The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, investigated the effect of culling in the first three licensed badger cull areas – Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset – using data from 2013 to 2017.
Gloucestershire and Somerset saw reductions in bTB incidence rates in cull areas relative to comparison areas of 66 per cent and 37 per cent respectively after four years. In Dorset, there was no change in incidence rates in cull areas relative to comparison areas after two years, but incidence dropped by 55 per cent in the same period in the 2km buffer zone around the edge of the cull area. Matched comparison areas were similar but not identical.
James Russell, BVA Junior Vice President said: "These findings are encouraging and offer further evidence that badger culling can result in significant reductions in the number of new cases of TB in cattle. However, they come with the caveat that the data only relates to the first three cull areas, and the variability within these alone makes it too early to draw firm conclusions that culling will reduce incidence significantly in all 40 areas where it is now taking place.
"BVA’s expert working group is currently considering all aspects of disease control looking at cattle testing, removal of reactors, compensation and control in other farmed animals as well as the culling and vaccination of badgers. The group will consider this additional evidence as we develop our new policy on bTB.
"We continue to support a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to tackling bTB, including the use of badger culling where there is a demonstrated need and where it is done safely, humanely and effectively as part of a comprehensive strategy.
"The best way of halting the spread of this devastating disease is enhancing our understanding of bTB and applying that evidence to the eradication process.”
Centaur has launched a new service on the MyCentaur website which allows for 24-hour ordering from any broadband enabled computer.
A secure practice shopping list with controlled staff access to ordering and management information enables practices to safely control any buying.
According to the company, a key feature of the website is that any orders placed on line by 9pm will be delivered the following day, which gives practices even greater flexibility on ordering times over any existing vet wholesaling ordering service. As well as greater convenience, a financial benefit in using this method of ordering is that all on-line orders attract an additional two per cent discount.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is celebrating a record Congress, attended by more than 8,000 people. That's 16% up on last year and the largest number ever recorded.
There were 5816 delegates (up from 5028 in 2010), including a record-breaking 634 visitors from more than 50 overseas countries. BSAVA says it expects that figure to snowball when the Association hosts the World Congress next year.
There were over 250 exhibitors in the commercial exhibition, where many millions of pounds worth of business was done (one exhibitor alone reported £5M worth of orders). Outside the exhibition hall, delegates amassed more than 100,000 CPD hours presented by more than 100 specialist speakers.
BSAVA President at the event Grant Petrie said: "It has been a tremendous honour to preside over such a truly world-class Congress, particularly to serve as President on the 250th anniversary of the veterinary profession.
"I am immensely proud to see more delegates and more exhibitors than ever before, together with a fantastic social programme and networking opportunities which created a really special buzz around the event.
"It is a really exciting time for veterinary science and Congress continues to be right at the heart of the profession. I believe it has been the best year yet and the figures certainly support this.
"I have always been impressed by Congress - particularly the commitment to supporting the entire veterinary profession and industry. I would like to congratulate and personally thank the dedicated team of volunteers from within our profession who have worked so hard to put this superb event together. That it is created by vets and nurses for their peers is what makes Congress so unique."
'FLUTD and Dysuria – a frustration for many and not just the cat' will be presented by Dr Hanne Friis Lund (DVM) from Idexx and Katy Smith from Royal Canin (pictured right).
Hanne will be talking about diagnostics, focusing on urine analysis and laboratory tests, whilst Katy will discuss nutritional management of the condition.
Hanne said: "Feline lower urinary tract disease is a very common condition in both male and female cats affecting 1-3% of cats every year.
"It goes without saying that FLUTD causes great discomfort and pain for the feline, which is why the webinar will explore how best to manage the condition from a nutritional point of view.
"From the innovative Haematuria Detection by Blücare litter granules which turn blue when a urinary condition is detected to the new urinary range kibble from Royal Canin’s Veterinary Health Nutrition, the webinar will be leaving no stone unturned."
To register for the webinar, go to: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk/cpd/webinar/
Dr Bradley Viner has been invested as the President of the RCVS for 2015/16 at a ceremony held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster.
Bradley has been an elected member of RCVS Council since 2005 and was Treasurer from 2010 to 2014. During his time on Council he served on a number of committees including both Education and Standards as well as chairing the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice Subcommittee and the now obsolete Planning and Resources Committee.
Having graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 1978, Bradley established a small animal practice in outer north-west London in 1979 which has now expanded to a group of five practices. Bradley was also among one of the first veterinary surgeons in the UK to achieve a higher award in veterinary general practice upon obtaining an MSc (VetGP) with Middlesex University.
