AT Veterinary Systems has launched the IRIS Imaging Solution, a 'digital hub' for veterinary practices which the company says goes beyond many traditional PACS (Picture Archiving Communications Systems), offering a multi-user and multi-screen imaging solution.

With IRIS Imaging Solution practice staff can archive, access, view, process, manipulate, review and communicate DICOM files and other digital media, as well as entire DICOM studies (constituting multiple files) from any terminal on the network. These DICOM files can be stored together with clinical and patient records as well as text notes, lab reports, forms, photos and images.

AT Veterinary Systems says IRIS is ideal for practices that want a cost-effective, quick and easy to use imaging solution that is especially configured for swift data transfer throughout a network. Added benefits also include a large data storage capacity, off site data storage facility, remote access capability and automated data back up and network synchronisation.

Jacqui Garrett, Business Development Manager at AT Veterinary Systems said:  "We work hard at AT Veterinary Systems to offer veterinary practices cutting edge software that meets all of their needs. With IRIS Imaging Solution we have employed the latest technology to provide a professional, dynamic and easy to use imaging and information management system." 

For more information about IRIS Imaging Solution please visit http://www.irisimaging.co.uk/

Public Health England has released figures showing that the number of people testing positive for Lyme disease was up over 30% in the period July to September 2015, from 300 lab confirmed cases to 421.

The figures are being highlighted by MSD Animal Health, organisers of the Bravecto 'Big Tick Project', a campaign to raise awareness of tick-borne disease amongst vets and pet owners.

The TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham said: "The rise in the number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in the UK reported by Public Health England suggests the need for greater awareness of this damaging illness. Vets have a huge part to play in educating pet owners.

"As well as highlighting the risks that ticks present to both human and companion animal health we need to be more alert to the signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease and the sensible steps we can all take to protect ourselves and our animals.”

Professor Richard Wall who has led Bristol University’s Big Tick Project team said: "Given the reported increase in cases of Lyme disease, the results of the Big Tick Project study will help us to understand these changes both in terms of the longer seasonal activity of ticks and their increasingly widespread geographic location and could have important implications for both human and animal health by quantifying the diversity and prevalence of the pathogens they may be carrying."

According to the NHS around 2,000 to 3,000 people in the UK are affected by Lyme Disease each year but charities campaigning for greater awareness of the disease suggest this could be as many as 15,000.

Growing concern over the rise in the tick-borne infection has prompted Government ministers to set up a network of regional experts to help diagnose and treat the problem.

Last autumn, Health Minister Lord Prior told a House of Lords debate: "Some patients suffer debilitating illness with symptoms that persist after treatment for several months or longer."

Lord Prior revealed that the Department of Health is to set up a network of experts around the country to support GPs and hospital staff, most of whom have never seen cases of the disease. The increase in the disease is being blamed on rising numbers of tick populations which are active for longer due to climate change, a rise in numbers of wild mammals such as deer that host them.

The clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include recurrent lameness due to inflammation of the joints. Sometimes the lameness lasts for only three to four days either in the same leg or in other legs and the joints may be swollen, warm, and painful. In some cases, kidney failure may occur and the dog may exhibit such signs as vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, weight loss, increased urination and thirst.

Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced that Canine i/d™ is now available again from wholesalers.

The company says that Canine i/d has been reformulated to improve texture quality, while still retaining the nutritional profile that makes i/d ideal for dogs with digestive problems and as a post-surgery recovery diet.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine i/d Recovery Packs are back early March; Hill's recommends use of regular i/d in the interim.

For more information, speak to your Territory Manager, or ring Hill’s Customer Services on: 0800 282438 (UK), or: 1 800 626002 (IRL)

The Dachshund Breed Council, with support from CVS Group, is launching a UK screening programme for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

The organisation says back disease is by far the most common health problem in UK Dachshunds: around 1 in 4 may be affected at some stage in their lives. Whilst many recover well in time, there is significant risk of permanent damage so severe that it is life-changing or life-threatening. 

Research in Scandinavia has shown that there is a good correlation between calcification of the discs and clinical disc herniations when dogs are X-ray screened between the ages of two and four. The Breed Council has based the screening programme on the Scandinavian protocols and CVS has offered to screen the dogs cost-effectively at a number of its clinics across the UK. The company will also be collaborating on a multi-year research study of the dogs participating in the scheme to monitor its success.

