administered with a dispensing system that sets a new standard for convenience and ease of use."
Neoprinil is presented in 2.5l, 4.5l and 8l pack sizes.
Great Workplaces by BVA is an accreditation scheme designed to recognise and reward positive workplace culture in both clinical and non-clinical veterinary workplaces.
The first webinar: 'How to have more good days at work' will be hosted by BVA Junior Vice President, Rob Williams (pictured), and VDS Training’s Carolyne Crowe.
The speakers will discuss strategies to support physical and psychological wellbeing at work and explore how to create a safe and inclusive team environment that supports everyone's needs.
Rob said: “This webinar series is designed to help your team identify practical steps to improve your veterinary workplace and create a working environment that allows the whole team to thrive.
"We’ll be diving into the first session with lots of practical tips and strategies and I hope to see many of you there.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/great-workplaces
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/building-great-workplaces-how-to-have-more-good-days-at-work.html
Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced that Canine i/d™ is now available again from wholesalers.
The company says that Canine i/d has been reformulated to improve texture quality, while still retaining the nutritional profile that makes i/d ideal for dogs with digestive problems and as a post-surgery recovery diet.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d Recovery Packs are back early March; Hill's recommends use of regular i/d in the interim.
For more information, speak to your Territory Manager, or ring Hill’s Customer Services on: 0800 282438 (UK), or: 1 800 626002 (IRL)
Bayer Animal Health is to hold a free webinar for companion animal veterinary surgeons about its new fluoroquinolone for cats and dogs, Veraflox.
The one-hour webinar begins with a talk on mutant prevention concentration (MPC) from Dr Joe Blondeau, head of clinical microbiology at the Royal University Hospital & the Saskatoon Health Region, in Canada. He's followed by Dr E Bensignor, President of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology, who will present the findings of clinical studies. The final presentation by Dr Joy Olsen, global veterinary services manager for Bayer Animal Health, reviews the features and characteristics of Veraflox (pradofloxacin) and its use in cats and dogs.
The webinar can be watched live on Tuesday 25 October at 7:30pm, when you'll have the opportunity to put questions to the speakers. Alternatively, a recording of the event can be viewed at any point afterwards.
To register, visit http://nl.webcast3.animalhealth.be/nl/english-subscription#ht=944, to receive a login name and password.
For further information on Veraflox, contact your Bayer representative or call 01635 563000.
The British Pig Executive (BPEX) is urging veterinary surgeons to promote a 'top five' of farm services which will be available to pig farmers that sign up to BPEX's new national pig health scheme.
The Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP) became a national scheme in July following regional projects in Yorkshire, Humberside, East Anglia and the East Midlands. BPEX says it is now stepping up a gear as much of the infrastructure has been put in place and clear membership benefits are available.
BPEX's Vet Project Manager Helen Clarke said: "The PHIP takes a collaborative, action-orientated approach to reducing the incidence of disease in pig herds to ensure the long-term sustainability of pig farming. The role of vets in delivering the scheme is key.
"We need to achieve a high level of uptake - and are looking to achieve sign-up from farms that together represent at least 90% of sows nationally. And that's why we are keen for farmers to take advantage of these five services that deliver benefits at farm level."
The services consist of:
Sign-up is free for producers. To find out how vets can support the scheme, visit http://www.pighealth.org.uk/ and contact BPEX on 02476 478877.
The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons to complete their registration process by confirming they have met the requirement for continuing professional development (CPD) and declared any outstanding convictions.
The College says that although the deadline for completing the annual renewal was April 2014, there are still some vets who, despite having paid on time, have not yet fully completed the registration process. This includes declaring that they have met the minimum requirement of 105 hours of CPD over a three-year period.
Failing to confirm that the CPD requirement has been met means that the College may request the individual's records as part of its annual monitoring of CPD compliance.
As of this year, veterinary surgeons must also declare any convictions, cautions and adverse findings since 1 January 2006 - or lack thereof - to complete the registration process.
Convictions disclosure forms and a document explaining the new protocol are available to download. The College also has a convictions helpline on 07818 113 056 which is open Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm.
Those veterinary surgeons who have yet to complete their registration should contact the Registration Department as soon as possible on 020 7202 0707 or registration@rcvs.org.uk for assistance from a member of the team.
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and the International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAH) have welcomed the European Commission's publication of proposals for revised legislation concerning veterinary medicines and medicated feed earlier today.