Bradley is well known for his media work, writing for publications such as The Veterinary Times and Your Cat as well as broadcasting, with regular stints as the ‘in-house’ vet for programmes such as The Big Breakfast, Blue Peter and This Morning. He is also a Trustee of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Chair of its Building Committee as well as being Vice-President of International Cat Care.
Bradley highlighted three areas that he considered crucial for his presidential year:
He said: “If I had to pick a theme for my year it would be continual improvement. It is a very easy term to bandy about, but much more difficult to actually implement it efficiently. It involves accepting that there are many different ways we can tackle the challenges we face, and that we rarely do things perfectly. It is only by recognising our imperfections that we can get better, and it takes courage to open oneself up to criticism.
“I think back to my somewhat chequered school reports, which I had to sheepishly take home to my father, and the rather frequent comments that “Bradley could do better”. I think they meant it as criticism, but I would now take it as positive encouragement. The College is doing extremely well. It can continue to improve and become even better. During my year I undertake to do everything in my ability to ensure that it does.”
Upon receiving the chain of office from the outgoing President Professor Stuart Reid, Bradley’s first official duty was to welcome the new Junior Vice-President Chris Tufnell saying that he was an ideal person to take on the role and praising his “calm but authoritative manner, and his passion for educational matters from the perspective of a practising vet.”
Bradley praised the outgoing President Professor Stuart Reid as a “hard act to follow” – particularly in light of him running this year’s London Marathon. Professor Reid then took up the position of Senior Vice-President, replacing Colonel Neil Smith.
Carl's article: 'Are you using a safety checklist in your practice?', focuses on the benefits of introducing a safety checklist in practice to reduce patient morbidity, mortality and to improve communication between members of the veterinary team.
He explains how a checklist helps eliminate the need to memorise every single step of a protocol and self-limit any errors that may eventually lead to a fatal or near-fatal incident, and how it should contain a limited number of elements, allow quick completion and most importantly be relevant to the situation.
The article includes information on how to introduce a safety checklist, steps to consider and how to use one in practice.
It also contains links to downloadable tools including the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA) safety checklist and implementation booklet and information on the association’s ‘Safer Anaesthesia Project’. An editable safety checklist will also be available to download from the ‘Anaesthesia1ST’ blog that practices can adapt to their own requirements.
Richard Beckwith, country manager of Jurox (UK) said: "Our hugely popular Anaesthesia1ST newsletter features state-of-the-art, practical and easy to read articles to help veterinary professionals deliver 1ST class anaesthesia to all patients. Our latest edition will challenge practices to consider safety checklists as an essential part of their pre-anaesthetic routine in order to reduce the risk of mistakes."
To sign up to the Anaesthesia1ST newsletter visit the Alfaxan website – www.alfaxan.co.uk, contact your local Jurox technical sales representative or email Jurox at info@jurox.co.uk.
The Essity Veterinary Academy covers four topics of education: Anatomy and Physiology of Wound Healing, Infection Management, Exudate Management and a Wound Assessment Workshop.
Richard Barker, Account Sales Executive said: "Essity Veterinary Academy events allow us to educate veterinary professionals with a full, comprehensive day of wound management.
"We have run our Academy events for the last two years and the feedback we have had has always been positive, therefore the decision to run four events again this year was an easy one.
"The events offer a great opportunity to share best practice with other veterinary professionals, and to obtain invaluable information from our Medical Education Manager, who has vast experience in dealing with all areas of wound management. We are very lucky to be able to offer these events free of charge and we can’t wait for the first event to begin on 18th June."
Essity is hosting these events across four venues, with the days running from 09:00 – 16:00, refreshments and lunch provided. The venues available this year are:
18th June, Huntingdon Racecourse
9th July, West Midlands Safari Park
17th September, Durham Cricket Club (Emirates Stadium)
24th September, Edinburgh Zoo
To book your place, email animalhealthcare@essity.com, giving your name, job title, practice details, telephone number and any dietary requirements.
Alternatively, if you would like further information please dial 01482 670124.
Rachel has also qualified as a member of the dentistry chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and regularly tends to the oral health of zoo and sanctuary animals, including bears, cheetahs, tigers and snow leopards.
She said: "I’m excited to be joining North Downs, which is renowned as a centre of excellence for specialist veterinary care, and I’m really looking forward to this new role. There is a clear benefit in having a multidisciplinary team on site to approach oral surgery cases.
