The initiative comes after BEVA's new nurse committee ran a survey which found a poor understanding within the profession and amongst clients of what equine nurses can do.
Nurses said they believed they could be given more responsibility and do more within their roles and that there was a lack of opportunity for progression.
BEVA President David Rendle, who is championing this initiative, said: “RVNs are a significant an asset to any equine practice.
“They have invested a lot of time and effort to become highly skilled but in some instances their significant attributes are not being utilised to the full.
“Allowing RVNs to perform the clinical tasks that they are qualified to carry out under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, will provide better job fulfilment and career development as well as free up veterinary surgeons to carry out other tasks, all increasing the efficiency of the veterinary team.
“I feel, and the RVN survey results would seem to confirm, that veterinary surgeons and practice managers do not appreciate how much veterinary nurses are allowed to do in equine practice.
"We all know veterinary nurses have the ability; look at what they do in small animal and human nursing, but we have felt unnecessarily constrained by Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the associated RCVS guidelines.
"If you actually look at Schedule 3 it is clear that we can and should be letting our qualified equine nurses do far more.
“There are so many things in equine practice that nurses do better than vets.
"In addition to performing clinical tasks they can add wider value; they are generally (or are perceived by clients to be!) more patient, empathetic and caring so we should utilise these skills and get nurses to take on some of the roles that take more time and require longer client interactions – discussing parasite control programmes, running weight loss clinics, reviewing healthcare plans, making follow-up phone calls and visits to name just a few.
"Nurses can take a lot of pressure off vets and can add a significant revenue stream for the practice.”
On the 9th February, the BEVA will be hosting an online discussion forum for all members of the practice team to discuss the role of nurses and how their skills, experience and knowledge can be better-used.
It's free for BEVA members: https://www.beva.org.uk/Home/Events/BEVA-Events/Event-Details.aspx?eventDateId=1716
Marie Rippingale Chair of the BEVA Nurse Committee said: “Last year’s recruitment and retention survey revealed that 50% of nurse respondents were earning less than £25,000 per annum and 48% of nurses said they were likely to look for a new job in the next two years.
"When asked their top reasons for leaving, salary was the biggest reason, and common themes on what would help the retention of nurses included salary, work-life balance and career progression.
“The review of Schedule 3 is important so we can encourage delegation of tasks to RVNs.
"This will allow RVNs to demonstrate their value and worth, earning money for the practice and achieving job satisfaction at the same time. This will contribute positively towards the current retention crisis.”
To find out more about what equine veterinary nurses can do in practice visit https://www.beva.org.uk/nurses
Photo: Liphook Equine Hospital.
To help veterinary practices engage with pet owners and help them understand the importance of eye health, TVM has produced a range of free educational materials including waiting room displays, informative web pages and social media packs.
The company has also published a page of information at www.tvm-uk.com/eyehealth – where pet owners can find out more about eye problems, how to spot them and learn what can be done about them.
Emma Hancox MRCVS, Veterinary Advisor at TVM said: "It can be easy for owners to miss the signs of problems with their pet’s eyes, but they can be extremely distressing for animals and be a sign of conditions ranging from cataracts and glaucoma through to conjunctivitis - all of which can be painful, and in the worst-case scenario, lead to blindness.
"We hope that National Pet Eye Health Awareness Week will help practices assist owners in understanding the importance of eye health and prevent more serious conditions occurring."
To request your board kit and pet owner leaflets, and download your free social media pack, visit www.tvm-uk.com/eyehealth or contact your Territory Manager.
The day-long CPD course will everything from routine neutering and vaccination, to common presentations like gastrointestinal stasis, renal disease and osteoarthritis, through to more advanced surgical challenges, such as the management of auricular and dental abscesses, liver lobe torsion and small intestinal obstructions.
The day will be divided into lectures given by Marie and Richard, starting with the more common clinical scenarios before extending into the more challenging cases.
Delegates are also invited to prepare any tricky cases to discuss in an open session at the end of the day.
The course costs £300 per delegate, including tea, coffee and buffet lunch plus electronic course notes.
https://evolutionexoticsreferrals.co.uk/cpd-booking-form
Free-range table-birds being reared from slower growing breeds need a different vaccination regime from that of faster-growing broilers, when being immunised against Gumboro disease.
This previously-unknown fact has emerged from laboratory and field trials, involving several hundred thousand birds on farms throughout the UK, carried out by Lohmann Animal Health in conjunction with poultry vets.
"When using a ‘hot' vaccine conventional broilers in the UK are normally vaccinated at around 14-16 days when their maternal immunity is waning," said Adam Goddard, Lohmann's UK sales consult. "However, we've found this maternal immunity lasts longer in the slow-growing breeds which are reared both indoors and out."
Realistically, the correct day of vaccination for free-range table-birds is more likely to be achieved by using the vaccine date predictions for broiler-breeders, rather than that of the broiler, under the Deventer formula, which gives calculations for different types of bird.
He therefore advises producers to consult their vets who can take blood samples to get an accurate prediction regarding optimum timing of vaccination with their own particular flocks.
"Our trials have shown that, in general, and depending upon the breed used, the decline in maternal immunity is delayed - perhaps for 4-5 days. So, in order to get a better ‘take', we recommend vaccinating these birds later or using an IBD vaccine that ‘takes' in the presence of high maternal immunity." said Mr Goddard.
Gumboro disease - also known as Infectious Bursal Disease - can cause severe losses in chickens and outdoor-reared birds are more susceptible to the disease due to environmental influences.
Earlier this year Lohmann Animal Health launched a new ‘hot' vaccine, classified as an ‘intermediate plus' against the very virulent form of Gumboro disease. The company says that because of its ability to break through high levels of maternal antibodies, it allows vaccination to take place earlier than with other existing vaccines.
