Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that it has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for a single-shot vaccination schedule of its Porcilis PCV vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections.
The new approval allows vaccination with 1 dose of 2 ml in pigs from an age of 3 weeks onwards (known as the 1 - 2 - 3 approach) in the case of low to medium levels of maternal antibodies against PCV2, and also to include reduction of mortality as an additional indication. This new single-shot application for Porcilis PCV offers additional flexibility over the currently available dosage scheme of this vaccine, which has been available in Europe since April 2009.
Intervet/Schering Plough says the major characteristics of Porcilis PCV are that: (1) it contains the Cap-2 subunit antigen coded by ORF2 and therefore induces strong immunity against PCV2 infection; (2) it is combined with XSolve, an adjuvant offering immunity until the end of the finishing period; and (3) is able to break through of all levels of maternally-derived antibodies in piglets depending on the vaccination schedule used.
The company adds that one single dose of Porcilis PCV has been demonstrated to induce both humoral and cell-mediated responses against PCV2, despite the presence of low to medium levels of maternal antibodies. According to a recent study published in Vaccine, the immunity induced by a single dose of the vaccine resulted in reductions of viremia, viral shedding and viral load in tissues in vaccinated pigs as compared to controls. Field trials have also demonstrated that vaccination of pigs at 3 weeks of age or older reduces the presence of virus load in the blood and reduces weight loss associated with PCV2 infection during the fattening period.
Infection with PCV2 is known to cause a variety of syndromes in pigs, together known as Porcine Circo Virus Disease (PCVD). Symptoms may include clinical signs such as weight loss or failure to grow, enlarged lymph nodes, difficulty in breathing, pale skin and jaundice.
CEVA Animal Health is launching a new TV advertising and marketing campaign to promote its veterinary behaviour products, DAP and Feliway, in the run up to this year's firework season.
The campaign will feature a new animated character 'Dap the Dog', who will join 'That Purple Cat' in educating pet owners on the behaviours expressed by pets that are fearful of loud noises during fireworks, and the benefits of using DAP and Feliway. The adverts will be aired throughout October on ITV2, E4, More4 and Channel 4 (London only) starting on Monday 4th October and will be seen by 11.5 million ABC1 women.
A range of firework marketing materials have been produced to support veterinary practices and help educate owners who have noise phobic pets. These include client leaflets, an A4 leaflet holder, waiting room display materials and a firework poster all featuring the characters from the advert. CEVA's petfireworkfear website - www.petfireworkfear.co.uk/ - has also been updated to include the new TV advert, downloadable versions of all materials and tips on how to prepare pets for fireworks. In addition, www.dapfordogs.com/ and www.feliway.com/ will feature a voucher offering pet owners a free 60ml spray when they purchase a DAP or Feliway diffuser from their local veterinary practice.
The support comes in light of recent research1, carried out by CEVA, that revealed 80% of pet owners have had a pet that has been afraid of fireworks, with more than half of dog owners wanting to ban them altogether because they are too upsetting for their animals.
Julia Wood, product manager at CEVA Animal Health, said: "Fireworks are the most stressful event that a pet can experience and, in most cases, owners have noticed their animals becoming visibly unsettled with 49% of dogs shaking1 and 65% of cats hiding1. The new TV advertising campaign and marketing support will educate pet owners on behaviours expressed by pets with a fear of loud noises and the importance of taking proactive action by using DAP and Feliway."
CEVA will be running its annual firework display competition amongst veterinary practices throughout October for the best decorated waiting room.
For further information on CEVA's firework campaign or its marketing support, please contact your local CEVA territory manager or call CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510.
The BSAVA has announced Richard Dawkins as its headline speaker at BSAVA Congress 2013 next April.
Richard follows in the footsteps of Lord Robert Winston and Susan Greenfield as the special speaker for the BSAVA lecture.
The talk, sponsored by Anistel, takes place on the Thursday afternoon of in Hall 1 and is open to all Congress delegates.
