The RCVS has called for comments on a Concept Note which considers how the Practice Standards Scheme might develop in the future.
The Scheme is administered by the RCVS and the detailed Standards are decided in consultation with the Practice Standards Group (PSG), which includes representatives from all of the key veterinary organisations.
The PSG is considering the future direction of the Scheme as part of the second five-year review that has been undertaken - the first resulted in a new Manual and Standards in 2010.
The proposal this time is to move to a more modular approach, with greater flexibility and an increased focus on behaviours. The proposals also aim to address some of the perceived shortcomings of the Scheme, for example, that it is a 'box-ticking' exercise; that the Scheme puts too much emphasis on paperwork requirements; and, that it is inflexible, particularly at Hospital level, meaning that to qualify, practices would have to purchase expensive equipment that they would never use.
PSG Chairman, Peter Jinman said: "Although the fundamental aim of the Scheme remains to raise and maintain high standards, the PSG recognises that it's important to address criticisms that may be acting as barriers to new members joining.
"It is hoped that changes can also be made that will provide a pathway for existing members to attain higher, more meaningful standards, which are directly relevant to animal care."
The Concept Note is available on www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations, and feedback should be sent to Practice Standards Scheme Manager Eleanor Ferguson, at e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk, or to a Practice Standards Group member (as outlined in the Concept Note), by 20 December 2012.
This feedback will inform the development of more detailed proposals, which will be put out to full consultation in due course.
The database, which has been designed to streamline the process of securing extra-mural study (EMS) placements for veterinary students and providers in the UK, has been backed by the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and both organisations are now calling on veterinary practices and workplaces to sign up.
The College says it created the database to improve the accessibility and overall experience of booking EMS placements, mainly by aligning students' and providers' expectations before the placement.
EMS place providers will be able to list their placements and highlight details such as placement type, location, expected caseload/type, professional learning opportunities and practical aspects that students will look for such as transport links, accommodation and specific dates / availability.
Students will be able to search for placements based on their specific requirements and communicate directly with providers.
UK vet schools will also have access to be able to approve placements, streamlining the process.
RCVS Director of Education, Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, said: “By providing EMS placements, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of the veterinary profession.
"Hosting passionate, knowledgeable students not only enhances their educational experience and readiness for working life after graduation, but also brings fresh insights and energy to your practice.
"Additionally, you’ll build relationships with future veterinary talent, some of whom may return to work with your team after graduation.
"So, if you are not already a provider, we encourage you to consider the value of participating in EMS.”
If you are an existing placement provider and would like to join the RCVS National EMS Booking Database or are keen to learn more about the database and becoming an EMS placement provider, contact ems@rcvs.org.uk.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/extra-mural-studies-ems
Ark Surgical has completed an exclusive agreement with Cory Bros, the UK's largest independent manufacturer and distributor of surgical devices and instrumentation, in order to offer a new range of operating theatre equipment and consumables.
This takes the range of products available through Ark Surgical to in excess of three hundred, including trocars, laparoscopic instruments, laparoscopic suction and irrigation systems, safe sharps management systems and operating theatre essentials.
Gavin O'Brien, Marketing Director at Ark Surgical said: "This is exciting news for the veterinary community. Since launch, we have been told time and time again about the lack of choice and the high cost of surgical instruments and devices. This is a major step towards our goal of bringing greater choice and better value to surgeons and we are very excited that Cory Bros share our commitment and vision in achieving this."
Gary Hopkins, Sales & Marketing Director at Cory Bros said "We have an excellent track record for innovation, most recently with the development of our extensive range of premium quality, cost-effective Ultimate laparoscopic instruments and devices. Our progressive approach has enabled us to forge successful partnerships with forward thinking distributors, such as Ark Surgical, which has resulted in significant business growth and a far wider choice for healthcare practitioners, both human and animal."
For more information, see: http://www.arksurgical.co.uk/
Zoetis has announced that Suvaxyn MH-One, its vaccine against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs, has a revised licence allowing it to be administered from seven days of age with a two-week onset of immunity.
The company says this means that piglets can be protected by three weeks of age when they are commonly already infected with M. hyo. Duration of immunity extends well beyond the average UK pig slaughter age of 176 days.
Nigel Lodge, National Veterinary Manager for Zoetis in the UK said: "This is a significant step forward, recognising the full efficacy of the Suvaxyn MH-One vaccine against enzootic pneumonia. Trials have confirmed that use of Suvaxyn MH-One at seven days reduces lung lesions - even in the presence of maternally derived antibodies.
