Intervet/Schering-Plough has announced that Estrumate®, in both the 10ml and 20ml vial size is back in stock and available to order from your veterinary wholesaler.
The stock out situation had arisen as a result of increased demand during the early part of the year but the company is confident that there will be sufficient stock to supply the increased level of demand in the foreseeable future. Intervet/Schering-Plough would like to thank their clients for the patience and understanding.
Further information is available from Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Managers or the Veterinary Support Group (VSG) on 01908 685685.
Novartis Animal Health has announced that it is offering regular updates Schmallenberg virus, including the number and counties of affected farms, on its farm animal health website: www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk.
The new website is a resource for vets, SQPs and farmers and also contains background information on the virus, its symptoms and suggestions for control.
Helen Langham, Brand Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "There is still a lot that isn't known about the Schmallenberg virus, so it is essential that those involved in the animal health industry and livestock production are kept informed. Our website provides current information and links to relevant resources to help people stay up to date".
For more information go to www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/latestdiseaseupdates
Improve International has announced that several of the Postgraduate Certificate programmes (PgC's) which it delivers in conjunction with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Studies (ESVPS) have been added to the list of qualifications conferring eligibility for applications for RCVS' Advanced Practitioner status.
The qualifying PgCs are:
These PgC's are accredited at Masters level 7 and provide 60 credits, at least 40 of which are in the designated clinical area. Improve says this places them at the same academic level as those offered by other CPD providers and termed as eligible entry qualifications to RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status.
Improve has welcomed the RCVS' decision to include these PgC's in the list of entry qualifications accepted with no further requirements required. For the PgC Small Animal Surgery and PgC Small Animal Medicine programmes, a further demonstration of professional key skills is required within a five-year period, which the company says it can help with.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director, said: "Our clinical taught programmes are led by experts in their field while the European School of Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) has responsibility for the associated assessments. Harper Adams University brings the Higher Education body quality assurance to our partnership, ensuring that our qualifications meet the strict criteria laid down by the QAA Framework.
"Our programmes utilise a combination of review lectures, case-based discussions and, where applicable, hands-on practical sessions. We are also increasingly offering courses using 'blended learning', a format which combines both face to face and online learning.
"We are delighted that the RCVS has recognised that the content and rigour of the PgC programmes, make them deserving of the same status as other qualifications awarded by other providers. Our delegates can now have full confidence that achieving one of these postgraduate certificates will enable them to meet the requirements of Advanced Practitioner status."
For more information, see the RCVS website, Advanced Practitioner Guidance Notes, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
Emotional Resilience Skills for the Veterinary Profession, which the BSAVA presents in association with the RCVS Mind Matters initiative and Two Roads Charity, are half day events will be now held virtually by the BSAVA Regions.
Mary Harrison, Programme Director at Two Roads Charity, said: “Twice as many members of the Veterinary Profession suffer mental health issues as the general population; due to many reasons including overwork, trauma, imposter syndrome, unsupportive colleagues and overly demanding clients. Emotional Resilience is a major defence against many mental health issues including depression and anxiety and the good news is that it’s primarily learned behaviours."
The programme is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the role emotional resilience plays in protecting our mental health. Emotional resilience is mainly a learned behaviour, and there are recognised steps that can be taken to increase resilience and reduce the risk of developing mental health issues including depression.
Jennie Bartholomew, Education Coordinator at the BSAVA said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these courses to the veterinary profession again, especially given the exceptionally tough year we have all experienced which has placed additional strain on mental health and wellbeing for many. We know that this programme will be well received and will be helpful to all members of the profession, wherever they are based”.
Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager, said: “We know how tough the last 18 months have been for the veterinary profession, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with two organisations who are as passionate about supporting the mental health of the profession as we are. We are really looking forward to the launch of the programme and we are sure that anyone who attends will come away with a better understanding of their mental wellbeing and how to respond to emotional challenges.”
Designed for the whole practice team, the programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to increase their own resilience and develop the ability to help others at work or at home. Participants will work in groups, and no personal disclosures are necessary, although participants are welcome to discuss private issues after the programme.
The programme is free to BSAVA members; £40 to non-members. Spaces are limited and the sessions will not be recorded. You can book your place online now at: https://www.bsava.com/emotionalresilience.
