Genitrix has announced that HY-50 Vet®, a sodium hyaluronate treatment for equine joints, has now been authorised for intravenous (IV) use.
Available until now for intra-articular (IA) use only, the company says HY-50 delivers the highest concentration of sodium hyaluronate on the market for the treatment of non-infectious joint inflammation and the enhancement of joint function.
Genitrix also says that, as IV application requires less specialist preparation than IA, HY-50 is now a practical solution for mixed practices with a smaller equine case load. Injected intravenously, the product will also benefit horses with multiple joint injuries.
HY-50 is presented in a 3 ml pre-loaded syringe, delivering 50 mg of sodium hyaluronate. It costs £55.50.
Rob Watkins, Marketing Director of Genitrix, said: "The efficacy of sodium hyaluronate is well established and we're delighted to be able to offer the IV route of administration. We know it will meet a real need in the market for a lameness treatment which is proven and simple to administer."
"Perhaps most importantly, in these financially difficult times, the high concentration of the product makes it a cost-effective approach compared with competitive products. We believe it will offer an affordable treatment option for owners who are anxious to treat their horses but may be discouraged by the high cost of many treatments."
For further information, see http://www.genitrix.co.uk/ or ring 01403 786345.
Dechra Veterinary Products has published a range of case studies to support its new campaign focused on the diagnosis and treatment of otitis externa.
The studies have been written by Referral Dermatologist Sue Paterson MA, VetMB, DVD, DipECVD, MRCVS, RCVS European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology and Peter Forsythe BVM&S, DVD, MRCVS, RVCS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.
Developed as part of the Time to Change campaign, the real-life examples feature a series of problems and solutions associated with otitis, supported by clear images and photomicrographs.
Larry King, Senior Brand Manager, Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We have created a range of in-depth case study materials for use by vets and vet nurses which will support identification and management of otitis externa, one of the more frequent conditions seen in general practice.
"As veterinary professionals are aware, otitis is common and can be challenging to diagnose and treat. These studies address individual cases and demonstrate how the Dechra dermatology range can be used effectively.
"Topics covered in the case studies include the types of otitis presented by each animal, how individual organisms were identified using cytology and how long treatment was continued."
The case studies, which feature Malassezia, staphylococcal and Proteus infections, also discuss the underlying causes and steps taken after treatment with Canaural and various ear cleaners.
The Time to Change campaign has been launched to support a best practice approach to otitis which includes the identification of the organisms causing infection through cytology, support the selection of the correct treatment and assist with educating clients on how to apply and use products correctly.
For further information visit www.dechra.com/timetochange. The website also highlights the benefits of Dechra Veterinary Products' range of topical treatments and ear flushes, including Canaural, CleanAural, CerumAurual, TrizAural and MalAceticAural.
Norbrook has announced the launch of Total Pet Health Month 2012, a pet education campaign aimed at improving the health and welfare of dog and cats.
The campaign, which began on 13th August, offers advice and guidance to pet owners about a range of pet health problems. Norbrook says the main aim is to encourage owners to speak with their vet if they have any concerns about their pet.
The main vehicle for the campaign is the Norbrook's Pet Healthcare website on http://www.norbrook.com/pets-health/.
The first topic featured in Total Pet Health Month 2012 is parasite control and treatment. Norbrook commissioned petbuzz to carry out research on parasite concerns for pet owners.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook Small Animal Brand Manager said: "Almost 80% of pet owners reported seeing an increase in fleas and ticks in the summer so it is timely to launch Total Pet Health Month with a focus on parasite control. 70% of respondents were concerned about the risk of skin problems and discomfort in their pets due to fleas and ticks. We hope that our campaign will address these concerns and help pet owners manage what can be a very unpleasant and irritating problem."
The research highlighted that 63% of pet owners sought advice from a vet in relation to flea and tick treatment and 66% purchased treatments from a veterinary practice.
