Finn, a seven-year-old German Shepherd dog, sustained stab wounds to the head and chest as he and his handler, PC David Wardell, pursued a suspect in Stevenage. PC Wardell sustained stab wounds to his hand.
Finn was rushed to Roebuck vets in Stevenage where his wounds were dressed and he was stabilised before being transferred to Davies Veterinary Specialists near Hitchin for emergency surgery.
DVS soft tissue surgeon Rob Adams (pictured above) operated on Finn. He said: "For legal reasons we cannot disclose the full extent of Finn’s injuries. We are however able to confirm multiple knife injuries were sustained to his head and chest involving several of his vital organs. Major surgical intervention was required including open chest surgery to save Finn’s life. Several drains were placed after surgery to manage the degree of trauma and contamination risk from the knife. The surgery went very well and Finn was transferred to intensive care for recovery.
"It is a testament to Finn’s incredible bravery, tenacity and loyalty to his handler, to know he continued to stand firm in the line of duty with no regard to the extent and severity of the injuries he suffered."
DVS says that Finn has exceeded all expectations and recovered very quickly. He has been discharged back into PC Wardell’s care and will hopefully be back up and running again just before Christmas.
PC Wardell said: "I’ve had Finn since he was about nine months old and we’ve been out on the street for just over six years together. It’s just great to have him home. I knew he was in safe hands with Rob Adams but because of the extent of his injuries I was so worried I was going to lose him. Finn’s not only my loyal partner at work but he’s also a part of our family. He has a home for life with me - I can’t imagine life without him."
Meanwhile, a campaign is underway to give police dogs and horses the same status as officers if they are injured in the line of work, so that people who attack police animals face charges similar to those for attacking a person.
You can sign the 'Finn's Law Petition' here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/168678
The campaign also has a twitter feed here: https://twitter.com/FinnsLaw
Tim Harrison, managing director at White Cross Vets, said: "Our plan has been to open five new practices within a 12 month period and despite having a strong presence in West Yorkshire we didn’t have a practice in South Yorkshire. When we found out Dave wanted to move to Sheffield it made perfect sense for us to expand into the area and for him to lead the practice as clinic director.
"Dave is a hugely talented and compassionate professional and we certainly didn’t want to lose him. The Handsworth opening is the perfect fit for Dave who will lead a team of four. As the practice expands, we envisage that we will create a further 20 jobs over the next five years.”
White Cross says it has invested £250,000 in the practice, which is opening on the site of a former sausage factory which has recently been redeveloped at a cost of £1.1M.
Dave said: "I was so thrilled when Tim told me his plans for Sheffield. I love the area and my wife’s family have grown up there, I have been wanting to set up a long term family home for a while, and the fact that I have been able to move my young family to South Yorkshire, and still work for White Cross Vets, makes me really happy."
The Disciplinary Committee heard that Mrs Garfield had told a representative of the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) that she had possession of a greyhound called Lola, that she proposed keeping Lola living with her as an adoptee, and that she would not relinquish possession of Lola except to the RGT. This was despite the fact that, at the time of signing the adoption agreement, she had already given Lola to another charity named Greyhound Gap and that, as a result, her conduct was misleading and dishonest.
In considering the facts of the case, the Committee found the charges and all constituent parts proven and went on to consider whether this amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Judith Way, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The end result of the respondent’s decisions and conduct meant that RGT was persuaded to pass lawful possession and ownership of the dog Lola to the respondent when it would not have agreed to do so had it been told the truth by her.
"In truth, the respondent was not going to adopt and re-home Lola herself. Instead the respondent’s plan and intention was that Lola should be passed on to a third party who had been recommended by a rival dog rescue charity for rehome and adoption."
Judith added: "The consequence was that a social media dispute broke out when the rival dog charity decided to attempt to take advantage of the erroneous belief of the respondent that a decision had been taken by RGT to put Lola to sleep. The publicity generated by the respondent’s erroneous belief… was obviously adverse…. The gravamen [seriousness] of the respondent’s dishonest conduct was that she set one dog rescue charity against another, caused them to spend publicly raised funds on a legal dispute about who should be allowed to retain Lola when those precious funds ought, instead, to have been spent on their charitable objectives."
The Committee judged that the charge and its parts constituted serious professional misconduct and went on to consider the sanction against Mrs Garfield.
In considering the proportionate sanction the Committee took into account both mitigating and aggravating factors. In terms of aggravating factors the Committee considered that the dishonesty was pre-meditated, that she accused members of a rescue charity of lying and demonstrated no or only minimal insight into her wrongdoing. In mitigation the Committee considered that Mrs Garfield had cooperated with the College in its investigations, that she had acted in the genuine belief that she was acting in the best interests of Lola and that her conduct did not put Lola at risk or cause her to suffer any adverse consequences as a result. The Committee also accepted the testimonials and positive evidence from colleagues.
However, the Committee decided that removal from the Register would be the only appropriate sanction.
