Lucy and Rosanna have joined the business in hybrid positions as Novice OVs and will do this alongside working in a clinical practice.
The company says this is a significant milestone for the industry, which has relied on overseas talent for many years.
Eville & Jones says it has now developed a compelling proposition for UK new graduates who want to combine OV work with traditional clinical practice, and vets looking for a lifestyle change or a move away from practice, working flexibly in export certification, abattoir work, certification against standards, or small animal vaccination.
Charles Hartwell, chief executive officer of Eville & Jones said: “The team at Eville & Jones has spent two years developing an attractive proposition to encourage UK-educated veterinary surgeons to consider a career in this field, whether combined with traditional clinical practice, or stand alone.
"We wish Lucy and Rosanna the best of luck and hope they become trailblazers for many others to follow in their footsteps.”
Lucy said: “I’m really excited to be starting my career in veterinary public health where, as an OV, you can positively affect the lives of 1000’s of animals."
Rosanna added: “I’m really proud to have joined the veterinary industry this summer; OVs are instrumental in monitoring and safe-guarding animal welfare in a way that many vets don't realise."
BEVA says it was aware, from both younger members and their employers, that there were some equine fields, for which the association had no courses, where newer graduates were lacking in clinical skills.
The new Equine Practice Fundamentals Programme comprises 10 individual CPD courses with a mix of lectures and hands-on practicals. BEVA says it builds on the broad training delivered by the universities to specifically provide the pragmatic knowledge and hands-on clinical skills needed by those in the early stages of an equine veterinary career.
The content was designed on the back of consultation with over 60 senior practitioners from across BEVA’s membership.
The average senior practitioner rated the likelihood that they would encourage recent graduates to attend the programme as 9/10 and BEVA says feedback on the initial course proposal was highly encouraging.
The courses cover:
David Mountford, Chief Executive of BEVA, said: "Because BEVA doesn’t seek to make a profit on its CPD we can deliver an outstanding programme that is both highly regarded and affordable. We anticipate that the series will become essential CPD for those looking to establish themselves in equine practice, for practices looking to support the development of new staff, and for employers looking to differentiate between candidates."
The first five courses will be running during 2018 and again in 2019 together with the remaining five. The full series of ten courses can be booked at a discounted rate. Alternatively, each course can be booked individually.
For further information visit https://www.beva.org.uk/Home/Education/CPD/The-Fundamentals-of-Equine-Practice
The new editorial team is comprised of Gareth Arthurs and Rob Pettitt, both RCVS Recognised Specialists in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics) and Gordon Brown (no, not that one), an RCVS Diplomate in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics).
Given the considerable evolution in the diagnosis, understanding and treatment options for many orthopaedic disorders, this second edition includes the investigation of lameness, including the use of force plates and kinematics, the current understanding of elbow dysplasia and the wide array of available treatment options, and diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy.
New, advanced surgical techniques, such as tibial osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament disease, cementless total hip replacement for hip dysplasia and replacement of the trochlear sulcus for patellar luxation have been covered, together with guidance on the level of training and experience necessary to achieve consistently good results.
The manual is divided into four principle sections:
Lameness investigation
Musculoskeletal disorders
Principles of orthopaedic surgery
Management of specific disorders, ordered by individual joints.
The joint-specific chapters all follow a similar format, comprising the main chapter and then, where relevant, imaging and operative techniques.
Gareth Arthurs, one of three editors, said: "We feel privileged to have worked with such a broad range of talented authors whose combined international skills, knowledge and experience is impressive and very difficult to match. It has truly been a privilege to work with such a team of inspiring veterinary surgeons with expertise in various fields, and we are confident that the talent of each individual shines through their chapter".
The second edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Disorders is available from the BSAVA website: www.bsava.com or by phone: 01452 726700. The online edition is available from: www.bsavalibrary.com
Led by Jacques Ferreira, an RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (pictured right), the new clinic will provide a bespoke pain management plan for pets referred both by external first opinion practices or internally by colleagues in other disciplines at the centre.