Dawkins is a prolific writer who first came to prominence with his 1976 book The Selfish Gene, his strident manifesto for secularism. However it is The God Delusion that now finds him so frequently called upon for comment. Along with Stephen Hawkins, he is one of the few scientists that members of the public can easily identify, in part due to his willingness to engage in academic and media debates.
Dawkins was born in Nairobi in 1941 where his father worked for British colonial service. He returned to Britain after the war to grow up on the family's estate farm. He studied zoology at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was tutored by Nobel Prize-winning ethologist Nikolaas Tinbergen, graduating in 1962. He received his M.A. and D.Phil. degrees by 1966, and remained a research assistant for another year, when his research concerned models of animal decision-making.
He has since been an assistant professor of zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, and a lecturer and reader in zoology at University of Oxford. In 1995 he was appointed Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, a position that had been endowed by Charles Simonyi with the express intention that the holder "be expected to make important contributions to the public understanding of some scientific field", and that its first holder should be Richard Dawkins.
Image courtesy Zoe Margolis
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) has announced that nominations are now open for its Young Poultry Veterinarian of the Year 2015 Award, sponsored by Zoetis.
The award, now in its fourth year, is open to qualified poultry veterinarians who are under the age of 35 on January 1, 2015. The winner will be selected by a global panel of judges and will receive a USD$5,000 contribution towards attending international scientific or continued professional development meetings.
The WVPA is calling for nominations to be made on behalf of young veterinarians who have excellent poultry diagnostic and advisory skills, are effective communicators and transferors of their knowledge and can demonstrate a real passion for their industry.
Nigel Horrox, vice president of the WVPA said: "We continue to be impressed by the calibre of entries for this award, and we are confident that this year will be no exception.
"We are looking for an individual who is not only invaluable to their local poultry industry, but who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty and is a credit to their profession."
Hector Badillo, group director of global marketing at Zoetis, said the contribution made by young poultry veterinarians is vital to the future of the industry. "We are proud to support this award, which recognises top new talent in the global poultry industry and the outstanding contribution made by an individual."
Entries for the award are to be made via the dedicated website: www.wvpa-award.com. Nominees/applicants are asked to describe in 500 words or less their role and achievements in the industry and why they feel they should win the award. The award will be presented at the XIX Congress of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, Cape Town, South Africa, September 7-11, 2015.
Closing date for entries is March 31, 2015.
Gardner Llewlyn Veterinary Recruitment and VetSurgeon.org / VetNurse.co.uk have announced the winners of a competition in which people were invited to nominate nurses for a special thanks for the work they do.
67 entries from veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and pet owners made it onto the shortlist.
Jonathan Lewis from Gardner Llewlyn said: "I know it's a cliche, but it really was very hard to pick an outright winner. In the end, though, we just loved the sheer enthusiasm of Peter Howarth MRCVS's nomination for Louisa Bouchard RVN (pictured right) from the New Era Veterinary Hospital, and thought it takes a very special person to inspire the ringing endorsement of her work."
The team nomination was similarly difficult to pick. However, Stephanie Fursland MRCVS's nomination for the nursing team at The Oval Pet Centre stood out as an example of how a good nursing team can have a really profound effect on other members of the practice team.
A new iPad mini is on its way to Louisa, and a case of champagne is winging its way to The Oval Pet Centre. There was also a draw amongst all the nominators to win another iPad mini, the winner of which was Val Marsh, who nominated Kate Slack RVN from Blacks Veterinary Group.
Arlo Guthrie, Editor of VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk said: "We found a lot of the entries really rather moving and whether they came from members of the public or from colleagues in the profession, they all serve to demonstrate the importance - as if anyone needed reminding - of what a good nurse brings to the practice. The nominees should all be very proud.
"We decided that the nominations were too good to keep to ourselves, so we've published them on a publicly visible part of VetNurse (click here), with links back to the nominated practices' websites. Hopefully, it might be a nice thing for any of the nominees to add to their CV, and the links should in time result in these lovely endorsements appearing when people make a relevant search for the practice."
