Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched new, more palatable Metacam Chewable Tablets.

According to the company, the tablets are proven to be taken by 90% of dogs voluntarily¹ and 80% will even take them from the floor¹ which aids compliance. Available in pop-through blister strips of seven for easy dispensing and administration, the 1mg and 2.5mg Metacam Chewable Tablets are packed in boxes of 84 and priced the same per tablet as the current tablet range.

Claire Fowler, companion animal marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "The existing Metacam Chewable Tablets are readily accepted by most dogs. However, to appeal to as many dogs as possible, we have launched an even more appetising 'beefed up' meaty flavour."

For further information on the new flavoured Metacam tablets, including special offers, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or call 01344 746959.

The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons that they have until the end of January to put themselves forward as a candidate for the 2018 RCVS Council elections.

The nomination period closes at 5pm on Wednesday 31 January 2018 with the election period set to start in mid-March and close at 5pm on Friday 27 April 2018.

Candidates need to submit a nomination form, contact details, a short biography and candidate statement and supply a high-resolution digital photograph to use in print and online materials.

In order for a candidacy to be accepted they will also need two nominators who should be veterinary surgeons on the RCVS Register but who are not current members of RCVS Council. 

Registered addresses and original (hard copy) signatures of both the nominee and the proposers are required on the form in order for it to be valid.

The RCVS is also reminding candidates that the College is currently preparing for a change in its governance arrangements, including a reduction in the size of Council, as outlined in a Legislative Reform Order (LRO) that was agreed by Council members in March 2016.

As it stands, members of the profession are still electing six candidates to RCVS Council in the 2018 elections. However, if the LRO completes the legislative process and is passed by both Houses of Parliament, then only the three candidates with the most votes will take up their places as members of RCVS Council.

There will be no elections to VN Council this year as a decision was made to reduce the number of elected members.

More information on how to stand as a candidate for RCVS Council, as well as nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil18

Vets Now, the Out Of Hours emergency vets has announced the launch of Winchester's first dedicated 24/7 pet ambulance service.

Specifically designed for the comfortable and secure transport of all small animals, the new state-of-the-art ambulance is fully kitted out with the latest in emergency equipment. 

After completing a course of rigorous training, the fully trained ‘Petamedics' (the animal equivalent of Paramedics), took to the streets of Winchester earlier in the month.

Gareth Roscoe, Vets Now Ambulance Service Team Leader said: "This service will make a real difference to animals in a distressed or critical situation. We've responded to a variety of cases over the past few weeks; one of the most recent ones being a nine week old puppy who was receiving emergency treatment at the Vets Now clinic in Winchester after his owner accidentally fell on him.  Charlie was brought to the clinic collapsed and unresponsive with signs of head trauma.  The vets set up an intensive treatment plan for him and by the morning, he was almost back to normal and we took him back to his daytime vet.

"The ambulance service provides owners in the Winchester area with the safest and fastest method of transporting their pets to get medical treatment twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  What's more, the service is also available to owners who have routine transportation problems; so whether owners and their pets are visiting their clinic for a veterinary appointment, attending a referral centre or even going to the groomers, the Vets Now Ambulance offers them a reliable solution to all their pet transportation needs."

The ambulance is a significant new addition to the already established Vets Now Emergency Clinic which is based at the Mildmay Veterinary Centre, Easton Lane in Winchester.  Caroline Hirst, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the emergency clinic commented; "The dedicated 24 hour ambulance has already been called out to help several of our clients ahead of its official media launch on 25 September.   As an emergency clinic, we often admit patients overnight, and a real plus of having the ambulance is that we can ensure that pets can be returned to their regular vet or back to their owner in the morning safely and with the minimum of fuss.  From experience, Vets Now knows that there are regular occasions when owners are afraid to move their pet if it is unwell or has been involved in an accident.  We hope that being able to offer the ambulance service will be of great benefit not only to pets but also to owners, giving them peace of mind that their pet is being cared for and transported in a safe environment until it receives the necessary veterinary treatment at the clinic."

