The NOAH Code of Practice Committee, chaired by Mr Guy Tritton, has found Dechra Veterinary Products in breach of three items of the NOAH Code, following a complaint.
The complaint related to an advertisement and detailer promoting Felimazole with the wording "Are you taking a heavy-handed approach to hyperthyroidism?" and "with Felimazole, you don't have to!"
The Committee took the view that by implication this referred to Vidalta because Vidalta is the only other licensed oral treatment on the market for hyperthyroidism.
As a result, the Committee found both promotions in breach of Clause 4.3 because of the implication that Vidalta is less safe than Felimazole.
The Committee did not consider the promotions disparaged the manufacturer as there is no evidence to show it is unsafe.
The Committee also found that the table in the detailer (page 4) suggesting that one dosage of 5 mg per day of Felimazole has the same efficacy as two doses of 2.5 mg, (which is contrary to the dosing statement within the SPC: "If, for reasons of compliance, once daily dosing with a 5 mg tablet is preferable, then this is acceptable although reduced efficacy can be expected compared to a twice daily regime.") was misleading, contrary to Clause 4.3 of the Code.
Full details of the Committee's rulings are on the NOAH website at www.noah.co.uk/code. The full report of this particular case will be available shortly.
Zoetis says Lokivetmab targets and neutralizes canine interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine associated with atopic dermatitis which sends the itch signal to the brain.
The company has submitted an application for marketing authorisation of the product, which is conditionally licensed in the US and Canada under the name Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic, in the European Union.
The new data was presented at the 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD).
Supporting the efficacy of Lokivetmab in canine AD, Zoetis presented the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose determination trial to evaluate efficacy of three doses of lokivetmab (0.125, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg) in providing relief from the clinical signs of pruritus (itching) and other clinical signs associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Veterinary investigators at 15 clinics enrolled 245 client-owned, live-at-home dogs with chronic atopic dermatitis. Lokivetmab or a placebo was administered by subcutaneous injection on day 0, and efficacy was evaluated periodically over 56 days. Dog owners assessed their dog’s pruritus using a visual analog scale (VAS), and investigators assessed the associated skin lesions using Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-03 (CADESI-03) scores.
Lokivetmab, injected once subcutaneously, provided dose-dependent improvement in owner-assessed pruritus and clinician-assessed CADESI-03 scores for four to six weeks in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Zoetis also presented results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety of lokivetmab at the nominal dose tested of 1 mg/kg (range, 1-3.3 mg/kg) in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary surgeons evaluated 245 client-owned, live-at-home dogs with chronic, naturally-occurring atopic dermatitis. These dogs were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive two monthly injections of lokivetmab (162 dogs) or placebo on days 0 and 28.
No immediate hypersensitivity reactions were observed and there were no clinically important differences in clinical pathology results. No apparent adverse drug interactions were reported. Dogs studied were taking a wide variety of medications, which is important because multimodal therapy is commonly prescribed for dogs with atopic dermatitis. Adverse events were reported at a similar frequency between the groups.
Henry, who works at Crowshall Veterinary Services in Norfolk, graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2018.
He is the lead products export vet for Crowshall and was instrumental in the business’s preparation for Brexit.
He is also one of the founding ‘green champions’ at the practice, which has become the first specialist poultry practice to be accredited with Investors in the Environment.
The panel of seven judges from said that within just three years Henry has gained much experience, showing evidence that he has contributed to reduced antibiotic usage as well as improved biosecurity and improved bird welfare, health and production for his clients.
They said: “He has clearly shown he has worked with colleagues as a team, and has introduced new initiatives in his practice including improving mental health of staff and assisting in sustainability.”
James Porritt, National Pig and Poultry Sales Manager of award sponsors Zoetis, said all three finalists were very strong candidates: “It was great to see the work they have all done recognised at the awards.
"It was fantastic to see Henry win and hope the award spurs him on to continue his bright future in the poultry industry.”
Photo: Henry Lamb holding the Young Farm Vet trophy, alongside Jonathan Agnew (left) and James Porritt of the award sponsors Zoetis
Over 90% of the 156 respondents (predominantly vets, but also managers) believed CT was important in first opinion practice, but nearly half did not have access to a scanner.
25% said they were interested in buying a CT scanner, mainly for the improved diagnostics and desire to keep more cases in-house.
The main reasons for not buying a CT scanner were: space, cost and lack of confidence.
