BCF Technology has released a free 'how-to' video series describing the techniques required to take some of the more-commonly-used echocardiographic measurements for first opinion small animal practitioners.

The videos, by BCF in-house vet Ben Sullivan BVSc MRCVS (pictured right), give a step-by-step guide for each of the measurements covered (LA:Ao ratio, EPSS and EF), to enable viewers to get more from their ultrasound equipment.

Ben said: "At BCF we’re always striving to produce educational resources to help our customers make the most of their imaging equipment, and welcome suggestions from all quarters. In recent months we’ve received a large number of requests for help performing basic 2D echocardiographic measurements. In response to those requests we produced this short video series providing a 'how-to' guide for three of the most common measurements encountered in practice."

The videos were filmed using a Vivid iq, the latest cardiac ultrasound scanner from GE.

Ben added: "We hope you find them useful, and welcome suggestions for other topics you’d like to see covered. Please don’t hesitate to visit our website – www.bcftechnology.co.uk – to access the cardiac measurement videos along with a wide range of other learning materials. We have also recently introduced free monthly webinars. The recorded webinars are also available to view at www.bcftechnology.co.uk."

To watch the cardiac measurement videos, visit: http://bit.ly/2rW1BxM

Ceva Animal Health has launched PRID Delta, described as an improved intra-vaginal progesterone device for the synchronisation of oestrus in cycling and non-cycling cattle.

The company says it has used its 35 years of expertise in cattle fertility to develop PRID Delta, and that trials have demonstrated that the new device provides optimal progesterone release, preserved efficacy and high retention rates.

Ceva claims the special triangular shape and bi-material fabric of PRID Delta ensures maximum contact with vaginal mucosa to release optimal levels of progesterone at insertion and during treatment. The new PRID Delta continues to give a bigger progesterone peak after insertion as with the original PRID.

According to the company, clinical and field trials observing oestrus occurrence and fertility at fixed time artificial insemination have shown a preserved efficacy for PRID Delta. PRID Delta is licensed for oestrus synchronisation in both cycling and non cycling cows. It is licensed for fixed time AI. Trials have also confirmed that PRID Delta is quick and easy to insert, is well tolerated and has a retention rate of over 97%.

Ceva has recently introduced a new website www.reprology.com/ for technical advice on the best solutions for the management of cattle reproduction. For further information contact your Ceva sales representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at www.ceva.uk.com/

Vets Now Glasgow has launched a neurology and neurosurgery service.

The new service is being headed by Dr Katia Marioni-Henry.

Katia graduated from the University of Parma in 1995 and went on to do a PhD in Clinical Electrodiagnostic at the University of Turin and Scott-Ritchey Research Center in Auburn, Alabama.

Her early career was spent at various American universities, where she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty in Neurology and finally an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee.

Katia came to the UK to work as a consultant in neurology and neurosurgery for a number of large referral practices, before moving to the University of Edinburgh in 2013, where she started the neurology/neurosurgery service, building it from scratch to a nine-strong team.

Katia said: “This is absolutely the best place to be brought in an emergency, but previously we’d have to refer some cases elsewhere for conditions affecting the brain, peripheral nerves or the spine.

“Now some of these debilitating neurological conditions can be diagnosed and treated rapidly here without having to transport the animal.”

“With our CT scanner, for example, we can diagnose slipped discs quickly, especially in small breeds, and treat them surgically.

“And we can use it for brain scans if there is trauma or if we suspect a tumour or severe inflammation in the brain.

“We can do a lumbar tap to rule out inflammation of the central nervous system either on infectious or immune-mediated basis.”

Vetsnet, the support website set up by Liz Barton MRCVS, needs your vote for its application for funding from the Aviva Community Fund.

Liz set up vetsnet to bring together all the wellbeing, leadership and management tools being created by individuals, groups and veterinary organisations in one place, and then to curate, streamline and signpost resources to increase accessibility and use by everyone in the profession.

The Aviva scheme is open to anyone and offers the chance to get funding for an important cause within a community. If successful in its bid, Liz says it will allow Vetsnet to rebrand more clearly as a resource hub, increase ease of use and add user ratings, which in turn will help users to find the help they need when they need it.

Liz said: "I setup Vetsnet to meet needs experienced personally in practice life. Great work is being done to address the mental health and organizational issues within the profession, I wanted to curate, signpost and increase accessibility to the growing wealth of resources for all involved in the provision of veterinary services, to make it a happier profession."

Voting closes on 21^st November. To add your support to the bid, go to https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-1093, register, opt out of mailing options and cast up to 10 votes for a single or multiple projects. Those with the most votes will be judged and finalists announced in the new year.  

