The service is being led by Isuru Gajanayake, a board-certified specialist in veterinary nutrition. He said: “Since launching our clinical nutrition service last year, we have seen a number of cases in which patients have been either dehydrated or malnourished, sometimes both.
“Working alongside our other services in a truly multidisciplinary approach, we have been able to offer suitable treatment to support a significant number of dogs and cats.
“With the launch of the parenteral nutrition service, we can now expand this offering and, in doing so, become one of only a very few referral centres across the UK to provide this as a specialist service.
“Patients who are given parenteral nutrition will be hospitalised in our advanced intensive care unit to ensure they can be monitored closely by our specialist emergency and critical care (ECC) team, who provide exceptional expertise in critical care and treatment for every patient when they need it most.
Isuru added that the addition of the clinical nutrition and parenteral nutrition services at Willows ensures that there is a much greater emphasis on nutrition and hydration for all patients at the centre, whatever their underlying illness.
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net or search for Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service on Facebook.
Chair of the Standards Committee, Dr Melissa Donald, said: “We were very aware of the likelihood that both practice staff and clients will increasingly have to isolate over the coming weeks due to direct infection or positive contacts, particularly with the rise in cases amongst school children.
“Added to this, we know there are already workforce pressures across the profession, which will be exacerbated by reduced staffing levels over the Christmas and New Year period.
“We therefore felt it was appropriate to reintroduce these temporary remote prescribing measures at this time to help relieve pressure on practising professionals, and to provide them with the means to continue to look after the health and welfare of their patients in all circumstances.”
As before, the temporary dispensation is subject to the specific guidance found in FAQ4 (www.rcvs.org.uk/covidfaq4), including that veterinary surgeons must be able provide a 24/7 follow-up service involving physical examination, for example where the animal does not improve, or suffers an adverse reaction, or deteriorates, subsequent to the remote prescription of medicines.
The Committee agreed that the position should be reviewed in February 2022 at its next meeting.
The Soil Association is calling on the Government to issue guidelines that will limit the veterinary use of the most modern penicillin-type antibiotics, to prevent the spread of a serious new superbug.Recently released minutes of a Government committee reveal that Ministers have been briefed about the emergence on a British dairy farm of a mutant strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli which causes life-threatening cases of food poisoning, including hemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
The bug, known as E. coli O26 is a vera-toxin producing E. coli (VTEC), similar to the infamous E. coli O157. According to the Soil Association, what makes the discovery of this variant so significant is that this is the first time in the UK, and only the third time in the world, that VTEC E. coli has been found with an enhanced type of antibiotic resistance known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), which makes it resistant to almost all antibiotics. ESBL resistance has previously been found on 57 UK farms, but until now only in strains of E. coli that cause urinary tract infections and blood poisoning.Although antibiotics are not recommended for the treatment of VTEC E. coli, scientists warn that the emergence of resistance is undesirable because these resistant bacteria are encouraged every time certain antibiotics are used, resulting in increased spread and greater risk of contaminated food products. On non-organic dairy farms, cows are routinely given antibiotics at the end of their lactation to prevent mastitis. In addition, milk from cows given antibiotics for treatment, or prevention, is often fed to calves when it contains residues and cannot be sold. However, because ESBL E. coliO26 is resistant to all the antibiotics used in ‘dry cow therapy' and many of those used for treatment, the high use of antibiotics on dairy farms will promote the rapid spread of these dangerous bacteria.Soil Association Policy Adviser, Richard Young said: "This is one of the most worrying developments in the continuing rise of ESBL E. coli. Today is the first European Antibiotics Awareness Day, but there is a distinct lack of awareness that the continuing high use of antibiotics in farming is contributing to the increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in humans."The Government often calls on doctors to prescribe antibiotics less often. But similar advice needs to be given to veterinary surgeons and farmers. Half of all antibiotics are given to animals, and there is mounting evidence that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in farm animals pass to humans. If we want antibiotics to save lives in the future as they have done in the past then the Government must provide specific recommendations based on scientific advice, and vets need to pull together with doctors to limit the use of problematic drugs."
Virbac Animal Health is offering practices an educational shampoo and skin care pack for pet owners.
The pack is free to practices that buy any 12 shampoos from the Virbac range. In return the practice will receive a range of educational and point of sale materials, including a counter display unit and 'give away' hand sanitisers. Each practice also receives 2 free shampoos and a bottle of either Humilac or Dermacool FOC.