Summing up Judith Way said: "The reputational consequences for RGT were potentially significant bearing in mind that it is a rescue organisation with some 57 or so branches across the country. All of these consequences, actual and potential, stem from the respondent’s premeditated act of dishonesty in relation to which the Committee considers she showed very limited insight prior to this disciplinary hearing, as she did during the course of this hearing.
"In the result, it is the conclusion and decision of this Committee that the only proper sanction that can be imposed in this case is that the respondent’s name should be removed from the Register.”
Mrs Garfield has 28 days from being informed of the Committee’s decision to appeal.
The online seminar, which equates to one hour’s CPD, features six UK experts in equine endocrinology, with the objective of supporting equine and mixed practice vets in using the clinical history to guide their interpretation of the basal ACTH test results and subsequent treatment decisions.
The speakers participating in the Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle are:
Harry Carslake MA VetMB DipACVIM MRCVS: Senior lecturer in equine medicine at the University of Liverpool
Edd Knowles MA VetMB MVetMed DipECEIM MRCVS: Specialist in Equine internal medicine at Bell Equine Veterinary clinic
Professor Cathy McGowan BVSc DipVetClinStud MACVSc PhD DEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS: Head of Department of Equine Clinical Science and Director of Veterinary Postgraduate Education at the University of Liverpool
Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow MA VetMB PhD DipECEIM Cert EM(Int Med) MRCVS: Reader in equine medicine at the Royal Veterinary College
Victoria South MA VetMB CertAVP(EM) DipECEIM MRCVS: Senior assistant at Liphook Equine Hospital
Nicola Steele BVM&S CertAVP(EM) MRCVS: Fyrnwy Equine Clinic and Director of Veterinary CPD (Equine and Large Animal)
The webinar considers when vets should test for PPID and decision-making on the best test to use, how to interpret grey zone results and also how to interpret problematic follow up tests. The experts have different opinions on some of these areas, allowing vets in practice to see the different ways in which cases can be viewed and managed.
These principles are then reinforced by the use of three clinical case scenarios with the patients all having the same basal ACTH result but a different selection of clinical signs.
Liz Barrett, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim said: "Since the launch of our Talk About Laminitis initiative in 2012, more than 50,000 horses have benefited from complimentary basal ACTH tests to aid the diagnosis of PPID, however two common areas of uncertainty in interpreting ACTH results still exist. Firstly, the interpretation of borderline, equivocal or ‘grey-zone’ results and when PPID treatment should or shouldn’t be recommended and secondly, the interpretation of follow-up ACTH test results and when to advise altering the treatment dose.
"The Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle webinar allows vets to update their knowledge on this broad subject area and illustrates that there is often more than one way to approach the diagnosis, treatment and management of the PPID case."
To view the Equine Endocrine Pioneers Circle webinar on the Boehringer Academy visit https://www.boehringer-academy.co.uk/webinar/bil205
In next year's election, there are three places on Council for elected veterinary surgeons, with successful candidates serving four-year terms.
The nomination period runs until 5pm on Friday 31 January 2020. In order to stand, candidates need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography and personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.
Each candidate also needs to have two nominators who need to be veterinary surgeons who are on the RCVS Register but are not current RCVS Council members.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer said: "As always, we would encourage those who are interested in having their say in some of the key debates in the regulatory sphere, such as our under care review, our policies around the impact of Brexit and our vision for new veterinary legislation, to become a candidate.
"RCVS Council is at its best when it encompasses a broad range of perspectives, experiences and knowledge, and so we encourage people from all areas of veterinary life and all levels of experience to put themselves forward and share their expertise and insight."
Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil20.
Prospective candidates for RCVS Council are welcome to contact the Registrar, Eleanor Ferguson (e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk) and the RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett (l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk) for more information about the role of the College and/or RCVS Council.
RCVS Council will also be holding its next public meeting on Thursday 23 January 2020, prior to the closure date for Council candidate nominations. Prospective candidates are welcome to attend the Council meeting as an observer. Contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Sean became interested in animal welfare science as an undergraduate veterinary student, when he was awarded a Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Vacation Scholarship to investigate the welfare of caged zebra finches housed under typical pet shop conditions.
Six years later, having been instrumental in developing BVA policy in supporting a ban on the importation of wild-caught birds into the European Union to be kept as pets, Sean represented the position in Brussels and an EU-wide ban was introduced in 2007.
As BVA President in 2015/16, Sean initiated and led the production of BVA’s Animal welfare strategy. Developed through consultation with representatives from across the profession and other sector stakeholders, 'Vets speaking up for animal welfare' lays out a number of strategic actions based on the veterinary profession’s unique opportunity and responsibility to advocate animals' best interests at individual, community and political levels.
