A Pet Obesity Task Force, the first of its kind in the country, has been launched at the European Pet Obesity Conference, hosted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help tackle the growing number of obese and overweight pets and put in place strategies to help overcome the condition.
The Task Force hopes to raise awareness of the growing health implications of obese and overweight pets, such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. The fact that pets are obese or overweight is often overlooked by owners and the group also aims to encourage them to identify weight problems and seek appropriate advice from vets.
Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser at the RSPCA, who will be sitting on the board, comments: “We’ve been trying to treat and prevent pet obesity for 20 years, but the problem hasn’t gone away. In fact it seems to have got worse despite everyone’s efforts. It’s incredibly frustrating. So, is there any point in fighting on in the same old way if we’re not winning the battle?
“Let’s take a step back, review our knowledge, re-evaluate our approaches, think outside the box and innovate. What could we learn from social scientists, human psychologists and others engaged in trying to tackle the very same problem in people – especially children?”
Members of the Pet Obesity Task Force include:
Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser, RSPCA BVetMed MRCVS Professor John Innes BVSc PhD CertVR DSAS(Orth) MRCVS Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore BSc BVM&S PhD MACVSc MRCVS Daniel Chan DVM DipACVECC DipACVN MRCVS Nicola Ackerman BSc(Hons) RVN Cert SAN MBVNA Rachel Casey BVMS Dip(AS)CABC MRCVS Dr Ian Campbell GP Mike Jessop BVetMed MRCVS Dr Jacques Debraekeleer DVM, DipECVCN Simon Wheeler Head of marketing at Petplan
Fort Dodge Index (FDI) data for the first six months of 2009 confirm the downward trend in key veterinary practice metrics, including turnover growth, transaction volume and client numbers with a national picture emerging of much slower growth than the same time last year. The one mitigating factor continues to be an increase in the prices charged by practices for their services, which is leading to a small increase in average transaction values.
The FDI (www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk) analyses and benchmarks the performance of practices across the UK. Figures for the first half of 2009 confirm the trend, seen for some time, of static or steadily declining performance in key areas for practices. The national picture of turnover growth and its components for the period January-June 2009 shows that:
Patrick Traill, Corporate Account Manager at Fort Dodge, said: "While some practices are continuing to report busy months and high turnover, it's clear that many are experiencing a rough ride as the recession in the wider economy affects the spending power of pet owners.
"The key challenge is that profits are being eroded at a time when turnover is also being seriously hit. The only impetus for growth so far this year has been the increase in consulting, surgical and drug fees and this alone will not help practices plan for a secure future.
"The latest FDI data confirms a trend which we've been reporting for some time and we urge those who haven't yet taken action to do so without delay. While capturing new clients will always be fundamental to growth, in these times reducing client losses is equally critical and resource may well be better spent on plans that support client retention.
"Practices should also be considering initiatives to increase client visit frequency and support client bonding. Examples could include preventative health schemes and loyalty programmes. Finally, practices could also explore avenues to increase annual transaction value through the promotion of new products and services.
"Joining the FDI is an effective way for practices to benchmark their performance both against others in their locality and across the UK. Full details on the FDI, the benefits it offers to practices and how to join are available on our newly re-designed website. Full copies of the FDI report can also now be downloaded on a quarterly basis."
A copy of the latest FDI report is available for free download at http://www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk/. Further information on how to join the scheme is available from Fort Dodge on 01489 781811.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched PrintRoom, an online printing service to help equine practices deliver high quality communications to their clients, to support the company's Equip range of equine vaccines.
PrintRoom can be used to produce customised vaccination reminder cards, invitations, letterheads, stable name sheets, and more.
You can choose from a palette of designs, images and colours and can also upload your own logos and images to tailor your client communications to your preferred style.
PrintRoom has a MailMerge option to pre-address all your mailings and you can pay for postage and set the date of despatch online, to help ensure boosters are administered on time and passports stay up to date.
Paul Blanc, Equine Brand manager at Pfizer said: "Good communication with your clients plays a vital role in maintaining vaccination compliance and retaining and gaining business. Our print room service makes it easy to produce a broad range of customised practice marketing materials to a very professional standard that stand out from the crowd."
For further information visit http://www.pfizerprintroom.com/, call 0845 6027439 or contact your Pfizer Account Manager.
