The webinars will be delivered by board-certified equine diagnostic imaging specialists.
The first will cover equine cervical spinal radiographic interpretation presented by Erin Porter, DVM, DACVR, DACVR-EDI. Learning objectives include:
The second webinar will be on 7th February 2024, 1:00-2:00pm, when Marianna Biggi, DVM, PhD, FHEA, DipECVDI, MRCVS, will review a systemic approach to interpreting foot radiographs and the clinical significance of radiographic diagnoses.
In the final webinar on February 26th at 1:00pm, Lucy Meehan-Howard, BVSc, MSc, CertAVP(VDI), DipECVDI, MRCVS, will cover typical injuries to the fetlock in different kinds of horses and the optimal imaging strategy for each type of injury.
Information about all webinars is available here: welcome.vet-ct.com/equine-webinar-series. To learn more about VetCT, plus additional educational content and teleradiology services, visit https://uk.vet-ct.com/.
welcome.vet-ct.com/equine-webinar-series
Rig Vet Recruitment has added a new title to its range of personnel recruitment guides with the introduction of “Rig’s Practice VN Guide”.
The guide covers all the issues you might face when employing a locum nurse, and gives a handy checklist of things to cover with your temporary employee to help make sure that he or she gets up to speed as fast as possible.
“We were so pleased with the positive responses we received when we launched the locum vet guides last year that locum vet nurses’ versions were an obvious next step,” said Justin Carpenter, Rig Vet Recruitment Managing Director.
He added: “At the end of last year, we conducted a survey among some vet nurses and frankly were surprised at how little information on practice admin and procedures some VNs were given on their first day,” Justin continued. “For example, 88 per cent were not given a formal induction, 78 per cent were not advised on fire and health & safety regulations, and when expected to undertake reception work, 97 percent were not informed on phone protocols or appointment systems.
The guide is available free of charge from Rig Veterinary Recruitment: enquiries@rigvets.co.uk
Rig Vet Recruitment are on stand number 719 at BSAVA Congress 2008.
According to Intervet, a study undertaken in Germany last summer has proven the efficacy of Butox SWISH at killing the midges responsible for carrying the bluetongue virus, when applied monthly to cattle. The study showed that even brief contact between a midge and hair from a treated animal killed midges rapidly for up to four weeks post-treatment.
The standard dose, applied in the usual way (on the neck and topline of the animal) delivers full-body coverage of Butox SWISH’s deltamethrin, helped partly by its unique micronised formulation. The product is also highly lipophilic which means it binds onto the natural oil secretions of the coat helping to improve coverage.
The trial used six heifers (each weighing around 400kg) treated with 30ml Butox SWISH (the standard fly dose and method of application). Two un-treated heifers were also studied for comparison.
During the five week period, contact between midges and treated hair caused immediate paralysis, and the midges then died at varying intervals depending on contact time and the number of days post-treatment with Butox SWISH. The trial verified the application of Butox SWISH monthly at the standard dose for cattle.
Trial director, Professor Mehlhorn suggested that producers should be prepared to reduce vector contact by removing their breeding habitats and combining this with the use of a knock-down treatment like Butox SWISH, which is the only product of its type which has proven efficacy against midges. Used in conjunction with vaccination, these measures may not stop the disease entering the herd, but will help reduce the spread of disease.
Emily Holbrook MRCVS, Garth Tozer MRCVS, Dr Richard Dixon and Ken Davison MRCVS have all won a Best Practice Employer Award from Novartis Animal Health after glowing nominations from the staff at their practices.
In addition, Katherine Corbett VN from Nine Lives Veterinary Centre won a special new award, worth £500, for the veterinary nurse that in the judges' opinion had best used the opportunities given to her by her boss, Emily Holbrook.
Katherine's first question when told of her win really demonstrates the commitment that veterinary nurses will give a good boss: "Can I spend it on buying one of Kruuse's Buster ICU cages for the practice? Emily has given me so much; I'd love to give something back."
