CarefreeCredit, the loan company set up by Somerset vet Stewart Halperin so that practices can offer their clients interest free loans to cover emergency veterinary treatment, has embarked on a national PR campaign to raise awareness amongst pet owners about the service.
First out of the stalls was the Sunday Express, which covered the story last weekend. Further coverage is expected in other national newspapers over the coming few weeks.
CarefreeCredit provides loans from £250 to £25,000 for use against any veterinary bills. Credit terms offered by CarefreeCredit-enrolled veterinary practices, of which there are now more than 700, are normally 0% over 12 months or 9.9% over 24 months.
Practices pay £10 per month to enrol with CarefreeCredit, plus a small percentage of the amount of each loan made.
Stewart said: “Most vets usually end up discounting their invoices to enable pets to receive the treatment they desperately need when their owners aren’t insured and can’t afford to pay a large bill all at once. With CarefreeCredit, the owner doesn’t have to worry about paying the bill, the pet gets the treatment it needs and the vet is paid immediately and doesn’t have to worry about bad debts. Experience with this type of finance in the US shows that the average vet can reduce his debtors by up to 60%, improving his cash flow, while increasing his turnover by up to 22% per annum, so everyone’s a winner!”
For further information about offering CarefreeCredit to your clients, visit: http://www.carefreecredit.co.uk.
Kruuse has announced the launch of two new two new wound dressing products: Kruuse HydroGel and Kruuse Foam Dressing.
Kruuse HydroGel is a clear amorphous hydrogel with Polyhexanide (0.04%). According to the company, HydroGel will help maintain a moist healing environment encouraging autolytic debridement and gentle removal of slough and necrotic tissue. It is presented as a single dose 15g applicator tube.
KRUUSE Foam Dressing is a non-adhesive; absorbent hydrophilic foam wound dressing coated with bacterial resistant micro porous thin foam backing. The company says it 'breathes' to allow oxygen in, expands as it absorbs exudate and conforms to shallow wound cavities. It is presented in 3 sizes: 5x5cm, 10x10cm and 15x15cm.
Andrew Groom , Managing Director, Kruuse UK Ltd. said: "Both products enhance the Kruuse's wound care product portfolio available to all customers, combined they increase the already extensive range of wound products available to the veterinary practitioner".
Both products will be on dispay and available at BSAVA 2013.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that Metricure is now back in stock and available from the veterinary wholesalers with immediate effect.
Metricure is the only licensed intra-uterine antibiotic for the treatment of endometritis and is specially designed for the anaerobic intra-uterine environment.
The company would like to thank the profession for its patience and understanding, and looks forward to supporting vets striving to improve fertility on clients' farms.
Please contact the Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685 if you require any further information.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Charitable Trust is offering a bursary for one delegate to attend the Veterinary Biomedical and Pharma Sciences (VBMPS) Congress on 15 and 16 October 2012 at the ICC in Birmingham.
Members of the RCVS with an interest in 'one health' are eligible to apply. Entrants are asked to explain, in no more than 400 words, their interest in the concept of one health and why they should be granted a bursary.
Entrants should also demonstrate how they would disseminate their learning from the event to the wider veterinary community.
Entries should be sent to grants@rcvstrust.org.uk by Monday 3 September 2012, and the winner will be notified within two weeks.
The bursary winner will be given a delegate pass worth £175 for entry to the conference and admission to all scientific sessions. Reasonable transport costs and accommodation will be reimbursed.
Further details are available at http://trust.rcvs.org.uk/grants-and-collaborations
Rob Chapman, MD of the event organiser, CloserStill Media, said: "The London Vet Show in 2019 was the last major in-person event pre-Covid-19 pandemic
“We are delighted to be gathering once more. We had more tickets booked this September than any other year which has reinforced that there’s a real desire amongst the veterinary community to get back together and that confidence in events is returning.
"Our team is busy putting the final touches in place – including our new Covid-safety features, our speakers are excited to present to live audiences again, the delegates are making plans to see old friends. And, very importantly, our exhibitors are busy organising fantastic giveaways and getting stock ready. There has been so much fantastic R&D in the veterinary sector over the past two years and vet professionals will get to try it out first at the London Vet Show.”
BVA Senior Vice President, James Russell, said: “The London Vet Show is a highlight of the CPD and social calendar. The range of lectures we have on means there’s something for everybody – whether it’s clinical, non-clinical, BVA Congress or our career development stream. But the opportunity to see each other again after two years is something which I am so excited about.
