Cytopoint is an injectable monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs that targets and neutralises the cytokine IL-31, a mediator of allergic itch1.
Zoetis says the new claim was granted following a randomised, double-masked, multi-centred, placebo-controlled study which looked at Cytopoint’s efficacy and safety for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in client-owned dogs. The study showed that Cytopoint significantly decreased pruritus, and improved skin lesions.2
Allison Henry, Product Manager Companion Animal Dermatology at Zoetis UK, says: "Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs.3 The associated clinical signs – including scratching, hair loss and skin lesions – are disruptive for the dog, impacting their quality of life and that of its owner. Allergic skin disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners present their dog to a veterinarian.
"The licence extension demonstrates further innovation from Zoetis in the field of veterinary dermatology, and across the continuum of care, increasing the treatment options available to manage pruritus. Apoquel remains an ideal choice for short-term control due to its ability to provide rapid itch relief within four hours4 for as little as one day.5 This enables pruritus to be tightly controlled during the diagnostic work up,7 as well as being used for longer term control where tablets are the preferred method of administration.
"The sustained duration of action of Cytopoint makes it better suited to long-term management of pruritus, particularly when administering tablets is a challenge. Other benefits, such as no restrictions on age or with comorbidities, coupled with the flexibility of the new claim, make it a useful treatment at an earlier stage for more unique cases, e.g. young dogs or those with comorbidities."
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager.
watch?v=A8EJ8LpLVzw&feature=youtu.be
References
The figures highlight the burden placed on veterinary surgeons every day when they're asked to euthanise perfectly healthy animals.
Problem behaviours include persistent barking and howling, destructive chewing and inappropriate toileting. Aggressive behaviour, towards both people and other pets, is also a problem, with the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report revealing that a third of pet owners have been attacked or bitten by a dog. Such behaviours can cause a breakdown of the human-animal bond, leading to pets being excluded from family life to the detriment of their welfare, relinquished to rehoming centres or euthanised.
The BVA says these figures overwhelmingly show the importance of adequate socialisation of animals at an early age – young animals should safely encounter a variety of people, animals and everyday household sights and sounds in their first few weeks and months of age, beginning at the place where they are born.
Other reasons that owners give their veterinary surgeon for wanting to euthanise a healthy pet included: poor health of the owner (48%), owners moving to accommodation that is unsuitable for their pet (39%), and legal enforcement reasons (32%).
British Veterinary Association President Sean Wensley said: "These figures are stark and are likely to come as a shock to members of the public. But this is the sad reality of a failure to socialise animals from the earliest possible age – a specific time in a puppy’s development which has a significant impact on their future temperament and behaviour. With dogs, this process starts from before a puppy is even seen by a potential owner. In recent months there has been a litany of news stories about the illegal importation, breeding and trading of puppies through puppy farms. This is no way for a family pet to start life and we urge potential owners to thoroughly research where a puppy has been born and reared, using the AWF/RSPCA Puppy contract to help. Then, in the first year of ownership, and especially in the first few weeks, work with your local veterinary practice to ensure your puppy is introduced to everyday sights and sounds, including other people and animals, in a safe and structured way."
Mr Wensley also commented on the impact on vets: "Nobody enters the veterinary profession wanting to euthanise healthy pets, but this is the stressful situation that many vets are facing because of undesirable behaviours in pet animals. Vets will do all they can in these situations to avoid euthanasia, including offering evidence-based behavioural advice, referring to accredited pet behaviourists or assisting with rehoming through reputable rehoming organisations, but sometimes these options are not appropriate, particularly where the behavioural issues make it extremely difficult to rehome the animal. Vets are not required to euthanise healthy animals at an owner’s request, but sometimes, having carefully considered all options and given the circumstances the pet finds themselves in, it may be in an animal’s best interests to do so. Euthanising an animal who could have been a loving pet is the hidden, tragic cost of poor socialisation."
