Jonathon is an RCVS & EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, with a particular interest in MRI of the distal limb and has published scientific work on this subject, among others.
With the increase in availability and accessibility to CT for horses, VetCT says this hot topic will be well received by equine vets at all levels of experience.
VetCT’s Equine Teleradiology Manager, Charlotte Graham, said: “We can guarantee a highly engaging talk with plenty of useful tips on case selection for each modality as well as some interesting discussions in the Q&A session.”
To register for the webinar on 18th April and receive links to recordings of this and previous webinars in the 2023 series, sign up here: https://vetct.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zkctYZYWRUmRVIFTxrvvsA
www.vet-ct.com
BCF has launched a new operating lease scheme to make it easier for veterinary practices to afford the latest ultrasound and x-ray digital imaging systems.
According to the company, only one scan per week will cover the cost of leasing a system. BCF provides a range of training options to help practices offer imaging services to clients and increase revenue.
Practices pay a fixed monthly payment with no capital outlay. After 3 years they can upgrade to a new system or return the system to BCF. Service and maintenance cover can also be included in the monthly payment to avoid unexpected service or maintenance bills.
For more information call 01506 460023, email info@bcftechnology.com or visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is inviting its members to submit their views on DEFRA's recently revised and published draft Rabies Control Strategy.
The BSAVA says that while the general control options for dealing with a suspected or confirmed case of classical rabies are determined by law there are a number of issues raised in this document on which its members may wish to comment.
Details are in the Consultations area under the Advice link here at bsava.com.
Please return responses to s.everitt@bsava.com by Friday 9th December 2011 to allow time to collate the comments and produce a response.
The object of the exercise is simply to find out whether a significant number of veterinary professionals feel that they have been bullied, and look at the impact it has had on them.
If a significant number of people say they have, the hope is that the survey will trigger constructive discussion on the subject, both amongst key opinion leaders in the profession and in practice.
One of the biggest challenges in measuring the incidence of bullying in practice is the highly subjective definition of the word. For this reason, the survey asks whether you've been on the receiving end of very specific types of behaviour, ones which most people would agree are at best unconducive to a happy and effective working environment, and at worst, outright bullying.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "Early responses to the survey have already shown, if we didn't know it already, that bullying is going on, and how bullies can make life utter hell at work. We just don't yet know the scale of the problem.
"Either way, there are two ways I think this survey could make a difference. Firstly, by discussing the subject openly, so it creates an environment in which bullying behaviour is less likely to happen. Secondly, I suspect that a significant amount of bullying may happen as a consequence of poor communication. For example, if one member of the team thinks another is underperforming but is uncomfortable having a candid but constructive discussion. If there is no other process in place to resolve the issue, they may resort to other types of behaviour which can have a profoundly negative effect on their colleague."
To take part in the survey, please visit: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3783698/Behaviour-In-Practice
Vetlife is independent of all other veterinary organisations and is managed by a Board of 11 elected Trustees, all of whom are veterinary surgeons.
The charity employs a small number of staff, so trustees are often asked to undertake operational as well as strategic work and the role demands a substantial time commitment, including attendance at four board meetings in London each year. Trustees also act as ambassadors for Vetlife and to represent the charity within the UK Veterinary community.
Danny Chambers MRCVS is a trustee. He said: "Given the unique challenges facing veterinary professionals it is vital that the mental health support is delivered by people who understand the specific issues facing those working within the veterinary industry.
"This is why Vetlife is so important. We are a mental health charity run by the veterinary community, for the veterinary community. Being a trustee of this charity is a very hands-on role, where you get to influence all aspects of the charity’s work. If you want to help support your friends and colleagues, this is a great and fulfilling way to give back to the profession."
Vetlife President Geoff Little said: "Being a Vetlife trustee allows you to work with other members of a team dedicated to the welfare of others in the veterinary community."
The charity is currently seeking to co-opt a twelfth trustee to sit on the board until the next AGM in September 2020. Their appointment for the following three years would then need to be ratified by the membership. Any veterinary surgeon wishing to stand who is not an existing Vetlife member will be required to become one before applying. If you do not know any current members to propose you, contact the Vetlife office for assistance.
Submissions must be received by 20th January 2020. Interviews will be held in London on 3rd February 2020.