The extension, which does not collect any data, interrupts searches related to a broad range of mental health and life challenges, including substance misuse, financial struggles, eating disorders, domestic abuse and more, with a positive message of hope and signposts to a variety of different mental health services.
According to R;ipple, its extension has now interrupted over 100,000 harmful online searches and 32 people so far say they are still alive today because the software intervened at a moment of crisis.
Nick Berryman from Agilio said: “Our commitment aligns with R;pple's mission to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and provide essential resources for those at risk.
"As part of this, we have implemented the tool across our own organisation to safeguard the wellbeing of our staff.
"In parallel, by supporting R;pple’s wider initiatives, we are helping to raise awareness and empower healthcare communities to take proactive steps in supporting those in need.”
R;ipple will be holding a live webinar on Tuesday 7th May at 1pm: Supporting workplace mental health and suicide prevention: my brother’s legacy.
In the webinar, R;ipple founder Alice Hendy MBE will draw on her experience of having lost her brother, Josh, to suicide in 2020 at the age of 21, and explain how healthcare organisations can create safer, more supportive environments through practical steps and awareness.
To register to attend, visit https://tinyurl.com/my-brother-s-legacy.
https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com
https://agiliosoftware.com/
The Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS, Charity no 1100485) is appealing to veterinary practices, equipment suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to donate unwanted supplies to its Parcel Appeal 2008.
The charity, which exists to provide a sustainable veterinary resource to assist animal charities and non-profit organisations, sends donation parcels of veterinary supplies to 138 associated animal charities around the world.
Hannah Westen, WVS International Projects Co-ordinator said: "Last year we were able to help over 50 associated charities in this way with nearly £90,000 worth of donated items. This year we hope to double this but to do so we also need help to cover postage costs."
Some parcels are sent as responses to urgent requests, where it is essential that the parcel arrives within a matter of days, while others are a way of providing assistance to charities where it is not practical to send a veterinary team. Hannah added: "Donation parcels are a simple way for WVS to provide assistance for charities and shelters in even the most remote locations. We recently sent several parcels to St. Helena, one of the most remote islands on the planet."
For further information, visit: http://www.wvs.org.uk/, telephone: 01725 551123, or email: info@wvs.org.uk
Janssen Animal Health has launched a new website providing information on the subject of coccidiosis in calves and lambs: www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com.
The website builds on the findings of an expert workshop on bovine coccidiosis held at the First European Buiatrics Conference, which was facilitated by Janssen. In particular, the site looks at all of the areas that the experts focused on as being especially problematic, including immunity, sources of infection, risk factors, prevention and treatment.
According to the company, arriving at a diagnosis of coccidiosis is not always straightforward: it must be supported by history and clinical signs, as well as evidence of pathogenic species of the Eimeria parasite. Interpretation of oocyte counts can be particularly difficult and results have to be viewed in the context of the farm situation. The site contains explanations about the timing of sampling and how that can impact upon the results.
Janssen adds that treatment has traditionally relied on fluid therapy and the use of sulphonamide drugs but recommendations on the use of more recently introduced treatments such as diclazuril (Vecoxan) focus on single dose treatments administered 14 days after a stress factor - such as moving to a higher risk environment, weaning or transportation. The various treatment strategies including prophylactic and metaphylactic approaches are described for those who have experienced problems with coccidiosis in the past and want to avoid recurrence on an individual farm.
Janssen says the site is an ideal on-line resource for veterinary professionals, SQPs and farmers looking to update their knowledge, seeking a tool that explains the disease in greater depth or just searching for specific information that helps in their own individual situation or with interpretation of a difficult case, www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com/.
As part of an increasing focus on wellbeing at Congress, Jenny will be sharing her thoughts on balancing a successful career with family commitments. Prior to becoming a dragon, Jenny worked in banking for 30 years. She became CEO of cash machine company Hanco, bought out the business, turned it round and sold it for £50 million.
The expanded 2020 Congress programme offers 450 hours of CPD delivered by more than 100 globally recognised speakers. The Association says this year's highlights include more 'open to all' streams, a new range of practical workshops, small group sessions, wetlabs and nurse case reports. There will also be an increased number of AVP streams, an infectious disease stream as well as a popular favourites stream, which will include endocrinology, critical care and trauma medicine, ophthalmology and cardiology.