"Dentistry is such a rewarding area and can deliver immediate changes to our patients’ health and well-being.
"Many dental diseases can also be prevented, so I am committed to educating owners about their pets’ oral health and also veterinary surgeons and nurses, about new techniques, best practice, materials and equipment."
North Downs hospital director Terry Emmerson said: "Our aim is always to provide first-class care for our patients and to give an excellent service to their owners and the vets who refer cases to us.
"Rachel’s new dentistry service will be yet another specialist discipline on offer at North Downs to further extend the excellent care and treatment we offer here."
The appointment means that North Downs has a total of 11 specialist services, and makes it one of only a handful of centres in the UK that offer a dentistry service run by a dentistry specialist.
Norbrook Laboratories has announced the addition of new indications to its Loxicom (meloxicam) products, two regarding its use in cats, and the other in calves.
Loxicom 5mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats is now indicated for the management of post-operative pain in cats. An injection given around the time of surgery can be followed up with a course of Loxicom 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats. Alternatively, for cats where no follow-up oral treatment is possible, for example with feral cats, a larger dose of the injectable formulation can be given at the time of surgery.
Norbrook's EU Veterinary Advisor, Rebekah Dudek MRCVS, said: "Norbrook is pleased to be able to now offer vets two on-licence choices in relation to how they want to use their 5mg/ml meloxicam injection in cats. This gives vets the flexibility they need to be able to deal effectively with the wide variety of cases they see every day."
Loxicom 20mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses has now been licenced for the relief of post-operative pain following dehorning in calves.
Norbrook says that the use of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) alongside local anaesthetic has clear benefits for animal welfare, and that use at this time is also shown to offer economic benefits to the farmer, with increased food-conversion efficiency compared to untreated calves1.
Rebekah said: "Dehorning in calves has long been known as a painful procedure, with a negative impact on feed intake in the post-operative period. With our latest licence, Loxicom 20mg/ml can now be used for relief of this potentially economically important post-operative pain in calves."
Reference
Virbac Animal Health has launched Allerderm, a topical spot on product designed to rebuild the epidermal barrier in dogs and cats with skin problems.
According to the company, Allerderm Spot-On contains a mimic of the normal lamellar lipids found in the stratum corneum: essential fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol.
Virbac Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: The "outside-in" theory of inflammatory skin disease is now widely accepted - that is, the belief that a faulty epidermal barrier is the primary problem, allowing penetration of allergens which then triggers inflammation in the underlying skin.
"A healthy epidermal barrier is designed to keep in water and moisture, and keep out allergens and pathogens. The 'barrier repair' approach has been developed in human medicine and is now proving true in companion animal care.
"It is currently possible to help restore this barrier with oral essential fatty acid supplements like Complederm and with Allermyl shampoo, but this is an exciting new addition to the armoury."
Mr Geddes added: "In a study of allergic dogs1, researchers found that Allerderm spot on caused the level of lipids on the stratum corneum to return to almost the level of normal dogs."
Allerderm Spot-On is applied along the back of the dog or cat initially at weekly intervals, eventually reducing to monthly applications. It is available in packs of 6 pipettes in 2ml (suitable for cats and dogs less than 10kg) and 4ml (suitable for dogs over 10kg).
For further information on Allerderm Spot-On, contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
Reference1. Effects of a Topically Applied Preparation of Epidermal Lipids on the Stratum Corneum Barrier of Atopic Dogs, A. Piekutowska, D. Pin, C.A. Réme, H. Gatto and M. Haftek, Journal of Comparative Pathology 2008, Vol. 138, 197-203
The two 60-minute interactive sessions are taking place on Wednesday (21st April) at 12.30pm and 6pm, coinciding with the United Nation’s World Creativity and Innovation Day.
Each session will introduce a range of creative techniques that can be used to spur innovation. Different breakout groups will then have various problems to solve and will utilise these techniques to tackle challenges and issues encountered within everyday veterinary practice.
Sophie Rogers, RCVS ViVet Manager, said: "These creativity techniques are a framework for approaching problems, but the key to developing solutions to everyday tasks and problems is learning how to foster and harness the whole team's creative abilities. These workshops will provide the techniques to help you and your team overcome the common barriers to creativity and gain the tools and mindsets needed to break existing patterns and ways of doing things, generate new ideas, and improve creative self-leadership.”
The workshops will be hosted by Gill Stevens (pictured right), the Founding Director of Level Seven, a consultancy that specialises in merging coaching with design thinking methodology as a way to support innovation and team productivity, and Rick Harris, Founder of Customer Faithful, a research-led consultancy, specialising in customer research, proposition design and employee engagement.
