The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons and nurses that there is one week left till the deadline for nominations for the 2012 RCVS and RCVS VN Council elections.

Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the RCVS on or before 31 January 2012.

Prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials.

Nobody may nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make a nomination.

Full details and guidance notes for both elections are available online from the RCVS Council Election page (www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil12) and VN Council Election page (www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil12).

Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may also be requested from Mrs Gabriella Braun (020 7202 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).

Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2012 elections.

Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day in July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).

A study by orthopaedic Specialist Steve Butterworth at Weighbridge Referrals in Swansea has shown that using a combination of transcondylar bone screws and Kirschner wires (K-wires) to treat humeral unicondylar fractures in puppies younger than seven months old results in high healing rates with few complications.

For the study¹, which was conducted from March 2011 to August 2021, the cases of 50 puppies aged 3 to 6 months with unicondylar fractures were reviewed.

The sample included 30 fractures in 29 dogs treated with transcondylar bone screws and K-wires.

All fractures healed successfully.

The study included 24 male and 26 female puppies, with French Bulldogs representing 50% of the cases, ages ranging from 11 to 30 weeks and bodyweight varying from 1.5 to 16.9 kg, with a median of 5.5 kg.

Short-term outcomes were excellent in 77% of cases and good in 23%.

No catastrophic failures occurred, and the four complications encountered were resolved with further minor surgery.

The author says that while recent studies have raised concerns about the stability of using K-wires, rather than bone plates, this one suggests that for puppies at least, the combination of a transcondylar bone screw and K-wire is effective.

The incidence of implant-related complications was lower than in adult dogs, and the short-term outcomes were excellent or good in all cases with follow-up data.

The research underscores the need for further multicentre studies with longer-term follow-up to confirm these findings and compare them with other fixation techniques. 

However, this study concludes that while epicondylar plates have become accepted practice for adult dogs with such fractures, they may not be necessary for puppies aged 3 to 7 months.

Study in full: https://cgrp01mstr8u1x2prod.dxcloud.episerver.net/globalassets/stock-images/humeral-condylar-paper---weighbridge-referral-centre---cvs.pdf

www.weighbridgevets.co.uk

Reference

1. Butterworth SJ. Humeralunicondylar fractures in immature dogs treated using a bone screw andKirschner wire. Vet Rec. 2022;e2176. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.2176 

Idexx Laboratories has announced the addition of pradofloxacin (Veraflox, Bayer Animal Health) to the list of antibiotics that it tests samples sent for culture and sensitivity testing against.

The company says that in the past, only a small percentage of the 350-400 samples it processes every day included a specific request from veterinary surgeons to include sensitivity testing to pradofloxacin. The now-routine testing for pradofloxacin is a positive move toward better clinical outcomes in difficult cases, including specific indications such as wound infections, superficial and deep pyoderma, and in cases with infections resistant to other antibiotics.

Idexx says that as the only next generation fluoroquinolone, pradofloxacin has been shown to be the least likely veterinary fluoroquinolone to select for resistance¹, giving vets a lower risk option, when they decide to use an antibiotic from this class.

Matt Jones, Microbiology Manager at Idexx Laboratories said: 'Removing the need to specifically request samples to be tested for sensitivity to pradofloxacin has streamlined the culture and sensitivity testing process for vets and will make it easier for them to adhere to good practice in antibiotic prescription.

"This is important, as antimicrobial resistance is an area of deep international concern. Idexx are pleased to be helping vets identify those cases for which pradofloxacin may be effective and believe that, where indicated, it will lead to improved compliance and excellent clinical outcomes with the added benefit of reducing the likelihood of selecting for resistance, when compared to older generation fluoroquinolones."

The company says this move is in line with BSAVA's PROTECT initiative, which stresses the importance of culture and sensitivity, especially when prescribing antibiotics of the fluoroquinlone class.

Reference   

1. Wetzstein, HG. Comparative mutant prevention concentrations of pradofloxacin and other veterinary fluoroquinolones indicate differing potentials in preventing selection of resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005; 49(10): 4166-4173

Elanco Companion Animal Health, maker of Comfortis and Trifexis, has launched Common parasites of dogs, a new publication designed to help veterinary professionals advising clients about the benefits of regular parasite control.

