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VetSurgeon.org publishes a curated feed of veterinary news for practising veterinary surgeons, with a primary focus on the UK profession.
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Three bursaries are available - two in ruminant and one in companion animal research, each worth up to £4,000.
Annabelle Mohring, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health said: "We appreciate that the last 18 months have been challenging for many veterinary surgeons and adding new research to this may not be considered a priority. But with the pace of change rapidly increasing, improving business skills and scientific knowledge will become more important than ever for the profession.
"Research forms the foundation of the industry and being awarded a bursary has proved to be a career-changing experience for some participants. We're now welcoming applications as part of our investment in the veterinary community."
Each project should be completed within one to two years and the veterinary surgeon proposals will be judged by objective third party university academics to ensure independent assessment.
The deadline for the MSD Animal Health Veterinary Surgeon Research Bursaries is 30th November 2021.
For further information, visit: www.msdahresearchbursary.co.uk.
Photo: Hattie Barnes who was awarded the 2020 Veterinary Surgeon Bursary in the companion animal sector. She was awarded £4,000 for her analytical, cadaver-based study to investigate different draping protocols in elective orthopaedic surgery. Hattie is currently undertaking a 3-year residency in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool.
The company says the sessions will help veterinary staff learn more about the condition - which affects up to 20% of dogs in the UK annually1 - the causes and consequences of osteoarthritis pain, the main predisposing risk factors and the impact of chronic pain on central sensitisation.
The CPD will look at what steps practices can take to mitigate animal suffering and increase long-term owner compliance and will encourage practices to look at their current osteoarthritis management strategy.
Kai Crawshaw, Brand Manager at Animalcare, said: "Canine osteoarthritis is a growing concern for UK vets – latest figures suggest that over two million dogs are suffering, based on current population figures.
"Managing these cases can be challenging, but through this lunch and learn session, we aim to support veterinary staff and help them to expand their knowledge and implement an improved approach for managing canine osteoarthritis.’
www.animalcare.co.uk/lunch-and-learn
Reference
A 2001 graduate of University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine with an RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, Rob has worked for many years in general and referral practice and as clinical director of a large hospital in York.
He is also a qualified HR professional and holds an MBA from York Business School.
Since 2016, Rob has worked with VetPartners in management roles, with a focus on graduate programmes management, colleague engagement and career development.
In a career spanning almost 25 years, Dr Williams has also been actively involved with veterinary and academic organisations in various voluntary roles, including as a member of BVA’s Member Benefits Committee for five years; board member for the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons; member of the RCVS VetGDP sub-committee; and member of the University of York Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body.
He is currently a member of the advisory board at York Business School.
At the start of June, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), Goat Veterinary Society (GVS), and Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) welcomed the announcement that bluetongue (BTV-8) vaccine would be available by mid-July to support farmers and smallholders in managing the risk of a bluetongue outbreak predicted to reach mainland UK by late summer.
Since the Defra risk assessment indicates a high risk by late summer of a BTV incursion from France, veterinary associations have been involved in discussions with government, farmers’ representatives and manufacturers to ensure vaccine is available to meet potential demand particularly in the south of England where risk is highest. The situation remains under constant review by Defra as the disease develops and the weather warms up, promoting midge activity.
Pharmaceutical companies MSD and Zoetis announced that batches of vaccine would be available from mid-July, which Defra has just confirmed.
Vets across the UK are also contributing to the Joint campaign Against Bluetongue (JAB), helping to make farmers aware of the risk, clinical signs and what action to take, through speaking at local JAB information events and displaying posters and leaflets in practices.
While welcoming the announcement of vaccine availability in June, veterinary organisations also sought clarification about the cost and the amount of vaccine likely to be available in July and thereafter. This information is now available.
BVA President Sean Wensley said: "We welcome the announcement that vaccine will be available in time to meet potential demand. This disease seriously affects animal health and welfare as well as the productivity of livestock, and vaccination is the key control."