Michelle said: "It is very encouraging that two thirds of pet owners purchase treatments from a vet. Total Pet Health Month is a great opportunity for pet owners to find out more about concerns they have for their pets. We would actively encourage them to engage with animal health experts and veterinarians because they will get invaluable advice during the purchase which they may not otherwise get."
During Total Pet Health Month 2012, Norbrook will also look at conditions including gum disease and hip dysplasia.
Total Pet Health Month will run across the Total Pet Publishing network (a Europe-wide network of pet sites). Norbrook says it will engage with more than 3m pet owners, guiding them to the Norbrook pet healthcare portal and to seek solutions and treatments from their veterinary practice.
The petbuzz market research was conducted in May 2012 with 1,147 pet owners: 86% dog owners, 41% cat owners, 10% rabbit owners.
The survey is part of a research project (funded by MSD Animal Health), which aims to optimise preventative healthcare consultations (defined as any consultation in which a healthy pet is likely to receive a full clinical examination) for animal health and welfare by providing an evidence-based approach.
In particular, researchers are looking for information on what veterinary surgeons actually do in booster vaccination consults, which tools are the most useful, and also what pet owners expect.
This survey should take 15 minutes to complete, and researchers say the results will be used to develop tools which can help you make the most of preventative healthcare consultations.
To take part in the survey visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/boostervaccinations by 28th February 2017.
The new facilities use teaching aids and models to allow students to refine their practical skills and build confidence before being let loose on real patients.
As part of the official opening, Princess Anne toured the School of Veterinary Medicine, where she met with staff and students and saw a demonstration of a new equine gut model that offers an alternative to using live animals for research into the gut microbiota of horses and how they are affected by diet, disease and medication.
Professor Chris Proudman, Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine, said: "We are honoured to welcome The Princess Royal to the Vet School today, and very grateful that Her Royal Highness has officially opened the Large Animal Clinical Skills Facilities. Preparing students for life as a vet is our number one priority; the hands-on experience they will get through the use of this facility is invaluable and enables them to give the best possible care to all animals.
"We are also very grateful to the Longhurst family, without whom these teaching resources would not have been possible – their generosity is helping us to teach the vets of the future."
Research released today by the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) reveals that only a minority of pet owners are able to identify what their pet should look like when it is at the right weight.
Eight out of 10 dog, cat and rabbit owners believe that their pet is just the right weight, but when asked which of a series of pictures most closely resembled their pet, only 33% of dog owners and 23% of cat owners chose the 'normal weight' picture.
The independent research, conducted by TNS, surveyed over 2,100 households. Other findings included:
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of the PFMA, said: "The figures are alarming and the problem won't go away without a fundamental shift in owners' attitude to feeding their pets. It is also worrying that most owners are not aware of the problem, because they are unable to recognise a fat pet in the first place. Perceptions of what is the correct size are seriously out of kilter with reality."
Only 25% of those surveyed said that they had ever sought advice on whether any of their pets were overweight. Up to a third admitted using trial and error when deciding how much food to give, indicating a sole reliance on their pet's appetite to determine optimium food portions. Less than a quarter referred to manufacturers advice on pet food labels, or sought advice from their vets.
Michael continued: "Thankfully, there is a solution and we have developed a tool to help owners identify the correct condition of their pet, along with steps to take if a problem exists. Prevention is at the heart of our awareness campaign. Feeding a good diet, and to the correct amount, is fundamental. And so is exercise. We know that a pet fed to its right condition will lead a longer and healthier life. Not only that, getting active with your pet can help pet owners achieve the same for themselves. We urge pet owners to start using our Pet Size-O-Meter and make sure they and their pets have the best chance for a long happy life together."
The PFMA has also produced a supporting White Paper entitled - Pet Obesity: The Reality in 2009 - which compares the obesity epidemic in humans with that of our pets. You can download it here.
Virbac has launched a reformulated dental chew for dogs.