Matt Winter, radiologist and CVMO at VetCT said: “Imaging in first opinion practice is evolving rapidly with innovations in veterinary-specific CT technology, modern machines are more available and affordable than ever.
"We need to build confidence through training and understanding of the technology, and the comprehensive support available to practices.”
While practices with a CT scanner felt they were using it optimally for the most part, specialist radiologist reporting emerged as the most significant factor towards optimising its use.
However, a third of respondents not currently using teleradiology (the remote reporting by specialist radiologists of diagnostic images acquired by a practice), said they did not know enough about it and/or hadn’t considered it.
Matt said: “Expert teleradiology to support with image interpretation is enabling more practices than ever to offer advanced imaging and provide state-of-the-art diagnostics for patients, meeting growing client expectations, elevating patient care and improving outcomes."
VetCT’s webinars on CT optimisation are available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Vetctspecialists
The Forestry Commission, together with other agencies and landowners, is stepping up efforts to find out why some dogs have fallen ill while on countryside walks.
Over 50 cases of so called Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) occurred during the autumn of 2009 and 2010 in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and Warwickshire, although there have been reports from further afield.
Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking / trembling and high temperature, and have generally been displayed by animals within 24 hours of walking in the countryside, especially in woodlands. A small number of dogs have died. The cause of Seasonal Canine Illness remains unknown.
Jo Atkinson, from the Forestry Commission, said: "Although no cases have yet been reported this year, we are working with our many partners to get a clearer picture of the distribution and reasons behind this upsetting sickness. Both dog owners and vets can play their part too in helping protect cherished pets."
Moves to tackle the illness include:
Veterinary surgeons are asked to:
The Cheshire-based specialist referral centre provides advanced surgical procedures and specialist veterinary support to practices in north west England and north and mid-Wales.
Its specialist disciplines include orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, a specialist diabetes clinic, spinal surgery, anaesthesia and intensive care, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, pain management, neurology (medical and surgical), oncology and internal medicine.
Liz Cousins, Northwest's Hospital Manager said: "Following our recent brand transition from Northwest Surgeons to Northwest Veterinary Specialists we are delighted to receive this accreditation.
"The scheme examines every part of what we do, from customer experience, equipment and facilities right through to clinical governance. In a hospital with more than 85 colleagues, that’s a lot of work to do to meet the high standards.
"Our new brand name reflects the range of specialist services we offer and this accreditation gives confidence to fellow veterinary surgeons and pet owners that we really do offer the very best specialist care for pets.
"We continually strive for excellence across the business, and this is another way of demonstrating just how good the specialists are at Northwest Veterinary Specialists."
Picture shows: Matt Gurney, European Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia (centre) with Kathryn Humphreys, Head of Nursing, (right), Jenny Pearson, support Services Manager, (left) with the RCVS Hospital Accreditation.
What is 'quality improvement', you ask? Good question. Sure, it's an improvement in, er, quality. But of what?
'Quality improvement' is a term adopted from the human healthcare sector, variously defined as anything which makes: "healthcare safer, effective, patient-centred, timely, efficient and equitable (NHS)", or "the combined and unceasing efforts of everyone—healthcare professionals, patients and their families, researchers, payers, planners and educators—to make the changes that will lead to better patient outcomes (health), better system performance (care) and better professional development (BMJ)."
The RCVS research project, which is being conducted by RAND EUROPE, will assess current perceptions and adoption of quality improvement in the veterinary profession.
Specifically, it'll look at the drivers, barriers and expectations associated with QI, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the support provided to the profession.
Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are delighted to be launching this research project with RAND Europe.
"We know that many of our colleagues across the profession have embedded quality improvement into their practice to great benefit, while we are also aware that it can be a challenge to do so all of the time.
"This research will provide an unprecedented body of evidence on the experiences and perceptions of QI, which will be critical to how we work to support the sector in this area going forward."
Integral to the research is a survey which all members of the profession are invited to take part in, here: bit.ly/QIvetsurvey.
The survey will be live for six weeks, closing early April. It takes around ten minutes to complete, with a prize of one £150 Amazon voucher on offer. Responses will be anonymised.
You can read more about Quality Improvement on the RCVS Knowledge website, here: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/quality-improvement/
Phovia, which was launched in the UK last year, is a two-part FLE system consisting of a chromophore gel that is applied to the affected skin and a blue light LED lamp.
Vetoquinol says that when used together they produce light of varying wavelengths that penetrates the skin to different depths, helping to control bacteria and reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin and stimulating regeneration in the epidermal and dermal layers.
The unit is portable, and applications take four minutes once a week.