Ian Seath, Chairman of the Breed Council, said: "X-ray screening has been used in Scandinavia for several years and is currently the best available tool to help us reduce the genetic risk of IVDD. All six varieties of Dachshund in the UK are encouraged to participate. The aim of X-ray screening is to reduce the occurrence of herniations by encouraging breeding with dogs that have low numbers of calcifications."

Specialist neurologist, Dr Mark Lowrie from the CVS-owned Dovecote Veterinary Hospital in Castle Donnington, said: "We feel it is important that breeders, owners and vets work together to try and reduce the prevalence of this condition which can cause catastrophic changes to a dog’s quality of life and much upset for dedicated and caring owners."

Dachshund owners can find out more about the scheme at a newly developed website www.dachshund-ivdd.uk. The website is also a source of advice and guidance for Dachshund owners who want to learn more about IVDD and the options available if their dog should suffer a back problem.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has become the first place in the UK to offer reptile training recognised by the European College of Zoological Medicine.

Kevin Eatwell, who is part of the School's Exotic Animal and Wildlife Service, has been awarded diplomat status by the European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM).

This will enable him to offer training to residents at the School wishing to gain European accreditation in the area of herpetology, which covers reptiles.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, which is part of the University of Edinburgh, also gained the endorsement of the ECZM to train residents to treat reptiles following a visit by its president.

The diplomat status recognises Mr Eatwell as a specialist in Europe. In addition, he is also one of only two RCVS diploma holders in reptile medicine in the UK.

To qualify as an ECZM diplomat a vet needs to meet stringent criteria. This includes the time spent specialising in a particular field as well as three first author and a minimum of three second co-author publications relevant to the specialty.  

Many of Mr Eatwell's scientific papers followed on from a dissertation, which was funded through an educational grant through the RCVS Trust.

As a diplomat for the European College of Zoological Medicine, Mr Eatwell will input into the ECZM training criteria for vets specialising in the care and treatment of reptiles.

Mr Eatwell said: "I am delighted to have achieved such status by the European College of Zoological Medicine. It is very exciting to be involved in the education of specialist veterinary surgeons throughout Europe. This will also open the door for residents at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to obtain European qualifications relating to the specialist treatment of reptiles."

Mr Eatwell is one of only a handful of ECZM diplomats in the UK and the first in herpetology. Other ECZM diplomats cover disciplines including avian, small mammals and wildlife and conservation.

Cherry Bushell, Director of the RCVS Trust, said: "It's always wonderful to hear that the grants awarded by RCVS Trust do help make a difference to young vets and to the development of animal care in the UK and overseas.  We congratulate Kevin on his achievement and wish him every success in the future."

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies also has the UK's first European resident in Small Mammal Medicine, Elisabetta Mancinelli, who is being supervised by Anna Meredith, head of the Exotic Animal and Wildlife Service.

Supreme Petfoods is calling on veterinary surgeons and nurses to take part in its 'Think Rabbit Month' campaign coming up in May.

The campaign is designed to attract more rabbit and guinea pig owners into practices.

Over 500 UK vet practices took part in the campaign last year and, according to the company, many used the opportunity to raise awareness about their rabbit healthcare services, such as dental checks and vaccination programs.

In the run up to Think Rabbit Month, Supreme has published the 'Think Rabbit Virtual Manual', a guide which shows how to make veterinary practices more rabbit friendly. It is now free to download from Supreme's website. In addition, there are a range of goodie bag giveaways, money off vouchers, care guides and food samples for clients, together with educational material to promote best practice care. 

Participating practices can display the Think Rabbit 'Small Furry Promise' certificate, posters for the waiting room and can register for the 'Happy Hoppers Club' - a scheme that brings vets and pet owners together to promote small furry welfare.

The event is backed by RCVS Exotics Specialist, Molly Varga who said: "I'd encourage all vet practices to take part in Think Rabbit Month this May to help improve the health and welfare of the nation's rabbits and guinea pigs."

Vets and nurses are also being encouraged to help promote the national 'Rabbit Habits' survey to learn more about how owners care for their pets. The results will be shared with the profession in due course.

For more information, visit: http://www.supremepetfoods.com/think-rabbit/

The Royal Veterinary College celebrated its 225^th birthday last weekend.

The RVC is the oldest veterinary school in the English-speaking world, and the creation of the College in 1791 marked the establishment of the veterinary profession in Britain.