Focusing on endoparasites, the booklet includes information about roundworm (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum), tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.).  It includes details on the lifecycle of the parasites, how they develop, symptoms and sources of infection, whether the parasites are a risk to pets and humans and illustrations to explain their lifecycle and show what each of the parasites looks like.

Common parasites of dogs is available in two formats: a 'tablet friendly' electronic version and a booklet consisting of individual cards on a metal snap ring.

Matthew Rowe, senior brand manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: "Pet owners often get confused by the different parasites that can be picked up by their dogs. The new common parasites of dogs education tool will help veterinary professionals advise their clients about parasites and the benefits of routine worming and flea treatments."

For a copy of Common parasites of dogs electronically or as a booklet, contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.

Spillers has announced that its Equine Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Pat Harris MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition (Equine), will be continuing to share her knowledge and expertise with equine vets around the world this year, through a series of CPD courses, book publications and discussions on equine nutrition.

Pat is the head of the Equine Studies Group at Waltham Petcare Science Institute and an internationally renowned authority on equine nutrition from both veterinary and academic perspective. 

Her courses, book publications and webinars are aimed at providing practising equine vets with the latest knowledge and essential know-how on equine nutrition, whether for performance horses, leisure animals or the retired family pony.

Earlier this month Pat was one of several speakers at the British Equine Veterinary Association’s CPD course: From superfoods to supplements: How to know more than the owner. 

Earlier this year she co-edited and co-authored two chapters of Veterinary Clinics Equine Practice: Nutrition: 1) What would be good for all veterinarians to know about equine nutrition, and 2) Nutritional considerations when dealing with an obese adult equine.  

Next month she will chair a panel discussion titled Nutritional Management of the Competitive Equine Athlete for Vets through VetPD.

In the autumn she will be one of several speakers at the Mars Equestrian Equine Veterinary Continuing Education Series focusing on senior, obese and laminitic horses.

For more information, visit: www.spillers-feeds.com

Alstoe Animal Health is launching Nelio, a four-way breakable flavoured tablet version of the ACE inhibitor benazepril hydrochloride at BSAVA Congress.

The Nelio range for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs and chronic renal insufficiency in cats is presented as a flavoured clover-shaped scored tablet, which is easily divisible into halves or quarters. Nelio is presented in 5mg and 20mg tablets for dogs and 5mg for cats. The company says the new product will allow for more accurate dosing by bodyweight.

In addition, Alstoe is introducing a 120mg sized Dolagis chewable flavoured tablet, which contains the largest amount of carprofen in a single tablet on the veterinary market. As with the 50mg version, the 120mg tablet can be broken into half and quarter portion doses. Alstoe says the combination of these two sizes now affords even greater versatility for veterinary surgeons who need to prescribe for different weights of patient.

Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health, has launched Flexi4, a nutritional supplement for horses containing a patented combination of natural plant extracts designed to help maintain joint flexibility and the management of joint pain.

Flexi4 contains a blend of four plant extracts, Curcumin, Yucca schidigera, Salix alba and Boswellia serrata, which the company says have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic properties as follows:

• Curcumin, an extract from the roots of the herb Curcuma longa, has been shown to down-regulate inflammatory pathways and inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines.¹ It has also been shown to reduce the release of GAGs from the cartilage matrix.²
• Yucca schidigera is a botanical extract containing saponins that suppress the intestinal protozoa, which are thought to have a role in joint inflammation in some circumstances.³ The extract also contains antioxidant polyphenols, which inhibit the enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.⁴
• Salix alba is an extract of white willow bark containing salicin, polyphenols and flavonoids. These are reported to have a positive effect on chrondrocyte viability, differentiation and function⁵ as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic properties.⁶
• Boswellia serrata is the botanical extract of gum resin. Its role is to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators which initiate the inflammatory process⁷ and produce anti-inflammatory activity at sites of chronic inflammation.⁸

Mary King, Olympic three day eventing team silver medallist, said: "When performing at the highest level it's important that my horses' joints remain flexible and free of pain. Using Flexi4 has made them more resilient to aches and pains during intense training and I am confident when competing that my horses are feeling the benefit of this natural product, helping them to perform at their very best."

Flexi4 is an apple-flavoured gel that is fed as a once daily supplement. It doesn't contain any substances listed as prohibited by the FEI.* For more information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager, call 0845 300 8034 or email customersupportuk@zoetis.com.