Photo by Fourrure (http://www.boulesdefourrure.fr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The association began to produce client information leaflets in 2011, to help its members provide information to clients about the safe use of the drugs that they prescribe and dispense for the patients under their care. Over the years the range of leaflet groups has expanded to include canine and feline behaviour and exotic pets, as well as medicines.
Designed to be printed easily in practice, all the leaflets have the option to add practice details if required. The new additions for June are Antihistamines, Ferrous sulphate, Fluconazole, Hydrochlorothiazide, Imipramine, Leflunomide, Travoprost and Trimethoprim/Sulphonamide, with authors including Polly Frowde, Hannah Hodgkiss-Geere, and Fergus Allerton.
Julian Hoad, Chair of the Publications Committee said: “We are proud to have hit this impressive milestone; we know that our client information leaflets are of great use to our members to help them keep their clients informed and we aim to add to this number every year.”
The client information leaflets are provided to BSAVA members as part of their member benefits and are also available for non-members to buy as part of the ‘Formulary Plus’ online subscription. You can find them in the BSAVA Library here.
The Clinical Supervisor course is designed to help veterinary surgeons to guide their students in developing the professional behaviours and Day One Skills they need to join the Register.
The course is also designed to complement any existing training that a vet who is a Clinical Supervisor has received from the college or university for which they are supervising the SVN.
RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing Julie Dugmore said: “This course will help you undertake your role as a coach and assessor, ensuring your student has achieved the RCVS requirements by the time they have completed the practical elements of their training.
“It comprises modules that include the role and functions of a Clinical Supervisor, the types of professional behaviours SVNs need to develop and understanding of the Day One Skills in which they need to become competent.
"In addition, it will enhance the training Clinical Supervisors will receive from the relevant educational institution by promoting understanding of the RCVS requirements.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/vndayonecompetences
Bruce Bladon will describe current antibiotic use in equine practice, Victoria South will consider the use of Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials, and Bettina Dunkel will describe strategies to reduce antimicrobial use.
The webinar is free for both members and non-members.
To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7016678281618/WN__XNTbcxoQ2K1mXUGOIVL_g
Photo: Safia Barakzai, Equine Surgeon
The webinars will be presented by Professor Ian Ramsey, Ellen Behrend, Joezy Griffin, Professor Jill Maddison and Imogen Schofield.
They'll focus on the diagnosis, management and treatment of dogs with Cushing’s and will include information about Dechra’s predictor tool to help vets identify and progress suspected Cushingoid cases to a definitive diagnosis.
The webinars will also cover the importance of ongoing monitoring to optimise control of the syndrome and practical tips and tricks to help owners maximise compliance and optimise the quality of life of patients.
The full webinar schedule is as follows:
The advice includes how to:
The BVA says its position on AI is to encourage vets to have a positive, proactive and open-minded approach to veterinary AI technology while being aware of its potential ethical risks.
As well as urging all veterinary professionals to understand AI and follow the above principles when using it, recommendations in the policy position call for all veterinary workplaces to develop AI use policies, to undertake thorough risk assessments and develop resources to help vets understand how AI tools work and how they can be evaluated.
The policy position also calls for the wider sector to create international governance and explainability standards for veterinary AI tools, to develop active regulation of veterinary AI tools used in the UK by the country’s veterinary regulators and for AI tech developers to provide transparent validation data.
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “The AI revolution is here to stay and brings with it both important opportunities as well as challenges for the veterinary profession.
"Having a positive and open-minded approach that views AI as a tool to support vets and the wider vet team is the best way forward to make sure that the profession is confident applying these technologies in their day-to-day work.
"The general principles developed in BVA’s new policy position offer a timely and helpful framework for all veterinary workplaces considering the safe and effective use of AI technologies.
“Vets must also be involved in the development process for AI tools as early and as frequently as possible so the profession can lead from the front when applying these emerging technologies, to ensure we continue to deliver on our number one priority of supporting the highest levels of animal health and welfare.”
Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey shows that 21% of vets working in clinical practice are already using AI tools, with the most commonly reported benefits being data interpretation, improved diagnostic testing and time saving.
However, vets also noted potential risks, most commonly the possibility that results are interpreted without context or follow up checks, an over-reliance on AI undermining human skills, and a lack of data protection.
To help tackle this, BVA has developed a risk pyramid that classifies the risks of some of the more common or considered AI use cases in different veterinary settings from ‘minimal’ to ‘unacceptable’.
The organisation has also published a set of questions that vets should ask software companies when undertaking risk assessments.
Rob added: “We know that the degree of risk in AI use exponentially increases with the degree of autonomy an AI tool has.
"This risk pyramid is a handy reference for vets looking to incorporate AI in their work, with tasks lower down the pyramid such as marketing or clerical tasks able to be undertaken with more confidence of safety than those closer to the top, such as automated diagnosis or clinical decision making.
"As use cases move closer to the top, the importance of following the principles set out in BVA’s policy position becomes more critical as the impacts on animal health and welfare, professional standards, and people will be more significant.
I’d urge all colleagues to take a look at this risk pyramid alongside the general principles.”
www.bva.co.uk/artificial-intelligence
With Brexit negotiations set to begin after notice under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is served, the Prime Minister’s speech outlined the Government’s negotiating priorities that included some key BVA issues, such as: rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU; the intention to continue playing a leading role in science and innovation; and maintaining the Common Travel Area with the Republic of Ireland.
The BVA’s President Gudrun Ravetz said: "It’s encouraging to see some of the key priorities that BVA has identified and is lobbying on, on behalf of the profession, make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities although it still leaves a lot of uncertainty.
"We particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to guaranteeing the rights of EU colleagues already living, working and studying in the UK, alongside reciprocal rights for UK colleagues working within the EU, which has been a BVA priority since day one. Each year around 50% of veterinary surgeons registering to practise in the UK are from overseas, with the vast majority coming from the EU. Consequently, Brexit and accompanying changes to the mutual recognition system or immigration restrictions could have a profound impact upon the veterinary workforce.
"As a science and evidence-based profession, we also welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition of the breadth and depth of our academic and scientific communities, our cutting-edge research and innovation, and we will continue to call for a regulatory and legislative framework to ensure the UK remains a globally attractive place for research and development.
"Knowing the express concern of colleagues in Northern Ireland, which shares a border with the EU via the Republic of Ireland, we were reassured by the UK government’s recognition of this as an important priority – backed up by Mrs May’s commitment to work with the devolved nations and secure the Common Travel Area as soon as she can.
"We hope Mrs May’s promise of ‘certainty wherever possible’ will help reassure our EU and UK veterinary colleagues – as well as those outside of the profession – who have had anything but certainty since the result of the UK referendum on the EU last June. We will continue to lobby the Government on this key issue until it is resolved."
BVA’s Brexit Working Group is continuing to work closely with RCVS’s Brexit Presidential Taskforce, consult with stakeholders and gather evidence with the aim of publishing a full report setting out our detailed lobbying position and policy recommendations in April.
The company says both programmes will be delivered using a range of high-quality blended learning techniques, including interactive online lessons supported by notes and videos.
The Small Animal Surgery programme will offer ten practical sessions held at training centres.
Delegates for Improve’s new DL Certificate programmes get both a module tutor – a recognised Specialist - and a dedicated programme tutor to support them through the course.
Alison Babington MRCVS, Business Development Coordinator at Improve International (pictured right), said: "We recently set out our strategy to make the achievement of a postgraduate qualification a realistic goal for every veterinarian and the launch of these new DL programmes will help us to deliver on this goal. Our DL Small Animal Medicine Certificate was launched in January 2019 and has attracted veterinarians from around the world, who are keen to study for a programme in their own time at a place of their choosing.”