Merial has released the results of a survey - carried out in conjunction with VetSurgeon.org - into the use of nutraceuticals for the management of canine joint problems.
The company says the total market for nutraceutical products remains strong, holding a value of £8.9 million* in the UK, and that this indicates that despite increasing economic pressures, nutraceuticals are still valued by veterinary surgeons and owners as an important part of the management approach to canine joint disease.
The survey generated 163 responses. Results showed that whilst 58% of canine patients with joint health problems received only NSAIDs for treatment, 28% of patients received both NSAIDs and a joint health nutraceutical and 14% received a nutraceutical alone, demonstrating the importance that veterinary practitioners place on the use of nutraceuticals. The survey also showed that on average, UK vets stock and recommend at least two nutraceutical products.
Supleneo flex Product Manager Claire Edmunds said: “This eshot survey yielded some interesting results and the email received the second highest recorded opening rate this year, indicating that it is a topic of great interest. The survey confirmed that vets are actively recommending nutraceuticals, alongside NSAIDs, for canine patients with joint health problems. These data also show that the market remains stable as the level of dispensing correlates well with our previous research. To encourage even more growth in this sector and support the launch of Supleneo flex we have produced a range of support materials, including the provision of samples, money off next purchase vouchers and a loyalty programme. In this way we can continue to support vets in their management of canine joint problems.”
For more information call Merial on 0870 6000 123 or contact your Territory Manager.
In June the College held a six-week consultation with the profession, asking for opinions on its proposal for an outcomes-based approach to CPD which would concentrate less on hours logged and more on interactive, reflective learning and measuring the impact that CPD has on the individual’s practice and patient health outcomes.
The proposed model for CPD had four key components: planning, doing, recording and reflecting. While an overall majority of the 3,357 people who responded to the College’s consultation agreed with the proposed changes to the CPD requirement, certain elements received less support than others. The lowest amount of support was received for the ‘reflection’ component with 35% of respondents disagreeing with it.
The RCVS Education Committee therefore decided that a pilot of a new outcomes-based approach should be held during 2017 with a group of volunteers, before making a recommendation to Council.
Professor Stephen May, who chaired the Working Group that developed the CPD proposals, said: "Because of the concern voiced by members of the profession responding to the consultation we decided that, at this stage, it would not be appropriate for the RCVS to move straight into this new way of doing CPD but that it would be more appropriate to hold a pilot. The idea is that we will explore some of the concerns around reflection and around the extra time and paperwork that people felt that a more reflective approach may lead to.
"We have taken all these comments into account and are now seeking to work with individual volunteers on this pilot. It is important to note that we are not only looking for volunteers who agree with what we are doing but also those who are apprehensive about it or even some who see it as something they do not support. We want to explore the full range of views and how we can move forward in changing our approach to CPD."
The pilot is expected to be launched in February next year and the College is now looking for volunteers who both support the proposals and have a ‘healthy scepticism’ about them. Volunteers will receive help and support throughout the trial and will also be invited to attend an introductory CPD meeting at the RCVS offices in February.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jenny Soreskog-Turp, RCVS CPD Officer, on cpd@rcvs.org.uk.
Further information, including the CPD Policy Working Party’s response to the consultation and the full interview with Stephen May, is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/CPDpilot.
The Brexit Barometer report draws on insights from 16 animal medicines companies and other stakeholders. 95% of those who contributed to the report, drawn up after NOAH’s Brexit event in May, said that they are optimistic about the future of animal health and welfare in the UK.
On the broader future of the industry, contributors to the report were more uncertain: 40% 'in the middle', 30% 'optimistic' and 25% 'pessimistic'. In contrast to animal welfare, contributors were most pessimistic about the future of trade and exports in relation to animal health.
While optimism about animal welfare remains high, NOAH says the animal medicines industry needs a continuation of its high standards of health and welfare to help tackle antibiotic resistance and to put the UK in a strong influencing position with our ability to trade. Six key measures in relation to health and welfare that Government needs to take to realise the opportunities were outlined in the report. They are:
• Maintaining the current Animal Welfare Acts and evolving them to secure the UK’s position from ‘Day 0’• Ensuring the industry is not disadvantaged by lack of veterinary medicines availability during the transition period and beyond, as new products come on the market• Ensuring that veterinary services are available in inner city and rural areas throughout the UK• Ensuring that a cross-border programme is in place to maintain cooperation between the UK and Europe• Recognising that animal diseases do not respect borders and to co-operate with our European neighbours to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent and control disease outbreaks• Balancing first-class welfare standards with creating a level playing field for UK farmers and ensuring that British product does not become uncompetitive.