Further information, including an application form is available on the Vetlife website: vetlife.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ or via the Vetlife office, 020 7908 6382 or info@vetlife.org.uk.
Last year a cohort of 1,010 veterinary surgeons responded to the CPD audit, which took place in September 2019 and included a random sample of 658 vets sourced from across all UK postcode areas.
The audit found that 820 (or 81%) of respondents met the annual requirement – a 13% increase from the 2018 audit. This followed a decline in compliance rates from 82% in 2014 to just 68% in 2018.
Amongst veterinary nurses, 79% of respondents were compliant, a 7% increase on last year’s compliance rate and the highest compliance rate ever from a veterinary nursing CPD audit.
Dr. Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education (pictured right), said: "It is fantastic to see that this year’s results demonstrate a significant increase in CPD compliance rates after a number of years in decline for vets and a largely static rate for veterinary nurses and I hope that it is part of a long-term trend towards the professions recognising the value of keeping their clinical and non-clinical skills up-to-date.
"This year we have made a number of changes that should make CPD compliance even easier now, including a clearer and simpler annual CPD requirement of 35 hours for vets and 15 hours for vet nurses, and the 1CPD platform and app which can be signed into through the My Account area and provides the professions with the ability to record, plan and reflect on their CPD."
Further information about the changes to the College’s CPD policy and the 1CPD platform can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd2020.
The 1CPD app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store, Google Play and via the RCVS website at https://onecpd.rcvs.org.uk/accounts/login/
Sparking the Clinical Mind – How Collaboration Delivers Excellence in Research, which is free to download, looks at the importance of collaboration in delivering high quality research projects
The report includes new studies covering the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy, the signs of stress in hyperthyroid cats, breathing, accelerometry and sleep disturbances in brachycephalic dogs, and retinal vascular health in senior and geriatric cats.
Professor Luisa De Risio, Clinical Research & Excellence Director at Linnaeus, said: “This report is the result of working in partnership, which is a theme that comes up repeatedly in the report.
"Delivering high-quality clinical research requires a sharing of knowledge, ideas and perspectives.
"From the development of your hypothesis to the outcome of your results – the input of others can corroborate, challenge and ultimately improve a research project.
“To deliver the best quality care for animals, we widely rely on evidence-based medicine.
"This report aims to highlight areas where we can do even more to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients.”
Dr Darren Logan, Head of Research at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said: “The quality and scale of research from the veterinary profession is constantly improving, but greater collaboration will help us go even further.
"By opening discussions around the trends, challenges and opportunities in clinical research, I hope this report will help to generate further conversations between us all.”
To download the report, visit: bit.ly/3Bd86yc
The first issue of the online European Journal of Companion Animal Practitioners (EJCAP) has gone online.
In the issue, which is available exclusively to members of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), several top European experts on diagnostic imaging present their 'tips and tricks' on radiographic, arthroscopic and ultrasound examination of selected joints and abdominal organs. It also provides an insight into the newer tools of CT and MRI to show how these can help to diagnose some more elusive conditions.
In the issue, you can test your knowledge and watch 'how to' videos, interactive slideshows and dynamic CT scans.
Articles include:
The issue also features book reviews, global and European updates and FECAVA news, with the new poster on the prevention of antibiotic resistance, and a video message from the Russian FECAVA Director Ilya Serada.
If you'd like to register for membership of the FECAVA, visit: www.fecava.org/ejcap and follow the instructions. Once registered and logged in, all EJCAP online and previous print volumes of EJCAP (available in pdf) can be accessed directly.
FECAVA is supported by MSD Animal Health, Hills Pet Nutrition and Elanco Animal Health.
Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd has issued a recall of a single batch of Johnson’s 4fleas 80 mg Spot-on for Cats due because of a labelling error.
On the carton and leaflet, it states:
"For the prevention and treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations on cats of less than 4 kg bodyweight."
However, it should state:
For the prevention and treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations on cats greater or equal to 4 kg bodyweight.
Only one batch, KP0F3U7, is affected. Any other batches of Johnson’s 4Fleas 80mg Spot-on Solution for Cats are not impacted and may continue to be distributed.
Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd is contacting wholesale dealers to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.
