International Cat Care has announced the winners of four new ‘Easy to Give’ awards and three ‘Cat Friendly’ awards.
The Easy to Give award was created to reward pharmaceutical companies whose products are easy to administer to cats. Previous examples have included drugs in a highly palatable form, smaller tablets, longer lasting preparations or those with an easier mode of administration.
Easy to Give winners this year are Virbac's Prinovox (ectoparasiticide), Norbrook's Loxicom (NSAID), and Ceva's Vectra Felis (ectoparasticide) and Zodon (antibiotic).
These latest winners bring the total number of Easy to Give awards presented, since their inception in 2005, to 35.
International Cat Care CEO, Claire Bessant, said: ‘It is so important that cats receive treatments prescribed for them, whether it is for preventive care or to treat a problem. If a drug is too difficult to get into the cat, owners often fail to complete the course, leaving the cat inadequately treated – as we worry about antibiotic resistance, this is particularly important beyond the individual animal too. Struggling with a cat to medicate can put a tension into the owner/cat relationship at a time when owners feel they want to be more supportive rather than seen as something to fear. This year we asked those trying the products if the act of medication had a negative effect on their relationship with their cat, as many people find that in the struggle to medicate, often the cat becomes fearful or aggressive towards them which owners also find very distressing. This kind of innovation by pharmaceutical companies is essential to feline health.’
Easy to Give awards are confined to prescription only medicines (POMs) or methods of delivering POMs. International Cat Care also recognises other products which have made a difference to cat wellbeing and welfare, with its Cat Friendly Awards.
The Cat Friendly Awards go to the SoftE Smart Collar from MDC, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder from SureFlap and the Cat Carrier Tree from Royal Canin.
For more details on the work of the charity go to www.icatcare.org.
A further 1,200 practices outside Europe have also embraced the scheme, which ISFM has been running with support from Purina.
There are signs that this number is set to grow. In a survey conducted by ISFM and Onswitch at BSAVA Congress this year, more than 80% of veterinary surgeons and nurses were aware of the Cat Friendly Clinic programme and over 20% said that they were working towards accreditation.
The charity says that in addition to this growth in the number of accredited practices, there has been a more general move in the profession towards positive action for the welfare of cats in daily practice, often championed by veterinary nurses.
It is often the nurses, says the charity, who have implemented the changes required to create a less stressful environment for cats. It is the nurses too who have reported changes in the behaviour of cats within the clinic. With less stress and aggression in the clinic, cats are easier to handle and owners are much happier with the relationship between them, the cat and the clinic.
Andy Sparkes, ISFM Director said: "It is so exciting to see the changes which are happening – not only are we improving our veterinary care, but we are making the whole veterinary experience better for cats and their owners.
"Clinics also notice a difference in practice revenue, as well as having very happy clients. Clients notice the difference in their cats’ behaviour and clinics become known for being cat friendly. Previously it has been difficult to market the clinic to cat clients who need a very different message to dog clients.
"The benefits of having everyone in the practice on the same cat friendly page are many: nurses' lives are made easier by having calmer cats to deal with, vets can carry out procedures more easily because cats are less aggressive, and owners receive the same cat-friendly message about cat care no matter who they speak to within the clinic. Most importantly, the patients themselves are less stressed, less fearful and more likely to have a successful diagnosis and treatment. This leads to more satisfaction, more success in treating cats, and to much better cat welfare.'
According to the charity, veterinary practice architects and designers are also taking on the idea and most new premises are now being built with separate waiting areas for cats and separate feline hospital wards.
Matthew Rees of Technic, the hospital cage manufacturer, says he has noticed "a significant and quite dramatic increase in both the awareness and desire to achieve ISFM Gold Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation".
The company has designed a new range of ISFM gold standard cat pens. Matthew said: "The CFC scheme has also made a huge difference to us as manufacturers – with International Cat Care’s assistance and straightforward advice, we have now started to understand cats and in fact 'think feline’! Our products are without doubt far better due to this and ultimately it is the cats of the world that will benefit."
Inga Feller Devaud, from Purina said: "The Cat Friendly Clinic programme is changing veterinary practice for good. Our aim is that cats will no longer be treated as small dogs and that the veterinary experience for cats and their owners will be much less stressful, and barriers to visits will be removed, improving both preventive healthcare and speed of treatment for ill cats. Purina is delighted to be partnering with International Cat Care and ISFM at the forefront of these changes."
