Improve International has launched a new, two-day course for both veterinary surgeons and nurses on the medical and surgical aspects and prophylactic and therapeutic options for feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

The course will be led by Dr Jon Hall, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, an RCVS-recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine, supported by RVN Ms Claire Dorey-Phillips. It will take place at Improve’s new practical training facility in Sheffield in January 2019.

Improve says the programme will equip delegates with a full understanding of the causes of FLUTD and help them to advise owners with cats suffering from the condition in order to improve long-term outcomes. It will also provide a comprehensive overview of the nursing and medical options to treat feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and other causes of FLUTD including infection, calculi and neoplasia. The range of appropriate surgical methods to treat ureteral obstructions will also be covered, along with the post-operative nursing care, to ensure that delegates feel ready to perform a variety of bladder surgeries with confidence.

Juliet Pope MRCVS, Veterinary Operations Manager at Improve International (pictured right), said: "Treating patients with FLUTD is a team effort so we’re offering a special rate for a vet and nurse attending from the same practice though both vets and nurses can still, of course, book independently. The cutting-edge programme will be highly interactive and we aim to send delegates back to their practices with a revitalised approach to these tricky cat cases."

For further information visit www.improveinternational.com or email enquiries@improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.

MSD Animal Health has launched a single dose vial presentation of Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live, its early life calf pneumonia vaccine, in order to give users greater flexibility to vaccinate individual animals.

The intranasal vaccine can be administered to calves from one week old. It reduces the clinical signs of respiratory disease and viral shedding from infection with Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza-3 Virus (Pi3V).

MSD says that no other UK-licensed BRD vaccine can be administered earlier in life, and claims the vaccine delivers the fastest on-farm protection, with an onset of immunity after administration of 5 days for BRSV and 7 days for Pi3V. Duration of immunity is 12 weeks for both viruses.

MSD Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter-Smith said: "Having this early life calf pneumonia vaccine available in single dose vials will give farmers more practical leeway to be able to vaccinate vulnerable young calves from as young as a week of age, rather than delaying administration until a batch of calves are available. We know that early-age protection of young calves through intranasal vaccination can help prevent pneumonia and positively impact a beef or dairy calf’s productive future".

The new single dose vials are supplied in packs of five, complementing the five dose vials already available.

For further information, contact your MSD account manager. 

Invicta Animal Health has announced its appointment as exclusive veterinary distributor in the UK for Chloraprep, a licensed human product for cutaneous antisepsis, prior to invasive procedures. 

Invicta says Chloraprep is a single use, easy to apply, sterile system, available in a variety of sizes and in clear and tinted versions to enhance the visibility of the area requiring antisepsis, for instance, prior to surgery.

The sterile solution is maintained in a glass ampoule inside a protective outer case and, to prevent contamination, the patented design ensures users don't come into contact with either the contents or the patient's skin. 

Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "Most surgical site infections (SSI's) are the result of contamination from a patient's own skin flora¹, a fact which highlights the importance of thorough and effective preparation of the skin as a proactive way to minimise the incidence of SSI's in patients." 

According to the company, research has shown that Chloraprep, which contains 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol, has demonstrated significantly better antimicrobial activity than other combinations².

Invicta says the way in which the solution is applied to the skin is as important as the solution itself.  Studies show that the most effective way to apply Chloraprep is with a back and forth scrubbing movement because this gives a lower microbial count on the skin than using other application methods³. Once applied, Chloraprep is active in 30 seconds and is effective for up to 48 hours⁴.

Rob said: "The majority of UK hospitals and the Blood Transfusion Service already use Chloraprep and we are pleased to make this available under the provisions of the cascade."

He added: 'The veterinary nurses I've spoken to love this product, because they're fed up of immersing their dry, cracked hands in disinfectant!'

For further information, please contact Invicta Animal Health on 01403 791313 or email the company at mail@invictavet.com.

References

1. Florman S, Nichols RL. Am J Infect Dis 2007; 3: 51-61.
2. Hibbard JS. J Infus Nurs 2005; 28: 194-207.
3. Rosenthal K. Nurs Manage 2006; April: 55-66.
4. Garcia R et al. Abstracts of the IDSA 40th Annual Meeting 2002; Abs 418.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Oncology Working Group has published a glossary of common veterinary oncology terms to help owners better understand cancer terminology,

The Oncology Working Group, winningly styled as 'WOW', says it hopes that the glossary will give owners a clearer understanding of the diagnosis and management choices they have, and help them discuss care with their veterinary surgeon from a more informed perspective.

