The RSPCA has reported that 11,586 animals were abandoned last year. That's more than 30 a day, and an increase of over 57% compared to the 7,347 animals that were abandoned in 2007.
Is this a precursor for tough times for the veterinary profession? Difficult to know. It conflicts with the record profits announced by CVS only a month ago. And perhaps the sort of people that would consider abandoning their animal under any circumstances are not likely to have been regular visitors to a vet in the first place.
Benchmark Holdings has announced that it has acquired Improve International limited, the Swindon-based veterinary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) business.
Improve will be added to Benchmark's Technical Publishing division, which provides global knowledge transfer, technical insight, e-learning and market analysis for people and businesses working in agriculture, aquaculture and the food supply chain.
Established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons, Improve organises CPD courses for veterinary professionals across the UK, Republic of Ireland, Scandinavia and mainland Europe from its bases in the UK and Portugal.
Improve's courses are run privately and are accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and/ or Harper Adams University.
In partnership with ESVPS and Harper Adams University, Improve also provides courses and qualifications for Official Veterinarians in England, Scotland and Wales.
Improve's veterinary directors, David Babington (pictured right), Heber Alves and Rui Lobao will all remain with the business.
Benchmark's management says it believes there is considerable scope for online development of the courses within the digital arm of its Technical Publishing division. The division currently offers 15 distance-learning courses, which are tailored to develop core industry skills.
Malcolm Pye, Chief Executive of Benchmark Holdings Plc said: "The acquisition of Improve will enable us to combine our digital and distance learning expertise with Improve's veterinary content across Europe, enhancing our ability to serve the professionals in our key veterinary markets.
"This is a significant step forward for our Technical Publishing division in both of the food and companion animal markets. We plan to take Improve's successful, face-to-face courses and deliver content digitally on an international basis."
Zoetis has released new surveillance results which show that Mycoplasma bovis is becoming an increasingly significant pneumonia pathogen in cattle1.
In more than 2,500 samples submitted by vets for analysis during 2014, 45% were positive, compared with 41% in 2013.
According to Dr Tim Potter MRCVS from Westpoint Veterinary Group, Mycoplasma bovis has emerged as an important pathogen of calves worldwide2. He said: "It is associated with a number of clinical presentations including respiratory disease, otitis media and arthritis.
"The role of Mycoplasma bovis in pneumonia is well established and there are a number of reports in the literature of respiratory disease outbreaks where it was the predominant bacterium isolated. However, as with most causes of pneumonia, colonisation by Mycoplasma bovis alone is not always sufficient to cause disease and it may present in combination with other respiratory pathogens."
For other pathogens, the surveillance found 83% of samples positive for Para-influenza 3 virus (Pi3v), 76% Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSv), 32% IBR, and 25% for BVD. Apart from BVD, which saw a three-point reduction from 28% the previous year - these show little change from 2013.
According to Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan, in pneumonia outbreaks involving Mycoplasma bovis, many of the clinical signs are similar to those caused by other pneumonia pathogens: coughing, raised temperature, rapid breathing and lethargy.
She said: "This can make it difficult for farmers and vets alike to identify Mycoplasma bovis as a possible cause of disease based on clinical signs alone, unless calves are also showing some of the other distinguishing signs associated with Mycoplasma infection.
"These include ear infections, head shaking or tilting, and arthritis. Poor response to treatment, with resulting chronic respiratory cases, may also be suggestive of Mycoplasma infection. For a definitive diagnosis, of course, analysis of blood or respiratory tract mucous is required."
Whilst vaccination protection is available against the viruses (BRSv, Pi3v, BVD and IBR) and Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, Carolyn points out that there is no ‘off the shelf’ vaccine available for Mycoplasma bovis. She adds that treatment can be challenging due to the insidious nature of disease, and lack of effectiveness of some antibiotics.
Once Mycoplasma bovis is present on a farm, Carolyn cautions that eradication can be very difficult. "It can be transmitted in milk from carrier cows, and in saliva among calves, particularly when multiple animals suckle the same teat feeders.