The authors of the Vetoquinol-funded study say that FLE has already been shown to support and accelerate natural skin healing, but this latest research shows that the benefits go beyond improvement in clinical signs.
The study looked at 35 dogs with a diverse range of skin conditions: 13 had interdigital furunculosis, 10 had deep pyoderma, 6 had wounds, 4 had pyotraumatic dermatitis, and 2 had perianal fistula on presentation.
Eight of 35 dogs were new cases, whereas the remaining 27 were undergoing recrudescence of a prior episode, including pyotraumatic dermatitis, wounds, deep pyoderma, interdigital furunculosis and perianal fistulae.
Thirty dogs (86%) achieved a clinical resolution: 18 with the Fluorescent Light Energy alone and 12 with the concomitant use of FLE and topical antiseptic shampoo.
Five dogs (14%) had a partial response and needed other therapies.
92% percent of owners attested to their pet’s enhanced quality of life, with 74% of dogs displaying at least a 50% improvement in owner-reported behaviour, mood, sleep and playing activities.
The study also reported a 46% reduction in caregiver burden.
Felicity Caddick, Technical Services Manager at Vetoquinol said: “Managing skin conditions often requires the long-term use of shampoos or topical therapies.
"Many owners find this aspect of pet ownership challenging, especially with larger dogs, or less cooperative animals.
"FLE can reduce or in some cases eliminate the need for topical therapies at home, not only simplifying the treatment process but also enhancing convenience and compliance.
"Sharing responsibility for administering ongoing treatment with their vet practice also removes some of the worry associated with their pet’s health.”
Vetoquinol also highlights that Phovia can offer vets a drug-free management option for skin disorders that aligns with the principles of antibiotic stewardship.
Reference
The Kennel Club is calling on the profession to support Get Fit With Fido, its new campaign to help tackle the growing dog obesity crisis by educating owners about the range of different ways to get fit with their dogs..
In addition to the education campaign, Get Fit With Fido also includes a challenge that rewards the dog and dog owner who jointly lose the most weight, and the dog owner and dog who individually lose the most weight, as a result of exercising together. Prizes include a one night stay at the dog friendly, 4* boutique townhouse hotel Flemings Mayfair; a luxury dog bed from Charley Chau and Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Milestone Hotel.
All dog owners who enter Get Fit With Fido, will receive a 20% discount on Crufts and Discover Dogs tickets; as well as advice, tips and tools for owners.
Veterinary practices are being asked to support the campaign by requesting free flyers and posters from the Kennel Club and then displaying them at reception, or in the waiting room.Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Reports indicate that between 30 and 60% of all dogs are overweight so it is more important than ever we keep our dogs happy and healthy. One of the most serious findings in obesity studies that have proven to be related to being overweight in both humans and dogs is a reduced lifespan. An overweight dog is more likely to die younger than a dog of normal weight.
"The findings are shocking and we are trying to educate as many dog owners as possible and call on vets to spread the message of keeping your dog fit and healthy."
To get involved in Get Fit With Fido and receive free flyers and posters, contact the Kennel Club press office at gfwf@thekennelclub.org.uk
For more information, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getfitwithfido
The survey is open to all veterinary surgeon members and participants will be entered into a free prize draw to win £500 of BEVA CPD vouchers.
As we all know, antibiotic resistance is increasing throughout human and veterinary medicine, and there are few new antibiotics being produced. As BEVA says, it’s therefore imperative for vets to protect the usage of antimicrobials to maintain their effectiveness for the future.
To that end, the purpose of the survey is to help fill in gaps in knowledge about how antimicrobials are being used and also the current landscape of resistant infections encountered in equine practice.
The survey has been designed by Amie Wilson and Dr Gina Pinchbeck at the University of Liverpool and Tim Mair the incoming President of BEVA.
Tim said: "This survey will assess any changes in prescribing of antimicrobials in equine practice since the last survey in 2009. In addition, we will collect data on the current frequency and types of antimicrobial resistant infections seen by clinicians in all areas of equine practice and what infection control and audit practices are currently using to combat this."
The survey results should lead to a greater understanding of the role of antimicrobial treatment in the overall epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in horses and will help protect antibiotics for the future of equine and human health.
To take part in the survey, visit: https://liverpool.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/beva-questionnaire-2019-final
The results will be announced to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November 2019.
