Novartis Animal Health has announced that it will begin marketing and distributing Adequan Equine in the UK from January 2011.

According to the company, Adequan Equine offers equine veterinarians a proven intramuscular treatment option for equine degenerative joint disease, also known as non-infectious arthritis or osteoarthritis. The product is licensed in the UK for the treatment of lameness in horses due to traumatic or degenerative aseptic joint disease and acute superficial digital flexor tendonitis. This is a critical treatment area since equine degenerative joint disease is estimated to cause up to one-third of all equine lameness cases1. It most commonly affects the hocks and coffin joints with the most severe effects on the high-motion knee and fetlock joints.

Esther Rawlinson MRCVS, Global Technical Services Manager for the Novartis Animal Health Companion Animal Business in the Therapeutics & Equine areas said: "Adequan Equine is a leading joint treatment for horses and is widely used by veterinarians in the equine sport industry. Adequan Equine reduces pain and lameness in horses while at the same time stimulating cartilage repair.

Adequan Equine 100mg/ml solution contains polysulphated glycosaminoglycan for intramuscular injection. It is a chondroprotective, meaning it inhibits the breakdown of cartilage in diseased joints while at the same time supporting its repair.

Adequan Equine works by blocking the destructive enzymes formed in the joint as a result of inflammation while stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid to restore the synovial fluid, and the synthesis of cartilage building compounds.

Ceva Animal Health has launched its 2013 ReprodAction desktop calendar, with a droll take on cycling cows.

The calendar is available free of charge to vet practices.

If you haven't received your calendar yet, contact Ceva Animal Health on 01494 781510 or email cevauk@ceva.com.

The RCVS has published its sixth Covid impact survey, finding that despite continuing lockdown conditions, the situation has been improving in terms of staffing levels and practice cash-flow.

201 practices took part in the survey between 25th February and 4th March 2021. The main findings were:

• The majority of respondents (58%) had roughly the same number of full-time equivalent staff as in the first quarter of 2020 (before the first lockdown), while 19% said they had fewer, and 23% reported having more.
• During the period of continued lockdown restrictions, the proportion of practices providing ‘business as usual’ services had remained low, at 16% (compared to 17% in the December practice survey).
• There was a decline in the provision of a ‘near pre-Covid’ level of service (34%, compared with 63% in December), and an increase in practices providing a ‘reduced caseload’ (31%, compared with 15% in December). 
• Fewer practices said their cash-flow position had worsened since before the pandemic and was causing concern (13%, compared with 22% in December), and slightly more said their cash-flow had stayed the same (51%, compared with 47% in December) or improved (34%, compared with 30% in December).
• 51% said school closures had “some impact” on staffing for in-hours emergency and essential care, with a further 7% reporting a “severe impact”. Meanwhile a lower 15% reported some impact on out-of-hours emergency care provision, with only 3% saying there was a severe impact.
• There was a reduction in the percentage of practices that had staff working reduced hours, from 24% in September and 21% in December, to 15%.
• The percentage reporting staff pay cuts remained low, at 3%.
• There was a continued increase in the use of remote consulting among practices (64%, compared with 58% in December, and 50% in September).
• The type of clients remote consulting was used for remained similar to the last survey, with 47% saying they used it for existing clients only, 52% for both existing and new clients, and only 1% for new clients only.
• There was an increase in practices reporting issues with obtaining certain medicines (54% compared with 41% in December) and with obtaining pet food (15% compared with 5% in December).

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “Although this survey took place in the midst of the lockdown and before the schools re-opened, there were some positive results here around staffing and the financial situation for practices. Hopefully this will mean that, as the restrictions ease going from spring into summer, many practices and practice staff will be in a position to return to a near-normal level of service and business.

"There were, however, still a few areas of concern, some of which will hopefully be resolved by the forthcoming easing of restrictions, for example, the difficulty in obtaining independent witnesses for the destruction of controlled drugs, with some 34% of practices reporting difficulties, compared to 20% in December.

“Once again, I would like to thank all those practices who responded to this and previous surveys, and continue to provide invaluable evidence and feedback about the current state of veterinary practice.”

The full results of the survey can be downloaded at: www.rcvs.org.uk/publications

Supreme PetFoods has published a series of rabbit lectures for veterinary surgeons and nurses by world-renowned experts.