"Minimising this pathogen's impact on health and productivity relies on reducing its exposure to susceptible animals and maximising their resilience against it. For a comprehensive programme of control measures, farmers should consult their vet."
Carolyn suggests that such a programme is likely to include: testing the farm's Mycoplasma bovis status; effective biosecurity; not feeding infected milk; ample ventilation for adults and youngstock alike; rapid spotting of sick animals, isolation and vet-prescribed treatment; vigilance for poor response to treatment and development of chronic cases; vaccination against main viral pneumonia pathogens; and low stress through good stockmanship.
References
Photo: By Y tambe (Y tambe's file) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Blue Cross is to be the first animal charity to star in a BBC Lifeline appeal to help raise funds for animals in need.
Presented by actress Felicity Kendal and her cocker spaniel George, the short film shows the work of the charity which helps thousands of sick and homeless animals every year.
Felicity Kendal said: "I'm delighted to be able to help publicise the work of this wonderful charity. The Blue Cross does so much to help animals in need and they rely almost entirely on public donations. I hope lots of people watch the BBC appeal to see just where the money goes and why this is a charity worthy of their support."
The BBC Lifeline appeal featuring The Blue Cross will be broadcast on BBC2 on Wednesday 28th October at 2pm.
The film will also be available to view on the BBC website until the end of November at www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline. Thereafter it can be viewed on The Blue Cross website at http://www.bluecross.org.uk/.
The RCVS has launched its new Fellowship scheme and is now accepting applications from veterinary surgeons who have made a meritorious contribution to their particular field.
The new Fellowship scheme was launched with three routes to membership: meritorious contributions to knowledge; meritorious contributions to clinical practice; and meritorious contributions to the profession.
The changes were approved by RCVS Council at its June 2015 meeting, following a public consultation on how the Fellowship could be developed to move it away from being an examination-based award, to becoming a learned society.
Dr Bradley Viner, President of the RCVS, said: "I am very proud to announce the launch of the new Fellowship scheme and I hope that, as a learned body, the Fellowship will help advance and develop clinical and professional standards by sharing their knowledge and expertise with the profession.
"The move from being an examinations-based award to the three new paths to entry is a significant development as it will widen the reach of the Fellowship, particularly to those who are working in clinical practice.
"I would strongly encourage all those who feel they have made a meritorious contribution to any of these three areas to apply as I am very hopeful we will be able to award our first group of new Fellowships at RCVS Day on Friday 15 July."
The criteria for achieving Fellowship includes sustained contribution to scholarship; producing a body of creative work that has been disseminated to others; indisputable advancement of their subject; providing leadership to the profession; and, advancement of the public understanding of the profession.
Each application will be assessed by a Credentials Panel to see if it meets the proposed criteria. Applications approved by the Panel will then be put to the Fellowship Board, which will meet once a year to consider the overall list of proposed applications.
The closing date for initial applications is Wednesday 11 May. Application forms for the three different routes to Fellowship, as well as further details about criteria and a list of relevant doctorate programmes, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/fellowship
All current Fellows, including Honorary Fellows, will retain their FRCVS/HonFRCVS status.
Sally Linghorn, Senior RVN at CVS and one of the team behind the initiative, said: “As far as we know, no other veterinary company has policy, support and specific training and guidance on this topic, in our female-biased profession.”
“We recognise how devastating pregnancy loss can be.
"Last year we launched a policy to provide special paid leave for pregnancy loss.
"But since implementing this we have noticed a gap.
"We felt our managers needed guidance and support on how to provide the more practical and emotional support on a day-to-day basis, if someone in their team experienced a loss."
The new guidance contains advice on how to understand each individual’s experiences and needs, help in the immediate situation of pregnancy loss at work, treat and record any time off directly related to a loss, understand how pregnancy loss can affect mental health, talk about pregnancy loss, facilitate a return to work and the importance of regular follow-ups and check-ins.
Vetoquinol has announced the winners of the 2008 Marbocyl Achievement Awards. Six veterinary schools took part in the award scheme, which enabled them to recognise the achievements of either staff or students, with a prize fund of £2000 for each university.