For further information regarding the recall, contact Grant Exall, Quality Assurance/WQP, email: Grantexall@johnsons-vet.com, or Nick Franks, Sales Director, email Nickfranks@johnsons-vet.com, or Tel: 0121 378 1684.
This year’s programme includes five live streams running in parallel throughout the conference with clinical research presentations also returning after the Covid-enforced hiatus.
The first plenary lecture will be presented by Pat McCue who will review events that have shaped current practice in equine reproduction before looking at what the future holds.
The second plenary lecture, being delivered by Celia Marr, will look at 'evidence in perinatology'.
David Lloyd, Congress Scientific Programme Chair, said: “Whilst we are sure most delegates will be clamouring to attend the lectures and discussions in Liverpool in person, the programme also includes a virtual stream available live online.
“Also, to help reduce our carbon footprint, we are holding one virtual session concurrently across all lecture theatres.
"Global leaders in the field of infectious disease, imaging, nursing, reproduction and sports medicine and rehabilitation, will present virtually to the lecture hall rather than travelling to the congress.
"This session will have 25 of the “best of the best” speakers, presenting and discussing topics that challenge us in practice.”
Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available from 28th February 2022.
Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessions available for those in their first three years post graduation or on a lower salary).
Virtual tickets are £199 for vets and £40 for nurses.
BEVA has a 'peace of mind' bookings policy to reassure those who are concerned that the Covid-19 situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
For more information, or to book, visit http://www.bevacongress.org/
Andy Moores said: "Elbow replacement surgery, despite advancements in both the implant and technique, remains a complex procedure with a demanding rehabilitation process.
"However, for the right candidates, elbow replacement offers the potential for significant improvement in joint function and pain relief, transforming the lives of dogs that would otherwise suffer from permanent discomfort."
The third generation TATE elbow has had a complete redesign to overcome some of the issues associated with the first and second generation models, and the Iowa State system which preceded them.
There are around 15 surgeons qualified to perform the procedure in the world, three in the UK, and Andy is the only one in the South East.
Andy added: "The advancements in the TATE Elbow system represent a significant leap forward in veterinary orthopaedic surgery.
"End-stage elbow osteoarthritis is a horrible condition which can leave dogs in chronic pain and with no good treatment options.
"Being certified to perform third-generation TATE elbow replacements allows us to offer our patients the most advanced treatment options available, giving them the best chance for a pain-free, functional life."
www.mooresortho.com info@mooresortho.com
Dechra Veterinary Products has published a new series of video presentations about the diagnosis and treatment of canine hypoadrenocorticism to help veterinary surgeons who are prescribing Zycortal for the condition.
The six videos, which were recorded by Dechra's technical team, range in length from 10 minutes to 37 minutes.
Episode one describes the pathophysiology of Addison’s disease, different types of Addison’s disease and helps veterinary surgeons recognise the common clinical presentations of chronic hypoadrenocorticism.
Episode two examines the similarities in clinical presentation between hypoadrenocorticism and other disease processes.
The third episode looks at the changes commonly seen in the haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis of Addison’s patients. This section also covers how to perform and interpret hormone testing with the knowledge of the common causes of false positive results.
The fourth looks at a clinical presentation of an acute Addisonian crisis and best practice for emergency treatment of these patients, as well as the transfer of an acute patient onto maintenance treatment with Zycortal.
The final two films explore the treatment and monitoring of a patient on Zycortal and how to switch existing Addisonian patients from fludrocortisone acetate to Zycortal. It also documents the help which is available for those more complex cases.
Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "These short films are an important support tool for any veterinary professional who is treating patients with hypoadrenocorticism or who may be presented with cases in their practice.
"Addison’s disease can be very hard to diagnose as it mimics so many other illnesses and we hope these presentations will give insights into a complex disease. The introduction of Zycortal has been a vital development in the treatment of the disease and we hope the new resources will be beneficial to veterinary professionals."
The presentations complement resources that Dechra has already produced for dog owners, including a website -www.myaddisonsdog.co.uk - which provides information and resources to help dog owners understand the condition and monitor their pet's progress.
Freelance Surgical Ltd has announced that it is now the sole UK distributor for IMEX Veterinary, Inc. external fixation products.
In fact, Freelance Surgical has been a supplier of IMEX products for over a year, but says that most customers had been buying from Animalcare, which has now ceased selling the products.