Jacques, who joined Willows in 2018 having previously lectured in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool after specialising in the same subject in his native South Africa, said: "Just as with humans, our pets are living longer and, with that, there is an increased risk of developing chronic pain conditions.
"Traditionally, the most common patients are cats and dogs with chronic joint disease such as osteoarthritis but patients with a history of back problems and trapped nerves, cats with chronic cystitis and even those with some forms of cancer may benefit.
"We will work with first opinion vets who refer their patients to us, as well as internal referrals. The management of chronic pain is obviously ongoing but the aim for us would be to get to a stage where pain is effectively managed through the most appropriate avenue and check-ups are only needed every few months.
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net.
The study looked at the anonymised employment data of 1,642 veterinary nurses working across 418 UK primary-care companion animal veterinary practices at the end of 2020, including both qualified and student nurses.
Of these, 278 (16.9%) nurses resigned from their veterinary practice between 1 January to 31 December 2021.
Career progression was cited as a reason for resigning by 36.7%, compared to 12.9% for personal reasons, 11.9% for better pay, 10.1% for a better work-life balance, 6.8% to relocate, and 3.6% decided not to return after parental leave.
The research also looked at factors associated with lower odds of future nurse resignations.
They included longer employment tenure (p < 0.001) and working at practices with greater property and facilities ratings (p < 0.049).
Head nurses and students were least likely to resign, whereas by comparison, the nurse role was associated with resignations (p = 0.008), adding to the evidence to support nursing career pathways.
The employee engagement metric, eNPS, was also identified as a reliable indicator of nurse retention. reflecting similar findings in other healthcare professions.
Imogen Schofield, Veterinary Statistician and Epidemiologist at CVS, said: “We want to support the whole industry in reducing the number of nurses leaving their roles and the profession.
"Little objective industry data is available on the true reasons behind nurse attrition and we believe this is the first study to outline the risk factors for nurse resignations using practice data, providing an important addition to the evidence-base surrounding this complex topic.
“Reflecting on our research, that was based on data in 2021, we have since seen our attrition rate fall and our employee engagement measure increase as we have focused on developing career pathways, empowering nurses to take on more responsibilities; developing a range of wellbeing programmes, launching a variety of colleague benefits, and significantly investing in our practices.”
Reference
Amongst the speakers were Catherine Oxtoby MRCVS, Risk Manager at the Veterinary Defence Society, and Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets.
Dr Stacey explained how Vets4Pets and Companion Care practices are embracing a culture of sharing information when things don’t go according to plan in practice.
He said: "We all face challenges in the workplace, and this event focused on how different professions can share ideas and good practice and how they find solutions to any challenges.
"The culture of aviation and maritime is one of minimising risk and putting safety first, and it is fascinating to compare their approach to that found in medicine and veterinary.
"One common theme we discussed was the wellbeing of both professionals and patients or clients, with tiredness being at the top of the list of things that can negatively affect wellbeing and performance.
"Both aviation and maritime recognised that long shifts, particularly overnight, needed to be reduced in order to improve the outcome for everyone.
"In veterinary and human medicine, tiredness and long shifts are often worn as a badge of honour and being tired at work was something that should be admired, rather than addressed.
"But, tired vets are effectively neglecting themselves and their own wellbeing, which in turn leads to pets not receiving the best level of care in practice.
"This is something we’re taking seriously at Vets4Pets and Companion Care, and we’re currently looking at ways to decrease the risk of overworked and tired vets and vet nurses."
Another area of discussion was around the reporting of near misses and when things don’t go right, and how veterinary professionals need to identify and share the learnings from these events, not only within their practice, but with the wider profession too.
He said: "We need to continually emphasise the concept of a ‘just’ culture, to ensure our colleagues feel confident about reporting incidents open and honestly."
"It is not in the interests of the professional, the patient or the client to bottle things up, and at Vets4Pets and Companion Care we’re encouraging all of our practices to adopt the VDS VetSafe system, which provides a mechanism for sharing incident reports across the profession, enabling us all to learn from them to the benefit of our patients."