Rachel Smithson, Marketing Manager at Novartis said: "All of our winners were asked what steps they take to ensure a happy team. Their answers were almost unanimous. Empower your staff. Give them responsibility, and if that means accepting the occasional mistake, then do so. Praise them for a job well done. Thank them regularly. Not only will it make your practice a better working environment, but as Katherine demonstrates, your staff will probably go to extraordinary lengths to support you. That translates into a more profitable practice, and higher standards of veterinary care."
The story is covered in full in the August and September editions of Veterinary Practice magazine, downloadable from www.vetsurgeon.org
Sarah Palmer (left) of Novartis Animal Health makes the presentation to head nurse Katherine Corbett and veterinary surgeon Emily Holbrook of Nine Lives Veterinary Practice; behind them are Anne Corbett (receptionist), Lindsay Harrison (nursing assistant), and Laura Steele (veterinary surgeon).
Kenneth Agnew from Novartis Animal Health prepares to present Kenneth Davison with his Best Practice Employer Award, whilst the team toast their boss.
Veterinary Nursing Assistant Abby Brown (left) and Abby Roberts from Novartis Animal Health toast Garth Tozer, Novartis Best Practice Employer Award winner.
Donna Lewis (BVNA), and Novartis Animal Health CEO George Gunn present Dr Richard Dixon with his award.
Millpledge has launched Promodulate Probiotic Powder, which, according to the company, combines beneficial bacteria with a pre-biotic, vitamins and electrolytes to rebalance gut flora, fluid and electrolyte balance in cats and dogs.
The powder is presented in a 5 day course of sachets for ease of dispensing, or in a 50g tub for longer term use.
Millpledge says micro-encapsulated Entrococcus Faecium SF68 NCIMB 10415 - 667 x 106 CFU/g helps to recolonise the gut and maintain competitive exclusion of harmful bacteria whilst the preferred prebiotic Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) provides a targeted source of sugars to fuel the Entrococcus Faecium. Electrolytes are included to help maintain the isotonic fluid balance in the patient, and vitamins to maintain the normal feed conversion ability of the gut to absorb and bind nutrients present in the diet.
Millpledge suggests that Promodulate is beneficial alongside antibiotic therapy and can be used as an aid to maintaining the immune response in newborns as well as animals in the later stages of life. Promodulate is also recommended as an aid to restoring normal digestive function and to help maintain normal cholesterol levels and electrolyte and fluid balance.
For more information, please click here.
Virbac has announced that it will repeat its EasOtic promotion through which practitioners that make multiple purchases of the award-winning otitis treatment can claim an ear model and specialist ear instrument kit.
The models, which show the anatomy of a healthy canal on one side and the changes associated with chronic damage on the other, are approximately 15cm high and can be used as a visual aid to show clients the consequences of untreated chronic ear disease.
The specialist ear instrument kits, worth £100, have been designed in consultation with veterinary dermatologists. They consist of a haemostat, ear forceps, three various cerumen scoops and a Spreulls ear-flushing needle.
Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "Basically it's the best ear equipment for daily use by practitioners. Last year we were overwhelmed by the demand of both promotions, so we've decided to repeat the offer again this year."
The models and kits are available with multiple purchases of EasOtic and the neutral pH glycotechnology ear cleaner Epi-Otic.
For details of how you can obtain a model and/or kit for your practice contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
WebLeC has launched a monthly online equine CPD service.
One hour live interactive sessions will take place every third Thursday at 7:30 pm. A single meeting costs £30 plus VAT, or savings can be made by taking out a flexible subscription that allows the user to choose any 12 meetings for the cost of 10 over a period of up to 24 months.
The next meeting is on 22nd September and is entitled: Colic Decision making: When to wake up the surgeon and what pain control to use. The presenter is Debra Archer form the University of Liverpool. Further details and registration links can be found at: http://www.ledstonequine.co.uk/weblec_lectures/colic.html
In addition, a recording of WebLeC's 6th meeting, which was held in partnership with BEVA and the VDS and dealt with the new guidelines and forms for pre-purchase examinations of horses, is now available to view free online at: www.bitly.com/weblecbevaPPE. Use the password: b3va to get access, and you will receive a CPD certificate if you fill in the registration form.