The RCVS has published the conclusions of The McKelvey Report, a review into the circumstances leading to a substantial overspend on the College's new database and development works at Belgravia House.

The review was carried out by Professor Bill McKelvey - a member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to consider all aspects relating to the College's budgeting and expenditure process, and propose lessons that could be learned.

Whilst the full report has not yet been published, its conclusions highlight:

• A lack of a credible audit capability, either internal or external.
• The above despite a recommendation following an investigation into a previous overspend, which Council apparently failed to act upon.
• Lack of responsibility / accountability for project planning and management.
• Lack of control over budget, with no spending limits found for Officers or staff.
• As a consequence of its elected nature, a lack of appropriate skills within Council, particularly for the role of Treasurer.

Overall, the report concluded that:

Weaknesses exist in the governance of the RCVS which pose significant risks to the proper conduct of its business. Executive staff have not been provided with a robust governance framework by the Council, and this has led to a number of unnecessary misunderstandings between Executive staff and Non Executive members of Council. These matters should be urgently addressed by Council in order to ensure that the confidence of ordinary members of the profession in their College can be restored.

Dr Jerry Davies, RCVS President said: "That such a review was required is regretted, but I would like to thank Professor McKelvey, Richard Davis and Judith Webb for their diligence in this work. Their recommendations will be a very helpful addition to the work that is currently underway to ensure corporate governance is fit for purpose and, in particular, that the management of capital projects within the College is optimised."

The full report is available here.

Fort Dodge Animal Health has announced that its Duvaxyn WNV vaccine against West Nile Virus (WNV) is now available in the UK, following its licensing through the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

Duvaxyn WNV is the first vaccine available in Europe to protect horses against this emerging disease threat.  288 horses and two people in Italy were found to be infected with WNV during the outbreak that hit northern Italy in late 2008 where it is now considered endemic. The disease is endemic in all areas of North America where it has claimed the lives of both horses and humans.

West Nile Virus is caused by a highly contagious flavivirus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily of the Culex species. The natural hosts of West Nile virus are birds, with migratory birds from Africa carrying the disease. Mosquitoes become infected after taking a blood meal from infected birds and then may transmit the disease to horses and even humans. While horses are 'dead end hosts,' the consequences can be severe as the virus causes encephalitis or meningitis.  Mortality rates among horses which develop neurological signs are high and there is no palliative cure for the disease.  Treatment is limited to symptomatic relief which can be long and expensive.

Sabrina Jordan, UK Business Manager for Equine Vaccines at Fort Dodge said: "WNV is an increasing threat to the equestrian sector in the UK and is a particular challenge for owners who transport their horses around the world.

"The fact that a vaccine is now available will undoubtedly offer peace of mind to the equestrian community.  They can be reassured that horses in the UK can now be vaccinated against WNV with a vaccine that has already been shown to be highly effective in protecting horses in America. 

"With any vaccine, a record that a horse has been vaccinated with Duvaxyn WNV should be recorded in its horse passport. By presenting this vaccine in pre-filled syringes with Infovax-ID labels, we've aimed to make both the administration and record keeping of Duvaxyn WNV as convenient as possible.

"To build understanding of this potentially fatal disease threat, we are continuing to work with governments and authorities at a national and European level, as well as working in partnership with the UK's veterinary community to ensure that owners are fully informed about the risk WNV poses and of the benefits of vaccination."

The British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) has issued recommendations to clamp down on the use of critically important antibiotics (CIAs) when treating cattle, and avoid preventative use where possible.

The move comes as the whole agriculture industry, co-ordinated by agricultural and food industry alliance RUMA (which promotes responsible use of medicines in farming), looks to build on the recent 10% reduction in use of antibiotics to treat farm animals.

The BCVA’s Dr Elizabeth Berry, who prepared the recommendations, said that whilst the responsible use of antibiotics has been promoted for many years across farming sectors, there is still the potential to reduce use in some areas and to move away from products which are important for human health.