Bovilis Bovivac S is used for active immunisation to induce serological and colostral antibody production against Salmonella Dublin and Salmonella Typhimurium.
In the face of an outbreak, it can also be used to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium infections when used as part of an overall herd management programme.
MSD says Bovilis Bovivac S may also contribute to reducing S. Typhimurium contamination of the environment. Other than the packaging, the vaccine itself is identical.
Virbac has announced that Ovarid is back in stock following the resolution of a manufacturing problem.
The megestrol acetate tablets are indicated for the postponement or prevention of oestrus and the treatment of hypersexuality in male dogs. In cats they are recommended for the prevention or postponement of oestrus and the treatment of miliary dermatitis and eosinophilic granulomata.
Virbac says that because the product is relied on by the owners of many cats suffering from miliary eczema, it has worked to ensure that their welfare is not compromised by recalling unused Ovarid stock from practices to ensure that it could still be provided to those contacting them with emergency cases since the outage began in February.
Senior Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "I'd like to express my thanks to practices for bearing with us and particularly to those which returned unused product. This meant that we were able to supply emergency supplies for the treatment of miliary eczema to every practice that asked for it. We also managed to help out some zoos which needed supplies for frisky sea lions and lions."
Ovarid is available in 20mg and 5mg tablets.
The ten-minute online survey aims to gather a snapshot of horse health over the period of a week.
The results help to identify trends in endemic equine diseases and help the Blue Cross steer equine awareness, education and research.
This year the survey includes some welfare questions to help guide knowledge in response to what the charity calls 'the UK’s horse welfare crisis'.
The National Equine Health Survey is run by the Blue Cross in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. Dodson and Horrell is helping to cover the costs of running the scheme.
Supporters of the survey include the British Horse Society, Horse Trust, Redwings and the Pony Club.
Medal-winning riders Mary and Emily King, and Yazmin Pinchen (pictured right) also support the survey.
Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register and take part, which carries the chance of winning prizes including Star Lister Clippers, a Lister Adagio Trimmer and some Burford Ariat boots.
For the study, the researchers analysed rehoming adverts placed on the websites of 16 Dogs Trust and RSPCA centres in 2015 and 2018. Data was collected on 1793 dogs across the 16 centres.
The percentage of dogs classified as 'extreme brachycephalic' using the Kennel Club definition increased from 2.76% (n=24) in 2015 to 5.19% (n=48) in 2018.The researchers speculate that owners may be passing on the financial burden of caring for and treating chronic health issues in brachycephalic dogs to the rehoming charities.
Dr Anne Carter, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at Nottingham Trent University said: "The increasing numbers and rising popularity of brachycephalic breeds is already influencing the demographic spread in rescue centres. This pattern that is likely to continue, particularly as these dogs reach 3–4 years old, which we have found is the most common age for dogs being relinquished.
"Differing breeds require highly contrasting intensities of care, housing, and particularly veterinary care. Owners may often choose brachycephalic dogs with limited consideration for their potential health conditions. These dogs then enter rescue centres, placing additional strain on resources due to cost of treatment and additional length of stay for recovery.”
Once a month, a new discussion will be posted by the site editor titled: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO (in xxx clinical situation)?"
In addition, VetSurgeon members are strongly encouraged to start your own "WHAT WOULD YOU DO?" discussion at any time.
All members are then invited to share what they would do for the case described, and we also use the opportunity to question which approach offers the best value for pet and owner, and brainstorm new ways of approaching the problem.
Importantly, criticising (as opposed to questioning) anyone's approach is strictly forbidden.
The aim is to share what most vets are doing, question whether there are better ways of doing things and brainstorm fresh ideas, something which is always a beneficial but perhaps especially so in a cost-of-living crisis when, for a variety of reasons, veterinary fees have escalated above and beyond inflation.
As a result, it has become increasingly important to question, for example, the value of certain diagnostics and whether a different approach could offer clients more value.