The strategy aims to further expand BVA’s animal welfare advocacy; provide tools and support to BVA members in areas such as veterinary ethics; and foster collaboration with other animal welfare-focused partners such as the recently launched BVA/British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) position paper promoting analgesic use alongside local anaesthesia for routine surgical procedures on calves. To help build BVA’s international animal welfare agenda, Sean has recently been appointed as a member of the FVE Animal Welfare Working Group.
Another important project during Sean’s BVA Presidency was the jointly led BVA/RCVS Vet Futures project. He assisted in developing the Vet Futures report, which identifies veterinary leadership in animal health and welfare as one of the six key ambitions in its 2030 vision for the veterinary profession. While President he also produced an online video with the international animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection on the importance and relevance of animal sentience to the veterinary profession.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz, said: "Improving animal welfare has always been the focus of Sean’s veterinary career, through veterinary practice and policy and developing the profession’s role in advancing animal welfare. Since his undergraduate research and subsequent postgraduate studies in animal welfare, he has undertaken a wide range of overseas volunteer projects and continues to champion and promote understanding of animal welfare at individual, community, national and international levels on a daily basis.
"Sean also led on BVA’s landmark Animal welfare strategy, championing the role of vets as advocates of animals’ best interests and sending a clear signal that the veterinary profession will be a considerable force for good, for animals and for an increasingly compassionate society in the years ahead.
"Sean has made a difference to the lives of many animals with his dedication to animal welfare. I am delighted that Sean is being recognised on an international stage for his fantastic work in the field of animal welfare with this important award."
On receiving his award, Sean said: "It is excellent that WVA has further underpinned its commitment to animal welfare, in line with global society’s expectation of our profession as animal welfare leaders, through the establishment of the Global Animal Welfare Awards. It’s a great honour to be a recipient, which is tribute to my driven and forward-looking colleagues at BVA and PDSA. I thank them, as well as the many other organisations, institutions and individuals who have given me invaluable opportunities and encouragement during my career to date."
Axiom Veterinary Laboratories has launched SLIT - sublingual immunotherapy treatment - for allergies in cats, dogs and horses.
According to the company, sublingual immunotherapy has been shown to be safe and effective in humans for over 20 years and a recent study has shown it to be a beneficial alternative way of administering immunotherapy to cats, dogs and horses, proving particularly effective in treating animals that failed to respond to allergy shots.
Patients can convert from shots to drops with an initial treatment kit.
Martyn Carpenter, Director of Axiom Laboratories Ltd, said: "Each ACTT Allergy Drop prescription is a custom formulation containing the specific allergens that are causing the pet's discomfort. Allergy drops are prepared in a glycerin solution to provide antigen stability, and have a slightly sweet taste, which assists in palatability and ease of administration. This method greatly reduces irritation and the likelihood of anaphylactic shock and can be administered easily at home by the client, freeing up consult slots and removing the stress which accompanies a visit to the surgery for many pets. This can be a particularly suitable alternative for those clients on a restricted budget, for whom on-going consult and injecting fees can be prohibitive to compliance with immunotherapy treatment. "
For more information, contact Axiom's Diagnostic Support Team on 01626 355655
Ms Buttler was charged with having been under the influence of alcohol whilst at work on two separate occasions. On both occasions, she was working as a locum veterinary nurse.
The first occasion was between 25th and 28th April 2016 in Frome, and the second from 3rd July to 4th July 2016 in Salisbury.
It was also alleged that a prior conviction of drunk driving on 19th November 2013 rendered her unfit to practise as a veterinary nurse.
The Committee decided to hear the case in Ms Buttler’s absence as it was satisfied that she had properly been served with the notice of hearing and because she had stated that she was aware of the proceedings but did not wish to engage with the process. The Committee also noted that she had not requested any adjournment.
The Committee heard from five witnesses for the first charge, including three veterinary nurses and one veterinary surgeon. They gave testimony that they had had cause to suspect that Ms Buttler was under the influence of alcohol whilst at work due to her demeanour, and recalled Ms Buttler repeatedly retreating upstairs to her accommodation during the working day. Further, an open wine bottle was found in Ms Buttler’s accommodation and was observed to have been drunk during the course of her shift. The Committee found the first charge proved.
The Committee heard from four witnesses in respect of the second charge. Two of the witnesses stated that they smelt alcohol on Ms Buttler’s breath while she was on duty, with one of them stating that Ms Buttler had slurred speech and a flushed face at the end of a fourteen-hour shift. The other two witnesses also presented evidence to support the assertion that Ms Buttler was under the influence of alcohol whilst at work, while the Committee found that Ms Buttler lacked credibility because she had denied having any alcohol on the premises when originally confronted, but later admitted in an email to the College that she had had an open bottle of wine in her bag. The Committee found the second charge proved.
The Committee then considered the third charge, namely the conviction in 2013. The Committee considered the certificate of conviction obtained from the North East Devon Magistrates Court and was satisfied that Ms Buttler had been convicted of driving with excess alcohol as set out within charge 3.