The EC says the proposals are designed to increase the availability of veterinary medicines, reduce administrative burden, stimulate competitiveness and innovation, improve the functioning of the internal market and address the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
NOAH says that currently, the manufacturers of veterinary medicines struggle with a regulatory system with some serious flaws, including:
NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley said: "NOAH will be looking at the detail of the texts in the coming days and weeks, and reviewing their potential impact. We look forward to working with the VMD, who have called stakeholder workshops to examine the texts. We will also be supporting our European federation IFAH-Europe as they work determinedly with the European institutions over the coming years to support the Commission's vision for a more efficient regulatory system for veterinary medicines in Europe.
"We believe the value our industry brings to society is very high, despite being quite a small sector. For example, veterinary medicines benefit public health by preventing zoonotic disease and supporting food security.
"With synergies with our own UK Government's commitment to reduce unnecessary red tape, which is a key theme for DEFRA, the animal health industry in Europe needs greater efficiency to cut the red tape for our industry. We look forward to a streamlined registration process which delivers a single European marketing authorisation for all veterinary medicines.
"We will also be considering if the text has any particular implications for the UK animal health market and access to medicines for our animals."
NOAH says it also welcomes the revised medicated feed legislation. Phil Sketchley said: "NOAH believes this is an important route for administering prescription medicines to animals. We will work to help ensure the legislation is capable of maintaining and strengthening this route."
The RCVS is now accepting applications from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to serve as members of the RCVS Ethics Review Panel (ERP).
The ERP has been established by the RCVS in order to facilitate access to ethical review for those wishing to undertake practice-based research outside of a university or industry context. The ERP will begin considering research proposals from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses from 1 August 2016 and the trial will run for a period of one year. The process will be limited to considering research projects involving cats and/or dogs during the trial period, with the possibility of expanding to other species if the trial is extended or made permanent.
The trial came about following a joint working party established by the RCVS and British Veterinary Association which reported on ethical review and found that an increasing amount of clinical research was being conducted by vets based in private practice. One of the key recommendations of the report was that the RCVS should consider establishing a committee for ethical review of practice-based research.
Ahead of the launch of the ERP, the RCVS is currently looking to recruit four veterinary surgeon members and a veterinary nurse member to the Panel to join a lay member and ethicist Chair.
More details about the roles, the function of the ERP and how to apply can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/workforus and www.rcvs.org.uk/ethics. Those who are interested in applying can also email ethics@rcvs.org.uk for an informal discussion. The closing date for applications is 15 April 2016.
Cat Professional is carrying out a survey to assess the use of Zylkène in cats with idiopathic cystitis (FIC), and is looking for owners whose cats are using the treatment to complete an online survey.
Zylkène is a nutritional supplement which has been reported to have positive effects in managing stress in cats and dogs. Zylkène is commonly used for reduction of stress in cats with FIC.
Veterinary practices that agree to help Cat Professional recruit clients whose FIC cats are receiving Zylkène will receive:
On completion of the survey, participants will receive a free electronic copy of the book 'Caring for a cat with lower urinary tract disease'.
For more information on the study, please visit our website: http://www.catprofessional.com.
The survey is accessible from the home page or directly at http://www.catprofessional.com/urinary-survey.html
Eurovet Animal Health is to offer veterinary surgeons visiting the London Vet Show a free trial of Cardisure to use in newly diagnosed patients*.
In addition, for every free trial vets sign up for at the event, Eurovet will also donate £1 to The Children's Heart Association to a maximum total donation of £500. The charity is run by families and friends of affected children and aims to improve facilities for children at heart units, maintain standards of improvement as new techniques develop, raise funds to help purchase specialised equipment and support patients and their families.
Eurovet will also be running a prize draw to win one of two Thamescope Cardiology Stethoscopes each day.
The company says bulk buy discounts will also be on offer and following on from news of the recent methadone CPD seminars, the team will also be talking about Comfortan - the first EU authorised veterinary licensed methadone. They will also be taking registrations for the final seminar in the series of three, which takes place at The Gables hotel, Falfield, near Bristol on Wednesday 30th November.
Eurovet will be on stand G70.
*The trial applies to veterinary surgeons only. The free product will be supplied to the named veterinary surgeon at the registered practice address.
Talking to The Guardian, Hamaseh said: "This has really shocked me. We just discovered at the airport when we went to check in. I want people to know that this is not just happening to refugees. I am a graduate and I have a PhD. It has happened to a person who is working and who pays tax."