By way of example, the first discussion was: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO: cat over-grooming central abdomen?", which you can read and take part in here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/f/clinical-questions/30842/what-would-you-do-cat-over-grooming-ventral-abdomen
The second discussion is now live, and asks: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO: Young dog presented having had its first single or cluster of seizures?
Come and share your thoughts here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/f/clinical-questions/30875/what-would-you-do-young-dog-presented-having-had-its-first-single-or-cluster-of-seizures
Full rules here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/f/clinical-questions/30841/what-would-you-do-discussions-rules-and-objectives
Tuloxxin contains Tulathromycin and Krka says it is based on the same formulation as the market leader.
In cattle Tuloxxin is administered using a single subcutaneous injection; in sheep Tuloxxin is licensed for use in the treatment of foot rot associated with Dichelobacter nodosus and also in pigs for swine respiratory disease (SRD) administered via a single intra-muscular injection. Krka says it is fast-acting, and that the one dose formulation supports compliance and so reduces stress to herds and flocks.
Charlotte Read, Key Account Manager – Farm, at Krka, said: "Whenever Krka launches a generic product, we aim to add some extra value to it. Tuloxxin is a good example. It is based on a tried and trusted active and delivers efficacy; with formulation and delivery method technology at exceptional value. We hope its launch will support vets in their appropriate choice of antibiotic for specific cases. In so doing, they will be protecting their clients’ cattle and profitability while also playing their part in reducing antimicrobial use.”
Tuloxxin is available now from all wholesalers.
Additional credit is given if the display includes a den, and the top ten displays win a luxury chocolate hamper.
Ceva says the aim of the exercise is to highlight preventative steps pet owners can take to manage their pets' firework fears and the benefits of building a den to help calm and reassure dogs during the firework festivities,
Claire Russell, pheromone product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "Our display competition is one of the highlights of the veterinary practice year with veterinary professionals creating innovative displays that capture the imagination of their clients and help educate them on the preventative measures that they can adopt at home to help manage their pet’s firework fears."
Ceva has a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices to use in the competition, including waiting room materials.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager.
CVS says the new hospital, which will be based at Central Park, Avonmouth, will be custom-built with uniquely designed facilities, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scanners, and a cutting-edge stereotactic linear accelerator for radiotherapy in cancer treatment, the only one of its kind for pets in England.
The hospital, which will open next summer, will employ over 100 people led by a team of Specialist veterinary surgeons and supported by residents, interns and registered veterinary nurses.
Planning permission has been granted for the project, and CVS is now appointing building contractors.
Richard Fairman, CEO of CVS Group, said: "We are extremely excited to be developing this innovative new specialist veterinary hospital in Bristol, providing the best animal care to pet owners across the South West. With state-of-the-art equipment and some of the highest qualified veterinary professionals, we are confident that the site will act as a centre of excellence in the veterinary world, and be a leader in Europe for cancer treatments.
"The new hospital signals our commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology to bring cancer treatment in pets to the next level. It will provide a number of employment opportunities and secure specialist veterinary skills in the Bristol area. We look forward to finalising development plans and opening the doors to pet owners in 2022."
The paper was written by FEDIAF’s Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of independent academics from leading European universities, with the aim of informing both the industry and the public.
Based on recent scientific data, the paper explains the different life expectancies of dogs related to their size, and defines when "old age" sets in. It explains how changes in the digestive tract can affect food intake, how food texture may become a crucial factor, and how aging can lead to changes in energy metabolism and alter the nutrient requirements of senior dogs. It also offers practical guidance to pet owners for feeding an older dog.
Dr Thomas Brenten, Chairman of FEDIAF’s Nutrition & Analytical Science Group said: "Age-related changes in cognitive functions, behaviour, skin, digestive tract, cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, degenerative joint and skeletal function, as well as urinary disorders are the most common issues concerning older dogs. Many of these can be addressed via nutrition."
The paper can be downloaded in the new section on science on FEDIAF’s website: https://tinyurl.com/fediaf-senior-dogs.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a new online fluid therapy distance-learning course for vets and nurses, to help maximise the potential of its Vetivex® fluids range.