The lectures, which were held at London Vet Show last year, covered a variety of topics in rabbit medicine and surgery, including dental disease, digestive disorders, calcium metabolism, urinary disease and 'sticky bottom' syndrome. The round table of case-based discussions also provided an opportunity for the audience to have their questions answered by rabbit specialists and discuss the complexities of some example cases.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Manager at Supreme Petfoods said: "The success of Think Rabbit Month really highlighted that raising awareness and expanding rabbit-related expertise is becoming increasingly important for vets. However, in comparison to cats and dogs, specialist information is less widely available - even though rabbits can often be the trickiest patients! This is why we're so thrilled to able to make contemporary thinking from world-class specialists available at the click of a few buttons."

In addition to the lectures, vets and nurses also have access to an array of free Supreme support materials including a series of professional waiting room videos and a variety of downloadable practice documents, available at http://www.supremepetfoods.com/vet-zone/.

Expert speaker, Molly Varga, BVetMed DZooMed MRCVS,RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, whose lecture was entitled, 'Rabbits and Calcium: how much is too much?'said: "With current concepts in rabbit medicine and surgery rapidly evolving, access to convenient, concise and cutting edge information is crucial for the whole veterinary team. The only way this is possible is through initiatives such as this seminar series, which drives our knowledge and expertise forwards."

Other speakers in the seminar series included, Charly Pignon DVM (pictured right), Head of the Exotics Medicine Service at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire d'Alfort in France, Professor Anna Meredith MA VetMB CertLAS DZooMed MRCVS, Livia Benato MRCVS, Lecturer in Rabbit and Exotic animal Husbandry and Nutrition and Wendy Bament RVN BSc (Hons) MSc, Exotic Animal Veterinary Nurse.

Claire added: "Not only are these specialists regarded as academic leaders in their profession but they are also renowned successful speakers, which makes for superb presentations. The watch-again capability of the online seminars makes it easy for vets and nurses to dip in and out at their leisure, gaining maximum value for minimum effort."

Following the confirmation of avian flu in turkeys at a farm near Louth in Lincolnshire on 16th December, the government has announced a temporary suspension on gatherings of some species of birds in England Scotland and Wales.

The ban on gatherings applies to birds at higher risk of avian flu including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and restricts events such as livestock fairs, auctions and bird shows.

Since the disease was declared on 16 December it has now been confirmed all 2,500 birds at the farm have been destroyed, the farm has been disinfected and there have been no subsequent cases reported, though a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the site remain in place.

The ban is part of the Government’s measures to tackle the disease and reduce the risk of the virus spreading, which includes a requirement to keep all poultry and captive birds housed or otherwise separated from contact with wild birds and advice urging farmers and poultry keepers to ensure strict biosecurity standards.

The ban on gatherings does not apply to pigeons or aviary birds which are at much lower risk of passing the disease to domestic poultry. It will be kept under review and may be lifted or amended if the risk level changes.

Advice from Public Health England remains that the risk to public health from the virus is very low. The Food Standards Agency has also made clear bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. There is not anticipated to be any impact on the supplies of turkeys or other birds over Christmas.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: "While we have seen no further cases of bird flu following the outbreak in Lincolnshire, we must continue to be vigilant and do all we can to protect against this highly pathogenic strain of the disease.

"This ban on gatherings is a proportionate step that will help protect our farmers and bird keepers from seeing their flocks infected with this disease that can have a devastating impact on poultry.

"The risk to human health continues to be very low and there is no impact on the food chain, but infection at a gathering could lead to rapid dispersal of infection to kept birds in many locations.

"Our Avian Influenza Prevention Zone remains in place across the country and anyone who has regular contact with birds should stay alert for signs of disease, maintain the highest biosecurity standards and take all reasonable steps to minimise contact between poultry and wild birds."

Bird keepers should report suspected disease immediately and must maintain high biosecurity standards by:

• reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or captive birds are kept
• taking precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination by cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear
• making sure that feed and water can’t be accessed by wild birds
• implementing effective vermin control programmes around buildings where poultry or captive birds are kept

IVC Evidensia has launched the GP Vet Futures Award Programme, designed to champion the role of its general practitioners.