When considering whether these all amounted to a finding of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect, the Committee was concerned about Ms Buttler showing no insight into her drinking, and the repeated nature of the offences. The Committee also considered that being under the influence of alcohol when working as a veterinary nurse was conduct which fell far short of the standards to be expected of members of the veterinary nursing profession.
It therefore concluded that Ms Buttler was guilty of disgraceful conduct in respect of charges 1 and 2.
The Committee then considered whether Ms Buttler’s conviction (charge 3) rendered her unfit to practise as a veterinary nurse. The Committee concluded that Ms Buttler had not acknowledged the seriousness of her actions in 2013, or learnt any lessons from it. Accordingly, it felt that she continued to pose a risk to animals and the public in the future. The Committee also felt that the conviction undermined the reputation of the veterinary nursing profession because the offence inevitably involved a risk of injury to herself and other road users.
Having found Ms Buttler guilty of misconduct, the Committee went on to consider sanction.
The Committee took into account aggravating factors, including that there was a risk of injury to an animal, the fact that the first two charges involved an element of premeditation, the fact that Ms Buttler was under the influence on more than one shift in each practice, that there is no evidence of insight from Ms Buttler and there is a future risk to animals if she continued to practice unrestricted.
They also considered mitigating factors, including the fact that this is the first disciplinary hearing she has faced, that she did not cause any harm to any animal and that she did not gain financially from her conduct.
In reaching its decision Jane Downes, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee noted that Ms Buttler said she had worked for twenty years without any problem and that she was previously of good character. However because there was no evidence that Ms Buttler would not repeat the conduct with regards to working whilst under the influence of alcohol she could continue to pose a risk to animals or the public in the future. The Committee therefore was bound to consider her removal from the register.
"Although it noted from the brief email correspondence Ms Buttler had sent to the College that she said she did not intend to practice in the future, the Committee decided that until she had shown insight into her behaviour in 2016, she remained a risk to animals. It therefore decided that the proportionate action was to instruct the Registrar to remove her name from the register of veterinary nurses forthwith."
If Ms Buttler chose to re-engage with the College, she could apply for restoration to the register after ten months.
The vaccine has been developed from Suvaxyn Circo+MH RTU, and also contains MetaStim as adjuvant 1.
MetaStim is an emulsion containing a metabolisable (non-mineral) oil and is used in vaccines to help elicit both humoral and a cell-mediated immune responses. Zoetis says it is thought to preserve the vaccine components so the antigens are released slowly as compared to other types of adjuvants2.
Alvaro Aldaz, Director Commercial Development and Innovation, Swine, Zoetis, said: "The safety and efficacy of MetaStim has been well documented given its use in several swine, cattle and equine vaccines for the past several years.
"In fact, the MetaStim adjuvant is currently used in our bivalent vaccine – Suvaxyn Circo+MH RTU. Suvaxyn Circo is the monovalent PCV2 fraction of the parent vaccine and it delivers a similar performance profile for PCV2 protection."
More than 250 million pigs are vaccinated against Circovirus every year in Europe.
Professor Hans Nauwynck, Director of the Laboratory of Virology at Ghent University said: "Vaccination of piglets against Circovirus has become a standard in pig farms across Europe.
"The goal is achieving strong immunity, both cell mediated and antibodies, against a virus that is always in the farm.
"Veterinarians should consider several factors when deciding the best timing for vaccination, being especially important the levels of maternal immunity in the pigs to be vaccinated, the presence of co-infections like PRRSV and the expected infection pattern in the farm."
Suvaxyn Circo is a new tool for veterinarians and producers who prefer monovalent vaccines. In situations where early vaccination of piglets against M.hyo is preferred, for example using Suvaxyn MH-One which is licensed for administration from one week of age, there will be a need to give a separate monovalent vaccine to cover PCV2. In such cases, Suvaxyn Circo from three weeks of age can be considered as an option.
Suvaxyn Circo is available in 50- and 125-dose vials.
For more information, contact your Zoetis representative.
References
Both veterinary professionals and clients can nominate people and practices for one of five awards.
Every professional nominated in the awards will be sent a personalised certificate.
An independent panel of judges from within the veterinary industry will then narrow down the entries to a shortlist of three finalists for each award, who will all be invited to awards ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 21st March 2024.
Bella von Mesterhazy, Sales and Marketing Director at Petplan, said: “Every year we think we’ve seen it all, but then we’re overjoyed by the sheer volume of and enthusiasm behind the latest nominations.
"So for anyone who’s considered nominating before but hasn’t got round to it, this year’s the time to get involved, as we all come together to champion the immense success of the UK’s veterinary industry, whilst celebrating the awards quarter-century anniversary.”
petplan.co.uk/vetawards
Nominations close on 8th January 2024.
Virbac Animal Health has launched 'Spray to Win' competition in which vets who use the topical corticosteroid Cortavance between now and the end of June have the chance to win one of five Canon Ixus Cameras worth £150.
