The new tool is part of a package that also includes posters and SMS texts to support veterinary practices in raising awareness of gastric ulcers to horse owners.
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a serious and common condition and any type of horse can be at risk.1 EGUS can have a profound impact on a horse’s condition and performance and can be life threatening in foals. It is a challenging condition to diagnose as the clinical signs are often vague and not always present.1
Gastroscopy is the only method currently available for a definitive diagnosis. Of the two types of disease equine squamous gastric disease is graded on a numeric scale with 1 being the least severe and 4 being the most serious. Equine glandular gastric disease can be very varied in terms of location and type so grading this disease on a score system is no longer recommended. Instead it is now usually described in terms of location, severity and appearance.2
The new tool has been designed to help vets to map the area affected by gastric disease and record the details in an accessible format. This information, together with treatment and management recommendations, can be shared easily with the client. Posters explaining gastric ulceration have been designed to help increase awareness and understanding of EGUS amongst horse owners.
Zoetis says effective treatment usually involves a combination of management and medical treatments. UlcerGold is indicated to treat and prevent the recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses, administered once-daily for 28 consecutive days at the full dose of 4mg/kg bodyweight followed by the reduced dose of 1mg/kg bodyweight for a further 28 days.3 It contains omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion.3,4 One syringe contains enough UlcerGold for a daily dose for a horse weighing up to 700kg. It can be used for foals as young as four weeks of age that weigh over 70kg and for breeding stallions.
References
The VMD, which reclassified the product following a request from Zoetis, says that increasing the availability of this anthelmintic should help it to be incorporated into strategic worm control programmes on farms in line with best practice guidance on worm control. This could result in long term health benefits for sheep, for example by reducing the development and spread of anthelmintic resistance, thereby prolonging the effective use of anthelmintics.
However, both the British Veterinary Association and the Sheep Veterinary Society have expressed concerns over the move.
BVA Junior Vice President John Fishwick said: "We know that resistance to anthelmintics is increasing in grazing animals worldwide and needs to be addressed to avoid a potentially disastrous situation of being unable to tackle parasites. The reclassification of Startect Dual Active from POM-V to POM-VPS is in direct opposition to the trend in Europe, where we are seeing increased control over dispensing of anthelmintics in species where resistance is posing a serious threat to animal health, welfare and profitable production; we're extremely concerned that we might start seeing resistance develop in Group 4 as a result.
"BVA believes that the prescribing of anthelmintics requires a level of control best provided by a veterinary surgeon who has the animals under his/her care, and is based on a sound clinical diagnosis. The drugs are best used as part of a flock health plan drawn up by farmers in conjunction with their vet in order to protect animal health and welfare and safeguard the efficacy of these products for the future."
Sheep Veterinary Society President Kathryn Dun said: "Group 4 anthelmintics should be used only as part of a careful designed strategy for the individual farm and it is imperative that this strategy is worked out with a vet and is part of a flock health plan for that farm. The products need to be used, in the correct way, to help prolong the life of our other anthelmintics.
"We are unlikely to have any further new groups of anthelmintics in the foreseeable future, so education of those buying and selling these products is crucial to ensure the longevity of the effective action of them against sheep parasites."
Further information on BVA's policy on anthelmintics can be found here: www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/policy/medicines/anthelmintics
The programme includes:
Chris Scudder will also be announcing the successful bids for funding from SAMSoc's new research grant initiative.
Co-organiser Caroline Kisielewicz (pictured right) said: "Despite the trials and tribulations of the ongoing pandemic, we are delighted that the spring SAMSoc meeting has returned this year! We are very excited about the upcoming meeting, which is packed full of great lectures that will stimulate some great talking points. Whilst it won't be the same as being there in person, we hope that everyone will enjoy connecting with colleagues and friends through the virtual world with what promises to be a fantastic event."
The association is also inviting entries now for the next poster/case report competition, details of which can be found at: https://www.samsoc.org/competitions/call-for-spring-2021-poster-entries.