NOAH Chief Executive, Dawn Howard said: "While the Barometer showed that a large proportion of the industry was undecided when it comes to overall future of our sector, it tells us loudly and clearly that the sector sees a very clear opportunity for the UK to show leadership when it comes to animal health and welfare. What is vital now is that Government collaborates closely with industry and heeds its advice to realise this opportunity and leverage these high levels of optimism. We must not forget that veterinary medicines support the health and welfare of the UK’s livestock and pets and we stand ready to work with industry and Government to help make this happen."
BVA President Gudrun Ravetz said: "We have a unique selling point as 'UK PLC' around our high standards of animal welfare and food safety and these must be maintained in the wake of Brexit. This means tackling issues including veterinary involvement from farm to fork to underpin animal health, welfare and public health, through to guaranteeing working rights for vets and veterinary nurses. It is therefore vital that animal welfare is included in all trade negotiations."
The report can be read in full here: https://www.noah.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/NOAH-Brexit-Barometer-Summer-17-6pp-A4-vf.pdf
The new pass offers both physical and virtual tickets so that the practice rota doesn't have to stop any member of the team from attending.
BEVA says the new tickets also offer a saving of up to £113 per vet.
David Mountford, Chief Executive of BEVA said: “We know that not every vet at a practice can attend congress every year because someone is always going to have to stay behind and work.
"So, by offering a mix of physical and virtual tickets in the pass it means those staying at home to look after the practice can still benefit from the live stream as well as the six-month access to all the lectures afterwards.
"Congress always contains plenty of relevant and dedicated content for nurses, so the pass obviously includes nurse tickets too.”
Practice Passes are available for BEVA members in three packages: small (£599), medium (£1,333) and large (£2,666).
Individual early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessions available for those in their first three years’ post-graduation or on a lower salary).
Practice Passes and early bird tickets are available to purchase until Monday 1 August 2022.
Day tickets are also available.
Virtual tickets are £199 for vets and £40 for nurses.
For more information, or to book tickets, visit http://www.bevacongress.org
With recruitment and retention issues in many sectors of the profession, the Association says flexible working might improve job satisfaction and therefore retention.
Other statistics from the survey showed that whilst levels of flexible working have risen from 44% in 2019 to 50% in 2021, 36% of those who already work flexibly 36% would like more flexibility.
The most common reasons vets gave for wanting to work more flexibly were: to allow more time for leisure activities (56%), lifestyle needs (50%), caregiving responsibilities (28%), health reasons (28%), for professional development (22%) and for voluntary work (16%).
The type of flexibility vets were hoping to achieve also varied. Working part time was the most common type of flexible working sought (31%), followed by homeworking (16%), flexitime (13%) and compressed hours (5%).
As part of its campaign, the BVA has launched "Flexible working: Embracing flexibility in the veterinary profession", a booklet which includes facts, figures and case studies to help demonstrate how flexible working can benefit both employers and employees in a range of different veterinary teams.
The booklet also offers tips and advice on tackling some of the challenges that can arise when introducing increased flexibility into a clinical workplace.
BVA Junior Vice President Malcolm Morley said: “The statistics clearly show that there is a huge appetite for more flexibility in working hours, particularly in clinical practice, where employers have previously been quite hesitant to explore this option.
"We understand that there are potential challenges to allowing more flexibility but we’re hoping to demonstrate that these are not insurmountable.
“It’s vital that the profession recognises that inflexible working patterns contribute to poor retention—recognition is the first stage in finding a solution.
"Embracing developments in flexible working could increase job satisfaction for many team members and ultimately improve retention.”
Malcolm added: “The profession continues to face serious staffing shortages and we understand that the increased pressures on vet teams may make some employers anxious about introducing flexible working at a time when they are already struggling to cover shifts.
"However, the solution does not lie with vet teams working increasingly longer hours; a successful solution will need team members to be involved in supporting each other’s working patterns.
"Promoting a better balance between home and work could be key to supporting many staff who are currently unsure about remaining in the profession or returning to work."
www.bva.co.uk/flexible-working
They include the launch of the RCVS Academy, reforms to the RCVS concerns investigation process, the publication of the Workforce Action Plan and guidance for universities on supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic veterinary students, ongoing work on new under care guidance, the development of new sustainability standards for the Practice Standards Scheme, and the purchase of the future headquarters for the RCVS.