Five of the vet schools have announced their 2008 winners, the University of Liverpool will announce its winners in January 2009. Those who have already received their awards this year are:
University of Bristol Dr Catherine Fuller, MRCVSMs Kathryn Murphy, MRCVSMichael Steele, MRCVSChristopher Hudson, MRCVSSamantha Taylor, MRCVS
All of the winners are members of staff nominated by their students for excellence in teaching.
University College DublinDr Carmel Mooney, MVB MPhil PhD DECVIM-CA MRCVS, for an outstanding performance as Clinical Director of the Veterinary Hospital at UCD.
University of CambridgeAdrian Wallace, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc (SAS), MRCVS for his clinical research paper , ‘A biomechanical comparison of six double-loop configurations for use in the lateral fabella suture technique for the cranial cruciate ligament deficient canine stifle', Journal of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2008. Catherine Stalin, MA, VetMB, MRCVS for her paper ‘Radiographic morphology of the cranial portion of the cervical vertebral column in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and its relationship to syringomyelia', American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2008 Penny Watson, MA, VetMB, CertVR, DSAM, Dip ECVIM, MRCVS, European Specialist in Small Animal Medicine for her clinical research paper ‘Prevalence and breed distribution of chronic pancreatitis at post-mortem examination in first opinion dogs' Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2007.
University of GlasgowMark Lowrie, MA VetMB MRCVS, for his Clinical Research Abstract - "Acute phase proteins and immunoglobulin A in steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis"
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies EdinburghLesa Longley, MA BVM&S Cert ZooMed MRCVS for an exceptionally high level of achievement during her residency programme.
Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol's Marketing Department Manager said: "We are delighted to have been able to help these universities recognise and reward the achievements of staff and students over the past three years."
Hill's Pet Nutrition and Cat Professional are working in partnership to improve knowledge of feline lower urinary tract disease by giving complimentary copies of 'Caring for a cat with lower urinary tract disease' by UK feline specialists Dr Sarah Caney and Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore to veterinary professionals and owners of cats affected by the condition.
Feline lower urinary tract disease is thought to affect up to 10% of cats, with particular prevalence in the indoor cat population and it is often a complex and distressing condition for cat owners to tackle.
Hill's has sponsored 1000 copies of 'Caring for a cat with lower urinary tract disease' , and is giving away vouchers which allow the recipient to visit the Cat Professional website (http://www.catprofessional.com/) to download an interactive copy of the book.
'Caring for a cat with lower urinary tract disease' is the third title in the successful 'Caring for a cat' series. Renowned cat behaviourist and bestselling author, Vicky Halls reviewed the book in glowing terms: "Feline lower urinary tract disease is a complicated subject for owners to fully appreciate so it is wonderful, at last, to have one book that contains all the necessary information that can be recommended to everyone"Hill's Pet Nutrition are distributing the complimentary vouchers to owners who contact their customer service freephone line for advice on the condition (0800 282438 - 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday). Veterinary Professionals using the free Urolith Analysis Service offered by Hill's, or the Hill's Veterinary Technical Enquiry Line to gain help and advice on nutritional management of Feline Lower Urinary Tract diseases are also able to claim a complimentary voucher to redeem.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's comments "FLUTD is a difficult disease to manage, let alone explain to fully to an owner. What Sarah and Danielle have done here is fantastic and will help owners better understand their cat's problem. That can only be good for the pet"
To mark its 20th anniversary, Woodley Equipment Company is holding a prize draw to win one of three bottles of Chateau Pitray 1989 Bordeaux red wine.
Woodley Equipment Company Ltd was established in 1989 by Mike Wickham, a biomedical scientist who specialises in haematology and blood transfusion.
Visit www.woodley20years.com to enter the draw. The winner will be drawn on Friday 30th October 2009.
US veterinary equipment manufacturer Midmark is holding a draw for a Matrx VMS anaesthesia machine, open to all UK veterinary practices.
Click this link, enter your details, and the winner will be announced on 7th July 2010.
The training sessions are taking place both online and in person and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Upcoming training dates are as follows:
https://www.vetmindmatters.org/training/
To get involved, you can use the downloadable fundraising pack, which includes ideas, tips and tricks to help you fundraise.
