The BSAVA Library Collection, which is freely available until the end of June 2020, includes resources relating to total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and anaesthetic monitoring in addition to a new guidance document on the administration of anaesthetics during the pandemic, which has been endorsed by the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA).
Kerry Woodhouse, author of the guidance document, said: “In line with RCVS recommendations to promote safe practice and social distancing, anaesthesia for routine procedures should be stopped during the current restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will however remain a need for anaesthetics for emergency and urgent procedures on welfare grounds. This guidance document provides practical information on administering anaesthesia while conserving oxygen supplies."
BSAVA President, Sue Paterson added: “The potential prioritisation of oxygen cylinders into human medicines means that we must be ready and able to revert back to using some more basic anaesthetic techniques. BSAVA is pleased to be able to support the profession during these challenging times through the provision of up-to-date guidance and resources to address these concerns.”
The new Anaesthesia Resources collection can be found here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/update
The Association is also reassuring the profession that there is no indication of a shortage of medical gases.
In preparation for an escalation of coronavirus cases, BOC has been building stocks of medical gases to ensure its supply chain is in the best position to respond to customer requirements.
BOC has also implemented a ‘Full for Empty’ supply of all medical cylinder gases and customers with medical oxygen are being encouraged to manage their cylinders in an effective manner and ensure that empty cylinders are available promptly for collection. The company has also increased the frequency of deliveries and collections to help with cylinder turnover.
Customers are being asked to be vigilant and ensure that medical gas cylinders are kept as secure as possible to deter potential misuse or theft.
BSAVA understands that if a practice is closed for the foreseeable future, BOC will collect cylinders free of charge.
For further information, call BOC’s Customer Information Centre on 0800 111 333 or visit https://www.boconline.co.uk/shop/en/uk/customer-information
For more BSAVA resources relating to coronavirus, visit https://www.bsava.com/adviceforCOVID19
Avishield IB G1-13 is indicated for active immunisation of chicks to reduce the adverse effect on cilia caused by infectious bronchitis.
The vaccine is one of two targeting the IBV 793B serotype and, with the addition of this new claim, Avishield can now be administrated on broiler, broiler breeder and laying hen farms.
Avishield IB GI-13 is a lyophilisate for oculonasal suspension/use in drinking water which contains live avian infectious bronchitis virus variant strain V-173/11: 102.7-104.6 EID50.
It has an onset of immunity 10 days after vaccination and a duration of immunity of 56 days.
Johnny Wells West, poultry key account manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: “The new licence extension for Avishield IB G1-13 allows greater flexibility for poultry producers to protect their flocks against infectious bronchitis on broiler, broiler breeder and laying hen farms and it is welcome news for both Dechra and the poultry industry.”
For more information contact Johnny Wells West on 07584 175758 or visit http://www.dechra.co.uk/Avishield IB G1-13
The BVA has welcomed the decision to prohibit the advertising of antimicrobials directly to animal keepers from 2013 in a bid to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced that the Veterinary Medicines Regulations will be revised next year. The change has come as a result of the European Commission's view that the UK did not correctly transpose the European Directive 2001/82/EC which prohibits the advertising of certain veterinary medicinal products to the 'general public'.
When the VMD consulted on proposals to restrict the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers in 2010 the BVA supported the measure as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.
In a letter to stakeholders the VMD explained that: "A number of interested parties from veterinary medicine hold the view that the advertising of antibiotics to keepers of animals leads to undue pressure to prescribe newer antibiotics, which can often be important in human medicine and are associated with the development of multiple resistances."
Peter Jones, President of the BVA, said: "The BVA has consistently argued for the restriction of advertising of antimicrobials to animal keepers and we believe this is the right decision.
"New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies and there can be undue pressure put on veterinary surgeons by clients who want to try new products that promise good results, but which may not be appropriate from the point of view of responsible use.
"Antimicrobial resistance is a very serious issue for both animal and human health and we are pleased that the European Commission and the VMD have taken the view that the Regulations need to be revised.
"Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use and vets will continue to work with their farm clients to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly."
This, says the company, will make vaccination easier for vets and clients.
Eravac is an injectable emulsion ready for administration without the need for reconstitution beforehand.
Each box contains 10 individual doses which can be given to pet rabbits from 30 days of age.
CEVA Animal Health and the University of Lincoln have presented three distance learning students on the university's pheromone therapy course with awards in recognition of their research into the benefits of pheromone therapy in combating behavioural problems in pets.
