The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) is launching its new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme today, designed to ensure that the Authority's registered Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) keep up to date with the latest animal medicines information.
In order to maintain their SQP status, every SQP will have to achieve a minimum number of CPD points during each AMTRA CPD period, running for two years from July to June. However, in the initial stages of the scheme, this first period will run for 33 months, from October 2008 to June 2011, allowing AMTRA to fine tune the system if required and give its SQPs time to get used to the new structure.
During these CPD periods, SQPs are required to obtain a minimum number of CPD points depending on their SQP type:
SQP Type: Modules; VPS medicines supplied; CPD PointsR-SQP: FAM+EQM+CAM; All VPS Medicines; 70 pointsG-SQP: FAM+EQM; VPS-farm animals and equines only; 50 pointsK-SQP: FAM+CAM; VPS-farm and companion animals only; 50 pointsE-SQP: EQM+CAM; VPS-equines and companion animals only; 50 pointsL-SQP: FAM; VPS-farm animals only; 30 pointsJ-SQP: EQM; VPS-equines only; 30 pointsC-SQP: CAM; VPS-companion animals only; 30 points
(FAM - Farm Animal Module, EQM - Equine Module, CAM - Companion Animal Module)
In essence, this means that 20 points are required per animal group, plus a further 10 points. Dr Roger Dawson, Secretary of AMTRA comments, "There is no maximum number of CPD points that SQPs can accumulate and we will be encouraging them to gain the benefit of as much CPD as they can."
Those SQPs who do not achieve the minimum number of CPD points by the end of the period will not be eligible to renew their status for the following year. However, such SQPs will have the option of sitting an examination before the end of that CPD period in order to maintain their SQP status and eligible be to renew for the next year.
SQPs will have a range of avenues through which to gain CPD points, ranging from four types of AMTRA-accredited CPD Events, to online study and personal study. With CPD Events and online studies, accreditation and points will be awarded by the AMTRA CPD Accreditation Panel. With personal study, AMTRA accepts a degree of self-certification of this form of CPD, however the points gained in this way are limited to a relatively small proportion of the minimum required in a CPD period.
Throughout a CPD period, all SQPs are required to attend at least ONE CPD Event. These events will comprise a range of modules that will be assessed for coverage, of relevant topics ranging from legislation, regulations and prevalence & effects of parasites and pathogens, to control of disease management, resistance, warnings and SARS.
Dr Dawson says, "The new CPD scheme has the necessary flexibility to allow SQPs to gain the required CPD points via a number of routes, from accredited CPD events and online study to personal study. Furthermore, the structure of the scheme ensures that their studies will be properly assessed to ensure they have gained the necessary knowledge to secure their CPD points."
As part of the programme, the College aims to form a network of UK-wide rural Mental Health First Aiders in the vet profession starting with rural geographies.
The network will bolster the understanding of common mental health conditions, help individuals identify signs of mental ill-health both in themselves and others, promote self-care and provide the tools for how to effectively support people experiencing poor mental health.
Angharad Belcher, Director of the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), said: “Veterinary surgeons working in rural and ambulatory services are often integral members of their local communities with a deep connection with farmers, animal owners and the wider rural community.
"However, as MMI-funded research conducted by Scotland’s Rural College with vets has demonstrated, veterinary work in such areas can often be very challenging which is compounded by working alone or having relatively limited contact with professional colleagues.
“Effective early intervention in cases of mental ill-health and distress can have significant impacts, and so this course will arm participants with the relevant knowledge of how to identify mental health issues and will allow them to signpost people to the most effective and relevant sources of help.”
The free training, fully funded by MMI, will be delivered online in four sessions which are each two-and-a-half hours long.
The dates of the training sessions are Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st July.
To register for the course, visit: www.vetmindmatters.org/training/
The closing date for registrations is 5pm Friday 10th June.
For those who are unsure about joining the course, MHFA England has organised an online question and answers session ahead of the application date at 7pm on Tuesday 7 June.