For more information on how to become a Cat Friendly Clinic, visit: www.catfriendlyclinic.org
The event will again be held at Loseley Park in Surrey, on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th June 2017.
New for 2017, VET Festival will be introducing an Internal Medicine stream which will cover the themes of Emergency & Critical Care, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Reproduction, Respiratory and Small Furries.
There will also be a new stream dedicated to Rehabilitation, which will join Orthopaedics, Neurology, Oncology and Soft Tissue, Nursing and Management and Motivation. Delegates are free to join any lecture at any stream and attendance to VET Festival will contribute towards their CPD.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who conceived VET Festival, said "The aim of the VET Festival is very simple – to provide the best veterinary education in the world so as to ensure the best standard of care for our animal friends, delivered in the most exciting environment on Planet Earth where all of the finances return to helping the animals.
"I believe that people who love companion animals will be aware of our need to receive the very highest level CPD and that both delegates and exhibitors deserve real value for money. I’m determined that the festival is firmly focussed on the greater good of the welfare of animals entrusted to our care – and on maintaining the fire in our bellies that we first had when we signed up for this vocation.
"My dream is to create a Glastonbury for Veterinary Medicine in my lifetime and that VET Festival will be the most interesting, innovative, exciting, dynamic, informative, career-enhancing and personally fulfilling veterinary CPD in the world.
"I have absolutely zero doubt that within five years VET Festival will be a key event in the veterinary education calendar for one simple reason, and that is we reinject the happiness into the reason why we started this journey in the first place. We want delegates to feel love for their profession and respect for everything that they do.
"Most importantly I want people to feel fulfilled because every single day that they go to work as a veterinary professional, they don’t really do it just for monetary gain. They do it because they want to make a difference. When the delegates leave VET Festival, I want them to know that they have made that difference."
Brian Topper, Managing Director of Centaur Services, one of the official partners of VET Festival 2016, said: "I think VET Festival is awesome. It’s different than anything we have done in the UK and US veterinary industry. It’s very timely as people are getting tired of the traditional route to education. This is a great opportunity and we are very happy to participate. I have been in the industry for 20 years and I have seen nothing like VET Festival. Wherever VET Festival goes, we will be here!"
The VetCT teleconsulting service, which can be accessed via the web and an app-based platform, provides advice from a specialist team.
Typically advice is provided as a written report within 24 hours, with options for text chat or telephone conversations when vets may want to discuss the case with a specialist.
The service can be accessed on a pay-per-case or subscription basis.
Until now, follow-up advice had been capped at two weeks.
Internal medicine specialist and Head of Teleconsulting at VetCT, Kate Murphy, said: “We are delighted to be extending our support for cases that require ongoing management, such as endocrine disorders or complex wound management.
"Our clients have fed back how valuable it will be to partner with us longer term for these patients, to provide guidance and reassurance that care is being optimised and help to keep owners engaged and happy.”
welcome.vet-ct.com/sales
CVS says the use of ear cytology in OE is beneficial, both as a diagnostic and to evaluate the response to therapy.
However, in 2019 the company looked at 26,269 of its patients and found that ear cytology was only being used in 19.2% of cases, in line with the rest of the profession.
Only 11% of cases were being provided with in-house point-of-care cytology, whilst 8.2% had it performed externally.
80.8% of patients with OE were being prescribed antibiotics without cytological support, with 5% of these the highest priority critically important antibiotics (HPCIAs).
This low level of cytology use in primary care was suspected to be a major contributory factor to the significant use of unnecessary antibiotics.
To support its practices, CVS first looked at the barriers to performing ear cytology interventions, which were identified as a lack of confidence in using the microscope (particularly focusing on x100 and identification of pathological events), a perceived lack of time, insufficient or poorly working equipment, a lack of access to equipment, and the perception that cytology does not change the treatment choice or outcome.
As a second step, a minimal list of cytology equipment was developed to ensure that all sites had the right kit.
New equipment was then supplied to a practice if it did not meet minimum standards.
The company then produced education and resource materials, including new guidelines, imagery and video guides, to upskill both its vets and nurses.
The training focused on: equipment maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting, how to use the microscope – including x100 magnification and the slide oil immersion technique, how to identify pathological changes, and time management to get a consultation done – including swabbing, microscope analysis, diagnosis and client consultation.
Each site was then provided with its own data, so that it could monitor progress.