Ceva Animal health has launched Marbox, a broad-spectrum anti-infective, based on marbofloxacin, for the rapid treatment of bovine mastitis and respiratory disorders. According to the company, Marbox effectively provides two products in one bottle because it can be used as a high dose single injection or administered at a lower dose over several days.

Ceva says mastitis and respiratory disorders currently account for around 60% of antimicrobial prescriptions. Marbox can be used intramuscularly as a single injection for the treatment of respiratory infection. Alternatively it can be used for the treatment of acute mastitis; intravenously for the first injection and then subcutaneously at a lower dose over three days. It has a milk withdrawal of just 36 hours after subcutaneous injection.

Marbox is presented in an ergonomic CLAS vial which makes for light and shock-resistant handling, resulting in fewer breakages and reduced costs. It is available in 100 and 250 vial sizes and contains 100mg marbofloxacin per ml.

Marbox can be used in combination with Meloxidyl, Ceva's new, single shot anti-inflammatory. The product joins Ceva's bovine range of anti-infectives, which includes Cevaxel, Florkem and Spectam Injectable.

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/

Vetlife reports that its helpline was contacted by 3,921 members of the veterinary profession in 2020, making it the charity's busiest year to date.

The charity says that many of the calls and emails were linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

Vetlife Helpline Manager Dr. Rosie Allister said: "It has been a very difficult time for many people in the veterinary community, and we are glad so many people have been in touch.

"As well as calls relating to the effects of the pandemic, other stresses haven’t gone away and we are still offering support for people experiencing stress, concerns about mental health, work demands, support at work, and many other concerns.

"It is a privilege to support the veterinary community and I would like to reassure anyone thinking about contacting Vetlife Helpline that we are here to listen confidentially. Anyone who thinks they might need to talk can contact by phone or email.”

The Vetlife Health Support service also saw a record number of referrals.

Katie Moore, Chair of Helpline and Health Support said: "Given the extraordinary challenges faced by our profession both in 2020 and now in 2021, it is not surprising that not only Vetlife Helpline but also Vetlife Health Support have experienced their busiest 12 month period, with a large increase in referrals to our Health Support service over recent months. I would strongly encourage anyone who is concerned about any aspect of their mental health to get in contact as soon as possible.”

The charity is also appealing for help with donations and fundraising to meet the extra demand. Donations can be made at https://www.vetlife.org.uk/donate/, and anyone who is planning a fundraiser is urged to contact the charity. If you are interested in volunteering, there are a number of ways to get involved. For more information, visit: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/volunteer/.

Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: 0303 040 2551 or via anonymous email at:  https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/ 

A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has identified barriers to blood pressure measurement in cats and revealed that vets and nurses struggle to interpret ocular findings when identifying hypertensive lesions in cats¹.

2000 veterinary surgeons and nurses/technicians took part in the study, of which 545 completed all questions. 

The biggest equipment barriers to BP measurement were 'cuff frustration' (cuffs pinging off) and difficulties hearing the pulse, which were experienced at least sometimes by 72.2% and 71.6% of participants respectively when using Doppler machines. 

When asked about barriers relating to the procedure itself, the most significant issues were a lack of time, not having a colleague available to restrain the cat, and simply forgetting to include BP in the assessment.

Owner-related barriers included difficulties persuading clients to book a separate BP appointment, difficulties persuading clients to bring cats in for a BP check at all, and reticence over the cost.

Sarah Caney, RCVS recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine who lead the study, said: “Feline hypertension is an extremely common condition which affects approximately one in five cats nine years or over⁴, however there are several challenges that we need to address to enhance the long-term health and welfare of the nation’s cats.

"The good news is that some of the barriers identified in the study can be overcome by taking a ‘practice makes perfect’ attitude towards taking blood pressure, in that the more experience vet professionals have, the easier the procedure will become.

"The study showed many VNs are confident and enthusiastic about blood pressure assessment in cats; this should be encouraged and expanded upon to ensure that as many older cats and those with conditions increasing their risk of hypertension, receive the BP monitoring they deserve.

Eye examinations are helpful in confirming a diagnosis of systemic hypertension, however the study revealed that while 96.5% of respondents had access to a direct ophthalmoscope, 73.1% reported that they felt under-confident in performing and interpreting ocular examinations when identifying hypertensive lesions in cats. 

Ceva Animal Health, which funded the study, says that because between 50 and 100% of hypertensive cats have ocular lesions^2,3, it is vital that clinicians feel able to identify ocular pathologies associated with high blood pressure.