To enter the competition, ask your territory manager for a Spray to Win card, spray the pictured dog to ease his pruritus, and answer one question.
Winning cards will reveal either a camera or a 124 page manual on topical glucocorticoid therapy compiled by a group of the world's leading dermatologists.
Virbac product manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said the purpose of the campaign is to illustrate the efficacy of Cortavance as the first line treatment for all pruritic and inflammatory skin disorders: "As a potent skin-specific steroid with no detectable harmful effects¹ and competitive pricing, it's an ideal first line treatment for all atopic dermatitis cases."
There are also automatic rewards in the form of a clinical handbook on canine dermatology or a didactic atlas on canine dermatoses with every 10 bottles of Cortavance purchased, or get both with 15 bottles.
The supply of spray cards is limited, so anyone wishing to obtain a card is advised to contact their Virbac territory manager as soon as possible, or call 01359 243243.
Vetoquinol is launching Cimalgex, a new NSAID for dogs this month.
Cimalgex (cimicoxib) is a new second generation COX-2 inhibitor which can be used for the treatment of pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis and the management of peri-operative pain associated with orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, for which it can be given two hours before surgery and continued for 3-7 days post surgery.
Vetoquinol says that an important consideration in treating dogs with osteoarthritis, many of which are geriatric, is that there are no contraindications to using Cimalgex in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.
According to the company, field trials showed that over 90 per cent of per owners and vets identified that animals experienced excellent analgesia post operatively*.
Available in a chewable, splitable tablet, Cimalgex can be given with or without food.
Vetoquinol says that the excellent tolerability, efficacy profile and ease of use of Cimalgex means that veterinary patients could benefit from pain relief in situations where clinicians are worried about the risks versus the benefits of prescribing a NSAID for pain management.
Further information about assessing pain and decision making when it comes to prescribing NSAIDs, will be presented in a free webinar on 19th October at 8.30pm. To register go to www.thewebinarvet.com/vetoquinol and enter code CIM1.
Reference*E. Grandemange: Field evaluation of the efficacy and the safety of cimicoxib in the relief of peri-operative pain in dogs; 2008, study number n°3008C2F1
According to the forthcoming PDSA Animal Welfare 2016 report, only 35% of pet owners are familiar with their pets' legal welfare needs, a figure which has remained persistently low over the past 6 years (45% in 2011, 31% in 2012, 38% in 2013, 36% in 2014 and 31% in 2015).
The same report revealed in 2015 that 97% of veterinary professionals agreed there is value in encouraging pet owners to better understand and provide for the five welfare needs of their pets.
The 2016 report will also report that pet owners who feel more informed about each of the five welfare needs are significantly more likely to provide preventive healthcare to their pets.
Gudrun Ravetz, President of the BVA said: "It’s concerning that, despite many veterinary practices’ best efforts, public awareness of the five welfare needs remains consistently low. There are so many strong voices for animal welfare, which is why it’s great that so many veterinary organisations – including BSAVA, BVNA and BVZS – are coming together within this coalition to highlight pet owners’ legal duty of care. We hope practices across the country will join us in spreading the message by continuing to deliver the welfare need-focused advice to clients that they already do, day-in, day-out."
The 2006 Animal Welfare Acts of England and Wales, and Scotland consolidated and replaced more than 20 pieces of outmoded legislation. They established a duty of care, enshrining in law five animal welfare needs, outlining housing, diet, behaviour, social interactions and health as the legal responsibilities that every owner should meet to ensure their pet is as happy and healthy as possible.
The veterinary animal welfare coalition says it recognises that veterinary practices across the UK already promote the five welfare needs through a range of methods, from displaying materials in their waiting rooms to providing health check consultations with vets and vet nurses to discuss pets’ needs. The seven organisations, which are all UK based and support or provide veterinary service delivery, are pooling their resources so that veterinary practices can more easily signpost clients to the wealth of resources that are available.
James Yeates, who chairs the veterinary animal welfare coalition as part of the Vet Futures Action Plan, said: "The five welfare needs are a fantastic 'umbrella' guide to taking care of our pets, yet each and every species has such differing welfare needs - from cats who tend to be solitary animals and usually prefer to be the only pet to rabbits that should live in pairs or groups of other rabbits and dogs, who should not be left on their own for more than a few hours a day - it’s vital that pet owners can translate theory into practice. Our understanding of animal welfare science has come such a long way over the past 50 years so we'd really like pet owners to visit their local veterinary practice, where they will be able to get tailored, up-to-date advice for their pets."
The BVA's Spring 2016 Voice of the Profession survey of over 1,600 veterinary surgeons found that the majority (60%) see diet as their main welfare concern, causing obesity, dental issues and a variety of other complex health problems. The coalition of veterinary organisations behind this campaign says it hopes it will encourage the 15% of pet owners not currently registered with a veterinary practice to seek out their local surgery for expert advice about issues such as these.