The Fluids Knowledge Programme has been created to provide comprehensive and flexible online CPD for companion animal and equine practitioners. The coursework, which counts for six to eight hours of CPD learning, includes the latest thinking from fluid therapy specialists Dr Ava Firth, Karen Humm and Kevin Corley.
Dechra says the course combines theoretical and practical advice on fluid therapy for both small animals and horses, and can be used for training, as a refresher, and to develop thinking on fluid therapy. Self-assessment questions included within the course allow progress to be monitored throughout.
Gwenda Bason, marketing director for Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We've spent months of research and development producing this online learning portal for professionals. It will enable vets and nurses to improve their knowledge, understanding and patient care. Being online, users can dip in and out of it as and when their schedules allow and additional costs often associated with CPD learning, such as travel or accommodation costs, are eliminated.
"When practices choose Vetivex, they're not just buying bags of fluid, they're benefitting from our investment in practice education which will improve their understanding of the role and management of fluids."
Dechra estimates the programme is worth around £400 per person, and therefore offers savings of over £3000 in CPD costs for an 8 member practice.
To find out more about the Fluids Knowledge Programme visit www.fluidtherapy.co.uk, or contact Liz Rawlings at Dechra on 01743 441 632.
Nine-year-old Nigel the puma, from Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, was suffering from a deteriorating arthritic condition, which was causing loss of function in his front leg.
His veterinary team consulted an orthopaedic specialist and trialled medical management including steroids and Solensia, but Nigel was unresponsive to treatment.
This led to a severe debilitating limp and pain, leaving a choice between amputation or euthanasia.
Nigel's treatment was funded by donations from visitors to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, which is a registered charity that was originally established as a sanctuary for parrots in the early 1990s, who raised nearly £5,000 following a fundraising campaign.
The operation took place in a sterile theatre set up in Nigel’s enclosure, where the entire limb was removed, including the scapula.
After an intense five-hour operation, led by Iain Cope, veterinary surgeon and practice owner at Vets4Pets Newmarket, and Shannon Grimwood, veterinary nurse at Vets4Pets Newmarket, Nigel is now on the road to recovery and adapting well to life with three legs.
Iain said: “Nigel’s case was certainly unique and one we haven’t come across before. Working alongside Lincolnshire Wildlife Park and a team of local vets and veterinary nurses, we applied our knowledge of domestic cat amputations to a big one.
“The approach was extremely similar, and the operation ran as smoothly as possible.”
Thermo-insulated wellington boots to keep feet warm on farms during winter time are being launched by Bekina of Belgium in the UK and ROI.
Like the Bekina Steplite X boots designed for general farm work, the Thermolite cold weather wellie is moulded from polyurethane rather than traditional rubber or PVC. However, the Thermolite wellie also has extra thick uppers and soles, making them suitable for use by farmers and vets in temperatures down to minus 40C.
Wide fitting for extra comfort, Bekina Thermolites are supplied with a free pair of removable, insulated insoles. They are also available with safety toecaps.
For details Freephone AgriHealth 0800 731 2490,or visit http://www.bekina.be/
In the UK, the product is marketed under the brand names Vetofol and Inductofol.
An issue of coring has been reported, where the shearing off of a portion of the 20mm bromobutyl bung occurs as the vial is pierced to withdraw the product. This may result in particles from the bung entering the product and potentially being drawn up into the syringe upon extraction of the product from the vial. It may also result in the bung not resealing fully after use.
If you have any queries in relation to the recall or require details of the product in other markets, contact Mrs Deborah Curran Tel. +4428 30264435 or email deborah.curran@norbrook.co.uk.
Alice and Mariella, who co-authored the book Cracking the Menopause, met with MPs earlier this month to present the goals of their campaign: education for all on the menopause, an end to scaremongering, prescribing women with the correct medication and making HRT affordable and accessible to all.
Vets Now says 88% of its 1800 employees are women, 28% of whom are aged over 40, when they could be perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.
The company's new app offers its employees video consultations with health experts, health and fitness programmes, and support with mental health and nutrition.