According to the company, the idea behind the initiative is to help pet owners understand the importance of bathing their pets, and of correct product selection.
Product manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "We also hope that it will assist vets and VNs to easily identify the correct product for every type of skin.
"The colour-coordinated packaging and literature contains easy-to-follow advice for pet owners and vet staff. And with all the extra items, we believe the promotion is great value for money."
Chris also believes the pack will help pet owners to understand the importance of regular and correct bathing: "Many owners just accept that their pet smells, without realising that this shouldn't be the case. This is the 'doggy' smell that many owners accept as normal."
"Also, many owners who do bathe their pets use soaps or shampoos from their own bathroom, not knowing that these are totally unsuitable for animals. Hopefully this promotion will help pet owners understand why it is important to use specifically formulated products for their pet."
The promotion runs until the end of July. Those interested in the pack please contact your Virbac territory manager or call the company on 01359 243243.
Bayer Animal Health has launched a new version of Drontal which is presented as a bone-shaped tablet.
The company says that this is the UK's first worming tablet shaped like a bone, and that the product is designed to help improve client compliance.
Dan White, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "Almost half of dog owners - surveyed prior to launch - indicated that new Drontal bone would encourage them to worm their dogs more routinely. This is clearly great news for practices especially during these difficult economic times.
The launch of Drontal bone will be supported by a marketing drive that includes a new advertising creative concept which will be featured as part of a national TV advertising campaign, and an online consumer-facing competition called Give Your Dog A Bone designed to engage further with dog owners and communicate the benefits of having a worm-free dog.
Dan added: "The online and supporting consumer PR campaign will bring to life the special bond between pet and owner, and celebrate the happiness that dogs bring to our lives when they are happy, healthy and worm-free."
Practices can request a practice support pack to promote the availability of Drontal bone which will include a notice board picture-pack aimed at dog owning clients by calling their Bayer Territory Manager or 01635 563380.
The Give Your Dog a Bone competition and PR campaign has been devised by leading healthcare communications agency Pegasus. The new 'bone-shaped' TV and print creative has been developed by the recently-appointed advertising agency Dinosaur and will launch in early 2012.
Drontal's Give Your Dog a Bone competition will be launched on 1st March 2012 at www.giveyourdogabone.co.uk.
The small animal and business meeting takes place on the 2nd and 3rd October. The farm and business national meeting is on the 18th and 19th September, and the equine and business meeting is on the 9th and 10th October.
The small animal meeting will also cover other topics such as the art of conversations to dentistry, while the farm meeting will focus on team working, competitive advantage, genomics and mental resilience.
All three events include a team-based activity and a social evening which offers the chance to network and exchange experiences and ideas.
Susan Goodfellow, the Chief Marketing Officer at XLVets said: "It's fine to know what we do but to actually experience it as part of our community is quite different. We know that talking to members and being part of a group of individuals that come together to determine their own future is the best way for veterinary professionals to see what's possible and how we strive for excellence together."
XLVets is also encouraging anyone who is thinking about starting their own practice to attend the events; the company has a number of programmes designed to support prospective owners with things like finding funding, identifying the right financial set up, and acquiring the skills needed to lead a team effectively.
Susan says many vets have a strong entrepreneurial mindset but lack support or know-how to allow them to take the first step to ownership: "Locum roles and mobile set ups are often stepping stones to practice ownership but the barriers can seem significant, not to mention any personal reservations people might have about all it entails. Support from like-minded colleagues who can openly share their experiences can help to make it seem possible, desirable and achievable."
Veterinary professionals wishing to attend one of the meetings should contact Colm McGinn, Chief of Implementation, in confidence, at colm.mcginn@xlvets.co.uk or call 01228 711788.
The programme, which starts in July, will cover a range of different exotic species, from initial examination and diagnostic sample collection to anaesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. It will also cover the workup and treatment of common diseases seen in these species.
Delegates can opt to attend three practical attendance modules which will cover small mammal surgery, avian surgery and endoscopy.
Course Director Simon Girling BVMS (Hons) DZooMed, DipECZM (ZHM), CBiol, FRSB, EurProBiol, FRCVS RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicines, said: “Exotic Animal medicine is a rapidly changing discipline with new information and a greater understanding of individual species' needs growing with each passing day. The programme aims to give the delegate an in-depth view of the current best practice in exotic animal medicine and surgery and is directly relevant to the day-to-day work of the veterinary surgeon in clinical practice.