"The vaccine, which adds to our large and growing pig vaccine and product portfolio, also benefits from using adjuvants carbopol and squalane."
According to the company, the performance gains from early protection are shown in a field trial with 240 pigs injected at one week of age which showed significantly higher average daily weight gain, providing nearly 5 kg extra weight over the study period to 166 days.
Presenters at the webinar will include: Professor Melissa McDermid MD, MPH, division head, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, University of Maryland, Prof. Clare Knottenbelt BVSC MSC DSAM MRCVS, owner and founder of specialist referral service, Hawk and Dove, and previously clinical director of the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Sam Fontaine MSc, lecturer and director of the MSc Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing and module leader within the BVMS programme at The Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine. There will also be a video from the oncology centre at The Queen’s Veterinary School, Cambridge University.
The webinar will also look at the use of Closed System Transfer Devices, such as Tevadaptor, to improve safety and break down barriers to treatment across all practices.
Clare Knottenbelt (pictured right) said: “Pets with cancer need to be able to access chemotherapy treatments locally. The advent of new closed administration systems mean that practices can now safely administer chemotherapeutics in house without the need for large investment, but still protecting the health of their staff."
Delegates will be able to to submit questions to the speakers and will receive a certificate for one hour of CPD. The session will be recorded so it can be watched again.
For the full programme or to register, visit: https://aesculap-academia.eventbritestudio.com/160802290981
A new US colic study, published in Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), in partnership with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, has identified various risk factors, including delayed faecal output and increasing blood lactate, associated with post-anaesthetic colic.
The study Risk factors associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction in horses undergoing elective procedures under general anaesthesia was conducted by surgeons based at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, USA.
The authors say that the research should enable vets to implement preventative measures to help reduce incidences of colic in the future.
Gastrointestinal pain has been estimated to occur in 2.8-6% of horses following general anaesthesia for elective procedures, the most common cause being impaction of the large intestine or caecum.
The medical records of 416 horses undergoing general anaesthesia were collected over a two-year period and the potential risk factors were examined. 8.7% of horses were diagnosed with gastrointestinal dysfunction - higher than previous estimates probably because the study included horses requiring treatment for decreased faecal output whereas previous studies did not. Potential risk factors were assessed, including faecal output, which was decreased in 38.9% of cases, blood lactate, position during surgery, rectal temperature and breed of horse.
The results showed that Arabian horses, increasing blood lactate, right lateral recumbency, decreased rectal temperature post-procedure and delayed passage of faeces were significantly associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Diana Hassel, who instigated the study, said: "These findings should help the clinician identify higher risk horses and be proactive about their management in the post-anaesthetic period.
"This may include pre-emptive nasogastric intubation and administration of mineral oil and/or water and electrolytes. Although core temperature control in horses is difficult to achieve in adult horses during surgery, further research into this field may prove beneficial."
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This study brings obvious and immediate practical benefits for clinicians and the horses under their care. Rigorous monitoring of higher risk surgical cases should lead to a reduction in incidences of post-operative colic, making recovery procedures less difficult and outcomes more favourable."
Telemedicine can be defined as any clinical healthcare service that is provided using remote telecommunications services.
The aim of the consultation, which starts on the 13th February, is to receive feedback to help the College develop an appropriate regulatory framework for such services in the veterinary sector. The College’s current Code of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance is generally concerned with face-to-face provision of veterinary services.
The consultation will consider issues such as who is responsible for veterinary care if it is provided remotely, how 'under veterinary care' is defined in the context of the telemedicine delivery of services, the potential risks as well as opportunities for improving animal welfare that may arise out of new technologies and the appropriate regulation of veterinary services provided directly to clients using new remote technologies.
Nick Stace, RCVS Chief Executive, said: "We want the UK’s veterinary surgeons to be at the forefront of innovation and to be making use of, and developing, new technology to extend the reach of veterinary services and thereby improve animal welfare.
"However, while the adoption of technology can greatly benefit veterinary services, we also need to develop a regulatory framework that takes into account the questions it poses, for example, in areas such as remote diagnosis and prescribing, to ensure that animal health and welfare is the foremost consideration."