WebLeC has also been asked to host BEVA's online CPD and will be announcing further details of their meetings soon.
Mars Veterinary is launching the Wisdom Panel Insights mixed breed dog DNA test at the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs event this weekend.
According to the company, more than 2 million dogs in the UK are mixed breed, and it is likely that many owners are unsure of their pet's parentage.
Now, with the swipe of a cheek swab, Wisdom Panel Insights can determine the ancestry of a mixed breed dog by testing for more than 185 breeds, which Mars Veterinary says is the largest database of any canine DNA test on the market. Within three weeks, dog owners are emailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog's genetic background. This, it is claimed, will help owners provide better training, nutrition and exercise for their pet, and will also alert them to any disease predisposition their dog may have.
The test will be on sale for the first time at Discover Dogs at Earl's Court, and from the website: www.wisdompanel.co.uk. It costs £59.99 inc. vat, discounted for Kennel Club registered dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "A dog's ancestry can influence him in surprising ways. Obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviours like digging, herding and barking all come from the various breeds in a dog's family tree. Once an owner understands a dog's natural tendencies, it makes it possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs. This is one of many innovative products that dog owners and lovers will find at Discover Dogs this weekend."
A new study published this month in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ)1 has concluded that toxins from the seeds of the sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) are the likely cause of Atypical Myopathy (AM) in Europe.
However, to avoid confusion, the authors of the study point out that the American Sycamore (also just called 'the sycamore' in the USA), is a completely different species: Platanus occidentalis. Furthermore, the sycamore found in the UK is also known as the sycamore maple in other countries.
The new research follows on the heels of a study in the USA earlier this year that linked toxins from the box elder tree (Acer negundo) with Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM), the US equivalent of AM2. The discovery marks an important step for the future prevention of this fatal disease.
Atypical Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease in the UK and Northern Europe. In ten years, approximately twenty European countries have reported the disease. Incidences tend to occur repeatedly in the autumn and in the spring following large autumnal outbreaks. Horses that develop AM are usually kept in sparse pastures with an accumulation of dead leaves, dead wood and trees in or around the pasture and are often not fed any supplementary hay or feed. SPM is a very similar disorder, prevalent in Midwestern USA and Eastern Canada that is now known to be caused by the ingestion of hypoglycin A, contained in seeds from the box elder tree.
The new European research1 was conducted by an international team led by Dominic Votion, University of Liege and involved 17 horses from Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, suffering from Atypical Myopathy. High concentrations of a toxic metabolite of hypoglycin A, were identified in the serum of all of the horses. The pastures of 12 of the horses were visited by experienced botanists and the Acer pseudoplatanus, the sycamore maple, was found to be present in every case. This was the only tree common to all visited pastures.
Researchers believe hypoglycin A is the likely cause of both AM in Europe and SPM in North America. The sycamore and the box elder are known to produce seeds containing hypoglycin A and the pastures of the afflicted horses in Europe and the USA were surrounded by these trees.
Hypoglycin-A is found in various levels in the seeds of plants in the genus Acer as well as in various other genera in the family Sapindaceae such as ackee (Blighia sapida). In ackee, hypoglycin-A levels do vary with ripeness of the fruit and, if the fruit is eaten before it is mature, it causes hypoglycaemia to different degrees including a condition called "Jamaican vomiting sickness" (because of ackee's use in Jamaican cooking) and occasionally death in humans.
Researchers at the Universities of Minnesota2 and Liege are continuing their work to try to uncover exactly how the equine disease occurs. Dr Adrian Hegeman of University of Minnesota said: "It is likely that the most important contributing factors to horses becoming poisoned by hypoglycin-A are the availability of seed in the field combined with lack of other feeding options. The seeds from two species of maples (box elder and sycamore maples) that we have tested include significant quantities of hypoglycin-A.