If you have any questions about the survey you can contact the researchers direct: Amie Wilson, University of Liverpool A.wilson3@liv.ac.uk; Dr Gina Pinchbeck, University of Liverpool ginap@liv.ac.uk; Tim Mair, British Equine Veterinary Association tim.mair@btinternet.com
According to the RVC, recent studies estimate dental disease affects up to 18% of the UK's rabbits and breeds with lop ears and short skulls (brachycephaly) have long been suspected of being more at risk.
To investigate whether there is any truth to that suspicion, a team of RVC researchers led by Maria Jackson RVN, Research Assistant in Rabbit Health and Welfare, and Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science, set out to explore whether these physical features are linked to dental problems.
The study involved visual dental checks of 435 volunteered pedigree rabbits from 49 breeds at British Rabbit Council shows and breeders’ studs across the UK.
The researchers assessed tooth and mouth health using an otoscope, while also recording ear type, head shape (on a purpose-made visual scale), body size, age and sex.
The findings revealed that:
In conclusion, the study concluded that diet, environment and regular dental checks might be more important in the development of dental disease.
The researchers also concluded that any breeding decisions should be based on veterinary assessment of dental health, including otoscope or radiography examinations rather than relying solely on visual inspection of the teeth or a rabbit’s conformation.
Maria said: “Our findings add to the evidence that suggests lop ears and a brachycephalic head shape are less important in the development of dental issues in rabbits than was once thought.
"It’s clear that all rabbits, not just those with a non-wild conformation, can be affected by dental problems.
“The importance of feeding good-quality hay or grass and supplementing the diet with extruded pellets, not muesli, cannot be overstated, as diet may well be more important than conformation in the development of dental disease.
"Likewise, providing regular veterinary dental check-ups to rabbits is crucial to facilitate early dental disease detection and give case-specific dietary and treatment recommendations to slow disease progression and support the welfare of rabbits.”
Photo: depositphotos.com
The practical, wet lab, small group and 'Breakfast with a Specialist' programme has expanded to enhance the CPD experience and to meet rising demand, alongside more than 450 lectures for delegates to choose from.
Wet lab sessions, introduced at Congress 2017, will again be held at the University of Birmingham’s Medical School and include topics on cytology, haematology, basic eye surgery, rabbit dentistry and dental radiography for dogs and cats.
'Breakfast with a Specialist' sessions give delegates exclusive access to world-renowned experts to discuss challenging cases informally, in a small group setting: endocrinology cases with David Church on Friday, epilepsy cases with Holger Volk on Saturday and jaw fracture fixation in the dog and cat with Peter Southerden on Sunday.
BSAVA Congress Programme Committee Chair Sue Murphy said: "Responding to the excellent delegate feedback from 2017’s programme, we are increasing the number of practical and small group sessions to enable more delegates to benefit in 2018. These sessions represent excellent, value for money education and a unique opportunity for delegates to practice vital skills with guidance from experts in their respective disciplines.’"
Each workshop or small group is available to purchase when registering for Congress and a full summary of each practical and small group session is available at: http://www.bsavacongress.com/programme
The 61st annual BSAVA Congress takes place at the Birmingham ICC and Arena Birmingham from 5-8 April, including a new non-clinical stream on Sunday – Beyond the Clinics.
CEVA Animal Health's live enzootic abortion vaccine, CEVAC® Chlamydophila, has been renamed CEVAC® Chlamydia and repackaged in a larger bottle size.
According to the company, infectious abortion, particularly enzootic abortion (Chlamydiosis) can wipe out up to 50% of lambs but strategic use of CEVAC Chlamydia, a live enzootic abortion vaccine, can help keep the flock safe. It can prevent abortion and also control excretion and the threat of infection. For added convenience CEVAC Chlamydia can be used on the same day as the toxoplasmosis vaccine. This can save administration time and money.
For extra efficiency with big flocks CEVAC Chlamydia is now available in a larger, 50 dose bottle in addition to the original 20 dose bottle. It is administered using a special multi-dose injector gun.
CEVA says that a strategic vaccination every four years will help flocks remain chlamydiosis-free. Routine preventative measures are also advised prior to mating and when new sheep are introduced to the flock, to ensure abortion and infection rates always remain as low as possible. All animals should be vaccinated in the first year, with replacements being vaccinated from six months of age, at least four weeks prior to tupping.
For further product information contact your local CEVA representative or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG or visit the website at www.ceva.uk.com
Jon Pycock, President of BEVA said: "A significant number of BEVA members have young children and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to enjoy Congress without having to worry about making separate plans for childcare at home. We have already had a great response to the idea and it’s looking like the crèche is going to be very popular."