Elizabeth McLennan Green, CVS Clinical Director for the North, said: “One of our goals with this project was to minimise the number of antibiotics prescribed without associated diagnostics, and to use ear cytology to guide therapy and response to treatment for the benefit of our patients and clients.”
“We know that low ear cytology interventions are an issue across the profession. We wanted to do better. So ear cytology has been our first and longest running clinical improvement project.
"We’re thrilled with the brilliant results our colleagues are now achieving.”
There's a video presentation about the project here: https://vimeo.com/875515008/bdc3ee5920
Photo: Emily Spencer, Head Vet at Castle Vets
The new clinic is led by Marie Kubiak, an RCVS Specialist and diplomate in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and one of only a small number Specialists that are accredited for reptiles, birds, pet mammals, wildlife, zoo species, fish and invertebrates.
The open day offers a chance to see the new clinic, meet the team, find out how it can support your practice and discuss any challenging cases you have.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
RSVP: evolutionexoticsreferrals@gmail.com
https://evolutionexoticsreferrals.co.uk
Evolution Exotics Referrals, Tenbury Road, Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire, DY14 0AD
CEVA Animal Health has announced that its live enzootic abortion vaccine, CEVAC® Chlamydophila, now has an added benefit. It can be used simultaneously with the only available toxoplasmosis vaccine. According to CEVA, infectious abortion, particularly enzootic abortion (Chlamydiosis), has been known to wipe out up to 50% of lambs. Strategic use of CEVAC® Chlamydophila, a live enzootic abortion vaccine, can not only prevent abortion but can also control excretion and the threat of infection.
The company says: "CEVAC® Chlamydophila makes practical and economic sense. A vaccination every four years will help your clients’ flocks remain chlamydiosis-free and the cost of treatment should work out at well under 75p per sheep per year. This is a tiny investment for your clients, to prevent the financial loss of an abortion. The fact that the product can now be used on the same day as the toxoplasmosis vaccine means that is now one of the most convenient and affordable methods currently available."
Ideally routine preventative measures should be taken prior to mating and when new sheep are introduced to the flock, to ensure abortion and infection rates always remain as low as possible.
All animals should be vaccinated in the first year, with replacements being vaccinated from six months of age, at least four weeks prior to tupping.
CEVAC® Chlamydophila is quick and easy to administer, using the special, multi-dose injector gun. One bottle of vaccine contains enough for 20 doses.
For further product information contact your local CEVA representative or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/
A special interest group has been established for vets, veterinary nurses and chartered physiotherapists interested in the rehabilitation of diseased and injured animals. 'Physiovet UK' aims to provide practical training in the field of veterinary rehabilitation and pain management.
The group's inaugural CPD meeting takes place on Wednesday 20th May this year in Cardiff and will be led by specialist in small animal surgery (orthopedics) Steve Butterworth and veterinary rehabilitation specialist Lowri Davies. Sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Merial Animal Health, the meeting will cost £80 for members or £100 for non-members (ex VAT) for the day long event. Membership of the group costs £50.
Lowri Davies, a founder member of Physiovet said: "At this first meeting, the focus is on helping to develop a protocol for diagnosis and management strategies for conditions of the hock, shoulder and lumbosacral cases. Practitioners will recognise that these are commonly occurring conditions that are often managed conservatively but treatment need not stop with a prescription of 'rest'. We will be describing a range of active interventions that build strength, flexibility and general fitness appropriate to lame animals to help restore function and mobility."
For a downloadable registration form for the event, to join as a member or for further information about the group visit http://www.physiovet.co.uk/. Places at the meeting can also be booked by calling 01626 867614 or by contacting kathrin@linhayvet.co.uk.
Recent graduate, Sophie Gumble, from Head & Head Vets in Helston, Cornwall, has won a week for two in a luxury cottage in Cornwall.
Sophie won the prize after entering a draw run by Vetlife at the Veterinary Defence Society recent graduate meetings and the SPVS Lancaster Final Year Students’ Seminar last year.
The competition is run annually to raise awareness amongst younger members of the profession about the support that Vetlife provides through its support services: Vetlife Health Support, Vetlife Helpline and Vetlife Financial Support.
The prize, which was generously donated by former Vetlife Director Nicky Paull, will be offered again at the VDS reunions in 2016.
Sophie said: "I am a 2014 Liverpool graduate from Herefordshire, who entered the competition at the VDS reunion. The weekend was very useful and a great opportunity to catch up with friends and revive crazy dance moves!
