The trial starts on Monday 11 July and will continue for three months to allow the College to determine levels of demand for such a service and, therefore, whether it should be made permanent.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Acting Registrar, said: "This was a potential service identified in our Strategic Plan as a way of allowing veterinary professionals to have informal, confidential, discussions with members of the Professional Conduct Department about potential fitness to practise issues, short of formally raising a concern.
"Although any discussions via the new reporting line or email address will be confidential, if a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse subsequently wishes to raise a formal concern about another veterinary professional, then they generally will need to identify both themselves and the individual in order to take it through our investigation process.
"We have developed a bespoke concerns form for members of the professions who do want to raise concerns about other professionals."
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to contact a member of the RCVS Professional Conduct Department in confidence can do so by calling 07599 958 294 between 9am and 5pm, or by emailing reporting@rcvs.org.uk.
The bespoke concerns from for members of the profession can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns.
The Association says it delayed this decision as late as possible, and whilst the most recent government advice does not prohibit large public gatherings, it recognises the importance of personal safety for Congress attendees and the need to support the profession in preserving business continuity, maintaining client services and protecting animal welfare.
Amanda Stranack, BSAVA CEO, said: "As the situation continues to escalate, the government have given a clear steer that they expect more stringent controls to come into force in the coming weeks. With Congress now only a few weeks away, we want to give all our attendees as much notice as possible, both to ensure peace of mind, and to give people adequate time and flexibility to change their plans.
"BSAVA recognises the pressures the current situation brings to bear on the veterinary community and in making this difficult decision, has the interests of the profession first and foremost in its mind.
"We would thank all those who have worked hard over the past two years to contribute to the development of Congress, a huge amount of effort goes into preparations from BSAVA volunteers, Congress participants and our staff."
Sue Paterson, BSAVA President, said: "It is with great regret that we have made the difficult decision to cancel Congress, which has taken place annually for more than 60 years. Congress is an incredibly important event in the veterinary calendar, and we were all looking forward to an inspiring agenda and saying a fond farewell to the city that has made Congress such a great success over so many years. The health and wellbeing of our attendees is of utmost importance to us, and whilst we are sorry to be making this decision, we are confident it is the right one."
BSAVA says it is aware of the impact that cancelling will have on many delegates' CPD hours, so it is now looking at other ways it can deliver Congress lectures and podcasts.
Sue added: "Whilst we won’t be able to deliver the full Congress programme, we will be working with our speakers to capture as many lectures as we can to make content available online."
Every UK-based veterinary surgeon that registers as a member of www.vetsurgeon.org by 1st November 2010 will be entered into a draw to win an Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi worth £500.
All existing veterinary surgeon members will also be entered into the draw automatically, so there's no need to re-register. Still, you might like to spread the word about the draw amongst colleagues.
Full terms and conditions are available by clicking here.
The Legislative Reform Consultation took place between November 2020 and April 2021 and asked members of the veterinary profession and the public to give their responses to a package of proposals for future veterinary legislation designed to enhance the role of veterinary nurses, modernise RCVS registration, lead to a modern fitness to practise regime, and ensure the regulation of veterinary practices.
The proposals represent the biggest legislative reform since the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act.
In total the consultation received 1,330 responses, of which 714 (54%) were from veterinary surgeons, 335 (25%) from veterinary nurses, 93 (7%) from veterinary paraprofessionals, 73 (5%) from student veterinary nurses, 58 (4%) from members of the public, 40 (3%) from veterinary and industry organisations, including representative bodies, and the remainder from veterinary students and veterinary practice managers.
An analysis of the consultation responses covering each of the five core areas and their individual recommendations can be found in the final report, which is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/legislativereform.
After considering this report, Council voted by a majority to accept the recommendations, meaning that they are now formally adopted as RCVS policy and will form the basis for discussions on the need for new legislation with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Professor Stephen May has chaired the Legislation Working Party that developed the proposal since its inception in 2017 when he was RCVS President. He said: “We are very grateful to those individuals and organisations who took the time to complete this very important consultation on recommendations for the future legislative framework for the professions. We also appreciate the candour of those who were unsure about or opposed to the recommendations.
“When the Legislation Working Party met to consider the responses and the report, it decided that, while no substantive changes needed to be made to the principle-based recommendations, the points raised both against and in favour of individual recommendations gave us important material for additional consideration, and food for thought as to how any detailed proposals would be implemented once enabling legislation is in place.
“We look forward to submitting these recommendations to Defra formally, with a view to them becoming, in time, a bill put before Parliament to replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In so doing, this would establish a modern, flexible and comprehensive piece of legislation that would make sure the regulatory structure for the veterinary professions is fit for purpose for decades to come.”