In return for taking part, your practice will have its logo published on the BSAVA website, and BSAVA PetSavers will promote any fundraising posts on social media, using the hashtag #TeamPetSavers.
Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are really delighted to be launching this campaign which will help PetSavers fund more research projects for companion animals."
If you want to get involved, you're encouraged to register online here, or contact Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator at petsaversadmin@bsava.com.
https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/get-involved/petsaversinpractice.
Royal Canin has launched Breed Health Nutrition (BHN) foods for adult Dalmatians and French Bulldogs, bringing the company's portfolio of BHN foods up to a total of 19 dog breeds and four cat breeds.
Royal Canin vet marketing manager Ali Daff said: "Different breeds have different nutritional needs, varying from the sensitive digestion of the German Shepherd Dog to the ultra-long coat of the Persian cat. All our research and development is based on putting the animal first - what its real needs are in terms of nutrition to suit its characteristics and lifestyle.
"Veterinary practices are ideally placed to promote this idea to their clients, because they are talking to concerned and committed owners who want the best for their pets. In terms of nutrition, a tailormade diet offers the pet the best chance of maintaining a long and healthy life - and a good opportunity for practices to build client loyalty."
Royal Canin says the Dalmatian is the only canine breed which can be predisposed to excrete significant amounts of uric acid in the urine, a characteristic shared with man and the great apes. This uric acid, which is produced as a result of the metabolism of purines, can cause the formation of urinary calculi in some individuals. The simple reduction of the amount of purines in the diet means that the body produces less uric acid, reducing the risk of urate stones developing - hence the development of Dalmatian 22 Adult for dogs over 15 months. The diet is also specially developed to help support sensitive skin and intensify colour markings, as well as help maintain cardiac tone, support natural immunity, and support safe growth.
According to the company, the French Bulldog is renowned for its' sensitive digestion, so the use of very high quality, ultra-digestible proteins in French Bulldog 26 Adult help the diet deliver maximum nutritional value while helping reduce gastric fermentation (and odours as a result - a benefit many owners welcome!). Carefully balanced fibres and maximum palatability ensure the meal is eaten with gusto, while a specially developed kibble is easy for the dog to pick up and crunch, with associated dental benefits. High energy levels help maintain muscle mass, chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine provide joint support.
Ali Daff added: "These latest introductions are a very specific response to the needs of two special breeds, and will give veterinary practices another tool to help build and retain client loyalty."
Available from October 2009, Breed Health Nutrition foods are available from your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager, all good veterinary wholesalers, by calling 0800 717 800, or by visiting http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/.
Scientists at the Royal Veterinary College, contributing to a programme to tackle some of the most harmful and widespread endemic diseases that commonly affect farmed animals in the UK, have developed a severity estimation calculator for post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).
Post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a common disease of young pigs in the U.K. It is extremely debilitating, causes considerable suffering and poor welfare, and has a high mortality of up to 30%. It is estimated that the disease costs the UK farming industry £30m per year.
The £2.4m project - headed by Professor Dirk Werling from the Royal Veterinary College and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its "Combating Endemic Diseases For Farm-Animal Sustainability" programme (CEDFAS), the British Pig Executive (BPEX), and two industrial partners, Pfizer Ltd (UK) and BioBest - aims to identify why PMWS occurs and to develop new methods of controlling the disease.
One key-component of the project is the direct involvement of British pig farmers, thereby guaranteeing that pigs in Britain will be the first to benefit from this research, while collaboration with a major international pharmaceutical company will ensure that new veterinary products will be made available to pig farmers worldwide.
Now, two members of the team, Dr. Barbara Wieland and Pablo Alarcon-Lopez, a second year PhD student, have developed a novel approach to quantify severity of PMWS based on morbidity and mortality data and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). They applied factorial analyses, using data collected from 147 pig farms in England to identify variables contributing to variation in PMWS severity in a biologically meaningful way.
Together with other known variables linked to PMWS, the resulting factors were used to derive an algorithm for PMWS severity. The derived algorithm was used to develop a PMWS severity calculator, which now can be used by farmers directly to assess the PMWS severity on their own farm (http://www.bpex.org.uk/articles/300874).