Veterinary nurse, Mandy Davis RVN, won first place and was presented with a cheque for £1,000 for her evaluation of the use of rabbit appeasing pheromones in a pet demonstrating fearful and aggressive behaviour towards its owner.
Second place and a cheque for £500 went to pet behaviourist and VetSurgeon member, Dr Carri Westgarth BSc(Hons) PhD from the University of Liverpool, for her case which reported on the use of D.A.P.® and clomipromine in a separation-related problem in a dog.
Third place and a cheque for £250 was awarded to veterinary surgeon, Graeme Buchan BVMS MRCVS, from Blackness Veterinary Centre in Dundee for his study into the use of a D.A.P.® Collar in the management of disruptive stress in the home.
"More and more pets are referred to animal behaviour experts each year and pheromone therapy is increasingly being used to help pets overcome behavioural issues such as aggression and separation anxiety," said Professor Daniel Mills, recognised specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine, at the University of Lincoln. "The students' case histories demonstrated their understanding of the benefits of pheromone therapy and how products that mimic the effects of naturally occurring pheromones can improve both the health and welfare of stressed pets. Many of the reports were of a very high standard, and showed a good understanding of the science behind the practice, which is so important for effective use."
The University of Lincoln launched the country's first accredited course in pheromone therapy in 2007 to help increase the veterinary profession's understanding of stress and its potential to trigger behavioural issues in pets. The distance learning course, which is supported by CEVA Animal Health, is aimed at veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and behaviourists and comprises 12 audio visual tutorials covering pheromone therapy and its applications in companion animals which can be undertaken at a pace to suit individual students.
Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "The pheromone therapy course is a must for veterinary professionals wishing to learn more about behavioural problems in pets, including the stress triggers that can lead to disruptive and undesirable behaviour and the benefits of synthetic copies of natural pheromones in overcoming these issues."
The deadline for applications for the University of Lincoln's next Pheromone Therapy Course, which starts in February 2009, is 16 December 2008. For further information, please contact the University of Lincoln on 01522 882000 or visit www.lincoln.ac.uk.
The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has dismissed a case against a veterinary surgeon from Kent having found him not guilty of serious professional misconduct.
Mr Francois-Guillame Saulnier-Troff - formerly an employee of North Kent Referrals in Blue Bell Hill near Aylesford - was charged with concealing from his clients that a fragment of metal had been left in their dog's body following surgery, and omitting any reference to that in the clinical records or notes.
At the hearing, the Committee heard that, during spinal surgery on Pippin, a Jack Russell terrier belonging to Mr and Mrs Bowers, a small metal fragment broke off a palpator and became lodged in the bony material. Mr Saulnier-Troff was unable to retrieve it.
However, Mr Saulnier-Troff did not inform Pippin's owners of this occurrence, either during the telephone conversation on the 15th of January immediately following the operation, or when he met with them for Pippin's post-operative check on the 2nd of February. He said that he had intended to discuss the fact with the owners when the dog was discharged and had requested that he be contacted when the owners came into the surgery. He had not been contacted, though, and on attending the practice two days later, found that Pippin had already been returned to his owners.
It was accepted by the Committee that Mr Saulnier-Troff had not considered the fragment of clinical significance, and that telling Mr and Mrs Bowers about it was not at the front of his mind at their subsequent meeting.
The Committee heard there was no reference to the fragment included in the clinical notes, discharge summary or referral report, but accepted that the discharge summary had not been prepared by Mr Saulnier-Troff and that the referral report had been drawn up and sent out without Mr Saulnier-Troff's approval or personal signature.
In their findings, the Committee made no criticism of Mr Saulnier-Troff for the breakage or non-retrieval of the fragment, concluding that he came across as a skilled and conscientious veterinary surgeon and that he was fundamentally honest. The Committee also described as "honest and straightforwards throughout," the accounts given by Mr and Mrs Bowers of their recollections of events. The Committee noted that Mr Saulnier-Troff had admitted that he ought to have told Mr and Mrs Bowers about the fragment and that he ought to have included details in the clinical notes.
Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mrs Alison Bruce said that they were "highly critical of the fact that Mr Saulner-Troff did not inform Mr and Mrs Bowers at any time of what had occurred or check that the clinical records had been completed either post-operatively or at the follow-up examination."