Vet's Now says it's the starting point for a wider menopause support plan being launched later in the year which will include steps to help manage mental wellbeing at work, menopause support hubs and encouraging a culture which talks honestly about menopause.
Laura Black, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace and sadly it’s estimated that almost 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs due to the menopause.
“We are committed to creating an understanding workplace for employees going through the perimenopause and menopause and want to make sure they feel supported by us at all times.
“We've launched Peppy to help our colleagues take control of their health and get the answers they need from experts, anytime, anywhere.
"The app is free to access for all employees and their partners.
“We’ve been working hard on formulating a menopause support package for staff over the past couple of years and we’re really proud that we’re one of the first major veterinary businesses to make this step change.
"We’d encourage other businesses in the sector to look at similar plans for their colleagues.”
While the drive to launch Peppy was initially to support the Vets Now Menopause policy, it also provides support for fertility, pregnancy, early parenthood and men’s health.
For more information on Peppy visit www.peppy.health.
The companies are encouraging the use of CT to direct early, targeted surgical intervention and improve outcomes.
Dr Dean Felkler, Founder and CEO of Exotic Vet Support and senior clinician at Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital in Hong Kong, says a recent case of his highlights the importance of accurate and early diagnosis.
A 7yr old rabbit was presented for anorexia and hadn’t passed faeces for over 12hrs.
Dean said: “A full diagnostic investigation was performed.
"From the radiographs it is difficult to appreciate the GDV.
"However, on the CT scan, reported by VetCT, it was very obvious when compared to the normal stomach orientation.”
After initial stabilisation the patient underwent surgery to re-orientate the stomach and an incisional gastropexy was performed.
Following surgery the rabbit recovered well and was eating and passing faeces within 24 hours.
Dr David Reese, Director of VetCT Australia and exotics expert said: “We are able to identify several life-threatening pathologies much more accurately with CT than radiographs.
"This is vital for early correction of acute surgical abdominal conditions to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.”
VetCT is offering a free trial of its specialist teleradiology and teleconsulting services at: www.vet-ct.com
Photo: VetCT report of a CT scan showing GDV in a rabbit - The pylorus (lime green star) denoted by the thick pyloric wall is located on the left side of the abdomen and the fundus (dark pink star) is right laterally located.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton was removed from the Register after his Kent practice was found to have unhygienic and unsterile conditions as well as poor record keeping, although he has always disputed this, maintaining that he was not actually practising at the time of the inspection.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton made an application for restoration on the basis that he did not want to be restored to the Register in order to practise veterinary surgery, but so that he could more easily achieve recognition from academics and drug companies for his work on herbal and natural remedies.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton's dispute over the original findings of the 1994 case was ruled inadmissible.
In considering his application, the Committee took into account the fact that he had not accepted the original findings from 1994 nor had he, over the course of his various applications for restoration, shown any insight into his original conduct or the serious concerns about his fitness to practice raised in previous restoration hearings.
It also considered that Mr Seymour-Hamilton had been off the Register for 29 years and would need to have demonstrated prolonged, intensive and formal training to ensure he met the Day One Competences required of a veterinary surgeon.
The College submitted that he had made no such attempts and so would pose a significant risk to animal health and welfare if he were allowed to practice again.
The Committee also considered that Mr Seymour-Hamilton had indicated that he had practised veterinary surgery while off the Register – including conducting two spay procedures in Calais, France – and had used his own animals to try out new and untested ‘herbal remedies’.
The College submitted that this indicated someone who didn’t have due regard to the importance of the current level of skills, experience and qualifications required in order to undertake veterinary surgery competently, and therefore posed a risk to animal health and welfare.
Dr Kathryn Peaty MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The College invited the Committee to consider that where, as here, some 29 years have passed since this veterinary surgeon has practised, there has been no intensive, and prolonged re-training, no acceptance of the original findings and no insight into concerns about his fitness to practise, there will inevitably be a serious risk to the welfare of animals and the wider public interest if the applicant is restored to the Register.
