Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Ltd has announced that Metacam is now available for use in pigs as an oral suspension.  

Metacam, which contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) meloxicam, is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious locomotor disorders to reduce inflammation and signs of lameness. It is also licensed for the treatment of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) syndrome in sows, when used alongside appropriate antibiotic therapy. MMA is a multifactorial condition that can threaten the health of the sow and the lives of her piglets due to a marked decrease or complete cessation in milk production. 

Boehringer says treatment with Metacam15 mg/ml oral suspension helps control inflammation and pain associated with the condition, thereby helping to restore productivity and wellbeing in the sow and her offspring.

Metacam 15mg/ml oral suspension for pigs supplements the existing injectable formulation and has been introduced to its increase flexibility and ease of use, and to reduce the potential stress than can be caused when injecting newly-farrowed sows. The palatable suspension can be given mixed with a small quantity of feed or can be administered directly into the mouth.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has agreed to adjourn multiple charges against an Essex-based veterinary surgeon who qualified in 1969, following his undertakings firstly to request removal from the RCVS Register and secondly never apply to be restored to it.

At the hearing, which had originally been listed for seven days, Geoffrey Raymond Oliver, 68, was charged with serious professional misconduct over allegations of his inadequate treatment of two dogs and a cat (belonging to three different clients) between 2010 and 2012; inadequate record keeping; failures to deal honestly or properly with his clients; and, failure to heed advice from the RCVS Preliminary Investigation Committee about the importance of proper communication between veterinary surgeons and their clients.

However, before the Committee heard evidence on any aspect of these charges, Mr Oliver lodged his application for adjournment. The Committee therefore made no findings on the charges, and emphasised they had neither been proved against, nor admitted by, him.

The Committee noted that there had been no adverse findings against Mr Oliver during his professional career, that his practice was now closed and that he had no intention of returning to practise in the future. Should he subsequently apply to be restored to the Register, the Committee would resume its consideration of the charges, along with his breach of the undertaking.

The Committee was advised that none of the complainants in the case - which could have incurred considerable time and costs - dissented from the proposed course of action.

Speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, its Chairman, Professor Peter Lees, said: "The Committee has concluded that no useful purpose would be served were it to insist on a full hearing [and it] would be a disproportionate waste of...resources [to do so]. The Committee is satisfied that [granting the adjournment application] protects the welfare of animals and...is in the public interest."

The Committee then accepted Mr Oliver's undertakings, including the removal of his name from the Register with immediate effect.

Professor Lees added: "So that he is in no doubt about the matter, the Committee reminds [Mr Oliver] that, when referring clients of his former practice elsewhere, he should be careful to avoid giving them any advice about the diagnosis or treatment of their animals."

The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic in Abington, Northampton seems to be defying the commonly-held belief that owners of some the more common exotics are not prepared to go to any great lengths if their animal gets ill.

According to head veterinary surgeon Simon Maddock, about one third of the practice's workload is now for guinea pigs – a figure growing year by year. More to the point, many of their clients are travelling a considerable distance to get veterinary care.

Simon said: "We certainly didn’t start out to become so popular with guinea pig owners; it’s happened more by word of mouth. Our reputation has grown mainly through owners talking to each other on online forums. 

"I reckon we must see at least one guinea pig a day that has travelled more than 50 miles to see us. One couple regularly make a 175-mile round trip from North Wales. We even have someone visit us from Scotland. That’s one long trip to make!"

Simon added: “Although the practice was originally established to provide dedicated cat and rabbit owners with veterinary care specifically tailored to these pets, we have also found guinea pig owners to be just as committed to their pets and they are quick to look for signs of illness."

Medivet has reported a wide range of public reaction to the recent Panorama programme 'It shouldn't happen at a vets', most of which has been at one extreme or the other. 

On the one hand, says the company, many clients have gone out of their way to show their support, whilst on the other, staff have faced considerable anger from members of the public (not known to be Medivet clients).

