Ian Arundale (pictured right) was appointed as the new Chair of the DC following an application process from within existing Disciplinary Committee members, with the final interview panel consisting of Amanda Boag (President at the time), Ian Green (current DC Chair) and Miran Uddin (an independent barrister who works in regulatory law). Ian begins his role as chair in late October.
Ian is Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police in the north east of England and was a police officer for 32 years serving in South Wales, West Mercia and Dyfed-Powys Police Forces. He currently provides expert witness services to inquests, courts and public inquiries. Ian has worked internationally and has assisted police forces and organisations in the USA, India, the Far East and New Zealand. In addition to his work with the RCVS, Ian is also the Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the City of Cardiff Council and is a board member of the International Law Enforcement Forum (ILEF).
Ian said: "I am pleased to have been selected as DC Chair and am looking forward to chairing the committee. The role of the DC is crucial to ensuring the RCVS protects and upholds the high standards of the UK veterinary professions, and I am humbled to be in a position to support this important function."
Dr Martin Whiting has been appointed as the new Vice Chair for the DC. Dr Whiting qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2006. Following a few years in practice, he returned to academia to complete a Masters in Medical Law and Ethics and a PhD in the public interest in veterinary professional regulation. Martin was appointed as Lecturer in Veterinary Ethics and Law at the RVC in 2013 and became an RCVS and European Specialist in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. In 2017, Martin moved to the Home Office to work with the Animals in Science Committee and is currently the Head of Operations for the Animals in Science Regulation Unit.
Dr Bradley Viner has been appointed as the new Chair of the RCVS PIC and began his role on 1 July 2019.
Bradley was appointed through an independent selection process led by an external HR consultancy, with RCVS Council ratifying the final appointments. Bradley replaces Andrew Ash, who chaired the PIC from July 2015 up until Bradley’s appointment.
Bradley established his own small animal practice in Pinner, Middlesex, which then grew to a group of five practices in north-west London. In 2017 he sold his practices to the Linnaeus Group and now works for them as Group Clinical Quality Lead across all their sites. He was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2017 for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. Bradley was an elected member of RCVS Council between 2005 and 2017, including four years as RCVS Treasurer and one year as RCVS President in 2015-16.
Bradley said: "I was delighted to have been selected as Chair of this Statutory Committee as I feel it is one of the most important interfaces between the College, the profession and the public. It has a vital role to play in protecting animal welfare and the reputation of the profession, but I am well aware that fear of disciplinary proceedings can be very stressful to those involved. I undertake to continually strive to work to find a balance that ensures the Committee maintains a well-regulated profession acting in the public interest but also makes every effort to avoid causing unnecessary stress on members that are subject to its proceedings."
More information about the RCVS concerns investigation and disciplinary processes can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns.
Entitled ‘Managing mitral valve disease from start to finish’, the course will account for four hours’ CPD split into six short bite-size sessions which can be completed at your own pace.
The sessions are presented by Dr Mike Martin MVB DVC MRCVS, and business thought leader, Dr Alison Lambert BVSc CMRS MRCVS. They consist of a practical review of MVD both pre-clinically and clinically and how to diagnose and stage it following the new 2019 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Consensus guidelines.
The course also includes tips on how to treat and manage dogs with MVD with diuretic management; a step-by-step guide to treatment options for acute and long-term management of congestive heart failure and how to troubleshoot problem congestive heart failure cases.
There's also a bonus ‘Communicating Cardiology’ session which looks at how to communicate the heart disease journey to owners.
To register for the course visit www.veterinarywebinars.com/mvd-reg.
Ceva will donate £2 for every veterinary professional completing the course throughout February and March 2021 to Vetlife, which provides support to the veterinary community and their families who have emotional, health or financial concerns.
The new presentation is honey-flavoured and is available in 30ml or 100ml bottles with a syringe for precise dosing.
It has a two-year shelf life and a broached shelf life of six months.
Dechra companion animal brand manager, Thomas Johnson, said: “The addition of Felimazole Oral to our product range will provide vets with the flexibility to prescribe Felimazole as either a tablet or oral solution to accommodate the preferences of both the cat and its owner.