"It has been a big move down to Cornwall. The busy life of a new vet, coupled with many weekends racing up the M5 to help with the family farm, has meant I am yet to really get the chance to enjoy and explore what the county of pasties and Poldark has to offer! I am excited to now have the chance to explore new parts of this wonderful county!"
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has produced a new medicine record book to help producers effectively document animal health product usage, to coincide with the cattle pneumonia season.
The Resflor-sponsored booklet incorporates space to record all the necessary information to comply with legislative requirements.
Intervet/Schering-Plough livestock veterinary adviser Paul Williams MRCVS said: "If you are in the business of rearing, producing or treating farm animals that will end up as food for human consumption, you must keep a record of any veterinary medicinal product you give or treat them with.
"You must also keep proof of purchase of all veterinary medicinal products and keep all your records for a period of five years. A format for keeping all these records is set out in this book."
To order Resflor medicine record books to give your clients, ring: 01694 731777
Tip 1 – Make sure that pet owners understand the functions of a microchip properlyMichelle says: "Some customers I’ve spoken to wrongly believe that microchips function as GPS trackers. To help manage pet owners’ expectations I always stress the importance of a microchip in lost pet recovery scenarios, where they serve as a permanent form of identification."
Tip 2 – Stress the importance of pet owners updating their contact details with their microchip providerMichelle says: "Pet owners often think that updating contact details with their vet will automatically sync these changes with the microchip database. It’s vital to inform owners that they must separately update their contact information with their microchip database. I’d recommend regularly reminding pet owners to check and update their microchip registration."
Tip 3 – Reassure pet owners that microchips are safe for their catsMichelle says: "I’ve had some owners express worries about allergic reactions or rejection of the microchip by their cat's body. So it’s worth taking the opportunity to dispel this myth during routine wellness exams by explaining microchips are made from inert, biocompatible materials designed to be nonallergenic and nontoxic.
Tip 4 – Make sure to discuss the longevity of microchips with pet ownersMichelle says: Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of the pet without needing a power source and that their functionality can easily be verified during any veterinary visit. If you find an owner expresses concerns about this, you could offer to check the microchip as part of regular health checks to demonstrate its reliability.
Tip 5 – Emphasise how every cat needs a microchip – regardless of age or activity levelMichelle says: "All vets will know even indoor or elderly cats can escape or wander off and older cats can become disoriented more easily. It is worth reminding owners that microchipping is a safeguard, ensuring their pet can be identified and returned home if lost. The new law means that pet owners can also face a large £500 fine if their cat isn’t microchipped."
Tip 6 – Explain how not all microchips are the same and the importance of getting the right oneMichelle says: I often explain that microchips vary in terms of the technology they employ, such as the new 'Thermochip' by HomeAgain that also measures a cat’s subcutaneous temperature. It’s worth talking pet owners through the different microchips available and the database options so they can make an informed choice.
http://homeagain.co.uk/Cats
The Royal Veterinary College has opened a new specialist ophthalmologist service at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) in Hertfordshire.
According to the College, the service is equipped with the most up-to-date and state-of-the-art equipment available and will also benefit from the on-hand support of leading edge veterinary care at Europe's largest small animal hospital.
The RVC says all ophthalmology cases will be supported by dedicated anesthesiologists, whilst on an individual case basis the ophthalmologists will draw upon the expertise of specialists in imaging, oncology, neurology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, dermatology, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.
The following services will be available to all species on referral:
Rick F. Sanchez, who heads up the new service, holds a Diploma from the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DipECVO) and is currently the only Ophthalmology Diploma holder working in a UK university. In his new role Rick will be sharing his expertise gained from the 3 years intensive specialist training and 7 years in dedicated specialty practice with both undergraduate and postgraduate students at the college in a teaching role alongside his clinical and research responsibilities.
Rick said: "Returning to academia has been the realization of a long held professional dream and to do so by becoming part of the Royal Veterinary College has been a privilege and an honour. The superb team of specialists and dedicated nurses already established at the RVC creates a perfect environment to exercise clinical excellence and offer our animal patients the very best care we strive to provide as specialists.
"In addition, I see the creation of the new Ophthalmology Service as the final piece of the puzzle within the wide array of clinical expertise offered at QMHA. In my opinion it is this wide array of expertise that makes the QMHA at the RVC a leading centre for clinical, teaching and research excellence in veterinary medicine in the UK."