The report also contains an update from the College’s charity partner RCVS Knowledge, details of RCVS financial management policies, and an independent auditor’s report on the College.
The Annual Report and Financial Statements will be formally adopted by RCVS Council at its Annual General Meeting on Friday 7th July at One Great George Street.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are able to submit questions about the Annual Report.
The College says that subject to time, submitted questions will be answered by the College on the day, or followed up in writing after the event.
Questions should be emailed to Deborah Rowlanes, RCVS Events Manager, on d.rowlanes@rcvs.org.uk no later than 5pm on Tuesday 4th July.
If you want to attend, register at: www.rcvs.org.uk/events.
Happy Snack is described as a light, delicious creamy snack which contains alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein with claimed appeasing properties.
In a study conducted by the company, the new treat was taken by 86% of cats.
Happy Snack is suitable for cats and kittens from 12 weeks of age and can be used directly from the sachet, on food or from a finger.
Feline behaviourist, Lucy Hoile, said: “I am very excited about Happy Snack, as I think there is a real gap in the market!
"Something delicious that a person can give easily to a cat, is a great tool to help with general distraction and bond building.”
Happy Snack by Feliway is available in packs of six sachets.
www.feliway.com/uk.
A new expert panel has been formed to evaluate pain management in canine osteoarthritis following a recent shift to a more integrated approach to pain and disease research.
In the past, pain and joint disease have been considered as separate areas of research, with pain perceived simply as a consequence of disease. Over the last few years, however, it has become increasingly apparent that the relationship is far more complex and that pain may be a driver of disease rather than just a consequence of it. The expert panel hopes to apply the new knowledge to the management of joint pain in veterinary practice.
The panel, which had its inaugural meeting in Paris recently, brings together acknowledged veterinary experts in the fields of pain and joint disease. Its focus will be on the assessment and management of pain in canine osteoarthritis (OA), with the objective of educating veterinary surgeons to better understand and manage pain in canine OA and thereby improve the well-being of pets that suffer from this common disease.
'Central sensitisation' is one of the latest theories that has been suggested to explain the complex interaction between pain and disease progression in canine OA. Duncan Lascelles, Associate Professor of Surgery at North Carolina State University, said that research has shown that the components of the pain pathway can change in response to a pain stimulus. Pain receptors 'up-regulate' in response to painful stimuli and become more sensitive to subsequent pain.
CNS sensitisation is likely a significant contributor to chronic or maladaptive pain; this pain leads to decreased mobility, reduced muscle support and reduced muscle function, thus leading to disease progression. In other words, joint diseases cause pain, which in turn feeds back to create more disease.
Professor Lascelles said: "The link between the clinical signs associated with OA and joint pathology is not a simple one and may be much more complex than we have previously thought.
"There is some evidence that COX inhibition reduces central sensitisation. And some evidence suggests that reducing central sensitisation may have a modulatory effect on disease progression by reducing signals going out to the periphery.
"The relationship between pain and disease progression is a very new area of research, and is at the forefront of our knowledge of how pain and joint disease are linked."
Professor John Innes, Head of Division, Small Animal Studies, University of Liverpool Veterinary School, told the meeting that OA is likely to be one of the major reasons for euthanasia of pet dogs in Europe. He and two co-investigators have performed a systematic review of the published evidence for the use of long-term, continuous NSAID treatment (at least 28 days) in OA. They found that this form of management is associated with better outcomes than short-term NSAID therapy, with no evidence of additional safety issues. This review is to be published shortly.
The expert panel comprises:
Prof Dr Stuart Carmichael, Vets Now Ltd. Formerly at: Veterinary School, University of Glasgow, UKProf Dr John Innes, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, UKDr Bernard Bouvy-Centre, Hospitalier Vétérinaire de Frégis, Arcueil, FranceProf Dr Jean-Pierre Genevois, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, FranceDr Carlos Macías, Centro Veterinario de Referencia Bahia de Malaga, SpainProf Dr Martin Kramer, Klinik für Kleintiere, Chirurgie , Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, GermanyDr Sabine Tacke, Klinik für Kleintiere, Chirurgie, Justus-Liebig-Universität GießenProf Dr Duncan Lascelles, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, USAProf Dr Herman A.W. Hazewinkel, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Departement Gezelschapsdieren, Utrecht, NetherlandsDr Emilio Feltri, Anaesthetist and specialist in Pain Management, Ambulatorio Veterinario Associato, Tortona, ItalyDr Peter Vandekerckhove, Specialist Surgeon Companion Animal, Wondelgem, Belgium
Ceva Animal Health has launched Hepaticare, a new liver support supplement for cats and dogs.