"We know that seeds contain highly variable quantities from seed to seed, even within a single tree. We do not know yet how hypoglycin-A levels vary seasonally, nor do we know how its abundance varies with different levels of stress to the plant, though this may well explain seasonal variability in the occurrence of the malady. It is possible that conditions that stress the plants may contribute to significant seasonal changes in hypoglycin-A levels. At this point we just don't know. It is common held knowledge that trees under stress usually produce more seed."
Dr Jeff Gillman of University of Minnesota said: "Without question, further analysis of the seeds and other tissues from Acer species needs to be performed along with sampling of plant materials over multiple seasons and at various stress levels. Additionally, one cannot rule out more complex explanations for the seasonality of disease occurrence such as: animals may begin feeding on seed materials in response to depletion of more palatable choices under drought conditions; or simple explanations such as high wind events driving seeds into fields. These sorts of explanations for the occurrence of the disease do not depend on botanical variations in toxicity across seasons, sites or stress levels, yet also require consideration.
"Although limited examples are available, the experience of animals at a pasture site might also confer some degree of behavioral resistance to poisoning due to exposure at sub-lethal levels with prior exposure to seeds in the pasture."
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This is an important advancement in our understanding of what causes AM and how it can be prevented. In immediate practical terms owners can take prompt measures to avoid exposing their horses to sycamore seeds this autumn. Where horses are grazing in the vicinity of sycamore trees, it is imperative that they are provided with sufficient supplementary feed as this will minimise the risk that horses might be tempted to ingest seeds containing this toxin. This must be done carefully and leaving wet hay on the ground should be avoided so providing extra carbohydrate feeds may be more practical."
References
BCF Technology has launched a competition to win a top of the range digital radiography system from its Cuattro range for 6 months.
To enter the competition, you need to record a short video (up to 2 minutes) explaining how the DR system would transform your imaging function. BCF is asking entrants to be as creative as possible as the voting will be open to the public. The company will pick a shortlist of finalists and then invite the public to vote for a winner on its Facebook page and website.
The competition is open to both small animal and equine vets, for the following systems:
Sarah O'Grady from BCF said: "Having a Cuattro DR system could make a huge difference to either a small animal or an equine practice. For a small animal vet practice that doesn't currently have a DR system, they will love the difference it makes to X-ray studies. Diagnostic images are produced in seconds and re-takes are almost non-existent. A Wireless Slate 3+ can greatly improve the ease of in-stable operations and procedures. With the removal of wires, these procedures run much smoother. You will also be surprised by the improvement in image quality."
The closing date for the competition is 30th November 2013.
To enter your video:
The winner will be required to arrange insurance for the system during the time they have the system. Full terms and conditions can be found on the BCF website.
To find out more visit the BCF website or Facebook page or call +44 (0)1506 460 023.
Common ‘Pet Dangers’ include:
The poster also reinforces the importance of S.P.E.E.D when dealing with poisoned pets:
To get your free poster, visit https://www.tvm-uk.com/pet-dangers-order-free-display-materials-for-your-practice/ or email help@tvm-uk.com.
The survey, which takes about three minutes, will assess horse owners’ experiences of strangles and includes questions on the disease including preventative measures and vaccination.
There will be a prize draw from completed entries and the winner will get two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025.
Rachel Harrison-Osborne MRCVS, equine field manager at Dechra said: “The strangles survey will provide us with a valuable insight into horse owners’ experiences of the disease and will enable us to identify any trends that may exist to help us support owners who wish to put in place preventative measures to help prevent strangles.”
https://forms.office.com/e/85gzEd7J7A
Photo: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
The RCVS has extended the deadline for nominations for the RCVS Queen's Medal to 31 January, to allow time for the nominations paperwork to be completed on return from the Christmas and New Year break.
RCVS CEO Nick Stace said: "We received more enquiries about the Queen's Medal over the Christmas period but appreciated that people might welcome a little extra time in the new year to complete and submit their nominations. We're certainly keen to allow anyone who wishes to make a nomination for this very special award the chance to do so."