“Our expert Module Tutors, including Charly Pignon DVM Dipl. ECZM, Richard A Saunders BSc (Hons) BVSc FRSB CBiol DZooMed (Mammalian) DipECZM (ZHM) MRCVS RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian) European Specialist in Zoological Medicine (ZHM) and Stephen Divers BVetMed, DZooMed, DECZM(Herp) DECZM(ZHM) DACZM FRCVS, will provide support during every module.”
David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, added: “We know that the prospect of treating exotic patients can fill veterinary surgeons with dread. Taking this course will increase their confidence by building their knowledge of the fundamentals of exotic animal medicine and surgery. In doing so, they will also be able to take more informed clinical approach to treating these patients.”
The programme offers a route to achieve academic qualifications - the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), in partnership with ISVPS and Harper Adams University. Gaining a PgC enables delegates to apply to the RCVS for Advanced Practitioner Status in the subject.
For further information and to register interest visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/exotic-animal-practice-distance-learning/
You can also watch a video in which Simon Girling introduces the course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NoRy4ZK5Dw
A study published in the Veterinary Record has shown that Plerion, the broad-spectrum anthelmintic combination preparation for dogs (5 mg pyrantel + 20 mg oxantel + 5 mg praziquantel per kg body weight) is an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment against all important endoparasites, according to manufacturers Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health.
In addition, because Plerion is formulated as a flavored chewable tablet, the product was readily consumed by the vast majority of dogs.
Although the product has been on the market in the UK since last year, this is the first time that the evidence for its efficacy has been published in the public domain.
Linda Horspool BVMS, PhD, DipECVPT, MRCVS, Global Technical Director Companion Animal Pharmaceuticals at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "Pyrantel, oxantel and praziquantel, the active ingredients of Plerion, are well-established anthelmintics, having been used successfully in humans and animals for decades. The combination of these ingredients in one preparation offers the possibility to eliminate relevant parasites from most dogs in a single treatment. Moreover, the good palatability of the flavored chewable tablets makes Plerion easy to give and helps owners to remember to treat their dogs regularly which contributes to adequate deworming".
The efficacy, safety and palatability of a single-dose treatment with Plerion were assessed after experimental as well as natural infection with common helminths such as whipworms, tapeworms and roundworms. In five controlled studies (48 treated dogs/49 untreated dogs) and three field studies (30 treated dogs), a total of 127 animals were included. In all comparisons, Plerion-treated dogs had statistically significantly lower worm counts than untreated dogs. Moreover, in treated dogs efficacy against whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) was more than 99 percent after experimental infection and 100 percent after natural infection. For roundworms (Toxocara canis), the corresponding figures were 94 and 100 percent, respectively. For tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus), the efficacy was more than 99 percent after experimental infection.
The preparation was well-tolerated, evidenced by the finding that treatment of dogs with doses up to 6 times the recommended dose or twice the recommended dose on 3 consecutive days did not result in adverse changes in blood parameters, clinical findings or behavior.
In client-owned dogs, Plerion was readily consumed as demonstrated by the fact that 88 percent of dogs spontaneously accepted the tablet. The proportion of spontaneous acceptance appeared higher than the 78 percent that was obtained with another commercially available flavored reference preparation containing pyrantel, febantel and praziquantel.
Worm infestations in dogs are important parasites in terms of prevalence, pathogenicity and, occasionally, zoonotic impact. Therefore, the European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) has re-emphasized in its 2010 guideline update titled "Worm Control in Dogs and Cats" that veterinarians and pet owners (1) must take measures to protect pets from parasitic infestations, (2) protect the pet population from risks associated with travel and its consequent potential to change local parasite epidemiological situations through the export or import of non-endemic parasite species, and (3) should work together to reduce the risks associated with zoonotic transmission of parasitic diseases.
*ReferenceSchmid K, Rohdich N, Zschiesche E, Kok DJ, Allan MJ. Efficacy, safety and palatability of a new broad-spectrum anthelmintic formulation in dogs. Veterinary Record 2010;167:647-651
The GPAdvCert is aimed at European veterinary professionals who want to advance their knowledge and practical skills in small animal orthopaedics.
Accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University, the programme is delivered over 15 modules at three venues including TrecchiLAB, a new international practical education centre in Cremona.