David Catlow, Chair of the RCVS Standards Committee that approved the consultation, added: "What we are looking for in this consultation are comments that will help inform a new position for the College on the use of telemedicine. There are questions that need to be answered around the principles of using telemedicine and we hope that we will get the views of a broad range of the profession.
"I would strongly encourage all members of the profession to engage with this survey so that we can build a better picture of how this technology is currently being used, how it might be used in the future and how we can best regulate it."
The consultation questionnaire will be available to complete for six weeks from Monday 13 February 2017 at www.rcvs.org.uk/telemedicine
The RVC is addressing a worldwide shortage of scientists who have the specialist skills necessary for research into the spread of infectious disease with it’s MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology.
According to the RVC, by June 2008, more than 60 countries had been affected by outbreaks of bird flu, resulting in millions of birds dying or being destroyed. A total of 14 countries had suffered human cases by the end of 2007, with a large proportion of cases being fatal. In 2006, bluetongue virus was introduced to Northern Europe and spread rapidly, so that by the end of 2007 over 50,000 outbreaks were reported from cattle and sheep farms in Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Germany, France and the UK.
“The RVC has seen interest in epidemiology increase dramatically, but there still aren’t enough skilled professionals to service this growing global need.” said Professor Dirk Pfeiffer, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College. “The course provides specialist training that integrates scientific knowledge from microbiology, ecology, social sciences and animal husbandry in order to understand how diseases such as avian flu and bluetongue are spreading.”
“At a time when such diseases are increasing globally it is vital that we have scientists that are able to understand how the infections are spreading and how outbreaks can be contained. The RVC is looking to hear from graduates in veterinary science, biological science, medicine, mathematics or statistics, who are ready to take up the challenge of this fascinating field of study.”
The RVC’s course is unique in that it is taught by 4 organisations; the RVC (animal epidemiology), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (human epidemiology), the Veterinary Laboratories Agency – VLA- (veterinary surveillance and epidemiology), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Defra - (UK government animal disease surveillance).
The course attracts between 10 and 15 students per year. Successful candidates can move into roles in a variety of UK, European or international governmental organisations such as Defra, the VLA and the World Health Organisation, in addition to the prospect of working in academic or purely research environments.
Funding from the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) has enabled the RVC to offer 4 full-time scholarships for students resident in the UK to study veterinary epidemiology at postgraduate level. The scholarships cover the course fees and upkeep for the year of study, and are between £14,000 and £19,000 per candidate.
More information can be found at: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/postgrad
The BVA has called on the Government to introduce a ban on the keeping of primates as private pets.
Veterinary surgeons at the BVA have been considering the potential welfare concerns of such animals in response to an Efra select committee inquiry on the issue. They have concluded that it is almost impossible for private owners to provide primates with appropriate care as defined by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: "We appreciate that many people who keep primates privately care deeply for their pets and do their utmost to provide for them appropriately. However, primates are long-lived, intelligent, socially-complex animals and we can think of no circumstances where they would benefit from being kept as a pet.
"Primates cannot be kept on their own. They need at least one companion in order to express natural behaviour. They require both an indoor and outdoor enclosure to ensure adequate exercise and exposure to UV light, and each species has specific dietary requirements.
"These animals are not domesticated companions like dogs and cats, or even livestock, and are extraordinarily difficult to care for properly. Very few people can provide the necessary resources to meet their welfare needs. We therefore favour a ban on the keeping of primates as private pets."
The Association says that as part of the consultation, it considered the possibility that primate welfare could be improved through better regulation or licensing but members did not feel these options went far enough given the difficulties involved in meeting primates' basic welfare needs.
The only exception to the ban recommended by the BVA would be to allow individuals who are working in partnership with accredited zoos to breed primates for conservation purposes.
BVA also recognises that a ban could not be enforced immediately and effective plans, including an appropriate transition period, would be needed to secure suitable accommodation for existing pet primates.
The RCVS has published a new video which explains the Professional Development Phase (PDP) and highlights the support it provides for new veterinary graduates as they develop their Year One Competences.
In the video, Victoria Henry MRCVS - who works at Mandeville Veterinary Hospital in Northolt - speaks about how the PDP has helped her move from being a newly-qualified graduate to becoming a confident practitioner. She said: “It’s a massive transition coming out of vet school and going into practice – you suddenly have all the responsibility and it’s all on you. The PDP gives you goalposts to work towards and flags up the areas you don’t have much practice in; it helps you to reflect on what you’ve been doing and assess yourself.”