To attend the Q & A contact Lacey Pitcher, Mind Matters Outreach and Engagement Senior Officer on l.pitcher@rcvs.org.uk.
VetSurgeon.org has launched a new collaborative publishing section of the website (called a wiki) in which any member of the site may publish case studies and reports, abstracts, short communications, research papers and the results of clinical audit for open discussion and review by all.
The state-of-the-art systems in use on VetSurgeon then allow all members to comment on the work submitted. Initially, it's hoped that this will stimulate valuable further debate, discussion and critical review of papers that have already been published elsewhere. However, another benefit of this system is that it enables anyone in the profession to publish their research to the veterinary community immediately, without being at the mercy of such things as the availability of space in a traditional print journal, so original work is warmly welcomed.
Arlo Guthrie, editor of VetSurgeon said: "Of course I recognise that authors still want the kudos of publication in a traditional peer reviewed journal. However, in addition to offering immediate publication, this system also opens the review process up so that everyone in the profession can participate in a completely open way. If it works, it may even come to be thought of as a more stringent and robust method of review than the traditional method. Or perhaps more likely, peer review could become a two stage process in which work is assessed by a panel of experts and then by the sort of 'open review' offered by VetSurgeon.org."
Doubtless there will be concerns about the validity of information published in this new section of VetSurgeon, primarily because it may NOT have been subject to peer review at the time of publication. Arlo said: "I don't think this is an issue. VetSurgeon members should just have a different starting point. When you read content in, say Vet Record, you can presume it's been scrutinised and read it in that context. On VetSurgeon, you should assume the opposite, and then use the tools offered by the site to judge the value of the work yourself."
Ways of assessing work published on VetSurgeon.org include:
In phase one of this project, taking place over the coming few days, all abstracts published in Veterinary Practice magazine are being uploaded to the new wiki.
Click here to visit the new VetSurgeon Wiki
Petplan is calling for nominations for this year's 'Petplan Pet Insurance Advisor Award'.
The award is to recognise the hard work and dedication that Pet Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially. You can nominate a PIA at your practice by visiting www.petplan.co.uk/pia. The winner will receive a new laptop and their practice will receive £100 in vouchers.
Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew said: "At Petplan we are proud to recognise the dedication and hard work that Pet Insurance Advisors put in to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice. So please get your nominations in!"
Nominations close on 3rd September and the nominees will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress on 9th October.
Fourth year veterinary students from the University of Sydney's Faculty of Veterinary Science have produced a nude calendar in which they use a variety of strategically placed animals to protect their modesty.
The calendar, called Under the Overalls, features a variety of animals, including three lucky (depending on your point of view) llamas, a calf, three sheep and a rather unfortunate fish.
It's all in aid of charity. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/undertheoveralls, or you can buy the calendar for $20 at www.undertheoveralls.com.
Picture: House of Cameo
The new service will offer all the chemo and surgical options.
Matthew (pictured right) said: "At Eastcott, we have amazing facilities and staff to care for pets with cancer, so we are proud to launch this comprehensive new oncology service.
"We have a custom-designed chemotherapy room, multiple sterile theatres - including our interventional radiology theatre - and state-of-the-art imaging facilities, with a 64-slice CT scanner and advanced ultrasound equipment.
"We are able to manage the full range of tumour types including maxillofacial tumours, from diagnosis to treatment.
"We use a variety of techniques to allow accurate staging, including minimally invasive biopsy and lymph node harvesting, as well as sentinel lymph node mapping and advanced medical imaging.
"Treatment options include advanced soft tissue surgical oncology and the full range of medical oncology. This may involve standard and metronomic chemotherapy, intracavitary chemotherapy and immunotherapy, such as the melanoma vaccine.
"We pride ourselves on helping owners understand our treatment plan through the whole process and emphasise the importance of making the right decisions to maintain the welfare of our patients.”
For more information, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
The first, 'Factors that determine the success of a mastitis treatment' is tomorrow, Thursday 30th April, at 7:30pm. It will be presented by veterinary surgeon and researcher, Sofie Piepers.