More information about the coalition and the resources available to practices can be found at www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/newsroom/news-releases/uk-pets-at-risk-as-two-thirds-of-owners-unaware-of-legal-welfare-needs/
Eravac is an injectable emulsion ready for administration without the need for reconstitution beforehand. Containing 10 vials with individual doses, the new presentation is is indicated for the immunisation of pet rabbits from 30 days of age.
For more information, visit: https://www.hipra.com/portal/en/hipra/animalhealth/products/detail/eravac-pets
VetFinders will recruit for permanent and locum positions for veterinary practices throughout the UK, from administration roles through to nursing staff and vets.
The agency has been founded by a man called Chris Worthington who previously built an engineering recruitment firm called Qualtech Resourcing.
Alongside Chris in the VetFinders team are recruiters Gabrielle Dawson and Martin Wilson, both with over 15 years’ experience in recruitment, Chris’s wife Anna, who is charge of accounting and payroll, and administrator Suzy Buttress.
Chris said: "VetFinders is a business with a purpose, a business with a force for good and a business with a double bottom line! Our approach is totally unique in the industry and it’s what sets us apart. Candidates are already hearing about our message and registering with VetFinders rather than other agencies.
"We have chosen four specific charities and our support for them does not stop at the point of donation. We will also be working closely with them, funding specific projects and working on their front line."
The chosen charities are:
Hope Pastures, in Leeds, which rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses, ponies and donkeys.
Moorview Rescue in Harrogate, which has re-homed almost 2000 dogs in the UK since it was set up as a registered charity in 2009.
Nuzzlets, a small charity based near Great Ouseburn in York which specialises in giving loving homes to unwanted animals and enabling young people free access to them for therapy and education.
Blue Cross.
When a candidate is placed by VetFinders, the client can choose which of the four charities they want a percentage of their fee to be donated to. The client and placed candidate will then be given regular updates of how their money has benefitted children and animals, including through photos, videos, emails and website updates.
For more information, visit: https://www.vetfinders.co.uk/
Photo: Top (L-R): Martin Wilson - Veterinary Recruitment Consultant, Chris Worthington - Managing Director. Bottom (L-R): Gabrielle Dawson - Veterinary Recruitment Consultant, Anna Worthington - Finance and Payroll Manager and Suzy Buttress - Administrator.
The company has created a new waiting room board kit as a way for veterinary staff to remind owners of the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of dental disease.
Animalcare has also created a Pet Dental Health Month social media pack with content practices can use on their social media channels.
During the month, the company will be offering dental CPD and prizes for the most creative and engaging waiting room displays.
Will Peel, Animalcare Marketing Manager said: "According to the RVC's VetCompass data, periodontitis is the most common disease seen in cats and dogs however, it can often be difficult to identify and pet owners can often disregard the signs of dental problems, assuming that their pet’s bad breath is normal.
‘Our popular Lunch and Learn sessions have demonstrated to us that veterinary staff recognise the importance of raising dental health awareness, so we’ve created this range of materials specifically to support veterinary practices and their patients.’
The new study, which was conducted by the RVC's VetCompass Programme found that 33% of deaths in dogs aged under 3 years (roughly 21,000 dog deaths in the UK) are caused by undesirable behaviours which may reflect poor training by owners, or be caused by undiagnosed medical conditions.
The study also found that male dogs and smaller dogs were more likely to die from undesirable behaviours than female or larger dogs and that certain breeds were hugely predisposed.
It is hoped that this research can raise awareness of the most common undesirable behaviours in dogs and encourage owners to improve the health and welfare of their animals through better choices when getting a puppy and improved training afterwards.
The RVC conducted this study using its analytics programme, VetCompass, to explore the de-identified data of a quarter of a million dogs in the UK.
From this data, the researchers identified 1,574 dogs that had died before the age of 3 years.
Analysing the patterns of deaths, they found that:
33.7% of all deaths in dogs (or roughly 21,000) aged under 3 years in the UK are due to undesirable behaviours
The most common undesirable behaviours that led to death were aggression (54.0% of deaths) and road traffic accident [which may have behavioural components such as straying and poor recall] (39.0% of deaths).
Crossbred dogs were 1.4 times more likely to die from an undesirable behaviour than purebred dogs.
Dogs weighing under 10 kg were more than twice as likely to die from an undesirable behaviour as dogs weighing over 40 kg.
Compared with the Labrador Retriever, the breeds with the highest risk of death from an undesirable behaviour were the Cocker Spaniel (8 times the risk), West Highland White Terrier (5.7 times the risk), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (4.5 times the risk), and Jack Russell Terrier (2.7 times the risk). The Labrador Retriever was chosen as the baseline breed as it is a common and well-known breed.
Male dogs were 1.4 times more likely to die from an undesirable behaviour than females.
Of the dogs that died from an undesirable behaviour, the owners of 12.9% dogs had sought veterinary behavioural advice.
Behavioural drug therapy was used in 3% of dogs that died from an undesirable behaviour.