"This, combined with our extensive endocrinology resources, will ensure that vets have all the necessary tools to support their feline hyperthyroid cases.”
https://www.dechra.co.uk/cushings-connect
https://www.dechra.co.uk/addisons-connect
https://www.dechra.co.uk/search?q=felimazole#/search=Felimazole
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/dechra-endocrinology-app/id1660737534
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has also granted a marketing authorisation in exceptional circumstances (Article 25, 26 EU Reg 2019/6) for Bultavo 3 in Ireland.
The company says that so far, more than 40 million doses of Bultavo 3 have been distributed in Europe to help limit the spread of BTV-3.
Boehringer points to a recent field study published by the German reference laboratory Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), which showed that vaccination of sheep and cattle with Bultavo 3 induces immunity against the virus1.
According to the study, animals vaccinated with Bultavo 3 consistently showed evidence of a protective antibody response to BTV-3, although animals vaccinated with other BTV-3 vaccines did not1.
Boehringer says it is now compiling the data needed to obtain a full marketing authorisation in accordance with Article 8 of EU Regulation 2019/6.
Reference
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched Posatex (1% Orbifloxacin, 0.1% Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and 0.1% Posaconazole, Otic Suspension), a new once-a-day treatment for otitis externa in dogs.
Posatex combines an antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory and an antifungal medication in one, seven-day treatment which the company describes as the 'next generation' treatment for severe otitis externa in dogs, designed to make compliance easier and bring fast relief to dogs suffering from this painful condition.
Allan Weingarten, Director, Pharmaceutical Research, and Posatex R&D Project Leader, said: "As every dog owner knows, this is a 'nightmare' disease. As experts in otic products, we feel a special responsibility to keep improving medications and continuing to make the course of treatment more effective, quicker and easier for both dogs and their caregivers. The novel triazole antifungal posaconazole, new to animal health, is the latest example of innovation in this product area."
Posatex Otic Suspension, available in 7.5, 15 and 30g plastic bottles, is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (coagulase positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis).
According to the company, posaconazole, the newest element in the three-in-one combination, has been shown to be particularly effective against Malassezia pachydermatis and more potent than other veterinary antifungals. Mometasone furoate monohydrate is a potent and safe anti-inflammatory and Orbifloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with proven efficacy against bacteria.
Zoetis has launched Suvaxyn Parvo/E, a combined vaccine which it says provides the earliest protection of gilts against parvovirus and erysipelas.
Parvovirus and erysipelas infections occur primarily in gilts and sows, negatively impacting their reproductive success and the health of their litters - inevitably reducing profitability.
Nigel Lodge, National Veterinary Manager for Zoetis, said: "The combined vaccine will help ensure the health of gilts and sows is not affected by these two infections which are widespread in the pig herd.
"Suvaxyn® Parvo/E gives the earliest protection so that the ability to vaccinate gilts at five months of age will help ensure a good start to their reproductive life. Up to half of all pigs may be carriers of erysipelas and importantly the vaccine has licensed efficacy against both Erysipelothrix serotypes 1 and 2.
"This brings another vaccine to our portfolio, making it one of the largest in the pig sector and confirming the ongoing commitment of Zoetis to the health and welfare of pigs."
Suvaxyn® Parvo/E is an inactivated combination vaccine approved for immunising gilts and sows to prevent reproductive disorders caused by porcine parvovirus and reduce clinical signs caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Primary vaccination is recommended from five months of age, with two injections given three to four weeks apart, ensuring the second dose occurs at least four weeks before mating. Revaccination should take place three to four weeks before each subsequent mating.
The vaccine comes in 10-dose and 2 X 25-dose packs. For more information, contact your Zoetis Pig Key Account Manager.
Vets Now launched the service at the start of the pandemic to provide remote veterinary advice, and it has now expanded from eight to nearly 30 emergency vets.
In 2022, Video Vets Now had over 13,000 consultations, with 80% of these occurring out-of-hours. Sundays are the busiest day, with almost a third of all consultations taking place.