After transmission, staff at a handful of practices received abusive comments and threatening behaviour. The day after transmission, a veterinary nurse in uniform who was not shown in the programme was called 'dog beater' in the street in Oxford, leaving her feeling very shaken. Staff from other branches have received similar treatment when out in uniform; Medivet recommended that its staff cover up their uniforms when outdoors, and has been working with the Metropolitan Police and other forces.

Two individuals named in the film - Arnold Levy, Medivet's managing partner, and a veterinary nurse who was shown admitting to having struck a dog - received emailed death threats. The nurse has since resigned.

At practices, a receptionist was sworn at, several received abusive phone calls and one of Medivet's kennel staff in Oxted, Surrey was woken in the early hours one morning by people banging on the doors and shouting abuse. Most incidents occurred within the first 48 hours following the programme.

In contrast, Medivet says several practices have been overwhelmed by the level of support shown to staff by clients. Some have brought in gifts of flowers, biscuits and chocolates, and one client visited his practice specifically to tell staff of his and his wife's support.

Staff and managers have received many supportive emails, cards, letters and verbal comments contrasting between the picture portrayed by the programme and their personal experience of Medivet and the level of care their pets receive.

Medivet says that discussions with clients about the programme have been balanced, with many appreciating that the programme was not made in a balanced or fair way. The company also says it believes that, in the vast majority of cases, the strength of the relationship of trust between clients and the teams that look after their pets has not been undermined.

Virbac, maker of Stelfonta, the intratumoural solution to treat mast cell tumours in dogs, is hosting a livestream interactive talk with guest speaker Dr Gerry Polton (RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Oncology) on 17th May at 8:00pm.

Virbac points to research showing that MCTs are the most common form of skin cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 21% of skin cancer cases¹.

This, says the company, means that understanding the challenges surrounding mast cell tumour diagnosis, work up (including the various prognostic panels) and treatment selection for mast cell tumour cases is vital.

The session, entitled ‘Fundamentals of Mast Cell Tumour Management’, will conclude with a review of Stelfonta, walking through cases and how to get the best results. 

Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "We know that vets are facing webinar fatigue.

"We therefore hope that this brand new style of online learning on one of the most common canine cancers will be more engaging, whilst still delivering high quality CPD."

To register for the live event, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mct-masterclass

For more information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager, or visit vet-uk.virbac.com/stelfonta

Reference

1. Garrett, L.D. (2014) Canine mast cell tumors: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, Vol 5. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S41005

MSD Animal Health (maker of Bravecto) is asking veterinary surgeons to get involved in the Big Flea Project, described as the UK’s largest piece of academic research into fleas, their prevalence, and the diseases they carry.

The study, which is being carried out in partnership with the University of Bristol, will analyse flea samples submitted by vet practices from across the country.

Practices interested in participating can request flea collection packs by contacting their MSD representative, or by sending an email to infobfp@merck.com.

Participating practices will receive support materials, including flea combs and things to display in waiting rooms.

The campaign follows the success of the Big Tick Project launched in 2015, which examined over 6,000 tick samples in the UK contributing to the largest-ever study of ticks on dogs and cats in Britain.

Daniel Guerrero, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "After receiving such groundbreaking results from the Big Tick Project, we wanted to continue to revolutionise the way that common parasites such as ticks and fleas are understood and treated by both pet owners and vets.

"Fleas are the most important parasite for pet owners and the main source of irritation in pets. Despite this, fleas are still seen as a common nuisance, and not often dealt with effectively. By better understanding what diseases fleas are carrying in the UK, we will be able to better explain the impact of fleas and how to eradicate them through professional advice and treatment from their local vet."

The Big Flea Project will be open to flea pack submissions from 1st of April – 1st of June 2018, with findings of the research published in 2019.

To request your flea collection pack and practice materials, contact infobfp@merck.com

Bayer Animal Health has launched Renalzin^®, a feed additive for the management of Chronic Renal Disease (CRD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older cats¹.