"The matters, which Mr Saulnier-Troff has admitted, flow from a failure on his part to speak to Mr and Mrs Bowers after the discharge had taken place and to check that he had completed a full clinical record which included reference to part of the palpator being left in Pippin's body,"
Mrs Bruce continued, adding that this was "indeed conduct which falls short of the standard to be expected. However, in the opinion of this Committee his conduct does not fall so far short that it amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."
Mrs Bruce concluded: "In these circumstances, the charge is dismissed."
Although microchipping has been a legal requirement for dogs since April 2016, it is not currently required for cats unless they are travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme.
Cats Protection says microchipping should become a legal requirement for owned cats and is petitioning for change in the law. At the moment, it says, eight out of ten stray cats taken in by its adoption centres in England are not microchipped, making it virtually impossible to trace the owner.
Cats Protection’s Chief Executive, James Yeates, said: "Introducing compulsory microchipping of owned cats would encourage more cat owners to microchip their cats, meaning that lost cats can be identified and returned home rather than handed into rehoming charities as strays.
"It also means that injured cats can be quickly identified by vets and their owners can be informed and involved in their care.
"We’re delighted the Government has shown a commitment towards improving feline welfare and promoting responsible cat ownership in the UK by announcing this call for evidence."
Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers, said: "Today’s call for evidence on cat microchipping will help the government understand how we can better protect this country’s much-loved cats and kittens. This government is committed to animal welfare and improving the lives of our companion animals."
The call for evidence will last for 12 weeks and respondents are being encouraged to respond as soon as possible. You can take part here.
The Disciplinary Committee of the RCVS has approved an application for restoration to the Register from an Oxfordshire veterinary surgeon who had been struck off for false certification.
In November 2007, the Committee decided that Mr John Williams, of the Avonvale Veterinary Practice in Ratley, near Banbury, should have his name removed from the RCVS Register, having found him guilty of disgraceful professional conduct. Mr Williams had admitted signing export health certificates for three horses in October 2006 to state that they had received negative test results for the contagious equine metritis organism, before these results were actually available.
At the time, Mr Williams was working in his capacity as an Official Veterinarian (OV) for DEFRA and he had previously been suspended from his official duties on three separate occasions, on the basis of export certification irregularities. It was accepted that Mr Williams had not been dishonest, but his approach to certification was described by the Disciplinary Committee as "either irresponsible or cavalier or both".
In December 2007, Mr Williams appealed against this decision to the Privy Council but this was dismissed at a Hearing the following June. He was then removed from the Register in July 2008.
When the Committee met on Monday to consider Mr Williams' application, they heard oral and written supporting evidence from veterinary surgeons and equine clients, and oral evidence from Mr Williams himself. The Committee was satisfied that Mr Williams accepted its previous findings and fully understood their seriousness. He described his removal from the Register as a "salutary experience" which had been highly significant for him and his family, both financially and emotionally.
The Committee stated: "Although the decision of the Committee to remove [Mr Williams] from the Register sent a clear message to the profession of the importance of certification, it should be emphasised that his removal was the consequence of his actions in signing certificates which he could not verify. This followed three previous occasions on which he had similarly signed certificates when he should not have done so."
However, the Committee was satisfied that Mr Williams would not in future sign certificates when he should not do so, even under severe client pressure. It was impressed with the continuing professional development he had undertaken whilst off the Register and noted that no questions had been raised over his conduct during this time.
It concluded that Mr Williams fully understood the importance of accurate certification and that restoring his name to the Register therefore posed no risk to animal welfare. Neither the public nor the profession would benefit from Mr Williams staying off the Register for a further period.
Alison Bruce, Disciplinary Committee Chairman, said: "We would like to make it clear that we always find it distressing to remove clinically competent veterinary surgeons from the Register because of an irresponsible and cavalier attitude towards certification. This would not be necessary if veterinary surgeons were to follow the Twelve Principles of Certification annexed to the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct."
The Committee then approved Mr Williams' application and directed that his name should be restored to the Register.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed that a Leeds-based veterinary surgeon, whose convictions for threatening behaviour, theft, and assault made him unfit to practise, should be removed from the Register.
At the outset of the two-day hearing, Dr Gary Samuel admitted his convictions. These related to his actions near his property in Cardiff on 10 July 2011, and were received at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 22 November 2011. The Committee was asked to decide if these convictions made Dr Samuel unfit to practise veterinary surgery, and to decide upon any sanction.
The facts of the offences, as set out at the magistrates' court by the prosecution, were that Dr Samuel took a camera and memory card from a neighbour who was taking photographs of construction works behind his property. In doing so, he grabbed the neighbour from behind, twisting her arm, and later threatened her and her partner with a large piece of wood.