12.2% of dogs that died from an undesirable behaviour had been previously rehomed.
76.2% of the dogs that died from an undesirable behaviour were euthanised (i.e. put to sleep).
The paper raises severe concerns about the high numbers of dogs that are put to sleep due to undesirable behaviours which accounts for over three-quarters of all dogs that die from undesirable behaviours.
Dr. Dan O'Neill, Senior Lecturer at the RVC and supervisor of the study, said: "This study is the biggest study ever undertaken on behavioural reasons for deaths in young dogs in the UK.
"It suggests the importance of good socialisation of puppies by breeders, of sensible breed selection by owners and of careful dog training after acquiring a dog, to ensure that the lives of dogs and owners are fulfilling for all parties involved.
"Dogs with behaviours that their owners find unacceptable are at risk of compromised welfare, either because of their own underlying emotional motivations for the behaviour (e.g. anxiety or fear) or because of how their owners might seek to resolve the problem (e.g. the use of punishment such as beating or electric shock collars).
"Greater awareness of the scale of this issue can be the first step towards reducing the problems and making the lives of thousands of our young dogs happier."
Reference
Somerset vet Stewart Halperin MRCVS has launched CarefreeCredit, a service designed to help pet owners pay for unforeseen veterinary bills, and take the burden of unpaid bills away from veterinary surgeons.
The new service is very simple. First, participating practices need to apply to CarefreeCredit and register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). CarefreeCredit will hold your hand through the FCA registration process, which is currently taking about three weeks.
Thereafter, you can then offer CarefreeCredit to any client who is faced with an unexpected bill which they can't pay immediately. They'll need to make an online application which can be done at any time of day, 365 days a year - crucial for out-of-hours emergencies. The application takes 4 minutes and decisions are instant.
Loans repaid over 12 months are interest-free for the pet owner. Loans repaid over 24 months attract interest at 7.9% APR.
Once the loan is approved, confirmation is sent to the veterinary practice, which can then drawdown the funds into the practice bank account via the CarefreeCredit online dashboard. The practice gets paid within 5 days of requesting a drawdown.
The cost to the practice of all this is 7% of the bill. Offered strategically to the right clients, that seems like a small price to pay. According to CarefreeCredit, practice revenue increases by 22% and debtors decrease by 58% in practices where finance facilities are offered. But that is, of course, only half the story. This also offers a professional and businesslike 'way out' when vets are at the receiving end of emotional blackmail (or worse) from clients who find they don't have the money to pay for their much-loved pet to get the medical care it needs.
Stewart, himself the owner of a six-practice business, said: "The only way a credit facility like this works is that if it is so simple to use that front office staff see it as a help rather than a hindrance - a tool to make their lives easier rather than just another piece of admin to do. In order to get to this point, we have been through discussions with a number of consumer credit institutions as well as major retail banks. The system we can now provide is the market leader by a long way. The great thing is, vets love it as they can do gold standard work, get paid properly for it and receive the funds straight away. Owners love it as they can spread the cost at no or very low cost to themselves - and of course, the pets get treated immediately!"
For more information, visit: www.carefreecredit.co.uk
Vétoquinol has released the results of a survey of 1000 dog owners, which looked into their attitudes towards long-term medication for their pet1.
Owners were asked to rate how important various factors were to them when it came to giving medicine long term to their dog. They were also asked to consider what they felt was most important to their vet when it came to choosing a medicine.
Vétoquinol says the fact that dog owners rate the effectiveness of a medication much more highly than the cost means there is very little reason to compromise on treatment based on a presumption of what clients will want to pay. These findings are also largely very positive in that they suggest that dog owners believe that in many areas vets are making decisions based on criteria that are important to owners. The area where there is the greatest mismatch is over the risk of side effects of medication.
Pet owners think that vets may take the risk of side effects from long-term medications less seriously than the owners themselves might prefer. It suggests that the risk of potential harm, no matter how small the risk of actual harm is, may be more unacceptable to the dog owner than vets and nurses might otherwise presume. When prescribing long-term medication there is a need to talk about the risks associated with medication more openly and to take the client's attitudes to risk into consideration.
1. A survey of 1048 dog owners, carried out by petbuzz, on behalf of Vétoquinol, March 2011
Norbrook Laboratories has launched a ready-to-use suspension version of its Cefenil antibiotic.
Cefenil RTU (ceftiofur) is a 50mg/ml suspension for injection, indicated for cattle and swine.
Dr Barry McInerney, Norbrook's GB Veterinary Advisor said: "Cefenil RTU is a broad spectrum injectable antibiotic offering fast and effective treatment of bacterial respiratory disease, foot rot and acute post-partum metritis in cattle as well as bacterial respiratory disease in swine. It offers a zero milk withhold and a 5-day meat withhold which is the shortest on the market."