The winning presentation will receive £250, and two runners up will each receive £100.
For the full programme, visit https://www.samsoc.org/meetings/2021-spring-meeting
Registration costs £100 for the day, with a discounted rate at £60 for SAMSoc members (membership costs £29).
To register, visit www.samsoc.org.
Formerly known as BSAVA’s Scottish Congress, Alba delegates will be treated to 28 lectures, four practicals, ten hours of CPD and a commercial exhibition.
There are three lecture streams: one for vets, another for vet nurses and another open to all.
Highlights include ‘Echocardiology’ with Kieran Borgeat, ‘Dermatology: What can nurses do?’ with Sue Paterson, and ‘Wildlife Triage’ with Jenna Richardson.
The practical sessions are open to all and include sampling techniques, suturing and a ferret clinical exam.
There's a gala dinner on Friday 16th from 7:30pm, starting with a drinks reception, followed by dinner and entertainment in the evening, with a live band and ceilidh dancing.
Angela McLaughlin, Scottish Regional Chair at the BSAVA said: “We are delighted that we are returning to Scotland after three years away as this is a great event that allows vets and nurses the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge, while visiting an idyllic part of the country!”
For BSAVA members, tickets cost £240 +VAT for vets, £165 +VAT for veterinary nurses, and £65 +VAT for students.
Day tickets and non-member tickets are also available.
There's an additional fee of £10 +VAT for all practical sessions.
Tickets for the gala dinner are £35 for delegates and £55 for guests.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, BSAVA’s hotel booking partner, BCD Meetings & Events, can help.
www.bsavaevents.com/bsavaalba2022
Vetoquinol, makers of Sedalin (acepromazine), has published a free clipping guide for horse owners.
The company says the launch of the guide has been timed to coincide with the horse clipping season, when owners may be considering sedating horses to make things safer for themselves and their horses.
The guide refers owners to their veterinary surgeon for professional advice if sedation is appropriate.
The company has also produced promotional practice posters: ' Less Stress more Success'
For your poster and accompanying guides, contact your Vetoquinol Territory Manager or Teleservices directly on 01280 825424. You may also wish to put a link to a downloadable version of the guide on your practice website: http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/clippingguide.pdf
'The new discovery in feline communication' symposium was held during the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) International Feline Congress from 8th - 10th August.
The symposium was presented by Professor Patrick Pageat DVM MSc PhD HDR Dipl ECAWBM-BM Hon Dipl CLECVe, who researched and developed both Feliway and Adaptil, and Dr Andy Sparkes BVetMed PhD DipECVIM MANZCVS MRCVS, veterinary consultant at ISFM.
Patrick presented ‘the science behind the new pheromone discovery’ and covered how it was developed, how it works and why it is a step up from the existing pheromone products. Andy followed with ‘Feliway Optimum: clinical evidence’ and featured the clinical data behind the new product and how it outperforms existing pheromones.
To register for ‘the new discovery in feline communication’ symposium on demand, which equates to one hour’s CPD, email cevauk@ceva.com.
Royal Canin is offering Dyson Animal handheld bagless vacuum cleaners (normally retailing at £130) with orders of over £500 at Congress this year.
The Royal Canin Veterinary range will be on display, including the latest additions for cats, Renal Special Dry and Renal with Tuna.
Delegates can also find out more about Royal Canin’s programme of on-site in-practice staff training on nutrition, Pet Health Counsellor courses and extensive support material for veterinary nurses, receptionist courses, display material for the waiting room, and a helpline to ensure that vets and their teams have quick access to the most up to date information.
Everyone who drops in on Royal Canin will also be able to enter a free draw to win a flight in a hot air balloon.
The Blue Cross is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2009.
The annual award is presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress. It recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the welfare of pets in the community. This year's Congress will take place on 9-11 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.