Although Dr Samuel wrote to the College saying he had pleaded guilty to the charges, he also denied some of the offences charged, suggesting that it was the neighbour who had been abusive towards him.
The Committee allowed the possibility that Dr Samuel was provoked by the taking of photographs and may have been subjected to offensive abuse by the neighbour, and considered that he acted impulsively and lost control of his actions. However, the convictions were for serious offences: the assault resulted in injury to the victim; the threatening behaviour involved a risk of injury to the victim and her partner; and, the theft involved dishonesty. Dr Samuel's conduct at the time was "reckless", and he had since displayed very limited insight into his behaviour.
Professor Peter Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "The Committee considers that the offences of which the Respondent was convicted, and to which he pleaded guilty, were serious, as is reflected in the suspended sentences, community service orders, fines, restrictions and penalties imposed by the court. The Committee accepts that this is not a case in which the welfare of animals has been put at risk, but takes the view that a serious sanction is required in order to uphold the reputation of the veterinary profession, and public confidence in it, and to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour on the part of its members."
The Committee directed Dr Samuel's name should be removed from the Register.
Novartis Animal Health has launched a chewable formulation of Milbemax wormer, for dogs.
According to the company, clinical studies have shown that the chicken-flavoured formulation and chewy texture of Milbemax Chewable Tablets is highly palatable, with more than 94% of dogs showing spontaneous acceptance from hand. Novartis says this should help make worming simpler and improve compliance, something which is particularly important given market research which shows that difficulties in administering medications often leads to missed treatments.
Containing milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, the new tablets deliver the same broad spectrum efficacy as existing Milbemax formulations, effective for the treatment of roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, lungworm and tapeworm, and for the prevention of heartworm.
Folkert Kamphuis, Chief Operating Officer at Novartis Animal Health said: "The new EASYCHEW™ formulation represents Novartis Animal Health's latest innovation. It will make worming a treat whilst providing tried-and-trusted Milbemax efficacy. With Milbemax chewable tablets we give pet owners a wormer that is easy to administer and veterinarians the trusted efficacy of Milbemax."
Milbemax Chewable Tablets are available for both dogs and puppies, in four and forty-eight tablet packs.
They're holding 80 live prize draws in which each member of its 190-strong team has the chance to win things like a weekend for two in New York, European holidays, festival tickets, a 40” smart TV, an extra weeks’ holiday, an Apple watch, and a chance to be the MD for the day.
Managing director Tim Harrison said: "Every day at 1pm we broadcast a draw from somewhere in the country on Facebook Live where a lucky winner is picked and announced – it’s creating a real buzz around the group. The final draw for the top prize trip to New York will take place on the Saturday night of our annual Congress. Every team member has been entered and anybody new to our practice is added as soon as they join so nobody misses out!
"This year was the fifth consecutive time that we were named as one of the best places to work in the UK, in the 'Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For' league table and the 80 prizes in 80 days is just another fun way in which we hope to reward our much-valued team."
You can watch a recording of one of the prize draws being presented by Tim on youtube here - despite the inevitable lower quality of streamed video, the happy vibe at the business and the degree to which it shows genuine care for its people really shines through.
Rebecca Bredbury, veterinary nurse from Walkden, said: "I watched the live draw on Facebook whilst on my hen do in Tenerife and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I won a holiday for two to Barcelona. I am so excited about going. I will be taking my fiancé Ryan who will be my husband by then."
Charlotte O’Gara, student nurse from Walsall, won the Cadburys hamper. She said: "I’m not sharing!"
The RCVS played a proactive role in Mr Keniry’s arrest and trial after its Chief Investigator, Michael Hepper, was alerted to the fact that he was working at a veterinary practice in Taunton, Somerset.
Within 24 hours Mr Hepper reported this to Avon & Somerset Police and attended the practice with officers to assist in Mr Keniry’s identification and arrest. Mr Hepper continued to assist with police investigations and gave a witness statement.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said: "We are grateful to the veterinary professional who voiced her suspicions to us, to our Chief Investigator who reacted quickly to confirm his identity and report the matter to the police and to Avon & Somerset Police for taking matters forward so quickly.
"Mr Keniry was known to the RCVS as we have assisted in previous police investigations into him for similar offences. As with recent cases Mr Keniry impersonated a legitimate member of the veterinary profession using fraudulent documentation and this is why we have previously published photographs of him to raise awareness with veterinary practices and to try and stop him being employed in the future.