The meeting will be led by Dr Rosanne Jepson BVSc MVetMed PhD DipACVIM DipECVIM PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, Associate Professor Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist at the RVC. It will consist of two talks.
The first, ‘Hypertension and concurrent diseases’, will cover how veterinary surgeons should manage and treat hypertension when it presents with other concurrent diseases such as CKD and hyperthyroidism.
The second, ‘Overview of diagnosis and stage specific management of feline CKD’, will review the recently updated IRIS guidelines and discuss the latest and most up-to-date methods in diagnosing and managing CKD in both the early and later stages.
The meeting will account for two hours CPD.
To register for the CPD meeting, contact your local Ceva account manager or email your name, practice name and telephone number to cevauk@ceva.com.
MSD says the Summer Staycation campaign is designed to support the needs of new dog owners and those taking their dogs to areas outside their local region, where parasites risks will be different.
The campaign offers veterinary practices a range of resources, including client emails, a downloadable guide to parasites, social media posts and an interactive risk checker on the Keeping Britain's Pets Healthy website. There is also some training for front of house staff and receptionists at https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/cpd/staycation.
Nicola Barclay, Senior Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Summer holidays will be taking a different form this year with most people planning trips in the UK, making it more likely they will take their pets.
"What's important is that seasoned and new owners alike are aware of the parasite risks in the places they're visiting so they aren't putting the health of their pets at risk.
"We're therefore providing a range of resources to help veterinary practices encourage pet owners to make sure there are no breaks in their parasite protection and vaccinations and that they are appropriately protected for the places they'll be visiting."
Dr Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland added: "The research findings from The Big Tick Project in 2015 found that 1 in 3 dogs coming into veterinary practices during the summer months had ticks on them.
"Research is also showing many parasites extending their range with an increased risk of human and pet exposure. Warming temperatures mean that ticks can be encountered all year round in the UK, carrying potentially dangerous pathogens to dogs and people including Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
"With so many new dog owners and people being more likely to holiday in the UK, making sure dog owners understand the risks, while keeping them in proportion, and giving appropriate protection advice is vital.''
For more information, contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced that Andrea Jeffery, the first veterinary nurse to sit on RCVS Council, will take up her place from July this year.
According to the RCVS, the move recognises the increasing importance of veterinary nursing as a profession, and the need for veterinary nurse input on decisions of governance that impact on the whole veterinary team.
The composition of RCVS Council is dictated by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966: 24 elected veterinary surgeons, two appointees from each of the six approved veterinary schools and four members appointed by the Privy Council (usually three lay people and the Chief Veterinary Officer).
Within this mix, there has not thus far been a place for a veterinary nurse, however, the vet school appointees do not both have to be veterinary surgeons, and the University of Bristol has nominated Andrea, who will take up her place at RCVS Day on 2 July.
A past Chairman, and elected member of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council, Andrea is Programme Director of the Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science Programme at the University of Bristol. Liz Branscombe will continue as Chairman of the Veterinary Nurses Council, and makes a report to RCVS Council each time it sits - in March, June and November.
Andrea said: "I am very grateful to Bristol for being forward-thinking and enabling a veterinary nurse to sit on RCVS Council in this way. This opportunity gives veterinary nursing a voice on Council and recognises the growing maturity we have as a profession, and the contribution of veterinary nurses to the practice team. I look forward to supporting the work of Liz and the Veterinary Nurses Council."
RCVS President, Sandy Trees said: "The legislation that defines the composition of RCVS Council was put in place when veterinary nursing was in its infancy. However, I am delighted that the University of Bristol has been imaginative enough to choose Andrea as one if its appointees. It is the same spirit of doing as much as we can to modernise, in the absence of new legislation, which has led us to introduce the non-statutary regulation of veterinary nurses and the voluntary Practice Standards Scheme."
