Mandisa qualified from the Royal (Dick) Vet School in Edinburgh in 2008 and has since spent much of her career working in emergency and critical care.
She served as the first black president of the RCVS in 2020/21 and has also worked for Harper Adams University as a lecturer in veterinary sciences.
Mandisa will replace Laura Playforth, who is joining IVC Evidensia as group QI director, on the Vets Now board.
She said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Vets Now family at such an interesting and challenging time for the veterinary professions.
“I look forward to working together through innovative approaches to ensure our teams continue to deliver the highest standards of clinical care and client services.”
Supreme Petfoods has launched the VetCarePlus range of Monoforage® diets for rabbits.
According to the company, the new range represents an entirely new generation of rabbit food, made possible because of a breakthrough in production technology.
The big advance is the level of fibre within a mono-component style diet: 28%-34% across the range, along with the inclusion - uniquely - of essential long fibre particles. Supreme says the result is a less dense food that is beneficial for a rabbit's sensitive digestion system, with the added benefit of extending the feeding time, which is good for dental wear.
The company also says VetCarePlus performs exceptionally well in palatability tests and that it's been widely welcomed throughout the rabbit welfare community. Molly Varga BVetMed DZooMed MRCVS said: "This is exactly what convalescing rabbits need, an excellent level of fibre with no chance of selective feeding plus a good slow chew rate".
The range comprises three specific formulas for Weight Management, Urinary Tract Health and Digestive Health.
Supreme says feedback on samples sent to welfare organisations, veterinary schools and practicing vets so far has been very positive. Vets are delighted with the simplicity of the products, and have welcomed the way Monoforage encapsulates all the benefits of hay, with minimal processing compared to other diets.
Molly Varga added: "All the benefits of hay are preserved while this diet gives more volume of fibre per measurement of food than I have seen before, without increasing the weight (and therefore energy) components". VetCarePlus delivers the maximum possible crude fibre and long fibre content available to date.
Claire Hamblion, Marketing Manager for VetCarePlus said: "Supreme Petfoods feels that VetCarePlus is pushing forward the boundaries on specialist diets for rabbits. Monoforage provides completely unique levels of fibre and we're delighted that all the feedback we have received from a wide range of experts has been exceptionally enthusiastic and welcoming".
For more information on how to stock VetCarePlus products contact Supreme Petfoods at sales@supremepetfoods.com or visit http://www.supremeprofessional.com/
Francisco says he decided to launch the podcast after watching how the bond between society and veterinary professionals has been eroded in recent years, with vets increasingly being portrayed as money-grabbers and uncaring in the press.
The aim of the podcast is to show the human behind the surgical mask; that veterinary professionals have the same feelings, motivations, worries and passions as anyone else.
Francisco said: "For those who aren’t part of the veterinary community, I hope to open a window into who we are, so they can better understand what drives our behaviours, decisions and compassion. And for those who are, I hope to make them feel that they’re not alone."
More Than Just a Vet is open for everyone to listen to directly from the website morethanjustavet.net, where you can subscribe to be alerted when there's a new release. The podcast is also available on all major podcast providers.
Dr Guillaume Leblond, an American specialist in veterinary neurology at NDSR said: “Traditionally, bone cement has been used to provide support and stabilisation when treating veterinary spinal instability cases.
“Polyaxial pedicle screws have proven a very reliable and efficient way of treating such spinal problems in human medicine.
“These special screws can be inserted in the vertebrae and connected to strong metal rods instead of bone cement and we’re now very excited to be offering this new service to our patients.
“The main advantage to this cutting-edge procedure is its flexibility.
"Once cement is set in place it is obviously very hard to move, manipulate or remove should you need to adjust or correct.
“With the metal rod and screw system, it is more adaptable and you can adjust it far more easily and quickly.
“It may also be less prone to infection compared to cement, which has been known to harbour bacteria sometimes causing infections several years after the surgery.