"We believe that Mr Keniry is a threat to animal health and welfare. He is a repeat offender and so we are glad that he has been handed a significant custodial sentence.
"While sophisticated and convincing fraudsters like Mr Keniry can be very difficult to prevent, we would urge veterinary practices to be vigilant. For example, we recommend that potential employers contact our Registration Department to make checks, always interview a potential employee face-to-face, ask to see supporting identity documents, prepare questions which confirm where and when they studied, obtain references and, if they are employed, mentor the new member of staff to oversee their performance.
"For members of the public we recommend that, if they have concerns about the legitimacy of their veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurses, they talk to someone else in the practice about their concerns or contact us so that we can make further enquiries. Members of the public can also check on the status of veterinary professionals using our Find a Vet search tool: www.findavet.org.uk.
"We would like to emphasise that cases such as that of Peter Keniry are, in our experience, extremely rare. There are around 23,000 veterinary surgeons registered to practise in the UK who are fully trained professionals dedicated to upholding and improving the health and welfare of animals under their care. We don’t believe that the unprecedented actions of this one fraudulent individual should in any way undermine the confidence and trust that animal owners place in their veterinary team."
The new service will offer all the chemo and surgical options.
Matthew (pictured right) said: "At Eastcott, we have amazing facilities and staff to care for pets with cancer, so we are proud to launch this comprehensive new oncology service.
"We have a custom-designed chemotherapy room, multiple sterile theatres - including our interventional radiology theatre - and state-of-the-art imaging facilities, with a 64-slice CT scanner and advanced ultrasound equipment.
"We are able to manage the full range of tumour types including maxillofacial tumours, from diagnosis to treatment.
"We use a variety of techniques to allow accurate staging, including minimally invasive biopsy and lymph node harvesting, as well as sentinel lymph node mapping and advanced medical imaging.
"Treatment options include advanced soft tissue surgical oncology and the full range of medical oncology. This may involve standard and metronomic chemotherapy, intracavitary chemotherapy and immunotherapy, such as the melanoma vaccine.
"We pride ourselves on helping owners understand our treatment plan through the whole process and emphasise the importance of making the right decisions to maintain the welfare of our patients.”
For more information, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
The Association says following the launch two years ago BEVApod has become such a popular information and learning resource that members have been asking for more content.
The new BEVApod will include regular features from equine vet Brad Hill, clinical Assistant Professor in Equine Practice at the University of Nottingham (pictured right), who will be exploring the many aspects of life in equine practice. He will be sharing real life stories to help promote a sense of togetherness and support mental health and wellbeing.
Brad said: “Although based at Nottingham, I am passionate about maintaining links to all areas of the equine profession. This podcast will provide a platform to bring the experiences of others directly to the listener wherever they are.”
Brad will be releasing a new episode every other week and has already lined up some participants, including Maddy Campbell, Ellen Singer, Graham Duncanson, Jack Wallace and Gemma Kirk.
BEVApod will also host clinical episodes on a monthly basis, taken from the BEVA Clinical Catch-Up recordings.
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: “These are live webinars where we invite a practitioner to present on a clinical topic and then open it up for an informal discussion. We have turned the recordings of these into podcasts so that our members can listen to the recordings whilst travelling between clients. It makes great use of travel time and fills the void we all sometimes feel when we are alone with just our thoughts in the car.”
Current clinical catch-ups available on BEVApod include a panel discussion with experts on PPE, a discussion on equine obesity with Lucy Grieve and Cathy McGowan and treating and managing liver disease with Sarah Smith.
You can listen to the BEVApod here https://beva.podbean.com
BCF Technology has announced that it now has the 9020HF ultralight and the 10040HF ultra orange x-ray generators available in blue.
Jason Rogers of BCF said: "Our range of generators aims to meet the needs of any size of veterinary practice. The new blue generators will compliment our existing range. The bright blue colour means they will be eye-catching in the field, meaning you wont leave them behind!"
What next? The BCF Spring Collection - a range of ultrasound scanners in pale, neutral shades guaranteed not to clash with your overalls?
To find out more about BCF Technology's range of x-ray equipment and generators visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/
The study titled “Electrolyte measurements differ between point-of-care and reference analysers in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism” investigated the performance of two point-of-care analysers (IDEXX Catalyst Dx and IDEXX VetStat) against a reference laboratory method for the measurement of blood sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations, as well as sodium-to-potassium ratios, in dogs diagnosed with and treated for hypoadrenocorticism.