The company says the new VeggieDent chew is thicker in order to prolong the chewing time, but retain its palatability and characteristic Z shape, designed to facilitate prehension and enhance the mechanical cleaning action.
Product manager Chris Geddes MRCVS says the longer chewing time means increased contact between teeth and chew: "Optimum plaque removal is achieved by physical abrasion of the tooth surface during chewing. What is important is both the nature and the duration of contact between tooth and chew. These chews have been reformulated to optimise both of these factors.
"Whilst regular tooth brushing is always the gold standard, the chews provide enhanced plaque removal above brushing alone, and are particularly suited for those difficult cases where brushing is not possible".
"Many dogs are offered treats or chews during the day with limited nutritional or health benefits. VeggieDent chews are highly palatable, natural, and meat-free. They help to sustain tooth and gum health and are a great way to encourage the provision of treats that have a health benefit".
The chews are available in packs of 15 in sizes suitable for small, medium and large dogs and can be obtained from your veterinary wholesaler. Look out for a relaunch promotion coming soon. For further information please speak to your Virbac Territory Manager, phone Virbac on 01359 243243, or email enquiries@virbac.co.uk.
Research carried out by the Kennel Club to coincide with the start of Open for Dogs Week has found that 40% of British people think dogs are a happy alternative to having children.
One reason for this is perhaps because 25% of respondents said that a dog would fit more easily with their lifestyle than a child. Or maybe it's partly because 25% said that whilst their children always come first, they prefer to do things with their dog.
In addition, 80% said their dog is attentive and loving when out and about, compared to only 50% who said the same is true of their other half.
However, despite the central place that dogs hold in their owners' hearts, the Kennel Club says many people experience difficulty taking their dogs out and about, particularly to restaurants. In the survey, 40% said that they have problems finding a place where their dog is welcome while they eat, and almost 50% said that they'd like to see a wider variety of restaurants open their doors to dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "This research proves what a well loved member of the family a dog is. Given how much we love spending time with our dogs, it is surprising that there are still so many businesses that refuse to allow dogs in their premises, but there is a real appetite for this to change.
"The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website lists more than 26,000 places throughout the UK and Europe that allow dogs inside, which makes it easier for dog owners to plan days out and holidays without having to leave their dogs behind.
"During Open for Dogs Week we are asking businesses, whether it is a restaurant, hotel, pub, shop or office, to trial a dog friendly policy. There are more than eight million dogs in the UK, so those that get involved will be appealing to a massive customer base, which can only be a good thing in tough economic times." The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Week runs from 20-26 August 2012 and businesses and public places are encouraged to adopt a dog friendly policy for well behaved dogs.
To nominate your favourite dog friendly venue or town for the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Awards, visit www.openfordogs.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 31st August.
The BVA and the RCVS are inviting applications from veterinary surgeons to join the new Vet Futures Action Group, set up to drive forward the ambitions identified in the Vet Futures report launched at BVA Congress at the London Vet Show on 20 November.
The Vet Futures report, Taking charge of our future: A vision for the veterinary profession for 2030, was the culmination of a year-long joint project by BVA and RCVS designed to help the veterinary profession prepare for, and shape, its own future. The Action Group is a vital next step in the Vet Futures project, ensuring the delivery of the report’s six ambitions and 34 recommendations.
BVA and RCVS are seeking seven veterinary surgeons and one veterinary nurse to join the Action Group to ensure there is buy-in from across the professions and to drive forward workstreams of activity. The group will be co-chaired by the BVA and RCVS Presidents, and both Junior Vice-Presidents will sit on the group. Action Group members will be independent and will not represent, or be required to report back to, any particular organisation.
Veterinary surgeons or nurses keen to apply for an Action Group role should have experience of working as an active member of a group or committee and the ability to deliver, engage and inspire others. The veterinary surgeon members should have specific expertise, knowledge and experience in relation to at least one of the Vet Futures ambitions or the cross-cutting issue of veterinary education. The ambitions cover:
Successful applicants must be able to attend three all-day meetings in London (9 February, 17 March and 12 May) and an all-day Vet Futures Summit (20 June), with a time commitment totalling approximately seven days between February and June 2016. The group will be supported by BVA and RCVS staff. For the full Vet Futures Action Group role profile and terms of reference, please visit: www.vetfutures.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 31 December 2015.