The Queen's Medal, launched at the House of Lords last November, is a new Honour that will be awarded to a veterinary surgeon for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the profession and who has dedicated their career to working above and beyond the call of duty in the fields of veterinary medicine or science, or related areas.
It is the most prestigious Honour that the RCVS can bestow, and will be awarded at RCVS Day in London in July.
Full details about the nominations process are available on the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/Queensmedal). Nominations should be received by the RCVS no later than 5pm on Friday, 31 January 2014.
Royal Canin has announced that it has established a team of three specialist advisors to work directly with veterinary practices to help develop and improve their weight management clinics, client retention and product sales.
The Pet Weight Care Team will also provide practical training to all practice staff on how to recognise weight problems, communicate sensitively with pet owners and treat the problem effectively.
The first advisor to join the team is Shelley Holden VN (pictured right), who has 10 years' experience as the nurse for the Royal Canin Weight Management Referral Clinic at The University of Liverpool. Shelley has spent time running successful nursing clinics in general practice and lecturing internationally on the topic of obesity. She said: "I have spent many years dedicating my time caring for overweight pets, and the number of cases we see is continuing to rise. It's really important that as obesity specialists we can offer hands-on support to practices to assist them with helping to decrease the number of overweight pets they see.
"Our aim will be to offer specialist training through a number of sessions to practices who wish to improve their weight management clinics. We'll spend time with all members of staff helping them to feel more confident when dealing with owners who have overweight pets. The training will include all aspects of weight management including how to approach owners, Body Condition Scoring and the 30 minute consult. Staff will also be trained on how to support owners throughout the weight loss program and during the maintenance phase."
Royal Canin says the training will also cover the prevention of obesity in pets, how to advise owners on the appropriate diets post neutering and how to manage the animal's weight and calorie intake throughout their lives. The Pet Weight Care Team will be encouraging practices to carry out weight management assessments alongside medical examinations to ensure that potential weight problems are dealt with quickly.
The company says that practices that receive training will be followed up with on a regular basis to provide further support and training as needed.
For more information, contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager.
According to the NFU, last year farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million pounds were severely injured or killed by dog attacks last year.
Obtaining forensic samples after an attack can be difficult because so often they happen in remote places and rural police can't always attend quickly enough to get a sample.
Dr. Nick Dawnay from Liverpool John Moores University therefore developed Early Evidence Kits to enable samples to be collected by vets, famers and police from the crime scene immediately.
Following a successful proof of concept in Wales, the research team is now trialling the kits in ten regions of England and Wales, with support from IVC Evidensia farm practices.
Over the next twelve months the trial will refine best practices for collecting forensic samples from livestock attack scenes.
David Martin, Group Head of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia said: “This project marks an exciting step forward in collecting and analysing canine DNA from livestock.
"It offers police and farmers a means to hold irresponsible dog owners culpable for the damage and losses caused by their pets.”
“As a profession we can support this research by ensuring samples are taken from as many cases within the relevant force areas as possible so that the team at John Moores gets sufficient material to be able to complete this project as soon as possible.
"All IVC Evidensia farm practices in the participating regions are being encouraged to use the kits and we want to ensure all farm practices in those regions know about this important project.”
It is hoped new legislation for England and Wales will be brought in to give police officers the power to take a DNA sample from a suspected dog to compare to canine DNA left at an attack scene.
Dave Allen, North Wales Police and NPCC Livestock Offence Working Group Secretary said: “These kits are an exciting development and can be utilised for an issue that causes major concern to our UK rural communities”.
Veterinary practices are now being encouraged help raise awareness of the project, particularly to encourage farmers to take part and use the kits to collect evidence in the following regions:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2024/5/17/forensic-science-to-help-farmers-foil-sheep-attacks
Virbac - manufacturer of Effipro - has launched the 'Flea Free Zones' campaign to help practices fight back against retail competition in the flea control market.
The company says that with an on-pet flea product market estimated to be worth well in excess of £64 million, and an estimated 20 million cats and dogs in the UK, vets are well positioned to improve their revenues and provide excellent customer service, by promoting flea control to all of their customers.