Forty-eight dogs with hypoadrenocorticism were enrolled into a prospective cross-sectional study at the University of Glasgow. In total, 329 paired samples were measured on the Catalyst analyser and by the reference laboratory method called an ion selective electrode (ISE), while another 72 paired samples were tested on both the VetStat analyser and by ISE. The clinical effects of any difference in the electrolyte results were investigated.
Sam Fowlie, corresponding author for the paper, said: “Our results indicate that the sodium, potassium and therefore the sodium-to-potassium ratios, as well as the chloride concentrations measured by the Catalyst and VetStat analysers may not be used interchangeably with those from a reference laboratory analyser using an indirect ISE method. Both analysers tended to give higher results than the reference method for all analytes, except for potassium when measured on the VetStat.”
The clinical relevance of the disagreement between these methods was investigated by assessing how often the point-of-care analysers produced results which fell outside their reference range when the ISE method found them to be within reference and vice versa. For the Catalyst, there were 21 cases (6%) with discordant sodium results, 27 cases (8%) with discordant potassium results and 46 cases (14%) with discordant chloride results. The VetStat, meanwhile produced results which disagreed with the ISE method in 19 cases (26%) for sodium, 3 cases (4%) for potassium measurement and 9 cases (13%) for chloride analysis.
Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP added: “This study reveals significant systematic differences (“bias”) between the three analysers in this study. Comparing numerical results from different analytical methods – be they point-of-care or reference laboratories – can be dangerous for patients. Clinicians should always use method specific thresholds and, if these are not available (for example the sodium-to-potassium ratios on some analysers), then they should exercise greater caution in their interpretation.”
The full article can be found in the October issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and be read online here, open access: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13205.
Reference
Photo: Ian Ramsey
The practice's first residents are Sara Cermeno Fernandez and Lucy Venman (pictured right), who began their programmes last month after completing successful internships.
Cave’s clinical director Nele Van den Steen, an RCVS and European specialist in internal medicine, said: “We are naturally very pleased to have achieved this milestone and are delighted to get started, with our first residents Sara and Lucy continuing their career development with us.
“To be approved for a residency programme, you have to show you can support the caseload required and provide the training which the residents will need.
“So, this accreditation shows we have the integrity and the capacity to support the programme, which is a notable achievement and a ringing endorsement of our work here at Cave.”
For more information, visit cave-vet-specialists.co.uk.
BEVA President, Madeleine Campbell will be announcing plans for a veterinary-led European Transport Forum at BEVA Congress this year (8-11 September 2010), to discuss how the welfare of horses during transport can be improved through the better enforcement of legislation.
Dr Campbell is also the British Veterinary Association representative on the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) working party for transport. The Forum, which will be held in Brussels on 29 November 2010, has been jointly organised by the FVE and BEVA and is sponsored by World Horse Welfare (WHW). It is hoped that it will be attended by over 150 participants, including representatives of EU Member States, CVOs, Members of the European Commission and European Parliament, scientific experts, national veterinary organisations, animal transport associations and animal welfare associations.
The Forum will review the enforcement of the existing European regulations that currently govern the transport of horses for slaughter and for other purposes. Areas for practical improvement will be identified with the key focus on the enforcement of current legislation and the role of vets in ensuring that the welfare of horses in transit is protected. The conference will endeavour to define the critical control points, effective control systems and good practices. It will also look into trade flows, animal health risks, horse identification and the effects of closing horse slaughterhouses.
Dr Campbell said: "It is all very well to campaign for new regulations but at present even the existing regulations are not being enforced adequately. The crux of the matter is enforcement and there are none better placed to help with this than vets. If we can all work collectively we should have the strength to make a real impact. This is what the Forum is about."
Dr Campbell will be speaking about the European Transport Forum at the Congress press conference on 10 September between 9am and 10am.
BEVA Congress runs from 8-11 September 2010 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham. For further information and to register visit http://www.beva.org.uk/
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) have joined forces to set recognised standards for equine dental treatment.
The two organisations are working in association with the RCVS, BVA, BVDA, WWAED and LANTRA to develop National Occupational Standards that will pave the way to allowing equine dental technicians the freedom to work within the Law under an Exemption Order. This should make it safer and easier for owners to source the most suitable dental treatment for their horses.