RCVS President Peter Jinman has announced that a review will be carried out into the circumstances that led to higher-than-expected expenditure on the College's new database and development works in the Lower Ground Floor at Belgravia House.
He said: "That the work was required was not in question, but that expenditure over the extended timescale of both projects rose above initial budgets is both to be regretted and subject to analysis as to cause."
The RCVS Officer team has asked Professor Bill McKelvey - a new member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to look at all aspects that relate to its budgeting and expenditure process.
The setting up of the enquiry has been cleared and approved by Sir David Barnes, who chairs the RCVS Governance Review Group.
All reports from Professor McKelvey will be scrutinised by the Governance Review Group, Officers, the Planning and Resources Committee and Council.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced the results of the RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurse Council elections.
A record number of candidates stood in the RCVS Council election this year, and the results were much closer than usual.
Two candidates entirely new to the Council have been elected, one of whom - Amanda Boag - received the highest number of votes. The other - Chris Barker - also did well, coming in third place overall.
Three existing RCVS Council Members have been re-elected for a further four years, and Stephen May, who was formerly an appointed Council Member from the Royal Veterinary College, was also voted onto Council for the first time.
Of the three candidates standing for election to VN Council, one existing Member - Kathy Kissick - has been returned, and one new member - Elizabeth Figg - has been elected.
All successful candidates will take up or resume their seats at RCVS Day on 6 July 2012.
Turnouts for both elections remained low, with just 3,625 veterinary surgeons (15.1%) and 743 veterinary nurses (7.5%) choosing to exercise their right to vote.
By comparison, in 2011 voting figures were 3,887 (15.9%) and 723 (7.6%), respectively.
Veterinary surgeons' and veterinary nurses' use of online and text voting, rather than postal voting, increased again this year from 25% to 30.6%, and 12.9% to 20%, respectively.
The company says most other providers have restrictions for older pets, commonly for dogs over the age of 8 and cats over 10. As a result, the customer often feels trapped to stay with their current insurer.
Petsure offers cover for a range of veterinary fee levels, from £1,000 to £15,000 regardless of pre-existing medical conditions. Each policy can cover a combination of up to eight cats or dogs on a single policy and gives the option of tailoring the level of cover for each pet, including the option of sharing the bill. There is also a choice of 4 add-on covers including travel and holiday cover.
There are no exclusion periods when switching from an existing insurer with like for like cover.
The company also offers 24 hour video consultations via FirstVet.
Scott Miller MRCVS said: "Every day I see pets come into my clinics with worried owners. Worrying for the wellbeing of your pet is expected but worrying about the cost of treatment should not be a concern. That's why I'm so thrilled that a product has launched to ensure our furry friends with most pre-existing conditions can be treated and pet-prejudice is no longer an issue."
For more information, visit www.petsure.com or call 03301281862.
The teleconsulting service, accessed via the VetCT App, offers general practitioners 24hr clinical advice and support from specialists in all disciplines.
Practices who subscribe to the service can apply for £15 per person of food and drink vouchers for up to 20 people, to enjoy together.
VetCT says it will also be hosting a virtual party for locum vet subscribers want to take them up on the offer.
Victoria Johnson, Founder and Co-Director said: “We wanted to encourage people to get together - in person or virtually - to enjoy some festive treats and all-important social time, especially after a challenging year.
"We also appreciate how reducing staffing over the seasonal holiday period can leave teams stretched, and want to reassure our clients that we’re here to support them, 24/7, throughout the festive season.”
A member from the VetCT team will join the start of each practice party, to explain how versatile the teleconsulting service can be in providing reassurance and support, with answers to quick clinical questions, as well as advising on complex, multi-disciplinary case queries.
For more information, contact: info@vet-ct.com using the words ‘Staff Party’ in the subject, or visit www.vet-ct.com for more information.
CEVA Animal Health is supplying a free, multi-dose injector gun with a self-sterilising needle system, with the purchase of bulk quantities of its luteolytic and uterotonic prostaglandin Enzaprost, while stocks last.