“The new DL Small Animal Surgery course focuses on soft tissue surgery in the first year and orthopaedics and spinal work in the second. Reflecting the latest thinking and techniques for small animal surgery, it offers an excellent platform for surgeons keen to extend their surgical capabilities. High-quality surgical videos will support every module which delegates will have access to throughout their programme.
“The Feline Practice programme offers an in-depth look at some of the more common medical and surgical issues affecting cats, as well as those which can be more challenging to diagnose and treat.”
Delegates for both programmes have the opportunity to progress to achieving a recognised qualification, General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC).
To register, visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/distance-learning.
To get involved, you can use the downloadable fundraising pack, which includes ideas, tips and tricks to help you fundraise.
In return for taking part, your practice will have its logo published on the BSAVA website, and BSAVA PetSavers will promote any fundraising posts on social media, using the hashtag #TeamPetSavers.
Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are really delighted to be launching this campaign which will help PetSavers fund more research projects for companion animals."
If you want to get involved, you're encouraged to register online here, or contact Shelby Tunstall, Fundraising Coordinator at petsaversadmin@bsava.com.
https://www.bsava.com/petsavers/get-involved/petsaversinpractice.
BCF Technology has launched the Mindray DP-50 veterinary ultrasound system, a black and white entry level system that can be used in both the small animal and equine general practice.
According to the company, the DP-50 offers excellent black and white abdominal and cardiac images and the menu system for performing measurements, calculations and image review is very intuitive. The system allows you to save images and video clips to internal memory, as well as exporting to USB.
Nigel Perry from BCF said: "This is an excellent entry level system that provides high quality images at a great price - only £6,500 for the system including one probe. The Mindray DP-50's easy to use menu system and superb image makes this scanner such a useful tool for a general veterinary practice."
Angus McPherson from Lomond Hills Veterinary Practice in Fife said: "We were looking for a scanner that was mobile, easy to use and most importantly gave a good image. The scanner was delivered at 9.00am and by 9.30am we had used it on two dog cases. One with a pyometra and one with an enlarged abdomen."
The DP-50 is exclusively available through BCF. For more information, call +44 (0)1506 460 023 or visit www.bcftechnology.co.uk.
Rig Vet Recruitment has added a new title to its range of personnel recruitment guides with the introduction of “Rig’s Practice VN Guide”.
The guide covers all the issues you might face when employing a locum nurse, and gives a handy checklist of things to cover with your temporary employee to help make sure that he or she gets up to speed as fast as possible.
“We were so pleased with the positive responses we received when we launched the locum vet guides last year that locum vet nurses’ versions were an obvious next step,” said Justin Carpenter, Rig Vet Recruitment Managing Director.
He added: “At the end of last year, we conducted a survey among some vet nurses and frankly were surprised at how little information on practice admin and procedures some VNs were given on their first day,” Justin continued. “For example, 88 per cent were not given a formal induction, 78 per cent were not advised on fire and health & safety regulations, and when expected to undertake reception work, 97 percent were not informed on phone protocols or appointment systems.
The guide is available free of charge from Rig Veterinary Recruitment: enquiries@rigvets.co.uk
Rig Vet Recruitment are on stand number 719 at BSAVA Congress 2008.
Virbac has announced that it will repeat its EasOtic promotion through which practitioners that make multiple purchases of the award-winning otitis treatment can claim an ear model and specialist ear instrument kit.
The models, which show the anatomy of a healthy canal on one side and the changes associated with chronic damage on the other, are approximately 15cm high and can be used as a visual aid to show clients the consequences of untreated chronic ear disease.
The specialist ear instrument kits, worth £100, have been designed in consultation with veterinary dermatologists. They consist of a haemostat, ear forceps, three various cerumen scoops and a Spreulls ear-flushing needle.
Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "Basically it's the best ear equipment for daily use by practitioners. Last year we were overwhelmed by the demand of both promotions, so we've decided to repeat the offer again this year."
The models and kits are available with multiple purchases of EasOtic and the neutral pH glycotechnology ear cleaner Epi-Otic.