References

1. Jurenka JS, AlternMed Rev. 2009 Jun.
2. Clutterbuck 2009.
   
3. Cheeke et al. Journal of Inflammation 2006.
   
4. Wenzig et al. Agric Food Chem. 2008.
   
5. Shakibaei 2012 Evidence-based Complementary and alternative Medicine volume 2012, article ID 509383.
6. Nahrstedt et al. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007.
   
7. Gayathri et al. Int Immunopharmacol. 2007 Apr.
8. Siddiqui, Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011 May-Jun.

*FEI prohibited substance list, 2013

The BSAVA has announced its award winners for 2021 and 2022.

And the winners are:

Laurent Garosi (The Bourgelat Award for outstanding international contributions to the field of small animal practice), Sarah Girling (The Simon Award for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery), Kit Sturgess (The Woodrow Award for contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine), Martin Hawes (The Amoroso Award for outstanding contributions to small animal studies), Daniella Dos Santos (The J.A. Wight Memorial Award for an outstanding contribution to the welfare of companion animals) and Claire Bessant (The Ray Butcher Award for an individual who has made a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community).

Other winners included: Marzia Stabile (The Melton Award for the first named author of the best original research article on small animal surgery published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice), Ross Bond (The PetSavers Veterinary Achievement Award for the first author of the most valuable full research paper published following a BSAVA PetSavers' grant) and Rosanne Jepson (The Blaine Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary medicine or surgery).

BSAVA Honorary Secretary, Krista Arnold said: “Congratulations to all those that are receiving an accolade.

“All the nominations were exceptional, making judging particularly difficult this year.”

Central CPD has started delivering CPD for vets live online using Zoom. 

The company says that while attendance CPD events are permitted under UK coronavirus guidelines, it has found that many lecturers and delegates are unwilling or unable to participate in them for the time being.

The main distinction between Zoom and traditional webinars is the ability for members of the audience to see each other and the presenter, which helps engender a sense of community and of a live event. Central CPD says it gives all the feel and interactivity of attending a CPD course in person. 

Central CPD is now delivering day-long events split into four sessions, which gives delegates the choice of joining for a whole day or just selected sessions.

The Zoom presentations are recorded in high definition, with the audience removed, so delegates can catch up on anything they missed later via Central CPD On-Demand.

Two days of CPD have so far been delivered via the new livestream service. Lecturer Mike Rhodes BVM&S CertVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS said: "This was my first time giving a livestream CPD day and compared to my previous experience of prerecorded lectures I found the interaction with the delegates very good fun - this could definitely be the new future with regards to veterinary CPD: COVID or no COVID!"

Livestream courses are free for subscribers or £45 + VAT per event, including unlimited access to the recorded footage afterwards.

Upcoming events for December are:

• Monday 7th December 2020: Nursing the Feline & Canine Diabetic Patient
• Saturday 19th December 2020: “Common Things Are Common” - Logical Investigation & Rational Treatment Approaches for Common Presentations

Details and booking information can be found at https://www.centralcpd.com/categories/30

Dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today.

Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.

The maximum sentences for allowing a dog to attack someone in England or Wales have also been increased as follows:

• Up to 14 years, from two years, for a fatal dog attack.
• Up to five years, from two years, for injury.
• Up to three years if an assistance dog is attacked.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said: "Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families and it is only right those responsible should face tough punishments.

"Irresponsible dog owners will not only face longer prison sentences, but will also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place, even in their own home. This will give protection to those who provide vital services in the community - postal workers, nurses, utility workers - as well as people visiting family and friends."

For the first time, the Dangerous Dogs Act also includes a specific offence to protect assistance dogs from attacks.

Guide Dogs Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: "An attack on a guide dog can be devastating. It can rob someone with sight loss of their independence and freedom, leaving them virtually housebound. We're delighted that irresponsible owners can now be given tougher sentences if their dog attacks an assistance dog.

"With an average of 10 guide dogs being attacked every month, we're looking to the police to fully use their new powers to protect vulnerable people from these sometimes life-changing attacks."

The changes will also see new preventative powers for the police and local authorities so they can act early to stop dog attacks before they occur. These measures include steps the dog owner can take to address their own or their dog's behaviour, for example:

Attending dog training classes.
Repairing fencing to their property to prevent the dog escaping.
Requiring their dog to be muzzled in public.