Sarah added: "VNs and vets should be encouraged to ‘upskill’ their eye examination skills, as this can be extremely helpful in identifying cats with hypertension."

To that end, Ceva has published an online feline ophthalmology course ‘Looking hypertension in the eye’: www.veterinarywebinars.com/community/ceva

The course, which is presented by Dr Ben Blacklock BVSc (Hons), Dipl. ECVO, MRCVS, senior lecturer in veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh, is designed to help vets and vet nurses to get the most out of their ocular exams and gain confidence in identifying ocular lesions associated with feline hypertension. 

https://easethepressure.co.uk.

References

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X231183244 
2. Taylor SS, Sparkes AH, et al.  ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Cats. J Feline Med Surg.  2017.19(3):288-303
3. Young WM, et al.  Visual outcome in cats with hypertensive chorioretinopathy.  Vet Ophthalmol.  2018 Apr 18.
4. Conroy M, Chang YM, Brodbelt D, Elliott J.  Survival after diagnosis of hypertension in cats attending primary care practice in the United Kingdom.  J Vet Intern Med.  2018 Nov;32(6): 1846-1855

Krka has launched Flovuxin, a fast-acting, single-dose, injectable solution for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma bovis and Histophilus somni, associated with pyrexia.

Krka’s Farm Key Account Manager Charlotte Read said: “BRD remains a priority issue on farm and advising farmers on the management of BRD risks, and treatment options when needed, is a key task for farm vets.

"Flovuxin’s combined formulation is a high efficacy BRD treatment acting within six hours¹, to improve treatment outcomes.” 

Reference

1. Julien Thiry, Laura Elvira Partida, Juan Vicente GonzálezMartín, Eric Pagot, Florian Voisin, Hubert Theys, Guillaume Lequeux, Allan Weingarten, Vincent de Haas (2014); Treatment of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in juvenile calves with a single administration of a florfenicol plus flunixin meglumine formulation; The Veterinary record 174(17)

The government has launched a public consultation on proposals to ban keeping primates as pets in England, which veterinary surgeons are invited to take part in before it closes on the 6th February 2021.

The government estimates that up to 5,000 primates are currently kept outside of licensed zoos in the UK. Marmosets are by far the most commonly held primates in the UK, with capuchins, squirrel monkeys, lemurs and tamarins also among the most common species.

The new proposals will mean that specialist primate keepers who do not hold a zoo licence will need to obtain a new specialist private primate keeper licence to ensure they are meeting the required high welfare standards. These plans will also place welfare restrictions on the breeding and transferring of primates.

The BVA has welcomed the consultation. BVA Senior Vice President, Daniella Dos Santos said: “For a long time, we have called for a ban on private individuals keeping primates as pets. As​ ​vets,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​significant​ ​concerns​ ​as​ ​to whether​ ​the health and​ ​welfare​ ​needs​ ​of​ ​primates​ ​can​ ​ever​ ​be​ ​met​ ​under these circumstances.​

“​Primates​ ​are​ ​long-lived, intelligent​ ​and​ ​socially​ ​complex​ ​animals​ ​whose​ ​needs​ ​are​ ​extraordinarily​ ​difficult​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​in​ ​captivity and we can think of no circumstances where a primate would benefit from being kept in this way.​ ​

“We welcome the Government’s move to open a public consultation on this and hope that it does indeed result in a ban. If​ ​the​ ​UK wants​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​its​ ​reputation​ ​for​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​standards​ ​of​ ​animal​ ​welfare in the world​ and if the government wants to fulfil its promises of enhancing the welfare of animals as we leave Europe then we​ ​must​ ​put an end to ​the​ ​keeping​ ​and trade of​ ​primates​ ​as​ ​pets.”

To take part in the consultation, visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/primates-as-pets-in-england/consultation/intro/ 

Britain's dairy industry is doomed unless it takes more effective steps to control the spread of endemic diseases like tuberculosis and bovine virus diarrhoea, according to a leading cattle vet.

At a conference on infectious disease at the Royal Veterinary College last week, Devon practitioner Dick Sibley warned that the management and economic trends in the UK dairy industry are increasing the risk of disease transmission - and its potential impact once it does enter a herd.

Figures he obtained from the British Cattle Movements Service show that about four million cattle, or half the total UK cattle herd, are moved from one premises to another each year. Those being sent for slaughter were unlikely to spread infections but moving cattle of unknown disease status to new premises greatly increased the risk of bringing in new diseases. "If you set out to design a system that guarantees that we will continue to have problems with endemic disease then I could not think of a better one than this," he said.