The glossary is the first output from the WOW Group which was formed in 2021 to raise awareness of the latest thinking in cancer therapy and promote best practice globally.

The glossary is available to download free from the WSAVA website at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Glossary-WOW-13.11.2021.pdf 

WOW Group Member Professor Nick Bacon, a RCVS-Recognized Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Oncology) and a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, said: “Cancer has a language all of its own and, during our early WOW Group discussions, it became obvious that, in order to improve communication between veterinary professionals and owners, there was an urgent need for a globally accessible resource to help owners better understand cancer terminology.

“Our Oncology Glossary is the result.

"We hope it will enable owners to feel on a more equal footing when they are discussing their pet’s condition with veterinary professionals.

"We hope it will also increase the consistency and effectiveness of communication about veterinary oncology globally.”

He added: “We will update the Oncology Glossary regularly and are now working on the development of further practical and easy-to-use tools to support veterinarians working in this rapidly evolving area of veterinary medicine.

"In the meantime, more resources are available on our web page at https://wsava.org/committees/oncology-working-group/”

Merial Animal Health has launched Locatim, an oral antibody supplement to aid calf scour management.

Manufactured from the colostrum of high health status cows that are hyper-immunised against E.coli, rotavirus and coronavirus, Locatim contains a guaranteed concentration of specific antibodies to enterotoxic E.coli F5 (K99).

Merial says that when given alongside the dam’s colostrum, Locatim provides enhanced protection against infection, reducing calf mortality due to neonatal diarrhoea caused by E.coli F5 (K99), and helping to protect calf health during the critical rearing period.

According to the company, a single 60ml oral dose provides direct transfer of these specific antibodies, giving local protection within the digestive tract and systemic protection following absorption through the intestinal mucosa.

For optimal absorption Locatim should be administered during the first four hours of life, but it can be given up to 12 hours after birth.

Locatim can be administered to every calf born during an outbreak of scour; at times of peak calving, when environmental challenge is high; or it can be used to enhance protection in individual calves identified as being at high risk of disease due to factors such as dystocia, weakness or the poor quality of the dam’s colostrum.

For information on purchasing stock contact your local Merial Animal Health territory manager.  

Genitrix has extended its Dentagen dental care range with the addition of Dentagen Aqua, a water additive treatment to control plaque and prevent bad breath in cats and dogs.

Genitrix says the product offers a completely new approach to dental care for companion animals and is expected to prove particularly effective in treating cats which do not respond well to existing treatments, such as dental chews and tooth-brushing.

Dentagen Aqua is a palatable liquid which is added to a pet's drinking water on a daily basis. Its active principal is RF2, a plant extract.  According to the company, RF2's ability to enable natural and healthy mouth bacteria to flourish while inhibiting the formation of plaque even at low concentrations has been demonstrated in extensive clinical trials.  It operates as an 'anti-biofilm' treatment, modifying the growth of the membrane of oral bacteria to prevent them from producing plaque.

Dentagen Aqua is supplied in a 250 ml bottle costing £6.80.  At the recommended dose of 5 ml per day, the bottle will provide 50 days' treatment for a cat or small dog.

In 2008, Genitrix launched the original Dentagen plaque protection system which consists of a unique RF2-impregnated wax provided to practices in a syringe to be applied to the gingival layer and the buccal area of teeth of dogs or cats at end of dental procedures.  Dog owners can then maintain the protective coating by giving their pet Dentagen plaque prevention chews.  The launch of Dentagen Aqua means that an equivalent solution is now available for cat owners or for dogs which don't eat chews.

With over 85% of dogs and cats over three years old suffering from some form of dental or gum disease, it's the most common health problem in these animals. The market for preventative dental healthcare supplements is estimated to be close to £1 million per annum.

Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said:  "Dentagen exceeded our expectations during its first year and has proved popular with both vets and dog owners. Given the vital importance of good dental health for dogs and cats, it seemed the logical next step to produce a water additive version to make the treatment easier for cat owners in particular."

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Osphos, an intramuscular clodronic acid injection for the control of clinical signs associated with the bone resorptive processes of navicular syndrome in horses, the only such licensed product in the UK.

Dechra says it expects Osphos to change the way chronic lameness caused by navicular syndrome is tackled by equine vets.

According to the company, clinical trials of Osphos showed 74.7% of horses experienced improvement by at least one lameness grade at 56 days post treatment.