Of these total consultations, 17% of pets were discharged normally, 7% were immediately referred in-clinic, and 48% were discharged as non-emergency cases, but with a recommendation to get a daytime vet appointment within 48 hours.
Dave Leicester, Vets Now’s head of telehealth says the fact that so few of Video Vets Now calls are referred on to a face-to-face consultation is a real benefit for pet owners and the veterinary profession: “Over two thirds of cases don’t need to be seen urgently by a vet.
"A lot of the cases are pet owners needing some clinical reassurance.
"As cases are triaged remotely, the service therefore frees up clinical staff for genuine emergencies.
“Additionally, without the service, many clients would have no other option than to attend for a full consultation at an out-of-hours clinic; so, clients save money too, allowing them to save their budget to spend at their daytime practices.
“Following the triage consultation, if the pet does need a non-urgent face-to-face consultation, we always direct clients to their registered vet. The £24 Video Vets Now consultation fee is then refunded.
"We call this our ‘Never Pay Twice’ promise, and it applies regardless of where that follow on consultation takes place.
"We see this as a win-win situation for clients and practices.”
Dave continued: “Over the past three years, Video Vets Now has seen unparalleled growth, providing essential care and reassurance for pet owners during a time of many challenges to traditional veterinary practice.
“As the pandemic has drawn to a close, we have consolidated our position as one of the UK's foremost providers of teletriage.
"Looking to the future, the changes in veterinary regulation will allow us to grow further and expand the range of services we can provide, bringing telehealth to an even greater number of pet owners.”
Woodley Equipment has launched the g-Pet species-specific glucose meter with a special introductory price of £9.50
Woodley says the g-Pet Glucometer makes testing quick easy and economical. Just insert a test strip, apply blood, and get results in 10 seconds.
The company highlights the following features of the new system:
Normal RRP is £49.50. Special introductory offer price is £9.50 for the next four weeks. Price includes meter, lancet, tips, 10 strips, manual, case and control solution.
For further information, or to organise a no-obligation in-practice demo, telephone 01204 669033 (option 1), or email: sales@woodleyequipment.com
Alternatively, visit www.woodleyequipment.com
The College highlights the following key changes:
The RCVS says the new corporate look is designed to be fresh, uncluttered and professional, and the new RCVS logo and strapline - "setting veterinary standards" - should leave visitors in no doubt as to the key purpose of the RCVS as a regulatory body. And whilst the new identity is modern in feel, the use of a shield device aims to maintain the link with the College's long history.
According to the College, the new brand was described by the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who helped to develop it as "simple, clear and clean, with a strong message" and "modern and approachable".
President Peter Jinman said: "The College has been accused of being 'confused and confusing' in the past. With the new identity we have endeavoured to clarify that the College is a forward-thinking regulator - despite being established when Queen Victoria was only recently on the throne, and working to 45-year-old legislation.
"Changing the logo, font and colours we use is only a small part of the process though. Our branding review included several layers of research and we now have a better understanding of how we have been perceived, how we would like to be perceived, and what we need to do to get there. This includes changing how we behave and communicate as an organisation, as well as how we position ourselves to the outside world."
The new look, which includes new logos for RCVS Awards, the RCVS Charitable Trust and the Practice Standards Scheme, will be rolled out across other communications elements as the year unfolds, to avoid the unnecessary wastage of materials branded with the old identity.
Meanwhile, the website is a living medium, and the College says it is keen to hear feedback from users about what they like, and what could be improved, to help inform further developments.
The company's new van has a range of 146 miles before it needs recharging, and it can be recharged to 80% within 40 minutes.
That puts 60% of MWI's customers within range of its distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent, including those in Manchester and Birmingham.
As part of its drive to establish more sustainable operations, MWI has also launched a pilot with one of its corporate customers in which they reduce the number of deliveries made per week – adopting a two or three-day a week delivery system.
The company says that since January, that has resulted in 700,000 fewer vehicle miles.
Ceva Animal Health UK has launched a new Galastop iPhone application to calculate the optimal date for spaying in order to reduce the risk of post-operative false pregnancy.