As well as the main report of the Legislative Reform Consultation, RCVS Council also considered a series of interim measures that would be in line with the overall aims of future legislative changes, but which could be implemented without primary legislation.
The proposed interim measures included:
Council members voted on each of these interim measures on an individual basis – with the mini-PICs and the Charter Case Protocol being accepted by majority vote.
However, Council members voted against implementing the change to the standard of proof at this time, citing a number of concerns about the potential impact of it being implemented under the current concerns investigation and disciplinary procedures. Similar concerns had been put forward by many of those who responded to the consultation itself.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said: “The approved procedural changes will, I believe, lead to a significant improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of our disciplinary processes. The Charter Case Protocol will mean that, in suitable cases where a finding of serious professional misconduct at a full disciplinary hearing would likely only lead to a reprimand or to no further action being taken, a more proportionate and less time-consuming and expensive means of resolving cases will be available. However, it will still reflect the seriousness of the matters and continue to protect the public interest, welfare and the reputation of the profession.
“Furthermore, by phasing out the Case Examiner Group stage and instead referring concerns to ‘mini’ PICs, which will decide if the threshold of serious professional misconduct has been met, it will make our concerns investigation processes clearer and more streamlined and therefore more efficient. We look forward to publishing further details on both of these changes in due course.
“Although Council members accepted that a change of the standard of proof would be an integral part of introducing a modern fitness to practise (FTP) regime as part of any future legislation, they had significant concerns about the ‘interim’ recommendation to introduce it under the current arrangements, in advance of implementing a full FTP model, and so a majority felt that they could not vote for it.”
To read the full report of the Legislative Reform Consultation, including analysis of the responses, please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/legislativereform.
'Managing Veterinary Medicines' teaches safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines and medicine regulations.
RCVS Knowledge says it will also show you how to put systems in place that will reduce errors, improve patient outcomes and improve practice systems.
It's worth six hours of CPD.
The course has been produced in collaboration between RCVS Knowledge and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and includes a range of webinars, podcasts and articles.
Executive Director at RCVS Knowledge, Chris Gush said: “In England alone, more than 1,700 people die yearly because of medication errors.
"While we don't know the true figures in veterinary medicine, we do know that 30% of errors reported to the VDS's VetSafe system are due to medication errors.
“That's why we think it's vital to have good robust systems in place in the practice dispensary and to use QI tools like guidelines, protocols, and checklists.
CEO of the VMD, Abi Seager said: “Managing Veterinary Medicines will help teams comply with legislation as well as keep patients, team members and clients safe when prescribing and dispensing medicine.”
The course will also prepare practices for a VMD inspection or an RCVS Practice Standards Scheme assessment.
https://learn.rcvsknowledge.org
Animal health specialist Fort Dodge Animal Health has announced the appointment of David Bartram BVetMed MRCVS DipM MCIM CDipAF as Technical Services Manager for Large Animals. David rejoins Fort Dodge after eight years, having previously been a Business Unit Manager for its Cydectin business. David Bartram graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1988 and, after three years in large animal practice, moved into the pharmaceutical industry where he has worked for the last 16 years. His most recent role was at Lilly, where he worked in Finance in the human sector of its pharmaceutical business. David has post graduate qualifications in marketing and finance. He replaces Susan Corning who has moved to a new role with Fort Dodge in Italy.
New regulations which limit the type of animals that can be kept as pets came into force in Holland earlier this week.
Mammalian animals not included on a new 'Positive List' cannot be legally kept in Holland or may only be kept with a special permit. People who already own animals that are not on the Positive List may keep them till they die, but may not breed or trade their animals. In due course, the list will be expanded to include reptiles and birds.
The Dutch Positive List was compiled using a method developed by the University of Wageningen, in which an animal's behavioural needs are one of the prime considerations. The list favours domesticated species such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, brown rats, house mice, horses, donkeys, pigs, cattle and sheep.
The Positive List excludes a number of exotic species that are currently sold in the UK, including: meerkats, sugar gliders, sloths, skunks, kinkajous, fennec foxes and several primate species, which can be purchased without the need for a licence.
The Animal Protection Agency (APA), a not-for-profit organisation which campaigns against the trade in wild animals as pets, has welcomed the new legislation and says it hopes that the UK (DEFRA and the devolved administrations) will adopt the same approach.
Elaine Toland, Director of the Animal Protection Agency said: "One only has to compare the natural life of a meerkat, which has evolved to live in large social groups, hunt for a variety of foods and reside in intricate underground burrows to see that these mammals, and many other exotic species, do not belong in the pet trade. Simples! The Dutch positive list shines more light at the end of the tunnel for anyone dealing with the fallout of the exotic pet trade, which has long been out of control."