Last year's award was won by Rebecca Darbyshire for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Pocklington, York.
Rebecca Darbyshire was nominated by vet and colleague Matt Brash at Battlefields veterinary clinic in Pocklington.
Mr Brash said: "Rebecca is an outstanding, unassuming professional nurse. She runs all of the clinics that a modern day nurse does, but still has the time for anybody - whatever they need, whenever they need it. She has developed such a close relationship with our clients that they would often rather see her than a vet!"
Nominations for this year's award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2009 or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 825577. The deadline for nominations is Friday 14 August 2009.
The Blue Cross has taken the lead in animal care for over a hundred years. Its four animal hospitals provide a lifeline for pet owners on low incomes. Its community vet services also cater for elderly and disabled people. Without the charity's hospitals, and the services they provide, many people would be without the benefits that pet ownership can bring.
In 2019, Jennifer Dykes won the ‘All creatures great and small’ category with her picturesque image of a misty UK mountainside and flock of sheep, entitled ‘Conversations at Dawn’.
This year’s award is split into three categories which focus on images that capture the human-animal bond in day-to-day veterinary work, as well as photos of pets or wildlife taken outside of the working environment.
Submissions for each category can be taken on a phone or a high-spec camera, and should take into account responsible animal interaction, and positive animal health and welfare.
The three categories are:
The winner or each category will get £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers and the plan is for the winning images, along with the highly commended entries, to be displayed at BVA Live on 24 – 25 June 2021.
BVA President, James Russell said: “The BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award is something that we all look forward to, and the incredible array of eye-catching photos taken by people from across the veterinary community never ceases to impress me.
“In view of the current circumstances, we have introduced a new category: ‘A vet’s life in lockdown’, which we hope will produce some interesting documentation of how the profession has fared against a very challenging backdrop, like no other.
“Whether you’re a semi-professional photographer or a casual snapper, we encourage you to enter and showcase your daily interactions with animals either at work or play, or your skill at capturing wildlife at its most beautiful, even if it is in your back garden, or on the windowsill.”
The competition is open to all current BVA members. Membership must be active at the time of entering. It will be judged by BVA officers among others. Entries will close on 8 March 2021 and winners will be announced in April.
For more information and to submit your entry, visit: https://www.bva.co.uk/membership/photo-competition/.
The academy will consist of three modules which will be launched in 2021. Those who complete all three modules will receive certification from Bimeda, and some exclusive branded goodies.
The first module is titled Bimeda Trace Elements in Dairy Cow Fertility & Pregnancy and is available now on Bimeda’s e-learning portal: https://bimeda-learning.co.uk. This module also accounts for 1 hour 15 minutes of CPD and vets can download a certificate when they complete the module. The module has also been accredited with 9 AMTRA points.
In the coming months Bimeda says it'll add a second module focused on the role of trace element nutrition in lamb and calf growth, and a final module focused on the role of trace elements in sheep fertility and pregnancy.
Bimeda UK General Manager Mark Cokayne said: "Trace elements play a critical role in the health and fertility of ruminants, yet historically this area has been somewhat overlooked in formal animal health education.
"Our customers tell us that they would like a deeper understanding of areas such as trace element deficiencies, toxicities and interactions, and the impact of these on ruminant health and fertility. We are pleased to respond to this market demand with our new academy, which will provide veterinarians and SQPs with additional knowledge to help inform their conversations with farmers."
To sign up to either Bimeda’s online Nutrition Academy or the Sheep Scab Academy, visit https://bimeda-learning.co.uk
For more information, speak to your Bimeda territory manager or call Bimeda on 01248 725 400.
The Arthrex Vet Systems Mobile Lab will be hosting hands-on sessions to help practitioners develop their arthroscopy and joint block skills in its state-of-the-art laboratory.
BEVA President Roger Smith said: “Our practical sessions are always highly popular and the wetlab experience takes things to the next level."