"I know that there will be some people feeling nervous about the idea of coming together again. But one of the tremendous privileges I’ve had during the past year is being in London and watching it slowly unlock. I have to say that my recent experiences of being out and about in London make me feel very safe here.
"I do recognise that different people are at different points on their journey with that, but I hope that everyone finds a way of getting to the London Vet Show in a way they feel comfortable with. CloserStill have put in measures when we are there that will make us feel as safe and as comfortable as we can do.”
Professor Jill Maddison, who programmes the Royal Veterinary College Clinical’s small animal streams, said: “After almost two years I am beyond excited that we will be back together again at the London Vet Show. As usual we have a great line up of speakers from abroad, the RVC and around the UK who will deliver lectures covering many different aspects of clinical practice.
"I hope that whatever sessions you attend and whatever exhibits you visit at the 12th LVS you will find something to interest, intrigue and inspire you that you can take back to your practice to enhance the welfare of your patients and clients, your team and of course, yourself.”
Rob added: “We also have some fantastic new and returning features in store for delegates. For example, I’m delighted to announce the return of the popular Community Masterminds where online peers can meet in person and discuss topics that matter most to them.
"We are also hosting our very first Very Happy Hour on the exhibition floor from 5.30-6.45 pm on Day 1 where there will be drinks available for everyone to enjoy in a relaxed, spread-out fashion to celebrate being back together again.”
“We do ask that delegates planning on attending pre-register so we can best lay out the event and cater for the audience in a Covid-secure manner.”
One day and two-day tickets are available now. Register before Friday, 22nd October to receive your badge in the post. You can book at: https://london.vetshow.com/, call +44 (0)2476 719 687.
Avis includes over 350 articles, images, client factsheets, and diagnostic trees about avian diseases, diagnostic techniques, medications, legislation and parasitology, with a particular focus on domestic poultry.
The publishers say that content on Avis is authored and reviewed by leading avian veterinary specialists, including the St David’s Poultry Team, which has over 350 years of poultry veterinary experience.
Vetstream CEO, Dr Mark Johnston MRCVS said: We are really delighted to have worked with such a strong contribution from the St David’s Poultry Team whose experience in commercial flocks is provided to veterinarians being presented with smaller flocks.
"We have also had significant additional contributions for this launch edition of Avis across a broad range of poultry veterinary expertise.
"We want as many people as possible to take Avis for a “test flight” and so will be providing free access to all Vetlexicon subscribers for the month of June.”
www.vetlexicon.com
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has joined forces with the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) to revolutionise higher veterinary education in the UK.
The two organisations – SPVS through its Masters and Doctors Group (MDG) – have officially announced that they will deliver the new modular Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) and the CertAVP (VetGP) qualifications through the new Vet Learning group.
SPVS recognised that vets were finding it difficult, if not impossible, to combine working in practise with completing the old-style certificates and decided to work with the RCVS to create more flexible and relevant qualifications and the PDF to provide more guidance and support.
Students taking the Vet GP qualification will also work from a syllabus that firmly complements the experience of the practising modern vet.
Richard Hillman, SPVS President Elect and SPVS CertAVP project leader, explained: “I registered for the RCVS Certificate in Welfare and Ethics three years ago as, as a practice owner, I am very interested in these fields but have found it very difficult to juggle work, home life and study.”
He added: “I’ve been on the CPD and I’ve read the books so I’ve done the personal development parts of the certificate but I just can’t get the cases written up. If I had the structure, support and mentoring that the SPVS and Vet Learning will now supply, I could have gone on and got the qualification I wanted. I am delighted that Vet Learning has now been created.”
Both qualifications will be assessed at MSc level and will be quality controlled by the University of Middlesex and the national Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). SPVS will shortly announce the date of a road show that will supply practitioners with further information on this ground-breaking development in veterinary education, including how to structure their CPD.
The British Veterinary Association has launched a survey of its members: "Your BVA, Your Say".
The focus of the research, which will take place throughout June and July, is to measure and evaluate the levels of satisfaction BVA members have with the Association and examining the value members place on BVA's representative role and benefits package.
A selection of members will be contacted by the external research agency Research by Design to take part in in-depth interviews to explore key themes of the research. Members who are currently practising and those in their final year at veterinary school will then be asked to complete an online survey.
Ahead of the research BVA is urging members to check that the Association has their most up-to-date contact details by visiting the member area of the website www.bva.co.uk/member or contacting the membership team on 020 7908 6350.