New wet labs are being introduced, with a chicken anatomy refresher focussing on linking this knowledge to clinical presentations and common procedures. There's a similar session for rabbit anatomy along with a new dermatology practical and surgery of the small intestine.
BSAVA Congress Programme Committee Chair Sue Murphy said: "Our ethos with the 2020 programme is to deliver unrivalled education, designed to tackle the current needs of the profession, with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content. Each stream is devised by our committee of volunteer vets, nurses and practice managers, ensuring our entire programme is created by the profession, for the profession."
BSAVA President, Sue Paterson said: "We are extremely proud to be hosting such an impressive programme of education at our 63rd annual Congress and 30th year in Birmingham. With our prestigious keynote speaker, the small animal focussed exhibition, the BSAVA Awards and a packed social programme including a DJ, band, Bongo’s Bingo and Silent Disco at the V20 Party Night, Congress 2020 celebrates the very best of the profession; a not to be missed date in this year’s veterinary calendar!"
To register for BSAVA Congress visit www.bsavaevents.com. If you book before the 29th January, you'll get 20% off.
New research published in Epidemiology and Infection (Cambridge University Press) reveals that direct contact between badgers and cattle is rare, suggesting that it may be rare for bovine tuberculosis (TB) to be passed on through the two species meeting each other on pasture.
For the research, which was conducted by the Royal Veterinary College and the Food and Environment Research Agency, researchers investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle by fitting automated high-tech proximity loggers to animals and placing base stations at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a high-density badger population, over a period of 12-months.
Direct interactions (within 1.4 metres) between badgers and cows at pasture were very rare, with only four out of over 500,000 animal-to-animal contacts recorded between the two species.
Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines) were far more frequent than direct contacts, with 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct in terms of disease transmission at pasture.
During the study half of the badgers tested positive for TB, however the infection status of individual badgers did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle.
Bovine tuberculosis caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis is endemic in cattle in parts of England and Wales and its control is hindered by the presence of infection in the European badger. While M. bovis is clearly transmitted between cattle and badgers, it is has not previously been known where, when or how often transmission occurs.
Dr Julian Drewe from the Royal Veterinary College who led the study, said: "Our findings reveal that direct contacts between badgers and cattle at pasture are surprisingly rare, despite ample opportunity for interactions to occur, suggesting that the two species may be ignoring or even actively avoiding one another. The study was conducted in an area with a high badger population, so it is likely that such direct contact will be even less frequent in areas of the country where there are fewer badgers.
"Indirect visits by both species to badger latrines were significantly more common than direct contacts between badgers and cattle, which suggests that these represent the more typical nature of interspecies contact. Future research aiming to quantify TB risk to cattle from badgers might be best to focus on indirect contacts occurring at latrines and on contacts occurring away from pasture, for example in farm buildings.
"This clearly has disease management implications, and more work is now needed in this area to look at how such contact can be limited, to reduce the number of cases of bovine TB in the future."
Supreme Petfoods is calling on veterinary surgeons and nurses to take part in its 'Think Rabbit Month' campaign coming up in May.
The campaign is designed to attract more rabbit and guinea pig owners into practices.
Over 500 UK vet practices took part in the campaign last year and, according to the company, many used the opportunity to raise awareness about their rabbit healthcare services, such as dental checks and vaccination programs.
In the run up to Think Rabbit Month, Supreme has published the 'Think Rabbit Virtual Manual', a guide which shows how to make veterinary practices more rabbit friendly. It is now free to download from Supreme's website. In addition, there are a range of goodie bag giveaways, money off vouchers, care guides and food samples for clients, together with educational material to promote best practice care.
Participating practices can display the Think Rabbit 'Small Furry Promise' certificate, posters for the waiting room and can register for the 'Happy Hoppers Club' - a scheme that brings vets and pet owners together to promote small furry welfare.
The event is backed by RCVS Exotics Specialist, Molly Varga who said: "I'd encourage all vet practices to take part in Think Rabbit Month this May to help improve the health and welfare of the nation's rabbits and guinea pigs."
Vets and nurses are also being encouraged to help promote the national 'Rabbit Habits' survey to learn more about how owners care for their pets. The results will be shared with the profession in due course.
For more information, visit: http://www.supremepetfoods.com/think-rabbit/
Norbrook has launched an Android version of its existing free iPhone app: ‘the Veterinary Excellence Tool’ (VET).