In what the company says is a European first, IVC vets will be recognised for the skills they already have, as well as supported to achieve new skills within the GP framework.

The programme is also intended to increase GP's status within the profession, boost confidence, develop ability and provide a clear path for career progression.

Edward Davies BVSc MRCVS, IVC's new Aspirational GP Lead, said: "The plethora of skills a GP vet has is unparalleled when you look at other professions.

“This programme is about recognising the core and expansive knowledge sets we as GP vets possess, not just at an individual level, but an organisational and professional level.”

An initial two cohorts of up to 20-30 vets from across the business will take part over the next 12 months, and the expectation is that it will take around two years for every cohort to complete. 

The programme is structured around a portfolio-based assessment by peers, with six core and three elective categories.  

The core section includes the elements seen as fundamental to being a successful GP vet, complimented by the individual vet’s selection of three elective modules which best fit their clinical interests.

IVC says it plans for the GP Vet Futures Award to be externally accredited.

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a recycling programme for Aservo EquiHaler, its treatment for equine asthma symptoms.

The company points to research which found that 89% of the veterinary profession wants to play a more active role in the sustainability agenda¹.

For that reason, Boehringer says it put sustainability at the heart of Aservo EquiHaler, which uses no propellant gasses and the container for which is made from up to 50% recycled materials.

Now Boehringer has launched the first recycling programme for a prescription medicine in the UK to support the responsible disposal of the Aservo EquiHaler.

To join the programme, you need to visit: https://equihaler.uk/recycling, set up a TerraCycle account and register your practice. Boehringer says it only takes 10 minutes.

Once signed-up, a Boehringer Ingelheim Territory Manager will arrange for a collection box to be delivered, along with supporting practice display posters. When the box is full, there is a free pick-up service.

Practices that sign-up for the programme before 31st July 2021 will be entered into a prize draw, with the chance to win a year’s supply of ethically-sourced chocolate for their practice.  

Reference:

1. British Veterinary Association, Voice Of The Veterinary Profession Survey, 2019.

The BSAVA's Scientific Committee has issued a policy statement on the management and treatment of firework phobias in dogs.

The statement says: "It is recognised that dogs may show signs of fear or phobia of the loud noises associated with fireworks. It is the duty of veterinary surgeons to recommend and support evidence-based therapies for this noise fear or phobia in order that they may improve the welfare of animals under their care"

The statement goes on to offer recommendations and guidance for short-term management and longer-term therapy, available here.

Vets Now, Manchester is hosting a full-day ECC CPD event on Thursday, 20 June 2024, at the Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel in Bolton.

The event will offer vets and vet nurses six hours of CPD across five streams, covering topics such as initial fracture treatment, stick injury management, post-op orthopaedic patient care, and handling clinical complaints.

Simon Hagley, an Emergency and Critical Care specialist at Vets Now Manchester, has helped develop the program and will run a session on acute kidney injury.

He said: "We have one of the largest emergency caseloads in the country, therefore we’re well placed to share best practice with the profession to enable vets and vet nurses to feel confident when dealing with emergency cases. "

There will be 23 lectures over the course of the day, across five streams: CPR, Vet Stream, Vet Nurses Stream, Client and Colleague Communication, and Pathology.

The sessions will be delivered by experienced Vets Now clinicians, dedicated nurses, communication experts, and VPG experts. 

Later in the year, the Vets Now 24/7 hospital in Glasgow will be offering free evening CPD events at the Hilton Doubletree, Westerwood, all focussing on ECC.

The first of these events, on 05 September 2024 will see Lead OOH Veterinary Surgeon John Sheppard from Vets Now, Glasgow run an out-of-hours session on ‘What happens after dark, shouldn’t leave you in the dark’. 

The Manchester event is priced at £80+VAT per person, which includes refreshments, lunch, and on-site parking.

https://www.vets-now.com/professionals/vet-cpd-events-courses. 

New research, conducted by the WALTHAM-initiated Laminitis Consortium, has raised questions over the assumption that soaking hay will make it safe to feed to laminitis-prone horses and ponies¹. 

The Laminitis Consortium comprises world-leading equine veterinary, nutrition and research experts interested in collaborating on the important topic of laminitis. It includes the authors of this work: Dr Pat Harris of the WALTHAM^® Equine Studies Group, Clare Barfoot of Mars Horsecare UK Ltd and Dr Annette Longland of Equine Livestock and Nutrition Services (ELNS).