The results of the research will be used to develop and adapt BVA member services, activity and communication to ensure the Association meets members' requirements throughout their careers.
BVA President Carl Padgett said: "Our members are at the heart of everything we do, so it is essential we hear directly what our members think about, and want from, their Association.
"I'd like to encourage members to find time to contribute their ideas and opinions which will shape the future direction of the BVA. This is the chance to really make a difference to the Association."
Improve International has announced that several of the Postgraduate Certificate programmes (PgC's) which it delivers in conjunction with Harper Adams University and the European School of Veterinary Studies (ESVPS) have been added to the list of qualifications conferring eligibility for applications for RCVS' Advanced Practitioner status.
The qualifying PgCs are:
These PgC's are accredited at Masters level 7 and provide 60 credits, at least 40 of which are in the designated clinical area. Improve says this places them at the same academic level as those offered by other CPD providers and termed as eligible entry qualifications to RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status.
Improve has welcomed the RCVS' decision to include these PgC's in the list of entry qualifications accepted with no further requirements required. For the PgC Small Animal Surgery and PgC Small Animal Medicine programmes, a further demonstration of professional key skills is required within a five-year period, which the company says it can help with.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director, said: "Our clinical taught programmes are led by experts in their field while the European School of Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) has responsibility for the associated assessments. Harper Adams University brings the Higher Education body quality assurance to our partnership, ensuring that our qualifications meet the strict criteria laid down by the QAA Framework.
"Our programmes utilise a combination of review lectures, case-based discussions and, where applicable, hands-on practical sessions. We are also increasingly offering courses using 'blended learning', a format which combines both face to face and online learning.
"We are delighted that the RCVS has recognised that the content and rigour of the PgC programmes, make them deserving of the same status as other qualifications awarded by other providers. Our delegates can now have full confidence that achieving one of these postgraduate certificates will enable them to meet the requirements of Advanced Practitioner status."
For more information, see the RCVS website, Advanced Practitioner Guidance Notes, visit www.improveinternational.com or call 01793 759159.
The new clinic will be based in Uttoxeter and have an in-house 1.5T MRI, 32-slice CT, and three purpose-built theatres.
Building work has started and clinic is now recruiting for orthopaedic surgery Specialists, neurology Specialists and experienced veterinary nurses.
Mark Lowrie, RCVS and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology (pictured), will lead the new site day-to-day once up and running.
He said: “Our ethos is simple: we aspire to be the place that vets take their own pets.
"By focusing on responsive communication, exceptional clinical standards, and fair pricing, we aim to build trust with both veterinary professionals and clients.
"And for those who join our team, we are committed to creating a supportive and positive environment where everyone can thrive and grow."
“This is a rare chance to be part of something special from day one, to join and help build the culture and success of a dynamic, independent practice and a brand new state-of-the-art clinic.
"With cutting-edge facilities and a supportive team, we want fresh expertise and energy to help shape the future of veterinary care.”
https://www.movementvets.co.uk
Hill's has launched 'Lose 60 Tonnes in 6 months', a campaign to help clients get their pet to a healthy weight.
Sixty tonnes is equivalent to the weight of twelve elephants, which is a huge target. Hill's says that if every practice makes a small contribution, it can be achieved.
Hill's support includes a public relations pack which the company says contains everything veterinary surgeons and nurses need to help raise awareness and encourage pet owners to bring their pets in for a weight assessment. The pack includes proforma press releases and guidance on how to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with local media. There is also a 'Lose 60 tonnes in 6 months' point of sale kit that includes a poster, stickers and a noticeboard kit for clinics, to drive awareness while clients wait for consults.
As part of the campaign, Hill's is also hosting a series of nurse webinars on weight management and offering additional support material such as consult room posters, weight clinic packs and pet tape measures, an item often requested by nurses. There are also promotional offers available through Hill's Territory Managers, subject to stock availability.
Hill's Customer Marketing Manager, Sara Locke MRCVS said: "We feel it is important to support practices at the grass-roots level and to develop a campaign that will have real meaning within the local community. I hope practices will get behind it, engage with pet owners and as a result, gain new clients. They are also helping thousands of pets live longer and happier lives."
Further information is available from local Hill's Territory Managers or by calling Hill's on 0800 242438 or in ROI 1 800 626002.
Petplan has been voted Best Insurance Provider in the seventh annual Your Cat and Your Dog Product Awards.