Britain's leading equestrian organisations are conducting a survey to find out more about the welfare standards in livery yards. Livery yards are very popular in the UK for those people who are unable to keep their horses and ponies at home. However, there is no record of how many horses are currently at livery or indeed the number of operating yards and the welfare standards under which they operate. Representatives from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), World Horse Welfare, The British Horse Society, RSPCA, Association of British Riding Schools, South Essex Insurance Brokers (who currently insure a total of 8,562 DIY and livery stables), and for local government LACORS and CIEH, set up a working party to carry out some research into UK livery yards to become better informed about standards. The group took the view that asking vets and the public about their local livery yard would help to obtain information about the number of yards and get a general picture of the range and standard of accommodation and services that livery yards offer. Veterinary surgeons, horse owners, grooms, yard owners, farriers and other equine professionals are invited to complete the online survey at http://www.liveryyardsurvey.co.uk/. Please complete a survey for each livery yard about which you have first hand knowledge. Your answers will remain confidential, and the results will be reviewed in September 2008 to establish what further action, if any, is necessary.
If you had purchased £1000 of Northern Rock shares one year ago they would now be worth £4.95; with HBOS, earlier this week your £1000 would have been worth £16.50; £1000 invested in XL Leisure would now be worth less than £5; but if you bought £1000 worth of Tennents Lager one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an aluminium re-cycling plant, you would get £214.
So based on the above statistics the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and re-cycle.
kcs-intervet.swfIntervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health is running a challenge over the next few months to encourage the early diagnosis of Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a painful disease which leads to permanent blindness (see right).
Practices are being asked to perform a Schirmer Tear Test (STT) on 50 dogs not previously diagnosed with KCS for the chance to win one of 70 Samsung digital cameras.
Recent studies¹ have shown the incidence of KCS to be 4.6% of the UK dog population, rising to 8.3% in predisposed breeds. However, 20 veterinary practices have recently participated in an Early Diagnosis Programme and the number confirmed with KCS was 9.7%². 17 of the cases diagnosed had Schirmer Tear Test readings of zero.
KCS is thought to be under-diagnosed because not all cases have the classic 'textbook' appearance but look surprisingly normal despite severely reduced tear production. In addition, diagnosis usually requires clinical suspicion and a Schirmer Tear Test.
Claudia Hartley, BVSc CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS, European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology believes that: "All sore eyes (except where a descemetocoele is present) should have a Schirmer Tear Test, whether or not there is corneal change."
Melanie Dass MA VetMB CertSAM MRCVS ACIM, Product Manager for Optimmune said: "The results of our Early Diagnosis Programme made interesting reading and supported what we have always suspected - that KCS is under-diagnosed. It's really important that dogs suffering from this disease are detected promptly as early diagnosis and treatment with Optimmune gives the best prognosis.
"As part of the Early Diagnosis Programme owners of predisposed breeds received a personalised mailing offering them a free Schirmer Tear Test and some practices also elected to test all breeds at routine consultations such as vaccination. The tests were generally performed by veterinary nurses after they had received training, with the diagnosis made by a veterinary surgeon."
For more information about KCS, Optimmune and support in implementing an Early Diagnosis Programme, please contact your local Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health Territory Manager or call 01908 685685.
References¹ Pierce V & Williams D, 2006. Determination of Schirmer Tear Tests values in 1000 dogs. BSAVA Abstract 2006.² Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health Practices Study 2009
Vets Now has announced its selection centre dates for young vets applying for a place on the new 'Cutting Edge' Emergency and Critical Care fast track programme.