Currently all equine dental care falls within the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) and should only be carried out by veterinary surgeons. Equine vets from BEVA and equine dental technicians from the BAEDT have been trying to address this anomaly with government for many years. In 2004 the organisations drew up a list (revised in 2009) of procedures that could be safely carried out by suitably qualified equine dental technicians and a list of those which should only be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons because they involve sensitive tissues.
The envisaged Exemption Order will also provide better protection for horses and their owners by reinforcing the fact that only suitably qualified individuals are allowed to carry out equine dental care and treatments. While unqualified individuals should become easier to identify under the proposed new scheme, those qualified will also be held to account if their performance is not up to scratch.
The first step towards the Exemption Order is the drawing up of National Occupational Standards for Equine Dental Technicians. It is hoped that these will be formalised by LANTRA in early 2013.
Keith Chandler, BEVA President said: "After many years of working closely with the BAEDT on the continuing education and qualification of its members, we are thrilled that progress is finally being made towards an Exemption Order."
BAEDT Chair, Gemma Lilly, said: "BAEDT and its membership is very happy to be a key part of the team that hopes to put the Exemption Order in place - it will be good news for equine dental technicians, horse owners, and their animals."
Equine Dental Technician and member of the Worldwide Association of Equine Dentists, Martin Brookes, also supports the initiative. He said: "This will be a really important step forward for responsible Equine Dental Technicians. It will further improve the working relationships between EDTs and vets and help to protect the welfare of the horse."
The BSAVA and Vets Now have signed a partnership agreement to develop a new postgraduate certificate in emergency and critical care (ECC).
The programme, which will follow the same broad structure as BSAVA's existing postgraduate certificate, will take its first group of students in May 2014.
Prof Michael Day, pictured above with Amanda Boag at BSAVA, said: "This is an exciting development to develop a qualification which will be relevant and accessible to vets in practice."
Amanda Boag added: "The combined expertise of both organisations will result in an engaging and high quality qualification in this field."
Animalcare Ltd has launched Marbocare (marbofloxacin) 100mg/ml solution for injection, a third-generation fluoroquinolone for the treatment of E.coli mastitis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, and Metritis Mastitis Agalactia in pigs.
The company highlights the product's unique flexible dosage regimen of once daily injections for 3 days against E.coli mastitis and BRD, plus a single intramuscular (IM) high dose (8mg/100kg) for BRD.
Animalcare says this regimen, coupled with the flexibility of administration afforded by all three injection routes (intravenous IV, subcutaneous SC and IM), a low volume dose and good syringeability, all combine to offer ease of use; resulting in a reduction in handling and less stress for the cattle.
Developed for veterinary use only, Marbocare has broad spectrum activity against Gram+ve and Gram-ve pathogens. Animalcare says the product is especially effective against E.coli mastitis and the key bacterial pathogens associated with BRD, as well as M.bovis.
Marbocare has milk withdrawal times of 36 hours after the last treatment following the 3 day course and 72 hours after a single shot for BRD. Meat withdrawal is 6 days after multiple injections and 3 days after the single shot.
Marbofloxacin has proven efficacy in a comparative international, multi-centre, controlled, randomised field trial1 in 62 dairy cows with E.coli mastitis. Marbofloxacin cure rates were significantly higher than the control product. In respiratory disease it showed a more rapid clinical response in comparison to tilmicosin2, ceftiofur3 and oxytetracycline4. Marbofloxacin was shown to be well tolerated, leading to a fast return to appetite, liveweight gain and associated welfare benefits.
Marbocare is also licensed in the treatment of Metritis Mastitis Agalactia syndrome in pigs, given by IM injection, with a 4 day meat withdrawal.
Tony Liepman, Product Manager from Animalcare said: "Marbocare is competitively priced whether used on its own or alongside a single-dose anti-inflammatory such as Emdocam (meloxicam)."
Marbocare is a POM-V licensed product presented in 50 and 100ml multi-dose vials.
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Andrew Groom has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Kruuse UK Ltd based near York, following the promotion of Lars Lund and his relocation back to Kruuse A/S in Denmark. Andrew takes up this new position to head up the UK sales and marketing team and to help implement the expansion programme within the veterinary and pet markets that Kruuse has planned for 2008.
Having studied agriculture and gaining a DHM, Andrew managed large farming operations, as well as being a contributing writer for the agricultural journal “Farmers Weekly”. He then continued his education by studying commercial management at Circencester College from where he went to United Milk as a Farm Liaison manager and commercial manager. His career progressed when in 2004, he joined Arnolds Veterinary Products as sales manager.