Enter the end of oestrus date (when the last season finished), and the app will calculate when to spay, i.e. 16 weeks later.
Ceva says it is important not to spay a bitch during a false pregnancy as post-operative chronic pseudopregnancy may develop, which can last longer and be more resistant to standard treatment. However, some cases of false pregnancy can be silent and difficult to detect. Product manager at Ceva Animal Health UK, Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS, said: "It is commonly recommended to wait until 12 weeks after the end of oestrus before spaying. However, silent pseudopregnancy can still occur at this stage so, to be on the safe side, many specialists are now recommending spaying later at 16 weeks after the end of oestrus."
Click here for more details, and to download the app in iTunes.
For further information, please contact your Ceva Animal Health UK representative or call the veterinary support team on 01494 781510.
Norbrook Laboratories has launched Closamectin, a parasiticide which the company says will revolutionise cattle farming and parasite control in meat producing animals.
Closamectin Pour-on is a solution which can quite literally be poured onto the back of animals. It simultaneously treats fluke, worms and external parasites. The new product is the culmination of a six year research project costing £3.5 million and involving 80 scientists at the company's headquarters in Newry Co Down.
Norbrook says it will bring immense benefits for farmers whose cattle are often ravaged by parasitic attack. Fluke in particular can have devastating effects both on beef and dairy herds, seriously weakening, and in some cases killing the animals by destroying their livers. At the very least it collectively costs farmers around £17 million per annum by reducing the weight of beef cattle and the milk yields of dairy cows.
Fluke used to be confined to the western parts of Britain, together with Scotland and Ireland, but global warming has seen other parts of the UK experiencing the same mild and wet conditions on which the parasite thrives. Consequently it is on the rise.
Currently fluke is treated by injection or oral drench - both time-consuming and difficult processes for the farmers which can also be stressful for the animals. In contrast pour-on solutions can be applied swiftly and easily with no detrimental impact on cattle.
Norbrook has been awarded licenses for Closamectin Pour-on in both the UK and Ireland. This is a very significant market: the countries have a combined cattle population of 17 million. There are also plans to roll out the product in other countries.
Developing a pour-on to deal with these parasites has baffled scientists for 20 years. Alistair Couper, Norbrook's Chief Vet said: "This is the Holy Grail of farm animal veterinary medicine. It was a highly complex challenge for our research team. They had to develop a product which would treat different conditions simultaneously and have a molecular structure which could be absorbed straight through the skin. This is a ground breaking achievement and a brilliant piece of science"
Lord Ballyedmond, Chairman of Norbrook Laboratories said: "This is a very important milestone for Norbrook and for livestock and farmers worldwide. We have invested heavily in research and development and the results are there for all to see. We are delighted to have beaten other multinationals. We have now developed the world's most effective remedy for parasite control in cattle that our entering the food chain. I am pleased to state that our business has grown this year indigenously at 12% despite the recession, beating our competitors. This tremendous breakthrough is a great testimony to the brilliance of our scientists in Newry and also to our policy of investing in research. "
Invicta Animal Health has announced its appointment as exclusive veterinary distributor in the UK for Chloraprep, a licensed human product for cutaneous antisepsis, prior to invasive procedures.
Invicta says Chloraprep is a single use, easy to apply, sterile system, available in a variety of sizes and in clear and tinted versions to enhance the visibility of the area requiring antisepsis, for instance, prior to surgery.
The sterile solution is maintained in a glass ampoule inside a protective outer case and, to prevent contamination, the patented design ensures users don't come into contact with either the contents or the patient's skin.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "Most surgical site infections (SSI's) are the result of contamination from a patient's own skin flora1, a fact which highlights the importance of thorough and effective preparation of the skin as a proactive way to minimise the incidence of SSI's in patients."
According to the company, research has shown that Chloraprep, which contains 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol, has demonstrated significantly better antimicrobial activity than other combinations2.
Invicta says the way in which the solution is applied to the skin is as important as the solution itself. Studies show that the most effective way to apply Chloraprep is with a back and forth scrubbing movement because this gives a lower microbial count on the skin than using other application methods3. Once applied, Chloraprep is active in 30 seconds and is effective for up to 48 hours4.