A positive list for mammals has been in force in Belgium since 2001, where according to the APA, it has been highly effective in reducing illegal trade and the number of animals that wind up in rescue shelters.
Other European countries are apparently now considering positive lists.
Picture shows: A Sugar Glider. © Grinerswife/Dreamstime.com
CM Research has announced the results of a survey conducted this month in which veterinary surgeons named Osurnia as the best new product of 2015.
290 companion animal veterinary surgeons took part in the survey, which is designed to provide veterinary surgeons with their peers’ unbiased judgement on which new veterinary products, services or devices have made the biggest impact on the industry.
The questions were unprompted to ensure that the respondents were not influenced by pre-set survey options. CM Research points to the fact that many of the products that featured in its rankings were launched before 2015, including 2nd and 3rd placed Apoquel and Bravecto, as evidence of this freedom.
The full list of products named more than once in this year's survey was:
Product
Manufacturer
Number of mentions
% of mentions
Osurnia
Elanco
67
23%
Apoquel
Zoetis
58
20%
Bravecto
MSD
29
10%
Semintra
Boehringer Ingelheim (BI)
13
4%
Amodip
Ceva
10
3%
Nexgard Spectra
Merial
8
Broadline
6
2%
UpCard
Vetoquinol
Zodon
5
Metabolic Diet
Hill's
4
1%
Nexgard
SDMA Test
IDEXX
Comfortis
3
Remend
Bayer
Seresto
Yumove
Lintbells
Bovela
BI
2
Comfortan
Dechra
Hill's y/d diet
Nutraquin
Nutravet
Pexion
Prinovox
Virbac
Pronefra
Thiafeline
Animalcare
Veraflox
Vetigel
Suneris
Cardalis
In the piece, which starts at 1:22:54 here, Gudrun explained that what is seen as “normal” and cute for these dogs, such as snorting and snuffling, is in reality a result of debilitating respiratory problems caused by the squashed faces that have made them so fashionable.
Today also highlighted the fact that flat-faced breeds have experienced a huge boom in popularity recently, driven by celebrity owners, advertising and the media. According to the Kennel Club, the French bulldog is set to knock the labrador off its perch as the UK's most popular breed.
Following the interview Gudrun said: "We shouldn’t be buying and breeding dogs on the way we want them to look - it should always be about prioritising welfare above appearance.
"These are breeds that can suffer just by walking around or eating, which is why we’re calling on the media and advertisers to stop using them in their adverts.
"It is also difficult to turn on the TV, check Instagram or see a celebrity photo without also seeing a brachycephalic breed so it’s not surprising that demand for these dogs is rising."
Gudrun urged anyone thinking about buying a brachycephalic breed to talk to their local vet and think about choosing a healthier breed or crossbreed instead.
Julia, who is a leading exponent of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) screening test, will also support the small animal referral hospital’s neurology, ophthalmology and dermatology teams with enhanced diagnostics.
Julia was a neurology technician at the Animal Health Trust for 31 years, until it closed in July 2020. With colleagues there she helped to develop and implement BAER testing as a screening process in animals at risk of congenital deafness. Davies says this is now recognised as the gold standard in deafness testing by organisations such as The Kennel Club and various breed clubs in the UK.
Julia said: “I am so happy to be starting a new chapter at Davies. It is really exciting to be establishing the Hearing Assessment Clinic here and continuing to provide this important service both to previous clients and new ones. I am also looking forward to developing a successful, constructive working relationship with my new colleagues."
Tim Richardson, Managing Director of Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Julia to the team at Davies. As one of the UK’s leaders in this highly specialised field she enables us to offer hearing screening, hearing tests and electrodiagnostics across the relevant disciplines, at the very highest level."
For further information visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk
Time is running out to nominate your fellow staff members for this year's 'Petplan Pet Insurance Advisor Award'.
The award recognises the hard work and dedication that Pet Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially.
Donna Lewis, President of The British Veterinary Nursing Association said: "The PIA in a practice is an important role for a member of staff to fill and the award is just as relevant as the Vet Nurse of the Year or Receptionist of the Year award. The Petplan PIA Award recognises the individual who fully understands and works to help educate clients and staff about insurance, it is also recognises their passion for their role."
To nominate your dedicated PIA for Petplan's PIA of the Year Awards, please visit www.petplan.co.uk/pia. The PIA of the Year will receive a new laptop and their practice will receive £100 in vouchers!
