The British Veterinary Asssociation and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have strongly welcomed moves to tighten up the rules on dog breeding in Wales with the publication of the proposed Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2011.
The draft proposals follow a report by an expert Task and Finish Group, including veterinary representatives, which made recommendations for new legislation to tackle the significant problem of puppy farming.
The BVA and BSAVA were both represented on the Task and Finish Group and have welcomed the proposals, which include:
The draft legislation is now out for consultation until 13 January 2011.
Harvey Locke, BVA President, said: "The Welsh Assembly Government should be congratulated for driving forward legislative changes to tackle the abhorrent practice of puppy farming.
"The Task and Finish Group brought together everyone with an interest in dog health and welfare so the Minister should be confident that these proposals will gain widespread support.
"Puppy farming is not only a problem in Wales and it is clear that the rest of the UK is now lagging behind. We will be encouraging England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow suit and ensure dog health and welfare is promoted across the country."
Grant Petrie, President of BSAVA, added: "Vets are often faced with the terrible consequences of puppy farms and bad breeders, which can lead to suffering for both the animals and their owners.
"We are delighted that this action is being taken by the Welsh Assembly Government.
"The compulsory microchipping of dogs and puppies on licensed premises is a particularly welcome move but the veterinary profession will continue to campaign for this to be extended to all dogs."
Following reports that a puppy in Cornwall has died after biting into an e-cigarette refill, the BVA is warning pet owners to ensure they are kept out of reach of animals.
BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: "This is a tragic case and very worrying when you consider how many people are now using e-cigarettes. Nicotine poisoning acts very quickly and can be fatal, especially when large doses are involved. E-cigarettes and refills can easily contain sufficient quantities of nicotine to kill a small animal very quickly.
"If you use e-cigarettes, we recommend storing all equipment safely out of reach of your pet. If you suspect your pet has chewed or eaten an e-cigarette or any toxic substance then it is vital that you contact a vet for treatment as quickly as possible."
The BVA says it understands that the female puppy was a recently rehomed Staffordshire cross. It became unwell on Sunday after apparently consuming an e-cigarette refill and died on Monday morning after failing to respond to treatment.
Dave (pictured right) says he has created the group to address two problems. Firstly, the chronic lack of support for new graduates in their early years leading to avoidable levels of stress and burnout. Secondly, the knock on side-effect of this poor support, that many graduates turn their back on the profession for good, leading to a national skills shortage and recruitment crisis.
Dave said: "Veterinary graduates across the UK have been crying out for more support for years and this lack of support is the main reason for career dissatisfaction and burnout.
"Through a coordinated program of lectures blended with group mentoring and access to a like-minded peer network beyond university, VetX delivers a level of support that is simply not available through any other current means."
Dave is quick to avoid pointing any fingers of blame at practices, saying: "In my experience employers start out with good intentions, but then the reality of clinical life sets in and most just run out of time to deliver the support required. VetX solves this problem by taking much of the mentoring workload away from the practice."
Although the programme is open to all and is designed to complement in-house training, Dave says VetX gives smaller, independent practices the chance to compete with larger corporate groups which offer in-house mentoring schemes in a very cost-effective way.
The VetX programme is now open for enrollment and will take in a maximum of 50 new or recent graduates beginning in September 2017. Dave says early enrollment is advised as places are filling fast.
For more information about VetX or enrolling on the new programme, visit: http://www.drdavenicol.com/vetxclinics
Sebastian Griffin (pictured right), an advanced practitioner in small animal medicine at Vet4life in London is leading the research alongside Fabio Stabile, an expert in veterinary neurology at Southfields Veterinary Specialists in Essex, and Luisa De Risio, Clinical Research & Excellence Director at Linnaeus and a specialist in veterinary neurology.
Sebastian said: “There is so much more to learn about canine idiopathic epilepsy, to ensure that vets, pets and their owners have the best possible support when dealing with this disorder.
"We want to offer a more targeted, clinically applicable, and relevant approach to its diagnosis and treatment.
“Any vet who has recently treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy in primary care is invited to respond.
"The survey only takes five to ten minutes but provides us with invaluable information that will help to inform and develop best practice.
"We are planning to share the results, along with educational resources and evidence-based guidelines, with our peers across the industry next year.”
The survey and further information can be found via https://bit.ly/3mfwVRe.
The study and survey results are due to be published in an open access peer-reviewed scientific journal by the end of 2022.
The survey, which is anonymous, closes on 15 January 2022.
New graduates will work through both programmes during their first two years in practice.