"Another hope we have for this system is that it will be less prone to failure compared to cement, especially on extended stabilisation constructs.
Guillaume added: “The neurology team at NDSR has been training in applying this new system as soon as it became available and we have already used it to treat two dogs, both of them having surgery on the same day.
“One was a golden retriever treated by my colleagues Rodolfo Cappello (head of neurology) and Natalie West (neurology resident), and the other was a whippet under my care.
"They were two very different sizes of dog but both operations went well.
“We are grateful to OrthomedTM, the company manufacturing the stabilization system, provided all necessary details to plan the surgeries as precisely as possible.
“We also collaborated with Vet3DTM to create patient specific 3D printed guides to ensure the precise placement of screws and it proved a great solution in both cases.”
“Admittedly, it is still early days for the introduction of this new spinal stabilisation system but we are optimistic it will prove a significant advancement in treating many spinal problems.”
www.ndsr.co.uk
Petplan has announced that it has won a formal tender to become the chosen pet insurance provider for Vets4Pets and Companion Care, as part of a five year deal to provide cover for over 250 practices.
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "As the leader in the pet insurance market for over 36 years, we have a rich history of working with veterinary practices across the UK and it is fantastic to see our unrivalled support recognised as part of a formal tender process. This partnership demonstrates our passion for working with and supporting the veterinary profession.
"We are delighted to be Vets4Pets and Companion Care's chosen pet insurance provider and look forward to working together to help give even more pets access to quality insurance cover and an excellent claims experience."
Companion Care Commercial Director Andrei Balta said: "Like Petplan, we put pet welfare and owner's peace of mind first. Through the development of the tender process, it was clear that Petplan offers not only a world class service for pet owners, but our businesses share similar values and a deep respect for the industry."
Vet Direct says the unit, which is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of anaemia in dogs, cats and horses, requires only a simple ear-prick test to deliver a result.
Leon Wright, managing director at Vet Direct, said: "The AniPoc device eliminates the need to draw blood with a syringe, a simple pin prick is enough, and is perfect for both veterinary practices and home visits.
"The speed and accuracy of the product means that it is better equipped to monitor animals undergoing anaesthesia or transfusions, and can be used to effectively screen animals taking part in Pet Blood Banks and mobile clinics."
Vet Direct says the AniPoc also delivers results much faster than a centrifuge and doesn’t require any time to be spent in the lab; a process which can take 10-20 minutes to get a result - by which time they are often out-of-date in critical cases.
The AniPoc Handheld Monitor and Starter Kit is available from Vet Direct for £250.
For more information, visit www.vet-direct.com or call 0800 068 3300.
The Livestock Adviser of the Year Award recognises those who have made a real difference to the operations of livestock farmers.
Julian focuses on dairy cow health and his particular interests include nutrition and benchmarking herd performance. Amongst other things, he has helped one large Dorset dairy farm reduce its antibiotic usage by two thirds over an eight year period.
Julian said: "I was honoured to be named Livestock Adviser of the Year. This work is my passion – I love working together with farmers, getting involved in all aspects of herd management and thinking through different options to improve herd health and productivity."
Runners up for the award were Phil Baynes, Managing Director of Baynes Nutrition, and Ed Hill, veterinary surgeon at Thrums Veterinary Group.
Friars Moor, Baynes Nutrition and Thrums Veterinary Group are all members of the XLVets community of independent veterinary practices.
Alice Renner, Farm Marketing Executive of XLVets, said: "We were so pleased to hear of these awards going to such hard-working and deserving people. And it’s a great accolade for our members – reflecting how XLVets practices strive for clinical excellence and really get invested in the success of their clients."
Merial has highlighted two new studies which the company says demonstrates the efficacy and safety of its canine NSAID, Previcox.