According to the company, the use of naturally occurring prostaglandins such as Enzaprost play an important role in any fertility management programme, working by causing lysis of the corpus luteum. Enzaprost can be used to control the timing of oestrus and synchronisation for AI; for the treatment of sub-oestrus or silent heat; for the induction of abortion up to day 120; for the induction of parturition and as an aid in the treatment of chronic metritis or pyometra where there is a functional or persistent corpus luteum. Natural prostaglandins also have a uterotonic effect which may be useful in the treatment of 'dirty' cows.
CEVA says any multi-cow injection programme has its risks, and that experience has shown that one in 250,000 injections can result in clostridial infection. Invariably this occurs in sequential animals, with the causal agent found in the bottle as a result of inadvertent needle contamination. Multi-dose syringes reduce the number of needle punctures into a bottle and the Sterimatic caps clean the needle before and after each injection helping to minimise the risk of infection. One Sterimatic cap can be used for 72 hours or up to 100 injections. The covered needle also provides increased safety for the operator, resulting in fewer needle stick and scratch injuries.
To find out how you can receive a free multi-dose injector with the Sterimatic needle protector system, which includes five caps and one needle protector, please contact your local CEVA territory manager
For copies of CEVA's fertility newsletters or for further product information please contact the large animal sales team or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched the first in a series of 'How To' videos for pet owners which are now available online at dechra.co.uk and via youtube
In the videos, Louise O'Dwyer, Head Nurse at Petmedics in Manchester demonstrates how pet owners can complete simple tasks to look after their animals.
Carol Morgan, Product Manager at Dechra, said: "The feedback we get from vets suggests that pet owners would welcome advice and guidance on how to complete simple tasks. Many owners have a fear of getting it wrong so just don't do it. For example, when it comes to cleaning their pets ears, owners are concerned that it could be difficult to do or that they may hurt their pet. As these simple tasks are very important to the health of all pets, we decided to produce the videos as helpful tools for pet owners. They show owners what to do in easy to follow steps. By effectively carrying out these procedures, owners can also reduce the risk of their pet having problems in the future."
In addition to "How To Shampoo Your Dog" and "How To Pill A Cat", "How To Clean A Dog's Ears" and "How To Clean A Cat's Ears" will be available shortly.
Louise O'Dwyer, Head Nurse at Petmedics in Manchester, added: "To us it is quite straightforward but any of the four activities we have focused on can be quite stressful for pet owners. If anyone has ever had to give a pill to a cat, they will know how difficult this can be. The videos are simple to follow and demonstrate how to complete each task, with clear verbal instructions. We really hope this will help to overcome some of the fears and help pet owners in looking after their pets."
Incidentally, if your own practice website is short on video content, you might like to consider adding (or 'embedding') the videos on your site. Because they are hosted on youtube, it is very simple to do, even DIY.
Petlog has released the results of research to discover what dog owners know about microchipping and the upcoming change in legislation which will make chipping compulsory from 2016.
The survey was conducted amongst 1000 people in May. 46% of those that own dogs were unaware that microchipping is to become compulsory. Of the 54% that did know about the new legislation, only about 20% knew that it comes into force in 2016.
The survey revealed a surprising lack of understanding about how microchips work. 14.85% of dog owners - which would amount to more than 1M people in the UK - thought a microchip acted as a GPS device.
Half of all pet owners did not know whether the contact details on their pet's microchip record are up to date.
Petlog conducted the survey as part of National Microchipping Month which takes place this June. The awareness campaign has been running for 10 years now, to raise the profile of pet microchipping and its benefits and also to educate pet owners about how it works, the need to keep contact details up to date and how to make the most from a database.
Celia Walsom, Petlog Executive said: "Raising awareness about microchipping was our first priority when we began National Microchipping Month in 2004, but now we want to ensure pet owners fully understand exactly how the microchip works, that they need to keep their contact details up to date and of course are aware of what is happening in regards to legislation.