Zoetis says that Cytopoint works by mimicking the activity of natural antibodies which selectively bind and neutralise canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31), a key cytokine involved in triggering itch in dogs.
The company says that because of the precision and specificity with which Cytopoint acts to target and neutralise cIL-31, it has been shown not to interfere with the immune response, meaning that it does not induce unintended immunosuppression or enhancement.
Dr. Emmanuel Bensignor, a specialist in veterinary dermatology in Paris, France, who participated in field studies conducted in Europe, said: "My personal experience with Cytopoint showed impressive speed of efficacy, significantly reducing itch in dogs from 24 hours onwards.
"Atopic dermatitis is a very common disease in dogs, and the owners I meet are desperate to find a rapid, reliable and safe solution for their suffering dogs. With its once monthly injection, I believe that Cytopoint has the potential to meet pet owners' needs for its convenience.
"European veterinary dermatologists and veterinarians will now have access to a new therapeutic class via this first monoclonal antibody treatment for veterinary use. It is a very exciting innovation which brings a notable improvement to the health and quality of life of the dogs and happiness to their families."
The recommended minimum efficacious dose for the treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs is 1 mg/kg, which can be repeated monthly. Cytopoint will be available in single dose vials containing 10, 20, 30 or 40 mg/kg of lokivetmab.
For more information, visit the European Medicines Agency.
The practice, which is owned by the Linnaeus Group, says it will be refurbishing its existing facilities, extending its premises, hiring more specialist veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and support staff and installing state-of-the-art new equipment.
In addition, it plans to refresh its intern programme and launch a nurse training programme.
A six-month programme of building works will include a new reception area, consultation room and medicine and surgery wards.
New services and facilities will include a cat ward, X-ray department and endoscopy and chemotherapy facilities.
Operations manager Daniel Hogan (pictured right), said: "This is a very exciting period as we grow in every possible area and work more closely with referring practices to continue to develop our bespoke and exceptional service for patients and clients.
"Our aim is aspiring and simple: to create the very best referral centre possible by bringing together the expertise of the very best of veterinary professionals supported by the very latest in technological innovation."
For more information about Southfields Veterinary Specialists, visit: www.southfields.co.uk.
The app, which was designed to provide veterinary surgeons, nurses and receptionists with quick access to up-to-date biological data on a wide range of exotic pets, now contains information about 40 different exotic pet species, from Grey Parrots to Sugar Gliders.
Each species entry offers an overview of the pet, details of common conditions, therapeutics and treatment videos.
Mark, pictured right with a Sulcata tortoise said: "There are a wide range of exotic pets that are becoming increasingly popular with pet owners, yet very few vets understandably have advanced knowledge in this niche area. The "Veterinary Care for Exotics" app for vets means vets, vet nurses and receptionists can now have this knowledge at their fingertips, giving them the reassuring back-up they need when presented with more unusual pets."
The app can be downloaded from Google Play and from Apple's app store, priced at £11.99.
For more information contact Mark Rowland: trinitycpd@gmail.com.
Ms Gatehouse faced two charges, the first being that she inaccurately assured another veterinary surgeon that she had vaccinated a horse against influenza and tetanus when she had not, and she subsequently failed to undertake adequate checks to confirm whether she had done so.
The second charge was that she later made a false entry in the same horse’s clinical records to cover up her previous inaccurate statement.
Ms Gatehouse admitted the facts alleged in relation to both charges and also admitted that in relation to the second charge she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
The Committee, having heard submissions from Counsel for the RCVS and Ms Gatehouse found her guilty of disgraceful conduct in relation to the first charge.
Under the first charge the Committee found that she had breached the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons by not keeping clear, accurate and detailed clinical and client records, and by acting in a manner that was likely to undermine public trust in the profession.
They also considered that her falsehood was unpremeditated, and that the decision was made in a moment of panic. Ultimately, however, by claiming the horse was vaccinated to another veterinary surgeon and not taking the necessary steps to confirm this, she failed to put the welfare of the animal first, potentially endangering it and any other horses it came into contact with, as well as potentially jeopardising the position of the veterinary surgeon she confirmed it to.