The second webinar is titled 'Communication skills for effecting behaviour change with a focus on mastitis treatments'. Presented by Owen Atkinson, a vet with experience of the dairy industry around the world, the webinar will start at 7:30pm on Tuesday 5th May.
There will be opportunities to ask questions of both speakers at the end of each session.
For more information, visit: https://www.boehringer-academy.co.uk
From this summer, all new veterinary graduates have had to be enrolled on the VetGDP when they start their first job as a qualified vet. This means that veterinary practices and other workplaces wishing to employ new veterinary graduates will need to become, or be working towards becoming, an RCVS-Approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace. To date, over 1,800 VetGDP Advisers around the UK have registered for the training to help develop their new graduate colleagues.
All new veterinary graduates and their VetGDP Advisers will be able to use the new e-portfolio platform to record and monitor the graduate’s progress as they work through the programme.
Dr Linda Prescott-Clements (pictured right), RCVS Director of Education, said: “We recognise how important it is to support new veterinary graduates as much as possible during their first job as a fully-qualified veterinary surgeon. The transition from study to work can be a daunting one, and we wanted to create a resource that would help new graduates record and reflect on their journey through the programme and provide a space for the VetGDP Adviser to monitor and support their graduate as they progress.
“We believe the VetGDP programme will have a positive impact on graduates’ development and their confidence during their first role. The new e-portfolio will be a key resource for employers to help them support the professional development of the newest cohort of veterinary professionals.”
The RCVS will be holding two online workshops to provide VetGDP Advisers and veterinary graduates with support and advice about using the e-portfolio. The workshop dates and times are:
Further information and the online booking form can be found at https://www.rcvs.org.uk/vetgdpworkshops.
Some graduates may have completed forms to record their activities and progress as part of the VetGDP platform launch interim measures provided earlier this summer. Anyone who has manually completed any forms is encouraged to get in touch with the VetGDP team by emailing vetgdp@rcvs.org.uk who will be able to help transfer the data onto the e-portfolio if required.
Further information about becoming an RCVS-Approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetgdp
TwistPak bottles have a hygienic interlock at the bottom, which allows them to be connected with a twist, creating one single mixing chamber which fits in all standard vaccination devices.
Currently, freshly mixing two vaccines requires a transfer needle.
Boehringer says the TwistPak bottle simplifies the mixing process while retaining the flexibility of using the products as a monovalent or combined vaccine.
TwistPak was jointly created with the industrial design and product development company DESIGNquadrat and awarded a Red Dot Design Award 2021 in the product design category.
Eva Joras, Global Brand Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim said: “TwistPak revolutionizes how vaccines are mixed.
"The mixing platform combines the best of both worlds: the unparalleled quality and efficacy of freshly mixed vaccines with the convenience of ready-to-use solutions.
TwistPak will be globally available in all registered presentation sizes starting May this year.
Royal Canin has announced the launch of its Christmas promotion through which practice clients will be rewarded with activity balls for cats and leashpods for dogs.
The stocking fillers will be distributed to practices along with promotional materials such as posters and shelf wobblers, to encourage clients to buy Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition (VCN) pet food.
Veterinary Marketing Manager, Lindsay Calcraft, said: "Customers who purchase any 1.5kg bag of feline VCN or any 3.5kg bag of canine VCN from their vet will receive a cat activity ball or a leashpod to thank them for their custom and support.
"For those who don't know what a leashpod is, it's a fantastic dog lead handle to help you carry all those essential items needed for walking a dog. It has an integrated bag dispenser, its own scented mini bin for storing smelly used bags and two secure pockets for treats, keys, money or your mobile phone."
For more information about the Christmas promotion, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
The company says it is launching the new slCT after achieving success imaging horses in collaboration with its UK-based clinical trial sites.
The new standing CT scanner has a unique low, flat platform for quick and easy entry and exit of the standing sedated horse.