Veterinary professionals can sign up to the sessions, which count towards their continuing professional development (CPD) requirement, via the ViVet website at: www.vivet.org.uk/interactive-workshop-on-creative-thinking/
Bayer Animal Health has launched a free mobile app for pet owners, offering a bespoke parasite treatment reminder service, to help them follow their parasite protection plan prescribed by their vet.
The app was launched following a survey that found that 65% of pet owners do not regularly use parasite treatment products and are not certain that their pet is adequately protected against fleas, ticks, lice, mites and intestinal worms1. In addition, 83% of owners do not realise full protection against parasites requires a combination of two or more treatment products, and 45% are not confident that they have the job under control2.
The app allows owners to develop an on-going parasite protection plan in line with their veterinary prescription and receive automated reminders on treatment dates. In addition, the app allows users to set reminders for vaccination boosters, other vet appointments, and entering special dates like their pet's birthday or grooming appointments.
Once downloaded, users can create a pet profile to keep track of all their information in one place, including breed details, microchip number, weight, and date of birth of their dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. A 'learn' section of the app is also available to provide owners with the general information about parasites and the risk they pose to pets and family members.
The Jungle for Pets app is initially available to download for iPhones and iPads, by searching 'Jungle for Pets' in the Apple App store or clicking here.
VetSurgeon downloaded the app to try it out. A very polished app which has the potential to be extremely useful for those of us that can't remember our own names, let alone when the dog is due to be wormed. Three problems we found, which will doubtless be ironed out in future updates: Firstly, whilst the app works on an iPad, it's sized for and looks better on an iPhone. Secondly, it demanded a photo of the dog for registration. Whilst that's easy enough to do with an iPhone, the app then froze when we tried. Perhaps it should be optional. Finally, whilst the app very usefully allows for reminders of non-Bayer products, it doesn't appear to allow the user to type in the name of the product, forcing it to be listed as 'other'. We suspect that anyone who can't remember treatment dates (probably most of us) also won't be able to remember what 'other' was, especially if there are more than one or two 'other' products.
References
The College was ranked seventh in the medium-sized company or organisation category (50 to 449 employees) of the Best Workplaces for Women initiative.
This year is the first that the Great Place to Work Institute has run this initiative and, in making its rankings, it looked at a number of factors including the number and proportion of women in leadership positions, pay parity between men and women, workplace policies and how they support female employees, as well as training and development and mentoring.
Amanda Boag, RCVS President, said: "I am delighted that the RCVS has been recognised for being an excellent and supportive place for women to work and pleased that the hard work of the team at Belgravia House in this area has been publicly rewarded in this way.
"One of the key themes of my Presidential year is diversity and I think it is very important that, as a regulator, we reflect the veterinary profession (which is currently 63% female for veterinary surgeons and 98% female for veterinary nurses) as far as possible. With two-thirds of the staff at the RCVS being women it demonstrates that the College is largely reflective of the profession it serves.
"However, it’s not just about the numbers and with 60% of the Senior Team at the RCVS being women, including the CEO and Registrar, it demonstrates that the College has developed a culture in which women can shatter the glass ceiling and pursue leadership roles.
"Also, with policies such as flexible working hours, encouragement of home working, shared parental leave and enhanced maternity and paternity pay, the College goes the extra mile to support working parents."
'Otitis Externa: Understanding Ear Disease’ will be presented by RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, Stephen Shaw BVetMed CertSAD DVD PhD PgCAP FHEA MRCVS (pictured).
Virbac says the webinar will explain how Cortotic can help you reduce antimicrobial use when treating otitis externa in dogs, whilst offering the same efficacy as a fixed-combination product.
https://bit.ly/CortoticWebinar
California-based Signostics, Inc. has launched SpeqViewTM, billed as the world's smallest and most cost-effective veterinary ultrasound device.
Using MotionScape and SectorView technology, and offering multiple transducer frequencies, the SpeqView delivers high-resolution images for key veterinary applications including: cystocentesis; bladder volume; foreign object localization; abdominal imaging; and musculo-skeletal diagnosis.
Jeff Green, Signostics Vice-President of Sales and Marketing said: "The SpeqView provides a break-through for veterinary practices. For the first time there is an ultrasound device that is highly portable, simple to use and individually affordable. The SpeqView improves veterinary practice efficiency and income by allowing immediate diagnosis in the consulting room, or in the field and by providing better animal care.