VET offers a range of functions to assist veterinary professionals and farmers including a product dosing calculator. The Android version has been developed to meet customer demand and has the same features as the Apple version which is available for both iPhones and iPads.
Norbrook highlights the following features of the app:
The app can be downloaded for free by searching for “Norbrook” in either app store.
For further information please contact Laura Holmes, E-Marketing Manager, laura.holmes@norbrook.co.uk or 01536 741147.
A graduate of the University of Córdoba, Spain, Sonya trained and worked across Europe and the United States, including at the Animal Health Trust, The Royal Veterinary College, Colorado State University and Nottingham University.
Her clinical interests span neurology, ophthalmology, muscular disorders, and infectious diseases, and she is widely recognised for her contributions to equine research.
She continues to contribute to ongoing studies in exercise biomarkers, toxicology, and infectious disease management, and regularly presents her findings at national and international veterinary conferences.
Andrew Jones, Clinical Director and Specialist Surgeon at CVS Endell Equine Hospital said: “Internal medicine specialists such as Dr. Gonzalez-Medina, with her comprehensive expertise spanning multiple body systems, will be instrumental in enhancing Endell’s existing services."
The new service will cover a broad spectrum of equine medical conditions, including:
Andrew added: “Our area has lacked this type of service for patients in the past, meaning horses can now access advanced internal medicine care without traveling great distances.”
The Equine Internal Medicine Service is now accepting referrals and direct cases.
https://www.endellequinehospital.co.uk.
The Government's updated Exotic Animal Disease Contingency Plan was laid in Parliament today.
The revised plan is produced by Animal Health for Defra, and includes changes which have been subject to formal public consultation. This includes a framework response plan for dealing with exotic animal diseases and plans for responding to specific diseases including Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
The changes to the plan reflect lessons identified from the incidents handled during 2008 and address recommendations made in Sir Iain Anderson's review of the 2007 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and feedback from the public consultation.
Jane Kennedy, Minister for Farming and the Environment said: "An animal disease outbreak can be devastating for those concerned. Defra remains totally committed to ensuring we learn lessons from our experience of outbreaks, so that we can make sure we respond effectively in future".
The Contingency Plan is subject to ongoing revision based on the latest scientific advice, developments in policy, comments from stakeholders and operational partners together with the lessons identified from disease outbreaks. It can be accessed here:www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/contingency/index.htm
The British Veterinary Dental Association has officially launched its own new section on VetSurgeon.org to help its members share ideas and experiences amongst each other.
The new BVDA section on VetSurgeon contains a dedicated forum for discussing veterinary dentistry. There's also a photo and video sharing gallery in which to share and discuss interesting cases. Members can also catch up on association news and hold private 'conversations' between each other using VetSurgeon's sophisticated peer-to-peer networking system.
All veterinary surgeons can visit and read content in the BVDA section on VetSurgeon. However, only BVDA members can join and participate.
A downloadable application form for BVDA membership is available from the 'About us' section.
Lisa Milella MRCVS, BVDA President said: "We're very excited about the potential that VetSurgeon offers us to share information about veterinary dentistry both amongst ourselves and with the wider profession"
Arlo Guthrie, editor and publisher of VetSurgeon said: "I'm really pleased to welcome the BVDA to VetSurgeon. They now sit alongside the Small Animal Medicine Society on the site, and I hope will be joined by more veterinary associations in the future, so that they are all conveniently in once place for easy availability to all practitioners."
Click here to visit the new BVDA section on VetSurgeon.
The webinar will be presented by Dr Abigail McGlennon from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team at the University of Cambridge who will present data from the Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES) network to provide a detailed overview of strangles diagnoses across the UK.
Abigail will explore recent trends in outbreak reports, the genetic makeup of recent circulating strains and transmission links between UK outbreaks.
By linking research from her own PhD work on S. equi genomics and transmission with preventative strategies, Abigail show how to suggest and implement evidence-based prevention measures to clients.
The webinar will also offer advice on ‘the ates’ preventative measures – vaccinate, isolate, investigate and communicate – and will include information on when horse owners should be vaccinating with Strangvac and an outbreak management vaccination plan using the traffic light ‘green, amber and red’ system.
https://go.dechra.co.uk/preventative_strategies_for_strangles
Royal Canin has announced it is to launch Catom, a piece of software developed to help educate cat owners during veterinary consultations, at this year's London Vet Show.