In the first study, Lecoindre and Pepin evaluated the beneficial effects of once daily administration of 5mg/kg Previcox to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) for 90 days. According to the company, response to treatment was excellent, with significant improvements observed in lameness scores, pain on manipulation of the affected joint and range of motion. Of particular note was the fact that the degree of improvement increased with duration of treatment, clearly demonstrating the benefits of longer term treatment. These results support the findings of a recent review of the safety and efficacy of long-term NSAID use in dogs with OA. The product's safety profile was also evaluated by means of biochemistry and haematology assessments. In addition, regular gastroscopic examinations were used to directly visualise the effect of treatment on the gastric mucosa. These safety assessments demonstrated that Previcox therapy was well tolerated, with no significant treatment related changes seen on biochemistry or gastroscopy, despite the fact that this was a geriatric population which included a number of dogs with a prior history of gastrointestinal tract disease.
Merials says the findings from a different study by Joubert, published in the South African Veterinary Journal, provide further confirmation of the beneficial effects of 90 days Previcox treatment in a geriatric population of dogs.
Commenting on the results of the two studies, Kevin Whelan, Merial's Veterinary Technical Manager said: "The outcome from these studies provide further evidence for the benefits of long term use of Previcox in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. There is relatively little published information available on the use of NSAIDs in older dogs, and these results confirm that Previcox is well tolerated in this group of patients."
For further information about Previcox, please contact your local Territory Manager or call 0870 6000 123.
References:
Pfizer Animal Health has launched Poulvac, the first modified live vaccine against E.coli in chickens.
The company claims that the vaccine, which can be used from one day of age, is set to bring major benefits in safeguarding the health of broilers, pullets for egg laying and breeding stock.
According to Pfizer, E.coli is one of the most significant bacterial pathogens found in chicks during the first week, leading to problems throughout the life of a flock including inferior performance, lack of uniformity and increased mortality. It is a costly, widespread problem for the UK poultry industry.
The vaccine was developed from research beginning in the 1990s at the Government's veterinary laboratories at Weybridge (now AHVLA) in the UK, employing genome technology to produce an avirulent strain of E.coli that induces protective immunity to the pathogenic strains of the bacteria.
The vaccine is completely non-pathogenic, and does not persist in the bird or the environment for any significant period of time. A gene deletion in its development restricts in vivo replication and leaves behind activated macrophages ready to respond to pathogenic E.coli strains.
Dr Stuart Andrews, poultry technical manager of Pfizer in the UK and Ireland said: "Poulvac E. coli provides broad cross protection against the key serotypes of E. coli infecting chickens. It is the only modified live, nonreactive vaccine proven to meet the European regulatory requirements for efficacy and safety.
"Trials have confirmed that Poulvac E.coli does not persist in the bird and proves to be self-limiting. The vaccine can survive in the environment for only a short time, and spread to in-contact birds is also limited."
The vaccine is administered as a coarse spray with onset of immunity 14 days afterwards and duration of immunity for up to 12 weeks. It can be used from day-old up to six weeks before the onset of lay, and has a nil day withdrawal period.
In the USA where Poulvac E coli has been available for six years field experience has shown the considerable benefits. In the Midwest where average layer mortality at 50 weeks of age was 2.31 per cent, this was reduced to 1.51 per cent with three doses of the vaccine*. In Eastern USA flock mortality compared with five previous flocks was reduced from over three per cent to one per cent.
A field trial in the USA with more than 300,000 broiler breeders vaccination before lay reduced mortality from 2.8 to 1.9 per cent - with only two out of 28 flocks needing antibiotic treatment compared with 13 of the 28 unvaccinated flocks.
On a broiler field trial in Georgia over four million birds were vaccinated with Poulvac E. coli at hatch. The vaccinated birds had a better feed conversion (1.79 against 1.84 for the controls) and with condemnations at the processing plant down from 1.22 to 0.73 per cent the result was a lower production cost of 0.51¢ per lb.
In another broiler trial covering more than two million birds in Arkansas livability was improved from 95.20 to 95.77 per cent and feed conversion improved from 1.95 to 1.90, gaining 0.45¢ per lb.