Jeremy Stewart, the Head Veterinary Surgeon at Mandeville Veterinary Hospital, talks about how the PDP helps employers to support and develop graduates like Victoria by building their confidence and helping them gain the experience they need for practice life.
The video also highlights the support available for graduates undertaking the PDP and features Julian Wells, one of the five Postgraduate Deans who help graduates undertaking the PDP by providing advice on any issues they may encounter, checking their progress and confirming when they have completed it. He also describes how the PDP helps graduates to understand the mentoring role in practice, which they can then provide to new graduates as they progress through their own careers.
Christine Warman, Head of Education at the RCVS, said: “With 859 new UK graduates having just joined the Register, we thought this video would be helpful in setting out why the PDP can be so crucial in helping to build the confidence and experience of new graduates, as well as the fact that it can easily be incorporated into day-to-day work.”
More information about the PDP is available by visiting www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp or by emailing pdp@rcvs.org.uk.
Veterinary surgeons who wish to sign up to the Professional Development Record can do so by visiting www.rcvs-pdr.org.uk
The British Veterinary Association has launched two new guides for members on 'Euthanasia' and 'The role of the vet in treatment choice decision-making'.
The guides provide both thought-provoking questions for vets to consider when assisting clients with treatment choice and practical guidance on making the right decisions on euthanasia for individual animals.
The guides are the result of work by the BVA's Ethics and Welfare Group.
'The role of the vet in treatment choice decision-making' tackles issues such as:
The 'Euthanasia' guide includes:
Commenting on the launch of the guides Peter Jinman, Chairman of the BVA's Ethics and Welfare Group, said: "Treatment choice and euthanasia are important parts of veterinary work but are rarely black and white issues. These guides aim to help vets through the often difficult decision-making processes required and cover all aspects from legal issues to the welfare of the animal and the needs of its owner.
"The BVA guide to euthanasia provides a clear, easy-to-use document to help veterinary surgeons make the best decisions for the animals in their care. As well as outlining the various types of euthanasia, the guide provides a Decision Tree designed to help vets work through the available options.
"The guide to treatment choice decision-making explores issues such as where the vet's moral obligation lies and how far he/she can and should influence treatment choice.
"The guides aim to be a practical resource for vets in both small and large animal practice at any stage of their careers. I am grateful to the Euthanasia and Treatment Choice Subgroup, chaired by Richard Jones, for their excellent work setting in context this potentially difficult area of veterinary work."
Dogs which survived the devastating earthquake in the Zun Dao township of Sichuan, China have a new lease on life after the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and local officials announced an agreement to end the cruel killing of dogs and instead address public health concerns through an IFAW sponsored anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary aid programme in the 20,000+ population.“This agreement is a major breakthrough,” said Jackson Zee, IFAW rescue leader. “Chinese media have been filled with reports of people evacuating with their pets, being comforted by their pets, and even saved by their pets after their homes collapsed, so we are delighted to see this next step as local officials are acknowledging that humane care of dogs, cats and livestock can benefit both animals and people.”After the devastating earthquake that claimed around 80,000 human lives, IFAW rushed close to £100,000 in aid and sourced over six tonnes of animal food for some of the hardest-hit areas within Sichuan province.IFAW met with local government officials in Zun Dao and offered humane alternatives to the dog culls presently in effect in much of the devastated areas. Officials agreed to halt any dog culling operations in the area and are welcoming IFAW’s efforts to address the present public health concerns by conducting an anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary care programme in the area.Accompanied by local veterinarians, IFAW began visiting villages immediately and on the first afternoon provided food, collars, leads and appropriate vaccinations for at least 50 family owned dogs. There are an estimated 4,000 owned dogs and 1,000 strays in Zun Dao and surrounding villages and relief efforts are expected to increase in the coming days.In addition to the efforts in Zun Dao, IFAW has been providing humanitarian aid in the region by meeting some of the most basic and urgent needs. From cooking oil to laundry detergent, mosquito repellents and toys for children, these much-needed supplies are helping families get back on their feet and take care of their pets and backyard farm animals. Desperately needed supplies such as 100 water pumps, fencing, generators and other supplies have also been rushed to Mianyang to help rescue animals in advance of anticipated flooding while additional support has been given to the acclaimed Giant Panda Nature Reserve in Gansu province.IFAW is appealing for public support to increase the amount of aid for animals and people in the earthquake region. To donate or view more information on current rescue efforts, visit www.ifaw.org.
