US veterinary equipment manufacturer Midmark is holding a draw for a Matrx VMS anaesthesia machine, open to all UK veterinary practices.
Click this link, enter your details, and the winner will be announced on 7th July 2010.
Denise Coston of Castle Veterinary Surgeons in Durham has won The Veterinary Business Journal Practice Manager of the Year 2011, and praised the award for promoting her role.
Denise, who was a manager at Lloyds TSB's lending centre and previously ran her own business, before joining Castle Vets three years ago, said: "I did not find out that I had been nominated until three weeks before the ceremony - it was totally out of the blue. To make it to the final three was brilliant, but to win was just incredible.
Denise also said the Practice Manager of the Year Award plays a vital part in promoting the role of practice managers to the wider industry: "It is so important in recognising and championing the efforts of practice managers. I'm sure there will be many people out there who still don't know what we do or how we could benefit their business and this award highlights our achievements.
"This is an evolving role and it is often a case of matching what each practice needs, but I think the fact that there is an award highlights the point that there is true value in having a practice manager."
Editor of The Veterinary Business Journal Robin Fearon said: "Denise is a deserving winner of the title Practice Manager of the Year because she understands the importance of helping to define business strategy for the practice, and I wish her every success in future."
A new quarterly veterinary publication - Companion Animals - has been launched to provide veterinary surgeons with a structured summary of the best international literature published in the past three months.
The peer-reviewed publication is backed by an educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, which says it is part of the company's commitment to invest in education and continue to support vets in practice.
Companion Animals contains expert commentary and analysis on recent advances in veterinary medicine and has an international editorial and advisory board. The board comprises Virginia Luis Fuentes from the Royal Veterinary College, Daniel Holden from the County Veterinary Clinic, Jacques Penderis from the University of Glasgow, Scott Brown from the University of Georgia, Brice Reynolds from the National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Rob Rayward from Coast Veterinary Referrals, James Oliver from North Kent Referrals, Sarah Smith from Sarah Smith Cardiology, Mark Lowrie from Davies Veterinary Specialists, Marieke De Vries from the Animal Health Trust and Patricia Ibarrola from University College Dublin.
In addition, each issue contains an original review article. The leading article in Volume 1, Issue 1 is titled 'The recognition and management of acute and chronic pain in cats' and is authored by Louisa Slingsby from the University of Bristol.
To register an account and receive all content free of charge, courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, please contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched a new Canikur Pro website - www.canikurpro.co.uk - to provide pet owners with advice on digestive upset and offer a quick reference guide to using Canikur Pro.
The site offers information about the common causes of digestive upset, including dietary indiscretions, stress due to a change in circumstances and underlying gut problems.
The site also contains information about how Canikur Pro works, how to give the product and where to buy it, plus tips for supporting the recovery of a dog's gut health such as providing a constant supply of fresh water, offering a bland diet and providing access to outside areas to reduce accidents.
In addition, the site contains a 'veterinary only' area where veterinary professionals can download client materials.
Eli Lilly and Company, which owns Elanco Animal Health, has announced an agreement to acquire Novartis Animal Health for approximately $5.4 billion in cash.
Lilly says that on completion of the deal, Elanco will be the second-largest animal health company in terms of global revenue. It will also solidify its number two ranking in the U.S., and improve its position in Europe and the rest of the world.
As part of the agreement, Lilly will acquire Novartis Animal Health's nine manufacturing sites, six dedicated research and development facilities, a global commercial infrastructure with a portfolio of approximately 600 products, a pipeline with more than 40 projects in development, and an experienced team of more than 3,000 employees.
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2015, subject to clearance under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, similar requirements outside the U.S., and other customary closing conditions.
John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer said: "Animal health continues to represent an attractive growth opportunity for Lilly. We intend to keep Elanco and to take advantage of the substantial synergies between our animal health and human health businesses.
"Significant investments in our animal health business in recent years have enabled Elanco to double its revenue since 2008, leading the industry in growth. Global trends suggest continued sustained demand for animal health products in the years ahead. Through this acquisition, which moves Elanco to top-tier in the industry, we intend to create value for our shareholders by adding to our promising pipeline of innovative animal health assets, increasing sales through a larger commercial footprint, and improving efficiencies and lowering costs."