Nominations close on 3rd September and the nominees will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress on 9th October.
Following a survey which indicates that veterinary surgeons are largely using unproven supplements to manage early-stage osteoarthritis, Hill's Pet Nutrition is calling upon vets to use evidence-based clinical nutrition to manage the condition.
The survey, which was carried out by independent market research firm Zyman Group, found that vets are more likely to give supplements than any other treatment in early stage osteoarthritis: 66% of cases receive supplements, 45% are given NSAIDs, and only 20% receive dietetic pet food.2
According to Hill's, its Prescription Diet j/d dry is clinically proven to improve mobility in osteoarthritic dogs in as little as 21 days; and 28 days in cats.3,4 Furthermore, the clinical study assigned to j/d is classified as Grade 1 level evidence - the highest grade reflecting the validity of clinical evidence. Another study has shown that Prescription Diet j/d also helps reduce NSAID dosage by up to 25 percent in dogs.5 This quality of evidence is, says Hill's, in contrast to many supplements.
John Innes, Professor of Small Animal Surgery at Liverpool, was involved in some of the early work on j/d: "Our results showed that the EPA in Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Canine pet food helped to reduce proteoglycan loss from cartilage. This would have beneficial effects in helping to preserve loss of cartilage. By preserving the cartilage, we can reduce pain in the long-term and ensure greater mobility for dogs with osteoarthritis."
Hill's has also announced that because a substantial majority of vets and nurses said that they felt that natural GACs have a positive effect in osteoarthritis1, its Prescription Diet j/d dry has been enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate.
Hill's j/d programme is now backed with money off vouchers, to improve client acceptance of veterinary recommendation. Clients who register on the website http://www.hillspetmobility.co.uk/,or http://www.hillspetmobility.ie/, will receive two £10 (or €10) money off e-coupons to use in clinic on their next purchases of j/d. They will also receive monthly e-mails containing information on how to take care of their pet with mobility problems, and help drive them back into the clinic for check-ups.
Veterinary surgeons who would like more information on the studies proving clinical efficacy, or score cards and trial guides for clients, should contact their Hill's Territory manager or call 0800 242438 or in ROI 1 800 626002. Clients can also fill in the scorecard online at www.hillspetmobility.co.uk or http://www.hillspetmobility.ie/
References
Ceva Animal Health has produced a new advisory leaflet about enzootic abortion control and vaccination strategy in sheep to help vets explain the best prevention protocols to clients.
According to the company, it is estimated that around half of the 400,000 infectious abortions in UK sheep each year are from enzootic abortion caused by Chlamydophila abortus, but timely vaccination programmes can prevent such dramatic losses.
The eight-page leaflet explains how enzootic abortion can spread, why prevention is better than cure, the importance of timely vaccination of ewe lambs and replacement stock, how vaccination programmes make good economic sense and the benefits of using Cevac Chlamydia, Ceva Animal Health's live enzootic abortion vaccine as part of the control programme.
Carol Atkinson, reprodAction's product manager said: "Cevac Chlamydia receives consistently good feedback from vets, many of whom have enthusiastically volunteered their praise for the product to our territory managers. We thought a leaflet would be a constructive way to share views, giving vets the chance to hear about the advantages of vaccination and to provide them with the tools to explain to their clients why vaccinating against enzootic abortion is cost worthy."
For further information contact Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB, Telephone +44 (0) 1494 781510.
Scrubs Etc Limited has announced the launch of Steribond, a new skin adhesive notable for the fact that it is sterile and can be stored at ambient temperature for up to 18 months.
The product has so far only been launched to a limited number of people at the London Vet Show last November.
According to the company, Steribond is as strong as a 3.0 suture for external sutures and can therefore be used in place of sutures and staples. It has a 10 second setting time, and will stay in place for between 5 to 10 days, depending on the site of injury and other factors.
The product has a precision applicator with a transparent reservoir, allowing the user to see how much adhesive is available and that the applicator is primed. The company says that it allows for a cosmetically neater wound closure, which can be important to customers. In addition, it is a no-sting product which Scrubs Etc says can remove the need to sedate the animal in come circumstances, thereby reducing costs. Steribond is also showerproof.
Steribond is currently on special offer, priced at £83.64 (usual price £102.00 incl. VAT).
For more information, contact Scrubs Etc Ltd on 0870 080 2332 or see: http://www.scrubsuk.com/steribond-veterinary-skin-adhesive-box-of-10-devices.html
The government has confirmed that tests carried out on a poultry farm in Dunfirmline have indicated the presence of a notifiable strain of avian influenza.
At this stage, officials say that the clinical picture indicates that this is a low pathogenic strain which poses little risk to human health.