The levels of PMWS severities identified on farm level can now be used to identify risk factors related to the different severity-categories, to assess the efficacy of PCV2 vaccination and to investigate the economic impact of potential control measures on a farm.
Fiona Knight, a Customer Care Manager from the Woodcroft Veterinary Group in Cheshire, has won the 'Petplan Insurance Advisor Award 2011'.
The award, announced at the British Veterinary Nursing Congress in Kettering, recognises the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners.
Fiona said: "It was such a shock to actually win the award, I'm very pleased!. All the finalists, including me, have worked incredibly hard to carry on promoting something we feel so strongly about. It's not something we can do on our own which is why I am so grateful for the dedication and support from my team at the practice.
"The Petplan PIA is such a great scheme as it helps increase the awareness of pet insurance, and really helps owners have financial security and their pets get the best treatment should anything happen."
The finalists were judged by Petplan Business Developers Lisa Allen and Spencer Jones.
Spencer said: "All three finalists have worked extremely hard to educate pet owners about pet insurance so that they are able to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice, however Fiona's commitment and dedication really stood out and she is a very deserving winner."
As part of her award Fiona receives a 16GB Ipad2 with WiFi, worth £399. The other finalists were Harriet Goulden, veterinary nurse at the Feldon Veterinary Centre in Leicestershire, and Alison Sawyer, receptionist at Medivet in Watford.
For information on how to become a PIA contact Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or alternatively log onto www.petplanpia.co.uk.
Improve International has announced the launch of a new master's degree designed to enable veterinary surgeons in general practice to achieve a higher qualification without taking excessive time out of their practice.
The Master's Degree in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences is the result of a collaboration between Improve International, which delivers the taught clinical modules, the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS), which acts as the assessment partner and Harper Adams University, which offers guidance on the research-based modules and provides validation and academic regulation under the QAA Framework.
Candidates for the new qualification can select modules from a wide range of species and discipline subjects based around their areas of special interest. They must complete at least two clinical programmes from a range of ten subjects and undertake a research module based on their clinical work.
David Babington, MRCVS and Managing Director of Improve International, said: "The launch of this new Masters is a big step forward for the concept of lifelong learning in our profession. Candidates can spend five or even ten years working towards this higher qualification with achievable 'stepping stones' along the way.
"Their studies will equip them with new skills, give them the latest veterinary knowledge and help enhance their ability to provide a superb clinical service to their clients. During the journey they have the opportunity to achieve a respected, valuable and recognised PgC (60 academic credits); a PgD (120 academic credits) and, finally, a full Masters Degree (180 academic credits)."
Dr Erica Martin, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Harper Adams, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Improve International and ESVPS on this innovative new qualification. We welcome the opportunity to help the profession increase 'evidence-based' veterinary practice through clinical development and the advancement of research skills in a way that is both accessible to vets in practice and that leads to a qualification that recognises the commitment and work involved. These postgraduate qualifications join the MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, the MSc in Veterinary Pharmacy and the MSc in Veterinary Nursing which are delivered by Harper Adams University."
David added: "Candidates can spread the cost of the Masters across the training period and recoup the investment easily by implementing new services they learn within the practice. The initial response to this unique qualification has been very positive with our first candidates embarking on their studies during November 2013."
For further information or to register, email enquiries@improve-international.com; visit www.improvecpd.com or call 01793 759159.
The 45-minute webinar: Debt Management: Prevention Is Better Than Cure is presented by Mike Brooks from veterinary-specialist debt recovery agency, dsl.
VPMA President Renay Rickard (pictured right) said: "Debt can affect any business, but, because of the role vets play as care-giver in an emotionally-based animal-owner relationship, we are particularly vulnerable. This is something that is commonly brought up by members at our regional meetings and events, and it’s a real dilemma for them how to juggle being strict with payment policies against owner expectations and misperceptions of the cost of veterinary medicine.