Dechra brand manager Emma Jennings said: "Osphos intramuscular injection contains the bisphosphonate clodronic acid which inhibits resorption in the navicular bone by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals and by direct cellular effects on osteoclasts.

"We are delighted with the results of the trials, which proved that Osphos is effective at 6 months post-treatment. We're looking forward to being able to support equine vets, vet nurses and practices by providing an intramuscular Clodronic acid injection for horses."

Dechra also says studies showed that mild transient colic was seen following just 1.6 per cent of treatments.

Osphos 60 mg/ml solution for injection for horses is available from September 2014. 

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has suspended Oxfordshire-based practitioner Dr Susan Catherine Mulvey MRCVS for six months, for failing to communicate with clients, professional colleagues and the College.

There were two charges against Dr Mulvey. The first was that, between May and October 2018, she failed to provide the clinical history for an English Cocker Spaniel named Henry to the Tremain Veterinary Group, despite numerous requests. Also, that between August 2018 and October 2018, she failed to respond adequately or at all to Henry’s owner's requests for information, particularly his clinical records and details of insurance claims made for Henry by her practice.

The second charge was that in January/February 2019, she failed to respond to reasonable requests from the RCVS, particularly in relation to her treatment of Henry, her continuing professional development (CPD) and the status of her Professional Indemnity Insurance.

At the beginning of the hearing, Dr Mulvey admitted the facts and conduct alleged in the charges and also admitted that when her conduct was considered cumulatively, she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The Committee, having considered the evidence provided by the College and Dr Mulvey’s admissions found all the facts and conduct to be proved.

The Committee also concluded that Dr Mulvey's failure to respond to Henry's owners and to the College amounted to disgraceful conduct both when considered individually and cumulatively.

In respect of the first charge, the Committee decided that Dr Mulvey had breached the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons by failing to provide clinical records or details of insurance claims.

This was an administrative part of the function of a veterinary surgeon’s role and that failure to provide clients with such information was unacceptable and fell far short of acceptable professional standards. The Committee noted that Dr Mulvey’s failure to provide details of insurance claims had occurred because she had not made those claims, despite offering to do so. 

With regard to the second charge, the Committee concluded that Dr Mulvey’s failure to respond to five requests from the College for information about Henry was unacceptable.

The Committee also considered that the omissions took place in the context of Dr Mulvey’s previous Disciplinary Committee hearing in April 2018 during which she agreed to a number of undertakings including supervision on her professional practice by an appointed supervisor. It therefore decided that her failure to provide evidence of her CPD and Professional Indemnity Insurance to the College each individually amounted disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.

The Committee then went on to consider the sanction for Dr Mulvey in relation to the both charges that it had found proved and also in respect of the charges it had found proved at its earlier hearing on 26 April 2018 for which sanction had been postponed for a period of 1 year to enable Dr Mulvey to comply with undertakings she gave to the Committee to ensure that her practice met RCVS Core Standards by May 2019.

The Committee heard from Mr Stuart King MRCVS who had been appointed to act as a Workplace Supervisor for Dr Mulvey during the period of her Undertakings. Mr King provided the Committee with a report upon the extent to which Dr Mulvey had complied with the terms of her undertakings including the extent which she had implemented Dr King’s numerous recommendations.

The Committee also heard from Dr Byrne MRCVS an inspector for the RCVS’s voluntary Practice Standards Scheme that Dr Mulvey’s practice, when inspected by him in early April 2019, had not met RCVS PSS Core standards in a number of areas.  

The Committee heard from Dr Mulvey and her Counsel that she accepted that she had not met RCVS Core standards as she had undertaken to do.

In reaching its decision as to sanction for all the matters, the Committee took into account that Dr Mulvey’s misconduct overall was serious because it was repeated.

The Committee also considered aggravating and mitigating factors.

Aggravating factors included the fact that the misconduct was sustained or repeated over a period of time (in relation to charge 1 for a period of approximately 4 months and in relation to charge 2 for approximately 6 weeks).

Other aggravating factors include the fact that Dr Mulvey’s conduct contravened advice issued by the Professional Conduct Department in letters sent to her, and that she had wilfully disregarded the role of the RCVS and the systems that regulate the veterinary profession.    

Mitigating factors included that: there was no harm to any animal; there was no financial gain for Dr Mulvey or any other party; there was no ulterior motive behind Dr Mulvey’s conduct; and that Dr Mulvey had in fact both completed her minimum CPD requirement and secured Professional Indemnity Insurance, demonstrating that she had not attempted to hide such information from the College.