Benchmark Holdings has announced that it has acquired Improve International limited, the Swindon-based veterinary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) business.
Improve will be added to Benchmark's Technical Publishing division, which provides global knowledge transfer, technical insight, e-learning and market analysis for people and businesses working in agriculture, aquaculture and the food supply chain.
Established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons, Improve organises CPD courses for veterinary professionals across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia and mainland Europe from its bases in the UK and Portugal.
Improve's courses are run privately and are accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and/ or Harper Adams University.
In partnership with ESVPS and Harper Adams University, Improve also provides courses and qualifications for Official Veterinarians in England, Scotland and Wales.
Improve's veterinary directors, David Babington (pictured right), Heber Alves and Rui Lobao will all remain with the business.
Benchmark's management says it believes there is considerable scope for online development of the courses within the digital arm of its Technical Publishing division. The division currently offers 15 distance-learning courses, which are tailored to develop core industry skills.
Malcolm Pye, Chief Executive of Benchmark Holdings Plc said: "The acquisition of Improve will enable us to combine our digital and distance learning expertise with Improve's veterinary content across Europe, enhancing our ability to serve the professionals in our key veterinary markets.
"This is a significant step forward for our Technical Publishing division in both of the food and companion animal markets. We plan to take Improve's successful, face-to-face courses and deliver content digitally on an international basis."
The RCVS has launched its new Fellowship scheme and is now accepting applications from veterinary surgeons who have made a meritorious contribution to their particular field.
The new Fellowship scheme was launched with three routes to membership: meritorious contributions to knowledge; meritorious contributions to clinical practice; and meritorious contributions to the profession.
The changes were approved by RCVS Council at its June 2015 meeting, following a public consultation on how the Fellowship could be developed to move it away from being an examination-based award, to becoming a learned society.
Dr Bradley Viner, President of the RCVS, said: "I am very proud to announce the launch of the new Fellowship scheme and I hope that, as a learned body, the Fellowship will help advance and develop clinical and professional standards by sharing their knowledge and expertise with the profession.
"The move from being an examinations-based award to the three new paths to entry is a significant development as it will widen the reach of the Fellowship, particularly to those who are working in clinical practice.
"I would strongly encourage all those who feel they have made a meritorious contribution to any of these three areas to apply as I am very hopeful we will be able to award our first group of new Fellowships at RCVS Day on Friday 15 July."
The criteria for achieving Fellowship includes sustained contribution to scholarship; producing a body of creative work that has been disseminated to others; indisputable advancement of their subject; providing leadership to the profession; and, advancement of the public understanding of the profession.
Each application will be assessed by a Credentials Panel to see if it meets the proposed criteria. Applications approved by the Panel will then be put to the Fellowship Board, which will meet once a year to consider the overall list of proposed applications.
The closing date for initial applications is Wednesday 11 May. Application forms for the three different routes to Fellowship, as well as further details about criteria and a list of relevant doctorate programmes, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/fellowship
All current Fellows, including Honorary Fellows, will retain their FRCVS/HonFRCVS status.
Allison Henry, product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "We have a very good relationship with the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies and it was an easy decision for us to support its students with this donation. Antimicrobial resistance is a very hot topic for human and animal health and as a manufacturer we have a duty to contribute as much as we can. Students are the next generation of veterinary surgeons and if we can educate them about antimicrobial resistance early on it will have a long term positive effect ensuring these products are used as rationally as possible and only when necessary."
Dr Tim Nuttall, head of dermatology at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, added: "We are very grateful to Ceva Animal Health for its generous support of our student research projects into antimicrobial resistance. These give our veterinary students an immensely valuable insight into the problems of antimicrobial resistance and helps them find novel approaches to counter this threat. This will not only benefit their careers but will also be of great value to vets, animals and owners throughout the world."
Ceva's efforts to support practices in their efforts to use antibiotics responsibly have continued in 2017 with the launch of GRAM (Guidance for the Rational use of AntiMicrobials), a guide on the rational use of antimicrobials in dogs and cats.
For more information on GRAM and sustainable antibiotic use, contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager.
The teleconsulting service, accessed via the VetCT App, offers general practitioners 24hr clinical advice and support from specialists in all disciplines.
Practices who subscribe to the service can apply for £15 per person of food and drink vouchers for up to 20 people, to enjoy together.