For more information please visit: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/QMH/Specialities/Ophthalmology.cfm
Diagnostic imaging company BCF Technology is inviting veterinary surgeons to apply for a job as Clinical Manager by submitting a 2 minute video outlining why they would like to work for the company.
BCF Managing Director Gavin Mitchell said: "We are looking for somone with a real passion for imaging and desire to help improve the quality of veterinary imaging. Part of the role will involve presenting clinical learning videos, so we thought it would be a fun way to approach the recruitment process with candidates sending in their own home-made videos. So get creative and you could come and work with us and help vets learn more about 256 shades of grey."
BCF in-house vet Kimberly Palgrave said: "This role is a great opportunity for a vet wanting to help others to improve their confidence and skills in using ultrasound and X-ray, it is a hugely rewarding role. It is also a very diverse role as BCF is a worldwide company. BCF approaches everything in a fun, innovative way, including the recruitment process."
BCF Human Resources Manager, Kim McLean, said: "As we are offering a job role that is quite unique, we thought we would approach advertising the job in a bit of a non-conventional way as well. We hope that candidates will take on the challenge and that we will receive some interesting video applications for the role.
To help potential vets learn more about the role and what it is like to work for the company, BCF has created a video which gives an overview of the business, has some comments from its staff and even has a rap about the company at the end performed by Tom from the Purchasing Department.
For more information about the job, visit www.bcftechnology.com/about-us/bcf-careers
The VET Festival has announced its speaker line-up for this year's event, taking place on the 3rd & 4th June at Loseley Park in Guildford, Surrey.
The 21 hand-picked speakers include respected opinion formers from across the USA, Canada and the UK who are veterinary specialists and experts in fields including clinical & surgical orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, medical & surgical oncology, neurology & neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery & diagnostics, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, sports medicine & rehabilitation, anaesthesia & critical care, nutrition, feline medicine & surgery and practice management & team building.
The organisers say this is a unique and unrivalled opportunity to hear, learn and network with some of the greatest minds in the veterinary world at a dynamic and engaging two-day outdoor conference designed for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary rehab practitioners, practice support staff, managers and allied veterinary professionals working in companion animal practice.
Internationally-based speakers not available on the usual speaker circuit for primary care clinicians, include:
The 2016 conference will also welcome thought leaders currently practicing here in the UK, including:
There will be a focus on minimally invasive diagnostics and surgery lead by Phillip Mayhew from the University of Davis California and Elise Robertson will talk about minimally invasive endoscopy techniques in cats whilst Michael Kowaleski from Tufts University, Boston, and Noel Fitzpatrick will talk about arthroscopy of joints. There will also be a specific focus on diagnostic imaging with Russell Tucker from Washington State University sharing his nearly 40 years of experience with radiography, MRI and CT. Cancer is a huge area of increased interest in small animal practice currently and will be explored by a world-class team including Julius Liptak, Nick Bacon and Laurent Findji.
The growing importance of practice management and team-building prompted organisers to ask Brian Faulkner from the UK and Ernie Ward from the USA, both internationally recognised leaders in veterinary business training, to set up a mini-symposium in management and motivation. The objective is to keep the lectures practical and give delegates information that they can use every day, not just facts and figures.
Unlike conventional conferences, the VET Festival is staged outdoors in marquees alongside festival food and drinks and companies and organisations showcasing new technologies and products. Organisers say that this unique ‘fresh air’ festival environment creates a relaxed and fun atmosphere which is more conducive to learning and networking. There will be live music on both nights of the Festival with multiple bands contributing to the festival atmosphere, culminating in the ONE LIVE music concert on the final night.
For more information and to register for an early bird delegate discount visit www.vetfestival.co.uk
The aim of the study was to assess the adverse effect profile of each individual AED by analysing all available data that has been published for each specific AED and then evaluating how reliable the data was. The study was published in BMC Veterinary Research (DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0703-y).
To do this the researchers gathered, screened and assessed all the information published in peer-reviewed journals and publications. The individual studies were then evaluated based on the quality of evidence, study design, study group sizes, subject enrolment quality and overall risk of bias. The results, say researchers, now provide a new and more objective insight into the tolerability and safety of the AEDs.
Co-author of the study, Marios Charalambous, said: "We recruited systematic and statistical methods to combine, compare and summarize the results of independent studies and, therefore, create more objective and reliable conclusions based on the current evidence. It was a time-consuming, demanding and challenging process, but we are sure that we provide the clinicians now with essential information which they can use for daily practice."