John Douglass from Improve said: "We were delighted to welcome delegates to our highest-level surgery syllabus under the expert tutelage of European Specialists Dr Bruno Peirone, Dr Lisa Piras, Dr Aldo Vezzoni, Dr Ulrike Matis, Dr Hugo Schmoekel and Dr Ditte Skytte and using the fantastic facilities at TrecchiLAB. This is the first programme we have run in partnership with the Italian Companion Animal Veterinary Association (SCIVAC) and is a milestone for us as we celebrate our 20th year in business.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming the delegates back for their second module in June in Madrid, Spain, and at our new practical facility in Sheffield in October."
Kerrie was inspired in this by the results of her MBA dissertation, which looked at both enablers and barriers to leadership experienced by veterinary women and found that when it comes to partnership, women were much more likely to wait to be asked, rather than actively discussing the likelihood with the current practice partners.
Kerrie said: "The 29th of February was historically a time when it was acceptable for women to propose marriage. That's obviously a really outdated concept but we think it presents a great opportunity to encourage women in the profession to change their mindset and actively ask their boss if a partnership is a possibility either now or in the near future.
"It's the sort of proposal that will have a big impact on their future and we'd love to see more women take the driving seat and steer their own destiny. The message is: you don't have to wait to be asked - use the 29th as your excuse to pop the question!"
Kerrie's research also identified that enablers for female practice ownership included identifying as a leader at an early stage in a veterinary career, having parents who were business owners and being perceived to have more assertive or dominant personality traits.
However, Kerrie said: "While those are the factors that have helped women become leaders in the past, it doesn't mean our leaders of tomorrow have to meet those criteria and during my focus groups I found many women in the profession had a tremendous desire to lead, grow and inspire. We're looking within XLVets at ways we can remove barriers for women and increase access to leadership at every level, including supporting new start-up practices.
"We hope on the 29th February there will also be practice partners out there who might wonder why ‘she's never asked' and use this as an opportunity to talk about forming a lasting partnership. It's 2020 and there's no need for anyone to be shy about starting this important conversation."
Phovia is a two-part FLE system consisting of a chromophore gel that is applied to the affected skin and a blue light LED lamp.
When used together they produce light of varying wavelengths that penetrates the skin to different depths, which Vetoquinol says helps to control bacteria and reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin and stimulates regeneration in the epidermal and dermal layers.
The unit is portable, and applications take four minutes once a week.
After diagnosis and subsequent recommendation by a veterinary surgeon, any trained member of the clinical team can use Phovia.
For the study, which was led by Dr. Andrea Marchegiani, nine female dogs that had undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomy for mammary neoplasia had half their wounds treated with FLE, whilst the other half served as the control and received no FLE.
To assess the potential benefits of FLE in reducing infection risk, swabs were taken for culture and sensitivity three, five and seven days after surgery.
The swabs from all FLE-managed wound portions showed no bacterial growth, in contrast to the control wounds, in which three dogs had positive culture results.
Andrea said: “For many reasons healing of surgical wounds can become challenging, especially after removal of mammary gland lumps.
"Veterinary clinicians have to face the three-fold challenge of meeting owner expectations of prompt and trouble-free wound healing, recognising those wounds in which healing may be prolonged or impaired and also following the principles of antibiotic stewardship.”
The study concluded that the research underscores the value of Phovia as a significant adjunct to conventional postoperative care in veterinary medicine, offering the dual benefits of reducing potential infection risks and lessening the home care burden for pet owners.
FLE’s application could potentially replace certain topical treatments and improve overall compliance by simplifying the administration of home therapies, thereby relieving pet owners of some responsibilities associated with postoperative care.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/8/1250
Reference
The speakers include Aldo Vezzoni, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Peter Southerden, a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry, orthopaedic specialist Daniel Lewis, veterinary physiotherapist Barbara Houlding, neurosurgeon Fred Wininger, Gary England, Professor of Comparative Veterinary Reproduction at Nottingham University, Rob Lowe, the ophthalmologist, Nick Bacon, Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and Rachel Lumbis, a lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at the Royal Veterinary College, and, of course, Noel Fitzpatrick himself.
Dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, endoscopy and hepatobiliary disease have all been added to this year's education streams, together with a new ‘Top Tips’ stream, offering practical advice for immediate use in clinical practice.
In total, Vet Festival will have 18 separate education streams covering small animal clinical topics with dedicated nursing and rehabilitation content a key component of the programme.