The theme of this year's Congress is helping horse vets celebrate the benefits and pleasures of their job.
In addition to the social and scientific programme at Congress, there will be special sessions on reproduction, non-clinical aspects of being a vet, succession planning, a moral maze debate on specials manufacturing and role play demonstrations on how to manage difficult situations in practice.
Dr Juan Samper, Associate Dean for students and instruction at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will be giving the plenary lecture on the challenges and opportunities in equine practice.
There will also be specific lecture streams for veterinary nurses, equine dental technicians and farriers.
For more information on the BEVA Congress crèche or to reserve your child's place, contact Jocelyn@beva.org.uk or call 01638 723558. BEVA says places are limited so early booking is advised.
The BEVA Congress programme can be viewed at www.bevacongress.org.
The study, which was carried out by the VetCompass programme at the RVC, in partnership with Vets Now, also found that cats are most likely to be involved in a traffic accident in the autumn.
1,407 cat road traffic accident cases that attended Vets Now clinics across the UK between December 2011 and February 2014 were analysed, with researchers finding:
Younger cats, aged six months to six years, are at the greatest risk of road traffic accidents.
Male cats are 1.3 times more at risk of road traffic accidents than female cats.
Crossbred cats are 1.9 times more at risk of road traffic accidents compared to purebred cats.
Cats are more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident in the autumn. However, they are less at risk in winter as compared to spring.
Those cats that present with abdominal or spinal injuries are more likely to die, as are those that present with an increasing count of injuries.
RVC veterinary epidemiologist and VetCompass researcher Dr Dan O’Neill said: "One of the scariest times for any cat-owner is when they first start to let their cat go outside unattended. Owners of younger, and especially male, cats need to be especially vigilant. These results help owners to understand the true risks and therefore assist these owners to make the best decisions about if and how they let their cats go outside."
Dr Amanda Boag, Clinical Director of Vets Now, said: "We are very proud to have worked with VetCompass to ensure this important information about risks to our pet cats is made available to vets and the public. Working with our partners such as the RVC, we are committed to ensuring our large clinical database is used to help advance veterinary knowledge and understanding of emergency and critical care practice."
The full paper entitled 'Epidemiology of Road Traffic Accidents in Cats attending emergency-care practices in the UK' is published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
The awards are to recognise the work carried out by veterinary professionals.
Last year Petplan had a remarkable 37,000 nominations, for the five award categories: Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
James Barnes, head of sales & partnerships at Petplan, said: “For over two decades we’ve been recognising the brilliant work of the UK’s veterinary professionals. Every year the quality of entries is incredibly high but we know that during 2020 the profession really went the extra mile to take care of the nation’s pets so we expect the 2021 awards to be extra special.
To nominate a colleague or your practice, visit: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards before nominations close on 18th January 2021.
Armed with the new microscope, New Forest Equine Vets (NFEV) has started offering a mobile equine veterinary service, including expert worming advice.
The microscope captures images with a resolution of 1 micron, with a live magnification of x200 and x400 or more, which means that the practice can carry out an accurate egg count in the yard, rather than sending faecal samples off to the lab.
This, they say, allows for a more a more accurate result, because posting faeces can lead to the sample desiccating and the eggs hatching, leading to false negative results. It also allows the veterinary surgeon to give immediate advice and treatment.
Dr. Beth Robinson BVSc Cert AVP(EP) MRCVS, co-owner of NFEV, says "One of the main aims of performing worm egg counts is to identify horses shedding low numbers of eggs so that we can maintain a low number of parasites on the pasture that have not been exposed to wormers and therefore have not been placed under selection pressure for resistance. In horses shedding high numbers of eggs, worm egg count reduction tests are a useful way of assessing whether treatment has been effective."
Andrew Monk, co-founder of ioLight, said: "The product is incredibly simple to use. By using a tablet both the owner and vet can view the image and discuss treatment. We hope that more horse owners in the New Forest will use the services from NFEV to protect their animals, and that it will encourage other equine practices to purchase a microscope so they can also offer a similar high quality service. We have made a video with NFEV to demonstrate their service and encourage other equine vets to use the ioLight microscope in their own mobile clinics."
Beth added: "We are delighted to be working with ioLight and horse owners to keep their animals healthy and improve equine welfare."
The reports summarise the results of two surveys that were conducted between July and August last year.
Of the 28,718 veterinary surgeons who were sent the survey, 22% fully completed and submitted the questionnaire.