* Pfizer says it is important to note that in these studies carried out in the USA more than one dose of the vaccine was often administered. A single vaccination is licensed in the Summary of Product Characteristics however, where clinical disease requires and at the discretion of a veterinary surgeon, the vaccination schedule may be re-started as there is no contra-indication on the SPC.
Animalcare says hydrocortisone aceponate is a potent, topical anti-inflammatory, proven to quickly relieve itchy and inflamed skin in dogs.
The new product is applied as a spray, designed to make it easy to target affected areas of skin.
Hydrocortisone Cutaneous Spray Solution is presented in a 76 ml size with a two-year shelf life, six months once opened.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: “Skin problems are extremely common in dogs.
"They can often cause great discomfort to dogs and concern to their owners.
"We believe that Hydrocortisone Cutaneous Spray Solution will be a useful addition to the range of treatment options currently available to vets as they consider the most appropriate care plan for their patients.”
The RSPCA reports that it has saved nearly 400 animals from flooding, including 40 fish, in the last 3 days alone.
The koi carp were rescued from a pond in Wraysbury, Berkshire, which was being overcome by rising floodwater.
Other rescues have included:
The charity says its flood rescue team has helped 586 animals affected by floods since Jan, with 386 of those in the last three days alone. Their efforts were praised by Labour leader Ed Milliband yesterday, who was at the scene with an RSPCA water rescue team in Wraysbury.
RSPCA flood rescue co-ordinator Jason Finch said: "The water rescue teams on the ground are doing an amazing job with limited resources. We will continue to do everything we can to help animals, and humans, during this difficult time and are so grateful for all the support our workers have received from the public."
Photograph courtesy RSPCA
CVS has announced its acquisition of the West End Veterinary Partnership, an Edinburgh-based veterinary practice, bringing the number of practice groups owned by the company to 100, operating out of 267 sites across the UK.
West End Vets employs around 12 staff. Its main site is in Bread Street and it has two branches elsewhere in the city. Owners David Rimer and Maurice Hunter are joining CVS as joint Clinical Directors.
Simon Innes, CVS Chief Executive, said: "We are rapidly broadening the range of practices within CVS, both in terms of the type of practice and in terms of geographic spread. West End Vets is a successful and popular practice in Edinburgh and we are delighted that it has now joined our family."
Founded in 1999 and run principally by vets, CVS employs more than 3,000 staff at its practices and surgeries across the UK and in its related veterinary businesses, including an online pharmacy, three pet crematoriums and five veterinary laboratories.
Bayer Animal Health has obtained two new licensed indications for its antiparasiticide, Advocate.
The first is that the product is now licensed for the treatment of Crenosoma vulpis using a single dose. The second is that in addition to the existing treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum claim, Advocate is now indicated for its prevention, using monthly spot-on applications.
This comes at a time when, according to Bayer, independent market research shows that vets are diagnosing Angiostrongylus vasorum at an increasing rate. Figures for 2010 place the incidence of vets who have confirmed cases at 37%, more than double the 16% confirmed in 2008, with a further 19% of vets reporting suspected cases.
Bayer is also stepping up its 'Be Lungworm Aware' consumer campaign, with the addition of a local and national radio campaign throughout October. The public information style advert will warn owners of the dangers associated with the parasite A.vasorum, and urging them to stay vigilant for signs their dog may be infected.
Veterinary staff can also direct clients who wish to learn more about lungworm to http://www.lungworm.co.uk/.
For more information on Advocate, please contact your sales representative or telephone Bayer on 01635 563000.
The interactive checklist is designed to help practitioner and farmer to work closely together to draw up a workable action plan to improve youngstock health.
MSD Animal Health ruminant veterinary adviser Kat Baxter said: "This new checklist-based tool explores, records and scores calf health performance across five core areas to identify the strengths and weaknesses of any rearing unit’s environment and processes.