The integration of veterinary professionals is a fundamental theme of the festival so, in the rehabilitation stream, surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists and hydrotherapists will offer perspectives in tandem.
Over the weekend, 135 lectures will be offered to suit those at every level of clinical practice. Delegates will collect 14 hours of CPD over the two days.
Also new in 2020 is the introduction of a ‘Wellness and development for you and your practice’ theatre, with speakers from both within and outside the profession, including paralympic champion Rachel Morris MBE, psychotherapist Di Gammage and mindfulness leadership specialist, Natalie Pennicotte-Collier. Various wellbeing activities, such as yoga, movement, fitness and mindfulness, will take place alongside the lectures.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Clinical Chair at Fitzpatrick Referrals, who launched Vet Festival in 2015, said: "Outdoor festivals bring joy to the soul and I have always wanted education and continuing professional development to feel uplifting, inclusive and life-enhancing, both professionally and from a personal wellness perspective. That’s what VetFest is all about – food for the mind, body and soul."
Nicole Cooper, VET Festival Event Director, added: “For veterinary professionals keen to learn about the latest thinking and developments in small animal veterinary medicine, Vet Festival is simply unmissable. The breadth of content on offer and the quality of our speakers increases every year but what really sets VET Festival apart is the opportunity it offers for delegates to learn in a relaxed, fun environment.
Tickets for VET Festival can be purchased here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information
Ceva says CLAS vials are proven to be easy to use, practical and eco-friendly and are preferred by 99% of farmers on farm1. They have 33% less impact on the environment from cradle to grave than glass2 and are robust and shock resistant3 for fewer breakages and losses. They are made from a lightweight material to make the vials easier to be transported and handled4 and have an ergonomic ‘grip groove’ for easier handing5.
Peter Keyte, ruminant business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "Ceva’s CLAS vials are hugely popular with both vets and farmers due to their practicality, ease of use and environmental credentials.
“We are therefore delighted that Ketofen has joined the extensive range of livestock injectables available in CLAS.”
For further information contact your local Ceva territory manager, call Ceva on 01494 781510 or email cevauk@ceva.com.
References
Zoetis says the new product is designed to stimulate both cell-mediated and antibody-based immunity, providing a broad immune response that mimics a natural infection.
The company says CircoMax Myco has demonstrated robust performance in field conditions, delivering improvements in average daily gain (ADG) and close-out weights versus negative controls, helping producers get more kilograms of pork to market.
CircoMax Myco comes in a ready to use single-dose combination with a duration of immunity (DOI) of 23 weeks against both PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae.
Alvaro Aldaz, Director, Global Commercial Development, Swine, Zoetis, said: “The swine industry needs to adapt to evolving challenges and our research has consistently demonstrated that with its unique technology CircoMax Myco offers robust protection against PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae.
"It also shows that this new product offers the best chance at protection against continuously evolving PCV2 genotypes – providing a broader umbrella for pig health and productivity.
"Analysis of new European PCV2 strains isolated in multiple countries confirm that CircoMax Myco offers broader coverage than competitor vaccines based on PCV2a only.”
Alison has been an active member of the BSAVA since graduating from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in 1991.
She works in small animal practice and has completed a residency in feline medicine at Liverpool University’s School of Veterinary Science, as well as a PhD in canine Bordetella bronchiseptica.
She has also spent two years working in industry.
Sheldon will stay on to support the BSAVA as Senior Vice President.
Alison says her priorities for her time in office are to develop more innovative materials across the Association's Education, Congress, and Publications arms, to beef up the digital offering, and to focus on mental heath and wellbeing in the profession.
Alison said: "I’ve been a passionate member of the BSAVA throughout my career and a volunteer for almost as long.
"As a working vet, I know first-hand the value of being part of a professional community: the importance of shared values, educational opportunities, and support shouldn’t be underestimated.
"We must remain focussed on the day-to-day challenges veterinary teams face, respond appropriately and at pace, and continue to explore new and effective ways to support our members.”
MSD says that no other UK-licensed BRD vaccine can be administered earlier in life and that the onset of immunity for BRSV is 6 days (for calves vaccinated from the day of birth onwards) and 5 days (for calves vaccinated from the age of one week onwards).
Onset of immunity for Pi3V is one week after vaccination. The duration of immunity is 12 weeks for both viruses.
From a practical standpoint, the new license means Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live can now be used on farm at the same time as other early life interventions associated with newborn calves – for example, colostrum/first milk feeding, navel management, tagging, jacketing and necessary pen movements.