"The ability to practice ultrasound-guided injections at the conference provides the opportunity to hone your skills in ultrasound and enable you to cement to ultrasound-guided injections of tendons and ligaments and joints into your daily practice.
On the Thursday there will be three wetlab taster sessions at three different stations, giving delegates the chance to sharpen their skills with an ultrasound scanner, arthroscope and arthrobox.
Friday’s sessions will be focused on forelimb joint blocks and arthroscopic demonstrations of the needle locations.
The full BEVA Congress programme is now live and super early bird tickets are available until 7th June 2024.
Individual super early bird BEVA members prices are £524 for vets and £144 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessionary available for those in their first three years of graduation or earning less than £25,000).
Day tickets and practice passes are also available.
http://www.bevacongress.org
The BSAVA has announced that Nottingham Trent University will be the accrediting body for the new Postgraduate Surgery and Medicine Certificates being launched in January 2012.
BSAVA says the planning for this new education initiative has been exhaustive, ensuring that the needs of the profession and the individual vet can be met by a provider with an excellent legacy in veterinary education. And also, an organisation with a genuine interest in seeing the highest scientific standards are matched by a relevant, cost-effective, and accessible programme that fits with life in practice today. To that end, finding the right validation partner was a crucial part of the planning.
Dr Frances Barr, BSAVA Academic Director, said: "This is an exciting new venture in postgraduate CPD, and will ultimately lead to qualifications which are achievable for those in practice and directly relates to their experience. Yet of course, these qualifications must remain challenging enough to merit the respect of the profession and meet the standards of the clinical excellence we all want to see.
"We are confident that BSAVA is the provider to deliver just this, but finding the right partner to validate the programmes was especially important. We want to know that we can move forward with the support and backing of an accrediting body that encourages academic excellence and at the same time understands the need to remain relevant and engaging to busy professionals."
These new qualifications are primarily aimed at veterinary surgeons in small animal practice, who have a particular interest in small animal medicine or surgery. So busy professionals is exactly who they are designed for. This appeals particularly to BSAVA President Andrew Ash, who as well as running the Association heads a six site practice in Sussex. He said: "As an employer I see more and more people who want some recognition for the time they spend fulfilling their professional CPD requirement - and with these discipline-based certificates I can see a way that at any point in your career you can now be rewarded with not only a greater breadth of knowledge and confidence, but with a certificate to show for your efforts.
"I am a great advocate of continual education, and having made a commitment to postgraduate study myself in the past I know how important supported learning is, and how essential it is to have an environment that both acknowledges your other commitments and gives you the support to achieve your ambitions. We are determined to do that.
"Of course I am delighted that this is being launched in my year as President. I am even more delighted that we have Frances Barr to lead this - her experience and enthusiasm is as impressive in this role as it was when she was BSAVA president".
Gill Richards, Director of Professional Development at Nottingham Trent chaired the validation visit at Woodrow House. She said: "Nottingham Trent is especially interested in working with professions in this way to help ensure the quality of provision on postgraduate education for people at all stages of their careers. It was our pleasure to confirm validation today and we look forward to working with the team at BSAVA. It is unusual for anyone to receive the number of commendations that were made today, and what has impressed us most about BSAVA is the impressive quality of the teaching team and materials, and the innovative response to meeting a national demand for a course of this quality".
Enrolment will opening October. The courses will be limited to 30 in each programme. Anyone interested in enrolling for one of these certificate programmes can email academicdirector@bsasva.com or call 01452 726700.
The company says ligation clips, used to clamp vessels, have been used in complex surgeries on humans (including heart surgeries) since the 1980’s, but have only been introduced in veterinary practice in recent years.
Vet Direct has been showcasing the clips at the recent BSAVA and AVA shows, and says it has been surprised at the level of interest in the product.
Leon Wright, managing director at Vet Direct, said: "The ligation clips caused a big noise at our recent events, which is probably down to the benefits they offer. Not only are they quicker and easier, you get immediate vessel closure which reduces the amount of time a patient has to endure under general anesthetic. I’m confident that they’ll be a great help to all veterinary surgeons."