Linnaeus says the GDP will continue to focus on support and networking, giving access to mentors, social events and a structured education programme that covers 12 educational days.
The GDP will cover primary care skills development and things like veterinary business training, leadership skills and time management.
All graduates will then complete the ECP, which is designed to offer greater flexibility as the participants start to focus on different clinical areas.
Professional and clinical skills training will be more tailored to graduates’ topics of interest, and funding will be available to cover the cost of CPD courses that support individual areas of development.
Professor Séverine Tasker, Chief Medical Officer at Linnaeus (pictured right), said: "We decided to update the GDP after asking for feedback from across Linnaeus and our stakeholders.
“While many graduates need a lot of guidance in the first 12 months of their veterinary careers, they will then start to develop more specific areas of interest.
"By developing two separate programmes, we can offer education, guidance, networking and flexibility that is adapted to the progression of our graduates.”
The next Linnaeus GDP starts in the summer of 2022 and is open for applications from now until the end of May.
The ECP provision will be available from mid-2022 to support recent graduates that join Linnaeus outside of their GDP intake.
For more information, visit www.linnaeusgroup.co.uk/careers/graduates-students-and-apprenticeships.
Taking over from Carl Gorman, Julian says his focus is to continue the work undertaken this year as part of a ‘programme of change’ for BSAVA, that will continue to promote the strong sense of community within the membership and the wider profession.
Speaking at the BSAVA AGM, Julian said: “I am very humbled as I stand here today as your 67th President. It is certainly the pinnacle of my veterinary career, and the greatest honour yet bestowed on me in life.
"We continue to live in exciting times at BSAVA, and as ever, I join a team of utterly amazing staff at Woodrow House.
“I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession.”
Julian started volunteering for the BSAVA after his graduation within the Southeastern Regional committee, becoming Chair of the committee after a few years.
He then became part of the BSAVA Education Committee, BSAVA PetSavers Grants Awarding Committee, and was lately part of the Publications Committee.
He then joined the Presidential ladder two years ago as Junior Vice President.
Outside of his volunteering for the BSAVA, he was at Crossways Vets in West Sussex for 17 years, initially as a partner, then as an owner, and finally as a Clinical Director.
He has since stepped down from the practice to devote his time to being BSAVA President this year.
Virbac highlights research which shows that 90% of all dogs over one year are affected by dental issues, including plaque, tartar, gingivitis and halitosis1, but small breed dogs are 5 times more likely to have dental issues than large breeds2.
The new formulation of Veterinary HPM Small & Toy range contains Ascophyllum Nodosum, which Virbac says has been scientifically proven activity on four aspects of oral and dental health: calculus index, volatile sulphur compound concentration, plaque index and gingival bleeding index3.
Virbac points to research which shows that after being absorbed in the small intestine and then secreted into the oral cavity via saliva, Ascophyllum Nodosum inhibits some pathways involved in plaque or calculus development4.
Nutrition-wise, Virbac says the new diet offers 33% less carbohydrate and 34% more protein, on average, compared to other brands sold in veterinary practices5.
90% of the protein included in the diets is also from animal protein.
The updated range also features 2 new kibble sizes (10.5mm & 7.5mm), for smaller mouths.
References
In contrast to the British Veterinary Association, The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the decision by DEFRA not to proceed with the proposal contained in the draft Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2010 to prohibit the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers.
NOAH says it believes the proposal would have had a negative effect on farmers' ability to maintain their knowledge and awareness of animal health and welfare issues, and did not believe that it would reduce antimicrobial resistance profiles.
NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley said: "Farmers, as professional producers of food, need to be kept well briefed on the antimicrobials they use, following prescription by their veterinary surgeons. Promotion by our members plays a key role in this and in educating farmers about animal welfare and disease."
NOAH members follow rigid rules on advertising and promotion through the longstanding Code of Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicines.
Phil added: "The NOAH Code already goes beyond the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and is reviewed each year - this year we will be particularly looking to ensure that it fully reflects the industry's commitment to disease education and information on responsible use, particularly in relation to antimicrobial promotion. We have planned, at our Code review meeting in February, further discussions within NOAH and with the VMD to finalise how this can best be achieved.
"Importantly we must always remember that antimicrobial medicines for all animals are POM-V, meaning they have to be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon, and therefore it should be the vet who makes the decision on whether an antibiotic is needed. If such therapy is indicated, the most appropriate antibiotic for an animal or group of animals is selected by the veterinary surgeon based on the clinical signs shown, the current disease situation on the farm and in the area and where appropriate and feasible, is based on bacterial culture and sensitivity testing."