It also took into account that Dr Mulvey, prior to the first Disciplinary Committee’s hearing in 2018, worked without any previous disciplinary findings against her from 1976 to 2018. The Committee also noted that she had made efforts to comply with some of the undertakings. 

Mr Ian Green, Chair of the DC and speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, said: "The Committee considered that a warning or reprimand was not an appropriate sanction that would meet the public interest. Instead, the Committee decided that a suspension order for a period of six months would allow Dr Mulvey sufficient time to focus on ensuring her practice met the Core Standards set out in the Practice Standards Scheme, without the daily demands of practising as a veterinary surgeon, and was a proportionate and sufficient sanction to meet the public interest.

"The Committee was satisfied that a period of six months met the public interest as it was sanctioning Dr Mulvey for two sets of similar misconduct which we had determined overall as serious. The Committee also believed that during these six months Dr Mulvey could reflect and reorganise her practice, and there would be little risk to animals and the public in her returning to practice."

Dr Mulvey has 28 days from being informed of the Committee’s decision to lodge an appeal with the Privy Council.

Virbac Animal Health is launching an initiative to highlight the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition suffered by more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five¹.

The campaign will take place during November - or 'Movember' as it's called by the thousands of men who grow moustaches during the month to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. Virbac says it hopes the campaign will remind dog owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders.

As part of the campaign, the company will be providing participating practices with promotional materials including free dog leads, owner educational and display materials, a press release for local media and practice educational materials.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "It's estimated that 20% of the country's eight million dogs remain uncastrated throughout their lives. As dogs age, their prostates enlarge, eventually causing symptoms including constipation, lameness and difficulties in urination. However, most of the time clinical signs are absent or vague so diagnosing BPH can be a challenge."

According to Virbac, the traditional rectal examination technique can be an ordeal for both dog and clinician. It's also sometimes inaccurate even in experienced hands and is impossible in very small or large breeds. As a solution, the company has recently introduced Odelis CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a simple tablet treatment for BPH, which takes effect within a week and lasts for six months.

Chris added: "BPH is a serious threat to the health of entire dogs as they get older but owners are often unaware of the potentially serious health problems it can cause if left untreated.

"We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should also be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease. 

"We're providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign in their locality and hope that those getting involved will find it effective in terms of bringing dog-owning clients into the practice for advice on BPH."

For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign and to get your free pack please contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.

Reference
1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.

Kellie Price, a Kent-based Registered Veterinary Nurse has been suspended from the Register for nine months by the RCVS RVN Disciplinary Committee after she admitted dishonestly creating four prescriptions, one of which was then fraudulently presented to a pharmacy.

The Committee heard that in January 2013, Miss Price, who did not attend the hearing and had no representation, had dishonestly created a prescription for two inhalers while working at a veterinary practice in Kent.

This prescription had been written and signed in the name of a locum veterinary surgeon, Cristiana Tudini MRCVS, without her knowledge or consent. The false prescription was subsequently presented to a pharmacy for dispensing.

In addition, in March 2013, Miss Price dishonestly created a further three prescriptions - one of which was written in the name of her colleague Cormac Higgins MRCVS, and two written in the name of Cristiana Tudini MRCVS without either's knowledge or consent. All four false prescriptions had been made out for Miss Price's Jack Russell terrier.

Upon discovering the false prescriptions, Mr Higgins asked Miss Price for an explanation and subsequently suspended her from her position pending further investigation. However, after being interviewed by Mr Higgins, she resigned before any in-house disciplinary hearing could take place. The allegations were then reported to both the RCVS and the police, the latter giving Miss Price a formal caution in respect of the false prescription made in January 2013.

In considering Miss Price's sanction, the RVN Disciplinary Committee took into account a number of aggravating and mitigating factors. In mitigation, it accepted Miss Price's explanation that, in the early hours of 6 January, she had suffered an asthma attack and that she had created the false prescription at work in a panic after realising her inhaler was empty and fearing a further asthma attack. The Committee also took into account a witness statement from Cormac Higgins MRCVS which described her as a "great nurse" and "good with patients and clients".

However, the Committee also considered aggravating factors including Miss Price's dishonesty and the fact that she then made further false prescriptions in March, although these were not then presented to a pharmacy.

Professor Noreen Burrows, who chaired the RVN Disciplinary Committee and spoke on its behalf, said: "The Committee is... satisfied that the admitted dishonesty amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect [and] is satisfied that the respondent's conduct fell far short of the conduct to be expected of a registered veterinary nurse."