VetCT says it will also be hosting a virtual party for locum vet subscribers want to take them up on the offer.
Victoria Johnson, Founder and Co-Director said: “We wanted to encourage people to get together - in person or virtually - to enjoy some festive treats and all-important social time, especially after a challenging year.
"We also appreciate how reducing staffing over the seasonal holiday period can leave teams stretched, and want to reassure our clients that we’re here to support them, 24/7, throughout the festive season.”
A member from the VetCT team will join the start of each practice party, to explain how versatile the teleconsulting service can be in providing reassurance and support, with answers to quick clinical questions, as well as advising on complex, multi-disciplinary case queries.
For more information, contact: info@vet-ct.com using the words ‘Staff Party’ in the subject, or visit www.vet-ct.com for more information.
Providing a service for everyone from the richest to the poorest, veterinary surgeons probably have a better insight than most to the effects of inequality in society.
Whilst most people can probably think of one or two government policies which contribute to inequality, Sebastian's fully-referenced book is perhaps the first to identify the entire alphabet's worth, and collate them in an easily digestible format (it's only a 45 minute read).
The book is available in hardback on Amazon for £10, or as an e-book for £5.99
Sebastian is on VetSurgeon.org to answer your questions about and discuss how government policies create inequality in society, here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/001/nonclinical/f/off-duty-discussions/30455/the-a-z-of-inequality
Although you certainly don't have to have bought or read his book to take part in the discussion, you should find it £5.99 well spent.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Z-Inequality-Sebastian-Chambers-ebook/dp/B09ZVN1HDW
The opening speaker will be Cassie Leonard (pictured), engineer, best-selling author and executive coach, who will be talking about the value of authentic networking.
The programme, which includes a combination of lectures, panel sessions and interactive workshops, will cover:
On the Saturday, there's a dedicated ‘Grow your business’ day for those thinking of starting up or expanding their business.
New for 2025 will be a Friday morning collaborative ‘Business Club Live’ speed-networking session: an opportunity to discuss a variety of issues on hosted tables.
Also new for 2025 will be a dedicated livestock stream focussing on the unique challenges faced by livestock veterinary professionals.
The accompanying exhibition will host a selection of companies focussed on the business, management, marketing and client-facing aspects of veterinary practice and offering the latest products, services and advice.
Social events include Thursday afternoon's Happy Hour followed by a networking event and Friday night’s Presidents’ party with a reception, 3-course meal and a performance by the party band The Kings.
www.spvs-congress.co.uk
Vetoquinol has announced that Epiphen® Solution, the phenobarbital anti-epileptic treatment for dogs, is now back in stock following a manufacturing issue that has been successfully resolved.
The company says the solution now completes the Epiphen® range to offer convenient dosing for all weights of animal as part of its overall epilepsy management package.
To order, please contact your wholesaler or Vetoquinol Territory Manager.
Seven veterinary surgeons who took their final assessments at the University of Liverpool on 6 September have become the first to receive the postgraduate RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with equine designations.
Dr Mark Holmes, a member of the RCVS sub-committee for the CertAVP who observed the assessments at Liverpool said: "I was very impressed by the quality of all the candidates and the diligence of the examination process.
"It is clear that candidates putting themselves forward for 'named' certificates have demonstrated particular interest in their chosen fields and place considerable value on passing their synoptic examination."
The modular certificates were introduced in 2007 to be a more flexible replacement for the old-style postgraduate certificates. Vets can now choose from 79 subject modules, with RCVS-accredited assessments offered by a range of universities. These institutions may also offer associated courses which vets can take to support their studies, although candidates are free to choose where and how they wish to study.
To build their credits into the full CertAVP qualification candidates must first enrol with the RCVS, which keeps a record of modules achieved. Candidates need to take two compulsory modules, and several of a range of optional modules, within ten years in order to receive the award. Candidates aiming for a designated award must choose specific modules from amongst the options, and additionally pass an overarching 'synoptic' assessment.
For more information about the individual modules and the qualification as a whole, prospective candidates can visit www.rcvs.org.uk/modcerts.
The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has announced the availability of an updated version of its A3 poultry poster designed to assist veterinary surgeons identify diseases in free-range birds.