Initially, the software will be available for PC and Mac, with iPad and Android versions coming by the end of the year.
You can can find out more by visiting Royal Canin's stand at the London Vet Show, where the company says it will have a large touch-screen TV displaying the software, along with laptop demos running throughout the exhibition.
The BVA has responded to the Written Ministerial Statement from the Defra Secretary of State at the end of the licence for badger culling in Somerset.
BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: "The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has supported the pilot culls in England to determine whether badger culling can be delivered humanely, effectively, and safely by controlled shooting.
"We will not prejudge the report of the Independent Expert Panel (IEP), which will consider data from the initial 6-week pilots in Somerset and Gloucestershire, but we are interested to note the Secretary of State's announcement that current indications suggest that the pilot has been safe and humane.
"Today our Veterinary Policy Group has discussed the issues surrounding the extensions to the licences. We agree with the Chief Veterinary Officer's advice that extensions in order to remove a greater number of badgers and get closer to achieving the 70% rate of the Randomised Badger Culling Trials (RBCTs) are justified to improve the bovine TB disease situation and mitigate the potential impact of badger perturbation.
"Following questions raised by our members we have been assured by Defra that monitoring of the culling will continue to ensure it is being carried out in accordance with the humaneness and safety stipulations in the licences. Although it is important to note that this data will not form part of the information being considered by the IEP.
"We await the report of the IEP and will engage members in considering what impact it will have on the overall bovine TB eradication strategy for England."
The RVC has picked up three of the twenty Wellcome Image Awards 2015.
The awards are internationally renowned for showcasing the best in science imaging talent and techniques.
Two of the images (below) were taken at the Lanyon Museum of Comparative Anatomy at the RVC by photographer, Michael Frank. One picture depicts a goat's oesophagus and reticulum, which is the second of four stomach chambers found in cattle, goats and sheep. Michael's second image is called 'Pregnant uterus, equine' and shows a detailed and unique view of a pony foal in its mother's womb.
Nick Short, Head of the eMedia Unit at the RVC, said: "These stunning photographs were taken by Michael Frank to help digitise the extensive collection of anatomical specimens displayed in the Royal Veterinary College museums. As well as providing a unique artistic resource, these digital images are now being actively used to enhance the teaching of anatomy at the College."
Michael added: "I feel immensely proud to be shortlisted with two photographs alongside the RVC in the Wellcome Image Award 2015. I am very pleased that we managed to combine a unique artistic vision with academic necessities and that such an outcome has been valued by the judges."
The third image comes from Structure and Motion Lab PhD student, Sophie Regnault. Sophie's entry is a digital 3D construction of the skull, shoulders and front legs of a Tuatara (pictured top right; click to enlarge).
The Tuatara is a species of rare reptile native to New Zealand, and is all that remains of an ancient group of animals called Rhynchocephalia. These animals shared the Earth with dinosaurs and are now all extinct apart from the Tuatara.
Sophie created the digital 3D model by using virtual X-ray 'slices' of a preserved specimen of the reptile. Using Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), she scanned the whole animal before digitally re-constructing it and separating the skull and front legs from the rest of the body.
Sophie said: "It is a great feeling to even be recognised this year, as some of the images are outstanding. I didn't expect to get through at all as I'm still relatively new to the techniques I used for my image. It is just fantastic to be nominated; there are some really unique and fantastic pictures in the competition."
Images in this year's competition include everything from a micrograph of a greenfly's eye to a picture showing drug-carrying particles in the lungs of a mouse.
The 20 winning images were chosen by nine judges from the Wellcome Images picture library in the past year. They will be awarded at a ceremony on Wednesday 18 March, 2015 where the overall winner will also be revealed. Sophie's image will also be on display at 11 science centres, museums and galleries around the UK and in America.
Catherine Draycott, Head of Wellcome Images and a member of the judging panel said: "This year's selection of winning images is not only beautiful; they bring to life an incredible array of innovative imaging techniques, and hint at stories and ideas that go beyond the visual. We are thrilled that they will be displayed in so many venues, and look forward to seeing the range of exhibitions, as diverse as the images themselves."