The company says Hepaticare contains the same high quality ingredients as Hepatosyl, but is now enhanced with micro-encapsulated SAMe to enhance product stability and patient acceptance.
Hepaticare contains the antioxidants of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), vitamin E and silybin to help maintain liver function, and vitamin K to support the normal blood clotting process. Ceva says these ingredients help neutralise damaging free radicals produced by the liver during times of stress, while the SAMe has been micro-encapsulated to enhance stability, reduce any bitter aftertaste and increase patient acceptance.
Hepaticare capsules can be given whole or opened and sprinkled onto, or mixed with, food.
Rob McLintock, companion animal business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Following a change in supplier we have taken the opportunity to launch a new liver support supplement, ensuring that the new and improved product, Hepaticare, is as effective and as easy to administer as possible.”
Hepaticare pack sizes and pricing will remain the same as for Ceva’s Hepatosyl. Until the end of September, Hepaticare will be available on a buy one get one free offer.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager or phone 01494 781510.
According to the Spring 2022 Voice of the Profession survey, one in four cats (24%) seen in practices are not having all of their welfare needs met.
The issues identified by vets as the most pressing at their practice were:
Dr Tiffany Hemming has been elected the new chair of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF), the veterinary profession's own animal welfare charity.
After graduating, Dr Hemming worked in mixed practice before completing her doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Guelph, Canada. She joined the Territorial Army as a Veterinary Officer in 1997, transferring to the Regular Army in 2000.
She has been employed in several different roles all over the world, has commanded a medical squadron for two years and deployed with them to Afghanistan in 2009/10.
Holding the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Dr Hemming is currently employed in a policy position in Whitehall. Her particular interests within animal welfare science are working animals and educating owners about improving the welfare of their animals.
Dr Hemming said: "I am delighted to have been elected as chair of trustees for the BVA AWF. The Foundation is committed to improving the welfare of all animals through veterinary science, education and debate and I am looking forward to leading the charity, with the valuable assistance and expertise of my fellow veterinary trustees.
"I will ensure good governance for our work as we continue to review what we do, building on a process started by my predecessor Carl Padgett."
The trial starts on Monday 11 July and will continue for three months to allow the College to determine levels of demand for such a service and, therefore, whether it should be made permanent.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Acting Registrar, said: "This was a potential service identified in our Strategic Plan as a way of allowing veterinary professionals to have informal, confidential, discussions with members of the Professional Conduct Department about potential fitness to practise issues, short of formally raising a concern.
"Although any discussions via the new reporting line or email address will be confidential, if a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse subsequently wishes to raise a formal concern about another veterinary professional, then they generally will need to identify both themselves and the individual in order to take it through our investigation process.
"We have developed a bespoke concerns form for members of the professions who do want to raise concerns about other professionals."
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to contact a member of the RCVS Professional Conduct Department in confidence can do so by calling 07599 958 294 between 9am and 5pm, or by emailing reporting@rcvs.org.uk.
The bespoke concerns from for members of the profession can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns.
The step-by-step guide offers guidelines to help farmers improve their herd's mobility.
It highlights the importance of implementing a robust and ongoing treatment plan to improve cow comfort and reduce lameness in the short-term, which will lead to increased production and herd welfare in the longer-term.
The guide includes advice on reviewing a whole herd by an independent RoMS (Register of Mobility Scorers) accredited mobility scorer, seeking veterinary advice or contacting a mobility mentor (someone who has been trained to deliver the ADHB Healthy Feet Programme) if lesions are identified, treating within 48 hours of identification with a combination of trim, block, topical antimicrobial spray and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), as appropriate, and the importance of ongoing treatment, prevention and monitoring every fortnight.
The guide also includes tips for the successful use of NSAIDs, which include the importance of using a NSAID with a zero milk withhold.