The system uses a dual-concentric ring design which enables the detector plate to remain very close to the region of interest, thereby improving image quality.
Hallmarq says slCT is a good fit for equine practices wanting to step up to 3D imaging in the evaluation of their lameness cases.
Bell Equine in Kent, Sussex Equine in Ashington, and Berkshire- based Donnington Grove Equine were involved in early trials of novel system.
Dr Elisabetta Giorio from Donnington Grove says slCT complements their sMRI which highlights soft tissue and metabolic changes: “The combination of MRI and CT was a useful tool to have and helped with surgical planning and decision making".
For more information, visit: https://hallmarq.net/
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, there are an estimated 1M pet rabbits in the UK. They are commonly presented for treatment in practice and clients are beginning to expect complex workups and high levels of veterinary care.
Ivan, who qualified from the RVC in 1999, has been taking on first and second opinion rabbit cases for over 12 years and was instrumental in developing the v-gel anaesthetic device for rabbits and other species (www.docsinnovent.com). Jo has worked in first opinion practice since 2007 and was the Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year in 2014. Asides from her nursing experience, Jo has been teaching rabbit husbandry and nursing to owners and nurses directly and also via the Rabbit Welfare Association since 2012. Jo and Ivan have also taught rabbit anaesthesia at the Western Veterinary Conference in the USA for the last 3 years as well as lecturing for the Rabbit Welfare Association in the UK.
Ivan said: "We’re trying to get rabbit medicine to be seen as an important CPD subject for vets and nurses. We’re going to be offering day courses and conferences with an enjoyable and challenging mix of small group teaching, problem solving, practical teaching and conventional lectures - making sure that all our courses offer a really enjoyable day out as well as being first class CPD. Our first course is on the 13th October in Berkshire and we’ll be offering many more courses and conferences in the future!"
For more information about LagoLearn and its rabbit CPD, visit: http://www.lagolearn.com
The FAQs cover everything within the College’s guidance on veterinary medicines, including questions around controlled drugs, their storage, destruction and prescription, supplying medicines under the cascade, and prescriptions in general including topics such as what written information to provide, broach dates, and repeat prescriptions.
Lisa Price, RCVS Head of Standards, said: “Queries about veterinary medicines are some of the most frequent questions that our Standards & Advice Team deal with and we recognise that this is quite a complex and potentially confusing area of practice, with information being contained in a variety of places including the RCVS Codes of Professional Conduct, the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and the Practice Standards Guidance.
“We felt it would be helpful to try and draw much of this information into one place and provide answers to questions applicable to common scenarios that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses encounter within everyday practice.
“The 17 questions and answers have all been approved by the RCVS Standards Committee and we hope members of the professions find them useful.
"We are also open to feedback and suggestions for further questions to be added to the FAQs and you can contact us on advice@rcvs.org.uk if you have any.”
The full FAQs can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines-faqs
The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct’s chapter of supporting guidance on veterinary medicines can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines
CEVA Animal Health and the University of Lincoln have presented three distance learning students on the university's pheromone therapy course with awards in recognition of their research into the benefits of pheromone therapy in combating behavioural problems in pets.
Veterinary nurse, Mandy Davis RVN, won first place and was presented with a cheque for £1,000 for her evaluation of the use of rabbit appeasing pheromones in a pet demonstrating fearful and aggressive behaviour towards its owner.
Second place and a cheque for £500 went to pet behaviourist and VetSurgeon member, Dr Carri Westgarth BSc(Hons) PhD from the University of Liverpool, for her case which reported on the use of D.A.P.® and clomipromine in a separation-related problem in a dog.
Third place and a cheque for £250 was awarded to veterinary surgeon, Graeme Buchan BVMS MRCVS, from Blackness Veterinary Centre in Dundee for his study into the use of a D.A.P.® Collar in the management of disruptive stress in the home.