To mark its 225 years and celebrate the heritage of veterinary and scientific education, the RVC invited alumni back to attend a programme of events, including a gala dinner on Saturday and an Open Day and Campus Tour on Sunday.  

Sunday’s activities included displays focusing on the history of the RVC, talks, a film screening and an ethical debate. The ethical debate related to the balance between business and welfare in all aspects of veterinary work. There were events for staff at both the Camden and Hertfordshire campuses on the Friday to mark the College’s birthday. 

RVC Principal Stuart Reid said: "It is a great honour to lead the RVC, which has achieved so much over the centuries, within this era of so many exciting breakthroughs. The College has always looked beyond the horizon to make advancements in science and practice, for the benefit of patients and communities globally, yet it is crucial to also recognise the essential contributions of those who have gone before. The early pioneers and those who followed them played essential roles in the evolution of both veterinary and human medicine and the advancement of science.

"As we celebrate 225 years as a world-leading institution, we honour all who have worked and studied here through the centuries. Our current advances in knowledge are built on the efforts of all who have been part of the RVC through the centuries. By acknowledging this heritage, we also reflect on how efforts being made today by researchers, practitioners and students have long-term implications for animal health and welfare globally."

The RCVS has launched a mobile version of the Code of Professional Conduct for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses: an app for Android devices and a web app for Apple users.

Once installed, the app provides smartphone and tablet users with a mobile-friendly version of the Code and all 27 chapters of supporting guidance in their pockets, even when there is no network connection. Whenever the Code is updated, the latest version will be available to download the next time the device is online.

Head of Communications, Lizzie Lockett, said: "Our new app provides easy access to the Code, so busy veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses can now keep our guidance to hand, even when out and about. It's never been easier to ensure that you're always working to the Code's principles of veterinary practice and professional responsibilities."

The app also offers a keyword search of the whole Code and supporting guidance, links to other sources of information and contact details for further advice over the phone or email.

To install the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct app on your android device, visit Google Play and search for 'RCVS code'. To install it on an Apple device, visit the RCVS Code web pages in the device's internet browser, click on the app link in the Code tool box on the right hand side, and follow the instructions. 

Alternatively, a copy of the full Code and all supporting guidance can now be downloaded in PDF format from the RCVS website, date-stamped so that you know when it was last amended.

Visit www.rcvs.org.uk/code or www.rcvs.org.uk/vncode and see the 'Code tools' box for both the PDF and the web app.

The College says it would very much like feedback about the app, or suggestions for future apps - email Christine James in the Communications Department, on christinej@rcvs.org.uk.

Virbac Animal Health is calling on practices to prepare for Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM), being held by the company in November to highlight the prevalence of the disease and to encourage owners and practices to test for it.

Last year, 400 practices sign up to support the event, and the company says that feedback from many taking part confirmed a significant lack of understanding among clients as to the risk of prostate disease in dogs.

Canine Prostate Awareness Month is timed to coincide with 'Movember', when thousands of men grow moustaches to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. During the month, Virbac is providing promotional materials including dog leads; educational and display materials and a press release for local media.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "With more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)¹, we wanted to give practices a reason to highlight the risk and encourage owners to test for it. Timing CPAM to coincide with Movember seemed a good way to interest dog owners at a time when some might be considering the state of their own prostate.

"The support we received last year confirmed that it was a topic which practices were keen to discuss with dog owners so we're already planning to make the initiative even bigger and better this year."

Stephen Bamber, Principal at participating practice Warwickshire-based Avonvale Vets, added: "CPAM was an attractive campaign as it was a bit different. It offered the opportunity to see some of our older patients with other, less obvious pathologies. Non-symptomatic testicular tumours in particular surfaced in the checks we did. Clients generally had little idea about dogs' prostates so it gave us a good platform to discuss prostate disease with them."

Virbac has introduced Odelis^TM CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a tablet treatment for BPH which takes effect within a week and lasts for up to six months.

Chris added:  "BPH is an unpleasant condition occurring in nearly all entire dogs as they get older, but one which is entirely treatable. We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease."

For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign, email cpam@virbac.co.uk; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.

References

1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.

The BVA has announced that from 2013, its annual Congress will take place at the London Vet Show.

The association says that the move is being done to bring together political debate and clinical CPD on a large scale and to ensure that the BVA can reach an even wider audience with its representative and educational services.