Additionally, Bovilis Intranasal RSP Live can be used up to six hours after mixing with the solvent, which MSD says is the longest of all the available intranasal vaccines for these pathogens.
The vaccine is supplied as a nasal suspension product that doesn’t need a specific applicator – although for maximum flexibility an easy-clean injector and nozzle kit is available for vaccinating multiple animals.
The vaccine is available in 5x1 dose, 5 dose and 5x5 dose packs.
Overall, there has been a 17% decline in Kennel Club registrations of all dogs so far this year.
However, new registrations of Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs have declined by 42%, 39% and 34% respectively, putting these three breeds into the list of 'top five fallers' this year.
The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), which is made up of vets, national animal welfare organisations, scientists, and dog breed clubs has welcomed the news.
Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG said: “The drop in puppy registrations for these flat-faced breeds is a welcome step in the right direction, although these should be seen with some caution.
“We hope this is a sign that more and more puppy buyers, owners and breeders are considering the serious health and welfare implications for flat-faced dogs.
ukbwg.org.uk
Merial is offering four free tubes of Eqvalan Duo to practices that buy 20 tubes in February and March. In addition, to further boost the targeted worming message, Merial will supply 20 free worm egg count vouchers worth £10 each.
Eqvalan Product Manager Claire Edmunds said: "Last year's campaign was so well received by both practices and clients that we have decided to run it again and are hoping for even better results!
"The personalised online planner, worm egg count offer and new eye-catching point of sale all help you to engage your clients in a targeted worming strategy.
For those practices with their own, in-house worm egg count testing facilities, Merial is also offering promotional support to help encourage increased uptake and client buy-in. The campaign forms part of Merial's promotion and education strategy for 2011, which includes extensive VN SQP CPD training opportunities.
To find out more contact your local Area Manager or call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 601 4236
The new distribution service uses Invatech's Patient Medication Record (PMR) system, called Titan, which was accredited by the NHS a little over a year ago. Titan has now been developed further to support the company's Home Pharmacy service, and integrate with MWI.
The company says the new system offers practices a seamless workflow between prescribing, dispensing and logistics systems.
Tariq Muhammad, CEO of Invatech Health, said: "“The use of PMR systems for the veterinary market has been very light touch until now. Knowing that that we can bring the same level of efficiency and workflow to a new market presents an opportunity to support animal health in the same way that we do for human health."
Alan White, Commercial Director at MWI Animal Health, said: “The Covid pandemic has presented many challenges to veterinary professionals in the UK. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures make it difficult for animal owners to collect the medications and treatments they need from veterinary practices.”
“We are excited to be able to work with Invatech to provide an innovative solution to this problem, where vets can send the medications needed directly to their client. Working in partnership with veterinary practices and Invatech means we can move animal health forward together.”
For more information, visit: https://www.invatechhealth.com/
The Action Plan presents what the College is doing to tackle the issue and explains how collaboration, culture change, career development and leadership, among other things, could help with workforce shortages by improving retention of current members of the professions, encouraging more people to join, and making it easier for those who have left the professions to return.
The report lists seven main areas to be addressed:
The full list of actions, with context about what has fed into ambitions, can be found in the Action Plan which is downloadable at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications.
Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS, Junior Vice-President and Chair of the RCVS Advancement of the Professions Committee, said: “This is a very complex, broad and multi-faceted area of concern so the Action Plan has been a long time in the making to ensure that we adequately capture what needs doing and how, in order to enable us to work collaboratively with all veterinary organisations going forward.
"This is not a finished list, but gives all within the veterinary sector the ability to look at the key areas of work that need to be done and prioritise the ones that most suit their organisational needs."
TVM says DogStem, which is currently the only UK/EU-licensed stem cell treatment for this condition, is clinically proven to reduce pain and lameness while improving mobility and quality of life for dogs over one year.
The training materials include downloadable teaching guides and two videos fronted by Dr Russell Chandler BVSc CertSAO MSc(OrthoEng) MRCVS, an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics (pictured).
The videos are designed to help GP vets become more confident about performing intra-articular injections in the hip and elbow, sharing principles and techniques which are also useful for performing arthrocentesis.
Specifically, the videos show the precise procedures, in both elbow and hip, for accessing joint spaces, confirming accurate placement by the appearance of synovial fluid and injecting DogStem.