"Working through a series of 10 questions within each core area – designed to tease out where a rearing unit is in terms of accepted best management practice – allows vet and farmer to quickly pinpoint any areas needing attention. What’s more, repeating the checklist every six or 12 months is a great way to keep things on track, allowing both parties to monitor progress against agreed targets. Vets can also use the scores to benchmark their clients’ farms against each other."
Vets interested in using the new checklist-based tool on farm should contact their local MSD Animal Health account manager for further information.
Backed by RJD Partners, the directors bought the company back from Benchmark Plc for a reported £12.75M after it decided to divest itself of all non-aquaculture-related assets.
Improve says that under its new leadership, it plans to expand its e-learning portfolio significantly, harnessing technologies like video teaching and virtual/augmented reality to offer a richer learning experience.
The company will continue to offer attended modular training options as well as small group practical teaching sessions at its wet labs in Swindon and Sheffield. It says these events will complement its online programmes and will provide stand-alone training for vets wishing to learn new surgical and diagnostic skills.
In collaboration with its assessment partner, the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), Improve will be developing new distance-learning programmes, together with exams that can be taken remotely.
Improve also plans further geographical expansion, including running programmes in languages including French, Spanish, German and Chinese.
Dr Heber Alves (pictured right) is Improve’s new CEO. He is supported by a management team that includes Improve founder Dr David Babington, Business Development Director and Mr John Douglass, UK Managing Director.
Heber said: “Improve is fully owned by a team of experienced veterinary and business professionals with a unique understanding of the profession’s training needs at a global level. Even better, we are backed by a private equity partner with a strong track record in professional education and a commitment to supporting our growth, both organically and through acquisition.
“We start this new chapter in a world changed irrevocably by COVID-19. It is a world in which veterinary professionals are demanding more flexible ways of learning and showing a hunger to achieve additional qualifications. With this in mind, we will be working to offer a combination of high quality practical, remote and blended learning that will make the achievement of a postgraduate qualification a realistic ambition for every vet."
The toolkit contains everything a practice needs to create its own lumps and bumps awareness campaign including social media posts, videos, newsletter content and client literature.
Up to 1 in 4 pets will develop cancer over their lifetimes1 and mast cell tumours account for 1 in 5 cutaneous neoplasms2, so early diagnosis of skin lumps and bumps is of course critical.
Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "Making the most of cuddle time with our pets, feeling for lumps and bumps, can make a huge difference to the early detection of skin abnormalities.
"Thanks to innovative new products like Stelfonta, the options available to veterinary surgeons to treat skin tumours in dogs has never been greater, so it’s an ideal time to educate pet owners on the importance of an early diagnosis".
The toolkit is available on the Virbac Resource Library which can be found by creating an account at https://vet-uk.virbac.com/home.html or from your Virbac Territory Manager.
References
The self-adhesive dressing, which uses a patented natural polymer, adapts to any part of the body and sets fast, acting as a waterproof barrier to the external environment which shields the site from unwanted moisture and bacterial ingress and allows the tissue underneath to repair in a protected environment.
It is proven to prevent the loss of therapeutic sprays when it is used as a barrier1.
The company says NoBACZ Bovine is easy to apply with a clean gloved hand and offers up to seven days’ protection without the need to reapply.
It is suitable for use on any site of the body, except the eyes, and has been especially widely used on hooves, horn buds and udders.
The liquid barrier dressing does not need to be removed as it will self-degrade and its ingredients dissolve naturally with no residue.
Dr Jonathan Powell, Director of Biomineral Research and Imaging at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, and chief executive officer and co-founder of NoBACZ Healthcare, said: “Following several years of research at the University of Cambridge and comprehensive market analysis which identified an unmet need across the farming industry, we are absolutely delighted to launch NoBACZ Bovine, which offers unparalleled protection against harsh farm conditions, revolutionising wound protection in cattle and enhancing the health and welfare of the national herd.”