Some of the main findings included:
Around 40% of veterinary surgeons and over 40% of veterinary nurses said they had experienced concerns for their personal safety aside from catching Covid.
These safety concerns mostly related to client interactions at the practice either during the day or out-of-hours.
Many respondents experienced conflict between their personal wellbeing and professional role, and found it difficult to juggle their work and caring responsibilities.
Many respondents also said their mental health was adversely affected by the experience of working during the pandemic.
A large majority of respondents said they had personally seen an increase in caseload due to new animal ownership.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “While many of the results of the survey may not be especially surprising and confirm what we have already been told anecdotally, it is very important that we have this hard data to hand on the overall impact of the pandemic on individual members of the professions.
“These two reports complement the six surveys that we have conducted with veterinary practices on the economic impact of the pandemic to give us as clear and holistic a picture as possible about the challenges that the professions and the veterinary sector as a whole have faced since March 2020.
"This not only provides a useful historical snapshot, but builds an evidence base to inform future temporary changes should the pandemic continue into more waves, or should future such crises arise.
“The results of the two individual surveys make it clear it has been a tough time for the professions.
"A good proportion of respondents also acknowledged that positive developments have come from the past two years, including the way the profession has demonstrated remarkable resilience, flexibility and adaptability, as well as forging a stronger team spirit under such difficult circumstances.
“However, a large number of both vets and vet nurses who responded said that the experiences since March 2020 have left them feeling more pessimistic about veterinary work and their place within it.
"I would like to reassure members of the veterinary team that the RCVS is aware and understands.
"We tried throughout the pandemic to support the professions with relevant temporary guidance changes, and we are now working with a range of stakeholders on critical issues such as the workforce crisis, which has been in part caused by Covid.
"We are also developing tools, training and resources to support the professions, via our programmes such as RCVS Leadership and Mind Matters.”
The full coronavirus impact survey reports can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications.
Andrew, who graduated in 2002 from The University of Bristol, started as a farm vet in Devon and Cornwall, which is where he first became interested in cardiology.
He went on to undergo Specialist Training at The University of Edinburgh and then spent four years working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Andrew then spent almost two years as Head of Cardiology at a large referral hospital in Winchester, before leaving to co-found the first ever video consulting platform for pet owners, Pawsquad.
Since then, he has led teams in some of the largest specialist veterinary referral hospitals in Europe.
More recently, Andrew has run his own specialist-led visiting cardiology service, providing clinical consultancy services to 50 veterinary practices across the south of England for the last five years.
Andrew has been an EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology and a RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology for 10 years.
At Lumbry Park, Andrew plans to use his new role to provide specialist-led care to pets from across the South of England, and to provide cardiac clinical input for the multi-disciplinary team at Lumbry Park who manage patients with some of the most complex clinical problems in the country.
www.lumbrypark.co.uk
The RCVS has launched Mind Matters, a new initiative to help address mental health and wellbeing issues within the veterinary profession.
Neil Smith, RCVS Vice-President and Chair of the Mind Matters Initiative said: "Mental Health is a significant issue for the veterinary profession. Most of us have experience of colleagues or ourselves having problems. The Mind Matters Initiative is a pan-profession project, and I am very pleased that there is active engagement from across the various veterinary associations and stakeholders."
"The RCVS already contributes through our Health Protocol and support of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund. The Mind Matters Initiative seeks to work more proactively by increasing the accessibility and acceptance of support, encouraging a culture that is better equipped to talk and deal with stress and related mental health issues, and, ultimately, by helping to reduce such triggers within the profession."
The first Mind Matters Initiative action is providing funding to ensure that callers to Vet Helpline, a completely confidential support service which is part of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and run by volunteers, are put directly through to a person, rather than having to leave a message.
Rosie Allister, Chair of Vet Helpline said: "We are able to offer confidential, non-judgemental support to many vets, VNs, vet students and members of their families who call us in distress, but we know there are more who are put off by the prospect of leaving a message.
"It takes real courage to reach out for help when you're struggling, and we know it can be especially tough for vets. Although we respond to calls quickly, callers need to speak to someone immediately, and not a message system, when they are in crisis. Through the Mind Matters Initiative funding we are able to put in place a service that connects a caller directly to a human being, which could make a real difference for people who call."
The new Vet Helpline system will be in place on 22 December, in time for Christmas, which can be a difficult time for many people. The Vet Helpline number is 07659 811 118 and there is also a confidential email service, accessible viawww.vetlife.org.uk.