Using promotion to encourage responsible use, NOAH launched its 'Use Medicines Responsibly' campaign in 2009. A recommendation was made that members include a strap line on promotional material advising users to 'use medicines responsibly'.
NOAH was a founder member of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) and continues to be a strong contributor to and supporter of RUMA's communications to farmers including the antimicrobial guidelines. These guidelines are not intended to influence the veterinary surgeon's decision to prescribe but help support ways that the veterinary surgeon and farmer can work together to reduce the need to prescribe antimicrobials whilst ensuring they are used responsibly once prescribed in line with the principle of 'as little as possible but as much as necessary'.
Phil said: "Antibiotics are essential for the health and welfare of the UK's livestock population. NOAH accepts that antimicrobial resistance is a serious and growing subject of discussion for the medical and veterinary professions and we need to continue to take this matter seriously."
BCF Technology has launched the Sonosite Edge ultrasound system.
According to the company, the new system is suitable for both small animal and equine reproduction, abdominal, musculoskeletal, cardiac and ophthalmic applications.
The Sonosite Edge was apparently designed for use in battlefields and disaster zones, so it should withstand veterinary use. It is upgradeable to Colour, Pulsed Wave (PW) and Continuous Wave (CW) Doppler. It can also be DICOM enabled. It weighs 15kg and has a start up time of less than 15 seconds. There is a range of linear, mico-convex, convex and phased array probes available.
The system with one probe starts around £22,000.
Nigel Perry, BCF Account Manager said: "The Sonosite Edge offers an excellent system with superior image quality than has not been seen on a field-based system before. This is a perfect system for a mixed practice looking to perform a wide range of applications. It is very durable and can be taken anywhere."
To find out more about the Sonosite Edge, visit www.bcftechnology.co.uk or call +44(0)1506 460 023.
Improve International has announced that the role of Official Veterinarians in animal welfare is the theme of this year's OV Conference, taking place on the 29th & 30th September.
The conference programme includes lecture streams and round-table discussions on themes relating to both Large Animals and Small Animals, in addition to a series of lectures aimed at Equine Practitioners.
This second OV conference is a collaboration between Improve International, which handles OV registration and training in England, Scotland and Wales; 5m Publishing and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). They say their objectives are to provide a forum to discuss the latest developments in OV work and to offer an opportunity for OVs to network and share experiences and ideas.
Large animal topics to be discussed at the event include Bovine TB, Bluetongue and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea while small animal practitioners will focus on export regulations, certification, the Pet Travel Scheme, together with welfare and exotic disease issues. Equine lectures will include legislation updates and welfare and exotic diseases.
An exhibition of the latest products and services of interest to OVs will again run alongside the conference which will take place at the Alexandra House Hotel and Conference Centre, near Swindon, where Improve International is based.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve, said: "The enthusiastic discussions following many of the lectures at our first conference and the resoundingly positive feedback we received from the 250 delegates attending convinced us of the value of a forum that brings OVs together with experts from private practice, other animal health-related organisations and the APHA.
"Animal welfare is a particularly important topic for OVs so it is the theme for this year's event and all of the speakers will address it within the context of their lectures. We look forward to, once again, welcoming OVs from across the country to Alexandra House in September 2016."
For more information on the Official Veterinarian Conference and Exhibition or to register visit: www.officialvet.com
‘Sheep Vets - Fit for the Future’ are being presented by well-respected industry leaders, vets and sheep farmers on Tuesday evenings during May, June and July.
Webinar organiser, Dr Fiona Lovatt from Flock Health Limited (pictured right) said: "We are optimistic about the future for the UK sheep industry, but to grasp the opportunities farmers need proactive vets who can demonstrate an added value approach. As vets we must think more holistically about the challenges sheep farmers face and that means optimising our understanding of how flock health issues, soil and grassland management, and environmental factors all link together with the economics.
"This webinar programme aims to help keen sheep vets consider how they can best engage with their sheep farmer clients."
The first webinar in the series was attended by more than 100 delegates, and is now available as a recording. It highlighted the current state of the UK sheep industry and what the future 10 years might look like.
Future topics include how to improve engagement with sheep farmers (26th May), how vets can best ensure successful lamb growth (9th June), understanding sheep farming economics (23rd June) and exploring the veterinary possibilities arising from different sources of flock data (7th July). Watch live at 7.30pm or catch up later with the recording.