Based on information compiled by Victoria Roberts, Honorary Veterinary Surgeon to The Poultry Club, the BVA says the poster provides an invaluable source of information on diseases affecting exhibition chickens, hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, ornamental waterfowl, quail, ornamental pheasants, guinea fowl and peacocks.
The poster details the symptoms of different diseases, the cause, treatment and species affected as well as sections covering common problems and some causes, common diseases by age and life expectancy for the various bird species. A separate highlighted box contains useful tips for veterinary surgeons to pass on to their clients.
Copies of the poster have been circulated to BVA members as an insert in this week’s Veterinary Record. For further copies (free of charge) please ring 020 7636 6541 and ask for the BVA AWF or email bva-awf@bva.co.uk stating your name and postal address, and quoting AWF Poultry Poster.
The British Equine Veterinary Association's (BEVA) Equine Rescue Fund (ERF) has taken delivery of 'Howie the Rescue Horse', the UK's first lifesized model of a horse designed specially for training vets and firefighters
Howie will be used for the practical elements of the Rescue and Emergency Medicine Training for Equine Vets courses run by BEVA in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's animal rescue specialists. He will also be taken on the road to vet schools and be loaned to fire and rescue services wishing to train firefighters in manual emergency equine handling techniques.
Howie was designed to the animal rescue specialist's exacting specifications by Wales-based company Big Beasts, which more usually creates bespoke models, creatures, and props for the film and television industry, as well as for museums and theme parks.
Howie has been named after Genitrix' managing director, Howard Wilder after the company (which makes equine joint treatments such as irap HY-50®Vet) stepped in to cover the significant production costs of the model.
Howard said: "Horse rescue is a complex and hazardous operation, both for the animal and those trying to rescue it and treat any injuries. As a company actively involved in equine care, we felt it was important to make a significant financial contribution to the Equine Rescue Fund. It's great that Howie has safely arrived and we hope he'll prove an important asset to the ERF."
Picture shows: Howie the Rescue Horse with (left to right) Howard Wilder and Buster Brown and Jim Green, Animal Rescue Specialists, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service
Dermatologist Anthony Chadwick, aka the webinar vet, is offering VetSurgeon members a 30% discount on the cost of a forthcoming series of webinars. Just enter the word vetsurgeon in the discount box at webinarvet.com.
The series kicks off on the 17th June, when John Innes from Liverpool University will be talking about diagnosing forelimb lameness. On the 24th, Alan Robinson will be talking about pet healthcare schemes and on July 1st, Pip Boydell will discuss vestibular disease. Finally, on July 8th, Anthony will close the second series with a look at atopic disease, focusing on new and novel treatments.
For those of you that haven't yet experienced a webinar, and would like to 'try before you buy', there is a free webinar on 10th June (9pm-10pm), in which Martha Cannon, one of only 3 feline specialists in the UK, will present an update on feline infectious disease. Click here to register and if you enjoy the presentation, you will still be able to register for the series at the discounted price.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is giving veterinary practices the chance to offer cat owners a free 3ml pack of Metacam to trial treatment in cats with chronic pain.
Boehringer says each free Metacam pack will provide up to seven days' pain relief to an average-sized arthritic cat, and that it comes in an easy-to-administer cat friendly syringe for accurate dosing. The company also points towards a study which demonstrates that Metacam is highly palatable in 95% of cats1.
To qualify for the offer, veterinary surgeons have to fill in a redemption form logging five new cases. The offer is limited to 25 free bottles per practice. Replacement stock will be sent via your usual veterinary wholesaler. In addition, all completed forms will be entered into a prize draw to win one of six copies of the textbook 'Feline Orthopedics'
According to Boehringer, it is estimated that up to 90% of older cats (over 12 years of age) have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease2. However, cats may be more restrained than dogs in the way they react to chronic OA pain, and subtle behaviour changes can be a sign that cats are suffering from chronic pain3.
For further information on Metacam and the 3ml trial pack offer, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.
References
Vetoquinol has launched a pain monitoring system along similar lines to those used in humans, which can be used by vets and owners to measure pain over time and assess different treatment strategies in dogs.
According to the company, it is widely accepted that all mammals experience pain1and that under treatment is a big issue. Guidelines in treating human pain issued by NICE state that: 'evidence suggests that pain caused by advanced disease remains under-treated'. Veterinary medicine faces a harder task in recognising and treating pain effectively as it relies on behaviour rather than verbal communication.