Having found Ms Gatehouse guilty of serious professional misconduct in relation to both parts of the charge the Committee then considered its sanction against her. In mitigation the Committee considered the fact that she had been in practice for 22 years without any untoward conduct, the testimony of three witnesses who attested to her being an honest and trustworthy practitioner, and the fact that Ms Gatehouse was in a troublesome relationship with the complainant until June 2014 which led her to be reluctant to contact him to correct her initial confirmation.
In summing up Stuart Drummond, Chair of the Committee, said: "The Committee has considers that it is material to have regard to the general emotional state to which the Respondent was reduced by the controlling and debilitating conduct of her then partner when they were living together and the consequential loss of self-esteem and ability to stand up to him and his demands. The deleterious effect of an abusive relationship lingers after such a relationship ends.
"Taking into account this knowledge, the Committee considers that the period of suspension that would, in other circumstances, be entirely merited, can properly be reduced in this instance to reflect the fact that this veterinary surgeon would not have acted as she did during this period but for the fact that her judgement was adversely affected by her experience at the hands of her then former partner.
"The decision is that, whilst it is necessary, in order sufficiently to protect animals and the wider public interest, to impose a period of suspension from practice, that period can be reduced to one of two months. In so concluding the Committee wishes to make it clear that this decision reflects the special features of this case."
Ms Gatehouse can choose to appeal the decision after a period of 28 days.
A Jack Russell from Thurso had a bit of a surprise last week, when it looked down the stethoscope to find Prince Charles at the other end.
The slightly unlikely encounter happened when the prince visited the newly-extended North Highland College Rural Studies Centre.
The purpose-built centre, which houses veterinary nursing, gamekeeping and equestrian students, boasts a nurse training area complete with theatre, prep room, isolation area and consultation room, where Prince Charles was invited to watch a bandaging demonstration and listen to the dog's heart murmur.
Over seventy guests attended the event and were introduced to Prince Charles before he was presented with a gift from vet nursing student Paula Morgan. Paula from Ayrshire, who is a former veterinary nursing student of the College said: "The facility is an absolutely fantastic asset to the College. It is so good for students having the equestrian studies section based just across the courtyard here too! It was a great honour to present Prince Charles with his gift at his visit to the newly revamped centre."
Alternative picture caption, anyone?
Vetsonic has launched Otimectin vet, an ivermectin-based topical preparation for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infections in cats.
The new product offers a once-weekly dosing alternative to traditional ear mite treatments, which commonly require twice daily administration over 7 to 21 days.
Presented as a gel in a 10g tube complete with application spout, Otimectin vet is a 1 mg/g ivermectin preparation. It does not contain an antibiotic or steroids.
Fynadyne had been removed from sale last year after the Veterinary Medicines Directorate suspended the sale of any medicinal products containing the excipient diethanolamine (DEA), following advice to the European Medicines Agency that it could pose a risk to human health.
Finadyne 50mg/ml Solution for Injection is indicated for the alleviation of acute inflammation and pain in both cattle and pigs. It is also indicated for the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with musculo-skeletal disorders and colic in horses.
The reformulated product has a shelf life of three years and is now available from wholesalers in 50ml and 100ml vials.
For further information, contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
The Australian company, which launched in the UK offering equine specials in March 2017, says that while some human healthcare companies are authorised to supply veterinary specials under licence in the UK, it is currently the only company in the UK to have specific veterinary authorisation to manufacture sterile specials.
There are six formulations in Bova’s new small animal range with a further 23 formulations scheduled to be introduced in the first half of 2018. However, Bova says that due to advertising restrictions, only verified veterinary surgeons will be able to see its formulation list.
For more information, contact Bova Sales Manager Emma Jones on tel: 07780443731 or Victoria Dawson on 07780443738 or visit www.bova.co.uk.