Register for free by visiting www.sheepvetsoc.org.uk or www.flockhealth.co.uk
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
As part of the University of Bristol, Langford is the only referral hospital in the South West which has an educational facility.
The new academy will also offer access to its Recent Graduate Scheme for vets that have been qualified for less than five years, advanced CPD delivered by specialists, the chance to be involved in research collaborations with Bristol Vet School, and rotating internships and residencies.
Chloe Higgins MRCVS, who is on the Recent Graduate Scheme, said: "I recently did my first splenectomy and having done the abdominal emergencies session last month, it made both the surgery and all the discussion points with the owner a lot easier and less stressful!”
For more information, email: brm@langfordvets.co.uk
Invetx specialises in developing protein-based therapeutics for chronic conditions in companion animals, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Dechra says these therapies have targeted modes of action and therefore are often more effective, provide an extended duration of activity and have fewer side effects, all of which help to extend and improve the quality of life for companion animals while decreasing the care burden for pet owners.
Jesper Nordengaard, Chief Executive Officer of Dechra, said: "I regard this acquisition as hugely important for Dechra, marking the start of a new chapter in our growth.
"It demonstrates our ambition to create further points of differentiation and relevance with veterinarians and pet owners alike, confidence in our ability to deliver highly innovative new products, and capacity to execute large scale transactions at speed."
Jesper added: “The half-life extension technology developed by Invetx allows for the generation of therapeutics that make treatment of chronic conditions far more convenient for pet owners and veterinarians through improved compliance.
"The pipeline of products currently being developed are all high value potential and will deepen our expertise in core therapeutic areas such as atopic dermatitis and osteoarthritis, allowing for synergistic product development, sales & marketing, and education efforts in the future.”
https://www.invetx.com
The six-floor building, which the College bought for £22.3m in 2022, was originally a warehouse.
Over the years it has been home to a range of businesses from leather manufacturers and papers makers to lithographic plate makers and shoe upping manufacturers, before becoming an office space.
The building remained tenanted until 2024, when £5.8m worth of renovation work to convert the building into a space suitable for a royal college began.
In addition to the working areas for RCVS and RCVS Knowledge staff, the building also has:
RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, said: “After a few years in a rented co-working office space, we’re delighted to have moved into our new home, designed not only to meet the needs of College staff, but to support the broader ambitions of the RCVS as a whole.
“Our new strategic plan has collaboration at its heart – the idea of being stronger through working together – and our new building will help us to achieve that.
“Whether attending events, exploring RCVS Knowledge’s archives, using the members' area and meeting rooms, or benefitting from the outputs that the new space enables, the building has been developed with members and associates as a central focus.”
RCVS President, Linda Belton, added: "It’s great to see what’s been achieved through this project and my thanks go to the team who have managed the refurbishment and move.
“The new premises are equipped to ensure that the voice of the veterinary professions remains integral in assuring animal health, welfare, and public health in the UK, allowing for those all-important stakeholder conversations essential to setting, upholding and advancing veterinary standards.
“We look forward to welcoming members, associates, students and stakeholders alike in the coming months and years.”
VetSurgeon.org has launched a new register of veterinary locums as a resource for practices that need to find a locum quickly and at no cost.
Veterinary locums can add themselves to the register free of charge, and include full details of the service they offer.
Practices that need a locum can then search the register by area. After they've used the locum, they are encouraged to comment beneath the locum's entry on the register.
At the time of writing, about a dozen locums have added their details to the register, so it's still early days. Hopefully, however, this will grow into a really valuable resource for both practices and locums.
To add your name to the register, click here and follow the instructions linked to from the right hand side.
Spanish company Vital Dinamic has announced the launch of SD VET, a new stool designed to reduce the physical stress from prolonged standing whilst operating.
The stool is based on a multi-directional rocking design which gives the surgeon a wide range of movement whilst taking the weight off their legs (see video below).
In addition, the company says that SD VET protects the back from postural problems, helps circulation in the legs and puts the surgeon in a more relaxed posture, thereby helping to improve concentration on the task at hand.
For more information, contact: José de Benito, International Sales Director on +34 661 763 887 or email: jdebenito@vitaldinamic.com
Five time European champion and British record-holding athlete, Laura Muir MRCVS, will be in conversation with Gudrun Ravetz and Rob Pope for a keynote session at the virtual event. The line-up also includes Bake-Off star, Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, alongside a number of other expert session leaders for personal development, baking, exercise, crafts and social elements.
The day long programme will start with a run, meditation or yoga. The plenary sessions and workshops include topics such as change management, establishing a ‘new normal', and how to build wellbeing into daily life.