However, according Dr Rachel Crowe, Effipro Product Manager, much of this business is currently going through retail channels: "Many pet owners have become used to purchasing their flea treatment from retail outlets, mainly due to cost, and no longer distinguishing between a brand bought from a vet and one bought from a supermarket.
"As a dedicated veterinary business, Virbac is focussed on supporting and increasing business within veterinary practices. Our 'Flea Free Zones' campaign is a practice support package designed to help promote initial purchase, as well as long-term client loyalty. We know that pet owners often turn to their vet or vet nurse for advice, but then purchase treatments elsewhere.
"With Effipro, practices have the performance of fipronil but at a highly affordable price, and we believe this promotion will help vets grow their share of the flea control market."
The campaign is designed to get clients purchasing flea treatments from their vet and encourage repeat purchases from the practice.
Dr Crowe said: "The beauty of Effipro is that it has a broad range of products, packs and price flexibility. In particular the single pipette from the Practice Pack is proving a very popular point of entry for the owner, especially as an initial trial purchase. Also included in the promotional campaign is an Effipro loyalty scheme, which provides an incentive to keep clients coming back and literature to assist practice staff to answer customer queries about flea control.
"Just one spot-on treatment range also means there is no confusion with POM-V alternatives, so loyalty to Effipro is easier to retain within the practice. And with the added option of purchasing award winning Indorex environmental insecticide spray, clients now have a complete flea control solution available from their vet practice. So with both products being supported by prominent promotional campaigns, there hasn't been a better opportunity than this for vets looking to capture a bigger share of customer spend on flea treatments."
To learn more about Virbac's Flea Free Zones campaign contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
Alstoe Ltd has launched Tempora, a chewable, flavoured, spironolactone tablet for dogs, indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) arising from mitral valve disease.
Alstoe says Tempora's flavouring technology, tablet shape and two and four way break tablets facilitate ease of use and should improve compliance. The company also highlights the affordability of the new product, which can be used alone or in conjunction with standard therapies.
According to Alstoe, it is estimated that in 75% of dogs with CHF, degenerative mitral valve disease is the underlying cause. The company says spironolactone shows clear benefits in treating mxyomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs: acting as an aldosterone receptor antagonist it counteracts the negative consequences of aldosterone production such as myocardial fibrosis and myocardial and vascular remodelling.
To support the new product, Alstoe has designed a Sleep Respiratory Rate (SRR) chart to assist veterinary professionals with ongoing monitoring of their canine patients condition and response to treatment. The chart is available as a printable download or in pads. The company is also offering lunchtime practice seminars.
Tempora is available as 10mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
For further information, contact Alstoe Animal Health on 01347 878606, or via e-mail: adelaideellerington@alstoe.co.uk, or visit www.alstoe.co.uk
Virbac has announced the launch of a new support pack to help practices promote National Microchipping Month this June.
The pack contains a range of promotional and educational items including:
Sarah Walker MRCVS, BackHome Product Manager, said: "With microchipping soon to become compulsory for dogs across the UK, this year's National Microchipping Month is the ideal platform to raise awareness of its importance in all species and to remind clients that they will soon be required by law to ensure that their dogs at least are protected with a microchip. The new BackHome Mini Chip has a 34% smaller needle than our standard needles and this can minimise any stress and discomfort to pets during implantation.
"The resources in our Microchipping Support Pack are bold, colourful and eye-catching. We hope that, with the creative teams that exist within each practice, you can promote National Microchipping Month successfully using imaginative displays and use this opportunity to engage with your clients."
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The RCVS has asked 6,700 veterinary surgeons to submit their CPD records for 2012-2014 as part of its second annual CPD audit.
The news came at more or less the same time that VetSurgeon.org announced that it is developing a new feature to make it easy for veterinary surgeons to document time they spend on the website towards their CPD requirement.
Under the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons, members of the profession must undertake at least 105 hours of CPD over a rolling three-year period, averaging 35 hours per year.