Gordon Hockey has been appointed Acting Registrar at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
He succeeds Jane Hern, who had been Registrar for 15 years before deciding to move on to pursue other interests.
Gordon, who is a qualified pharmacist and barrister, has been at the College for the last 13 years as Head of the Professional Conduct Department and Assistant Registrar.
Meanwhile, the College says it is giving consideration to the future scope of the Registrar and Secretary's roles, as the Officer team begins the recruitment process.
Eleanor Ferguson has taken over as Acting Head of the Professional Conduct Department.
According to the results of DairyCheck 2008, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's subsidised milk testing service, 65% of herds tested positive for IBR infection, 69% positive for Leptospirosis and the majority of herds tested showed evidence of previous BVD exposure.
According to Intervet/Schering Plough, it is widely known that exposure levels of these three endemic diseases are high, yet many producers don't see the hidden losses. Making use of DairyCheck can demonstrate infection levels on an individual unit and help encourage a control and management programme to be put in place
Vet adviser Ruth Vernon said: "It can be a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'. After the initial infection, cows may appear healthy, but be suffering from the effects of immune suppression as a result of BVD virus infection. This results in herd performance that is often below expected levels."
"When the news is good - and on average around 33% of DairyCheck tested herds were found to be clear of all three diseases - farmers need guidance and advice on keeping a naïve herd clear of disease.
"Taking time to explain how to incorporate biosecurity measures on a day-to-day basis as well as quarantine and vaccination programmes can significantly improve the health status of previously infected units."
Further information on DairyCheck is available from Intervet/Schering-Plough Account Managers.
As part of the campaign, vets are invited to share their top tips for maintaining a calm workplace for staff and patients at: https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/products/big-chill.
Veterinary professionals are being asked to share their top tips in two areas. Firstly, on how they prioritise self-care for themselves and teammates, and secondly, on how they best deal with nervous, stressed or anxious patients.
All respondents will be entered into a prize draw for a VetYogi practice subscription.
Gemma Vardy, Senior Category Specialist at NVS Group, said: “Mental health and wellbeing have never been more important within the veterinary industry which is why our dedicated Big Chill campaign supports the wellbeing and mental health of veterinary professionals while also shining a light on animal calming products, such as our select healthcare calming chews, which help support calm and enhance patient experiences.”
https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/products/big-chill
Based on a survey of 1,000 rabbit and guinea pig owners, the report found that amongst other things, 80% of these animals are cared for by women, that there has been an 8% increase in the number of rabbits being kept indoors and that dental disease is the main reason for seeking veterinary advice, followed by gastro-intestinal stasis.
https://supremepetfoods.com/blog/uk-small-pet-market-report-2024/
The RCVS has launched a new animated video to help promote Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) accredited practices to the public, and explain the benefits of the scheme.
Launched in 2005, almost 60% of practices are now part of the PSS, which requires them to submit to a rigorous inspection every four years and meet a stringent standards across a wide range of areas including cleanliness and hygiene, facilities and equipment, staff training and development and customer service. Practices may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.
Jacqui Molyneux, who heads up the RCVS Practice Standards Group said: “Our new video is a light-hearted explanation of the Practice Standards Scheme, how it can help animal owners decide which practice to go to and reassure them about the standards they can expect to find at an RCVS-accredited practice.”
The College says a similar version of the video will soon be available for RCVS-accredited practices to show to their clients, either on their own websites and social media channels, or in the waiting room.
Jacqui said: “Not only do we want to spread the word about the benefits of the Practice Standards Scheme and suggest animal owners look for the RCVS-accredited practice logo, but we also want to give accredited practices an engaging way of telling their clients about their achievement.
“Gaining RCVS accreditation is not easy, so accredited practices deserve every opportunity to demonstrate to their clients their commitment to supporting high standards of veterinary care. This fun two-minute video should help them do just that.”
Animal owners can search for an RCVS-accredited practice in their area, or elsewhere in the UK, using Find A Vet – the College’s online search tool – at www.findavet.org.uk.
Intervet / Schering-Plough has announced that following the success of National Vaccination Month, which targeted the owners of unvaccinated dogs, cats and rabbits, and resulted in more than 32,000 additional vaccinations, a second National Vaccination Month will run throughout March 2009.