Wellvet co-founder Ru Tipney said: "We're delighted to host an event which brings together so many amazing people to lead valuable - and potentially life-changing sessions - for delegates. We have content for everyone, from student sessions to workshops designed for practice managers and owners."
To include a social aspect, the virtual conference platform provides opportunities for networking and connecting with fellow delegates during and after the event. Ru said: "The vibe we've had at the last two WellVet events has been pretty special. WellVet works because of the mutual encouragement, openness and support of delegates. We're delighted to have found a platform to give a rich social experience alongside all the great content."
The content and networking functions are available for a year after the event and the organisers are keen to stress there's no need to sit through the whole day in one go. Delegates are invited to dip in and out, revisit sessions, and connect with others afterwards. Tickets are subsidised at £40 for a full delegate pass and £10 for students and new graduates.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.wellvet.co.uk
The survey, which is being carried out throughout June, was also conducted back in 2016 and is now being repeated to identify any developments and outcomes that have been made over the past four years, a time in which several new epilepsy management options have emerged.
The survey asks vets to prioritise how important they feel different areas of epilepsy research are and assess how much they think new therapies might improve epileptic dogs’ lives. This includes emerging therapies like MCT oil, cannabidiol oil, vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, for which studies are currently being conducted across the globe.
The aim of the survey is to identify the priorities for future research for owners, vets and neurologists alike, and to see if there are any differences in their priorities.
Dr Rowena Packer, BBSRC Research Fellow and research lead in canine epilepsy at the RVC, said: "This survey was inspired by similar prioritisation activities undertaken by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) for human epilepsy patients. At the RVC, we believe that the benefits of such an open approach can be truly valuable for veterinary medicine too, and ensure a diversity of views influence future epilepsy priorities."
Dr Gareth Jones, Small Animal Intern at the RVC who is running the study, said: "While many have already undertaken the survey, we are keen to hear from more participants so I would like to implore any general practice vets to please help contribute to our work by taking part in our short survey."
To take part in this survey please visit www.rvc.uk.com/epilepsy-future, and do share this news story with colleagues. If you have any questions about the research, e-mail Dr Gareth Jones atgjones1@rvc.ac.uk.
The event, sponsored by Provet Cloud, will include interactive workshop sessions on ‘Finding Flexible Working Solutions’, ‘Financial Security and Negotiation Skills’, and ‘Developing Your Personal Brand’.
Women from all areas of the veterinary industry will also be sharing their inspirational career stories.
The speaker line-up for the event includes Flexee’s Silvia Janska, who takes a look at ‘Finding Flexible Working Solutions’, including how they can be implemented in practice to empower individuals and teams, and benefit the business.
Katie Ford and Paul Horwood from VetYou, will be addressing overcoming barriers in talking about, navigating, and creating security with money to arm delegates with negotiation tools and useable resources in their workshop session on ‘Financial Security and Negotiation Skills’
Hamzah Malik from Regent Animal Health will lead a workshop on ‘Developing Your Personal Brand’ to build delegates’ confidence in ways to explore and articulate personal identity and strengths, and apply brand marketing principles to boost career success.
The event will also feature ‘Seeing is Believing’ breakout sessions with female speakers from all spheres of veterinary practice, business, industry, nursing and education, sharing their career stories and taking part in Q&A sessions.
The event is suited to all those thinking about the next career step, considering leadership roles or already working within leadership positions in the veterinary sector.
Veterinary professionals and students can take advantage of an early-bird rate until 20th November.
For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/7528/home/
Novartis Animal Health has announced that it will begin marketing and distributing Adequan Equine in the UK from January 2011.
According to the company, Adequan Equine offers equine veterinarians a proven intramuscular treatment option for equine degenerative joint disease, also known as non-infectious arthritis or osteoarthritis. The product is licensed in the UK for the treatment of lameness in horses due to traumatic or degenerative aseptic joint disease and acute superficial digital flexor tendonitis. This is a critical treatment area since equine degenerative joint disease is estimated to cause up to one-third of all equine lameness cases1. It most commonly affects the hocks and coffin joints with the most severe effects on the high-motion knee and fetlock joints.
Esther Rawlinson MRCVS, Global Technical Services Manager for the Novartis Animal Health Companion Animal Business in the Therapeutics & Equine areas said: "Adequan Equine is a leading joint treatment for horses and is widely used by veterinarians in the equine sport industry. Adequan Equine reduces pain and lameness in horses while at the same time stimulating cartilage repair.