The company says it has already seen several clients make use of the clips, most frequently in common surgeries such as splenectomies and cholecystectomies.
For more information, visit www.vet-direct.com or call 0800 068 3300.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has embarked upon the most extensive review of its veterinary nursing qualifications for many years, in order to meet the timetable for Ofqual's implementation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in summer 2010.
The new QCF aims to provide a more user-friendly and flexible system. Under the new arrangements, all qualifications will carry a 'value' in terms of their level and the volume of learning involved. It's a similar system to that used in higher education for a number of years.
The new national awards framework means that NVQs as such will disappear and the process of review opens up the whole qualification structure, allowing for the creation of a more flexible system to suit better the needs of the veterinary nursing profession and employers.
Head of Veterinary Nursing, Libby Earle said: "Future options include potentially placing more of the responsibility for education and basic skills on the colleges, leaving practices to concentrate on providing quality mentorship and work experience, with less emphasis on assessment.
"Consideration will also be given to providing part of VN training and education within full-time further education, which is possible now that the lower age limit for VN students has been dropped."
The College is keen to hear the views of those involved with the delivery of training and employers of qualified nurses. A consultation letter has been sent to those involved and topics on which views are sought include the range and level of knowledge and skills delivered by the current awards, the impact of training on employers of student VNs, meeting the increased demand for qualified VNs, and providing VNs for mixed or equine practices.
Over the summer, evidence-gathering meetings will be held at the RCVS to explore the issues in more depth. Anyone who has not been sent a formal consultation letter and who would like to contribute is very welcome to submit their views. Please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/vnawardsreview for the consultation papers. Comments should be submitted by 30 June 2009.
The review of the RCVS awards will take place alongside Lantra's review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for VNs: the NOS describe what a person needs to do, know and understand in their job to carry out their role in a consistent and competent way.
TR Biosurgical will be officially launching its new surgical treatment for canine glaucoma at the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists annual conference in Chicago at the start of November.
TR-ClarifEYE is an sub-scleral implant placed in the eye in a procedure that takes around 30 minutes.
TR Biosurgical CEO Craig Woods DVM said: "TR-ClarifEYE is made from new silicone substrate subjected to a unique process which reduces fibrosis and enhances healing."
"Until now, the primary treatment options for canine glaucoma have been laser surgery, cryosurgery, evisceration or enucleation. Certain procedures can be either complicated and expensive, or fail to save the eye. Previous implants have met with only limited success, and TR-ClarifEYE appears to overcome many of the problems with glaucoma implants."
"This new implant is a relatively easy surgical approach. It has limited post-op complications. It seems to provide long term glaucoma management in the majority of patients, most of which are able to reduce medications."
For more information about TR-ClarifEYE, visit: http://www.petglaucoma.com
Practitioners interested in learning more about this procedure, click here and 'start conversation' with Craig
Virbac has announced the reintroduction of chews as part of its dental range.
VeggieDent chews are available in packs of 15 in sizes suitable for small, medium and large dogs. The chews contain chlorhexidine and have a texture and shape designed to optimise plaque removal by physically abrading the tooth surface during chewing.
Product manager Chris Geddes said: "The gold standard of dental hygiene is regular brushing, but that isn't always possible, and products such as this are ideal for those difficult cases."
For further information please speak to your Virbac representative, phone 01359 243243 or email admin@virbac.co.uk.
A new injector gun for administering doramectin-based worm and scab medication to sheep has been introduced by Pfizer Animal Health. According to senior livestock vet Carolyn Hogan, the intra-muscular injection route for this medication combined with the injector’s prime-and-push design allows a single arm movement to penetrate the skin and dispense the treatment.
Special interest groups on VetSurgeon are areas where discipline-specific news, forum discussions, CPD events and clinical images are curated in one place. They also help members with shared interests connect with each other and interact with experts in the field.