For details of how you can obtain a model and/or kit for your practice contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
An ectoparasitology working group has been set up to provide a set of practical guidelines for veterinary surgeons across Europe.
The group, which has been established to bring together best practice strategies in the light of changing ectoparasite threats met for the first time earlier this year.
Headed by Doctor Marie-Christine Cadiergues, lecturer, researcher and Professor in dermatology at the National Veterinary School of Toulouse in France, and hosted by Virbac, the group of six leading independent experts from across Europe - including Dr Ross Bond from the RVC - has been tasked with developing strategies which can be applied by vets when advising their clients.
Virbac's small animal ectoparasitology product manager Victoria Hudson explains that using evidence-based data where possible, the aim of the group is to produce a clear, practical set of guidelines: "These will cover treatment efficacy, practicability for client education and compliance, impact in terms of animal welfare, public health and potential resistance, and a decision tree covering a wide range of scenario presentations to define the optimal antiparasitic treatment options."
Dr Bond adds that despite the very common occurrence of flea and tick infestations in pets, control strategies can be challenging depending on individual circumstances of the case: "It is anticipated that these guidelines will assist busy veterinary practitioners in their selection of the optimal control strategy."
An initial report is expected in the press in a few weeks time.
The Royal Veterinary College and the Animal Health Trust are trying to recruit 3000 horse and pony owners to take part in 'CARE about laminitis', a web-based research project that aims to reduce the threat caused by laminitis.
The four-year study, which is being funded by World Horse Welfare, is being conducted by PhD student, Danica (Dee) Pollard, based at the AHT. The main aims of the study are to:
Currently the veterinary-reported frequency of laminitis in Britain, estimated between 2009 and 2011, shows that active episodes of veterinary-diagnosed laminitis occurred in nearly 1 in 200 horses/ponies registered with veterinary practices, and accounted for nearly 1 in 200 equine visits. Dee said: "However an overall lack of studies into the frequency of laminitis leaves little to compare these estimates with."
If you'd like to take part in the study, or invite clients to do so, visit: www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk or email danica.pollard@aht.org.uk.
Elanco Animal Health has announced a revision to the canine Atopica SPC, designed to provide veterinary surgeons with more flexible treatment options for canine atopic dermatitis
The updated license now states that consideration should be given to the use of other measures and/or treatments to control moderate to severe pruritus when initiating therapy with Atopica.
Elanco says pruritus control can be provided by combining Atopica with anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone, the safety and efficacy of which has been confirmed in a clinical study1 included on the updated Atopica package leaflet.
The company says the changes to the SPC have been made in recognition of the importance of understanding the underlying cause of the itch and whilst treating dermatology cases can be a complex process, good clinical practice suggests a tailored multi-modal approach depending on the individual case. This can be done in three stages:
Alice Laurens, DVM MRCVS, dermatology marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: "Dermatology cases can be difficult to treat, however the new flexible approach and the ability to combine Atopica with prednisolone will swiftly help to control pruritus in the short-term and keep the pet comfortable in the long-term."
Further information about common dermatological conditions in dogs and cats, together with a diagnostic tool are available at: www.vetassistdermatology.com.
Vetsonic has announced the launch of a tablet form of Arthriaid Omega.
Designed to support joint health, the nutraceutical product contains glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, MSM, manganese sulphate plus vitamins C and E.
This new tablet form joins the existing range of palatable liquids, chews, cat gel and the original ArthriAid tablets and ArthriAid HA powder, which will continue to be available.
Virbac has announced the launch of Speed Trio, an in-house diagnostic test to enable the detection of FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) antigens; anti-FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and anti-FCoV (Feline Coronavirus) antibodies in 15 minutes.
The company says Speed Trio is designed to facilitate the diagnosis of immunosuppressive diseases, such as FIP (feline infectious peritonitis); when a cat tests positive for Feline Coronavirus and either FeLV or FIV it is at increased risk of developing FIP¹ and serological testing for all three diseases is the logical step.