She said: "This is an official position from BCVA to our members but we would like to see all in the cattle sectors embrace these recommendations in the understanding that we need to play our part in increasing responsible use of antibiotics.

"Work still needs to be done to establish the levels currently being used in cattle so that appropriate targets can be set but there are measures that can immediately be adopted.

"So we are recommending reducing both the overall amount of antibiotics used in cattle practice and minimising the use of the high priority CIAs – namely third and fourth generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and colistin. These drugs should only be used where they have been demonstrated by sensitivity testing to be the only suitable choice to avoid unnecessary suffering."

The BCVA, which has over 1,100 practising members covering around 85% of vets working with cattle, is also recommending that use of antibiotics as a preventative treatment is avoided wherever possible as long as animal welfare is not compromised.

Dr Berry added: "Where preventative treatment – or prophylaxis – is used it should be regarded as an interim measure whilst alternative management or vaccination strategies are implemented.

"For example, all cows which comply with recommendations for using an internal teat sealant should be considered for non-antibiotic treatments at drying off."

The BCVA continues to advise that every farm should have a herd health plan which embraces all of the disease control strategies appropriate for disease reduction on that farm. In addition, farm management best practice should be followed, such as the guidelines issued by Red Tractor farm assurance.

Dr Berry says BCVA further recommends that all herds should establish their BVD status and eradicate the disease where it is found. "BVD can have a detrimental effect on incidence of many diseases and its eradication will have a significant impact on the need for antimicrobial use.

"We also continue to recommend the use of diagnostics to identify disease so that appropriate treatments can be selected and vaccination programmes instituted to prevent or reduce the severity of disease."

BCVA’s confirmation of its official position has been welcomed by RUMA. Secretary General John FitzGerald says that while RUMA’s promotion of responsible use over the past 20 years means the UK remains among the lower users of antibiotics in farming in Europe¹, more needs to be done.

"The BCVA’s position is clear and leaves no doubt that action needs to be taken,” says Mr FitzGerald. “It is underpinned by science, recognising that banning preventative use outright or access to critically important antibiotics is not an answer. Both are important tools in fighting disease and preventing suffering so we still need them – but we need to use them more strategically and only when no other options exist."

The complete list of guidelines can be downloaded from the BCVA website www.bcva.eu.

The lives of pet rabbits in Britain, the UK's third most popular pet, are being drastically cut short due to owners' ignorance and misinformation, according to a survey for Rabbit Awareness Week (26^th April - 2^nd May 2010).

The survey revealed a widespread lack of knowledge about what pet rabbits need to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Almost half of the respondents believe that vegetables, fruit and carrots are the most important food for rabbits. In addition, 71% didn't know that fibre, in the form of hay and grass, is the most important food for rabbits, without which they can die.

More than 50% of those surveyed did not know that rabbits should be kept in pairs, and 90% of respondents didn't know that owning a rabbit is likely to cost more than £3,000 over the course of its lifetime.

Sean Wensley, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, said: "Despite more than a million pet rabbits currently being kept across the country, the results of this survey add to our concerns that their welfare needs are sadly misunderstood.

"It is vital that owners understand the commitment involved in owning pet rabbits, both financially and in terms of the time taken to care for them properly. It is also essential that owners understand their rabbits' welfare needs, including their need to be fed a suitable diet, to have a large hutch and exercise run, to have company and to receive appropriate health care, including vaccinations against deadly diseases."

For more information, see: http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against an Essex-based veterinary surgeon, having found him not guilty of charges relating to the measurement of horses and ponies.

At the ten-day hearing, Marc Auerbach of Oak Equine Veterinary Surgery, Ongar, answered charges relating to measuring the height of 29 horses/ponies presented for measurement by two agents in early 2009. Dr Auerbach had undertaken these measurements as an Official Measurer (OM) for the Joint Measuring Board (JMB), which provides a system for independently measuring and certifying the size of competition horses/ponies. An animal's financial value relates to its size, with larger animals being more likely to win in their competitive class.