Rob said: "The majority of UK hospitals and the Blood Transfusion Service already use Chloraprep and we are pleased to make this available under the provisions of the cascade."
He added: 'The veterinary nurses I've spoken to love this product, because they're fed up of immersing their dry, cracked hands in disinfectant!'
For further information, please contact Invicta Animal Health on 01403 791313 or email the company at mail@invictavet.com.
References
1. Florman S, Nichols RL. Am J Infect Dis 2007; 3: 51-61.2. Hibbard JS. J Infus Nurs 2005; 28: 194-207.3. Rosenthal K. Nurs Manage 2006; April: 55-66.4. Garcia R et al. Abstracts of the IDSA 40th Annual Meeting 2002; Abs 418.
The allied professionals that the BVA says should be led by veterinary surgeons include: Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), Official Auxiliaries/ Meat Hygiene Inspectors, embryo transfer technicians, equine dental technicians, foot trimmers, farriers, hydrotherapists, animal behaviourists and veterinary physiotherapists.
To clarify where the responsibility for a patient sits and how it is shared between veterinary surgeons and allied professionals, the new policy statement also calls for:
The regulation of allied professionals to include mandatory veterinary diagnosis and oversight and appropriate access to veterinary records as pre-requisites before treatment;
Clarity on the delegation of duties for RVNs under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title in legislation;
Consultation with the veterinary profession on any regulatory changes that may arise as a result of technological or other innovation.
British Veterinary Association President Simon Doherty (pictured right) said: "Against an evolving landscape, it’s essential that the veterinary profession keeps pace with change and addresses the challenges and opportunities it presents.
"Vets across sectors have always worked closely with allied professionals. The hub and spoke model acknowledges and clarifies this working relationship with clear lines of accountability and responsibility for the animals under our care. It also emphasises that vets’ right to diagnose, prescribe, and undertake surgical procedures and medical treatments must not be undermined.
"An effective and efficient vet-led team can help deliver better animal health and welfare, improved client care, and more effective use of skills within the veterinary professions. Given the ongoing workforce shortages, a strengthened veterinary workforce also has the potential to ease recruitment and retention concerns for both vets and RVNs and offer improved wellbeing.
"BVA will continue working with professional bodies and organisations to formalise the hub and spoke model, promote the value of regulation, and drive up professional standards."
MSD has announced that the broad-spectrum clostridial disease vaccine for sheep and cattle, Bravoxin 10, is now available in a new 6 x 100ml farm vaccination pack. The pack contains enough vaccine for 600 sheep or 300 cattle boosters.
Buyers of the new farm pack will also get a free vaccine applicator worth £20. The new Bravoxin 10 applicator benefits from the sterimatic system, which protects and sterilises the vaccination needle with each injection. MSD says it can also be placed down between doses without risk of needle damage, self-injection or needing to remove the vaccine bottle.
Bravoxin 10 protects both cattle and sheep from clostridial diseases like blackleg and black disease, as well as other conditions caused by clostridial bacteria that usually kill the animal once infection has become established. The vaccine protects against disease caused by the 10 main clostridial bacteria; C. perfringens type A, C.perfringens type B, C.perfringens type C, C.perfringens type D, C.novyi type B, C.septicum, C.tetani, C.sordellii, C.haemolyticum and C.chauvoei.
60 veterinary surgeons, nurses and other team members from White Cross practices in Tividale, Guiseley, West Derby and Alvaston have formed 20 teams of three people, logging a total of 30,000 miles since the initiative was launched in February, or an average of 11,000 steps per team member per day.
James Harris MRCVS from White Cross Vets said: "We spend a lot of the day on our feet but really had no idea about the distance that we clock up. There are about 2,000 steps in a mile so we are walking more than five miles every day! We are always encouraging our clients to make sure their pets have a healthy lifestyle, so it’s great to practise what we preach.
"As well as the steps we take throughout the day many of us are also committed to sports and exercise regimes outside work and that has helped us to reach the top of the leaderboard for a few weeks. You might even find some of us marching on the spot to boost our step-counts and heart rates, so the Fitbit challenge is definitely keeping us active."