The Mind Matters Initiative will be sustained over an initial three-year period, and will include five streams of activity:
The Mind Matters Initiative is supported by a group comprising the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, the British Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Nursing Association, the Veterinary Practice Management Association, the Veterinary Schools Council, the Veterinary Defence Society and the Association of Veterinary Students.
22% (6,785) of veterinary surgeons eligible to vote did so, compared to the previous record of 18.8%.
The votes were as follows:
For the two places available on VN Council one new member was elected and one existing member re-elected for four year terms. Andrea Jeffery was re-elected with 1,293 votes, while Susan Howarth was elected with 1,064 votes.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said: "Congratulations to all those elected to RCVS Council and VN Council and thank you to all those who stood as candidates in both elections.
"We would especially like to thank Jerry Davies, Peter Jinman and Bradley Viner who are standing down from RCVS Council this year after deciding not to seek re-election, in addition to Chris Gray and Tom Witte for their contributions to RCVS Council and Marie Rippingale for her contribution to VN Council.
"Thank you also to all those who took the time to ask questions of our candidates and cast a vote. This year we made a concerted attempt to make it even easier for the electorate to vote, with secure links to the voting websites sent by email and regular email reminders to those who hadn’t yet voted. The fact that both record numbers and proportions of the professions voted this year is testament to our efforts to further increase engagement with veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
"However, while we welcome these significant increases, we recognise that it is still a relatively small proportion of the profession voting in these elections and so will continue to think of new ways to engage with the professions not just at election time, but across our many activities."
All the successful candidates will take up their positions at RCVS Day – the College’s Annual General Meeting and Awards Day – on Friday 7 July 2017 at the Royal Institute of British Architects where the formal declaration of both election results will also take place.
The Royal Veterinary College has launched an appeal to the veterinary profession to raise a target of £10,000 to enable VetAid Kenya to help during what has become the worst drought in living memory in the Horn of Africa.
According to the RVC, the drought has already forced over one million cattle and small stock south into the Tana Delta district of Kenya in search of grazing. Crowded together, these weakened animals are at major risk of infectious and parasitic disease. In some cases 80-90% mortality can be expected in herds or flocks. Without veterinary intervention, breeding livestock for communities in the Horn of Africa drought area will be devastated.
Government veterinary services are stretched and they are assisted in a coordinated response involving Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (Belgium, Switzerland and Germany) and VetAid Kenya which has staff in the field protecting herds. The programme has been partly funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), but with funds running low this vital activity is at risk just as it is most needed. VetAid Kenya is now the only veterinary agency working in the area, implementing an emergency vaccination programme to protect the breeding stock.
Gabriel Turasha, Director of VetAid Kenya said: "We only have one team working in Tana River and desperately need funds to send out three more teams as soon as possible. £10,000 would cover the cost of three teams, transport and vaccinations to treat 20,000 animals per week. This will make a real difference as we are providing the only veterinary support in this vast area.
"Our vaccination teams are ready to go out into the field at a few days notice. We just need to mobilize them. This is where the UK veterinary profession can help - every pound donated will make a huge difference!"
RVC Principal Professor Stuart Reid said: "Veterinary services are seriously stretched in Kenya and the only organisations with the flexibility, initiative and expertise to respond this to emergency are the veterinary NGOs such as VetAid Kenya and its Vétérinaires Sans Frontières partners.
"FAO has limited budget to spend on disaster response and RVC has a longstanding relationship with VetAid Kenya and with the region in general. As a College, we strongly feel that we should do all we can to support pastoral farmers in the region, and mounting this appeal is one way in which we can respond to the ongoing disaster and support our veterinary colleagues in East Africa."
The RVC and all other agencies involved in this appeal are contributing their services pro-bono so that all funds raised will go to the programme to help the people and animals struggling with the drought.
To donate, visit: www.rvc.ac.uk/vetaidkenya
Dechra says the ability to split Prednicortone into 1.25 mg doses is particularly useful when used alongside Zycortal, the only licensed treatment for canine Addison’s disease in Europe.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "Dogs with primary Addison’s disease have insufficient levels of natural mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol). Zycortal contains DOCP, a synthetically produced steroid hormone, which acts in a similar way to aldosterone.
"It causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, helping to maintain water balance but Zycortal only replaces the mineralocorticoid. Therefore, a daily oral glucocorticoid treatment, such as Prednicortone, is needed to address the cortisol deficiency, alongside Zycortal.
"The amount of glucocorticoid administered should be adjusted to the individual dog’s need and it is likely that the dose required will be reduced over time."