In the Small Animal Medicine Group, I am delighted to welcome two contributing experts. Firstly, Andy Kent from Willows Referral Centre, who is already well-known on VetSurgeon for his helpful, knowledgeable and thoughtful contributions. Secondly, the pharmacist Andrea Tarr who, as the founder of Veterinary Prescriber, is something of a font of knowledge.
All VetSurgeon members with an interest in small animal medicine are warmly invited to come and join the new group. You need to login, navigate to the section here, and press the 'join' button on the left hand side (you may need to rotate your mobile phone to see it). You can also subscribe to a monthly or weekly digest of content added to the section.
Whilst you're there, I'm going to offer a bottle of good wine (ie not any old plonk) to the member who starts the most interesting discussion in the forum over the next couple of weeks. It could be a general topic, or, better yet, an interesting case discussion. If the latter, it doesn't matter how old it is. If you have an interesting case in your personal archives, dig it out and share it!
Don't forget ... sharing content and contributing to the discussion it starts (or indeed just reading content in the group) can count towards your annual CPD requirement. Just click the 'Claim CPD' button at the top of the page and the system will keep a record of the page you were on, the time you spent and how you found it useful.
The Small Animal Medicine Group is the second special interest group launched so far, after the Small Animal Dentistry Group. Watch this space, there are more on the way ...
Following a two-year postponed judgment, the Disciplinary Committee (DC) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons last week warned a Cambridgeshire veterinary surgeon as to his future conduct, after he had been convicted in 2006 for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
In September 2007, the Committee heard that Peter Hanlon MRCVS, of Soham in Cambridgeshire, had been involved in a road traffic accident in February 2006. Mr Hanlon's car had drifted across the road and collided with an oncoming car driven by James Barber who was accompanied by his wife, Ivy. Mr Barber was pronounced dead at the scene and both Mrs Barber and Mr Hanlon sustained injuries.
At the initial hearing, Mr Hanlon admitted the conviction (for which he had been sentenced to 30 months in prison and received a four-year driving ban) and the charge that it rendered him unfit to practise veterinary surgery. The Committee decided to postpone its judgment for two years on the agreement that Mr Hanlon would undertake to abstain from alcohol and to submit quarterly medical reports and six-monthly CPD (continuing professional development) reports to the Committee chairman.
At the resumed hearing last week, the Committee carefully considered Mr Hanlon's written and oral submissions, and accepted that he had fully complied with these undertakings. He had abstained from alcohol since the day after the accident, produced an "exemplary" CPD record and provided impressive reports from his employers concerning his professional competence.
In addition, Mr Hanlon, who spent around 14 months in prison and remained on licence until July 2009, also reiterated to the Committee his remorse for the death of Mr Barber and respect for his family.
The Committee was mindful of its duty to maintain confidence in the veterinary profession and uphold proper standards of conduct. Whilst it did not consider it necessary to postpone judgment again, it felt that Mr Hanlon should be warned about his future conduct.
Caroline Freedman, chairing the Committee, concluded: "As this case has demonstrated, and as Mr Hanlon himself has fully recognised, abuse of alcohol can lead to far reaching consequences in personal and professional lives and the lives of others."
The grants, which are for up to £3,500 per annum, are for students embarking on a gateway or main veterinary degree course, possibly as a second degree.
Amber Cordice was an early recipient of a Quadstar Foundation grant which she has had for the last four years.
She'd always wanted to be a vet, but didn't quite get the A level grades, so she took an undergraduate Zoology degree and got a first.
She was then awarded a place at Harper and Keele Veterinary School, but just didn't have the money because there is no finance for second degrees.
So the enterprising student set up a 'Go Fund Me Page' which got reported by VetSurgeon.org News, which is how Nick found out about her challenges and the rest is history.
Except not quite, because then Alicia Guarnieri (pictured) found herself in a similar position.