The case centred on the expected accuracy of such measurements, whether Dr Auerbach was dishonest in colluding with the agents, or whether there had been signs of malpractice which a reasonably competent vet acting as an OM ought to detect.

From evidence submitted, the Committee determined a margin for measurement accuracy, and consequently dismissed from its consideration ten animals where the difference between the initial measurement and the re-measurement was 3 cm or less. However, the College submitted that the average difference was so great that, either, Dr Auerbach had failed to take sufficient steps to ensure that the correct measurements were recorded, or else he had been dishonest. Dr Auerbach's Counsel accepted the inference that presenting agents were dishonest, but denied that Dr Auerbach was dishonest or had failed to pick up signs of malpractice on the part of the agents.

The Committee was of the view that there may be unscrupulous presenters capable of materially interfering with the height of horses. While it was unable to determine with certainty the extent to which it could be done, the Committee formed the view that unscrupulous interference (together with intrinsic variables) could have caused the differences between measurement and re-measurement in the 19 horses.

The Committee noted there was no evidence of improper payments being received by anyone. It also accepted evidence that Dr Auerbach was not a dishonest man, taking into account his record of 23 years of honesty and excellence in the profession, unchallenged character references and the lack of any credible motive for him to act dishonestly.

Next, the Committee considered whether there had been signs of preparation malpractice which ought to have been picked up by any reasonably competent veterinary surgeon acting as an OM. The College submitted that Dr Auerbach had failed to take several steps including the amount of time and attention given to the animals he measured, and whether they might be drugged or sedated.

The Committee concluded from the evidence, including scientific papers, that mildly sedated animals may not be distinguishable from properly prepared animals; well-behaved horses were not an indication that something was amiss. The Committee accepted that Dr Auerbach took around 15-20 minutes to measure each of the horses presented on 9 January; and, in the absence of guidance from the JMB, it could not conclude this was rushed or unreasonable. Consequently, the Committee was unable to be satisfied, so that it was sure, that the allegation of failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the recording of correct measurements was proved.

"Accordingly, the decision of the Committee is that the facts set out in the Charge in relation to all the horses and ponies listed have not been proved to the necessary standard of proof," said Prof Peter Lees, speaking on behalf of the Committee as he directed the charges be dismissed.

MSD Animal Health has launched a new Flock Health Checklist to help vets work with shepherds to develop action plans to address the main areas influencing flock health and productivity.

The new Flock Health Checklist is designed to helps practitioners assess performance across the three crucial time periods and two key management processes which have an impact on the success of sheep enterprises.

Dr Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health said: “We have developed this new performance checklist drawing on specialist sheep vet working experiences, clinical research studies, economic data and industry recommendations.

"For example, the pre-breeding period is a great time to make sure ewes and rams are as fit and healthy as possible.

"Good practice and preparation in this area will go a long way to minimising stress and problems during a busy lambing period.”

Late pregnancy and lambing period is also a vital time – and is the busiest few weeks on any sheep farm.

Kat added: “Having pre-agreed protocols for this important period in the sheep farming calendar – and keeping a record of issues that arise – will go a long way to making sure subsequent lambing seasons go as smoothly as possible.”

Growth, weaning and sale is the third crucial time period and the Flock Health Checklist incorporates an additional series of audit-based questions designed to pinpoint system strengths and weaknesses.

The Flock Health Checklist also enables vets to ask a series of questions covering two key management processes: disease management and biosecurity; and how flock performance is currently monitored.

Kat said: “Working through a series of 10 questions within each of the three crucial time periods and two key management processes – designed to tease out where a sheep unit is in terms of accepted best management practice – allows vet and farmer to quickly pinpoint any areas needing attention.

"What’s more, repeating the checklist every six or 12 months is a great way to keep things on track, allowing both parties to montor performance against agreed targets.

“Similar types of checklist have been available to dairy youngstock rearing units and beef suckler herds for a couple of years now, with several vets reporting that these tools have proved integral to their productivity improvement work with farmer clients.