All birds at the premises - 40,000 according to the Daily Mail - will be humanely culled, and a 1km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place to prevent the movement of birds, carcasses and eggs.
BVA President Sean Wensley said: "This suspected outbreak is further evidence of the vital surveillance role played by frontline vets in protecting animal and, by extension, human health. We commend the veterinary surgeon involved in detecting the outbreak in Fife, which has enabled a swift and effective response by the Scottish Government and all other organisations involved.
"We urge poultry keepers and vets working in the area to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to their local Animal Plant & Health Agency (APHA) office. We would like to emphasise that there is no food safety risk to the public."
Photo: RonaldDuncan at en.wikipedia
Fashion website Lyst caused a bit of a storm amongst pet lovers on the twitosphere this week after announcing the 'launch' of The Canine Collection, a range of puppies sold as accessories to the company's range of fashion clothing.
The Canine Collection was described as comprising 33 different dog breeds, 'from petite XS puppies to oversized companions, in a choice of six wearable colourways'. Visitors to the site were invited to: 'Find the right dog to match your wardrobe from our curated selection of breeds that are as stylish as they are lovable'.
Whilst the launch was obviously a PR stunt (after selecting what size you wanted your new dog in, pressing 'buy' just sent an email), some people were obviously taken in, branding the collection 'DISGUSTING', 'despicable' and 'sick' on Twitter.
Later in the day, the RSPCA stepped in, telling the MirrorOnline: "Whether this is real or just a publicity stunt by Lyst, it sends out an extremely worrying message to people who are looking to get a new canine companion… We have tried to make contact with Lyst to discuss with them the implications a stunt like this might have."
Lyst's website has now been updated with the message: "Of course you can't buy puppies and dogs here, we sell clothes not canines. But unfortunately, thousands of puppies and dogs are bought and abandoned every year. According to Blue Cross, the number of small "handbag" dogs and puppies needing to be re-homed has increased by 120% in the last five years, with "fashionable" toy dog breeds in particular being given up in record numbers. A dog is for life, not just for Instagram."
Whether that was added hastily in response to the reaction, or planned all along, is unclear. Either way, Lyst points out that the number of people talking about puppy farming on Twitter last week was 158, compared to 10,000+ pet owners expressing outrage at the idea of puppies as fashion accessories in just 2 days. So perhaps some good has come of it all.
She said: "The veterinary family – which is my focus as BVA President – is part of the international scientific community, and we are a diverse profession with far-reaching influence and impact in so many areas of political and public life ... A healthy veterinary workforce is vital for UK animal and human health."
With the residence or working rights of UK-based EU vets a 'top five' priority for the profession in forthcoming Brexit negotiations, Gudrun highlighted workforce issues: "The UK veterinary profession relies heavily on EU graduates, who have felt the impact of the EU referendum result since day one … In the meat hygiene sector alone, some estimates suggest 95% of veterinary surgeons graduated overseas.
"That’s why our first action after 23 June was to call on UK governments to protect the status of EU veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses currently living and working in the UK. It was encouraging to see some of these key priorities … make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities. But we have said from the outset that our members need certainty and reassurance, so we urge the Government to make that firm commitment now."
"We know vets remain nervous about the changes to come, with many of our members concerned about the threat Brexit poses for UK animal health and welfare … Yet we can also see the opportunities Brexit presents, and BVA is determined to work with the Government to seize these opportunities, where they exist, to improve standards."
Highlighting opportunities that Brexit could offer in terms of improving animal health and welfare, Gudrun suggested a tightening up of the Pet Travel Scheme to reduce the growing trend of illegal puppy imports and improvements for welfare at slaughter. She said:
"The Welfare at Time of Killing or WATOK Regulations for England … are a case in point about the welfare-mismatch that could occur between domestic standards and those of our trading partners under the new Brexit arrangements. By failing to bring in evidence-based parameters for all waterbath stunning of poultry, [the] legislation has rendered it impossible for Official Veterinarians to protect the welfare of all chickens at slaughter. The regulations are simply not for fit for purpose, and could call into question England’s claim as a leader in high animal welfare."
The BVA President then shared a highlight of an early meeting between BVA and the then new Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom MP last July: "We were pleased to hear [the Defra Secretary of State’s] vision to make the unique selling points of 'UK PLC' high animal welfare and food safety standards. It's a commitment that BVA fully backs ... To ensure our high standards continue, it is essential that we maintain existing veterinary certification and controls to satisfy our own consumer demand for quality and safety. Official statistics put the value of UK livestock outputs at £13 billion and not a penny of that could be realised without veterinary input."