The company will also be at BSAVA Congress this week on stand 817, where they will be offering the chance to win an afternoon champagne tea at the Ritz.
The company says Veterinary HPM Hypoallergy contains hydrolysed salmon protein for high digestive tolerance and optimal nutritional value, and no hidden proteins in its carbohydrate sources. Extensive hydrolysis is used to ensure hypoallergenic safety whilst maintaining palatability.
The company also claims the new diet has a higher level of animal protein and lower level of carbohydrate than other comparable products on the market for both cats and dogs, providing a clinical diet that is closest to their nutritional needs as carnivores.
Veterinary HPM Hypoallergy is designed to complement Veterinary HPM Dermatology Support, which is already available.
Tracey West, Nutrition Manager at Virbac said: "I am delighted to be able to introduce the much anticipated Veterinary HPM Hypoallergy to the Veterinary HPM Clinical Diets range.
"As pioneers in dermatology with more than 35 years of experience in this field, Virbac is proud to bring you, not 1 but 2, advanced nutritional solutions to help manage one of the most challenging clinical conditions faced in veterinary practice."
For more information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager.
Developed by Zoetis, Apoquel is a prescription-only Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for veterinary use that targets the itch and inflammation pathway.
Ben Hurst, Product Manager, Zoetis UK said: "Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergies in dogs, affecting approximately 10% of the dog population1.
"Itching caused by an allergic skin disease can impact the quality of life for both the dog and its owner unless they are controlled with effective management.
"Apoquel chewable tablets now offer a new, convenient and palatable solution for dog owners."
Apoquel chewable tablets are administered twice daily for up to 14 days (at 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg), then once daily for maintenance therapy.
Zoetis says marketing authorisation for the EU market is expected later this year following the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) positive opinion received on 7th October 2021.
Reference
Ziapam is licensed for the short-term control of convulsive disorders and muscle spasms of central and peripheral origin, and for use as part of a sedation or pre-anaesthetic protocol. It is presented in packs containing 6 x 2ml vials.
Simon Boulton MRCVS, marketing manager at TVM said: "As a scheduled intravenous drug it is important that we have batch traceability and the proper monitoring of any side effects of such drugs to make sure current guidelines for use in the SPC are correct. Ziapam is kept at the same concentration of the previously used human generics on the cascade for ease of transition."
Simon added: "Furthermore, we’ve purposefully priced Ziapam such that it is only costs a few pence per dose more than the human generic."
TVM UK has also produced a dosing guide for practices which illustrates the different indications and associated treatment guidelines.
For a copy of the dosing guide or for more information, contact your local Territory Manager, email: help@tvm-uk.com, or call: 01737 781 416.
The newspaper report said things have been so bad at the school that 20 staff left following conflicts with Professor Argyle and an investigation by the University and College Union (UCU) found "shocking levels of harassment".
Furthermore, an agency hired by the university to investigate the claims broadly supported the UCU's findings.
Nevertheless, a University of Edinburgh spokesperson told VetSurgeon.org that: "An internal review has fully and robustly investigated these claims of bullying and found no evidence of misconduct. The decision was upheld after an appeal."
"We have also held discussions with UCU, and have well-developed plans for staff development at the Easter Bush campus and for a survey of all staff who work there"
A UCU spokesperson added: “UCU raised the very serious concerns on a culture of bullying and harassment at the university’s veterinary school with the employer last year, and has been working together with senior management to address these issues. We will be discussing the next steps with management and we will consult with our members to gauge their views on the plans to improve working conditions”.
For the full report, visit (paywall): https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/top-vet-professor-david-argyle-at-centre-of-bullying-claims-at-edinburgh-university-5hlnmwjl8
Danny Chambers MRCVS had a disappointing night after seeing the Liberal Democrat share of the vote in North Cornwall decrease by 5.8%, leaving him trailing 14,752 votes behind the Conservative candidate Scott Mann who scored 30,671.