This is the sixth consecutive year Your Cat and Your Dog readers have voted Petplan number one, in response to a survey completed by thousands of pet owners.
Isabella von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing at Petplan said: "To be independently voted number one provider by pet owners means so much, particularly as this is the sixth time we have been awarded this honour.
"Petplan's Covered for Life policy is the original lifetime policy - we were the first insurer to offer this type of policy and cover. This, combined with over 36 years' experience in the pet insurance marketplace means Petplan truly understands what pet owners need and want from their pet insurance. We settle 97% of claims successfully and 90% of customers renew each year. Moreover, we paid out over £180 million in claims in 2013, the majority directly with the vet, which leaves owners able to concentrate on supporting their pet back to full health rather than worrying about vet bills."
VetSurgeon.org has launched a completely revamped classified jobs section for the profession which allows members to subscribe for alerts when someone advertises a vacancy in their area.
VetSurgeon Jobs has been designed from the ground up to be as simple as possible for job-seekers to find the right vacancy. By default, jobs are listed in the order they were posted. But enter a location (ideally your postcode) and the list re-orders by distance from that location. Simple as that. No login required.
You can also set other criteria, such as small animal vet jobs only, to further whittle down the selection.
The subscription service works on the same basis. In most cases, you'll probably just want to enter a postcode and a distance from that postcode that you're interested in. But you can also add further filters so you are notified only of, say, locum or small animal positions. And for those locums who work in multiple locations, you can set up multiple subscriptions.
For advertisers, we thought of only one thing, which was how can we offer more bang for your buck than the alternatives (besides being presented on the most popular veterinary website for eight weeks). That question influenced every aspect of the design and functionality of the new, improved VetSurgeon Jobs.
In due course, VetSurgeon.org will introduce a charge for advertising. However, the site is and always has been about supporting the profession, and the pricing will reflect that: no more than £150 +VAT in 2016.
Featuring imagery of the Great Barrier Reef to demonstrate that the skin barrier is a fragile ecosystem needing care and protection, the new marketing material includes:
The pack is supported by a new vet detailer focusing on the skin as a complex and fragile ecosystem, with a detachable poster covering the range.
For further information on the Douxo range of products, visit www.douxo.eu or contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager.
A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
The flock is estimated to contain approximately 35 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled.
A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.
Keepers are urged to continue to be vigilant and look out for the signs of avian flu in their flocks, informing the Animal and Plant Health Agency should they suspect infection.
Merial Animal Health has announced the first delivery of its bluetongue vaccine, BTVPURTM AlSap, in the UK. The shipment of just over 2 million doses is the first of several batches scheduled over the summer months and forms part of Merial's commitment to Defra to supply 13 million doses for England and Wales. Despite bluetongue disease not yet re-emerging in the UK this year, Merial strongly encourages farmers to protect their livestock from this potentially debilitating disease. Head of Production Animal Business, Graham Davenport said: "Our experience in continental Europe over the past four years has shown just how imperative vaccination is for vets and farmers in controlling this disease in the field. Recent outbreaks in France are a reminder that there is no room for complacency. Over the past few weeks we have been working closely with the members of JAB (Joint Action against Bluetongue) and strongly advocate that farmers should act on their advice: Don't hesitate, vaccinate."Information for veterinary professionals and livestock owners on BTVPUR AlSap can be found at www.merial.co.uk. Veterinary surgeons can also obtain information by calling 0800 592699 or emailing ukbluetongue@merial.com.
Vetoquinol UK is offering vets and nurses the opportunity to win a day's free CPD by entering its new Marbocyl® P Challenge.
The challenge runs for three months with a prize each month for a veterinary surgeon's one day CPD voucher worth £300 and a nurse's one day CPD voucher worth £200 from Improve CPD. There are also 10 runners up goodie bags available each month.
Each challenge focuses on knowledge of fluoroquinolones. July's challenge involves use in pyoderma, August's challenge focuses on respiratory tract infections and September's challenge will be on canine urinary tract infection.
Russell Roan, Vetoquinol's Veterinary Services Manager said: "Fluoroquinolones are an often-discussed antibiotic in the veterinary and medical world, but all too often they are mentioned as a class rather than as the individual molecules. This can cause the common misconception that all fluoroquinolones are the same. The Marbocyl® P Challenge aims to address this misconception and to highlight the varied uses for fluorquinolones."
To enter, visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/, click on the Marbocyl® P Challenge banner at the top of the home page and complete the short quiz.