Gudrun concluded by saying: "We can only make a success of Brexit if we harness our veterinary resource in clinical practice, public health, government services, conservation, academia, research and industry. We are a small profession but our impact is significant."
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity Lord Gardiner of Kimble responded, saying: "In my role at Defra I am continually reminded of the importance of the relationship between vets and government - most recently in tackling the outbreak of Avian Influenza in the UK. Your thoughts and ideas are invaluable as we manage the many opportunities and challenges posed by exiting the European Union, ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, protect the country from new animal disease threats, and attract the brightest and best into the profession.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely together as we push ahead with our plans to create a world leading food and farming industry based on high standards of animal health and welfare."
To find out more about the BVA’s work on the UK’s exit from the EU, visit www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/policy/future-of-the-profession/brexit/
According to the company, information on best worming strategies for foals and yearlings remains largely anecdotal, making it difficult to develop a clear plan for this age group. Zoetis veterinary surgeon Wendy Talbot has therefore reviewed the recent literature to develop an eight-point plan.
Explaining the guidance, Wendy writes:
Foals and yearlings are usually more susceptible to worms than are adult horses because they have had little chance to develop any immunity. They are more vulnerable to related diseases and tend to have higher egg shedding, which increases the risk of infection. The main parasitic culprits in the UK for foals less than six months of age are large roundworms (ascarids). In older foals and weanlings, small and large strongyles, tapeworms (and pinworms) are the main considerations.1 Yearlings may also have a second wave of large roundworm infection at 8-10 months of age.2 Any control strategy will need to take into account the individual circumstances such as stocking density, pasture management and previous disease history.
Guidelines for parasite control in foals suggest a first treatment with fenbendazole at 2-3 months of age, targeting large roundworm, followed by another treatment at 5-6 months. Alternatively, pyrantel may be considered for these doses; however, there may be resistance in some areas and foals with large adult ascarid burdens may be at higher risk of intestinal rupture when this drug is used.4 At weaning (approximately six months of age), it is advisable to perform a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) to determine if treatment for strongyles is also required; the macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics (ivermectin or moxidectin) are expected to have the highest efficacy. At 9 and 12 months of age treatment for stronglyes and a larvicidal dose for encysted stages of small strongyles (moxidectin or a 5 day course of fenbendazole) are indicated. A tapeworm treatment should be included with one of these doses.2,3
For yearlings, two methods have recently been proposed for worm control: the first involves using faecal worm egg counts (FWECs) at more frequent intervals than for adults to guide dosing for strongyles in the grazing season.1 The second suggests three baseline treatments targeting strongyles in spring, summer and late autumn, with FWECs in between to identify and treat any still shedding high numbers of eggs, up to a maximum of six treatments per year.2 Macrocyclic lactones have the highest expected efficacy against small strongyles and should form the basis of treatments; however, pyrantel can be considered for some treatments where it has been shown to have continued efficacy. Both strategies include a larvcidal treatment for encysted small redworm combined with testing or treating for tapeworm in late autumn. The inclusion of one or two doses of a macrocyclic lactone each year (usually already used for small strongyle control) should be sufficient to prevent large strongyle related disease.3
The wide differences in the circumstances of foals and yearlings, together with geographical variations in resistance patterns and a lack of consensus on best practice in this group means it is not possible to define a single approach to a worming plan. An important point to note is that FWECs may give surprising results because higher counts are generally seen in youngstock.
Eight ways to keep clients' youngstock worms controlled:
For further information on worming together with some equine specific CPD visit: https://blog.vetsupportplus.com/
Snowflake previously had a squamous cell carcinoma mass on the right lower eyelid, which was completely removed in 2018.
However, her owner noticed an abnormal growth in the left eye, and brought her back to the RVC.
On presentation, Snowflake was bright and in good body condition, weighing 71kg.
Both eyes were open and appeared comfortable and visual.
Ocular reflexes and responses were also present as expected and there was no evidence of recurrence of the squamous cell carcinoma on the lower right eyelid.
Snowflake was, however, diagnosed with mild cataracts in her right eye deemed unlikely to interfere with her vision.
In addition, the mass of her left third eyelid was nonpigmented and displayed a poorly defined mass-like lesion, with an irregular surface on the leading edge, appearing consistent with a squamous cell carcinoma.
The team, led by Dr Maria-Christine Fischer, Lecturer in Ophthalmology, Dr Sara Lawrence-Mills, Senior Clinical Training Fellow in Anaesthesia, and Dr Carolina Palacios Jimenez, Lecturer in Anaesthesia, decided to undertake surgery.