Meanwhile Ian Fleming MRCVS, who stood as an independent candidate for the Halesowen and Rowley Regis constituency, got 190 votes. The winning Conservative candidate, James Morris, gained 25,607 votes.
Many people will no doubt feel that the overall Conservative majority of 80 seats is a disastrous result; people who simply cannot bear Boris and fear what he'll do with a majority; people who saw a land of milk and honey and free broadband and publicly-owned railways that run on time and an A&E waiting time of less than 30 seconds and guillotines for the rich, only to have their hopes dashed. They must be gutted.
Equally it can be argued that this is the best possible result for the country. A decisive vote. Now, finally, we can all move on from 3 years of interminable debate about whether we're staying or going or having another referendum or cancelling the whole thing and going down the pub instead. Now the government can concentrate on implementing brexit. Perhaps the country can at last unite around that purpose.
Boris may not prove the disaster that some people think. He's not hard right. Quite the reverse. And having won all those safe Labour seats, he'll have to deliver for them. He has a good sense of humour ("Let's get breakfast done."), but that does not make him a fool or a charlatan. On the contrary, wit requires brainpower. And as for the accusations of being a liar, perhaps people will come to understand that flowery use of language does not itself make someone dishonest. Perhaps people will learn to stop interpreting his words so literally.
Time will tell, but there is cause for optimism this morning. Whichever side of the fence you sit, we must all be glad of one thing ... no more arguing about whether or not we're leaving.
Dexafast is an injectable corticosteroid with potent, medium-acting, anti-inflammatory activity, indicated for the treatment of a range of inflammatory and allergic conditions in both small and large animal clinical practice.
Dr John Henderson, Large Animal Product Manager at Forte Healthcare Ltd said: "Dexafast 2mg/ml is an excellent addition to our range. This formulation of dexamethasone is used across many species on a daily basis, and Dexafast 2mg/ml gives vets a high-quality presentation of a staple medicine."
Dexafast is available in a 50ml bottle.
For further information, contact your local Forte Territory Manager, visit: https://www.fortehealthcare.ie/product/dexafast-uk-only, or email: enquiries@fortehealthcare.com.
VetSurgeon members, husband and wife Cat Henstridge and Dave Hough MsRCVS have set up vCPD, a low cost CPD company based in the West Midlands.
Cat said: "Many of you will have noticed how CPD has become extremely expensive with some of the larger providers. Single days of theory based lectures are often well over £300+VAT, even for vet nurses, and more practical sessions can be far more than this. In these tough economic times it is a cost many practices can ill afford but one which, due to the RCVS regulations on Continuing Professional Development for both Vets and Vet Nurses, they are often forced to meet.
"vCPD is very different. Courses cost only £150 +VAT , all of which are given by highly qualified and experienced professionals (often the very same ones used by the more expensive companies) at an extremely convenient location, with excellent transport links and plenty of free parking, in the West Midlands. We are initially concentrating on vet nurses but will be expanding to vets later in the year."
You can find out more, view the courses and download a booking form by visiting http://www.vcpd.co.uk/. You can also follow vCPD on facebook and twitter.
Speed Reader can test for T4, Cortisol, CPSE, Progesterone and cCRP. Virbac highlights that it is the only in-clinic diagnostic biomarker test for CPSE, to screen dogs for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, of which 80% of intact male dogs over the age of 5 years old are at risk of developing (1,2).
Virbac says the Speed Reader gives practices an opportunity to increase in-clinic diagnostic testing, reduce their reliance on external laboratories, deliver immediate results and improve profitability.
Offered with an intuitive touch screen user interface and integrated printer, Speed Reader tests can be performed in as little as 15 minutes using a simple step-by-step procedure displayed on the touch screen.
Andrew Connolly, Head of Marketing – Companion Animals at Virbac said: "The Speed Reader biomarker range is a fantastic addition to Virbac’s diagnostic portfolio.