He added: "Weighing a little over half a pound, the SpeqView features extended battery life and amazing portability, and is worn around your neck like a stethoscope or placed in your pocket until the next use."
The SpeqView is configured to use 3.5MHz and 7.5MHz transducers and comes with a comprehensive warranty, which covers the system and transducers and eliminates the need for annual service contracts. Signostics also offers extensive training and education programs delivered on site, online and in collaboration with leading veterinary institutions and educators. No interest, twelve-month financing is available.
For more information visit www.SpeqView.com or contact Signostics on 001 877 5744667.
The charity, which helps around 200,000 cats and kittens in the UK each year needs someone with animal welfare skills to join its team of nine trustees who are responsible for the charity’s strategy, policy and oversight.
The ideal candidate will have a degree in veterinary medicine, animal behaviour or an equivalent qualification, together with an understanding of the voluntary sector and management experience gained at a large national organisation, university or veterinary practice.
Sue Field, Cats Protection’s Director of Volunteering, said: "This is an exciting role which focuses on further improving cat welfare, whether that be cats in Cats Protection’s care or the services that we offer to cat owners to help them better care for their pet.
"We deliver our work through over 10,000 volunteers and staff so we’re hoping to attract a strong team player who would enjoy the challenge of shaping strategy and policy across our large and multi-faceted organisation.
"In return we can offer the opportunity to develop new and existing skills at trustee level plus the opportunity to make a real difference to the welfare of cats and kittens. If this sounds like a challenge you’d relish, then we’d love to hear from you."
To apply for the role, visit https://www.cats.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/find-an-opportunity?id=3954.
If you would like an informal chat about the role, contact Clare Radlett on 01825 741211 or email: claire.radlett@cats.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 19th February 2018.
The gilets, which normally cost $170, have three heating zones: one around the neck, one across the back of the shoulders and one which heats the pockets, all powered by a small battery.
VetSurgeon Editor Arlo Guthrie (pictured right) said: "As some members will know, I have a sideline reviewing gadgets and consumer tech on YouTube. Having reviewed the Ororo gilet, I bought a number of them for myself and my family, but thanks to a mix up by Amazon, I ended up with a spare men's XL size gilet (45-48 inch chest, 40-43 inch waist and 46-49 inch hip) .
"I'd like it to go to a good home, and I thought maybe a veterinary surgeon or nurse who now has to attend to clients in a frosty car park might be very glad of it.
"Of course, there are more women than men in the profession, so I'm going to offer one of the womens' vests too."
To win one of the gilets, watch the review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l84lRgEN1s4, then email: support@vetsurgeon.org with the answer to the following question:
On the medium heat setting, how long does the Ororo heated gilet stay warm?
First two correct answers out of the hat from those received by close of play next Wednesday (13th January) will get the gilets.
Arlo added: "Good luck, and a very happy New Year to you all. Let's hope we all get the vaccine soon.
"Oh, and if you enjoy the review, do subscribe on YouTube!"
The improvements include a new cat ward designed to offer a quieter, more relaxing area away from other animals, and a new walk-in dog ward which will allow staff to treat larger breeds of dogs more easily. The intensive care unit has been expanded and the practice has developed a new chemotherapy area.
John Turkington, the partner at Scarsdale Vets responsible for overseeing the work said: "We are already really proud of the state-of-the-art facilities we have at Pride, but we are not complacent and that is why we have made this significant investment to improve our facilities and ultimately the services we offer our clients and patients. Patient comfort is paramount, which is why we’ve invested in an additional walk in ward for our larger breeds, and a new cat ward with a separate feline examination and treatment area."
As well as the changes to improve clinical care, the practice has also invested in its kennelling services, increasing the number of 'suites' for cats and dogs to stay in its 'hotel' areas whilst their owners go on holiday.
John added: "We want Pride to be recognised as one of the best veterinary hospitals in Europe and to make that a reality we have increased our ward capacity for patient comfort and clinical treatment areas, as well as improving facilities behind the scenes for our staff, to create a better working environment. Alongside that the improvements to our Pet Resort will also meet the growing demands from clients for those services."
Kate, who has worked in practice for 30 years, said: "Pilates does more than just give you a strong core. By tapping into your mental wellbeing even for a short period, it allows that disconnection from the pressures of the day, and encourages the mind to press that reset button. We draw attention to our breathing, our physical well-being, and our mental health.
"By introducing practice pilates once or twice a week, you will find your staff will feel relaxed, mentally calm and engaged. You will also begin to find that they will suffer less and less with those aches and pains brought on by sitting for long periods, and so will suffer less with, and even eradicate lower back pain."