According to the company, National Vaccination Month 2008 won strong support from vets nationwide and succeeded in increasing awareness among pet owners of the need to vaccinate their animals, with the end result of driving unvaccinated pets into practices across the country.
Just over 2,100 veterinary clinics registered to take part and following a heavyweight marketing and TV advertising campaign, the pet owning public responded in their thousands.
Almost 70,000 people visited the website www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk with over 32,000 pets vaccinated as a result.
To build on the success of this campaign and in light of data suggesting a continued escalation in the number of unvaccinated pets, Intervet / Schering Plough Animal Health is calling on veterinary practices to sign up and benefit from the massive marketing drive that will underpin the second National Vaccination Month.
As in 2008, central to the success of the campaign will be a nationally co-ordinated amnesty encouraging owners of unvaccinated dogs, cats and rabbits to have their pets fully vaccinated for the cost of a booster. The amnesty will highlight the shocking fact that only half of the nation's dogs, a quarter of cats and just 10 per cent of rabbits are up to date with their vaccinations. This is in the face of survey work, indicating the widespread and prevalent nature of certain infectious diseases.
Angus Robinson of Intervet / Schering Plough said: "The success of the 2008 campaign blew us away. Of most significance was the feedback that we had from vets, which suggested that rather than drawing from their existing client base, National Vaccination Month improved pet vaccination levels by attracting new clients into practice.
"However survey results show we have a long way to go. Too many cases of serious infectious disease are still seen in practice and wider vaccination uptake would reduce the number of animals susceptible to these serious and preventable diseases.
"In 2009, given the prevailing economic climate, pet owners will be particularly alive to the fact that there is a cost benefit to them and this may give even greater impetus to the campaign."
During National Vaccination Month, participating vets will provide a free healthcheck and discounted vaccination saving owners up to £30 per pet.
As well as TV advertising, a radio campaign, PR editorial across a range of media and marketing support, this year's campaign will be backed by a leading TV wildlife broadcaster and celebrity who will be unveiled at the consumer launch.
As in 2008, the website www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk will give pet owners the chance to search for their nearest participating vet.
For more information on how to register your practice to take part in the campaign, please contact your Intervet account manager or call Intervet's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685.
The British Veterinary Association is delighted to announce the election of new chairmen for two of its standing committees.
Fred Landeg is the new chairman of the Veterinary Policy Group (VPG) and James Yeates is the new chairman of the Ethics and Welfare Group (EWG).
Both positions were filled at the first meetings of the Association year in November when Richard Harvey and Peter Jinman reached the end of their three-year terms as chairmen on VPG and EWG respectively.
Fred Landeg CBE BVetMed MSc MRCVS qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1971 and spent some time in veterinary practice before joining the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in 1975 as a Veterinary Officer. In 2004 he was appointed UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and Director in Defra and became acting Director General and Chief Veterinary Officer in November 2007. He retired from public service at the end of April 2008. Mr Landeg said: "The UK veterinary profession is small and has a very wide range of diverse skills and specialisms. It will continue to become more diverse but in diversifying, if the profession is to continue to have influence, it must have a coherent public voice based on sound policies and respect for each other's specialism.
"The BVA provides that coherent voice and the VPG is a key component in developing BVA policy."
James Yeates BSc BVSc DWEL MRCVS qualified from Bristol in 2004 and worked as a veterinary surgeon, undertaking a bachelors degree in bioethics and starting a PhD in veterinary ethics. He is currently an RCVS diplomate in animal welfare science, ethics and law, an active member of the SPVS, and works as the BSAVA Petsavers/RSPCA Bristol Resident Scholar in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. Mr Yeates said: "Bringing together scientific, clinical and ethical insights, the BVA EWG is uniquely placed to give progressive recommendations about how we interact with animals. Animal owners, vets, retailers and our whole society have to make difficult ethical decisions about the millions of animals that rely on them for their care.
"There is so much that the profession does, and even more to do in the future. The EWG can provide a focal point for that progress."
Ceva Animal Health has extended its Logic range of supplements with the launch of Logic Ease for dogs and cats.
Ceva says the new ‘soft chew’ supplements contain high quality active ingredients which have been developed to ensure the high standards that owners expect for their pets, adding that they allow owners to ‘treat’ their pets, knowing they are contributing to the health of their animal and reducing the desire to give unhealthy snacks.