"Not only does Speed Reader offer practices improved in-clinic diagnostic testing, but having listened to customer feedback we are also offering Speed Reader with transparent, straightforward pricing and without complex commitment contracts."
In the week that Prince Charles has become embroiled in another row about the use of homeopathy in the NHS, British veterinary surgeons have denounced its use for the treatment of pets and other animals.
In a survey of veterinary surgeons carried out on this website, in which 460 members took part and the preliminary results of which are announced today, an overwhelming 83% said that there are no medical conditions for which homeopathy could be an effective treatment in animals. This figure included the 6.3% of participants who practice veterinary homeopathy themselves, without whom the figure would be even higher.
More specifically, when asked how they would best describe veterinary homeopathy, 4.5% said 'A reliably effective form of veterinary medicine', 8.7% said 'an occasionally effective form of veterinary medicine, 9.5% said: 'a rarely effective form of veterinary medicine, and 77.3% said: 'An ineffective form of veterinary medicine'.
The survey was carried with Alex Gough MA VetMB CertSAM CertVC PGCert MRCVS, Head of Medicine Referrals at Bath Veterinary Group.
So strongly did veterinary surgeons feel about the matter, 78.4% felt that their colleagues should not be allowed to practice homeopathy under their professional title of MRCVS. 73% said that whilst they are still allowed to do so, pet owners should be asked to sign a disclaimer that they understand that in trials, homeopathy has been shown to be ineffective.
However despite the almost universal denunciation of veterinary homeopathy within the profession, when it comes to directing their clients, it seems that many veterinary surgeons do not have quite the same courage of their convictions. Asked what would be the most appropriate response when asked by a client to refer an animal for homeopathic treatment, only 24% of vets said they would explain that homeopathy does not work and recommend the client does not self-refer for homeopathic treatment. 17.5% said they would explain that homeopathy does not work and advise the client to self-refer. 34% said that they would explain that homeopathy doesn't work and refer anyway, and 24% said they would just refer the case.
Methadyne can be administered for analgesia of moderate to severe pain in dogs and cats, to provide neuroleptanalgesia in combination with a neuroleptic drug and as part of a patient’s premedication protocol prior to general anaesthesia.
The new presentation will now be available alongside the 10ml vial to give greater flexibility and to help reduce drug wastage and streamline controlled drug stock management.
Jurox says Methadyne has proven compatibility when combined in the same syringe with other aqueous solutions for injection containing acepromazine as maleate and medetomidine and dexmedetomidine as hydrochlorides.
Methadyne has a shelf life of 24 months unbroached, and 28 days broached. After broaching, the bung can be punctured to draw up a dose of methadone as many times as required in 28 days.
Dan Cripwell MRCVS, senior veterinary technical advisor at Jurox (UK) Limited, said: “I am delighted that Jurox can provide the UK veterinary market with this evolution in our multidose methadone formulation, which is now available in both 5ml and 10ml vials.
"We constantly strive to provide the veterinary profession with first class clinical and technical support and, in this instance, we were able to assess what improvements could be made to our existing drug portfolio and respond to the profession’s feedback to help reduce wastage of controlled drugs when they are needed in smaller volume."
For further information, contact your local Jurox account manager, phone 0800 500 3171, visit www.jurox.com/uk or email customerservice@jurox.co.uk.
For the study1, which was carried out by Professor Stephen May and Dr Liz Armitage Chan, Senior Lecture in Veterinary Education (pictured right) at the Royal Veterinary College, twelve new grads were enrolled in a private social media discussion group, and their identities investigated through narrative inquiry.
The authors found that participants typically adopted one of two professional identities: the academic identity or a broader 'challenge-focused' identity.
Those who identify as academic prioritise and place greatest value on things like definitive diagnosis and best-evidence treatment.