On deciding the sanction she added: "Taking into account all of the circumstances, the Committee has concluded that the suspension of the Respondent's name from the Register for a period of nine months is the proportionate sanction in this case."

The Committee's full findings and decision are available on the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary).

Zoetis is hosting a free equine dental CPD webinar presented by Specialists Chris Pearce and Nicole du Toit, to help equine vets build their knowledge on selection criteria for modern dentistry techniques.

The hour-long webinar will be held on Tuesday 18th May from 7.30pm.

Chris is a European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Equine Dentistry and the founding Director of the Equine Dental Clinic Ltd. Nicole is a European, American and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Equine Dentistry and is a co-director of the Equine Dental Clinic.

Chris and Nicole (pictured right) will discuss key points for examination, diagnostics and treatment, including:

• Performing good oral examination and diagnostics
• Understanding pathology leading to the presentation of common dental conditions
• Learning to grade lesions and categorise them for treatment
• Understanding the decision-making process for different scenarios

Zoetis Equine Product Manager, Penny McCann said: "Chris Pearce and Nicole du Toit are known worldwide for their consulting, training, educating and CPD, as well as for running the longest established and largest equine veterinary dental specialist practice in Europe.

"We are delighted that they have agreed to share their knowledge with our client practices on 18th May and look forward to welcoming you."

To book your place for the webinar, visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/173596806534344203

For more information contact your Zoetis Account Manager or the Zoetis Technical Team on customersupportUK@zoetis.com or 0845 300 8034.

Casco Pet has launched a new generation of its clinical WellKennels. 

The company says its new design is modular, allowing veterinary practices to customise kennels to their requirements now, and then upgrade them and add components as their needs change over time.

Options include dimmable daylight lighting or Casco Pet’s DRC Lighting System with three modes: Daylight (white), Recovery (red), and Cleaning (blue UVA), built-in thermostatically controlled heat mats, an illuminated glass whiteboard for easy recording and viewing of patient notes, integrated IV stand and pump holders, an internal ceiling vent and ventilation kit and an integrated plug socket and USB port .

Matthew Bubear, CEO, Casco Pet, said: “Our new generation of WellKennels, which have been designed to meet the dynamic demands of modern veterinary practices, allow practitioners to elevate the care they provide today while ensuring sustained adaptability for the needs of tomorrow."

WellKennels are certified by the International Society of Feline Medicine and are part of FearFree’s Preferred Product Program, the global initiative dedicated to preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety and stress in pets. 

The new WellKennels will be unveiled at the London Vet Show, ExCel London, 16-17 November, on Stand H35.

https://cascopet.com/uk/products-and-services/veterinary

The RCVS's new Royal Charter has come into effect today, meaning that the whole of the veterinary nursing profession in the UK is now regulated.

The new Charter received the Great Seal of the Realm and was collected from the House of Lords by RCVS Registrar Gordon Hockey and Policy Consultant Jeff Gill (pictured right). It had previously been approved at a meeting of the Privy Council on 5 November 2014.

Under the changes instituted in the new Charter, there are no longer listed veterinary nurses and all those formerly on the List have effectively been moved to the Register and become RVNs.

As a result they will now be expected to undertake the minimum requirement for continuing professional development (CPD) of 45 hours over a three-year period, will need to follow the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses,and will be subject to the College’s disciplinary system in cases of serious professional misconduct. Any veterinary nurse removed or suspended from the Register will not be entitled to give medical treatment or carry out minor surgery.

Gordon said: “This is a proud day for us and an important day for the profession as a whole. We worked very hard to get to this point and I would like to thank all those who helped us along the way including RCVS and VN Council members, College staff and the members of the profession and representative organisations, in particular the BVA and BVNA, that responded to our consultation on the proposed Charter last year.

“This Charter clarifies the role of the College and its aims and objectives while also modernising many of our regulatory functions. This represents another significant step towards the College becoming a first rate regulator.

“Critically, this Charter fulfils one of our long-term ambitions to create a coherent regulatory system for veterinary nurses and to recognise them as true professionals, dedicated to their vocation, their development and proper conduct.”

During this year’s renewal period for veterinary nurses (in the autumn), those formerly on the List will be expected to confirm that they are undertaking CPD and will also need to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions or adverse findings when they renew their registration. The annual renewal fee for veterinary nurses remains unchanged.

A detailed set of frequently asked questions for former listed veterinary nurses can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rvn.