Virbac says it has also enhanced the entire Speed range to further improve the readability of the tests and the brightness of the test bands.
Product Manager Madeline Haynes said: "The Speed range, which has been proven in practice for more than 20 years, offers a comprehensive suite of in-house diagnostic tests, which are easy to perform and highly cost-effective to use in practice.
"Speed Trio is not only a unique test combination that helps to facilitate diagnosis of immunosuppressive diseases but also boosts client satisfaction and can support practice profitability."
BVA’s advice comes as the four nations of the UK launch contact tracing programmes to move from blanket lockdown restrictions to a more targeted approach, in line with strategies to ease lockdown restrictions.
Although slightly different across the UK, each programme will ask those who test positive for coronavirus to identify people they have been in recent contact with and those people will be contacted and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Relevant contact appears to be spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of another person or being in direct face-to-face contact (less than one metre) with them. At present, the schemes are voluntary, but may become mandatory at a later stage.
Northern Ireland: Test, trace, isolate, supportEngland: NHS Test and TraceScotland: Test and ProtectWales: Test Trace Protect
Employees in self-isolation are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay for every day they are in isolation, as long as they meet the eligibility conditions. Further roll out of testing may enable people to return to work sooner that 14 days if they receive a negative test.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "The next step in the Covid-19 response is shifting to a more targeted approach, but it’s clear that this could have a very significant impact on individual veterinary practices if a member of the team tests positive. The nature of veterinary work means we are in close contact with our colleagues in order to work safely with animals.
“Many veterinary teams will be understandably anxious about the impact on their ability to staff a full rota to maintain 24/7 care. And there are significant concerns about the impact on animal health and welfare if practices are unable to provide veterinary services.
"Our advice is to continue working in fixed pairs or small teams as much as possible to reduce your contact with different individuals and continue to practise good hygiene and biosecurity.
"We continue to ask neighbouring practices to work together to support those impacted by self-isolation and ensure full geographical cover for veterinary services.
"We recognise some veterinary professionals will be worried, but we urge everyone to comply with the contact tracing programmes."
MSD says the Summer Staycation campaign is designed to support the needs of new dog owners and those taking their dogs to areas outside their local region, where parasites risks will be different.
The campaign offers veterinary practices a range of resources, including client emails, a downloadable guide to parasites, social media posts and an interactive risk checker on the Keeping Britain's Pets Healthy website. There is also some training for front of house staff and receptionists at https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/cpd/staycation.
Nicola Barclay, Senior Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Summer holidays will be taking a different form this year with most people planning trips in the UK, making it more likely they will take their pets.
"What's important is that seasoned and new owners alike are aware of the parasite risks in the places they're visiting so they aren't putting the health of their pets at risk.
"We're therefore providing a range of resources to help veterinary practices encourage pet owners to make sure there are no breaks in their parasite protection and vaccinations and that they are appropriately protected for the places they'll be visiting."
Dr Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland added: "The research findings from The Big Tick Project in 2015 found that 1 in 3 dogs coming into veterinary practices during the summer months had ticks on them.
"Research is also showing many parasites extending their range with an increased risk of human and pet exposure. Warming temperatures mean that ticks can be encountered all year round in the UK, carrying potentially dangerous pathogens to dogs and people including Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
"With so many new dog owners and people being more likely to holiday in the UK, making sure dog owners understand the risks, while keeping them in proportion, and giving appropriate protection advice is vital.''
For more information, contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
CPC, the pet crematorium has opened a new facility for bereaved owners who wish to make their final farewell to a much loved pet in person. The farewell suite forms part of CPC's extended premises on the A505 just south of Cambridge at Thriplow Heath.
"Being pet owners ourselves as well as professionals, we appreciate how comforting it can be to say goodbye in a way that best reflects the close relationship between pet and owner," said CPC director Duncan Francis.
"Often this is expressed through an individual cremation. This gives the owner a final opportunity to say farewell and helps them to achieve closure. At the same time it provides them with their pet's ashes to retain or scatter as they wish."