Janssen Animal Health has launched a new website providing information on the subject of coccidiosis in calves and lambs: www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com.
The website builds on the findings of an expert workshop on bovine coccidiosis held at the First European Buiatrics Conference, which was facilitated by Janssen. In particular, the site looks at all of the areas that the experts focused on as being especially problematic, including immunity, sources of infection, risk factors, prevention and treatment.
According to the company, arriving at a diagnosis of coccidiosis is not always straightforward: it must be supported by history and clinical signs, as well as evidence of pathogenic species of the Eimeria parasite. Interpretation of oocyte counts can be particularly difficult and results have to be viewed in the context of the farm situation. The site contains explanations about the timing of sampling and how that can impact upon the results.
Janssen adds that treatment has traditionally relied on fluid therapy and the use of sulphonamide drugs but recommendations on the use of more recently introduced treatments such as diclazuril (Vecoxan) focus on single dose treatments administered 14 days after a stress factor - such as moving to a higher risk environment, weaning or transportation. The various treatment strategies including prophylactic and metaphylactic approaches are described for those who have experienced problems with coccidiosis in the past and want to avoid recurrence on an individual farm.
Janssen says the site is an ideal on-line resource for veterinary professionals, SQPs and farmers looking to update their knowledge, seeking a tool that explains the disease in greater depth or just searching for specific information that helps in their own individual situation or with interpretation of a difficult case, www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com/.
Virbac has announced that its recently launched parasiticide Neoprinil has been granted a shelf life extension from one to two years after first opening.
The company says the extension will help minimise the risk of wasted product and increase its convenience to farmers.
An eprinomectin pour-on solution, Neoprinil is indicated for use against internal and external parasites in cattle, including gut and lungworms, mange mites, sucking and chewing lice, horn flies and warbles. It is administered using the company's Farmpack and Flexibag, and offers a zero-day withdrawal period in milk.
Virbac's Product Manager for Large Animals Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS said: "Understanding the challenges our customers face and offering products to overcome them is our goal so we are delighted that Neoprinil has received a shelf life extension because this adds to its flexibility and convenience for farmers. It also brings it into line with Deltanil, our deltamethrin-based pour-on for use against a range of ectoparasites in cattle and sheep.
"We now offer a comprehensive and flexible parasiticide range administered with a dispensing system that sets a new standard for convenience and ease of use."
Neoprinil is presented in 2.5l, 4.5l and 8l pack sizes.
BSAVA’s new Congress Programme Committee Chair, Paul Higgs MRCVS (pictured right) said: "The new venue provides an opportunity to really shake up the content. It’s the first time BSAVA Congress delegates will have met in two years and we want to deliver an unforgettable experience."
"We’ve thought long and hard about what delegates want and need, as well as the way people like to learn, integrating those approaches within the programme. Delegates will find few long-format lectures, instead there will be lots of opportunities to participate, to discuss, to do and to experience."
He added: “For general practice vets and nurses, we’re offering an immersive experience designed to support the skills required in first opinion practice yet rarely provided in a lecture alone. And while the CPD will provide ample opportunity to learn about the clinical aspects, delegates will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in true-to-life case management events in a dedicated space to help reflect those paraprofessional skills that are so critical to first opinion practice.”
Delegates will also be able to drop-in to practical sessions and perfect a technique such as undertaking cytological examination, reading radiographs and performing endoscopy in as little as 15 minutes. For the first time, the practical sessions will be included within the ticket price.
BSAVA will also be giving delegates the opportunity to meet and pick the brains of the speakers in a dedicated space in the exhibition during lecture breaks.
Although some sessions will be more aligned to veterinary nurses, all sessions will be open to both vets and nurses. Paul said: "Nurses are increasingly looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge, horizons and skillsets, while many vets want to, and would benefit from, learning from our excellent nurses. The programme will reflect this."
The BSAVA Programme Committee is also going to incorporate practice management within the programme. Paul said: "Vets and nurses aren’t isolated from the fact practices are businesses and the decisions they make have a financial impact."
“Everyone in the profession has something to give and BSAVA Congress 2022 is a chance for everyone to come together to hear people you’ve never heard before, see things you’ve never seen and do things you’ve never done."