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: "The coalition government is already making real progress in defending the public from out of control dogs and their irresponsible owners. Today's measures will protect individuals and also assistance dogs, which bring security, confidence and independence to their handlers.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "The Kennel Club sees these amendments as being extremely positive overall for the welfare of millions of dogs in this country, as well as helping to protect the public and the UK's responsible dog owners. For too long, irresponsible owners who consistently allow, or even encourage, their dogs to act aggressively or behave dangerously have essentially been protected by regulations which tend to penalise the dogs rather than their irresponsible owners. This updated legislation makes it absolutely clear that this is not acceptable and owners must take responsibility for adequately training their dogs.

"We have been very careful during our work with Government to ensure that there are adequate defences for those otherwise responsible dog owners who find themselves in unforeseen circumstances. This includes scenarios such as dogs protecting their homes from intruders or responding to provocation.

"Disappointingly however, the issue of breed specific legislation still remains unaddressed, with the government failing to use the opportunity whilst amending the Dangerous Dogs Act to repeal this ineffective element of the law.

"The Kennel Club believes in the principle of 'deed not breed' and that genetics plays only a small part in the temperament of a dog, with breeding, socialisation and environment having a far greater effect. The majority of dog bite incidents are a result of the irresponsible actions of owners who have either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or have in fact trained them to behave aggressively. Consequently any legislation based on genetics that ignores the influence of the dog's keeper on its behaviour is highly likely to be ineffective, as has been proven with the Dangerous Dogs Act."

The RCVS is advising all practices that it is not currently carrying out a data-gathering exercise and that phone calls prompting the return of a survey, and requesting mobile phone numbers, are not being made on behalf of the College.

The warning comes after several practices have called the College to query 'feedback forms' - supposedly issued in relation to the Practice Standards Scheme or the payment of members' retention fees.

The practices were asked to return forms which they had not received, and also to provide mobile phone numbers, by someone who claimed to work for the 'statutory regulator' or 'the RCVS'. Contact phone numbers left by the caller were either RCVS fax numbers or numbers which looked like RCVS direct dial numbers, but were not. 

Lizzie Lockett, Head of Communications, said: "This looks like an exercise to gain mobile phone numbers which is being carried out in the College's name. We are currently investigating who might be making these calls. In the meantime, if a practice receives such a call, it would be helpful if they could take down a name and contact number and let us know." 

Ring 020 7202 0725 or email l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk to report any suspicious activity.

Petplan has announced the finalists for the 2009 Veterinary Awards. 

The company says it was inundated with more than 2300 nominations this year and that the public response was 'astonishing', with tales ranging from midnight rescues to simple acts of kindness and this year was no exception.

The finalists for each of the categories are as follows:

Vet of the Year
Jamie Rushton, Village Vet Hampstead, London
Ben Jones, Ben Jones Veterinary Surgery, Chester, Flintshire
Matthew Fry, Quarrington Veterinary Surgery, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

Vet Nurse of the Year
Charlotte Maude, Companion Care Veterinary Surgery Chesterfield, Markham, Chesterfield
Karen McQuaid, The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group, Watton, Norfolk
Rachel Smith, 608 Veterinary Group, Solihull, West Midlands

Vet Receptionist of the Year
Yasmin Morowa, Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Jackie Crampton, Companion Care Veterinary Surgery Chesterfield, Markham, Chesterfield
Sara Abbott, Pet Doctors, East Horsley, Surrey

Vet Practice of the Year
Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital Limited, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
Carrick Veterinary Group CVS (UK) Ltd, Newbold, Chesterfield
St Clair Veterinary Group, Kirkcaldy, Fife

Simon Wheeler, Petplan's Head of Marketing said he was thrilled by the record number of nominations received:

"This year we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Veterinary Awards which were launched so pet owners could thank their practice for the tireless and wonderful work they carry out. We are delighted that the awards, which we often hear referred to as the 'Vet Oscars', are still going strong.  This year we have received over 2300 nominations and the quality and standard really challenged the skills of our esteemed judging panel. We would like to wish those short listed every success on the night."

All finalists will be invited to a 'glittering' awards ceremony that will take place on 2^nd April at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham where the winners will be announced.