"More and more pets are referred to animal behaviour experts each year and pheromone therapy is increasingly being used to help pets overcome behavioural issues such as aggression and separation anxiety," said Professor Daniel Mills, recognised specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine, at the University of Lincoln. "The students' case histories demonstrated their understanding of the benefits of pheromone therapy and how products that mimic the effects of naturally occurring pheromones can improve both the health and welfare of stressed pets. Many of the reports were of a very high standard, and showed a good understanding of the science behind the practice, which is so important for effective use."
The University of Lincoln launched the country's first accredited course in pheromone therapy in 2007 to help increase the veterinary profession's understanding of stress and its potential to trigger behavioural issues in pets. The distance learning course, which is supported by CEVA Animal Health, is aimed at veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and behaviourists and comprises 12 audio visual tutorials covering pheromone therapy and its applications in companion animals which can be undertaken at a pace to suit individual students.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "The pheromone therapy course is a must for veterinary professionals wishing to learn more about behavioural problems in pets, including the stress triggers that can lead to disruptive and undesirable behaviour and the benefits of synthetic copies of natural pheromones in overcoming these issues."
The deadline for applications for the University of Lincoln's next Pheromone Therapy Course, which starts in February 2009, is 16 December 2008. For further information, please contact the University of Lincoln on 01522 882000 or visit www.lincoln.ac.uk.
Virbac Animal Health has launched Speed Leish K, a diagnostic test for canine leishmaniosis.
Speed Leish K detects antibodies directed against the kinesins of leishmania using a Kinesin Capture Complex (KCC), a complex of recombinant proteins with strong immunogenic power at all stages of infection. Virbac says that in trials the test has demonstrated 98.5% overall accuracy.*
Virbac Product Manager Simon Boulton MRCVS said: "Leishmaniosis presents a growing threat to UK dogs, particularly those which travel with their owners on holiday to regions where the disease is endemic.
"Speed Leish K should be used as part of the primary CaniLeish vaccination protocol in animals previously at risk of exposure to ensure only health animals are vaccinated. The test can also be used to screen for the disease in animals suspected to be infected."
Speed Leish K is presented in kits of two or six tests and can be stored for 24 months at room temperature.
Although microchipping has been a legal requirement for dogs since April 2016, it is not currently required for cats unless they are travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Cats Protection says microchipping should become a legal requirement for owned cats and is petitioning for change in the law. At the moment, it says, eight out of ten stray cats taken in by its adoption centres in England are not microchipped, making it virtually impossible to trace the owner.
Cats Protection’s Chief Executive, James Yeates, said: "Introducing compulsory microchipping of owned cats would encourage more cat owners to microchip their cats, meaning that lost cats can be identified and returned home rather than handed into rehoming charities as strays.
"It also means that injured cats can be quickly identified by vets and their owners can be informed and involved in their care.
"We’re delighted the Government has shown a commitment towards improving feline welfare and promoting responsible cat ownership in the UK by announcing this call for evidence."
Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, said: "Today’s call for evidence on cat microchipping will help the government understand how we can better protect this country’s much-loved cats and kittens. This government is committed to animal welfare and improving the lives of our companion animals."
The call for evidence will last for 12 weeks and respondents are being encouraged to respond as soon as possible. You can take part here.
The new service is being headed by Dr Katia Marioni-Henry.
Katia graduated from the University of Parma in 1995 and went on to do a PhD in Clinical Electrodiagnostic at the University of Turin and Scott-Ritchey Research Center in Auburn, Alabama.
Her early career was spent at various American universities, where she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty in Neurology and finally an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee.
Katia came to the UK to work as a consultant in neurology and neurosurgery for a number of large referral practices, before moving to the University of Edinburgh in 2013, where she started the neurology/neurosurgery service, building it from scratch to a nine-strong team.
Katia said: “This is absolutely the best place to be brought in an emergency, but previously we’d have to refer some cases elsewhere for conditions affecting the brain, peripheral nerves or the spine.
“Now some of these debilitating neurological conditions can be diagnosed and treated rapidly here without having to transport the animal.”