They removed the third eyelid under sedation and applied local anaesthetic blocks and topical tetracaine eye drops.
Cryotherapy was then applied to the wound edge as an adjunctive therapy.
The RVC says that to date, there are few publications detailing anaesthesia in reindeer and so this protocol was a novel approach to maintaining a safe level of sedation in a well-domesticated animal.
The College added that the use of these nerve blocks to facilitate ophthalmic surgery has not been reported before and is in the process of being published.
Snowflake’s third eyelid was submitted for histopathology, which confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, which the team at the RVC was able to remove completely.
During the process, Snowflake’s daughter was with her so they both remained calm, and she has now made a full recovery and has enjoyed being reunited with her herd.
Maria-Christine said: “Snowflake had a cancerous mass on her third eye lid.
"Surgical removal of the third eyelid in a reindeer has not been reported before.
"We were pleased that we could perform the surgery with Snowflake under a standing sedation and with using local anaesthetics.
"As an ophthalmologist, I am committed to preserving vision so it’s rewarding that we were able to completely excise the tumour and did not have to remove the eyeball. It’s a very good outcome.
"I’m also pleased that Snowflake recovered quickly from the procedure, and we were able to share the protocol of the sedation and the local nerve blocks with other vets via a scientific publication.
"Sharing our knowledge will hopefully be beneficial for future ophthalmic surgeries in reindeer.”
* aka Mr Nick Dean.
Dr Tiffany Hemming has been elected the new chair of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF), the veterinary profession's own animal welfare charity.
After graduating, Dr Hemming worked in mixed practice before completing her doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Guelph, Canada. She joined the Territorial Army as a Veterinary Officer in 1997, transferring to the Regular Army in 2000.
She has been employed in several different roles all over the world, has commanded a medical squadron for two years and deployed with them to Afghanistan in 2009/10.
Holding the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Dr Hemming is currently employed in a policy position in Whitehall. Her particular interests within animal welfare science are working animals and educating owners about improving the welfare of their animals.
Dr Hemming said: "I am delighted to have been elected as chair of trustees for the BVA AWF. The Foundation is committed to improving the welfare of all animals through veterinary science, education and debate and I am looking forward to leading the charity, with the valuable assistance and expertise of my fellow veterinary trustees.
"I will ensure good governance for our work as we continue to review what we do, building on a process started by my predecessor Carl Padgett."
The company says that with an estimated 3.2 million UK households welcoming a new pet into their family home during lockdown1, many experienced and new dog owners will be unaware of the risks to their dog of CCC when it socialises, hence the new risk assessment tool, which is available at: https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/KBPH/contagious-canine-cough-risk-assessment.
The risk assessment campaign will be supported with 'Does your dog ...' posters for vets, information and advice for dog owners on the website and a social media campaign encouraging dog owners to spread the information to other dog owners.
Carley Chutter, Nobivac(r) Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "With so many new dog owners now socialising more, taking their dogs on holiday and even considering taking their dogs into the office, protecting their dogs as they socialise is vital.
"Currently only an estimated 1 in 3 vaccinated dogs in the UK are also covered against Bordetella2 so the 'Ask us to protect your dog' resources offers the chance for practices to start the conversation about protection with clients.
"A common barrier to vaccinating against CCC is the belief that it is only necessary for dogs going into kennels, rather than all social dogs. Most dogs meet others, however, while out walking, during training, or while attending the vets, CCC is infectious even at low levels. Indeed, dogs can be asymptomatic but infectious.
"So, improving protection levels against this disease which is distressing for both the owner and dog, is important in both reducing the risk of outbreaks and the need for antibiotic treatment."
Nobivac(r) Respira Bb injectable vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica, gives 12 months protection when used as a single-dose booster in dogs previously vaccinated with Nobivac(r) KC. Dogs not previously vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica require two doses administered four weeks apart. Duration of immunity is 7 months after the primary course and 12 months after a booster with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb. It may also be given 12 months after a primary course in cases where the 7 months dose is missed.
To support the use of Nobivac(r) Respira Bb a range of tools are available to practices and further information can be found at www.nobivacrespiraBb.co.uk, or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Rycarfa carprofen tablets for dogs and injection for cats and dogs into its Veterinary Essentials range.
Dechra's Veterinary Essentials range comprises a series of post patent products designed to offer practices the reassurance of proven, quality solutions to meet their everyday clinical needs.
In its flavoured tablet form, Rycarfa is presented in easy-to-dispense blister packs which, according to Dechra, offer the most cost-effective standard size range on the market* - 20 mg x 100 tabs; 50 mg x 100 tabs, 50 mg x 500 tabs, 100mg x 100 tabs. The tablets are licensed in dogs for the reduction of inflammation and pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders and degenerative joint disease, and as a follow up to parenteral analgesia in the management of post operative pain.