She added that a combined approach of Zycortal and Prednicortone allowed independent dose titration of both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.
"The advantage of prescribing the two treatments is that the dosage for each component can be tailored to an individual animal’s response. This leads to a reduction in the side effects usually associated with over-supplementation of glucocorticoids."
There are 250 tablets in a pack and Prednicortone offers accurate dosing using a double divisible SmartTab format and accurate dispensing via blister packs. The flavoured tablets also encourage easy oral administration.
For more information, visit www.dechra.co.uk.
"The majority of veterinary medicines used in the UK (and ingredients and components to make them) are either produced in or enter via the EU. The government is working with animal health companies who have been carrying out extensive contingency planning for all EU Exit scenarios, including no deal. These plans cover all aspects of their supply chains, from regulatory compliance and stocking levels to logistics and customs. They also include, as appropriate, increasing stocks of products in the UK, changing supply routes, transferring marketing authorisations and other regulatory processes.
"To reduce any risk to medicines availability in the UK, detailed planning is ongoing to ensure that supply chain measures are appropriate to address the sector’s complex needs and priorities.
"Much work has been done by companies with the objective of ensuring fair and appropriate distribution of this inventory to avoid disruption.
"Supply is expected to cope with a normal ordering pattern with adequate forward planning and communication with suppliers.
"With this planning in place, we are confident that we have made every effort to ensure continuity of supply of veterinary medicines in the UK."
Well that makes a nice change from the incessantly and determinedly gloomy picture painted elsewhere.
The award, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) working in partnership with the Department of Health and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), is part of the cross-council 'Tackling antimicrobial resistance: behaviour within and beyond the healthcare setting’ call, part of the antimicrobial resistance cross-council initiative supported by the seven research councils in partnership with other UK funders including the Medical Research Council (MRC).
The research team will be led by social scientists at the University of Exeter and includes two veterinary surgeons from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, together with colleagues at the Innogen Institute of the University of Edinburgh, the British Veterinary Association and leading farm animal veterinary surgeons across the UK.
The researchers say that better, smarter, more rapid and more accessible diagnoses - driving shifts in behaviour associated with diagnostic decision making - represent a critical step to delivering more effective uses of antibiotics in animal health. But improvements in diagnostic development and their relationship to prescription and treatment requires social, governance and technical innovations.
Professor Henry Buller, project lead from the University of Exeter’s School of Geography, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide a current assessment of diagnostic and treatment decision practices in the livestock sectors of the UK. Novel and innovative diagnostic tools are currently in development, and our research will generate better understanding of their development as well as the marketing and regulation of these new technologies."
Dr Kristen Reyher, Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Science, who is the lead on the project at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, added: "Our research team – the AMR Force – has a track record of working closely with farmers, veterinarians, retailers and government bodies to encourage responsible use of antibiotics. We are excited to have this amazing opportunity to collaboratively generate, evaluate and analyse behaviours and strategies around animal disease diagnosis and to show how innovation in the development of diagnostic tools along with diagnostic regulation and governance can lead to more sensible use of antibiotics across farming systems.
"Working with our partners, we will identify pathways and possibilities for improved diagnostic practice and will trial new diagnostic tools on a series of farms. We are very excited to take our ideas beyond the UK as well, and will conduct pilot and capacity-building research in Tanzania and also partner with a project working in Bangladesh that is co-funded by ESRC and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science."
Professor Buller added: "Employment of new diagnostics doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Our team will evaluate the implications these innovations will have for the organisation, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of veterinary practice, as well as for veterinary training. We will identify the changes in behaviour, practice and knowledge necessary to accompany the more widespread adoption of practices that are deemed effective and will assess the regulatory and governance support necessary to encourage use of beneficial practices."
The interdisciplinary team will work alongside diagnostic tool developers and regulators, veterinary practices and professional bodies, farmers and treatment decision makers, veterinary laboratories, the food industry and government regulatory authorities to develop durable and innovative strategies for facilitating and advancing smarter approaches to the use of antibiotics in agriculture.
The work will cover the major livestock species, and will involve seeking opinions from veterinary surgeons across the country, through collaboration with the BVA.
David Barrett, Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to assess the adaptability and responsiveness of the different animal production sectors - poultry, pigs and cattle - along with a variety of veterinary structures to the trialled innovations in diagnosis and diagnostics, and will determine the likely benefits of these innovations for prescription practice, for animal health and for sustainable livestock production."
Photo: University of Bristol