The Committee agrees, and considers that the applicant has not shown the required insight as to the steps he needs to take to return to safe veterinary practice.”
Accordingly, the Committee decided that it would not be in the public interest to restore Mr Seymour-Hamilton to the Register.
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
In previous years, candidates were only asked to provide manifestos, which often contained information that wasn't especially relevant to whether or not they should be elected to Council.
Now, they are asked to share their reasons for wanting to be elected, what they can bring to Council and what experience they have.
That should make it much easier for voters to pick the right candidates, which is no bad thing because there are 20 vets standing this year, a record since electronic records began in 1997 and 1 more than the previous best in 2014.
This year’s candidates are:
Louise Allum MRCVSSam Bescoby MRCVSAndrew Clemence MRCVSTshidi Gardiner MRCVSReginald Godwin MRCVSPaddy Gordon MRCVS Danielle Greenberg MRCVSGerard Henry MRCVSRichard Hillman MRCVSBenjamin Kennedy MRCVSDarren Partridge MRCVSMartin Peaty MRCVSAlison Price MRCVSPeter Robinson MRCVSJennifer Simmons MRCVSSadie Spencer MRCVS Mary Thomas MRCVSWilliam Wilkinson MRCVSLara Wilson MRCVS
and the inevitable Tom Lonsdale MRCVS.
The full biographies and election statements for each candidate are available to read at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote25.
The four candidates who get the most votes will take up their four-year terms on RCVS Council at the College’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 4 July 2025.
Simon Wiklund, Assistant Registrar and Returning Officer for both elections, said: “We are glad to see such a large number of veterinary professionals putting themselves forward as candidates for this year’s elections.
"It is worth noting that any future governance changes, including RCVS and VN Councils becoming all-appointed bodies, are contingent on new legislation and, until that happens, we will continue to hold our annual elections.
“You may have also noticed some differences with this year’s elections, particularly in terms of the candidate statements.
"This is thanks to a change to our election scheme, which provides greater flexibility about how we run our elections, and the information that we can ask the candidates to submit.
“This means that, rather than asking candidates for a broad manifesto statement, we’ve asked them to answer key questions that are relevant to the role of a Council member, including what skills and experiences they can bring to the table.”
Ahead of the elections, RCVS will be running its ‘Quiz the candidates’ initiative in which veterinary surgeons can submit questions to the candidates standing in their respective elections, in order to better understand them and their views.
However, due to the additional information now included in each of their statements, this year candidates will only answer one question of their choice each.
Before submitting questions to the candidates, please note the RCVS will only accept one question per person. Offensive, defamatory and inaccurate questions will be rejected by the Returning Officer and not be passed on to candidates.
Veterinary surgeons can submit a question to the RCVS Council candidates by emailing vetvote25@rcvs.org.uk.
The University of Liverpool has developed a new diagnostic tool to help practitioners with their treatment programmes for osteoarthritis in dogs.
VetSurgeon.org member Dr Ben Walton, from the University's School of Veterinary Science, said: "In first opinion and referral practices canine mobility is assessed in a subjective fashion, either by a vet or owner. Assessment can differ between vets, and if more than one limb is affected it becomes even more difficult.
"Pain and mobility associated with this condition depends on recent activity levels, medication and even weather conditions, which mean that a dog can have good and bad periods and any physical assessment will only provide a snapshot of the disease.
"The most reliable data on this disease is often gathered from informally asking owners for their observations of their pet's behaviour. The difficulty until now has been knowing how to reliably record this valuable information so that it can recalled the next time the patient visits."
The new tool, which takes the form of a questionnaire, attaches score rates to quantify the level of disease against key questions addressed to the dog's owner. Owners are asked to grade their dog's activity and exercise levels, stiffness and lameness, and any changes that occur in different weather conditions. The information is recorded digitally so that it can be referred to throughout a patient's treatment programme.
Ben said: "This record of behaviour history, together with clinical assessment, could provide a more detailed understanding of how the disease is progressing, and importantly how healthy and comfortable the dog is."
Research which validates the new tool has been published on PLOS ONE here.