Mike Kerby, veterinary surgeon from Synergy Farm Health, who has used NoBACZ Bovine over many months, added: “I have been using NoBACZ Bovine for a while in cattle affected with UCD (udder cleft dermatitis) and DD (digital dermatitis) lesions as well as on wounds and granulomas.
"It is my clinical impression that it counters bacterial colonisation rapidly and promotes re-epithelialisation, which in turn helps to prevent the occurrence of proud flesh or reduces the mass of any existing granulomata.
"Application is simple and quick, with clients also finding it easy to reapply regularly within set treatment protocols.
"In addition to this, it was seen as a huge advantage that bandages and their removal are not involved, nor are antibiotics, making it labour saving, sustainable and eco-friendly.”
www.nobacz.com
Reference
Petplan has announced that nominations for its 2015 Veterinary Awards will open on 1st September 2014.
The awards, which are designed to recognise members of the veterinary profession who have gone 'above and beyond' in their daily roles, will be presented on 9th April 2015.
Petplan's Acting Head of Marketing, Ingrid Wakefield said: "At Petplan, we hear from our customers every day about the exceptional care veterinary staff have given to their pets. The Veterinary Awards provide an opportunity for Petplan to show their support for members of the veterinary profession who go beyond the call of duty in their role, and for pet owners across the UK to say thank you to the veterinary staff who have helped them and their pets."
Last year Petplan received more than 12,000 nominations, with every nominee receiving a certificate of recognition for their hard work.
Nominations can be made at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards, from the start of September.
Dechra says necrotic enteritis can be treated with a variety of therapeutic antibiotics but that the first choice antibiotics¹ for treatment are narrow spectrum antibiotics, like phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Phenocillin is an 800 mg/g powder for use in drinking water. It is lactose free, and Dechra says its high solubility makes it ideal for concentrated stock solutions and convenient for modern poultry farming. There is a zero withdrawal time so egg production is unaffected.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “Necrotic enteritis is the most common bacterial disease in modern broiler flocks that can be financially devastating for farmers.
"The high concentration means easy dosage and handling with less waste and the lactose free formula reduces the risk of biofilm development resulting in a high quality and effective product, supporting the responsible use of antimicrobials.
"Phenocillin is a highly effective treatment and we anticipate it will become the preferred solution for veterinary professionals and end users to treat this disease that can very suddenly devastate broiler flocks."
For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2nAboGU
The case against Jose Ignacio Messa MRCVS related to two heads of charge against him.
The first charge was that, on 13th September 2015, Mr Messa failed to provide adequate and appropriate care to Barney, a border collie. The second charge was that on 14th September 2015 Mr Messa failed to ensure adequate and appropriate on-going care for Barney after his examination of him, including failing to take sufficient steps to ensure that Barney was referred urgently to the care of a referral practice and failing to ensure there were adequate arrangements in place for his ongoing care.
Barney was presented to the Basingstoke practice where Mr Messa was employed having suffered a severe 'stick injury' to his jaw on 12th September.
The Committee heard that, on 13th September, Mr Messa re-examined Barney, administered medication and then discharged him to be cared for at home by his owners. During the examination the owners alerted Mr Messa to the condition of the skin on Barney’s neck, but the Committee heard Mr Messa had felt the area and reassured them it was not something to be concerned about.
The Committee heard that at some point on 13th September, after he was discharged, Barney developed a foetid smell from his mouth caused by an infection and the next day his owners went back to the practice because Barney’s condition had deteriorated – he was unable to walk and had laboured breathing.
On 14th September Mr Messa admitted and sedated Barney and examined him again, noting a hole in the side of his throat that was infected. He recommended referring Barney to a referral practice for further treatment, which was agreed by his owners.
The Committee heard that the referral practice was contacted by a veterinary nurse at the practice and that an appointment for 9am on 15th September 2015 was booked directly with the owner. It also heard that, during his time at Mr Messa’s practice, Barney did not receive intravenous fluids or any further antibiotics.