Cattle numbers are increasing in those areas like Devon and Cheshire which already have among the highest population densities for dairy animals in the world - and are also the main hot spots in the current bovine TB epidemic. Farmers feel compelled to buy in heifers from as far afield as Germany and Holland to replace animals culled as TB reactors, as they will lose bonus payments from customers who demand that they maintain constant levels of production.

Several other factors also increase the likely impact of disease in a previously healthy herd - the concentration of cattle numbers into fewer but larger units, the growing emphasis on cattle kept indoors all year round and breeding for high yielding animals that are more vulnerable to disease. Meanwhile, a shortage of skilled manpower means that half the available stockmen are shared between farms and can therefore be responsible for bringing in disease.

But farmers have little or no control over some of the more important risk factors - particularly movements of badgers and the presence of diseased herds on neighbouring premises. "So these farmers with big herds in high density areas and neighbours that have the disease are done for unless we can do something serious to manage the risks."

Dairy farmers can work with their veterinary advisers to reduce risk using the four main pillars of disease control - improved biosecurity, better surveillance, appropriate vaccination and containment of disease transmission within the herd. But diseases also had to be tackled on a national level and if DEFRA is unwilling to take on the task, he proposed the creation of an independent livestock disease agency with sufficient staff and resources to carry out its remit. The costs of running such a body should be shared among all those stakeholders with an interest in preserving an economically viable dairy industry, including, for example the cereal producers who provide the dairy industry with much of its food materials, he suggested.

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the launch of TwistPak, billed as a revolutionary mixing platform which allows swine producers to combine and administer two vaccines, Ingelvac CircoFLEX and Ingelvac MycoFLEX, in a convenient, fast and flexible way.  

TwistPak bottles have a hygienic interlock at the bottom, which allows them to be connected with a twist, creating one single mixing chamber which fits in all standard vaccination devices.

Currently, freshly mixing two vaccines requires a transfer needle.

Boehringer says the TwistPak bottle simplifies the mixing process while retaining the flexibility of using the products as a monovalent or combined vaccine.

TwistPak was jointly created with the industrial design and product development company DESIGNquadrat and awarded a Red Dot Design Award 2021 in the product design category.

Eva Joras, Global Brand Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim said: “TwistPak revolutionizes how vaccines are mixed.

"The mixing platform combines the best of both worlds: the unparalleled quality and efficacy of freshly mixed vaccines with the convenience of ready-to-use solutions.

TwistPak will be globally available in all registered presentation sizes starting May this year.

A new study has found that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported by industry figures. Cats and dogs are amongst the most popular pets in the UK but it has been over 20 years since domestic cat and dog population estimates in the UK have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals.

The paper published in the Veterinary Record by Dr Jane Murray in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Bristol University and colleagues, aimed to estimate the number of UK domestic cats and dogs and identify the characteristics of their owners. The figures are also useful to the animal health and welfare professions, including rescue charities, which can use these and future estimates to assess population changes.

In 2007, a telephone survey of households randomly selected from the electoral roll revealed that cats and dogs were owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively. The number of owned cats and dogs were predicted by two variables: the number of people in the household and the geographical location (London/rest of UK) of the household. UK census information and mid-year population estimates of the number of households and the average household size in 2006 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were used to estimate that UK households owned approximately 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs in 2006.

Dr Murray said: "Our 95% confidence intervals were 9.4-11.3 million cats and 9.6-11.4 million dogs".

This compares with PFMA estimates of 7.2 million cats and 7.3 million dogs in 2007, and 8 million cats and 8 million dogs in 2009.

Characteristics associated with cat and dog ownership were also identified. Cats were more likely to be owned by; households with gardens, semi-urban/rural households, households with someone qualified to degree level, respondents who were female and respondents who were aged less than 65 years. Cats were less likely to be owned by households with one or more dogs.

The likelihood of dog ownership increased as the household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by households with gardens, rural households and less likely to be owned by households with someone educated to degree level and households with cats or children aged less than 11 years.

Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. Dogs were less likely to be owned by households with one or more cats.    

Dr. Murray added: "The study has shown many common factors relating to cat and dog ownership, such as a garden and rural location, but it has also identified some notable differences.  

"In particular, the difference in the level of education achieved by a household owning cats and dogs. The reason for this association is unclear.  It is unlikely to be related to household income as this variable was not shown to be significant but it could be related to household members with longer working hours having less time available to care for a dog.

"Past reports have suggested that the number of pet cats exceeds the number of pet dogs in the UK. However, results from our study suggest that there are similar numbers of pet cats and dogs."

The researchers recommend the study is repeated in 2011, (the year of the next scheduled UK census), as any increase or decrease in population numbers will enable pet ownership trends to be monitored.