“I have known about Kruuse and its wide range of products for many years and have always admired the company’s vision in bringing innovative products onto the market for both the large and small animal sectors, including high quality pet toys and accessories,” said Andrew. “So when an opportunity arose to work for Kruuse in the UK, I did not need much persuading to apply for the job.”
“Andrew’s vast experience in both large and small animal industries will prove a real asset in all of the important market areas in which Kruuse operates,” commented Hans Alsted, Kruuse A/S Export Director.
The British Veterinary Association has expressed disappointment at the Government's decision to introduce a licensing regime rather than impose an outright ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman announced today that a ban on circus animals could not be introduced in the UK now because a ban introduced in Austria is currently being challenged under European law. In a written ministerial statement she said that the Government will now draw up standards for a new licensing regime.
BVA President Harvey Locke said: "The BVA strongly supported a ban because we believe the welfare of these animals is emblematic of the way we treat all animals under the care of humans.
"The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus; especially in terms of accommodation and the ability to express normal behaviour. A licensing scheme will not address these issues."
Together with the RPSCA, Captive Animals' Protection Society and the Born Free Foundation, the BVA has wholeheartedly supported The Independent's campaign to ban wild animals in circuses. Over 15,000 people have signed The Independent's online petition, which is still open. Mr Locke will be joining representatives from these groups to present the petition to Downing Street next week.
Mr Locke added: "Although it only affects a small number of animals at present there is no guarantee that the number of wild animals in circuses won't increase in the future and, despite the best intentions, the needs of these animals cannot be met adequately by the environmental conditions of a travelling circus.
"As soon as the Austria situation is resolved, we would urge the Government to reconsider and take action to prohibit the exploitation of these majestic animals whose existence in the confines of a circus is solely to entertain people."
Zoetis has announced the launch of Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate), a new treatment for pruritus associated with canine allergic dermatitis and the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis.
Uniquely, the new treatment inhibits the JAK enzyme, a protein that is integral to the signalling pathway of cytokines that are pro-inflammatory or have a role in allergic and itch response.
According to the company, pruritus affects about one in six dogs whose owners seek veterinary help, and about half of all itchy dogs will have an underlying allergic skin condition for which the new product would be indicated.
Zoetis says that because Apoquel targets the specific pathways of pruritus (itch) and inflammation, it is less likely to cause unwanted side effects than glucocorticoids and demonstrates anti-pruritic efficacy within four hours.
Pascal Prélaud, a dermatology specialist from Paris, who took part in the clinical development programme of Apoquel, said: "When a dog develops an itch related to an allergy, it can be life-disrupting for the dog and the entire family. I've learned firsthand the fundamental difference this treatment can make to a dog and its owners in stopping the itch, but without many of the side-effects that are common with steroids.
Zoetis reports that in clinical trials, Apoquel demonstrated a good safety profile and efficacy for the treatment of pruritus and resulted in improved skin lesions in dogs diagnosed with a number of allergic skin diseases as well as atopic dermatitis and treated either short or long term. The decrease in itch scores was observed by pet owners within 24 hours of administration, and pruritus continued to decrease compared to baseline until the end of the study. Skin lesions scores assessed by veterinarians were significantly improved after one week and continued to improve long term during the studies (four months).
Apoquel is a POM. Apoquel tablets, dosed at 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg, are administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy if medium- to long-term treatment is required, such as in dogs with seasonal skin allergy and atopic dermatitis.
The 2014 Vet Charity Challenge is now open and teams can register via the website at www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk.
The event takes place on Saturday 27th September at St Francis School, Pewsey, near Marlborough in Wiltshire. The day consists of teams of four taking part in walking/running, cycling and kayaking, some orienteering as well as some mental and physical tasks. All the time trying to gain as many points as possible. Last year the event raised over £50,000 for the three selected animal based charities. In 2014 the charities being supported are Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, SPANA and Cats Protection.
Gavin Mitchell from BCF Technology said: "Interest in the Vet Charity Challenge was so great last year that we had teams on a waiting list. To ensure your team gets a place we highly recommend that you register your team on the website early. We will be entering five teams from BCF this year, such is the demand from our own staff."
Andrew Groom from Kruuse added: "The Vet Charity Challenge is a great event. Helping you build your team within your veterinary practice, acting as a goal for those that want to become a bit fitter, encouraging training together over the summer months. It is great fun and also raises considerable sums of money for some really deserving charities. Don't delay, get your teams together and register now on the website. The event is designed for all levels of fitness. It is not the fittest team that wins, but the team that works the best together."