"Use of this checklist-based approach is also helping better implementation of preventative health practices such as vaccination. We hope this latest tool will help the GB sheep industry similarly.”       

For further information, contact your local MSD Animal Health account manager.

Jacqui Molyneux, SPVS President Elect, has announced details of the work she has been involved in to radically restructure and improve the training of veterinary nurses in the UK.

For the last 10 years the VN qualification has involved candidates sitting for an NVQ in veterinary nursing. This NVQ is however being phased out by the Government, whatever party that may be, from next September. The RCVS is therefore taking this opportunity to put in place a viable alternative qualification to improve and build upon the current structure.

Jacqui said: "We are coming from the standpoint that, worryingly, there is a dire shortage of RVNs available for practices to employ. If we do not take this opportunity to do something now, the situation will in all likelihood deteriorate even further.

"I chair a working party convened in May which has been looking at current VN training and how to improve it. There was an initial written period of information gathering followed by three full days of face-to-face consultation meetings with invited  interested parties in July and September. This period of consultation has resulted in a proposal being put forward.

She added: "The proposals are radical and in some ways controversial but have been put together in response to the feedback we have received so far. I must, however, reiterate that it is, at this stage, a proposal and we are still in a consultation period.

"At the end of the period we will have another working party meeting and reassess the proposal. This will then go to the Awarding Body Board and on to both VN council and RCVS council for full approval. I hope we will end up with a scheme that reflects the vital role nurses play in a modern veterinary practice."

The consultation document can be found here.

Petplan has announced that nominations are now open for its 14th annual Veterinary Awards.

The awards recognise members of the veterinary community who have gone above and beyond in their daily role. 

According to the company, one in three pets make an unexpected trip to the vet each year, making vets the unofficial 4^th emergency service. A quarter of pet owners consider their vet a good friend with 42% on first name terms. 98% of Petplan customers have said that they trust their vet; with many saying that they are more trustworthy than police officers - coming second only to doctors.

Petplan's Head of Marketing, Isabella Von Mesterhazy said: "At Petplan, we hear from our customers every day about the exceptional service veterinary staff have given to pets in their care. The Veterinary Awards are an opportunity for Petplan to show our support to members of this profession and thank these hard-working individuals on a national scale. We want to encourage pet owners across the UK to nominate their veterinary stars this year to show their appreciation for all their tireless effort to keep the nations pets fit and healthy."

To make nominate a vet, vet nurse, vet practice and other members of the veterinary team visit www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards before 31st January 2013. The winners will be announced at the ceremony held in Birmingham on 4th April 2013.

Elanco, the maker of Advocate, has published a set of free online CPD modules to help veterinary surgeons communicate important information (including treatment and prevention strategies) about lungworm.

The aim of the ‘Advocates of Knowledge’ CPD lungworm modules is to help vets assess the lungworm risk in their area, recommend prevention and treatment regimes and also to communicate effectively with clients as the UK emerges from lockdown.

In the first module, Dr Jenny Helm, European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Senior Veterinary Clinician at the University of Glasgow, tackles questions about lungworm post lockdown, including whether or not pets are at greater risk as a result of changes in their owners' behaviour caused by the pandemic.

The second module, from Dr Simon Tappin, European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, and Head of Medicine at Dick White Referrals (pictured right), will take the form of an interactive case-based discussion on lungworm. He will use clinical cases to talk through presenting signs, and how to approach investigation of these cases, as well as looking at treatment and prevention strategies.

Vicky McAlister, Senior Brand Manager for Advocate, said: “During lockdown, dog owners have modified their behaviour (including spending more time outdoors with their dogs), and this may have affected the risk of dogs becoming infected with lungworm. So we’re very pleased that, together with our experts, we’re launching informative, engaging and relevant CPD lungworm modules for vets, to help provide them with the information needed, and importantly to encourage communication with dog owners regarding this important subject matter”.

You can sign up for the CPD modules here - https://advocatesofknowledge.vettimes.co.uk.