One-third of all cats over 15 years of age have CRD², but the disease often remains undetected until the cat suddenly falls ill, by which stage 85% of kidney function may have already been lost³. The clinical signs are often subtle and non-specific, and diagnosis is complicated by the fact that changes in laboratory values occur relatively late in the disease.

Dr. Dennis Chew, specialist in veterinary urology and nephrology at the Ohio State University, said: "Most veterinary surgeons understand that CRD affects many cats, especially as they age, and is a leading cause of death. CRD is difficult to identify in early stages - early intervention with treatment can prevent progression of CRD to those with more serious kidney deficits. Restriction of dietary phosphorus intake is known to be a pivotal beneficial step in the stabilisation of CRD. Renalzin is a paste specifically formulated for cats that prevents dietary phosphate absorption across the intestine - a beneficial effect is gained when added to the cat's normal diet or to a veterinary renal diet".

The main ingredient of Renalzin is Bayer-registered Lantharenol^® (lanthanum carbonate), a phosphate binder which binds to dietary phosphate within the gastrointestinal tract. According to the company, this renders it indigestible and thereby eases the burden on the already damaged kidneys.

Renalzin contains two additional ingredients - kaolin and vitamin E. Kaolin is a toxin binder which helps to reduce the absorption of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin E is known to reduce free radicals, improving immunity and protecting the integrity of cell membranes. 

Bayer says that clinical studies demonstrate that Renalzin significantly increases faecal elimination and decreases urinary excretion of phosphorus ⁵. The product also decreases phosphate digestibility (absorption) in cats that are on both high and lower phosphate diets⁶. In addition, studies have shown that Renalzin causes a decrease in serum phosphate levels in cats with standard maintenance diets non-restricted in phosphorus⁷. Finally, a clinical trial in feline CRD patients revealed that taking Renalzin resulted in improvements in general clinical examination parameters as assessed by their veterinary surgeons over a two month period in cats on a normal diet⁷.

Renalzin comes in a pump applicator. One pump action provides 1 ml, with 2 ml being the recommended daily dose applied to and/or mixed with the cat's food. Having a neutral taste and being odourless, Renalzin^® does not change the flavour of the cat's food and is flexible for clients to use as it can be given once or twice daily depending on the cat's feeding pattern.

References
1 Lulich JP, O'Brien TD, Osbourne CA, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Cd Cont Ed Pract Vet 1992, 14(2): 127 - 151.
2 Polzin DJ, Osbourne CA, Adams LG, Lulich JP. Medical management of feline chronic renal failure. In, Bonagura JD, Kirk RW (eds). Current Veterinarian Therapy X1. Philadelphia, PA, Saunders, 1992: 848-853.
3 Grauer GF. Early detection of renal damage and disease in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Small Animal 2005, 35: 581-596.
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanthanum_carbonate.
5 Schmidt B et al Bay 78-1887, J Vet Pharmacol Therap 2006, 29 (Suppl 1): 206-207
6 Schmidt B, Spiecker-Hauser U, Gropp J. Effecrt of Lantharenol® on apparent phosphorus absorption from a conventional feline maintenance diet and a renal diet for cats. Proc Soc Nutr Physiol (2008) 17, in press.
7 Data submitted for publication.

Virbac has launched Curacef Duo, a unique combination of antibiotic and NSAID offering an alternative approach to the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) caused by Mannhaemia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. 

Containing ceftiofur (50mg/ml) and ketoprofen (150mg/ml), Curacef Duo is presented in a ready-to-use suspension for injection at a low volume dosage – 1 ml/50kg – which is identical to short-acting ceftiofur alone.

Virbac says that Curacef Duo’s combined action can help to minimise production losses in calves and offer a quick return to production for dairy cows affected by bacterial BRD. It can also improve welfare by targeting infection, inflammation and pain all at once, while its ease of use and simple dosing help to increase compliance. Curacef Duo offers a zero milk withdrawal period and an eight day withdrawal period in meat. 

Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS, Large Animal Product Manager at Virbac, said: "In creating the first 'two-in-one' combination of two tried and trusted actives, the antibiotic ceftiofur and NSAID ketoprofen, we are offering practitioners an alternative to the treatment of bacterial BRD.

"We believe that the benefits Curacef Duo offers in terms of efficacy, ease of use and action on inflammation and pain, will be valued by both practitioners and farmers."

Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Recuvyra 50mg/ml transdermal solution for dogs, the first transdermal fentanyl solution to be licensed for the control of postoperative pain associated with major orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.

Recuvyra is a schedule two controlled drug which contains fentanyl, a pure μ-agonist synthetic opioid with a potency 100 times that of morphine¹. Applied to the area between the shoulder blades by a needleless two-pronged adapter two to four hours prior to surgery, Elanco says Recuvyra provides at least four days of opioid analgesia, which is mainly due to the activation of the μ-opioid receptors inhibiting the perception of pain and the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and dorsal horn².

Elanco says Recuvyra's unique formulation provides long-lasting analgesia by establishing a depot of fentanyl within the stratum corneum. The fentanyl in this depot undergoes passive diffusion down a concentration gradient, and is steadily released into the general circulation over a number of days.

Ed Whittle MA VetMB MRCVS, technical consultant at Elanco said: "Fentanyl is widely used in human health and its powerful analgesic properties are well known amongst veterinary surgeons^{1, 3, 4}. Recuvyra is a ground-breaking veterinary product that will provide long-acting post-operative pain control in dogs while reducing the need for repeated, invasive administration of analgesics in the practice and improved client compliance and the potential for mutimodal analgesia once a dog returns home."

To ensure proper use of Recuvyra, Elanco has produced a mandatory online training programme for veterinary surgeons to complete before ordering the product. The brief online training module, which can be viewed at www.recuvyratraining.eu, features information on the presentation, correct preparation and administration of the product, and the safe handling of patients that have been treated with Recuvyra. Once veterinary surgeons are trained, it is their responsibility to train their staff on the in-practice use of Recuvyra and Elanco has produced a training presentation to help educate veterinary professionals about the product.

To support the launch of Recuvyra, Elanco has produced a dosing calculator, cage cards and client information sheet.  For further information on Recuvyra, please contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancocah.uk@elanco.com.

References

1. Kukanich B., Clark, T.P. The history and pharmacology of fentanyl: relevance to a novel, long-acting transdermal fentanyl solution newly approved for use in dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.2012. 35 (Suppl. 2), 3-19
2. Lascelles BDX. Clinical pharmacology of analgesic agents. In Hellebrekers LJ ed. Animal Pain. The Netherlands: Van der Wees 2000:85-97
3. Pain Management in Dogs, Elanco Market Research. 2009. DmrKynetec
4. Lemke, Kip A., Creighton, Catherine M. Analgesia for Anesthetized Patients. Elsevier Topical review. Volume 25, Number 2, May 2010

Poultry vet William Garton has been named as the Young Farm Vet of the Year in the National Egg & Poultry Awards organised by the magazine Poultry Business.

The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, was given online this year at an event hosted by sports television presenter Mark Durden-Smith and Chloe Ryan, the editor of Poultry Business.

William was brought up on a sheep farm in Nottinghamshire and as a youngster bred rare breed poultry, selling eggs to local people in the village. He graduated at Nottingham University, did a poultry internship with a practice in the North West and worked there initially. Four years ago, he set up his own practice Avivets, at High Legh in Cheshire, dedicated to the poultry and game bird sector. He guest lectures at the Universities of Nottingham and Surrey and is an official veterinarian for avian exports. He sits on the RSPCA’s technical standards advisory board and was recently appointed veterinary advisor for the NFU poultry board.

Chloe Ryan said he had impressed the judges ‘with his enthusiasm for poultry veterinary knowledge and entrepreneurship. He has shown an excellent level of dedication, enriching his experience and qualifications through continuous professional development to farms and flocks as evidenced by glowing praise from a long list of clients.’