The company says external fixation is an effective method of orthopaedic fracture repair which has gained popularity in recent years. An external skeletal fixator (ESF) can be used as a primary fracture fixation device or to enhance stability provided by another primary fixation product. In some cases and when used correctly, the company says they can have a number of advantages over other fracture repair techniques.
The IMEX Veterinary, Inc. product portfolio includes an array of external skeletal fixation components, intramedullary pins, K-wires, orthopaedic wire and other related veterinary products. The modular ESF system is comprised of linear, hybrid and circular fixation with linear components common to all three and instrumentation interchangeable between the hybrid and circular external fixation systems.
James Towler, Veterinary Director at Freelance Surgical Ltd has received professional training with IMEX Veterinary, Inc. to ensure the UK market has access to up-to-date product and ordering information.
For more information contact Freelance Surgical Ltd on 0845 050 4147.
ATOP 7 Mousse and PYOclean Mousse are presented as a ‘dry shampoo’ in foam form for cats and dogs. They join the company's Dermoscent portfolio of companion animal products, developed to help with the management of scaling disorders, atopic or allergic skin disease and infections.
Both products contain a blend of plant extracts and essential oils from Hemp seed, which LDCA says has a moisturising and restructuring action on the skin. Atop 7 contains lemon tea tree extract, which the company says boosts anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic activity. PYOclean contains lavender and manuka, which are claimed to have an anti-bacterial action.
LDCA says it has designed the two non-rinse mousses with owner compliance in mind; that used twice-weekly twice-weekly alone or in combination with other supplements or treatments as part of a skincare protocol, they can extend the time between shampoos. They can also be applied quickly to speed patients’ discharge from hospital or used when animals are boisterous or dislike baths.
According to the company, a 2-week veterinary-supervised study looking at the effect of ATOP 7 Mousse on the skin of flea-allergic and atopic dogs, reported a veterinarian general satisfaction score of 8.7/10. Owners of the dogs on the trial reported an 8.7/10 general satisfaction score and a similar score for the product’s ability to soothe irritated skin.¹
The full Dermoscent range, including the new mousses, is available through Vet Direct as well as Henry Schein (selected products) or as a special order through Centaur. ATOP 7 Mousse and PYOclean Mousse are both available in 150ml packs and are priced at £7.94 + VAT each (list price).
For more information visit: http://www.dermoscent.com. A clinical case study by Dr Jean-Loup Mathet on the use of PYOclean Shampoo, Spray and Mousse in a 14-year old West Highland White Terrier with chronic, recurrent, inflammatory, pruritic and seborrhoeic dermatosis is also available online or by request.
Reference
The theme for the 2025 conference is how to make veterinary work sustainable, creating teams that can reliably work at their best, feel positive about work, and feel supported and valued by their team.
Keynote speaker, Amanda Oates BA (hons), MSc Strategic HRD, C.C.I.P.D. (pictured) will be talking about the concept of restorative veterinary practice, and how it relies on establishing a restorative workplace culture.
There will be three streams at the conference.
In the first stream, VetLed founder and Training Director, Dan Tipney will be joined by guest speakers to help delegates understand how they can make a difference to the way they work using human factors tools and techniques proven in human medicine and other safety-critical professions.
In the second stream, VetLed’s Community Lead, Hannah Godfrey, will be joined by human behaviour expert Katie Ford to help delegates understand themselves as humans, to acknowledge and accommodate their own needs and the needs of others, and to work better as a team.
The third stream will be hosted by VetLed Managing Director, Cat Auden, and a Chartered Psychologist, Ergonomist, and Human Factors Specialist. In this stream, delegates who are already familiar with human factors concepts will be encouraged to think big, share ideas, and shape the veterinary profession.
Tickets: £190.80
https://www.vetled.co.uk/conference
Fort Dodge (makers of Equest equine worming brands, and Deosect), is launching a new Equine Parasites Reference Manual.
The manual, which is supported by AHDA, AMTRA and BEVA, is billed as 'an objective and comprehensive reference guide covering endoparasites and ectoparasites and their control, as well as offering prescribing tips, a glossary of terms and reference sources'.