There are four lameness management videos which were produced in collaboration with James Wilson BSc (Hons) PhD, a foot health consultant from Herd Health Consultancy and include contributions from Alex Burrows, professional foot trimmer and Chair of the National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers (NACFT), Dave Bacon, a dairy farmer from Gleadthorpe Farm in Nottinghamshire, Shannon Trinder, assistant herdsperson at Gleadthorpe Farm and Harry Walby BVetMed MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and ruminant technical advisor at Ceva Animal Health.
They cover the benefits of regular mobility scoring, prioritising mobility and lameness prevention in heifers and maintaining lameness management success with practical and effective lameness treatment and prevention programmes.
www.wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk/pdf/step-by-step-guide.pdf.www.wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk/training-videos.html.
CEVA Animal Health has extended its behavioural range of products with the launch of Senilife®, a nutritional supplement which is specifically formulated to help manage signs of brain ageing in dogs and cats.
Senilife® contains a combination of three essential brain nutrients - phosphatidylserine, vitamin B6 and vitamin E - which the company says help maintain membrane fluidity and normalise neurotransmission. In addition, two natural but potent anti-oxidants - gingko biloba and resveratrol - support brain metabolism and help to neutralise free radicals and reduce amyloid deposits.
According to CEVA, common signs of brain ageing in dogs and cats include playing or interacting less, barking or howling at night, loss of house-training/litter box training, apathy or increased tiredness and disorientation. A study has shown that up to 75% of dogs over seven years of age and 35% of cats 11 years and over suffer from at least one geriatric behavioural problem1.
In a recent clinical study, 86% of owners were satisfied with the results achieved after one month of using Senilife®, with 73% of dog owners and 67% of cat owners noticing fewer signs of brain ageing within the first seven days2.
Juliet Penaliggon, small animal marketing manager at CEVA Animal Health, says: "Many typical signs of brain ageing in dogs can be controlled by nutritional management. Senilife® is a fast-acting, nutritional supplement that contains proven nutrients and neuroprotectives to help manage these signs."Senilife® capsules are easy to administer either directly into the mouth of the pet or emptied onto the pet's food."
For further information, please contact your CEVA Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
References1 Behaviour problems in geriatric pets. Lansberg G and Araujo J. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 35 (2005) 675-698.2 Isaka N, Baysse B, Lopez A, Ovaert P and Penaliggon J. CABSTG Spring Meeting April (2009).
Two new edition's of Veterinary Focus, Royal Canin's free journal for companion animal veterinary surgeons are now available free of charge to UK vets.
Focus on Respiratory Disease includes features on brachycephalic syndrome, feline asthma, thoracic radiography of respiratory cases, canine fungal rhinitis, tracheobronchial foreign bodies in dogs and cats, emergency care of patients with acute respiratory distress, and respiratory parasitic diseases. Contributors include representatives from veterinary universities in Germany, Spain, Italy, the USA, and Argentina, and from the UK, Martin Sullivan BVMS, PhD, DVR, Dipl. ECVDI, MRCVS from Glasgow University and Mike Stafford Johnson, MVB, MRCVS, DVC Cert, SAM, MACVS from the Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre in Kenilworth.
Focus on Liver Disease includes features on feline inflammatory liver disease, canine portosystemic shunts, jaundice in the dog, extra-hepatic biliary system surgery, laboratory tests for liver disease, liver enzyme testing, diagnosis and treatment of liver tumours, and liver biopsy sampling. Contributors include representatives from veterinary universities in France, Spain, Italy, the USA, New Caledonia, Argentina, and Grenada, and from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Danielle Gunn-Moore, BSc. BVM&S, PhD, FHEA, MACVSc, MRCVS, Nicki Reed, BM&S, Cert VR.DSAM (Feline) Dipl. ECVIM-CA, MRCVS, and Kathryn Pratschke, MVB. MVM, Cert SAS, Dipl. ECVS, MRCVS.
Lee Danks, Royal Canin Veterinary Support manager, said: "Focus is a really interesting and informative publication, and with each issue focusing on a particular body system it offers a complete review of the latest thinking in each area. The contributors are all highly renowned in their individual fields, and being able to provide this kind of expertise to our veterinary partners is something we are really proud of."
Veterinary Focus is published in English, French, German, Chinese, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Greek and Russian and reaches over 80,000 veterinary surgeons worldwide.
For a free copy of Focus, speak to your Royal Canin veterinary business manager, who will add you to the subscription list.
The RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council has decided that the College should cease being an awarding body next year, which means it will no longer offer the vocational Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
The College says it will ensure that the Diploma continues to be available by transferring the intellectual property associated with the qualification, such as the question banks and systems, to another larger awarding body, in a move which is likely to take effect for the beginning of the 2012 academic year.
According to the College, this decision reflects recent changes in the regulatory Conditions of Approval for awarding bodies, which it would have been hard for the College to meet while continuing to offer the Diploma cost-effectively. The changes mainly relate to potential conflicts of interest between the College's primary role, as professional regulator that safeguards standards within the veterinary professions, and its role as an awarding body. The standards-setting role includes the regulation of education and training leading to the veterinary and VN registers, and it was felt that the College could no longer exercise this role effectively if it was also an awarding organisation, as it might be suspected of treating its internal qualifications more favourably, or of obstructing competitors.
Although the College says this has not been a problem in the past, the rules are now more stringent, and the costs of setting up a fully independent awarding body would be prohibitive.
The market for the Diploma is also likely to fragment in the future, with three other awarding bodies expressing an interest in offering a Level 3 Diploma. Any reduction in the number of students taking the RCVS Level 3 Diploma would further push up the costs, potentially making the RCVS Awarding Body unviable. A larger awarding body can take advantage of economies of scale across a range of awards in a way that the RCVS cannot.
Colonel Neil Smith, Chairman of the RCVS Awarding Body Board said: "The RCVS has been offering vocational qualifications since 1998 and the decision to cease being an awarding body has not been taken lightly.
"We have taken this decision in order to focus on our core responsibilities of professional regulation and standard setting. However, we remain committed to maintaining the Diploma, which has been carefully developed by the RCVS and the profession. This move ensures that it will stay in safe hands."
The name of the awarding body to which the qualification will be transferred has not yet been announced because the process is not complete. However, the College says it felt it was important to give those involved with the delivery of training as much notice as possible of the change. More information, and the change-over plan, will be released in due course.
Libby Earle, RCVS Head of Veterinary Nursing said: "Our priority will be effecting a smooth transfer for students, Colleges and training practices, and we are confident that the impact of the change will be minimal. Furthermore, it will be a condition of the transfer that the veterinary profession continues to have a say in the future development of the qualification."
Those students still in the process of completing the old NVQ qualifications, the accreditation of which is due to run out in 2013, will continue to be serviced by the RCVS.
As the professional regulator, the College will continue to issue RCVS certificates and badges to those who have successfully completed a registerable qualification - such as an approved vocational qualification run by another awarding body, or an RCVS-recognised veterinary nursing degree.
The Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will be unaffected by the change as the qualification is awarded by the College under its Royal Charter powers.
The webinar is being hosted by Dr William Ingham Farrow from Poultry Health Services (PHS), part of the VetPartners group.
William said: “Having worked with a wide variety of different avian species and management systems for over 10 years, I’m delighted to be sharing my experience.
"I hope to bring plenty of useful insight to help young vets gain confidence in this area.
“In this session, I’m aiming to provide advice for first-opinion vets working with both individual hens and backyard flocks.
“I hope to show that you don't need specialist equipment or medication to offer veterinary care for these often overlooked clients, and to signpost the additional help available in more complex cases."
The webinar is part of the Farm Animal Veterinary Society's Car Pool Cases series, which will also cover antibiotic selection (June 25th), camelid care (August 20th), downer cows (October 22nd), youngstock (November 19th) and beef fertility (December 10th).
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carpool-cases-practical-pointers-from-front-line-farm-vets-tickets-640902997117
To submit questions ahead of the Carpool sessions, email: farmsupport@vetpartners.co.uk
www.favs.org.uk
An international group of scientists has published new results that herald a breakthrough in finding a vaccine against the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses, strangles.
UK experts from the Animal Health Trust collaborated with scientists from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Karonlinska Institutet Medical University and Intervacc AB, on the project - the results of which could benefit humans as well as animals.
Professor Andrew Waller, Head of Bacteriology at the AHT, said: "We have been working towards developing a vaccine for 7 years, and finally it seems as if all the hard work is paying off. We've already developed better ways of diagnosing exposure to the infection, and now, with the success of creating a safe and effective vaccine, it looks as if we're finally bringing together the tools necessary to eradicate this terrible disease."