The BVA and the Vet Show teamed up last year at London Vet Show 2011 to announce the launch of the BVA Careers Fair, which will be hosted at this year's London Vet Show on 15-16 November, and the start of a partnership that would ensure discounted Vet Show rates for BVA members.

2013 will also see two new clinical streams added to the London Vet Show programme creating a comprehensive CPD event for vets in small and mixed practice. Cattle and equine streams for mixed practitioners will be delivered by the BVA to run alongside the popular companion animal stream provided by the Royal Veterinary College.

The partnership will also see substantial discounts being offered to BVA members.

BVA President Carl Padgett said: "BVA's number one value is that our members are at the heart of everything we do. We know that members require good value, high quality and relevant CPD and we believe that our new partnership with the London Vet Show offers the best opportunity for us to provide members with exactly what they want.

"It's a significant move for BVA but one that makes complete sense. From 2013 we will be bringing together the contentious issue streams that are the bedrock of BVA Congress, with a high quality clinical CPD programme covering large and small animals, and one of the biggest and best veterinary exhibitions.

"We know we haven't attracted the delegate numbers we would like to have done in recent years and by partnering with the London Vet Show we have the opportunity to reach a much greater audience. It's a very exciting step forward for BVA."

Rob Chapman, Event Director for the London Vet Show, said: "We are all delighted to be developing our relationship with the BVA. To be able to host such an established and prestigious event as the BVA Congress at the London Vet Show is an honour for the Vet Show.

"Combining the long-standing history of the BVA with the rapidly developing reputation of the Vet Show gives us a great symbiotic relationship. The new clinical content that we will be working on together will help the event and that relationship even further offering great value for both Vet Show delegates and BVA members."

The organisers of the Vet Charity Challenge have announced that the 2015 fundraising and teambuilding event for the profession will take place on Saturday 26th September at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.

The event consists of teams of four walking/running, cycling and kayaking as well as some orienteering and mental and physical tasks. The day is designed for every level of fitness and to reward those that work the best together as a team.

So far the Vet Charity Challenge has raised over £100,000 for animal based charities. In 2015 the charities being supported are Canine Partners, SPANA and International Cat Care.

Registration for the event opens online at the start of April. Organisers say that spaces are limited and last year filled up very fast, so to avoid disappointment it is highly recommended to book early.

This year there will be discounted entry fees for students teams.

Gavin Mitchell from BCF Technology said: “We were delighted at the success of the Vet Charity Challenge so far. Last year we had 50 teams taking part and raised a serious amount of cash for three very deserving charities. We hope to top this in 2015, making the event even bigger and better than last year.” 

Dechra Veterinary Products has joined the challenge as a new sponsor this year. Larry King, Dechra Marketing Manager said: “Having entered a team into the Vet Charity Challenge in previous years, we are delighted to become sponsors of the challenge in 2015. The Vet Charity Challenge helps raise a significant amount of money for worthwhile causes at home and abroad and we look forward to being part of such a well organised event. This year we will be entering teams into the challenge again and we hope that colleagues from across the veterinary industry join us for what is sure to be a fun-packed weekend. We are proud to be 2015 sponsors.”

In addition to BCF and Dechra, the event is also sponsored by Kruuse, the VPMA, Mojo Consultancy and Veterinary Practice magazine.

For more information visit www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or: https://www.facebook.com/vetcharitychallenge.

HT Vista has launched HT Vista Academy, a free online learning platform designed to provide extensive support, education, and resources to users of its cancer screening device.

The new platform offers video tutorials, podcasts, webinars, scientific studies, blogs and downloadable resources, all designed to ensure users understand how the HT Vista screening device can support their day-to-day work.

Users can also ask for a free one-on-one training call with HT Vista for personalised guidance.

HT Vista’s Managing Director, Liron Levy-Hirsch said: “We’re excited to introduce this new platform for veterinary professionals alongside our latest diagnostic update to the device.

"Our goal with HT Vista Academy is to support users in expanding their expertise, not just in operating the device but also in understanding the technology behind it and learning the best practice of dermal and subcutaneous mass management.

"By offering valuable educational resources and hands-on support, we hope to enhance the overall experience for veterinary teams and, ultimately, the care they provide to their patients.”

The company says the screening device is being widely used in nurse clinics around the world and its academy is suitable for both vets and veterinary nurses.   

www.ht-vet.com/academy