In human medicine, Client Specific Outcome Measures have been used to assess treatment strategies focussing on identifying the degree of difficulty performing daily tasks on an individual patient to patient basis. Vetoquinol says its pain monitoring system is based on similar principles.
Robert Simpson, Product Manager for Cimalgex said: "The objective assessment of clinical outcomes are a continuing challenge in veterinary medicine; this is particularly true in chronic painful conditions such as osteoarthritis. Use of our Client Specific Outcome Measures form will allow vets and pet owners to more efficiently assess treatment to ensure that the patient is receiving appropriate analgesia.
The form can be adapted to give bespoke outcome measures which are agreed in consultation with the owners. This activity will increase interaction with pet owners and could increase loyalty to the practice; it could also be really useful in geriatric clinics etc as a method of assessing pain outside of consultations in practices."
To find out more or to request a monitoring pad for your practice, contact your Vetoquinol Territory Manager or call 01280 825424.
A new study from the University of Surrey, published today in the journal PLOS One, has identified the specific effects of a malformation which affects affects toy breeds.
According to researchers, Chiari malformation has become prevalent as a result of selective breeding and affects many toy dog breeds which have been bred to look more doll-like, including Griffon Bruxellois, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas and their crosses.
Researchers took brain, skull and vertebrae measurements of 155 Griffon Bruxellois and compared dogs affected by the condition with normal Griffons. They discovered that Griffons with the disease had taller foreheads and that it had also caused the shape of the brain to change, with severely affected animals having their cerebellum pushed underneath the main part of the brain.
The researchers say that although it can be asymptomatic, in many dogs Chiari malformation can cause headaches, problems with walking or even paralysis.
The condition can also affect humans and the University is working with human geneticists at the University of Montreal, in the hope that better understanding of the condition will lead to improved treatment for both dogs and humans.
Lead author, Dr Clare Rusbridge from the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "Chiari malformation can be described as trying to fit a big foot into a small shoe. It can be very painful, causing headaches and pressure on the brain and can result in fluid filled cavities in the spinal cord. Our latest discoveries will be significant in driving this research forward and hopefully allow us to identify which genes may be associated with the condition.
"Our next steps will be to apply our technique to other breeds with Chiari malformation and investigate more sophisticated ways of screening, so that risk of disease can be detected more easily, at an earlier age and with a single MRI scan.
"We want to engage breeders and give them practical advice about the condition, but it is also important that the public recognises that breeding dogs in a certain way to influence how they look might not be in the animal's best interest. There are responsible breeders out there, who have invested in screening and who are breeding for health as well as producing attractive puppies, and it is vital that people only look to buy from them."
Kate (pictured right) was confirmed as the 150th RCVS President at the College’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, which took place last Friday. Kate’s investiture makes her the 10th female President of the RCVS and the first to lead an all-female presidential team with Senior Vice-President Mandisa Greene and Junior Vice-President Melissa Donald.
Kate has been an elected member of RCVS Council from 2015 to 2019 and then from 2020 onwards, and brings with her a bank of professional experience having worked in clinical farm practice, in the pharmaceutical industry and as a senior civil servant in non-veterinary roles, including as Principal Private Secretary to three Secretaries of State for Scotland.
She’s a graduate from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh and during her time on RCVS Council has chaired the Standards Committee and been a member of the Legislation Working Party. She currently chairs the Preliminary Investigation Committee /Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee and sits on the Education Committee, Registration Committee, VN Council, Primary Qualifications Subcommittee and the Environmental & Sustainability Working Party.
During her first speech as RCVS President, Kate spoke about how experiences of loneliness early in her veterinary career, when she was working in rural farm vet practice, has led her to have a deep understanding of the importance of connection, something which has been reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “The Covid pandemic has demonstrated the value of connections for our mental health and wellbeing. Social distancing has spotlighted in fluorescent pinks, blues and greens the need for social connections. When hungry we eat, thirsty we drink, when we feel lonely we need to connect.
“And that starts with connecting with ourselves, nurturing our minds and bodies, building our sense of self and resilience. I am passionate about initiatives including the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and Vetlife that support our professions.
“Connections within the professions have been fundamental to my career, providing opportunities to collaborate, extend my knowledge and forge support networks. I look forward to building stronger connections with vets in the UK and abroad, including the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe. I’m so excited about the energy, new connections and networks springing up in the profession.