She'd completed a degree in Bioveterinary Science before starting a vet degree at the University of Bristol.
She said: “I’d managed to save up prior to being offered my place but when Covid hit, most of it went on rent.
"Like Amber, I decided to defer my place. I looked everywhere for grants, spending hours sifting through guides and asking all the vets I knew, but it all came to a dead end."
But then she came across Amber's story on VetSurgeon.org and, through her, found out about the Quadstar Foundation which awarded her with a grant which covers over a third of her tuition costs.
Alicia added: “Finances are a huge barrier to students taking a second degree, particularly after tuition fees increased.
"There are many of us in the same boat, and sadly many who turn down their place solely due to cost.
"Nick and the Quadstar Foundation are truly changing people’s lives by offering this support.
"Having thought I would never get to this point, I can’t wait to qualify next year and finally become a vet, and I am forever grateful for the help The Quadstar Foundation has provided me.”
Quadstar's latest grantee is Raluca Magadan, a veterinary nurse from Ireland, who is now on the accelerated graduate course at Bristol University.
She said: “Doing a second degree was never going to be easy.
"However, through help from family and locum vet nurse work, I managed to afford my first three years of vet school and made it into final year.
"This is where the difficulty came, as I had to more than forty hours per week of unpaid rotations work, plus clinical EMS during the holiday breaks, which made it very hard for me to earn the money I needed to afford my final year.
"At times it meant I had under £100 to survive an entire month on, which became a big physical and mental challenge.
“That’s when the Quadstar Foundation stepped in and took a weight off my shoulders by helping to pay off my outstanding university fees and providing some financial security in my final months.
"This has been a huge relief and allowed me to finally enjoy my last year at Bristol.
"I can’t thank everyone at the charity enough.”
In addition to funding and mentoring, The Quadstar Foundation helps its grantees with everything from job applications to revision techniques, as well as any mental health crises and helping them to find a place to live.
Nick, who also runs a property and acquisitions company and Animus Surgical, a pet and vet supplies company, said: “Having worked as a vet for many years before setting up my businesses, I have great industry connections and knowledge.
"So, I’m in the privileged position of being able to help committed students to seize the career opportunities they deserve.”
“My main commercial motivation now is to be able to maintain the funding streams required for these grants.
"It’s surprisingly hard to fundraise for individuals.
"That’s why Animus Surgical has just committed to donating 15% of its profits to the Quadstar Foundation.”
He added: “It’s an enormous privilege to support these inspiring young vets who have had such a hard slog to get past the ever-increasing barriers they face. Barriers that back in our day didn’t exist.”
What a lovely story. VetSurgeon.org is proud to have played a tiny little part in it and wishes Amber, Alicia and Raluca every success in their future careers. And hats off to Nick.
www.quadstar.org
Direct Line has revealed the results of a small survey which found that 78% of veterinary surgeons had treated pets for ingesting human medicines in the last year.
100 vets took part in the study, of which 28% reported that they had cases where owners had deliberately given their pet human medication in an attempt to help them. Some vets described incidents of owners believing paracetamol will help conditions like arthritis and limping. In one case an owner gave their cat a quarter of paracetamol every day in an attempt to stop its pain, which instead resulted in the cat dying.
The most common types of medication ingested were:
In total, the veterinary surgeons who took part in the survey reported 243 cases of accidental ingestion of human medicines. The majority (76%) of cases involved dogs. However incidents involving cats, rabbits and guinea pigs were also reported.
250 mainly menopausal-aged veterinary surgeons and nurses took part in the survey.
Over 80% said the menopause had affected their health. Nearly half said the impact on their mental health had been moderate to severe. Overall, 76% said they were concerned about the impact of the menopause on their health, life and work.
You can read the full survey report here.
The most commonly reported physical symptoms, affecting over three quarters of respondents, were fatigue, irritability and difficultly sleeping. Hot flushes, night sweats and joint pain were also very common. Anxiety was the most common mental health impact, with some individuals experiencing clinical depression and, rarely, suicidal ideation.