General manager Jo Jobling said: "We understand the vital importance of both physical and mental wellbeing, and our Fitbit challenge is a great way for our teams from across our 19 practices to work together to achieve a worthwhile healthy goal, as well as creating some healthy competition with colleagues in other practices. We also have an individual steppers league table which was recently topped by one of our veterinary nurses, Katie Rose from our Tividale practice. It might have helped that she completed a half marathon over that weekend though!"
The company has completed a health hazard assessment which concluded that any risk to animal and human health is likely to be low and no greater than expected for this product under normal conditions, as described on the product labelling.
The recall is for the following batches only:
Batch Numbers:
0265-900302-900246-900112-900295-909053-919103-91
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd is contacting veterinary surgeons to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.
For further information, contact Gary Mckee on +44 2830 264435 or email gary.mckee@norbrook.co.uk
Animalcare has launched Vetaclean, a new range of disinfectants which the company says has a notably high kill activity against canine parvovirus and common feline viruses such as FIV, FeLV and FCV.
The range comprises Vetaclean Parvo Advance, a surface disinfectant-cleaner, Vetaclean enzymatic instrument detergent-cleaner, and an instrument disinfectant.
Animalcare Product Manager, Tony Liepman, said: "Veterinary nurses tell us that canine parvovirus is the most challenging and resistant pathogen they work with, and so we set this as our benchmark for the Vetaclean disinfectant products. Tested under EN protocols and having 99.99% + kill activity against parvovirus, our new disinfectants demonstrate high efficacy against a broad range of bacteria, including MRSA/MRSP, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria and spores.
"Infection control is in the spotlight at the moment, highlighted by initiatives from within and outside our industry. Firstly, the new Practice Standards Scheme - launched at the same time as our range - places great emphasis on having a rigorous biosecurity policy. This includes requirements for personal hygiene as well as cleanliness of premises and equipment. High-level decontamination of instruments and equipment is ensured through the Vetaclean two-stage process, which works with even soiled instruments or equipment, and in under 20 minutes. The products have also been designed to be suitable for use on the most specialised equipment seen in today’s practices, including flexible or rigid endoscopes, ultrasonic baths, aspirators, arthroscopes and re-processing machines.
"Importantly, the active ingredients in the Vetaclean range meet the criteria of the new EU Biocides Regulations, policed by the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, which came into effect on 1st September 2015. All products with biocidal activity now need to undergo a complex registration process, ensuring the products are not harmful to people, the environment or animals. The rigorous process may see many disinfectant manufacturers pull out of the market, resulting in less choice. Further, the Vetaclean range does not contain Poly (hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB). The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently proposing that PHMB is listed as a category 2 carcinogen."
The Vetaclean Parvo Advance range includes a 1 litre lavender product in a self-dosing bottle, 5 litre apple and lemon-fragranced liquid concentrates and unfragranced large surface wipes. There are two different dilution rates: a general purpose dilution rate for most pathogens at 1:100 (10ml per litre), and a parvocidal dilution rate at 1:50 (20ml per litre). Animalcare says the alkaline-based formula ensures that the products are compatible with a wide range of materials and are non-staining. Both the enzymatic instrument cleaner and instrument disinfectant are available in 2 litre concentrates (incorporating a calibrated dosing reservoir).
The Vetaclean range is available now in wholesalers. The company has also produced a brochure Hygiene in practice, a guide to veterinary infection control from Animalcare, designed to help familiarise veterinary professionals with the principles and uses of the product range. There is also a special launch offer of Buy-4-Get-One-Free available from Animalcare representatives.
For further information, contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, or speak to your regional Animalcare representative: www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us.
Jon (pictured right, in blue) has devised the fundraising event as part of his BEVA Presidential year. He has put together three routes in Yorkshire to suit all abilities, over the same roads used by Ron Kitching, the champion 1930s road racer. Each route starts and finishes at York racecourse and will be supported with signage and feed and watering stops along the way.