CPC's new suite comprises a reception area, two private rooms, and a viewing room. It has a separate entrance from the offices, so that people who are attending an individual cremation have maximum privacy. "The enlarged facility also means that they can take their time to compose themselves afterwards and leave when they feel ready," Duncan added.
The Heydon and Heathfield suites are furnished in calming shades of green, blue and grey with soft cream walls and light ash woodwork. The reception area includes a plasma screen showing tranquil pictures of the garden of remembrance to welcome visitors, while 'alphamusic', which is carefully composed to calm and relax people, plays in the background. The private rooms have a range of comfortable seating and are decorated with subtle floral arrangements and soft pictures.
The viewing room contains a purpose-built catafalque (or raised bier) made from Corian. This material consists of a blend of natural minerals, marble and acrylics to provide a peaceful place for the pet's body to rest upon while owners say their goodbyes.
The farewell suite is part of a major extension to CPC's main facility. Formally opened in May 2008, this comprises new office accommodation and production capacity for its veterinary waste services. The company moved to the site in the early 1980s. It is licensed for four cremators together with low emissions rotoclaves for the sterilisation of a range of veterinary and clinical wastes and employs approximately 80 people.
Ceva Animal Health UK has launched a range of support materials to help educate veterinary professionals and cat owners about feline stress and the benefits of using Feliway.
For veterinary surgeons and nurses, the company has produced a series of video presentations by the Specialist in Feline Medicine, Danielle Gunn-Moore, in which she discusses feline stress and its link to cystitis. The videos are now available to watch here on VetSurgeon.org.
Also for veterinary surgeons, the company has produced an A3 decision tree featuring the practical approach to cystitis, developed by Danielle Gunn-Moore. In addition, there's a waiting room poster which details what resources are needed to create a cat-friendly home. The resource checklist consists of advice on basic resources such as food, water bowls and litter trays and hints and tips on how to reinforce confidence, develop structural features, stimulate activity and provide appropriate resources for a multi-cat household.
For owners, Ceva has produced a post-operative cat care information sheet. It is a question and answer style document covering advice on caring for a post-operative cat when it returns home.
To help highlight the benefits of Feliway, Ceva is also running a prize draw to win one of three Kindles, with three runners-up winning a Feline Infectious Disease book.
For further information on the new Feliway support materials or the prize draw, please contact your local Ceva account manager or telephone 01494 781510.
The President of the British Veterinary Association has written to the Badger Trust to clarify the BVA position on the pilot badger culls in England, stating that it will not be supporting the Trust's application for a judicial review.
The BVA Council agreed a position on the continuation of controlled shooting in the pilot areas on 16 April. The position states that the BVA could only support further culling using controlled shooting in the pilot areas if steps are taken to improve both its effectiveness and humaneness and if there is robust monitoring and collation of results and independent analysis and auditing by a non-governmental body. It also states that the BVA supports the Independent Expert Panel's (IEP) recommendations for improving effectiveness and humaneness and urges Defra to implement all the IEP's recommendations fully.
The BVA says that since 16 April, it has been in dialogue with Defra to seek assurances that these issues will be addressed, and those discussions are ongoing. It will not be taking a further position on the pilot culls until BVA Council has had the opportunity to consider Defra's plans in full, when they are made available.
In a press release dated 20th May, The Badger Trust CEO Dominic Dyer said: "It is not acceptable for the DEFRA Secretary of State to now push aside the concerns of both the Independent Expert Panel and the British Veterinary Association, by moving ahead with a further badger cull in Gloucestershire and Somerset this summer without any independent monitoring in place."
The BVA says it is concerned that this misrepresents its position, and has led to some media reports suggesting that the BVA has withdrawn its support for badger culling as part of the overall strategy to eradicate bovine TB. It has not. The BVA says it continues to believe that the TB eradication strategy for England will only be successful if we are able to use all of the available tools, including targeted, humane badger culling.