The vaccine consists of seven different Streptococcus proteins and results from early tests published in PLoS Pathogens have been incredibly positive showing a high level of protection and no side effects. It is hoped that the strangles vaccine could be commercially available in the near future.
Streptococcus equi, the bacterium that causes strangles, shares 80 per cent identity with Streptococcus pyogenes - the leading cause of bacterial pharyngitis, tonsillitis and rheumatic fever in humans, which kills thousands of people each year. Scientists hope that the knowledge gained through developing the strangles vaccine will also help in developing vaccines to combat these human conditions.
Research leader, Professor Bengt Guss of SLU, said: "This is a most exciting project, where research is generating new applications and knowledge that can be used to develop vaccines against these important bacteria. This is particularly important considering the increased number of infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria."
The vaccine development work was only made possible thanks to information from the Streptococcus equi genome sequencing project funded by The Horse Trust.
The Horse Trust's Chief Executive Brigadier Paul Jepson, said: "We are absolutely delighted that by pulling apart the genome of this plague of the horse world scientists have generated a truly safe and effective strangles vaccine. That this work could also benefit other animal and human health is beyond our wildest hopes."
Full text of the research findings can be found in PLoS Pathogens online at http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.ppat.1000584
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched four new care products, enhancing its Professional Care range, available exclusively through veterinary practices.
The new products are:
Brand Manager Rachel Horton said: "At Dechra we're focused on providing a complete care solution for companion animals. Our Professional Care range provides products which owners can use at home to keep their pets in great condition.
With the launch of these new products, we believe the Professional Care range provides a cost-effective care solution for pet owners while providing significant additional revenue opportunities for practices."
Elanco Companion Animal Health, maker of Comfortis, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the perennial problem of fleas, and the importance of regular treatment.
The campaign revolves around some new research which shows that while nearly half of dog owners1 allow their pets to swim at least once a month during the summer, over 45% of those questioned were unaware that if a dog is bathed or swims it may lose protection from spot-on flea treatments with only a sixth realising that the active ingredients in some spot-on insecticides can harm aquatic organisms2.
Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, and RSPCA veterinary surgeon David Grant (pictured right) are being wheeled out to talk about the new research, both on the radio and on web TV.
In addition, Elanco says that a range of Comfortis support materials are available to help educate pet owners about fleas and the healthcare issues associated with fleas and encourage enquiries about flea control solutions.
For further information please contact your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoah.uk@lilly.com.
References
The Royal College is inviting veterinary surgeons to the first-ever Virtual Question Time, which is being held online with The Webinar Vet, from 8-9.30pm on Wednesday 24 April.
Lizzie Lockett, Head of the RCVS Communications Department said: "This is an ideal opportunity to put your burning questions to members of the RCVS Officer team and to VN Council. Our regular Question Time meetings are popular, so we are following their format by asking delegates to set the agenda via their choice of questions. This time there is the extra advantage that busy vets and nurses can take part from the comfort of their own homes. If the Virtual Question Time proves successful, we may hold these events regularly."
The meeting will be run as a free, live-audio webinar. RCVS President Jacqui Molyneux will open proceedings, and introduce the panel, before answering questions from the participants.
Questions may be put to the College in advance and can also be submitted as discussion unfolds on the night. These can be on any issues affecting the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions - there is no set agenda - and might range from the First Rate Regulator initiative, new vet schools, veterinary nurse training and clinical governance, to proposed changes to the Practice Standards Scheme and recent amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The session will also be recorded so those unable to attend on the night can still listen afterwards.
The meeting can be counted towards continuing professional development for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. Registrations and questions can be submitted online at http://thewebinarvet.com/rcvs/#.
Participating practices will learn about dental disease pathophysiology and diagnosis, gain insights in pet owner behaviour and learn how to increase client engagement while implementing a dental home care plan.
Animalcare has also made available free social media packs and waiting room materials to help educate clients on pet dental health.
Will Peel, Marketing Manager at Animalcare said: ‘We know that UK veterinary surgeons consider dental disorders to be one of the most important health related welfare issues currently affecting UK dogs.
"We’ve introduced our CPD sessions to help the entire veterinary team learn more about dental disease and to help them educate their clients about implementing an at home dental regime which works for them and their pets.'
To book your Lunch and Learn or request a social media pack and other materials, contact your local Animalcare territory manager or email animalcare@animalcare.co.uk.