Goat's oesophagus and reticulum - photo credit: Michael Frank
Pregnant uterus, equine - photo credit: Michael Frank
Talking to The Guardian, Hamaseh said: "This has really shocked me. We just discovered at the airport when we went to check in. I want people to know that this is not just happening to refugees. I am a graduate and I have a PhD. It has happened to a person who is working and who pays tax."
Hamaseh, who thought she'd have to find thousands of pounds to pay for an alternative flight home via another country, was quickly saved by a crowdfunding appeal by Women for Independence, which raised over £6000 in a matter of hours. The charity says it is donating everything in excess of the £2600 needed to get Hamaseh home to the Scottish Refugee Council.
Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: "When I became aware on Saturday evening that one of our postgraduate veterinary students, Dr Hamaseh Tayari, was being prevented from travelling back from a holiday in Costa Rica through the United States and on to Glasgow I was both concerned and appalled. Concerned for the safety and well being of a young woman who, through no fault of her own, was stranded in Central America. Appalled because the reason for her predicament was not because she had done something wrong. Not because she was a danger to the security of the United States. But simply because she holds an Iranian passport."
He added: "Having spoken with Hamaseh I have been hugely impressed at how she is coping with the nightmare situation in which she finds herself. But I have been impressed too by the huge outpouring of support that has been shown across Scotland and the UK, particularly on twitter and through direct emails that have come in to the University from people who are outraged and want to help. All of this, I know, has greatly touched and heartened Hamaseh. I think it also confirms what we all like to believe is true. In this country we value individuals for what they are and the worth they bring, not for the stamp on their passport, the colour of their skin or the religion they practise."
Photo courtesy University of Glasgow
Pfizer Animal Health has launched a new range of diabetes support materials, including a DVD, post-prescription leaflet and home recording chart for owners of diabetic cats and dogs; a vet detailer, poster and blood glucose monitoring chart for the practice.
The company says that diabetes is on the increase in pets, as the level of obesity in cats and dogs escalates. Current estimates put the disease prevalence at 0.32% in the dog population1 with similar levels suggested for cats with some being as high as 1 in 1002. With increasing economic pressures and busy lifestyles, many owners are reluctant to take on the challenge of a diabetic pet, yet most pets respond extremely well to treatment.
Susan Mitchell, Insuvet® Product Manager at Pfizer Animal Health, believes that communication is key: "Helping owners to understand that treatment need not be difficult and that routines can be flexible enough to fit in with their lifestyles is critical. Time and time again it has been shown that cost is not always the primary consideration when it comes to treating the pet that is viewed as a much loved member of the family.
"Ensuring that owners understand exactly what will be expected of them is likely to be pivotal to the success of diabetes management than might first be assumed. Our new range of support material focuses on that need and takes the owner right the way through the process, from that initial diagnosis when decisions hang in the balance, to improving compliance by providing all the tools necessary for effective day to day management of the disease."
The new support materials include a DVD that explains all that clients need to know about the condition. This, says Pfizer, is the ideal choice after initial diagnosis, to reinforce and support the dialogue that takes place in the clinic environment. Shock, fear and confusion may mean that many owners will simply fail to take in all that their vet has to tell them after the initial diagnosis. This, in turn may prevent the owner from making an objective decision about their pet's future.
Once emotions have settled the client can watch the DVD in their own home, start to approach the future more rationally and decide what adaptations may have to be made. A post prescription leaflet is available to provide reassurance about the daily routine of monitoring a diabetic pet and a home recording chart to aid long-term compliance.
Of course, diabetic patients can be just as challenging in the practice environment so a comprehensive vet detailer is available along with blood glucose monitoring charts, a poster detailing what to do in a keto-acidotic emergency, a veterinary nurse discharging list and a clinic letter.
For further information on the Insuvet® range or to request support materials for diabetic clinics or individual patients, vets and nurses should contact their Pfizer Business Account Manager. For any technical questions about the Insuvet range call the Pfizer Animal Health Technical Support Line on 0845 3008034.
Bayer Animal Health and Tracer Advance have launched a new blog about microchips, designed to promote responsible pet ownership.
The blog will be introduced by a new "virtual" pet expert called "Tracey from Tracer", with the character providing information about the importance of microchipping. Weekly updates from Tracey will seek to highlight differences between microchips, the associated databases, and details the whole process of microchipping; including information such as who the pet owner should call if they lose their pet, how a lost pet is reunited with their owner, and what do pet owners need to do to ensure the best possible chance of being reunited.