"By helping you practice pilates together as a team, I aim to nurture friendships, allay any clustering of personalities and provide a stable platform for all to be equal."
Practice Pilates has a network of instructors which are allocated to certain regions around the country, and Kate says the aim is to roll out the service, and cluster visits in each area, to keep costs low.
Sessions typically last 45 minutes to one hour, so they can fit into a lunch break.
The company offers a monthly subscription which provides slightly lower per class rates, or a Pay As You Go option. The service is being launched with reduced rate taster sessions.
For information, telephone Kate on 07780 603534 or email: practicepilates@outlook.com.
Invicta Animal Health has announced the launch of Ocuvance, a nutritional supplement to support ocular health in dogs and cats.
The company says Ocuvance is formulated to provide an antioxidant complex supporting and maintaining the health of eyes. The tablets contain lutein, a xanthophyll pigment found within the eye. They also contain anthocyanosides derived from bilberry extract to support rhodopsin production. The formulation also contains vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium.
Ocuvance is presented in packs of 30 scored tablets; sufficient for a one month supply for the average sized dog.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to make Ocuvance available to veterinary surgeons in the UK. A recent veterinary study1 has shown there can be significant ophthalmic benefits of antioxidant supplementation.
We carefully formulated Ocuvance to provide a range of high quality ingredients to maintain normal visual function whilst still being affordable for owners”.
Ocuvance is now available from all veterinary wholesalers.
The company says a combination of unprecedented demand for the product and logistics issues, together with an issue involving the manufacturer of the active ingredient, has resulted in a delay in receiving stock into the UK.
Animalcare says it has a shipment awaiting dispatch to the UK from its European manufacturing plant as soon as licensing is completed by the VMD, Home Office and European counterparts. There is another batch in production, expected into the UK in early March.
Kai Crawshaw, Product Manager at Animalcare, said: "We are working hard with the VMD and Home Office to expedite the import licensing process and also with our manufacturer to ensure we can get as much stock as quickly as possible back into the marketplace. We sincerely apologise to any clinics that are experiencing a shortage but are glad to say that stock is on the way."
Danilon is used to relieve the pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA), bursitis, laminitis, and soft tissue inflammation.
Some oral NSAIDs have been shown to increase the risk of gastric irritation¹ - a particular concern when treating of chronic conditions.
However, Animalcare points to a study² in which horses given Danilon Gold showed a reduced number of ulcers and those that did appear were less severe.
The area of gastric mucosa affected was also five times less.
Animalcare says accurate administration is critical for clinical success.
To support this, Danilon Gold is presented in a coloured granule formulation and is now available in both 3g and 10g sachets.
Bell Equine is one of the leading equine hospitals and was the first practice worldwide to install a standing MRI unit for horses.
CVS says the acquisition reflects its increased focus on equine practice, with further expansion of its Equine Division planned in the UK and Europe during 2017.
Equine Director Ben Jacklin said: "The acquisition of such an outstanding hospital is an exciting step for us. Bell Equine has always been at the forefront of the equine profession, both clinically and non-clinically, and as such it is a perfect match for the Equine Division of CVS."
Julian Samuelson, former managing director of Bell Equine, will continue in the role of Clinical Director. He said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with CVS and are very much looking forward to working closely with the Group to help realise the exciting potential of its equine ambitions. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to lead the profession, both within and outside CVS."
With Vetscan Imagyst, samples are prepared in-clinic using traditional methods, but submitted digitally, rather than sending physical slides to a laboratory. In this way, results are available in hours, allowing vets to offer same-day diagnosis and treatment.
The company says the new digital cytology application offers fast, accurate reviews of common cytology specimens, such as fine-needle aspirates,
Jamie Brannan, President International Operations, Zoetis said: "Veterinarians have told us that Vetscan Imagyst technology helps them make better informed decisions in a more transparent way for pet owners. With the cytology feature, Vetscan Imagyst will now offer one platform for multiple tests.”
He added: “We are excited to build on the incredible momentum that began with the AI fecal analysis launch. Vetscan Imagyst has been a significant part of the Zoetis portfolio and continues to evolve to meet diagnostic needs in practices around the world. The unique all-in-one technology has added immense value to veterinary clinics, facilitating fast, more accurate results, leading to quicker diagnoses and decisions that ultimately strengthen the bond of trust between veterinarians and their clients.”
For more information, contact your Zoetis representative or visit www.vetscanimagyst.com