Workplace measures said to be helpful included flexible working, help with heavy lifting and provision of fans or air conditioning. Diary management to allow breaks, and openness and understanding amongst colleagues were also valued.
Liz Barton, editor of Veterinary Woman said: “As a predominantly female workforce, we cannot ignore the profound impact the menopause can have both on individuals and veterinary teams. The effects last for an average of seven years and impact a majority of women mid-career. As a profession we have an opportunity to lead this conversation as it’s beginning to open up across the wider media."
Awareness of the impact of menopause was wide-ranging across age categories, but averaged 4.3 out of 10 for those 40 years old and under, and increased to 7.4 out of 10 for those aged 41 and over. Even with relatively high levels of awareness among respondents, 90% said they would like to know more about the impacts from either personal and/or business and human resource perspectives.
SPVS President, Anna Judson (pictured right), said: “Having experienced the effects of the menopause working as a practice owner, I wish I had known more about the impact and that I was not alone in how I was feeling. It’s time to break these taboos, open up the conversation and put in place measures to mitigate the impacts. In so doing, we will not only help individuals to continue to thrive in their careers, but also help practices to retain experienced staff at this challenging time of life."
A free access webinar discussing menopause impacts and how to mitigate is available free at: https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2020/11/menopause-and-the-effect-on-veterinary-professionals-and-teams/
This year, there have been over 30,000 nominations for the awards.
The finalists this year are:
Vet of the YearAndrew Hayes, Towcester Equine Vets, TowcesterClare McCabe (pictured right), Claymill Veterinary Clinic, CookstownLaurence Behrens, Goddard Veterinary Group, Dagenham
Vet Nurse of the YearCaroline Jones, Battle Flatts Veterinary Surgery, YorkHelen Rooney, Pet Blood Bank, LoughboroughLesley Ramsey, Debenham Veterinary Practice, Stowmarket
Practice Support Staff of the YearRhiannon Lewis, Streatham Hill Vets, StreathamLaura Cameron, Lomond Veterinary Clinic, HelensburghLouise O’ Reilly, Vets4Pets, Llanrumney
Practice Manager of the YearKristen Lorimer, Blue House Veterinary Centre, Stoke-on-TrentLouise Newman, Blue Cross Vets, MertonNicki Ridgeway, Vets4Pets, Ridgeway
Practice of the YearHollybank Veterinary Centre, NorthwichLanes Vets, PoultonMilfeddygon Williams Vets, Gwynedd
The awards will be hosted at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester on 23rd March.
Bella von Mesterhazey, Sales & Marketing Director at Petplan, said: “This year’s finalist line-up includes an outstanding array of veterinary professionals and practices, and Petplan is delighted to be celebrating the highest achievements in pet healthcare once again."
The guidance was written by Hany Elsheikha, Head of the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP).
For a copy of the bulletin, contact your Zoetis Account Manager or call Customer Support on 0345 300 8034.
Dechra Veterinary Products has added to its Veterinary Essentials range of veterinary-licensed post-patent products with the launch of Fiprocat and Fiprodog, a fipronil spot-on solution for the treatment and prevention of on-animal flea infestations in cats and dogs.
Available in packs of 3 or 6 pipettes, Fiprocat and Fiprodog are only distributed through the veterinary channel. Dechra highlights the product's convenient self-standing pipette. which it says makes the process of applying the spot-on easier.
Dechra says it offers a wealth of client support material, and practice promotional support to go with the product.
Fiprocat and Fiprodog can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
Rob Simpson at Dechra said: "Fipronil has been used in the treatment and prevention of on-animal flea infestations for many years and is one of the most commonly used treatments in practice. Fiprocat and Fiprodog join R.I.P Fleas Extra to offer a cost effective complete flea solution to tackle both on-animal and environmental flea infestations."