Participants can choose from a 35 mile largely flat 'trot' which takes in the city of York, a 66 mile slightly hilly 'canter' skirting the Yorkshire Wolds and a 91 mile 'gallop' over the Rosedale Chimney, which, according to Jon has "enough ascent to make Sir Chris Bonnington happy!"
There will also be a short family ride on the afternoon of 2nd June so that children and less practised cyclists can get involved.
To enter visit http://www.wheelsinwheels.com/BEVA_Presidents_challenge_Sportive_UK.php
For further information visit www.beva.org.uk
This, says Spillers, suggests that older horses, whether or not they have been diagnosed with insulin dysregulation, need an appropriate diet and management plan to help minimise the risks associated with insulin dysregulation such as laminitis.
The two studies1,2, which were conducted in collaboration with Michigan State University, aimed to find out more about the relationship between insulin dysregulation, dietary adaptation, and ageing to help guide more appropriate feeding regimens for senior horses.
Both studies investigated tissue insulin resistance and the insulin response in healthy adults compared to healthy senior horses adapted to diets with varying levels and sources of hydrolysable and structural carbohydrate (starch, sugar, and fibre).
Results from both studies showed insulin responses tend to increase with age in healthy horses, regardless of the diet they had been fed prior to evaluation. The insulin response, for example, was highest in the senior horses fed a starch rich meal even when they had been adapted to such a diet.
Clare Barfoot, RNutr, the research and development manager at Spillers said: "These studies confirm that even healthy older horses can have an increased insulin response compared to younger animals.
"This suggests that the energy sources used in the diet of senior horses and their effect on insulin dynamics need to be carefully considered.
"Practically, this means restricting the overall amount of starch and sugar in the diet especially for those horses that already have additional risk factors such as obesity, native breeding or PPID."
As a result, clients of LV=GI and Waggel will be able to book an online appointment with a veterinary surgeon within 30 minutes, without having to pay FirstVet's normal £20-30 charge.
Waggel is FirstVet's 26th insurance partner globally, and its third in the UK. The company now has 150 veterinary surgeons working on the platform.
Lucy Broadbridge, LV= GI Pet Product Manager, said: “At LV= GI we’re always looking for ways to help our customers protect what they love, so we’re very excited to be able to work with FirstVet to provide this service to our pet customers. With access to a vet from your smartphone or device, our pet customers will have peace of mind knowing that qualified veterinary advice is on hand 24/7, avoiding unnecessary time, cost and distress of visiting their vet if they don’t really need to."
Under current legislation, there is very little practical assistance that can be offered via an online consultation, other than recommending whether or not the animal needs to be seen by a veterinary surgeon in person. It may also be the case that the online consultation offers little more than a pet owner would get by ringing their normal vet. Nevertheless, online consultations will doubtless grow significantly in 2020, as the players line up to take advantage of any relaxation in the regulations that they hope will allow veterinary surgeons to prescribe medicines for animals they have not seen in person.
Regardless of whether that happens, there is a value in face-to-face communication between a veterinary surgeon or nurse and a client, whether it be for triage or follow up consultations. Independent practices might therefore be well advised to start implementing this kind of technology in practice sooner rather than later, in particular looking at ways that online appointments could be scheduled (perhaps between normal consultations) so as to compete with the short waiting times offered by companies like FirstVet.
The Practice Standards Group, which comprises representatives from all of the key veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations, has updated the standards of the Practice Standards Scheme and a draft of the new Manual is now available for comment.
The Scheme is a voluntary accreditation programme that aims to promote and maintain high standards of facilities and care within UK veterinary practices. When it was launched in 2005, a commitment was made that the standards would not change for five years, unless new legislation (such as the Veterinary Medicines Regulations) required it. Following a detailed review of the standards, to ensure they continue to be relevant to current veterinary practice, proposals have been made by the Group for new standards to be implemented during 2010.
Jill Nute, Chairman of the Practice Standards Group said: "It is unlikely that any already-accredited practices will be required to invest in additional facilities or equipment to meet the new standards.
"Instead, greater emphasis has been placed on clinical outcomes and training. For example, performance review has been introduced for all clinical staff, including the Professional Development Phase for new graduates. We are keen to hear feedback on the proposed new standards."