Fort Dodge has produced the manual to provide an ‘all in one’ guide to support veterinary professionals and Suitably Qualified People (SQPs) involved in prescribing equine parasite treatments. It brings together, in an A5 spiral bound booklet, all the information they may need on the full range of licensed veterinary medicines to control equine parasites of concern in the UK. It will be launched at BETA (17-19 February at the NEC).
For further information about the manual (or to get a copy), please contact Fort Dodge on 01489 781711.
Bicester Vets in North Oxfordshire has become the first to install Improvet, a touch-screen unit through which the practice can gather client feedback.
Improvet is one of a range of services offered by Pfizer as part of Vet Support+. It's designed to help small animal practices gather information, interpret client feedback and ultimately provide targets to drive business improvements. Located in the practice's reception area, the pre-programmed survey takes a few minutes of a pet owner's time to complete and is apparently proving a hit with clients.
The survey covers all aspects of the service the client has received, from booking through to the consultation, payment and administration of their appointment. Client comments are collected into a report assessing the standards of customer service delivered across the practice team.
Jason Williams, veterinary surgeon at Bicester Vets, said: "We have felt for a long time that we needed to make some changes at the practice in order to move forward and be well placed for future challenges and opportunities. With this in mind we undertook a review of our practice with the help of a Pfizer Business Consultant and during this process our staff identified that client communication and gauging client experience was something we were struggling with.
"When our Pfizer Business Consultant explained Improvet it seemed a logical next step. The completely paperless, anonymous nature and automatic report generation means it's taken the hassle out of surveying our pet-owning clients so that now instead of simply talking about the need for a client survey, we actually have one underway. We will use this information to get a clear picture of how we are performing and communicating as a practice before and after improvements are made."
Improvet gives practices a way of surveying clients completely independently of staff. Armed with this data about what clients truly think, a practice can:
Practices that think they would benefit from having an Improvet unit in their reception area should contact their Pfizer Account Manager or call 0845 519 4977.
Animalcare has been found in breach of Clause 18.2 of the NOAH Code of Practice for offering and supplying infusion pumps/equipment in exchange for veterinary practices entering into written contracts for the purchase of a range of its products, including the POM-V Benazecare.
The value of the equipment offered by Animalcare equated with a discount agreed with the veterinary practice, and was applied as medicinal products were purchased. The equipment was supplied on the signing of a contract. The terms of the contract required a particular quantity of medicinal products to be purchased, and if the veterinary practice failed to meet that requirement, there was a liability to pay a pro-rata element of the equipment purchase price.
The Code of Practice Committee was of the view that a piece of equipment was neither 'price' nor 'product' within the meaning of Clause 18.2 of the Code of Practice; and as such amounted to a gift being offered in relation to the sale; or purchase; or prescription of animal medicine. The Committee took into account that Guidance Note 4, paragraph 7, states that the word "gift" includes any pecuniary advantage being offered, with the exception of price or product itself.
To comply with Code of Practice Clause 18.2, the offer or inducement based on price had to be one of cash as rebated discount. If then there were facilities to enable the veterinary practice to use that rebated discount to purchase the equipment from the supplier, that might be acceptable, but there was a necessity for cash as rebated discount to be provided in the first instance.
Full details of the Committee's rulings are available on the NOAH website at www.noah.co.uk/code.
Merial has announced the launch of Nexus (http://merialnexus.co.uk), a new online information resource which offers large animal vets and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) CPD training modules, webinars, technical articles, product information, marketing tools and support materials.
Victoria Hudson, Marketing Manager for Merial’s Large Animal Portfolio said: "We know that it can be difficult for busy vets and SQPs to find the time to attend CPD sessions in the evenings. Our new Nexus online portal gives access to resources and training modules that can help vets and SQPs stay up-to-date with the latest thinking, best practice, and enhance their knowledge in the field of large animal health at a time that suits them.
"Merial is committed to providing high quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD); bringing the knowledge, expertise and experience which backs up our well-known brands online, to help support professional development."
The Nexus portal includes a range of online courses and modules aimed at SQPS in particular, participation in which can earn AMTRA points. The company says it will be adding further CPD throughout the year, including AMTRA accredited courses.
Merial is offering the chance to win £200 in Amazon vouchers to eligible individuals who register at merialnexus.co.uk from now until the 22nd April 2016.