Hamaseh, who thought she'd have to find thousands of pounds to pay for an alternative flight home via another country, was quickly saved by a crowdfunding appeal by Women for Independence, which raised over £6000 in a matter of hours. The charity says it is donating everything in excess of the £2600 needed to get Hamaseh home to the Scottish Refugee Council.
Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: "When I became aware on Saturday evening that one of our postgraduate veterinary students, Dr Hamaseh Tayari, was being prevented from travelling back from a holiday in Costa Rica through the United States and on to Glasgow I was both concerned and appalled. Concerned for the safety and well being of a young woman who, through no fault of her own, was stranded in Central America. Appalled because the reason for her predicament was not because she had done something wrong. Not because she was a danger to the security of the United States. But simply because she holds an Iranian passport."
He added: "Having spoken with Hamaseh I have been hugely impressed at how she is coping with the nightmare situation in which she finds herself. But I have been impressed too by the huge outpouring of support that has been shown across Scotland and the UK, particularly on twitter and through direct emails that have come in to the University from people who are outraged and want to help. All of this, I know, has greatly touched and heartened Hamaseh. I think it also confirms what we all like to believe is true. In this country we value individuals for what they are and the worth they bring, not for the stamp on their passport, the colour of their skin or the religion they practise."
Photo courtesy University of Glasgow
The College says the aim of the programme, which will replace the current Professional Development Phase (PDP), is to ensure that new graduates are fully supported in their new role and able to progress from day one competencies into confident and capable independent practitioners.
The new programme builds on the results of the Graduate Outcomes Consultation, a consultation which reported in 2019 to gather the views of the profession with regards to day one competencies, the PDP, extra-mural studies and clinical education for general practice.
The Graduate Outcomes consultation found that the profession felt that support mechanisms for new graduates needed to be strengthened, and the proposal to develop this new programme of support was approved by RCVS Council in January.
The first of the two working groups is the EPA Working Group, which is tasked with assisting the development of a bank of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs describe the everyday professional tasks carried out by vets in practice, covering a wide range of areas of clinical and professional practice which graduates and their mentors can access to build into their own e-portfolio.
The second working group is the Mentor Working Group, which will assist in shaping the role of the mentor in the new programme and create a training package for workplace mentors.
Sue Paterson, Chair of RCVS Education Committee said: "It is incredibly important for us to have input from veterinary surgeons who are working in general practice as they are well positioned to comment on how the development programme can effectively support graduates on a day to day basis."
The College is looking for veterinary surgeons working in practice and who have an interest in helping new graduates gain the best possible experience to join as members of these new working groups. It would be beneficial for applicants to have experience with mentoring and/or workplace training.
Successful applicants would be required to visit the RCVS for three half-day meetings over the period of a year and the RCVS would cover travel and subsistence expenses. There would be an additional time commitment to review and feedback on material via email.
Those general practitioners who are interested in applying should email Britta Crawford, RCVS Education Manager, via b.crawford@rcvs.org.uk giving a brief description of their current position and why they feel they would be an asset to the working group. The closing date for applications is 6 March 2020.
Topics include the pathogenesis of OA, the importance of personalised treatment plans, and practical tips for supporting both pets and caregivers.
The first podcast centres around understanding the pathogenesis of the condition and the importance of thorough clinical examinations, diagnostic imaging and early intervention, all of which can greatly influence long-term outcomes.
Stuart said: “We often see pain as a problem, but it’s also a signal that gives us the opportunity to act early and prevent further progression.
"By the time pain is obvious, the disease is often so advanced that our ability to make a meaningful impact is limited.
"Acting early can change this pattern, and that’s a critical message we need to communicate to pet owners.”
Stuart is joined in the series by Krka’s technical veterinary adviser, Renzo Di Florio.
In subsequent episodes they share their thoughts on the latest advances in osteoarthritis treatment, creating an effective management plan that is individualised for each patient and tips for engaging with caregivers.
Renzo said: “Our goal with this podcast series is to empower veterinary professionals - whether they are new graduates or experienced practitioners - with evidence-based knowledge they can trust and apply.