By reviewing, assessing and untangling the vast amounts of data, the researchers found that much of the evidence for the medical treatment of canine epilepsy was based on subpar reporting of adverse effect and in studies that were below the expected standard. They say that only in recent years can the quality of studies carried out be considered adequate.
Professor Holger Volk, Clinical Director of the RVC Small Animal Referral Hospital and Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery (pictured right), said: "Not only does this study offer a new perspective on the management of canine epilepsy, but also highlights the importance of the need for trials which provide high quality evidence in order to have more reliable and objective results about the safety and tolerability of the AEDs in veterinary medicine."
Dr. Dave Brodbelt, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology, added: “This is a valuable addition to the body of literature on canine epilepsy, highlighting safety issues and adverse events related to its management and adding further depth to the evidence base relevant to practicing vets."
The new ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners is a body of dedicated veterinary surgeons from all over the world who have further qualifications in feline practice or medicine, or have specialised in disciplines that complement the focus of ISFM.
Members will have the opportunity to discuss publications, investigate cases with colleagues, collaborate on research, talk about developments, and forge links between themselves. The charity says it will be a forward-thinking coalition that will actively seek to advance developments in medicine. Any vet that meets the requirements of the academy can join.
To complement the veterinary expertise in the Academy of Feline Practitioners, the charity has also developed the iCatCare Feline Wellbeing Panel. The panel is an international coalition of experts who come from different professional backgrounds but who all specialise in some form in the mental wellbeing of cats.
The purpose of the panel is to help those working and caring for cats in all the various settings to understand their behavioural, emotional and cognitive capabilities and needs in order to be able to promote their mental wellbeing and ultimately protect their welfare.
Such settings include people’s homes, in catteries, in veterinary clinics, and in homing centres and on the streets. Through the sharing of initiatives and information in a confidential space, iCatCare says this will be a collaborative effort that will advance the accepted understanding and common practices in a way that would be impossible to do individually.
CEO, Claire Bessant (pictured right) said: "By working together, gaining input from great people and enabling all those who work with cats to grow their expertise, iCatCare can deliver on its mission to create a world in which each cat’s life experience will be as good as it can be’. For more information about how to join the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners, visit: https://icatcare.org/veterinary/isfm/isfm-academy. For more information about the Feline Wellbeing Panel, visit: https://icatcare.org/about/our-expert-panel
The new resources include the Equine Veterinary Journal’s (EVJ) publication of BEVA’s Primary Clinical Care Guidelines on wound management in horses together with BEVA’s first ever digital CPD course: 'How to Heal Wounds – a masterclass for vets and vet nurses'.
The new guidelines cover three key areas: wound lavage and topical treatments; wound debridement and closure and therapeutics for wound healing.
Sarah Freeman, who led the project, said: "These guidelines are aimed at the vast majority of our membership who are primary care practitioners. Topics covered are voted for by BEVA’s panel of specialists and represent a benchmark in time against the strength and weakness of evidence that support it."
The wound management guidelines follow BEVA’s recommendations on the safe use of analgesia in horses, which were published earlier this year.
BEVA’s new online course: 'How to Heal Wounds' is aimed at mixed and equine practitioners and veterinary nurses who encounter wounds in horses.
Led by Dr Patrick Pollock BVMS, PhD, CertES(Soft Tissue), DipECVS, FHEA, FRCVS along with teaching from leading names including Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE, BVM&S, DVM&S, DipECEIM, MRCVS, Dr Dylan Gorvy BSc, BVSc, PhD, CertES(Soft Tissue), DipECVS, and Ms Georgie Hollis BSc it will provide key concepts of wound physiology and introduce new treatment ideas and modalities designed to optimise wound healing.
Tim Mair Chair from BEVA’s Education Committee said: “This course is an absolute masterclass for vets and vet nurses. It contains 12 on-demand recorded lectures, together with the opportunity to attend up to three live discussions with the speakers. The final live discussion will provide the opportunity for the delegates to trouble shoot with our speakers after being able to go and practice the skills and knowledge learnt on the course.”
The course will be available from August 2020. It will cost £65 for BEVA members (£130 for non-members), which includes access to course resources for up to a year – meaning if they can’t attend a live discussion, they can watch it later.
Photo: Dr G Quinn.
Petplan has revealed the top 10 most claimed for health conditions in cats and dogs for 2011.
They were:
Petplan has launched what it says is the biggest advertising campaign in its 36-year history.