Norbrook's Cefenil Powder and Solution for Injection has been available for a number of years for the treatment of cattle and swine. It has recently been indicated for the treatment of BRD in horses in the UK. Cefenil RTU will offer vets an additional choice in the treatment of BRD.
Dr McInerney added: "Cefenil is a tried and tested antibiotic which vets have been using for a number of years. We are delighted to extend the Cefenil range with a RTU suspension for cattle and pigs and adding an indication for horses to our Cefenil Powder and Solution for Injection. It gives vets a wider choice for the treatment of BRD with a product with which they are already familiar."
For further product information, visit www.norbrook.com.
Billed as an essential reference, the new guide gives practical information on pain management in a wide range of small animals, emphasizing patient welfare and evidence-based medicine.
The BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice is edited by Ian Self, an RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Each chapter is written by a specialist in the field, and the guide includes 'Authors’ perspectives' and case examples.
The first six chapters cover key areas in pain management, including the physiology of pain, acute and chronic pain, and pharmacological and physical treatment of pain. The remaining chapters look at specific types of pain, and pain in species commonly encountered in small animal practice.
Ian said: "This Guide is not to be seen as an instruction manual, rather a helping hand. For each case discussed and analgesic approach explained, there are multiple valid alternative approaches… when seeking inspiration or information when faced with a patient in pain, we hope that the information presented here will assist in reaching a satisfactory clinical outcome."
The new book will be given to eligible vet and vet nurse members free of charge as part of the Association's loyalty scheme; a 'thank you' for staying a member for another year. Further details are available from the member benefits section of the BSAVA website.
Ane’s research interests lie in the surgical correction of neurological diseases leading to chronic pain and epilepsy. Amongst other things, she has developed an international database and phone application to help dogs and owners affected by epilepsy.
Ane began her veterinary studies in her native Spain before transferring to the Veterinary School of Paris (Ecole National Veterinaire d’Alfort) where she completed a three-year European residency in neurology. She then spent eight years working as a neurology-neurosurgery specialist in the UK.
Ane, who speaks five languages, then moved to the USA, where she joined Tufts University, training students, interns and residents and continuing her passion for research.
Henry L'Eplattenier, clinical director at Southfields, said: “We’re absolutely delighted Dr Uriarte has agreed to join the team.
"She is a very talented neurologist with a passion for neuro-oncology and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will benefit our world-class team."
Ane said: “I’m thrilled for the opportunity of leading the neurology service of such an outstanding hospital.
"Pets are part of our family and having a neurological disorder can be devastation. I’m committed and looking forward to helping referring veterinarians and owners in such circumstances."
The company warned last year that Equip Artervac would be out of stock from the end of November 2017 until mid-2018, but says that the re-availability of the vaccine means many vaccinated stallions and teasers should now be able to have their six-monthly booster dose within the normal designated timeframe.
Equip Artervac is indicated for the active immunisation for horses against equine arteritis virus to reduce the clinical signs and shedding of virus in nasal secretions following infection.
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager or the Zoetis Technical Team on customersupportUK@zoetis.com or 0845 300 9084 choosing option 1.
The materials include eye-catching waiting room bunting, wall displays, posters, leaflets and leaflet holders which offer hints and tips on how to look after pets while fireworks are going off.
Ceva is also launching a series of eight three-minute fireworks videos which offer advice to owners about how they can 'Help take the fear out of fireworks' and more information about Adaptil and Feliway. The videos are presented by Emma Carr, training and charity key account manager at Ceva Animal Health and are available to download via Vimeo and Ceva’s social media tool kit.
Veterinary practices are being encouraged to use the new materials to take part in Ceva’s annual fireworks waiting room display competition, which offers a £200 voucher for the overall best display and luxury chocolate hampers for 10 runners up (hint: entrants get additional credit if they build a display den and plug in an Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser nearby).
Practices taking part in the competition can post pictures of their dens and waiting room displays on Ceva Animal Health UK's Facebook page in October.
Abigail King, senior behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "The extensive marketing support we are putting behind Adaptil and Feliway in the run up to the fireworks season will help educate pet owners on the measures that can be put in place to help their pets with firework fears, while highlighting the benefits of our products."
For further information, or to request the new waiting room material, contact your local account manager or email: cevauk@ceva.com.
The ten-minute online survey aims to gather a snapshot of horse health over the period of a week.
The results help to identify trends in endemic equine diseases and help the Blue Cross steer equine awareness, education and research.
This year the survey includes some welfare questions to help guide knowledge in response to what the charity calls 'the UK’s horse welfare crisis'.
The National Equine Health Survey is run by the Blue Cross in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. Dodson and Horrell is helping to cover the costs of running the scheme.
Supporters of the survey include the British Horse Society, Horse Trust, Redwings and the Pony Club.
Medal-winning riders Mary and Emily King, and Yazmin Pinchen (pictured right) also support the survey.
Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register and take part, which carries the chance of winning prizes including Star Lister Clippers, a Lister Adagio Trimmer and some Burford Ariat boots.