"We’re excited to share these insights and have more planned for 2025, so stay tuned!”
https://open.spotify.com/show/0uphORU03q29WncwmN2EIa
Merial Animal Health has announced the first delivery of its bluetongue vaccine, BTVPURTM AlSap, in the UK. The shipment of just over 2 million doses is the first of several batches scheduled over the summer months and forms part of Merial's commitment to Defra to supply 13 million doses for England and Wales. Despite bluetongue disease not yet re-emerging in the UK this year, Merial strongly encourages farmers to protect their livestock from this potentially debilitating disease. Head of Production Animal Business, Graham Davenport said: "Our experience in continental Europe over the past four years has shown just how imperative vaccination is for vets and farmers in controlling this disease in the field. Recent outbreaks in France are a reminder that there is no room for complacency. Over the past few weeks we have been working closely with the members of JAB (Joint Action against Bluetongue) and strongly advocate that farmers should act on their advice: Don't hesitate, vaccinate."Information for veterinary professionals and livestock owners on BTVPUR AlSap can be found at www.merial.co.uk. Veterinary surgeons can also obtain information by calling 0800 592699 or emailing ukbluetongue@merial.com.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has decided to make its library of symposia proceedings freely available to all vets. It's part of Hill's drive to support vets with training during tough times.
The library, which has been built up over 13 years, is made up of the proceedings and supporting articles from lectures covering topics as diverse as inflammatory bowel disease in the feline and nutrigenomics.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager, said: "These proceedings contain definitive texts on conditions that are commonly seen in practice, described at an advanced level but in an easy to assimilate format. We do have a number of proceedings still in stock and I would much rather see them being used and all that valuable knowledge put into practice."
Anyone in practice with an interest in a particular area can apply to receive a copy of their preferred symposium.
According to Hill's, these booklets are excellent tools for those seeking to fill their CPD requirement through self-directed learning and provide advanced material that can be difficult to access elsewhere (note that undocumented self learning can only account for up to 10 hours on the RCVS record card).
The service is completely free of charge and orders can be placed by calling 01923 814454. As copies of some seminars are available only in limited numbers, applicants are asked to select only those proceedings in which they have a genuine area of interest. Only one copy of each symposium proceeding will be supplied to each individual, although multiple topics can be selected.
Symposia Proceedings TitlesHill's European Symposium on Chronic Renal Disease 2004Hill's European Speaker Tour on Canine Joint Health- Advances in clinical management and Nutrigenomics 2005Hill's European Symposium on Advances in Feline Medicine 2006Hill's Symposium on Dermatology Palm Springs 2006 Hill's European Symposium on 'Moving on with mobility' 2007
Those who wish to supplement their learning further may wish to visit The Vet Nutrition Academy which also provides a number of free and subsidised courses to members of the veterinary healthcare team. Registration is free at www.myhillspet/vna. To complete registration the practice U number will be required and this is available by contacting Jane Quail at Hill's on 01923 814454.
BSAVA’s new Congress Programme Committee Chair, Paul Higgs MRCVS (pictured right) said: "The new venue provides an opportunity to really shake up the content. It’s the first time BSAVA Congress delegates will have met in two years and we want to deliver an unforgettable experience."
"We’ve thought long and hard about what delegates want and need, as well as the way people like to learn, integrating those approaches within the programme. Delegates will find few long-format lectures, instead there will be lots of opportunities to participate, to discuss, to do and to experience."
He added: “For general practice vets and nurses, we’re offering an immersive experience designed to support the skills required in first opinion practice yet rarely provided in a lecture alone. And while the CPD will provide ample opportunity to learn about the clinical aspects, delegates will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in true-to-life case management events in a dedicated space to help reflect those paraprofessional skills that are so critical to first opinion practice.”
Delegates will also be able to drop-in to practical sessions and perfect a technique such as undertaking cytological examination, reading radiographs and performing endoscopy in as little as 15 minutes. For the first time, the practical sessions will be included within the ticket price.
BSAVA will also be giving delegates the opportunity to meet and pick the brains of the speakers in a dedicated space in the exhibition during lecture breaks.
Although some sessions will be more aligned to veterinary nurses, all sessions will be open to both vets and nurses. Paul said: "Nurses are increasingly looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge, horizons and skillsets, while many vets want to, and would benefit from, learning from our excellent nurses. The programme will reflect this."
The BSAVA Programme Committee is also going to incorporate practice management within the programme. Paul said: "Vets and nurses aren’t isolated from the fact practices are businesses and the decisions they make have a financial impact."
“Everyone in the profession has something to give and BSAVA Congress 2022 is a chance for everyone to come together to hear people you’ve never heard before, see things you’ve never seen and do things you’ve never done."
Tickets will be on sale late October. To find out more visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched a dedicated Equine Business Unit to provide a higher level of service and a comprehensive range of products to equine vets across the UK.
Created following the merger with Fort Dodge, the Pfizer Equine Business Unit is headed by Ben Lacey MA Vet MB MRCVS, who has previously held both technical and sales roles at Pfizer. Ben and his team have a brief to offer a breadth of product, support and flexibility not previously available to equine vets.