The company won't reveal what it's spending on the campaign, but its built around a TV advert (below) being shown on all the major channels throughout January, so certainly a bob or two. The ad features 45 different breeds of cats, dogs and rabbits - representing some of the breeds Petplan has insured over the years.
Simon Masding, head of sales and partnerships at Petplan said: "As the UK market leader, it is imperative pet owners recognise and understand who we are and what we stand for. We want to help our partners educate pet owners not only why pet insurance is so important, but explain why they should choose Petplan over any other provider. In 36 years, there's not an illness or accident that we haven't seen and our new advert dramatises in a charming way the depth and breadth of our breed and claims experience".
As part of the campaign, Petplan is running a 'Guess the Breed' game: correctly identify 10 of the breeds featured and be in with the chance to win a Petplan gilet. To enter, visit www.petplanvet.co.uk
Axiom Veterinary Laboratories is launching MiLab, a new range of in-practice analysers at the BSAVA Congress.
Axiom says the range will be supported with a comprehensive range of additional services, from installation and training through to technical support and maintenance.
Martyn Carpenter, Managing Director of Axiom Veterinary Laboratories said: "An increasing number of UK veterinary practices are opting to carry out a higher proportion of laboratory testing in-house but, in order to do this successfully, they need equipment which is reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use. Two products in the MiLab range will be showcased at BSAVA, both of which have been selected following extensive validation and correlation testing in Axiom's veterinary laboratories."
The two new products are:
Martyn said: "Investing in significant new equipment is always challenging for practices and we have spoken to many over the last 18 months to understand their experience of and current requirements for in-house analysis and, in particular, the level of support they receive. Practices working with us can be confident that we are offering the very latest in analyser technology, which has been tested rigorously for reliability, economy and ease of use. They can also feel secure in the knowledge that we provide a high level of service and support, delivered by our own highly skilled laboratory technicians."
For more information, contact Steve Clarke at Axiom on 01626 357756.
There had already been a gap in supply of the vaccine between June and August due to a batch being out of specification.
The company says it submitted an Out of Specification request to release the vaccine but was unsuccessful.
The next delivery of vaccine was expected at the end of August, however this has unfortunately been delayed until October, and there is no certainty of this delivery.
Ceva says it deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to sheep farmers this year.
Roy Geary, Vice President for Northern Europe (including the UK) at Ceva Animal Health, said: “The manufacturing of vaccines is a complex process that involves stringent quality control measures and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
"There have been unforeseen manufacturing issues at our production facilities, which have temporarily affected the ability to meet the demands of the UK sheep market within the main seasonal vaccination period for EAE.
"As a responsible provider, we are actively addressing these issues to minimise the impact on customers.”
“We are recommending that vets and farmers follow the advice published on 24th July 2024 from the Sheep Vet Society and Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG).”
https://sheepvetsoc.org.uk/news/sheep-veterinary-society-svs-and-sheep-antibiotic-guardian-group-sagg-advice-for-when-an-enzootic-abortion-eae-vaccine-is-unavailable.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is stressing the need for employers to check the registration status of the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses they recruit.
This comes following several incidences where veterinary surgeons have been found to be either not registered or registered in the wrong category. For example, foreign nationals wishing to work in the UK must be registered as home-practising members, not overseas-practising members. The latter category is for those practising overseas who wish to retain their MRCVS status.
Furthermore, there have been some cases of veterinary surgeons registering as ‘non-practising' and going on to carry out veterinary nursing roles, in the absence of relevant qualifications or being listed/registered as a veterinary nurse. This may be happening in cases where overseas veterinary surgeons are struggling to find work in the UK, possibly due to language difficulties.
RCVS President Jill Nute said: "Vets and veterinary nurses have complementary roles within the practice team. If someone wishes to undertake a veterinary nursing role, they should be qualified and registered as such. Many skills are taught in the veterinary nursing training that are not included in the veterinary degree. Although some veterinary nursing tasks can be carried out by veterinary surgeons, they certainly must not be undertaken by those who are not on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons".
She added: "Ours is a self-regulated profession and it is important that employers play their part by ensuring that practice employees are appropriately qualified and registered".
The registration status of vets and veterinary nurses can be checked on RCVSonline at: www.rcvs.org.uk/checkregister or www.rcvs.org.uk/vnlist respectively.
National charity Canine Partners, which provide specially trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, will benefit from an Eastbourne vet's efforts to run the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 10th April in less than 3.5 hours.