Tickets will be on sale late October. To find out more visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
Sheppard Robson, the architects behind the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, have been celebrating this week after their design received a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West Award.The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, located at the University’s Leahurst campus in Neston, was completed in 2007 and is considered to be one of the most advanced and complete animal veterinary facilities in the UK. It incorporates clinical services, undergraduate teaching and clinical research under one roof.The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) annually presents regional awards for buildings that make a substantial contribution to the local environment and have high architectural standards.Ian Butler, Managing Partner at Sheppard Robson North, said: "The Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Liverpool University is a fantastic building. It is very strong and bold yet it is also simple and unfussy. It combines truly cutting edge teaching and research facilities with a sustainable building that blends into its environment. It is fantastic for our design to be lauded by RIBA. The Sheppard Robson team is very proud."The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, along with ten other North West buildings recognised by the regional judges, will now be considered for the National RIBA Awards in June.
Are small animal vets as immune to recession as undertakers? Probably not, but there is some good news from Petplan, which has found that whilst 60 per cent of people would put off starting a family during the current economic downturn, a quarter would choose a pet instead.
And it’s not a battle of the sexes – the decision to put family life on hold in favour of nurturing a four-legged friend was equally divided between men and women.
According to Petplan, the findings are supported by a recent Mintel report showing that the pet care industry is thriving with animal lovers spending £484million on their cats and dogs this year. Pets at Home also announced its profits have doubled compared to this time last year.
A spokeswoman from Petplan, said: "It seems that pets of all shapes and sizes are now being considered a perfectly sensible alternative to starting a family for cash-strapped couples. We know that many owners develop very strong emotional ties to their pets that are often treated as part of the family. But we do urge all would-be pet owners to understand that pet ownership does come with responsibilities, just like parenthood."
Research shows the cost of raising a child from birth to 21 is £186,0321 – whereas RSPCA figures state that a dog costs approximately £9,600 during its lifetime a cat £8,000 and a rabbit £3,800.
Top 10 most popular child substitutes:
Survey conducted on www.onepoll.com Total number of respondents – 3,000 pet owners
VRCC the Essex-based veterinary referral specialists and centre for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats has become the first in the UK to offer a canine melanoma vaccine.
The vaccine, previously only available in the U.S. where it has been granted a conditional license by the USDA, has been made available to VRCC's Head of Oncology Dr Susan North who fulfils the US Academic Credentials required.
According to VRCC, most oral tumours are not noticed early by owners, so many go undiagnosed and untreated until they are advanced and the dog has a poor chance of recovery.
Canine melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy, which readily metastasises to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys but is chemo-resistant. There is little evidence that chemotherapy improves survival time.
The canine melanoma vaccine develops effective immunotherapy in dogs that recognises and targets specific antigens on melanoma cells and may account for long-term tumour control and survival.
The vaccine is indicated for dogs with stage II or stage III oral melanoma for which local disease control has been achieved: negative local lymph nodes or positive lymph nodes that were surgically removed or irradiated.
The conditional license was granted based on the reasonable expectation that when used along with surgery and/or radiation therapy to treat the initial tumour the vaccine may help extend survival time and improve quality of life in dogs with canine oral melanoma.
US research concluded that canine patients with advanced disease have a median survival time of less than 5 months with standard therapies. In initial trials, dogs receiving the vaccination sequence had a median survival time of 389 days.
A canine transdermal device is especially matched to the vaccine for needle-free delivery and optimal distribution. Veterinary surgeons with a patient with oral melanoma should contact Dr Susan North at VRCC, www.vrcc.co.uk to discuss the case at an early stage, as initial treatment is important to ensure suitability for the vaccine.
The British Pig Executive (BPEX) is urging veterinary surgeons to promote a 'top five' of farm services which will be available to pig farmers that sign up to BPEX's new national pig health scheme.
The Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP) became a national scheme in July following regional projects in Yorkshire, Humberside, East Anglia and the East Midlands. BPEX says it is now stepping up a gear as much of the infrastructure has been put in place and clear membership benefits are available.
BPEX's Vet Project Manager Helen Clarke said: "The PHIP takes a collaborative, action-orientated approach to reducing the incidence of disease in pig herds to ensure the long-term sustainability of pig farming. The role of vets in delivering the scheme is key.
"We need to achieve a high level of uptake - and are looking to achieve sign-up from farms that together represent at least 90% of sows nationally. And that's why we are keen for farmers to take advantage of these five services that deliver benefits at farm level."
The services consist of:
Sign-up is free for producers. To find out how vets can support the scheme, visit http://www.pighealth.org.uk/ and contact BPEX on 02476 478877.