"Microchipping is the most popular form of permanent identification, and has reunited hundreds of thousands of pets and owners in the UK since it was introduced here over twenty years ago, and yet pet owners do not seem to fully understand how the microchip works and why it is so important to keep their contact details up to date.
"Worryingly the research found that around 12% of pet owners wrongly believe that the microchip acts as some sort of GPS device, or can stop a pet from wandering a certain distance. It is important that people understand how a microchip works so that they know how to make the most of it.
"We also need pet owners to understand that they need to keep their contact details up to date as it becomes a lot harder and slower, if possible at all, to reunite pets when contact details become outdated."
Talking about Petlog's annual campaign, Animal Welfare Minister, Lord de Mauley said: "I fully support National Microchipping Month. Campaigns like this are important in showing dog owners that microchipping is a safe, easy and quick procedure that can save owners a lot of potential heartbreak if their dogs stray. With Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and Blue Cross all offering free microchipping, there is no excuse for dog owners not to chip their dogs before the April 2016 deadline."
To find out more about National Microchipping Month and events that are taking place in your area, visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk.
The London Vet Show, which takes place on Thursday 19th November and Friday 20th November at the Olympia Grand, has announced the business programme for 2015.
The programme will include:
Rob Chapman, group event director of the London Vet Show and France Vet said: "The business programme at the London Vet Show has gone from strength to strength with a plethora of informative lectures from top class industry leaders. The informative content includes hints and tips that veterinary professionals can utilise in practice to help enhance their veterinary teams, increase profits and develop their business.”
For further information on the business programme at the London Vet Show or to register for the show visit londonvetshow.co.uk/business.
The College says the consultation, which closes on 22nd December, reflects its commitment to keep reviewing its requirements for newly-qualified VNs to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect the standards and expectations of current veterinary nursing practice.
Participants will be asked to comment on a proposed new set of requirements, which is divided into three parts:
Day One Competences: the minimum essential competences that the RCVS expects all student veterinary nurses to have met when they register, to ensure that they are safe to practise on day one.
Day One Skills Lists: the essential clinical skills that veterinary nurses are expected to possess on entering clinical practice.
Professional behaviours and attributes: this encompasses the behaviours newly-qualified veterinary nurses are expected to demonstrate on entering the profession.
Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing (pictured right), said: “With this consultation we want to gain an effective representation of what the professions desire from future RVNs in term of their range of skills and knowledge and professional behaviours from their first day in clinical practice.
"Any feedback we receive on the proposed new requirements will be vital in helping to ensure that student vet nurses receive the appropriate education and training, and that our RVNs are fully prepared and armed with what is necessary to thrive in and add value to current veterinary clinical practice.
Once the consultation is complete, the responses will be reported to the working group, which will then have a final opportunity to amend and agree the proposals, before being submitted to VN Council for consideration.
The aim is that VN Council will agree to the new version of the requirements in its February 2022 meeting.
The deadline for completing the consultation is 5pm on Wednesday 22 December 2021. A PDF document with the proposed new requirements as well as the link to the online survey can be accessed from www.rcvs.org.uk/VNdayone.
To take part, visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/VNdayone
Taking place on 26th November, the event will focus on putting the Cat Friendly Principles into action within the veterinary clinic, including how to work with cats in challenging situations, the role of appropriate handling techniques and the use of anxiolytics and sedation.
Speakers include Dr Sarah Heath (Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine), Dr Matt Gurney (Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia), Linda Ryan (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology and Behaviour) and Kelly Eyre (RVN).
Head of ISFM Dr Nathalie Dowgray said: “This has been a really exciting programme to put together.
"Some cats can be challenging in the veterinary clinic even when the team has made every effort to be cat friendly. We wanted to recognise that and include in our panel discussion real-life scenarios to equip vets and nurses with the tools they need for when things don’t go according to plan.”