In injection form, Rycarfa is provided as a 50mg/ml solution in a 20 ml glass vial. In dogs it is indicated for the control of post-operative pain and inflammation following orthopaedic and soft tissue (including intraocular) surgery. In cats, it is indicated for the control of post-operative pain following surgery.
Roger Brown at Dechra said: "Carprofen is a well-established, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Through our Veterinary Essentials range, we are offering Rycarfa in a wide range of sizes to provide the maximum flexibility with cost effectiveness."
For further information on Rycarfa, please contact Dechra on 01939 211200.
*Gfk sales data 1 July 2011
Limited to 12 delegates, the masterclass will cover flexible and rigid endoscopy and offer delegates the opportunity to practice techniques under the guidance of Dr Robertson.
The learning objectives include:
The ‘driving skills’ needed for flexible endoscopy, in vivo, to limit the risk of iatrogenic damage to the patient and equipment
Techniques for obtaining endoscopic biopsies and endoscopic foreign body removal
Proficiency in J-manoeuvre, pyloric and ileocolic sphincter intubation in the cat
Approaches to respiratory endoscopy
The assembly of the endoscopy chain (both flexible and rigid endoscopy)
The performance of infraorbital nerve blocks.
Improve's Veterinary Operations Manager, Juliet Pope BVSc Cert SAS MRCVS, said: "Virtually every feline medicine case has the potential to be an endoscopy case and, without it, colleagues can hit a ‘diagnostic roadblock’ in which they find themselves simply repeating diagnostic tests; resorting to polypharmacy in an attempt to ‘treat the treatable’ or referring the patient.
"An understanding of endoscopy and the confidence to perform it can help to overcome this roadblock and reach a diagnosis and definitive treatment plan quickly. This is good for practice performance and it’s also good for patients as it ensures a quicker recovery, with reduced pain and fewer complications."
For more information, visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/coursedate/masterclass-in-feline-endoscopy, or contact Improve International on 01793 759159.
Eight veterinary surgeons have put themselves forward to compete for the three available places. They are:
The RCVS has uploaded each of the candidates’ biographies and election statements on to its website, at: www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote20.
The elections will start from Monday 16th March when the ballot papers and candidates’ manifestos will be posted and emailed to all members of the profession who are eligible to vote.
All votes, whether postal or online, must then be cast by 5pm on Friday 24 April 2020.
As with previous years, the RCVS is also inviting members of the profession to get a better idea of why each candidate is standing by taking part in 'Quiz the candidates' and submitting a question which will then be put directly to the candidates.
Each candidate for both elections will be invited to choose two questions to answer from all those received, and produce a video recording of their answers.
Recordings will be published on the RCVS website and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos) on the week the election starts.
The College says only question per person is allowed, and any which it deems offensive, inappropriate, misleading, libellous or otherwise unlawful will not be distributed to the candidates.
Vets should email their question to vetvote20@rcvs.org.uk or send it to the College’s Twitter account @theRCVS using the hashtag #vetvote20 by midday on Friday 28 February 2020.
COMMENT
With the veterinary profession facing two of the biggest regulatory changes seen in most people's lifetimes, namely changes to the rules over remote prescribing without performing a physical examination and a possible change to the standard of proof used in disciplinaries, there has never been a more important time to make sure that practising veterinary surgeons are properly represented on Council. Nor has there been a time I can remember when a protest vote would represent such a shocking waste. Don't forget, you don't need to use all your votes. Use them wisely.
Procanicare contains three canine-specific strains of Lactobacillus bacteria, which the company says are proven to improve stool consistency, accelerate recovery following acute episodes of diarrhoea and improve well-being.1
The company also points to a number of studies which it says are evidence of the importance of supporting puppies' intestinal microbiomes.
'New puppy diarrhoea' is, it says, typically due to exposure to factors that are known to risk microbiome disturbance, such as diet change and going to a new home, at a time when the microbial population is at its more sensitive.2
Animalcare says other studies show that microbiome disturbances in early life can have a significant impact on health in adulthood.2,3
James Beaumont, Marketing Manager at Animalcare said: “We often hear from breeders, new puppy owners and vets that puppies which have had Procanicare seem brighter, have firmer stools and less flatulence. With the evidence mounting that the adult intestinal microbiome is shaped in early life and knowing the important and varied role that it has in wider health throughout life, we want to help vets proactively support the GI health of their youngest patients by providing Procanicare for them to trial, with no risk.”