The product range offered by the Pfizer Equine Business Unit includes the Equest range of parasiticides; the Duvaxyn vaccines for Equine Herpes Virus, West Nile Virus and Rotavirus and products such as Equimidine and Torbugesic. Also offered are existing Pfizer brands such as the Equip vaccine range, the antibiotic Excenel Sterile Powder, the NSAID Rimadyl for Horses and Depo-MedroneV.
Five experienced account managers with a strong track record in the equine sector have been appointed by Pfizer to build relationships with equine vet practices on a regional basis. They are:
South East England Mark BakerWest Midlands, Cheshire, Wales Laurie MayEast Anglia, East Midlands Penny McCannSouth West, South Wales Anna CunninghamThe North, Scotland Alexandra Cox
Ben Lacey said: "Building our new team and combining the highly regarded products offered previously by both Fort Dodge and Pfizer has proved a stimulating process. We've also worked closely with many of our existing practice customers to look at how we can develop the service we provide to them.
"We're now able to offer a product range which I believe is unrivalled in the market and a highly committed team of equine professionals, who share a vision and passion for equine health. We're looking forward to building our business with both existing and new customers in the months ahead."
Research carried out by the Kennel Club to coincide with the start of Open for Dogs Week has found that 40% of British people think dogs are a happy alternative to having children.
One reason for this is perhaps because 25% of respondents said that a dog would fit more easily with their lifestyle than a child. Or maybe it's partly because 25% said that whilst their children always come first, they prefer to do things with their dog.
In addition, 80% said their dog is attentive and loving when out and about, compared to only 50% who said the same is true of their other half.
However, despite the central place that dogs hold in their owners' hearts, the Kennel Club says many people experience difficulty taking their dogs out and about, particularly to restaurants. In the survey, 40% said that they have problems finding a place where their dog is welcome while they eat, and almost 50% said that they'd like to see a wider variety of restaurants open their doors to dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "This research proves what a well loved member of the family a dog is. Given how much we love spending time with our dogs, it is surprising that there are still so many businesses that refuse to allow dogs in their premises, but there is a real appetite for this to change.
"The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website lists more than 26,000 places throughout the UK and Europe that allow dogs inside, which makes it easier for dog owners to plan days out and holidays without having to leave their dogs behind.
"During Open for Dogs Week we are asking businesses, whether it is a restaurant, hotel, pub, shop or office, to trial a dog friendly policy. There are more than eight million dogs in the UK, so those that get involved will be appealing to a massive customer base, which can only be a good thing in tough economic times." The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Week runs from 20-26 August 2012 and businesses and public places are encouraged to adopt a dog friendly policy for well behaved dogs.
To nominate your favourite dog friendly venue or town for the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Awards, visit www.openfordogs.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 31st August.
According to the researchers, who came from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Guide Dogs and Feldon Veterinary Centre, this was the first study to compare peri- and postoperative complications, behaviour after surgery, and surgery duration, for the two most common neutering procedures for female dogs; laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP-OVE) and open ovariohysterectomy (celiotomy) (OVH-CEL).
For the study, the researchers analysed data from 519 bitches neutered by either LAP-OVE or OVH-CEL at four UK veterinary practices.
Fewer bitches developed wound redness or swelling at the surgical site following LAP-OVE (16%), compared to those that underwent OVH-CEL (36%).
Intraoperative complications were reported for 2% of dogs neutered by LAP-OVE and 3% of those neutered by OVH-CEL.
Postoperative complications were reported for 0.5% of the LAP-OVE group and 1% of the OVH-CEL group.
Unusual behaviours (inappetence, discomfort, licking or chewing) in the postoperative period were less common in dogs neutered by laparoscopic ovariectomy.
There was no significant difference in surgical duration between the two techniques.
The researchers say that their findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that postoperative complications, including those related to wound healing and those requiring further veterinary intervention, are lower for laparoscopic than open surgeries for bitches neutered by experienced veterinarians.
Lead author, Dr Rachel Moxon, said: “While there is already evidence from other studies relating to complications following neutering surgeries in bitches, this is the first time that the outcomes have been compared between what are anecdotally reported to be the two most frequently performed neutering surgeries for female dogs in the UK.
"The results will be of interest not only to vets, but for pet owners and others that have to make choices about neutering their dogs. Understanding the surgical risks is an important factor to consider, and decision making is made easier when it can be informed by evidence”.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70013