Simon DeVile is undertaking a gruelling training scheme, covering up to 50 miles a week, to ensure peak performance when he takes to the streets to raise money for Canine Partners - a charity close to his heart.Simon, 44, is one of the partners at St. Anne's Veterinary Group in Eastbourne. He started running to keep fit in 2006 and has since run the London Marathon twice and the Beachy Head Marathon three times. Simon regularly comes into contact with canine partner puppies because a local fundraiser and puppy parent is one of his clients. His own dog is also part of a locally bred litter, five of which went on to train as canine partners.Simon said: "I wanted to enjoy a new marathon experience this Spring and Brighton proved very popular last year. My aim is to enjoy the race but hopefully get below 3hrs 30 mins and raise money for Canine Partners. I am very aware what an important role these dogs play in the lives of a person with disabilities. I am also continually impressed with the way Canine Partners look after the dogs in their care so well."
If you would like to support Simon's efforts, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-DeVileCanine Partners still has charity places available for The Brighton Marathon. If you would like to take up the challenge, please contact Jill Green on 01730 716014.
Merial Animal Health has revealed the latest MOO test figures which suggest that the productivity of four out of five UK dairy herds is compromised by high levels of gutworm.
The company says it has been helping dairy farmers to assess the level of gutworm challenge in their herds since 2009 by supporting and promoting MOO tests. The test measures the level of antibody to gutworm (Ostertagia ostertagii) that is present in a bulk milk sample and can determine if the herd has been exposed to low, medium or high challenge.
Data from five years of MOO tests shows that whilst there was a steady reduction in the number of herds with a high challenge between 2009 and 2013, the figure rose in 2014. In 2009, 93% of herds tested high and by 2013 this had fallen to 71% but this rose again to 88% last year.
Merial says that whilst these figures show an overall reduction in challenge since 2009, levels of gutworm across the UK dairy herd are still very high. Those animals affected will suffer from the negative impact of a parasite burden on productivity and fertility.
Between 2009 and 2014 nearly 900 dairy herds across the UK have been tested. During that time several counties had significant numbers of herds with high gutworm challenge results. This included Cheshire (85%), Cornwall (93%), Cumbria (91%), Dyfed (92%), Lancashire (90%), North Yorkshire (83%), Shropshire (86%), Somerset (86%), and Staffordshire (83%).
Sioned Timothy, veterinary adviser for Merial Animal Health, said: “Gutworm can significantly reduce the productivity of the herd. Although adult dairy cows develop immunity to gutworm that makes them resilient to outward clinical signs of infection, it does not prevent them from becoming infected with Ostertagia ostertagi. This parasite burden can reduce milk yield by as much as 2.6 litres per cow per day1”
She continued: “Gutworm may also have a negative impact on fertility. Removing damaging gutworms from dairy cows may improve their fertility and has been linked to reduced calving to conception intervals and improved conception rates2 to levels comparable with animals without a gutworm burden.
"Calving is another key period in the production cycle. Optimising cow and heifer management during this period is critical to the animal’s health and productivity throughout the subsequent lactation. Cows treated for gutworms around the time of calving have been shown to increase their grazing time by almost an hour compared to untreated cows3. Improved appetite and higher dry matter intake helps cows to bridge the energy gap; maximising their production, and reducing the time it takes to get them back into calf4.”
The MOO test figures show that the UK dairy herd continues to be affected by high levels of gutworm challenge. At a time when maximising productivity is vital to dairy business success, farmers should seriously consider testing their herd this autumn and develop a treatment plan with their vet or animal health adviser based on the result.”
MOO tests will be available in autumn 2015. The results of MOO tests are sent to both the farmer and their vet or animal health advisor, to enable them to determine the best course of action and treatment.References1 Reist et al, Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy. Veterinary Record 2011 168, 484-487 Vet Rec 2002151:377-3802 McPherson et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 1999 Abstr. 28.3 Forbes et al. Behavioural mechanisms underlying production responses in dairy cows treated with eprinomectin. 19th WAAVP Congress 2003, New Orleans4 Sanchez et al. The effect of eprinomectin treatment at calving on reproduction parameters in adult dairy cows in Canada. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 2002 56:165-177
Biogal’s CEO, Mr Amos Gershony said: "We placed a large effort behind creating these videos, so that our customers could visualize how simple it is to receive a PCR result in 1 hour."
The videos are: