The Saddle Research Trust has announced the launch of a new paper to help vets understand the significance of saddle fit on the health and welfare of horse and rider.

Saddle fitting, recognising an ill-fitting saddle and the consequences of an ill-fitting saddle to horse and rider was written by equine vet Dr Sue Dyson together with Master Saddlers and saddle fitters Mark Fisher and Sue Carson.

The paper has been published in the Equine Veterinary Education Journal, the official education journal of the British Equine Veterinary Association and is free to view until April 2016.

The paper encourages vets to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with saddle fitters, trainers and physiotherapists, to help educate horse owners about the multiple problems that can be caused by ill-fitting saddles.¹

Key advice includes:

• The saddle should be assessed off and on the horse, without and with a rider.
• The fit of the saddle for both the horse and rider must be evaluated.
• A well-fitted saddle should distribute weight evenly via the panels to the horse's thoracic region, with complete clearance of the spinous processes by the gullet.
• The saddle should remain fairly still during ridden exercise at all paces.
• The saddle must also fit the rider to enable them to sit in balance.
• Signs of an ill-fitting saddle include equine thoracolumbar pain, focal swellings under the saddle, ruffling of the hair, dry spots under the saddle immediately after exercise surrounded by sweat, and abnormal hair wear.
• If a saddle does not fit the rider, the rider may not be able to ride in balance with the horse, and this may induce equine thoracolumbar pain.
• A saddle of inappropriate size and shape for the rider may induce rider back pain, ‘hip’ pain, sores under the ‘seat bones’ and perineal injuries.

The paper also includes a glossary of saddlery terms, an explanation of saddle fit accessories, a range of informative photographs and a section on who is qualified to provide professional advice on saddle fit.

The paper concludes: “Correct saddle fit for horse and rider is an important equine welfare issue and the veterinary profession needs to recognise this and be at the forefront of helping to educate the horse owning public. Ideally veterinarians should work in conjunction with professional saddle fitters, trainers and physiotherapists to improve both horse and rider comfort.”

Ed's note: If you read the article to which this news story refers, don't forget to come back to VetSurgeon.org and use the 'Claim CPD' button above to add the time spent to your VetSurgeon Personal Development Record. 

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has announced plans to create Scotland's first new vet school in 150 years, in Aberdeen.  

SRUC, which is the biggest provider of veterinary nursing, livestock husbandry and animal care training in Scotland, says it will offer a core veterinary programme to address existing shortages in veterinary provision, in areas such as rural veterinary practice, food production, food safety and animal and public health.

The College is first establishing a working group to progress the plans for the school. The group will be chaired by Professor Sir Pete Downes, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee.

Sir Pete will be joined by Sheila Voas, Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland, former NFUS President Nigel Miller, SRUC Board member Jane Craigie, and Dr Kate Richards, who is a non-executive director on the SAC Commercial Board and currently the junior vice president of the RCVS, in line to become President in July.

Professor Caroline Argo, currently Dean of SRUC’s North Faculty, will lead the project for SRUC. 

A report from BiGGAR Economics has found that the vet school could add £26 million GVA and 242 jobs to Scotland by 2030. 

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “We are an ambitious institution with a bold vision for the future. This is a ground-breaking model to expand access to educational opportunities and broaden the range of potential students who would not ordinarily be able to attend a vet school. It will also help solve existing skills shortages across Scotland.

“We see a key role of the new vet school in sustaining primary agriculture and hence food and drink productivity, with the welfare of both livestock and companion animals at its heart. The school will produce champions for best-in-class animal welfare in support of these industries, which will help improve productivity, effectiveness, and sustainability.” 

“Building on the excellent new facilities we have already announced for Aberdeen and Inverness, there is a lot of work still to be done, but we are ready to seize the opportunity.”

Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists (SCVS) in Ringwood, Hampshire, has completed the latest phase of its £10m redevelopment and launched a new ophthalmology service.

The ophthalmology service, which offers cataract surgery, corrective eyelid surgery and corneal disease management amongst other things, is headed by RCVS and US Ophthalmology Specialist, James Histed (pictured right)

The hospital, which has doubled in size to 30,000ft², now has a purpose-built theatre complex, a new reception and waiting area, 12 additional consulting rooms and a new rehabilitation centre equipped with a water treadmill and a large arena for treatment and gait analysis.

It also has a new lecture theatre where SCVS can deliver its CPD programme and parent company IVC can deliver its intern and residency programme.

The company says that its redevelopment has focused on employee wellbeing, to which end there is a new staff area for the 200-strong team a place to gather, dine and relax.

Kennel space for staff dogs has also been increased to support SCVS’s ‘bring your dog to work’ policy.

The new hospital facility is fully operational and open 24/7 for referrals, supporting colleagues from surrounding vet practices.

www.scvetspecialists.co.uk

The President of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) Dr Lydia Brown has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours List, for services to the veterinary profession.

Lydia qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Liverpool and has spent most of her professional career in commerce. She was a member of Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons from 1991- 2007 and President in 1998-1999. During this period, she mobilised the veterinary profession to support the establishment of the Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme (VSHSP), which was launched in 1999 to help vets recover from addictive diseases and mental health problems. Since then the programme has helped some 300 vets and supported their families and colleagues in practice.

From 1993-1998 Lydia was a member of the Steering Committee of VetHelpline, a 24/7 telephone line for vets and their families, vet students and vet nurses who wish to discuss emotional, addictive or financial problems empathetically with someone who has experience of the profession. She became a Director of the VBF in 2005, when the Fund merged with VSHSP and VetHelpline under the umbrella of the VBF, and was elected President of the Fund in 2006.

Lydia said: "It gives me great pleasure to receive this award. The achievements of the VBF reflect the tireless work of many colleagues, who give their time unstintingly to help members of the profession less fortunate than themselves."

Harvey Locke, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "This is a fitting award in recognition of Dr Brown's tremendous achievements. She is an eminent member of the veterinary profession who works tirelessly and compassionately to help others.

"The high prevalence of depression and suicide in the veterinary profession is well documented and Dr Brown has been instrumental in ensuring that help and support is available to help veterinary surgeons, veterinary students and veterinary nurses in need." 

Lydia is active in a number of areas of the veterinary profession and is also a lay canon and member of chapter of Salisbury Cathedral, and a non-executive Director of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Hospital.

Improve International has launched a two-year Cardiology Distance Learning (DL) Postgraduate Certificate programme.

The new programme, which starts in May 2021, will address the fundamental principles underlying cardiac disease, discuss common presentations and review current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. 

Modules are delivered using a range of blended learning techniques, including interactive online lessons, supported by notes and videos.

While studying, delegates will have a module tutor – a recognised veterinary Specialist in their field - and a dedicated programme tutor, who works with individual delegates to support them through the programme.

Delegates can also choose three optional practical attendance sessions covering ECGs, thoracic radiography and echocardiography.

The programme offers a route through to achieving academic qualifications - General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), in partnership with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University. Gaining a PgC enables delegates to apply to RCVS for Advanced Practitioner status in the subject.

Course Director Kieran Borgeat BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, said: "Improve International’s Cardiology DL programme features a diverse array of speakers from a variety of backgrounds, who will bring the latest information about veterinary cardiology to delegates. Our module leaders are world experts in their field so bring a thorough and uniquely engaging approach to the course material. Being able to discuss the topic with them and other course delegates online during each module of teaching during a two-year, in-depth course is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the topic as never before."

David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: “Our cardiology programme has been designed to equip delegates with all of the skills and knowledge they need to confidently investigate, diagnose and treat cardiac patients.

“As we start to look ahead to a time beyond lockdowns, many veterinarians are taking stock and considering the next step in their career. For some, an additional qualification may be part of their plan. By offering a distance learning solution, we can ensure that, wherever in the world they are in practice, they have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills and achieve a postgraduate qualification.”

 Registration information can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/pgc-gpcert-small-animal-cardiology-distance-learning/

Animalcare has appointed a new technical vet, Colin Capner, to give support and advice about its products to practices in the UK. 

Colin graduated from the RVC in 1992 and has worked as a clinical veterinary surgeon in a variety of first opinion practices and referral centres. He trained as a veterinary anaesthetist at Bristol and Cambridge Universities before moving into the pharmaceutical industry, gaining experience in drug development and technical support, and pre- and post-marketing, at a number of companies.

Colin said: “Animalcare is introducing a number of new and innovative medicines, such as Daxocox, its weekly NSAID to reduce breakthrough pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, to the veterinary sector. This makes it an exciting environment in which to provide technical support.

“I’m looking forward to exploring how my experience can be most useful in supporting Animalcare’s expansion and, more importantly, ensuring that the company’s customers receive the guidance and advice they need to optimise the effectiveness of Animalcare’s product range in treating their patients.”

For technical support, email: technical@animalcare.co.uk

Forte Healthcare has announced that Genestran (R-closprostenol), its injectable synthetic prostaglandin for use in cattle, horses and pigs, is now available in a 50ml bottle, complementing the current 20ml bottle.

Maeve Cuffe, Junior Brand Manager of large animal products, at Forte Healthcare Ltd said: “As dairy herds increase in size, routine fertility visits result in larger numbers of cows requiring prostaglandin treatment.

"Also, some vets now recommend two shots of prostaglandin instead of one in certain synchronisation protocols.

"The 25 dose presentation of Genestran is a great addition to the range, helping vets keep enough prostaglandin in stock, while minimising waste.”

Genestran 50ml is available in all veterinary wholesalers now.

Technical questions about Genestran should be sent to: vets@fortehealthcare.com

The RCVS Education Committee has announced short-term changes to the Professional Development Phase (PDP), which helps new veterinary graduates transition into veterinary practice, to provide further support to participants.

The changes follow a jointly-funded research project by the RCVS and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association to evaluate how effective the PDP is in supporting graduates during the transition from veterinary school to veterinary practice.

The research was carried out by the Work Psychology Group and included online surveys, telephone interviews and a focus group with recent graduates and representatives from practices that are currently employing recent graduates.

The aim was to understand both positive and negative experiences of the PDP amongst veterinary graduates and their employers considering existing obstacles to learning and development, any gaps in support provision and common areas of confusion, anxiety and concern. 

Christine Warman, RCVS Director of Education, said: "We are really grateful to everyone that took the time to give us their views and are pleased that this report gives us such a solid foundation on which to base necessary changes. What came across very strongly from the feedback we received was that the overall purpose and aims of the PDP were welcomed by graduates, employers and other stakeholders as something that is useful and good for the profession.

"Most agreed that having a formal support mechanism for graduates is essential for navigating the transition between the structured environment of veterinary school to the ‘coalface’ of veterinary practice.

"However, it was clear that there are issues with the PDP in its current format, including comments around it being a 'tick-box' or 'check-list' exercise in which the number of tasks completed was seen as more important than a focus on qualitative aspects such as confidence and progression as well as a lack of focus on development of non-clinical skills.

"As a result the Work Psychology Group came up with a series of recommendations which were approved by our PDP Working Group in December 2017 and then our Education Committee in February 2018. Some of these recommendations, as set out below, can be actioned in the short-term and we hope that these will rectify some of the concerns that were raised.

"In the longer-term the future of the PDP and the further recommendations of this research are also being considered as part of our Graduate Outcomes Project which is taking a more holistic view on the skills and competences of future veterinary professionals."

The short-term recommendations accepted by the RCVS Education Committee are: 

• Developing guidance to support graduates and employers through the process of reflection on their progress.

• Considering how to build opportunities to capture and record reflective learning into the PDP.

• Making it a requirement of the PDP that every graduate who is participating in the PDP has a named workplace mentor assigned to them, as well as a Postgraduate Dean.

• Asking assigned mentors to sign-off their graduate’s progress on the PDP on a regular basis (eg every other month) and write a short commentary on the graduate’s progress on a six-monthly or annual basis. 

• Sharing resources between the BSAVA and RCVS looking at where further resources can be developed.

• Gaining feedback from other professions as well as the veterinary schools regarding platforms that have been used for similar purposes and have been successful. This process would consider the key requirements of a PDP platform and ensure that the right questions are asked to gain feedback.

Sheldon Middleton, Chair of BSAVA’s PDP Committee, said: "We’re really pleased with the start we’ve made to help graduates and their employers take positive steps to tackle the challenges of transitioning between university and practice, and we have a plan to improve further, working with RCVS to really make a difference.

"We are also pleased to have this opportunity to reflect on such comprehensive feedback after our first year, this empirical evidence from those involved is invaluable, we have learnt lessons and highlighted areas for further development, so now we’re looking ahead to make sure we implement our improvement plan."

"The BSAVA Resource Bank received positive feedback (1.5.4) however, the majority of stakeholders and graduates were unaware of this resource and we will work to address this."

The full report from the Work Psychology Group can be downloaded from the RCVS website at: www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/professional-development-phase-pdp/pdp-research/

Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital, a first opinion and referral practice in Wimbledon, has announced that European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology Dr Sergio Rodenas, DVM DipECVN has joined the team to work alongside the Hospital's existing Veterinary Neurologist Dr Clare Rusbridge BVMS PhD DipECVN MRCVS RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.

The practice says that this will allow it to offer a full neurology referral service five days a week.

Sergio joins Stone Lion from his current post as Clinical Instructor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Veterinary College, St Hyacinthe at the University of Montreal. Before moving to Canada, he worked at the Southern Counties Veterinary Specialist (SCVS), a small animal specialist referral practice in Ringwood, Hampshire. He qualified at the Veterinary School, University of Extremadura, Spain, in 1996 and has also worked in both Spain and France.

The Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital is part of the Goddard Veterinary Group. It offers referrals in neurology, ophthalmology and physiotherapy. The Neurology Referral Practice is run by Clare Rusbridge and was established in 1997. She said:  "Neurology is our busiest referral practice, drawing patients from across the South East of England and sometimes further afield. We see it as a growth area and wanted to offer our clients a five day a week service to make it easier for them to come to us. Sergio's experience especially in spinal surgery will be a huge asset to us and will enable us to meet this goal. We're delighted to welcome him."