The range for dogs comprises Logic EaseFlex, designed to help soothe active joints and support long-term mobility; Logic EaseLife for senior dogs, designed to help support mobility, coat condition, mind vitality and alertness; Logic EaseDerm to add moisture to dry, irritated skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
The range for cats comprises Logic Easeflex and Logic EaseBall to lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the passage of fur through the gut.
Abi Busk, retail business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: “The new Logic supplements will provide veterinary clinics with an extensive range of veterinary strength supplements that are so tasty that they can be given as treats.”
For further information on the Logic range, contact your wholesaler, call Ceva on 01494 781510, email cevauk@ceva.com or visit http://www.logicforpets.co.uk.
CPD Solutions has launched a new training CD to help vets refine their skills in the examination of neurological cases.
Authored by neurology expert Simon Platt of the University of Georgia, the multimedia CD gives information and advice on localising the site of a lesion, determining the severity of the disease process and assessing the prognosis for the patient. It includes video footage to show how to perform a full neurological examination and to test for specific spinal reflexes and postural reactions, as well as cranial nerve evaluation and gait evaluation. Examples of normal and abnormal responses are also given.
CPD Solutions’ Dr Susie Coughlan adds: “The video clips, together with the extensive illustration and images that are on the CD will help vets to develop their skills and enable an effective examination to be carried out and interpreted, every time a neurological patient enters the consulting room.”
The Neurology CD is the latest addition to the CPD Solutions range of Keysteps™ training CDs. Already available are CDs on head and neck surgery and joint surgery. More CDs and DVDs are to be launched later this year.
The Keysteps™ CDs, each cost £95 + VAT. For more information, contact CPD Solutions on tel: 0151 328 0444, visit the website http://www.cpd-solutions.com/, or visit the company at BSAVA on stand number 903.
Bayer Animal Health reports that sales of Drontal have achieved double digit growth following the company's recent advertising campaign.
The company says its marketing push has been so successful that 83% of cat and dog owners now name Drontal ahead of any other wormer.
Apparently, vet practice waiting room posters are most commonly the way pet owners learn about Drontal, while approximately half of those regularly tuning in to the popular TV series The Dog Whisperer and GMTV were aware of Drontal's sponsorship of the programmes.
Dan White, Drontal's product manager said: "Bayer has invested heavily in advertising Drontal direct to pet owners effectively driving them into veterinary practice and producing accompanying practice support materials such as waiting room posters and wormer reminder cards which have really paid off. Three-quarters of pet owners surveyed stated they last purchased their wormer from their veterinary practice," comments.
"We will continue to support veterinary practices through advertising and sponsorship initiatives to help raise awareness of the importance of regularly worming pets with Drontal and boost sales further."
For further information or to order more Drontal practice support materials, please contact your local Bayer territory manager.
New research1 conducted by the Donkey Sanctuary, and announced by Spillers has shown that donkeys receiving a high fibre diet are less likely to suffer from gastric ulceration than those fed a cereal-based diet.
Gastric ulceration is now recognised as a significant problem, particularly in actively trained racehorses, but until now there have not been any studies on the incidence of gastric ulceration in donkeys.
"Donkeys have traditionally been thought of as stoic animals that do not display signs of stress or disease," said Faith Burden, veterinary projects and development manager at the Donkey Sanctuary. "However during routine necropsy examination of donkeys at our Devon sanctuary it became apparent that gastric ulcers were common and that ulceration was, in some cases, extensive."
Examination of 426 donkeys revealed that 41% had been suffering from gastric ulcers and that the composition of the diet had had an effect on the prevalence of gastric ulceration. Donkeys that had been fed a diet including cereal-based concentrates were over 20% more likely to have gastric ulcers when compared to donkeys on a fibre concentrate or forage-only diet.
"The results of this study show that donkeys can be maintained on a fibre concentrate diet, with no increased risk of ulceration, when compared to those receiving ad lib forage," explains Faith. "This is particularly encouraging because products such as SPILLERS® High Fibre Cubes, which can be soaked to form a mash, allow the management of ill or elderly animals requiring supplementary or specialist feeding."
For further information on SPILLERS® visit www.spillers-feeds.com. For further information on the Donkey Sanctuary visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
1FA Burden, AK Thiemann, AF Trawford and J Gallagher: Gastric ulcers in donkeys: prevalence and effect of diet