At the meeting, which took place last Thursday, Council members were asked to decide how to proceed with three specific proposals on reforming the disciplinary system:
Acknowledging some of the concerns that have been raised about changing the standard of proof, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson said: “The RCVS is now one of just a few regulators that still uses the criminal standard of proof in determining the facts of a case. We have sought these changes as part of our ongoing aim to develop a compassionate and forward-looking disciplinary system with the protection of the public absolutely at its heart, whilst also acknowledging the huge toll the process takes on the mental health of veterinary professionals.
"Research that we carried out into the impact of changing the standard of proof indicated that it would not lead to a major increase in cases being referred from the Preliminary Investigation Committee to the Disciplinary Committee. Importantly the number is likely to be very low because the standard of proof only applies to proving the facts of a case; the judgement as to whether proven facts amount to serious professional misconduct will follow the same process as at present.
"We estimated that during 2019, there could have been just two more cases brought to DC under a altered standard of proof, with an additional three cases that were borderline but probably wouldn’t have proceeded any further. Conversely, we also estimated that three cases that did go to DC during 2019 would probably not have done, had the ‘Charter Case Committee’ option been available.
"Ultimately, the aim of the RCVS in regulating the veterinary professions is to protect the public and animal welfare as well as upholding the reputation of the professions. We believe these changes will better achieve that aim."
The consultation on whether to change the standard of proof as well as to introduce the Charter Case Protocol and ‘mini-PICs’ is now planned for later this year.
Further information about the proposals, including some of the arguments for and against changing the standard of proof, can be found in the papers for RCVS Council at: www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council/council-meetings/4-june-2020/ (pages 70-97).
William McEwan BSc MRes PhD, now working at the MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, has been awarded the ABCD and Merial Young Scientist of the Year Award 2010 for his work on the replication and cross-species transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in domestic cats and lions, and the restriction factors in these species in particular.
Dr McEwan said: "Understanding the means by which host species are able to prevent viral replication gives us insight to the mechanisms of infection and may allow us to engineer therapy based on similar mechanisms or by enhancing immune responses."
The award was presented by Professor Marian C. Horzinek, Chair of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) and of the award jury. He said: "William McEwan presented a very original, high quality paper. His research has indicated the ability of hosts to potently restrict retroviral replication - given sufficient evolutionary time. It has also highlighted felids as a taxon that is potentially highly prone to cross-species transmission of immunodeficiency viruses".
The ABCD and Merial Young Scientist Award, created in 2008 and worth 1000 €, is funded by Merial and is presented to a young scientist in veterinary or biomedical science, who has made an original contribution in the field of feline infectious diseases and/or immunology. Applicants should have published their findings in a journal listed in PubMed or Web of Science or have had them accepted by another recognised assessing body.
Candidates should be based in Europe, have completed a veterinary or biomedical curriculum, and be under 35 years of age at the time of application. Applications for the 2011 award are now being invited (deadline 15 January 2011). For more information, visit: www.abcd-vets.org
Virbac has announced that it is to support the work of Glasgow student vets buy supplying their homeless project with vaccines and parasiticides.
'Trusty Paws' was set up last year by fourth year veterinary student Ruby Shorrock and a group of her fellow students to provide basic veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people in Glasgow.
Working with organisations which help the homeless, the students provide monthly clinics during which they give free vaccinations and flea/worm treatments to animals owned by the homeless. They also microchip them and give out bedding, food and clothing for the dogs and their owners.
Virbac is providing its Canigen DHPPi and Lepto vaccines to Trusty Paws, as well as its recently launched Milpro wormer and its Effipro spot-on flea treatment.
Royal Canin is also supplying marketing assistance to help Trusty Paws spread its good pet-care message and encourage those in need to visit the clinic. They will also provide clinical diets to those pets in need of specialised nutrition.
Ruby Shorrock: " Glasgow is in desperate need of this service as there is very little in place to help homeless people with animals - not even a dog-friendly hostel. We provide preventative care for their dogs in a friendly environment where they can also have a warm drink, a sandwich and a chat. We rely on fundraising and donations to keep the clinics running and also fundraise to help any dogs with major health problems so that they can made more comfortable for their hard life on the city's streets.