Lucy Berriman, Zoetis UK poultry national account manager, said: “Zoetis is proud to be sponsors of this new award for the industry’s poultry vets. 

"It gives hardworking individuals the chance to shine and illustrate their commitment to the poultry industry. Congratulations to Will for this fabulous achievement, and well done to the other two finalists."

The other finalists were Helena Brewer, who joined the Poultry Health Services team at Sheriff Hutton, near York, after studying at the Royal (Dick) School at Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College, and Henry Lamb, who has worked at Crowshall Veterinary Services in Norfolk since graduating at the Royal Veterinary College.

Following legislative changes, the British Veterinary Association has updated its 'Good Practice Guide to Handling Veterinary Waste' for England and Wales.

Supported by the Environment Agency the Guide primarily consists of a quick-reference poster enabling vets to categorise and segregate veterinary waste in line with Environment Agency requirements. The poster defines the types of hazardous waste, outlines the types of containers required and sets out the appropriate classification codes.

The Guide is complemented by more detailed web guidance which incorporates useful templates to download.

BVA President Carl Padgett said: "All businesses have a duty of care to ensure that all waste is stored and disposed of responsibly, that it is only handled or dealt with by those authorised to do so and that appropriate records are kept of all waste that is transferred or received.

"The BVA Guide has been a popular resource for the profession since we first launched it in 2008 making it considerably easier for vets to comply with Hazardous Waste Regulations. The revised poster is hopefully an incentive for practices to check if their requirements have changed and ensure they're still up-to-date."

The poster and web advice are available at http://www.bva.co.uk/activity_and_advice/1641.aspx and BVA members will receive a hard copy of the poster to display in their practice.

A new study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, has found that the risk of gingivitis increases in cats fed a wet food diet, cats with orange coats, cats that don’t hunt prey, and cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age six months.

The study was the first to use prospectively collected data to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for gingivitis in a cohort of domestic cats, using data from 860 cats aged up to six years enrolled in the Bristol Cats Study.
 
Gingivitis was found to be a common condition in cats aged up to six years, with prevalence increasing with age, from 24.5% in cats less than 12 months old, up to 56.3% in cats between five and six years old.
 
Odds of gingivitis in cats aged three to four years were higher in cats fed a wet only or mixed wet/dry diet compared to those on a dry only diet; cats not reported to hunt prey compared to reported hunters; cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age six months compared to reported non-dribblers; and cats with orange variants in their coat colour compared to non-orange cats. Sex was not found to be a risk factor for gingivitis (Ed's note: what a relief).
 
Jess Williams, lead author of the study, said: “Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions in cats, potentially causing issues with eating and behaviours like grooming.

"Our study showed that even young cats may have signs of gingivitis, so it is important to discuss and monitor dental health regularly and early on in a cat’s life, especially for those cats who may be more at risk.”

The study was funded by BSAVA PetSavers.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsap.13737

A survey published today by the veterinary recruitment agency recruit4vets has found 45.8% of salaried veterinary surgeons earning less than £35K per annum.

251 veterinary surgeons in full-time permanent employment took part in the survey, the largest number (37%) working in the south east and London.

The survey found that the typical starting salary was £31K per annum, rising to 41K for a more experienced vet in small animal practice, and £44K for more experienced large animal practitioners. The survey also found that senior vets with over 20 years experience earn up to £69K.

The survey also looked at locum charge-out rates, which varied from £220-£230 per day (17%) to over £250 (15%), with the greatest number (29%) charging between £240-£250.

62% of locums said their hourly pay rate had not changed in the last 12 months, compared to 45% of permanent staff who said their salary was unchanged over the period. This despite 65% of vets saying that the demands on them within the practice had increased in the last 12 months. 

Recruit4vets has produced a couple of video presentations about the results, locum pay covered here and permanent pay covered here.

Visit VetSurgeon.org Jobs for the largest selection of classified jobs for veterinary surgeons.