Those being audited include 5,568 vets who failed to confirm whether or not they complied with the CPD requirement in this year’s annual renewal process; 488 vets who failed to respond to last year’s audit and did not confirm their compliance this year; 43 pre-2012 graduates who have not yet completed the Professional Development Phase; and 184 veterinary surgeons who specifically declared they were not compliant during this year’s annual renewal process.
In addition to these, a random sample of 400 veterinary surgeons who did declare they were compliant this year will be asked to share their records.
For last year’s audit, the College wrote to 3,975 veterinary surgeons, of whom 82% were found to be compliant. However, 910 veterinary surgeons did not respond to the request at all.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: “The purpose of the exercise is not only to gauge levels of compliance, but also to gain a greater understanding of why some people are unable to meet the requirement. Therefore, we will be asking those who are still non-compliant to provide us with an explanation as to why, and to submit a learning and development plan outlining the steps they will take to become compliant.
“Since 2012, the Code of Professional Conduct has made it very clear that, as professionals, veterinary surgeons have an obligation to maintain and improve their skills and experience so as to provide a better service to their patients and clients.
“Last year’s audit proved that the majority of the profession do take CPD seriously and do engage with it over-and-above what is required, but a small minority do not. It is important to remind this small minority that persistent failure to comply with CPD requirements, or to respond to requests from the College, may result in them being reported to the Preliminary Investigation Committee.”
Christine Warman, Head of Education at the RCVS, added: “This audit is also an opportunity to remind people that we are not prescriptive when it comes to CPD and that it is not the case that we only count attendance at courses as learning and development.
“Broadly, any activities that you undertake to further your competence and provide tangible learning that can be put to use in your professional life, can be classed as CPD. For example, this could include private reading, webinars, clinical audit activities, mentoring, work-based observation and many more activities besides.
“What we ask is that you record and document these activities, reflecting on what you learnt and how it will affect your practice.”
Veterinary surgeons who are being asked to submit their records can do so by allowing the RCVS to access their online Professional Development Record (PDR) or to send in their CPD record card via email or post. The deadline for responding is Friday 13 November.
Those who wish to sign up to the free, online PDR can do so by visiting www.rcvs-pdr.org.uk. More information about what constitutes CPD and the Code of Professional Conduct requirements can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd.
The term ‘evidence synthesis’ describes a range of methodological approaches used to systematically review, appraise, and summarise evidence on a specific area.
The approaches differ from conventional literature reviews or narrative reviews, which are not required to have a specified search strategy or methodology for appraising evidence, and usually present a personal perspective or opinion.
There are three main types of evidence syntheses: rapid reviews, systematic reviews, and scoping reviews.
All have key principles in common, which includes the formulation of a structured question, a systematic search of the available literature, a defined process of reviewing and selecting suitable publications, and a methodology for analysing the final included evidence.
Evidence synthesis is still not widely used in the equine veterinary world, despite its recognised value in human evidence-based medicine.
In the new virtual collection, the EVJ discusses the what and the why of this important evaluation method, as well as providing free access to all the equine veterinary evidence reviews published to date, including:
“Evidence synthesis makes an important contribution towards generating the evidence base which underpins equine clinical practice,” said Professor Sarah Freeman. “The challenge compared to human medicine is that equine veterinary data sets are much smaller, and study approaches and methodologies often vary significantly which means that it may not be possible to combine or collate data sets.
“Given this shortfall, scoping reviews can be helpful to identify what information is out there, find areas where a systematic review could be performed, and provide a useful summary for all the studies in a particular area.”
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ said: “As increasing numbers of evidence syntheses are published, they will expand our understanding of the current bodies of evidence in veterinary medicine.
“The existing studies are already informing us on how we use evidence in our practices and policies, and it is encouraging to anticipate how they will shape our development of future research, to generate the best evidence as the norm, in every case.”
The virtual issue can be found at https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.evidence-synthesis-collection
The papers in the report cover things like: novel, 3D-printed anatomical implants for orthopaedics, osteoarthritis and clinical outcomes measures, movement disorders and Quality Improvement in cruciate ligament surgery.