Adequan Equine 100mg/ml solution contains polysulphated glycosaminoglycan for intramuscular injection. It is a chondroprotective, meaning it inhibits the breakdown of cartilage in diseased joints while at the same time supporting its repair.
Adequan Equine works by blocking the destructive enzymes formed in the joint as a result of inflammation while stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid to restore the synovial fluid, and the synthesis of cartilage building compounds.
Virbac Animal Health has launched an enhanced version of its flea and tick spot-on Effipro (fipronil) to help pet owners master the art of 'spotonologyTM - a Maureen-Lipmanesque term the company has coined to describe the optimum application of a spot on treatment.
Effipro is now presented in a clear pipette featuring 'Drop-lock' technology to provide precise finger tip control of the flow of liquid with no risk of drip or leakage. The pipette has also been redesigned to ensure it is simple to open and that users can easily check that all the treatment has been dispensed.
Virbac says Effipro is priced to offer an effective but affordable solution to parasite control. It is presented in client packs of four pipettes and in practice packs of 24 to offer flexible dispensing opportunities. It is also available in a spray form.
Victoria Hudson, Product Manager at Virbac, said: "Parasite control is a key revenue generator for many practices. It also presents a great opportunity to create loyal, bonded clients as fleas and ticks cause great concern to pet owners.
"Effipro is already a popular product but we know that some owners find using spot-ons difficult and worry about the risk of the liquid getting on to their fingers or on furniture, particularly if their pets move around while the treatment is being applied.
"With this in mind, we've taken a fresh look at the technology of spot-ons in order to ensure that we're providing a solution which is as simple and hassle-free as possible. As a first step, we've redesigned our pipette. Our unique Drop-lock technology means that owners can start or stop the flow of liquid with their finger tips, giving them full control over where and when the product is applied. The new see-through design and enhanced opening mechanism also make the new version of Effipro more convenient to use.
"We've had great feedback from practices which have trialled the product and believe it represents a significant step forward for users of spot-ons. We are, of course, providing a range of support materials and product promotions to support its launch and look forward to working with our customers to ensure that their clients become expert and enthusiastic 'Spot.on.ologists' during 2012.
For further information about Effipro contact your Territory Manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
The RCVS has launched a survey to discover what the profession thinks it does well and what it could improve upon.
The confidential online survey asks about your recent interactions with the College, what you think the organisation does well and what can be improved upon.
The survey is one of several activities that the College is undertaking as part of its First-Rate Regulator initiative. Others include a survey amongst those who have made complaints; research amongst RCVS staff and Council / VN Council members; in-depth phone interviews with veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practice managers; and, questionnaires aimed at stakeholder organisations that work regularly with the College.
Desk-based research is also being carried out, to see how the RCVS shapes up when compared to other similar regulators, both in the UK and overseas.
Following this evidence-gathering stage, an assessment will be made about where gaps exist between how the College performs and what it ought to be achieving, together with recommendations for change.
Nick Stace, RCVS CEO said: "Becoming a first-rate regulator is the aim, building on the good things we do, and challenging ourselves to be better where we fall short."
"Although the RCVS has a long and proud history, we also need to have a sustainable future. Careful scrutiny of what we do, and how we can improve, will ensure this. I would urge all members of the veterinary team to take this unique opportunity to help improve the regulation of their professions."
The survey closes on 4 January 2013. All veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses for whom the RCVS holds unique email addresses will be sent a link to the survey. Others are invited to visit www.rcvs.org.uk/firstratesurvey to take part. Practice managers, and student vets and VNs are also encouraged to complete the survey. Individuals who are not veterinary surgeons, nurses, students or practice managers, and who have views about how the College could improve, are invited to contact Nick Stace on nick@rcvs.org.uk.
Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Adaptil and Feliway, has launched a competition in which the practices that build the top ten dog dens in their client waiting rooms will win a luxury hamper worth £50.
The competition is designed to encourage practices to show clients how they can build a dog den to calm their dog during the fireworks season
To enter the competition, you need to post a picture of your waiting room dog den on the Adaptil Facebook page in October: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adaptil/109397602429388?fref=ts.
Ceva also has a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices to use in the competition, including a hanging mobile, cut-outs, wobblers, posters and a leaflet and leaflet holder.
For additional hints and tips, a short film will also be available on the Adaptil website: www.adaptil.co.uk in due course. The footage includes information on preparing a den for a dog to hide in while the fireworks are going off.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager or ,telephone 01494 781510.