With over 300,000 pets going missing each year, the blog also aims to encourage owners who have already microchipped their pet to locate their registration documents and ensure they have useful contact details to hand in order to take the necessary action should it be lost or stolen.
Bayer says that according to a survey it conducted recently there is confusion about microchipping, with just under half of those owners who have had their pets microchipped having no idea which brand of microchip their animal is implanted with, and nearly three quarters of those surveyed being unaware which database their details are registered to.
Markus Edingloh from Bayer Animal Health said: "We are delighted to introduce "Tracey" and the new blog which is a method of focusing pet owner's attention on the topic of microchipping their animals. Microchipping pets is an established method to help reunify pets with their owners, but it is also important that owners are fully aware of the range of technology available and the differences in services provided with the microchip, such as the associated database which provides the reunification service. Our new blog aims to provide information about all aspects of microchipping in a bid to increase microchipping awareness and the number of lost pets being reunited with their owners each year".
The blog can be seen at: www.tracermicrochippingblog.co.uk
Pfizer has announced the results of research carried out as part of its Vet Support+ initiative, which shows that the three most important factors in engaging a veterinary team are: leadership, employee performance management and team effectiveness. Of the three, performance management is the most important.
The employee engagement survey was carried out to provide an insight to the veterinary market specifically. According to Pfizer more than 4,000 responses were received, providing insights from 749 practice owners, partners and practice managers and almost 3,500 individual veterinary practice employees. Analysis and modelling from an independent expert and the Vet Support+ team led to the identification of three drivers for an actively engaged team within a veterinary practice, and the creation of a national benchmark for employee engagement. Pfizer says Vet Support+ is committing to running the research on a regular basis so that employee engagement amongst all veterinary staff can be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Pfizer says that although recognised as the most important factor in generating good employee engagement, performance management was identified as an area of weakness in many practices. There were contradictory responses from management and staff regarding both formal appraisals and informal feedback taking place. In both cases, management tended to believe this was happening while staff disagreed. Of further frustration for staff was the management of poor performers, with 52% of staff stating that poor performers were not managed effectively.
Leadership is critical for any successful business, however the survey showed that while personal relationships between management and staff are good (79% of vets and 76% of staff agreed that the relationship between management and teams are generally good), there is a lack of trust between leadership and staff (80% of vets said they believe there is trust in the team, while only 62% of staff agreed).
Practice owners were more upbeat about team effectiveness: 76% said they believe the team was willing to put in more effort, while only 63% of staff agreed. There was another inconsistency regarding communication within the team, with only 49% of staff thinking that communication in practice is good versus 65% of practice owners.
Ned Flaxman, Director Business Innovation at Pfizer Animal Health said: "At face value this data makes for very interesting reading and the identification of the key drivers of engagement in practice is the practical benefit for practices to prioritise their focus of activity on staff management."
He added: "This research will enable us to work with practices to do their own employee engagement survey to be benchmarked against the national study. This will provide an evidence-based approach to identify the biggest gaps for improvement, and our Vet Support+ team can work with practices to deliver solutions for those challenges whether leadership, team effectiveness or performance management."
Practice owners and managers wishing to understand the data in more detail and measure levels of engagement within their own team against the evidence-based benchmarks the study provides should contact the Vet Support+ team at http://www.vetsupportplus.co.uk/
Key findings from the Employee Engagement Survey:
The RCVS Charitable Trust is seeking two creative and energetic UK-based veterinary students to attend the British Science Festival in Aberdeen from 4-9 September 2012.
The Trust says that the students will be required to use their observations and experiences to help it develop future outreach activities to inform and inspire public audiences about aspects of veterinary clinical practice and research, and will have all their expenses paid by the Trust.
Entrants need to write to the RCVS Charitable Trust to say how they would go about meeting this challenge, ideally giving examples that demonstrate their proven innovative abilities. The deadline for entries is 9 July, after which the entries will be considered by a competition panel who will decide the winners. Entrants must be able to commit to attending the entire festival and to deliver a feedback presentation to the competition panel on 31 October. Entrants should also be willing and able to compile a video diary or blog to feedback their experiences.
Further information and details about how to enter are available at http://trust.rcvs.org.uk/home/. The successful applicants will be announced at the end of July.