Sergio added: "I am delighted to join the Neurology Service at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital. The facilities, team and professionalism of the staff and the track record of the Goddard Veterinary Group will make an excellent environment in which to practice small animal Neurology at the highest level and to offer the best care to patients."

The Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital can be contacted on 020 8946 4228.

The BSAVA and the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) have released an updated PROTECT ME poster with more antibiotic use recommendations.

The poster was put together by a team of 55 specialists and general practitioners led by Fergus Allerton.

It includes an outline of the new European Medicines Agency advice on categorising antibiotics, a new section on wounds and surgical site infections, updated advice on life-threatening infections and identifying/treating sepsis, and more advice for owners.

Fergus said: “The latest iteration of the PROTECT ME poster incorporates updated information and offers recommendations to support vets to optimise their antibiotic use.

"I hope this will be a valuable resource for vets in practice.”

The new posters will be distributed with Companion in December.

Free printable posters are available from: www.bsavalibrary.com/protectme

Printed copies can be purchased from the BSAVA store: www.bsava.com/store.

BSAVA members are also able to request free printed copies.

Hill's Pet Nutrition is offering a series of free webinars about feline medicine, delivered by some of the best-known experts in the field.

The first presentation on feline liver disease will be delivered by Danièlle Gunn-Moore BVM&S BSc PhD MACVSc MRCVS, on the 26th January 2011. Martha Cannon BA VetMB DSAM(fel) MRCVS (pictured right) will present the next two webinars on Renal disease on 2nd March and Chronic Diarrhoea on 4th May. Both speakers are RCVS Specialists in feline medicine. Norman Johnston BVM&S, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC, MRCVS, will be discussing stomatitis in the cat - a particularly problematic disease - on the 18th May. Norman is an RCVS, American and European Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry. The series will end on 8th June with Duncan Lascelles BSc, BVSc, PhD, CertVA, DSAS (ST), DECVS, DACVS, Associate Professor in Small Animal Surgery at North Carolina State, talking about osteoarthritis in the cat.

The events kick off at 8.30 pm and are hosted by the Webinar Vet (www.thewebinarvet.com). One initial registration provides access to the complete series, with scheduled e-mail reminders sent out prior to the latest webinar. To register, go to www.thewebinarvet.com/hills and enter your details as well as the code hillsnl.

Webinars are ideal for time pressed individuals who may not always be able to travel to a distant venue, yet still offer a 'real- time' and interactive experience. No special equipment is required, other than a reasonable standard PC or MAC and a broadband connection. The events are open to both vets and nurses but early registration is advisable to take full advantage of the whole Hill's Feline webinar series.

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has restored Ian Beveridge, a Wirral-based veterinary surgeon to the Register.

Mr Beveridge had been removed from the Register following a disciplinary hearing in May 2013 in which he was found guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect with the Committee finding that he had treated clients badly, kept inadequate clinical records, was dishonest in his dealings with the College and that animals in his care were placed at risk. He subsequently appealed to the Privy Council but this was later withdrawn, resulting in him being formally removed from the Register in March 2014.

He first applied to be restored to the Register in 2015 but his application was refused by the Disciplinary Committee at a hearing in November 2015. At the time the Committee found him unfit for restoration to the Register because, following his removal, his veterinary medicines account had been used on an unauthorised basis to order prescription-only veterinary medicines, which reflected a "cavalier attitude to practice". Furthermore, the Committee found that he had not fully accepted the Committee’s original findings, had made inadequate effort in regards to engaging in continuing professional development (CPD) and also considered the seriousness of the original findings.

At the opening of his second hearing Mr Beveridge, who represented himself, sought to address the concerns that the Disciplinary Committee had outlined upon refusing his first application for restoration. Regarding his acceptance of the original findings, the Committee heard that he now apologised "unreservedly for his failings that led to erasure of his name from the Register" and the Committee considered that he had demonstrated a significant change in attitude from the previous restoration hearing where he had not fully accepted the reasons for being removed.

In considering issues of public protection the Committee also accepted that Mr Beveridge, until his original Disciplinary Committee hearing, had an unblemished professional record and had run a successful small animal practice for over 30 years. It considered numerous client testimonials as well as a petition signed by 600 clients from 2013.

The Committee also considered that there was no risk to the future welfare of animals in the event of Mr Beveridge being restored to the Register, noting the testimonials and references to satisfactory care and treatment given by Mr Beveridge to his patients.

Regarding CPD, Mr Beveridge produced evidence before the Committee that he had attended courses run by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). The Committee accepted that he had made "considerable progress" in terms of CPD.

In concluding the hearing Judith Way, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "It is the judgement of the Committee that the conduct which resulted in the applicant’s name being removed from the Register is unlikely to be repeated. The applicant has satisfied the Committee that he is fit to be restored to the Register."