"For many homeless people, their dogs are a treasured companion. Protecting them from disease and parasites is the most important thing we can do to help them continue to benefit from this companionship.
Simon Boulton MRCVS, Head of Marketing (Companion Animal Business Unit) at Virbac, said: "In setting up Trusty Paws, Ruby and her colleagues are providing a vital service to animals in dire need of basic veterinary care. They are also extending the hand of friendship and support to homeless people in Glasgow, who already face a difficult life and value the unconditional love they get from their pet so highly. We were inspired by the fantastic work they are doing and are delighted to support them by donating our vaccines and parasite control products to them."
All donations of unwanted clothes, books or bric-a-brac are sent for sale in one of the charity's 55 charity shops around the UK.
Working in partnership with National Veterinary Services (NVS), empty donation bags are given to veterinary practices to fill with goods for NVS to collect and deliver to the charity. The partnership with NVS began in 2011 and so far over 60,000 bags have been collected, with an estimated value of over £1m.
Mark Corbett, Head of Retail at Blue Cross said: "We are extremely grateful to NVS, the vet practices taking part in the scheme and their clients. Although the donated items may be unwanted possessions to some, each bag generates about £20 of income for us. This means the scheme has so far provided an incredible amount of income towards helping the pets in our care.
Blue Cross receives no government funding, so relies on public donations to continue its vital work.
Veterinary practices that receive their stock and drugs from NVS but are not yet part of The Blue Cross donation scheme can sign up now by contacting their NVS representative or email trading@bluecross.org.uk.
There are 14 candidates standing in this year’s election, including one current RCVS Council member eligible for re-election and 13 candidates not currently on Council. They are:
In 2018 changes were made to the governance arrangements of the RCVS after a Legislative Reform Order changing the size and composition of Council was passed by Parliament. The changes mean that, in most years, there will be three elected places available for the candidates. However, this year the four candidates with the most votes will be starting their four-year terms on Council. This is to ensure that elected RCVS Council members remain in the majority.
Emails containing links to the secure election voting websites which are unique to each member of the electorate, were sent on 17 March 2021 by Civica Election Services (CES) (formerly Electoral Reform Services) which runs the election on behalf of the College.
All votes must be cast online by 5pm on Friday 23 April 2021. The small numbers of veterinary surgeons for whom the RCVS does not hold email addresses have been sent letters in the post containing instructions on how they can vote online, including contact details for CES to provide further advice.
The biographies and statements for each candidate can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote21.
This year the College invited RCVS Council candidates to produce a video in which they answered up to two questions submitted directly to the RCVS from members of the electorate. The videos have been published on the RCVS website as well as on the RCVS YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos).
The book, titled Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic Breeds: A Guide for Veterinary Professionals, includes contributions from 29 internationally recognised experts on a wide range of aspects related to brachycephalic health.
The authors say that dogs in particular are now suffering from a ‘perfect storm’ because the welfare harms from conformation-related predispositions to several health issues are being amplified by a population boom for certain brachycephalic breeds, such as the French Bulldog, Pug and English Bulldog.
Although flat-faced dog breeds were invented by man over a century ago, they are currently rising rapidly in popularity. From 2000 to 2020, Kennel Club registrations for English bulldogs rose by 488%, for pugs by 601% and a staggering 17,198% for French bulldogs, breeds which have been shown to be predisposed to things like corneal ulceration, difficulty giving birth, slipping kneecap, dry eye, upper respiratory tract disorders and heatstroke.
The book provides the context of how and why we are in this flat-faced animal crisis, offering in-depth historical, social, ethical, communication, nursing, welfare, epidemiological, genetics and international perspectives. It also provides clinical support, covering the background, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the unique healthcare needs of flat-faced (brachycephalic) animals.
Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science said: “We hope this book helps veterinary and animal professionals globally, who are faced with the often challenging task of protecting the welfare of brachycephalic animals. Most importantly, we hope this book is another step towards improving the lives of so many animals who have been impaired by the body shape they have been bred for.”
The book is available as an ebook, paperback or hardback, priced from £35.99 to £88.99: https://www.routledge.com/Health-and-Welfare-of-Brachycephalic-Flat-faced-Companion-Animals-A-Complete/Packer-ONeill/p/book/9780367207243