"This has been a very popular topic in both our regional meetings and with our webinar and we wanted to open it up to more people to help them tackle this topic in their practices. The feedback on this webinar has been very positive. Mike gives clear guidance on how to set up payment protocols that will minimise debt in such a way that maintains the client-practice relationship. There’s also information on how to recover existing debts. It makes sense to prioritise tackling this issue as if we’re not paid, then we can’t deliver the service that we are expected to, and that our patients need.
"We’re pleased to open this webinar up to all practices as a Christmas gift, and hope it will also highlight the support that is available through VPMA membership."
The webinar can be accessed through a link on the home page of the VPMA website www.vpma.co.uk.
Dermatologist Anthony Chadwick, aka the webinar vet, is offering VetSurgeon members a 30% discount on the cost of a forthcoming series of webinars. Just enter the word vetsurgeon in the discount box at webinarvet.com.
The series kicks off on the 17th June, when John Innes from Liverpool University will be talking about diagnosing forelimb lameness. On the 24th, Alan Robinson will be talking about pet healthcare schemes and on July 1st, Pip Boydell will discuss vestibular disease. Finally, on July 8th, Anthony will close the second series with a look at atopic disease, focusing on new and novel treatments.
For those of you that haven't yet experienced a webinar, and would like to 'try before you buy', there is a free webinar on 10th June (9pm-10pm), in which Martha Cannon, one of only 3 feline specialists in the UK, will present an update on feline infectious disease. Click here to register and if you enjoy the presentation, you will still be able to register for the series at the discounted price.
The Animal Health Trust's (AHT) Dr Sue Dyson has been awarded a place in the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame, in recognition of her contribution to hoof care in horses.
Sue, who is Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the AHT, has lectured internationally and is known for both her clinical work with horses and an extensive research record, having published more than 200 refereed papers on lameness and diagnostic imaging in scientific journals. She has also co-authored several veterinary textbooks as well as training and competing as a high-level rider in international events.
Established in 1997, the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame honours veterinary surgeons who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses. Vets are nominated either as practicing equine vets who work closely with farriers in the field, or as college and industry vets involved in teaching, research or other important aspects of equine veterinary and hoof care.
Anyone can nominate an equine vet for the award, which is sponsored by the American Farriers Journal, but selection is completed by previous inductees into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame. Awards are presented each year during the International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sue said: "I was completely surprised, but absolutely thrilled, to learn that I had been selected to join the distinguished list of people who have previously been appointed to the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame.
"I think it is very humbling to recognise that, despite the knowledge that my team and I have amassed in the last 30 years, there is so much more to learn. From every new finding come many more questions. I hope that the enthusiastic dedication of my team will continue to result in learning and discovering more, and inspire others to do likewise, to the ultimate benefit of the welfare of our great friend, the horse."
Sue has has worked at the AHT for 30 years and is currently researching the association between hindlimb lameness and saddle slip. She has observed some association between the two for several years, however saddle slip has traditionally been attributed to an ill-fitting saddle, asymmetry of the horse's back shape or a crooked rider.
In 2011 Sue carried out a prospective research project with Intern Line Greve: 'Saddle slip may be an indicator of the presence of hindlimb lameness'. It was presented at the 51st Annual Congress of the British Equine Veterinary Association, Birmingham 2012, and identified that in some cases, saddle slip was directly linked to the presence of hindlimb lameness.
Research results showed that of 128 horses assessed for lameness grade and degree of saddle slip when ridden by two riders, the saddle consistently slipped to one side in 54% of the horses with hindlimb lameness, in comparison to just 4% of the horses with forelimb lameness. Diagnostic analgesia to abolish the hindlimb lameness eliminated the saddle slip in 97% of the horses observed in the study.
Sue and Line are currently undertaking further research to measure movement of the back, and forces under the saddle, with the aim of explaining biomechanically what is happening during the occurrence of saddle slip.
Dechra Veterinary Products has announced the appointment of Bob Parmenter as managing director of its UK business.
Commenting on his appointment, Bob said: "I'm pleased to have joined Dechra at a very exciting stage of the company's development. I've been following the growth of Dechra over recent years and with its acquisition of VetXX in January, I believe that the business is now strongly placed to further establish itself as a leading player in the animal health industry."