“With our CT scanner, for example, we can diagnose slipped discs quickly, especially in small breeds, and treat them surgically.
“And we can use it for brain scans if there is trauma or if we suspect a tumour or severe inflammation in the brain.
“We can do a lumbar tap to rule out inflammation of the central nervous system either on infectious or immune-mediated basis.”
However, when asked by VetSurgeon.org which audience - veterinary professionals, it's staff or the public - it was referring to, or what threats to safety and wellbeing were posed by X, the College refused point blank to answer.
So the real motivation remains unclear.
On the one hand, it could be a ridiculously over-sensitive move to protect its unknown audience from opinions that its staff find objectionable.
On the other hand, it could perfectly well be argued that short form social media reduces every discussion or debate to "I'm effing right and you're effing wrong", which is not appropriate for a scientific profession.
Equally, one could also argue that engaging in polarised debate online is not terribly good for one's wellbeing.
Or one could just argue that it's a terrible platform owned by a strangely meddlesome and interfering American.
However, given the College's strange refusal to expand on the reasons for its withdrawal, the first explanation seems more likely.
But who knows?
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/rcvs-statement-on-x-formerly-twitter/
The course is comprised of a 14-module programme of lectures, case discussions and practical sessions, during which Improve says delegates will learn how to approach the dog, cat and exotic patient presenting with manifestations of oral pathology in a logical and scientific manner.
Lecturers for the programme, which starts in January 2020, include Bob Partridge and Rachel Perry (pictured right), both European and RCVS Specialists in Veterinary Dentistry, and Owen Davies, an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Oncology.
Each module will be supported with an online learning management platform offering additional learning resources, together with a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library which gives access to scientific articles and abstracts for those progressing to a PgC. All delegates have a dedicated Programme Tutor.
Juliet Pope, Operations Manager at Improve International, said: "The diagnosis and management of dental and oral disease is a significant – and growing - component of small animal practice.
"The programme we have developed offers a thorough case-based approach and includes the opportunity to practice oral surgery in a wet-lab environment.
"It will support general practitioners in taking a more well-informed clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these cases and give them confidence to manage some cases that they might otherwise have felt they should refer."
Some big names from the art and entertainment worlds, including Cheryl Cole, Tracey Emin, Twiggy and Jamie Oliver are donating their own paintings and drawings of hares to raise money for two new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
One of these A4 canvases would be a great addition to a veterinary practice waiting room. It would be sure to create an interesting talking point, particularly if you specialise in leporids.
If you're interested in buying one, they go under the auctioneer's hammer both online and at the 'Hare Ball' at the Dorchester Hotel in London on May 26th 2011.
The Hare Styling Celebrity Canvases Appeal is the brainchild of hairdresser Michael Van Clarke whose daughter Angelica was given a lifesaving operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital when she was just two days old. Now 15 years old, Angelica has drawn a hare to help raise funds for the hospital that saved her life. The hare has been reproduced on A4 canvases which have been sent to well-known names in the public eye inviting them to create an original artwork.
Other celebrities who have already donated include Stella McCartney, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Terry Venables and HRH Princess Beatrice The Duchess of York. Many more are expected ahead of the March deadline. All of the canvases will be displayed at a central London gallery exhibition and most will be included in a hard bound book printed to raise further money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Michael Van Clarke said: “The pioneering work carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital provides hope to extremely sick children and their families. My family knows first-hand the incredible difference the hospital can make and I am always looking for ways to show my gratitude. When we first came up with this Hare styling idea, we weren’t sure how it would be received, but we have been overwhelmed by the response from the recipients of the canvases.
"The fundraising potential of these canvases is huge and we are so grateful for the time and effort people have put in to creating them. We are also looking forward to handing over a big cheque to the charity once all the canvases have been sold.”
For further information or to see a selection of the canvases, please visit http://www.harestyling.com/.
Feel Good Colic Rectals is a 20-minute online guide that uses state-of-the-art 3D modelling technology to allow you to visualise an examination of the normal equine abdomen, and to demonstrate how to differentiate abdominal abnormalities during a rectal examination.