Barney’s owners said they met with Mr Messa again at around 5pm on 14th September when they came to collect Barney, this was disputed by Mr Messa, and the Committee were not satisfied so as to be sure that it had been Mr Messa who had met the owners and discharged Barney although the Committee found that all the witnesses had been honest and reliable.
Barney was admitted to the referral practice on 15th September but, as a result of sepsis, he suffered a cardiac arrest and died at 10.30pm.
In respect of the first charge the Committee concluded that, on 13th September, Mr Messa made only a rudimentary examination of Barney, and the absence of such basic clinical examination of the temperature, the respiration rate and the pulse of Barney was a failure on the part of Mr Messa and that, furthermore, he did not choose the best course of antibiotic treatment for the wound and infection.
In respect of the second charge Mr Messa admitted that he did not provide fluid therapy to Barney on 14th September before he was discharged.
With reference to the remaining aspects of the charge the Committee took into account the Code of Professional Conduct, particularly in respect of the need for veterinary surgeons to refer cases responsibly and the Code’s supporting guidance on referrals.
The Committee determined that, having delegated the arrangements of the referral to a veterinary nurse, Mr Messa made no attempts to follow up and ensure it was a same-day appointment when this would have better suited the severity of Barney’s condition. The Committee found that he was unaware of Barney’s location or of the time of the appointment and did not make provision for antibiotic or fluid therapy.
Having found the majority of the charges against Mr Messa proven, the Committee then considered whether this amounted to serious professional misconduct.
Disciplinary Committee member Stuart Drummond, who was chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "In the light of the facts found proved and considering that disgraceful conduct in a professional respect is that which is conduct falling far below that expected of a veterinary surgeon, the Committee had concluded that the heads of charge, when taken individually, or collectively, do fall below the standard expected.
"However, as a matter of judgement, the Committee did not conclude that Mr Messa’s conduct fell far below the requisite standard and therefore did not amount of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
"Whilst the Committee did not find Mr Messa’s actions fell far below the requisite standard, there were concerns expressed about several aspects of this case. There were a number of missed opportunities which occurred; in particular the Committee notes the failure of the care plan and to take adequate steps to ensure that the referral process has been timeously effected."
Last year’s competition saw photographs span a range of subjects from across the UK and overseas, from a common basilisk in Costa Rica and cattle during a TB testing day on the island of Arran, to a meerkat undergoing a vasectomy and a veterinary podiatrist at work.
Small animal vet Mandy Knight’s photo 'Happy Gastrotomy' and mixed-practice vet Jen Rowland’s photo of rare and native North Ronaldsay and Dartmoor sheep grazing under the milky way in Northumberland took the top prizes in their respective categories.
In January this year, the BVA was also invited to showcase 22 of the most commended photographs at an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament, to give MPs and Peers an insight into the varied roles performed by veterinary surgeons today.
This year’s competition, which is open to all BVA members, seeks images that highlight the human-animal bond within a veterinary practice as well as photographs of pets or wildlife taken outside of the working environment. Submissions should promote responsible animal interaction as well positive animal health and welfare.
Photographs can be submitted under one of two categories:
Human-animal bond
All creatures great and small
An expert panel of judges from the veterinary and photography worlds will judge this year’s entries. For the first time, BVA members will get the chance to select their favourite entry for the Members’ Choice Award, which will be open to votes from 27 August to 10 September.
The winner in each category will receive a £250 John Lewis gift voucher and have their photographs displayed at BVA Members’ Day in September, at other BVA events and used in BVA communications.
BVA President John Fishwick said: "The photo competition has created quite a buzz within the veterinary community since it launched two years ago. I have been delighted and amazed by the sheer range, quantity and quality of photographs submitted by our members so far and look forward to this year’s submissions.