One recommendation is that the 'tiers' should be dropped. The categories will retain their descriptive names, for example, Small Animal General Practice or Equine Veterinary Hospital. Feedback suggests that clients, and the profession, found the tiers to be misleading.
The layout of the Manual has been revamped, to include guidance that was previously available online. Guidance for each relevant standard can now be seen at a glance. There is also an icon to indicate if documentary evidence will be required by the inspector. In addition, the new format clarifies the derivation of each standard, so that legislative requirements are distinguished from those required under the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct and those indicated by better practice.
Membership of the Scheme continues to grow, with 126 applications to join the Scheme in the first six months of this year, representing 264 premises, compared with 61 applications in the whole of last year. There are currently 2,351 practice premises under the ambit of the Scheme - approximately 50%.
The draft new Manual is online at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations.
Hard copies are available from Eleanor Ferguson, Practice Standards Scheme Manager: e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0720.
The deadline for comments is 31 August 2009. Responses will be considered by the Practice Standards Group at its September meeting and thereafter by Council in November.
The Kennel Club has written to veterinary surgeries in the UK to remind them to report caesarians and operations carried out on Kennel Club registered dogs, to help monitor and improve pedigree health.
The letter reminds vets that any operations which alter the natural conformation of a Kennel Club registered dog should be reported, as owners will need to apply for permission to compete with that dog at Kennel Club licensed shows. Vets are also asked to report caesarians as the Kennel Club will not register a litter from a bitch that has had two subsequent caesarians.
The Kennel Club says that information submitted by vets will ultimately help to improve the health of pedigree dogs as it 'provides information regarding breeding lines which may pass on certain defects and helps to deter breeders from breeding from animals with hereditary problems.'
The letter informs vets that breeders sign a declaration when registering their litter with the Kennel Club, which means that the vet will never be breaching confidentiality when reporting such operations. The declaration says: "I/we confirm and agree that any veterinary surgery performing a caesarian section and/or operation on any of my/our dogs in such a way that the operation alters the natural conformation of the dog or any part thereof may submit a report to the Kennel Club."
The declaration, regarding the reporting of operations which change natural conformation, was made a condition of Kennel Club registration in 1990 and caesarians were added to the declaration in 2010.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "The veterinary profession and the Kennel Club both hold valuable information about pedigree dogs but by sharing this information we will get a much more accurate picture about dog health.
Although some vets report operations to the Kennel Club this is not a uniform practice, but we hope this reminder will help to ensure that we work more closely together in the future."
Vets have been sent a copy of the reporting form that they should use and the link to where the forms can be downloaded from the Kennel Club website www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3310. The BVA has also produced a list of frequently asked questions about veterinary reporting at www.bva.co.uk/publications_and_resources/Forms.aspx
Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "It can be a very worrying time for owners if their pet is being investigated for, or diagnosed with, hypothyroidism and the new website aims to help them understand more about the condition, how it manifests itself and what they can expect on the management journey.
"Effective management of the condition can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life and prevents the development of other, potentially life-threatening conditions, for which treatment can be intensive and costly."
The website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section and an interactive log book for owners to fill in which can also be emailed to their veterinary surgeon to assist in tracking the dogs’ progress and ensure that treatment is at its optimal level.
For more information, visit www.hypothyroiddog.com
Ines, who graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain in 2001, has spent the last seven years working at universities in America, Australia and Europe. She undertook her PhD in MR spectroscopy of the brain in dogs at the University of Bern-Zurich in Switzerland. She has a Masters in Radiology from University of Glasgow. She has also worked at the University of Illinois and Sydney University.
Willows clinical director Toby Gemmill said: "Ines is highly qualified and highly regarded, so is a very welcome addition to our talented imaging team. Her experience of working around the world will also be a terrific asset to the practice."
Ines said: "I am very happy and honoured to be joining Willows and to now be part of such a great diagnostic imaging team. "This is a well-known centre of excellence and I’m really looking forward to helping deliver the first class care and treatment that Willows always aims to provide."
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net.