The video features leading colic experts Professor Debra Archer BVMS PhD CertES (Soft Tissue) DipECVS MRCVS, head of equine surgery at the University of Liverpool, and Rachael Conwell BVetMed CertEM(IntMed) DECEIM MRCVS, European specialist in equine internal medicine.
To be in with a chance of winning one of 30 rectal tops, watch Feel Good Colic Rectals at www.boehringer-academy.co.uk, then answer two multiple choice questions.
Dechra says Equisolon is the only registered oral prednisolone powder that alleviates the inflammation and clinical parameters associated with severe equine asthma, previously known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).
Equisolon Jar contains 180g of powder and comes with a measuring spoon.
One scoop is enough to treat 150kg bodyweight at a dose of 1mg/kg and therefore one jar can treat a 600kg horse for 10 days.
Equisolon was previously available as a box of 10 x 9g pre-measured sachets with one sachet sufficient to treat a 300kg horse and a box contained enough sachets to treat a 600g horse for five days.
Alana McGlade, national sales manager at Dechra said: “The addition of Equisolon Jar to the Equisolon range provides vets with the flexibility to choose between a jar featuring a convenient measuring spoon and a box of easy to dose pre-measured sachets
www.dechra.co.uk/products/horse/prescription
The College has kicked off with questions and answers about the right to work in the UK and the impact on those currently studying to become a veterinary surgeon or planning to do so.
Although it's not yet possible to give definitive answers and there will doubtless be many more questions, the College says it will be keeping the new page updated as the situation unfolds.
The Q&A page can be found here: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/registration/about-the-rcvs-register/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-impact-of-the-eu-referendum/
The Crafty Vet Project aims to ignite your interest in one of a range of creative hobbies, which include cheese, beer, candle, soap and teddy-bear making, with kits available for sale from the new 'Craft Corner' section of their website. £3 from the sale of each kit will go to Vetlife.
Sarah said: "We wanted other veterinary professionals to experience the same pleasure that we get from creative hobbies. It is a chance for people no matter what day you have had to switch off, follow a pattern or instructions and come out with something at the end that you can be truly proud of."
Your new hobby might even turn into a nice sideline business. Sarah said: "One evening over a catch-up Zoe and I were discussing items that we wished we had in practice to make our lives as nurses easier.
"Despite having drunk 2 bottles of wine together we felt that there and then was the best time to start our new business. Two hours later having chopped up an old pair of curtains, accidently sewn my jumper sleeve into the material and woken my husband up at 3am to our cackles, we had the first prototype of our Slumberpet Recovery Coat.
"Our business has grown nicely since then and we are still coming up with more ideas, albeit in a slightly more sober, professional manner."
To select and order your hobby kit, visit: https://www.vnpetproducts.co.uk/craft-corner
Fabtek Solutions has announced the launch of Meditek, an activated carbon wound dressing which has been impregnated with silver to enhance its antibacterial qualities.
Joy Coutts from Fabtek Solutions said: "Meditek uses Zorflex which is a 100% pure activated carbon fibre. It has a huge surface area due to its microporous structure, and a permanent electrostatic charge that attracts bacteria towards it, where they are immobilised and retained. When removed from the substrate, the bacteria die, but the microscopic particulates of metallic silver accelerate the bacteria kill.
"Better still, Meditek carries no risk phases as it's non toxic and non invasive."
Joy added: "We are commercial members of the Vet Wound Library, an initiative designed to help promote modern wound care to veterinary professionals, it also means members can try our dressings for free."
According to Fabtek, Meditek has been tried and tested by vets and produced excellent results. The company's website also features some case studies which show the wound before and after the use of Meditek.
Dressings are available in 10cm x 10cm, and 15cm x 25cm sizes, which can be cut to fit. Prices start from £35 for a box of five.
For more information, see http://www.fabteksolutions.com/, email admin@fabteksolutions.com or call 07794094011.