The Feline Fine London congress is open to all veterinary professionals, including nurses and receptionists.
https://icatcare.org/isfmcongress-2022-london
Macahl Animal Health, a new veterinary company which took over the manufacture and distribution of Oralade in the summer, is to make its first appearance at the London Vet Show later this month.
The company will be highlighting its Feed Don’t Fast campaign designed to encourage veterinary professionals to take a much more proactive approach to the early feeding of patients to improve patient outcomes.
Macahl Director Anthony Mackle said, “The Feed Don’t Fast campaign is gathering momentum. We’ve been encouraged by the feedback we’ve had from veterinary practices starting to look at the nutritional needs of their in-patients much earlier than they did before. Rather than waiting to see if a patient will eat or not, they are starting to be more nutritionally-aware, and prioritising feeding in the same way that they prioritise the administration of clinical care or medication. The case studies we’ve received show a clear benefit in early nutrition assisting recovery.
“But we don’t want to sit back and wait for the message to make its own way round: it’s an urgent need. We have to flip the notion of delaying feeding or fasting patients until the gut settles down or they have recovered from whatever condition they were admitted for. Science has moved on. The protocols for human patients recommend early intervention with appropriate nutrition and we need to get this message out to give the same benefits to our pet patients. This is why the educational message of Feed Don’t Fast is so important.”
Macahl says it is making education a key feature of its stand at London Vet Show with technical updates on early feeding of patients and the opportunity to sign up for nutrition and critical care feeding webinars. Staff will be on hand to explain the benefits of early day 1 microenteral feeding to help with the optimal functioning of the gut, and maintenance of the gut-associated lymphoid barrier. The company will be offering a special buy-two-get-one-free LVS promotion on its leading microenteral and rehydration product, Oralade, as well as giving away free dog- and cat-shaped ice cube trays to encourage practice staff to freeze left-over product for further use.
A new website, www.oralade.com will also be launched at London Vet Show which will allow veterinary professionals to access educational materials and videos, and sign up for new and recent webinars.
For more information, visit: www.feeddontfast.co.uk or telephone Macahl Animal Health on (0)28 8778 9245
Currently fewer than one in ten veterinary students opt to go into equine practice. BEVA says it hopes that the new scheme will provide a broader base of students with an insight into the world of equine veterinary medicine and open more eyes to what’s great about being an equine vet.
Katie Roberts the President of the Association of Veterinary Students said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for students. Anecdotally, we know that some students can feel very daunted by equine practice, especially if they don’t come from a traditionally horsey background. Being able to become involved with BEVA at no cost means that they can get a true taste of the equine veterinary world in addition to their experiences on EMS, and I’m sure this will pique the interest of our members."
As part of their free membership, students will also have access to:
The initiative has been made possible with sponsorship from Baker McVeigh, CVS Group, IVC, Newmarket Equine Hospital, Rossdales, VetPartners, and XLVets.
For further information about student membership of BEVA visit: https://www.beva.org.uk/Join-BEVA/vet-student
The RVC is the oldest veterinary school in the English-speaking world, and the creation of the College in 1791 marked the establishment of the veterinary profession in Britain.
To mark its 225 years and celebrate the heritage of veterinary and scientific education, the RVC invited alumni back to attend a programme of events, including a gala dinner on Saturday and an Open Day and Campus Tour on Sunday.
Sunday’s activities included displays focusing on the history of the RVC, talks, a film screening and an ethical debate. The ethical debate related to the balance between business and welfare in all aspects of veterinary work. There were events for staff at both the Camden and Hertfordshire campuses on the Friday to mark the College’s birthday.
RVC Principal Stuart Reid said: "It is a great honour to lead the RVC, which has achieved so much over the centuries, within this era of so many exciting breakthroughs. The College has always looked beyond the horizon to make advancements in science and practice, for the benefit of patients and communities globally, yet it is crucial to also recognise the essential contributions of those who have gone before. The early pioneers and those who followed them played essential roles in the evolution of both veterinary and human medicine and the advancement of science.