The problem, say the authors, is that although there are opportunities for this, they are rare in general practice, where a veterinary surgeon's typical work environment more frequently involves seeing lots of clients who aren’t interested in a diagnostic work-up for unnoticed issues in their pets; who can’t afford further treatment; have pets with conditions that don’t require treatment; and themselves need emotional support.
Vets who therefore exclusively value patient diagnosis from an academic viewpoint foremost are therefore more likely to feel career dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, the other professional identity type is one where a sense of achievement is linked to overcoming the full range of professional challenges thrown up by the work environment in which vets typically operate as well as their technical competence at their job. These vets are therefore more suited to work in all types of practice.
Liz said: "The negative impact on wellbeing of an identity emphasising diagnosis and treatment was a surprising outcome, but it is easy to see how this identity develops. So much of veterinary education is focused on this area and it has always been the focus of students’ exams: if a student is ambitious and wants to achieve top grades and high-level faculty recommendations, they will inevitably prioritise their attention in this way."
The authors say the research has important implications for veterinary and other clinical degree programmes, and has already influenced the structure of the curriculum at the RVC to ensure students are well prepared for the veterinary workplace and can make an informed choice about where they choose to work.
Liz added: "Now we recognise the detrimental effect this can have on our graduates’ wellbeing, we have implemented changes to our curriculum and exams, so students are encouraged to think more holistically about the veterinary role and identify the different ways career satisfaction can be achieved. It is important to recognise that all the graduates experienced stress as they encountered complex contextual challenges, but for those who saw these challenges as part of their identity, this stress turned into a sense of satisfaction at a challenge overcome, rather than being ongoing and debilitating."
The introduction of the compulsory microchipping law in April 2016 has meant that puppies have to be microchipped by 8 weeks of age and the breeder has to be recorded as the first keeper. This has, up to now, incurred further and often unexpected costs for new puppy owners or breeders who have had to pay an additional fee for the transfer of keepership.
From 1st February practices using BackHome microchips will register their newly implanted microchips with the UK based reunification database, PETtrac, and the online transfer of keepership from breeders to new owners will be free. A postal transfer will cost 50p.
BackHome Product Manager Madeline Haynes said: "We have listened to feedback from the veterinary profession who have stressed the importance of not only providing a fast and reliable service from a pet reunification database, but also the need for free transfer of keepership from a breeder to a new owner.
"We are delighted to have been able to facilitate this through the move to PETtrac."
PETtrac is a UK based, DEFRA compliant reunification database that offers 24/7 customer service, 365 days of the year.
The move to PETtrac will not affect pets already registered with BackHome Microchips, whose lifelong registration with previous database supplier PetLog remains unchanged.
For more information, visit: www.virbac.co.uk
*Postal transfer of keepership from breeder to new owner will cost 0.50p
Deltanil, which contains deltamethrin for control of external parasites in dairy cattle and sheep including lice and flies, is now available in an additional 2.5ltr HDPE plastic bottle presentation. Virbac says the new 5 year shelf life significantly facilitates effective stock management.
Neoprinil, a nil milk withhold pour-on containing eprinomectin for control of external and internal parasites in cattle, now comes in 1ltr, 2.5ltr and 5ltr bottles.
Both products are still available in the Farmpack/Flexibag presentations, which Virbac says gives suppliers, retailers and farmers a range of application options to cover all on-farm situations.
Dr. Rosie Reyneke, Technical Product Manager - Farm Animal, Virbac UK, said: "The range now caters for farms of any size across the entire breadth of sheep, beef and dairy communities and provides farmers with the options to make a choice that suits them.
"We are also delighted to be able to help simplify stock management with the additional shelf life now in place for Deltanil"
For more information, ring: 01359 243243, email: enquiries@virbac.co.uk or visit: https://uk.virbac.com.
In part one of the article, Professor Ernst made the case that homeopathy has no place in veterinary (or human) evidence-based medicine.
In part two, he considered a number of other types of so-called alternative medicine (or 'SCAM', as he called it in the self-published version) for animals, including acupuncture, chiropractic, energy healing and dietary supplements, concluding that most such SCAMS are unproven and that 'arguably it is unethical to use unproven medicines in routine veterinary care'.