“I’ve worked in non-veterinary roles where I’ve had the opportunity to make new connections and share knowledge across professional disciplines.
“Pre-pandemic I attended a seminar on domestic violence. Speakers from social services said how hard it was to identify victims of domestic violence who were too scared to report. I informed the room about the Links Group, which works hard to raise awareness of the connection between the abuse of animals and people. Sadly, there are still silos, disconnections between well-meaning professionals. That proves to me the critical role of vets in human health and welfare by reporting animals they suspect of non-accidental injury.”
She concluded her speech (which is available to read in full at www.rcvs.org.uk/features) by saying: “I am excited about my presidential year, thankful for my connections, my iceberg of support. I’m thankful for the wise counsel of past Presidents especially Mandisa Greene and Niall Connell. My priority is to encourage Connections that Count, making sure we look after ourselves so that we can build vibrant purposeful and powerful connections across ours and allied professions for the good of animal and human health and welfare, for our communities, society and the environment.
“My aim this year? To amplify and extend the reach of the veterinary voice.”
Virbac has announced that it is hosting another day of CPD and surfing on Friday 26th April.
During the morning's session, Senior Field Veterinary Advisor Alex Allen BVM&S MRCVS will discuss 'Current thinking on companion animal vaccines', including CaniLeish, Virbac's vaccine for Leishmaniosis. Dermatologist Peri Lau-Gillard DrMedVet CertVD DipECVD MRCVS will then talk on 'Awful Atopics.'
The venue is the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay (close to Fistral Beach), with delegates transported to the nearby Surf School after lunch for their surfing lesson. A buffet lunch and post-surfing drinks will be provided by Virbac.
Territory manager and organiser Della Tomlinson said: "After last year's event we have had requests to repeat it from as far afield as London and Edinburgh, and we think that £30 for 3 hours of quality CPD is great value. As well as the obvious fun element of the surfing, we're deliberately holding the event on a Friday so vets can take advantage and enjoy a well-earned weekend away at a great location. Sadly this will have to be at your own expense!"
For more information or to book a place please contact Claire Lewis on 01359 243228 or claire.lewis@virbac.co.uk.
The most recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed younger vets were more likely to decide on a veterinary career at a young age, with 53% of those under 35 settling on veterinary medicine by the age of 10. However, more than a quarter of vets (28%) said they had decided to become a vet as young as eight years of age.
76% of the vets surveyed said that their choice was driven by an interest in caring for animals.
51% said they were motivated by an interest in science, with a primary focus on clinical practice.
32% mentioned the variety of work that a veterinary career would provide as an influencing factor – with the majority (58%) reflecting that their career choice had met this expectation, rating their job variety/interest as excellent or very good.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: "It’s lovely to hear that so many of my fellow vets made the decision as early as I did. Veterinary medicine is a long-standing ambition and a cherished vocation for many vets as well as a challenging and rewarding career.
"I had definitely decided that I wanted to become a vet by the time I was seven. That’s what I would always say I wanted to be when asked by adults. Like most of the vets surveyed I was influenced by loving and caring for the pets in my home. The only vets I knew were those we visited with the dog but I can’t ever remember wanting to be anything else."
The panel, chaired by veterinary ethicist Professor David Morton CBE, was established last year on a trial basis as a means of offering an ethical review process for practice-based research projects that may not have the same access to resources as clinical studies in academia or industry.
Since its establishment at the end of July last year it has received 23 applications, mostly concerning small animal clinical studies. However, due to demand from the profession, it will shortly be considering applications for equine or farm animal-based research and will be recruiting new panel members to cover these areas.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said: "Although the number of cases considered so far have been relatively small, the service has been very well received as a means of providing ethical review to those who might not otherwise be able to do so and so, therefore, might struggle to get papers published.
"Considering the importance of practice-based research we expect there to be an increase in the number of applications as word gets out about the service and so are happy to extend the trial for another year and for it to consider a wider range of applications."
Further details about the Panel, as well as guidelines for making applications and the application forms, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/ethics
For an initial discussion about submitting an application to the Ethics Review Panel, contact Beth Jinks, Standards and Advisory Officer, on 020 7202 0764 or ethics@rcvs.org.uk