"As we celebrate 225 years as a world-leading institution, we honour all who have worked and studied here through the centuries. Our current advances in knowledge are built on the efforts of all who have been part of the RVC through the centuries. By acknowledging this heritage, we also reflect on how efforts being made today by researchers, practitioners and students have long-term implications for animal health and welfare globally."
The Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training sets out the professional values, skills and behaviours required of approved educational institutions (AEIs), delivery sites and the training practices (TPs) responsible for providing the training and support for student veterinary nurses.
The College reviews the standards framework every five years to ensure that AEIs, delivery sites and TPs have the structures to best provide contemporary and innovative approaches to education for student veterinary nurses, while being accountable for the local delivery and management of accredited programmes.
The new draft framework includes updates relating to sustainability and academic integrity.
Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals.
“Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for our students, prepare them for life in clinical practice, and ensure that animal health and welfare is a foremost consideration.
“In fact, animal health and welfare and public safety is central to our standards.
Students will be in contact with patients and their owners throughout their education and it is important that they learn in a safe and effective way.”
The consultation runs until 5pm on Wednesday 3 April 2024 and all members of the veterinary team – including RVNs, student veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons – can take part in order to provide detailed feedback on each of the six core standards and each of individual requirements within these standards.
A PDF version of the new draft Standards Framework is available to download from https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/our-consultations.
If you have any questions about the document or how to respond to the survey, contact the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Team on vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk
Ian, who qualified from Melbourne University in 2004 after completing a neuroscience degree at Edinburgh University, first joined Rowe as a general practitioner in 2007.
He said: “Personally this achievement is incredibly rewarding, but I also see it as an important step for veterinary neurology in the UK.
"It’s a fast-growing field with an increasing need for expert treatment and care so it’s exciting to see it recognised at this level.”
https://www.rowereferrals.co.uk
The latest addition to the Tracer® Advance microchip practice support package is a free story book, designed specifically to entertain and educate children in the waiting room, but also to serve as a timely reminder to pet owners of the need to have their pets chipped.
Despite the improved awareness of the benefits of microchipping and year-on-year increases in the numbers of pets being chipped, around 70% of cats and dogs remain unchipped.
Practices can order copies of Lily and the Magic Microchip from their Bayer Animal Health representative. Additional sales support material with an educational theme will be made available later in the year, particularly as the annual fireworks campaign approaches. Tracer Advance is the only polymer microchip available in the UK and is only available through veterinary practices.
Vets4Pets has announced the opening of its 220th joint venture practice, together with a TV advertising campaign to support the growing business.
The 220th practice, opened with veterinary surgeon Lisa Bensley, is part of what the company describes as a 'healthy schedule of openings over the next few months', including two Companion Care practices in Pets at Home stores by mid June.
Lisa said: "I wanted to open my own practice so that I could to offer the standard of care I would want for my own pet. There are always so many frustrations when working for someone else in their practice.
"I really feel that Vets4Pets and Companion Care practices are the future, people are looking for a step up in veterinary care and services which I feel we can provide. It is so much more affordable than you would think and getting that business loan and the whole journey is made so easy. There is always someone on the end of the phone who will help with any problem and you are supported by so many people, experienced in their specific fields, covering any area you may need in your business ".
The television campaign (see below), which is running throughout June and July, focuses on 'Bug Packs' which are offered to all Vets4Pets clients and include 12 months vet recommended parasite treatments with 25% off.
Leigh-Anne Brown, Partner at Vets4Pets Harrogate and Chair of the Vets4Pets Professional Services Board said: "The reason we can manage to provide such a great deal is because of our size and an excellent commercial relationship with our suppliers which enables us to offer the discount. Now that Bug Pack has taken off we have the media buying power to advertise on national TV while our Online Marketing Team can even promote the package and sell the service online and the Local Marketing Team continue to implement the campaign on a more local level around each practice's community."
For more information about opening a Vets4Pets joint venture practice, call 0800 0280 513 or email partnership@vets4pets.com