With the 20 August deadline for applications fast approaching, Vets Now has confirmed that interviews for the first intake in October will take place on 25th and 26th August. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the applicant meets the necessary criteria and is able to take up a place on the programme if extra places become available.
According to the company, the 'Cutting Edge' initiative is the first training programme of its kind in the UK. It'll see 40 vets who are likely to have graduated between 2006 and 2009 selected for a place on one of two 10 week fast track training programmes which will take them straight to the heart of emergency, working as a veterinary surgeon in a Vets Now clinic.
The induction courses will be held in October and January, each taking up to 20 vets through 10 weeks of intensive ECC training on a robust programme which has been designed by Vets Now Clinical Director and ECC Diplomate, Amanda Boag.
Amanda said: "The recruits who we select will embark upon an intensive period of training over the 10 week period which will give them the necessary skills and knowledge to launch their career in ECC. They will also receive ongoing support during their first two years as a Veterinary Surgeon in a Vets Now clinic with a very generous CPD allowance. The initial 10 week period will be a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, practical training in our clinical skills laboratory and mentored work in our clinics. Developing clinical expertise and problem solving skills will clearly be the most significant component of the training but there will also be support and training in other vital skills including communication."
She added: "Initial response to the programme has been very promising and we are delighted to see so many veterinary surgeons interested in developing their career in ECC."
Vets Now will continue to accept applications for the January intake to the 'Cutting Edge' programme throughout September and October.
Graduates who are interested in applying for a place on the 'Cutting Edge' training programme should contact the Vets Now recruitment team on 01383 841181 or email cuttingedge@vets-now.com
Novartis Animal Health has announced that it is offering regular updates Schmallenberg virus, including the number and counties of affected farms, on its farm animal health website: www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk.
The new website is a resource for vets, SQPs and farmers and also contains background information on the virus, its symptoms and suggestions for control.
Helen Langham, Brand Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "There is still a lot that isn't known about the Schmallenberg virus, so it is essential that those involved in the animal health industry and livestock production are kept informed. Our website provides current information and links to relevant resources to help people stay up to date".
For more information go to www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/latestdiseaseupdates
Dechra has launched a new support package to help veterinary surgeons and nurses dealing with otitis externa, and to encourage compliance amongst owners whose dogs are being treated for the disease.
Called the Dermatology Partners in Practice programme, the initiative includes a client compliance pack which contains the Guide to Good Ear Care, a leaflet on handling techniques, a treatment diary and a consultation report.
Roger Brown, Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are committed to supporting vets and vet nurses as they deal with cases of otitis externa at a time when responsible use of antimicrobials is in the spotlight.
"It is essential that owners comply with treatment programmes and that vets are supported with involving owners, which can lead to better outcomes for dogs receiving treatment and can be good for developing the practice business as well.
"We know from our research, and from talking to the vets and vet nurses, that owner compliance can be a barrier to successful first-time management and resolution of otitis externa.
"The new Client Compliance Pack is designed to support veterinary professionals as they diagnose, control and maintain this complex condition."
"All in all, it will provide extra support to the owner as they carry through the professional treatment plan once back home."
Veterinary surgeons are being invited to arrange a Business Support Discussion to find out more about the Dermatology Partners in Practice Programme and how it can benefit their practice. For details and to know more about the pack, call 01939 211215 or visit dechra.co.uk/timetochange.
President of the RCVS and Principal of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Professor Stuart Reid has raised a very impressive £13,000 for mental health and animal welfare charities by running the Virgin Money London Marathon.
Stuart completed the 26 mile and 385 yard run in four hours and 51 minutes and, in the process, raised money for three charities with a particular focus on mental health and wellbeing, beating his target of £10,000.
The money will be split between his three nominated charities - the RVC Animal Care Trust which will use the funds to assist the student bodies at the UK vet schools; the Veterinary Benevolent Fund which, through its 24/7 Helpline and Health Support Programme, provides support directly to the profession; and, mental health charity Mind.