Over-consumption of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) has been associated with the onset of laminitis. It has been recommended that hay with a non-structural carbohydrate (WSC and starch) content of less than 10% should be fed to obese animals as well as those at risk of laminitis² and that hay should be soaked in water before being fed in order to reduce the WSC^3,4,5.  The study, which was completed earlier this year, examined the loss of water-soluble carbohydrates from nine different hays submerged in water for up to 16 hours.  It was presented to the biannual Equine Science Symposium in America in May 2009.

Previous studies have shown that the prolonged soaking of chopped hay in large volumes of water can result in the leaching of nutrients, including soluble carbohydrates. However, because common practice in the UK tends to involve long-stemmed hay, soaked in relatively small volumes of water over varying timescales, the Laminitis Consortium's study aimed to replicate such a practice⁶.

The nine different hay samples were analysed for WSC and then soaked in cold water. The soaked samples were subsequently analysed at four intervals of 20 minutes, 40 minutes, three hours and 16 hours.

Clare Barfoot said: "The results showed a highly variable leaching of WSC and substantially less leaching than reported previously for chopped hay soaked for 30 minutes.³

"Very few samples reached below 10% WSC, despite prolonged soaking. The concern is that this strongly suggests that soaking may not be sufficient to render some hays safe to feed to horses and ponies prone to laminitis. 

"Our current advice is that ideally you should analyse your hay before feeding it to an animal at high risk of laminitis and choose hay with the lowest WSC content you can find. Soaking hay provides an additional safeguard but should not be relied upon."

The study also highlights that if hay is soaked for extended periods, it may not meet the nutritional requirements of the animal because substantial amounts of other nutrients, protein, vitamins and minerals will also be lost ⁵. In such cases it is even more important that the horse or pony should receive a balanced supplementary feed.

The Laminitis Consortium is continuing its work in this area and hopes to be able to identify practices that will be of greater benefit to the horse owner faced with hay of unknown WSC content.

¹Longland AC Barfoot C &  Harris PA  (2009) The loss of water- soluble carbohydrate and soluble protein from nine different hays soaked in water for up to 16 hours.  J. Equine Vet Science 29 (5 ) p 383 - 384, ² Frank  N Equine Metabolic Syndrome J Equine Vet Sci 29 (5) p 259 - 267, ³Cottrell, E., Watts, K., Duarte, S. and Ralston, S. (2005). Equine Science Symposium, 2005, ⁴Kenny, D. (2007). Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science. ⁵Warr EM, Petch JL. Equine Vet Educ 1993;5:169-171, ⁶Longland, A.C. (2009) In preparation.

CPD Solutions has launched four topic-specific veterinary webinar clubs for the veterinary profession, available to view at www.veterinarywebinars.com.

For veterinary surgeons, there are three clubs, one focussing on neurology, another on orthopaedics, and a final one on small animal practice. There is a fourth webinar club for veterinary nurses and technicians.  

Susie Coughlan, Managing Director at CPD Solutions said: "We have given a lot of thought to setting up these clubs so that they reflect what people really need from their CPD. Neurology and orthopaedics are always incredibly popular topics and many vets have told us that they feel that in these subject areas, rapid developments and new techniques can really change their approach to cases."

Each club provides a monthly live webinar, in afternoons or evenings and all webinars are available for club members to view after the live event at their convenience. Susie said: "We decided to limit the available webinars to one a month during the annual membership period because with the best will in the world, many vets and nurses have only a limited time available to spend on CPD and there is very little point in paying for a multitude of webinars that they will never have the time to attend. Part of the appeal of webinars is their low cost and value for money, although we know many vets and nurses put flexibility as to when and where they view as the most exciting attribute of webinar clubs."

CPD Solutions is offering a special launch price of £247 + VAT to anyone who joins a webinar club for one year before 10^th October (after which, the price rises to £327 + VAT per club). The offer includes a free CD/DVD which the company says is packed with content relevant to the club topic. All members can also access the full back catalogue of webinars relating to the topic.

For more details or to join a webinar club visit www.veterinarywebinars.com or call 0151 328 0444.