John said: "For an independent veterinary practice to publish a report like this is, in my experience, novel, and it speaks to the culture and values of our practice.
"All of the references cited in the report are clinical research outputs that are directly relevant to practising vets so I hope this will be a useful collated resource.”
https://www.movementvets.co.uk/about-us/clinical-research
Lohmann Animal Health has launched AviPro IBD Xtreme vaccine against Infectious Bursal Disease — also known as Gumboro Disease — in broilers, commercial layers and breeders.
According to Lohmannn, it is highly effective against the vvIBDV (very virulent IBD virus), it breaks through high levels of maternal antibodies, and controls mortality with no loss of flock performance.
Since the 1980s the acute form of IBD has caused significant economic loss to the poultry industries in several countries. The vvIBDV, a more aggressive form first described in Europe in 1986, is now widespread throughout the world and can cause losses of 30-60 per cent in layers and 5-25 per cent in broilers.
Chicks are most susceptible between one and six weeks. Early in their lives they are protected by maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs), but these antibodies will neutralise live IBD vaccines when they are given too early. However, being highly invasive, the AviPro IBD Xtreme vaccine is able to overcome these MDAs so can be given earlier to provide greater protection from an early age.
Exact timing of vaccination depends primarily on the level of MDAs and the breakthrough titre of the vaccine on the one hand, and the virulence of the field virus and infection pressure on the other.
When compared with four of its main competitors in a trial with SPF birds AviPro IBD Xtreme outperformed them. It had the highest number of sero-positive birds, the highest mean ELISA-antibody titre seven days after vaccination and the best protection against clinical symptoms and mortality after a challenge with vvIBDV,” commented Brigitte Othmar, regulatory affairs manager at LAH.
“With the addition of AviPro IBD Xtreme, Lohmann Animal Health has now completed its range of live IBD vaccines and is able to provide its customers with the appropriate solution for any Gumboro problem,” she added.
AviPro IBD Xtreme can be applied via the drinking water or eye-drop and is presented in vials of 1,000 and 2,500 doses.
More information on this vaccine can be found on the Lohmann Animal Health website http://www.lah.de/.
Intervet / Schering-Plough has announced that its leptospirosis vaccine, Nobivac Lepto 2, is now back in stock at all wholesalers and that the production delay affecting supply has been fully resolved.
David Hallas, general manager, Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health, said: "We foresee no further supply difficulties on Nobivac Lepto 2. I very much regret the inconvenience experienced over this difficult period and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our customers for their patience, understanding and support.
"A combination of advancing production and a very timely batch release process has enabled us to re-introduce Nobivac Lepto 2 ahead of the previously-indicated timing of early May, and we are pleased that we have been able to deliver on the assurances that we made back in January."
The company says that current stock levels and planned deliveries are all in place.
Ken Elliott, Marketing Manager for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's Companion Animal Business, said: "Orders should be placed with wholesalers in the usual way but we advise practices that have outstanding orders, or think they may have outstanding orders, to check the status with their wholesaler."
The plan covers mortgage or rent payments of up to £2000 per month for up to a year if you are unable to work because of illness or injury.
In addition, policyholders, their partners and children under the age of 18 are given access to a 24/7 GP service, available via video or phone consultations.
VetYou says there no health or financial questionnaires involved, and whilst permanent conditions and those present within the last two years are not covered, Home Protection will start to cover pre-existing conditions when you have been symptom, medication and treatment free for two years.
There are 12 types of higher risk sports and hobbies Home Protector wont cover cover and Home Protector can’t cover semi-professional or professional sports.
Matthew Dobbs, one of the founders of VetYou (pictured), said: “As practising vets, we know the pain of trying to cover rent and mortgage payments when we are unable to work.
"But as busy professionals we often don’t find the time to get the cover we need.
"So we worked with Future Proof to bring this exclusive product to the profession."
https://vetyou.co.uk/home-mortgage/home-protector