Stuart said: "To be perfectly honest it was probably a bit daft to run a marathon in my presidential year but when I see how much we have raised I know it was the right thing to do.
"I have been utterly humbled by the generosity and the words of encouragement on my Virgin Money Giving website and via text and Twitter and it is clear my chosen charities have touched a chord with many. I am so very grateful to everybody who chipped in. There's plenty to do so let's get on with addressing our mental health issues."
Donations can still be made to these charities via Stuart's Virgin Money Giving website - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StuartReid
The College says the aim of the programme, which will replace the current Professional Development Phase (PDP), is to ensure that new graduates are fully supported in their new role and able to progress from day one competencies into confident and capable independent practitioners.
The new programme builds on the results of the Graduate Outcomes Consultation, a consultation which reported in 2019 to gather the views of the profession with regards to day one competencies, the PDP, extra-mural studies and clinical education for general practice.
The Graduate Outcomes consultation found that the profession felt that support mechanisms for new graduates needed to be strengthened, and the proposal to develop this new programme of support was approved by RCVS Council in January.
The first of the two working groups is the EPA Working Group, which is tasked with assisting the development of a bank of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). EPAs describe the everyday professional tasks carried out by vets in practice, covering a wide range of areas of clinical and professional practice which graduates and their mentors can access to build into their own e-portfolio.
The second working group is the Mentor Working Group, which will assist in shaping the role of the mentor in the new programme and create a training package for workplace mentors.
Sue Paterson, Chair of RCVS Education Committee said: "It is incredibly important for us to have input from veterinary surgeons who are working in general practice as they are well positioned to comment on how the development programme can effectively support graduates on a day to day basis."
The College is looking for veterinary surgeons working in practice and who have an interest in helping new graduates gain the best possible experience to join as members of these new working groups. It would be beneficial for applicants to have experience with mentoring and/or workplace training.
Successful applicants would be required to visit the RCVS for three half-day meetings over the period of a year and the RCVS would cover travel and subsistence expenses. There would be an additional time commitment to review and feedback on material via email.
Those general practitioners who are interested in applying should email Britta Crawford, RCVS Education Manager, via b.crawford@rcvs.org.uk giving a brief description of their current position and why they feel they would be an asset to the working group. The closing date for applications is 6 March 2020.
Petplan has launched a video to promote its Veterinary Awards to the public.
Impressively, it has already notched up over 57,000 views on youtube.
Improve International has launched four new modules towards achieving a General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and Post Graduate Certificate (PgC) in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management.
The company says the new modules are designed to enable veterinary surgeons in practice to use acupuncture confidently and safely for a range of clinical conditions.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve International, said: "These new modules build on the Foundation course which has already proved very popular. Once delegates have completed this, they can progress to these new modules which focus on the role of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and can lead to attaining a recognised qualification."
The modules are scheduled to start on 5 August 2015 at Improve's training centre in Swindon. Further modules in the PgC programme will be released in 2016.
For more information or to book, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
The BSAVA is warning the profession to steer wide of a website which purports to offer hotel bookings for this year's Congress, but which is in no way affiliated to BSAVA or Congress.
The website - www.bsava2016.org - does have a distinctly fishy smell to it. Aside from the fact that it describes Birmingham as "one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom", noted for its "awe-inspiring architecture" and "many food joints", there are other clues that this website may not belong to someone familiar with the location or the event, such as the description of BSAVA being "founded to create an excellent forum that promotes research in Animal Veterinary".
Notably, the site also offers no offline contact details.
The association says it is seeking legal advice, but in the meantime, the Birmingham Convention Bureau is the official BSAVA Congress partner for accommodation and the team has a range of accommodation for all budgets. Their online reservation service has now closed so if you want to make a new reservation or amend an existing reservation, contact the Birmingham Convention Bureau by email at bcb.accommodation@marketingbirmingham.com or telephone on 0844 888 3052.
A new eBook from electronic publisher Quicklook Books aims to give outsiders a broad overview of the veterinary profession.