"We are all passionate about animal health and welfare, so the way we interact with and capture images of the animal world offers a unique perspective, one that we were proud to showcase to members of parliament earlier this year. Whether you enjoy taking photos on your phone or have all the latest photography equipment, I would encourage all my colleagues within the veterinary family to give it a go and get clicking."
The competition closes at midnight on 19 August. More details about the competition, including terms and conditions, can be found at the BVA Photo Competition page: https://www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/bva-photo-competition/
The full gallery of BVA Veterinary photographer of the year competition entries from 2016 and 2017 can be seen at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishvets/albums/
Photo: 'Happy Enterotomy' © Mandy Knight. CC BY-SA 2.0.
The College has confirmed that it has now received an official complaint about the matter and it is now investigating under its normal 'concerns' investigation process.
Professor Argyle made a private statement about the allegations to RCVS Council at its meeting today, having already answered written questions from a number of Council members in the preceding days.
The Council did not ask Professor Argyle to step aside, but acknowledged that this was his choice, made for personal reasons.
The College said that in line with its normal protocols, and to ensure fairness for all parties, it will not make any further public comment about the investigation for the time being. However, it wanted to stress that it remains firmly committed to following due and proper process in all its regulatory activities.
Thus far, the hospital has relied on conventional radiographs or referred for MRI for the bulk of its distal limb imaging.
The new Hallmarq standing CT scanner provides information that surpasses the capabilities of radiography, while also reducing radiation exposure to the patients and staff.
The scanning process is also considerably quicker, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.
Tom McParland, Valley Equine Hospital’s surgeon said: "We are confident that this diagnostic modality will significantly enhance our ability to identify not just thoroughbred fetlock pathology earlier but improve our diagnostic abilities of the distal limb for all our equine patients, racing and leisure alike.”
Valley Equine Hospital says it chose the Hallmarq standing CT scanner due to its ability to scan using just standing sedation which ensures a safer and more efficient experience for the horses compared to general anaesthesia.
www.valleyequinehospital.co.ukinfo.hallmarq.net/focus-on-the-foot
The webinars, which are free of charge, are:
The webinars join 'The gastrointestinal microbiome and its effects', which is already available for free viewing via The Webinar Vet.
Product Manager Kai Crawshaw said: “We’ve received excellent feedback on the webinars from those who have already viewed them through our Learning Alliance platform. We hope that by also making them available via The Webinar Vet, we will make them more easily accessible to a higher number of veterinary professionals keen to refresh their knowledge in these important areas.”
The Animalcare webinars can be viewed here: https://www.thewebinarvet.com/webinars/animalcare
MSD Animal Health has announced the launch of The Big Tick Project, both to investigate whether ticks are carrying more pathogens and to raise awareness amongst the public.
The company highlights research which shows that nationally, tick distribution has expanded by 17% in the last 10 years and tick numbers have also increased in 73% of locations surveyed.1 In addition, the company says there is evidence that ticks are feeding earlier in the year and feeding for longer2, thus increasing their potential to pass on significant disease to both animals and humans. Lyme disease in particular can be serious health issue for both humans and animals, being increasingly recognised and recorded in the UK recent years3.
So, as part of the project, practices are being invited to collect ticks and send them to the University of Bristol for analysis. In addition, there'll be a national PR and marketing campaign fronted by the naturalist Chris Packham (pictured right).
Practices taking part in the project will receive a tick collection kit and marketing support pack including access to dedicated PR services, postcards and posters to raise awareness of ticks within their clinic and local community. The collection kit includes instructions, collection equipment and Freepost packaging to allow ticks removed from dogs to be sent to the university quickly and easily.
Professor Richard Wall from University of Bristol said: "For accurate results we need as many ticks as possible and I really encourage vet practices up and down the country to get involved. We need data from all types of practices ranging from urban to rural locations to help vets and human health professionals make more effective recommendations and help prevent tick-related disease."
To take part in The Big Tick Project, email a contact name and your practice details to: info@bigtickproject.co.uk.