The training guides offer supporting diagrams and explanations of the approaches to each joint.
Russell, who works at Alphavet Referrals in Newport, Gwent said: “We are proud to have been involved in the production of these training videos, which will support veterinary clinicians everywhere in providing pioneering stem cell treatment to improve the quality of life of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.
“We have been using mesenchymal stem cell therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis, as part of a multimodal approach, for many years.
"The availability of an off-the-shelf stem cell product, namely DogStem, for the first time promises to greatly widen the applicability of stem cell therapy to these kinds of patients in veterinary practices.
“The early responses to treatment that we have seen with DogStem have been very encouraging.
"I look forward to following up these cases as they progress through their osteoarthritis journey.
"DogStem is simple to administer, once you have the skills to inject joints, and the support from the UK suppliers, TVM, has been excellent."
https://dogstem.co.uk/resources
CEVA Animal Health has extended its range of injectable anti-infectives with Florkem, a Florfenicol-based antimicrobial for the treatment of respiratory tract infections in cattle and pigs.
According to the company, Florfenicol shows a strong in vitro bactericidal activity against the most common respiratory tract pathogenic bacteria and can be used as a time or dose-dependent bactericidal depending on the target. It also offers very good diffusion in most tissues for an efficient response.
CEVA says Florkem® is very convenient to use: a specifically developed formulation provides for better syringeability, in both warm and cool temperatures, making administration quicker and easier. It is presented in an ergonomic CLAS vial, which is shock resistant, light and easy to handle in the field. This means fewer breakages, which can reduce costs while maintaining efficacy.
For further product information contact CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/
The first is the introduction of Specialist training and status for general practitioners in primary care, for which the RCVS project will now develop a new five-year curriculum and an implementation plan.
The RCVS will also be looking closer at the definition of veterinary clinical roles and developing guidance for the profession and wider public on the different clinical career statuses available to veterinary surgeons.
Thirdly, the College will identify different ways in which vets can access the teaching and learning opportunities, clinical experience/cases, supervision and support that is required for them to complete specialist training and obtain RCVS Specialist status.
This will include looking at how access to specialist training can be widened beyond the typical internship/residency model, to include training models more accessible from primary care practice, and for those at different career and life stages.
Kate Richards MRCVS, Chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “These exciting and progressive proposals are visionary as far as the career and development structure of the veterinary clinical profession is concerned.
“It means there will be new prospects for those in general practice and those who want to achieve Specialist status by different means, as well as a more defined career structure for the profession that will be clearer to the profession and general public alike.
"With around 75-80% of veterinary professionals working in clinical practice this project will deliver a substantial positive impact.
“These are the early pages of a very exciting new chapter for veterinary clinical careers, and we will be asking for your help to write it, as we will be holding a number of consultations in the coming years, including on the programme for Specialist in Primary Care and the definition of clinical roles.
RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS added: “There are two aspects of the project that I particularly welcome.
"First is the impact this could have on both recruitment and retention as vets are offered additional, and more diversified, career options and expanded roles in a variety of clinical settings.
"Second, as a specialist dermatologist myself, I really value the fact that we will be looking at ways to widen participation and increase accessibility to specialist training from primary care practice, as the residency/internship route is very intensive and not necessarily suitable for everyone.
A similar process to develop and enhance clinical career pathways for veterinary nurses is now also being considered, this would include the development of an ‘Advanced Veterinary Nurse’ status and clearer information on the veterinary nursing role and what it entails.
Colivet® solution, one of CEVA Animal Health’s range of 3 soluble antimicrobials for pigs has been renamed Coliscour®.
Phil McGuire, CEVA’s business unit manager, explains the reasoning behind the name change: “We simply felt that the easiest way to avoid confusion between our product and a totally different non-prescription product of a similar name was to give ours a new name that also reflects its use, hence Coliscour®.”
The webinar, titled: ‘When the coughing won’t stop…. what to do when standard BRD treatment protocols aren’t getting to the bottom of it’, aims help vets manage complex outbreaks that happen despite best practice management and treatment protocols.
The full programme includes:
The event is being held live so you can submit questions to the speakers, but the session will be recorded, so it can be watched again later.
Attendees will receive a certificate for one hour of CPD and the link to the recorded webinar.
To register, email the event team by 27 November 2020 at brdwebinar-group@ceva.com. In the email, please give your name and the email address to which you would like the registration link sent.