According to author, veterinary surgeon Bob Lehner, Quicklook@Vets offers readers the opportunity to get below the surface of the veterinary working practice and gain insight into the profession, without becoming 'bogged down' in complicated medical terminology.
He said: "The veterinary world, although considered by many to be an enthralling subject, is accessible to very few people. Texts are, more often than not, written for veterinary graduates instead of the general public.
"In Quicklook@Vets, I wanted to explore all the aspects of this exciting subject in a clear, coherent manner, without unnecessary jargon, to enable anyone to read and learn about the captivating world of veterinary practice."
As a vet with over 35 years of experience, Bob Lehner worked with a wide range of animals and has experience in commercial deer farming, working with zoo animals and as a veterinary surgeon for the pharmaceutical industry. Now retired, Bob Lehner works part-time in practice, as an inspector for the RCVS Practise Standards Scheme and work with an animal charity in Botswana neutering feral village dogs.
The book is available for download here
Sogeval has launched Efex, a marbofloxacin tablet designed for veterinary use.
Efex tablets are available in three blister pack sizes of 10mg, 40mg and 100mg that break into halves for cats and halves and quarters for dogs, facilitating accurate dosing for a wide range of patients.
In cats, the flavoured chewable 10 mg tablets allow accurate dosing of 2.5kg and 5kg cats at 2mg/kg once daily. In dogs the 40mg four way break tablet is designed for a 20 kg dog and the 100mg for a 50kg dog.
Efex tablets are chewable and sogeval says that in a palatability study 7 out of 10 cats readily consumed them.
Each tablet contains a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic marbofloxacin for oral administration, which is readily absorbed reaching maximal plasma concentrations within two hours. It exhibits a wide range of activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp and Mycoplasma spp.
The presentation comes in the form of an editable Powerpoint presentation which can be downloaded from www.training-progress.com (visit 'downloads').
Laura Shaw from Training-Progress said: "Most of our clients are PSS accredited practices. Getting the practice accredited is a great achievement and the whole team should be aware of this and ‘singing it from the roof tops’. The resource outlines why PSS is good for the practice, the clients, the patients and the practice team - helping team members to promote it."
Training-Progress is a training management system and communication tool to support a practice through PSS accreditation. It includes features such as ensuring processes are in place; sharing information; implementing change in processes and reporting systems which provide evidence for accreditation and allow concentration of training resources.
Talking to The Guardian, Hamaseh said: "This has really shocked me. We just discovered at the airport when we went to check in. I want people to know that this is not just happening to refugees. I am a graduate and I have a PhD. It has happened to a person who is working and who pays tax."
Hamaseh, who thought she'd have to find thousands of pounds to pay for an alternative flight home via another country, was quickly saved by a crowdfunding appeal by Women for Independence, which raised over £6000 in a matter of hours. The charity says it is donating everything in excess of the £2600 needed to get Hamaseh home to the Scottish Refugee Council.
Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow, said: "When I became aware on Saturday evening that one of our postgraduate veterinary students, Dr Hamaseh Tayari, was being prevented from travelling back from a holiday in Costa Rica through the United States and on to Glasgow I was both concerned and appalled. Concerned for the safety and well being of a young woman who, through no fault of her own, was stranded in Central America. Appalled because the reason for her predicament was not because she had done something wrong. Not because she was a danger to the security of the United States. But simply because she holds an Iranian passport."
He added: "Having spoken with Hamaseh I have been hugely impressed at how she is coping with the nightmare situation in which she finds herself. But I have been impressed too by the huge outpouring of support that has been shown across Scotland and the UK, particularly on twitter and through direct emails that have come in to the University from people who are outraged and want to help. All of this, I know, has greatly touched and heartened Hamaseh. I think it also confirms what we all like to believe is true. In this country we value individuals for what they are and the worth they bring, not for the stamp on their passport, the colour of their skin or the religion they practise."
Photo courtesy University of Glasgow