Now is it just me, or does anyone else find the Veterinary Record position rather worrying?
Surely a scientific journal should concern itself with one thing and one thing only: the search for scientific truth?
Surely, therefore, the question of how many veterinary surgeons use a therapy is completely irrelevant. Or am I being idealistic?
I also struggle with the idea that Professor Ernst could be told to go away and provide more balance.
How exactly is anyone supposed to balance the argument that there's no evidence that a therapy works? The only counter or balancing argument would be that it does. Catch 22.
Most learned people know that homeopathy is not just a little bit implausible, but completely off-the-scale-bonkers-in-a-'world-is-not-flat-sort-of-a-way', along with energy healing and chiropractic.
But acupuncture? I'll bet Professor Ernst's words will make for uncomfortable reading for some. That's precisely what seems to have made the Veterinary Record balk. But surely that's the whole point of science. To challenge our beliefs, even (or especially) if it makes us uncomfortable.
You can read Professor Ernst's blog at: https://edzardernst.com/
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee heard two charges against Dr Nemes, the first being that he had posted comments on social media about another veterinary surgeon, his employer, Dr Toth, which were offensive and/or derogatory and/or inappropriate.
The second charge was that Dr Nemes had posted his comments without having sufficient regard to maintaining their confidentiality and/or privacy.
Dr Nemes admitted the charges, though he did inform the Committee that his admission with respect to the second charge was caveated by the proposition that the comments were posted in private messages on Facebook with a limited membership, namely employees of Healers Veterinary Centre (Dr Toth’s practice).
The Committee noted the Respondent’s admissions as to the charges raised against him and pronounced the facts found proved.
In relation to the first charge, the Committee found that the comments on social media were, without a doubt, highly unprofessional. They included offensive language, were gratuitously personal against Dr Toth, and were made within an online chat which included junior lay staff, all employed by Dr Toth.
This behaviour was seen to directly contravene a numbers of parts of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, in particular Paragraph 5.3 that states: "Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses should not speak or write disparagingly about another Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Nurse."
In relation to the second charge, the Committee found that Dr Nemes had paid no regard to maintaining the confidentiality and/or privacy of his malicious and damaging entries to the chat.
At the outset of his evidence, Dr Nemes admitted that the proven charges amounted to serious professional misconduct. The Committee noted however that the question of whether he was guilty of serious professional misconduct or not was in fact a matter for it to decide, notwithstanding his admission.
The Committee considered the fact that the period of time that Dr Nemes was involved in making postings was effectively about two weeks, that his involvement followed his wife’s dismissal from employment (representing a breach of Dr Nemes’ resignation conditions), and that he was very stressed at the time.
It also considered Dr Nemes’ point that he had never anticipated that Dr Toth would see the Facebook Messenger conversation, and that the relevant RCVS supporting guidance to the Code concerning good practice when using social media and online networking forums was only published in late November 2014 when Dr Nemes’ involvement in the conversation was virtually at an end.
In summing up, Ian Green, Chair of the Committee, said: "The Committee carefully considered the circumstances surrounding the Facebook Messenger entries which the Respondent posted from 13 November 2014. It noted that at the time he had handed in his resignation, morale at the practice was very low. The Facebook Messenger chat site had been started amongst the receptionist/animal carers. A perusal of the entries before the Respondent joined on 13 November 2014 demonstrates that morale was low among that group.
"…Notwithstanding the nature of the remarks posted on the Facebook Messenger, which the Committee deplores, it has reached the conclusion that, whilst the Respondent’s behaviour amounts to misconduct and falls short of the standards expected of a member of the veterinary profession, it does not amount to serious misconduct and does not fall far short.
"In the circumstances it has reached the unusual conclusion that, notwithstanding the Respondent’s admission, the appropriate finding is that he is not guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."