Having spent nearly 40 years in the industry, Bob Parmenter has previously worked for Schering-Plough, Mallinckrodt Veterinary, Pitman-Moore, Coopers Animal Health and ICI Pharmaceuticals. "My career path has enabled me to experience all aspects of the animal health market. I'm confident my industry-wide knowledge will provide Dechra with additional experience as we continue to build our reputation and strengthen our UK market position."
Former MD Giles Coley, who joined Dechra in 1999 and has managed the UK business since 2003, has been promoted to European Pharmaceutical and Export Sales Director. As a member of Dechra Veterinary Product's European Board he will be responsible for co-ordinating pharmaceutical sales across Europe and developing the company's export sales.
Boehringer Ingelheim has released details of research presented at the 29th World Veterinary Congress which shows dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) live longer when treated with pimobendan (Vetmedin®) compared with a commonly used ACE inhibitor.
The results of the QUEST trial, the largest international study of its kind to be conducted amongst dogs with congestive heart failure, are due to be published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM) later this year.
The condition myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of CHF in dogs2. MMVD is associated with the thickening of the cusps of the mitral valve (one of the main one-way valves within the heart), affecting the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Although there is no cure for CHF due to MMVD, there are treatments available to manage the condition, improving the quality and length of the dog's life.
Professor Jens Häggström, lead investigator of the QUEST trial from the University of Uppsala, Sweden, commented that "the QUEST trial is a significant milestone in our efforts to reassure both, veterinarians and dog owners, that there is compelling evidence to show that pimobendan is an effective treatment for CHF that prolongs their dog's life and providing pet and owner with more quality time together."
The QUEST trial was a randomised, positive-controlled, multi-centre trial conducted at 28 sites across 11 countries, and is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in veterinary cardiology. The study compared a pimobendan group with a group treated with benazepril hydrochloride on top of background diuretic therapy. The trial spanned three years and followed dogs to death, euthanasia or treatment failure leading to withdrawal from the trial.
Research by Boehringer has also shown that over 50% of dog owners in the UK are unaware that their dog may be at risk of heart failure. Heart disease affects one in four dogs over seven years of age, and the lack of knowledge about this serious, life-threatening condition suggests that there is a need for better education amongst dog owners on how to recognise the disease, and how to maintain their dogs' heart health.
A new paper by D J Bartram and D S Baldwin, published in this week's Veterinary Record, has found that veterinary surgeons are four times as likely as the general public, and around twice as likely as other healthcare professionals, to die by suicide as opposed to other causes.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "David Bartram's research in this difficult area is to be applauded. The more we can understand about the reasons behind the high suicide rate amongst veterinary surgeons, the more the BVA and other bodies can do to support vets in crisis.
"As part of the Vetlife Steering Group, the BVA supports fantastic initiatives such as the 24-hour Vet Helpline for vets, vet nurses and veterinary students, and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund.
"The BVA's Member Services Group (MSG) also spends a lot of time looking at practical initiatives to improve individual vets' day-to day lives. The recent introduction of the mediation and representation services to help resolve issues between veterinary employees and veterinary employers is a good example of the positive ways in which the BVA can support its members in difficult situations.
"The MSG also recently produced a helpline sticker for all veterinary practices to display on the medicines cabinet and other prominent places to act as a constant reminder that help is available.
"Ours is a small profession and many vets will know a friend or colleague who has taken their own life. It is essential that this issue is kept in the open so that those who are struggling know where to turn for help."
Every tube of Logic Oral Hygiene Gel now contains a free finger brush to encourage owners to brush their pet's teeth every day.
Ceva Animal Health product manager, Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS, said: "Daily brushing is known to be the single most effective means of removing plaque. The finger brush in each pack of Logic is ideal for administration to cats and small dogs. For medium to large dogs we also have a Logic Dental Care Kit, which includes a tube of Logic Oral Hygiene Gel and a Petosan toothbrush."
Ceva says Logic is the UK's leading veterinary dental brand thanks to high palatability and unique multi-enzyme formula, which works by enhancing the mouth's natural defence systems. In addition, a surfactant ensures that the active ingredient remains in contact with the teeth and gums.