The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has suspended a veterinary surgeon for a period of three months for practising veterinary surgery while not registered with the College.
At a hearing which concluded on 9 September, Silke Birgitt Lindridge, of the Consett Veterinary Centre, Medomsley Road, Consett, County Durham, was found guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect for practising when she ought to have known that her name had been removed from the RCVS Register for non-payment of fees.
The Committee heard that Mrs Lindridge, who qualified as a veterinary surgeon at the University of Berlin in 1997, had returned to Germany whilst on maternity leave in September 2006 but had continued to be the sole principal of two practices, the Consett Veterinary Centre, and the Winlaton Veterinary Centre in Tyne and Wear. She had continued to run the practices whilst in Germany, and had returned to the UK on several occasions during 2007, when she practised veterinary surgery on small animals and horses. She had not been registered with the College for the period between 5 June 2006 and 2 April 2008.
To practise veterinary surgery when unregistered is a criminal offence. However, after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, a decision was taken that it was not in the public interest to prosecute Mrs Lindridge and that the matter should be left with the RCVS Disciplinary Committee.
Mrs Lindridge claimed not to be aware that she was unregistered, stating that a fee notice and reminder, as well as a telephone call and correspondence from the College about her registration status, had not been brought to her attention by her practice administrators. The Committee accepted that she had not known, but decided that, as registration was a professional obligation, Mrs Lindridge should have known that her name had been removed from the Register, a charge that Mrs Lindridge accepted. The Committee felt that: "The failure of Mrs Lindridge to put in place proper systems for the administration of her practice, including the payment of her annual retention fee... was lamentable." The way in which the practice had paid its bills during her absence demonstrated an "utterly careless attitude to the administration of the practice".
Taking account of the fact that Mrs Lindridge had not knowingly practised while unregistered, and the positive support of her clients, the Committee decided that a three-month period of suspension from the Register was appropriate.
Beverley Cottrell, chairing the Committee, commented: "The Committee would like to make it clear that it is the personal responsibility of every practising veterinary surgeon to ensure that the annual retention fee is paid and that their names are on the Register. It is in the public interest that clients should be assured that the practitioner is a regulated person, who is capable of providing valid certificates."
She continued: "The record of Mrs Lindridge's practice during 2007 discloses that she was providing certificates for horses and small animals whilst she was unregistered. Those certificates are invalid. She was also prescribing prescription-only drugs when she was not entitled to do so. The Committee considers that a short period of suspension is proportionate to the nature and the extent of the charge, the public interest and the interests of Mrs Lindridge."
Limited to 12 delegates, the masterclass will cover flexible and rigid endoscopy and offer delegates the opportunity to practice techniques under the guidance of Dr Robertson.
The learning objectives include:
The ‘driving skills’ needed for flexible endoscopy, in vivo, to limit the risk of iatrogenic damage to the patient and equipment
Techniques for obtaining endoscopic biopsies and endoscopic foreign body removal
Proficiency in J-manoeuvre, pyloric and ileocolic sphincter intubation in the cat
Approaches to respiratory endoscopy
The assembly of the endoscopy chain (both flexible and rigid endoscopy)
The performance of infraorbital nerve blocks.
Improve's Veterinary Operations Manager, Juliet Pope BVSc Cert SAS MRCVS, said: "Virtually every feline medicine case has the potential to be an endoscopy case and, without it, colleagues can hit a ‘diagnostic roadblock’ in which they find themselves simply repeating diagnostic tests; resorting to polypharmacy in an attempt to ‘treat the treatable’ or referring the patient.
"An understanding of endoscopy and the confidence to perform it can help to overcome this roadblock and reach a diagnosis and definitive treatment plan quickly. This is good for practice performance and it’s also good for patients as it ensures a quicker recovery, with reduced pain and fewer complications."
For more information, visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/coursedate/masterclass-in-feline-endoscopy, or contact Improve International on 01793 759159.
The course helps veterinary practices manage their dispensaries with up-to-date information on medicines regulations. It covers the main aspects of dispensing including an overview and update on legislation, using the cascade and the storing and disposal of medicines. There will also be sessions covering controlled drugs, dispensing mishaps and what to expect from an inspection.
Tutors Pam Mosedale, Donal Murphy, Michael Stanford, Mike Jessop and John Millward will deliver lectures via webinars throughout the day, which ends with a live streamed interactive Q+A session.
The course is suitable for vets, vet nurses and other staff who deal with the dispensing of medicines and the pharmacy.
Attendees will have access to supporting resources for approximately two weeks after the course, including electronic course notes and lectures from the day and an active discussion forum.
The Association says course meets the RCVS practice standards veterinary hospital dispensing course requirements and is ideal for the new PSS Medicines Award CPD requirement.
It is also AMTRA accredited and carries 43 AMTRA CPD points.
Attendance for the day is compulsory and an attendance register will be taken for the Live Q&A session.
Course organiser Pam Mosedale said: “We are very excited to be able to deliver the BSAVA Dispensing Course online and still allow for interaction between speakers and delegates in the live session. With Practice Standards and VMD visits restarting, it is fantastic that we are still able to support practices in these difficult times by ensuring they are complying with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.”
The course costs £150.00 (incl. VAT) for BSAVA members and £225.00 (incl. VAT) for non-members. To book visit https://www.bsava.com/Education/CPD/Event-Detail/dateId/2099
Julia, who is a leading exponent of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) screening test, will also support the small animal referral hospital’s neurology, ophthalmology and dermatology teams with enhanced diagnostics.
Julia was a neurology technician at the Animal Health Trust for 31 years, until it closed in July 2020. With colleagues there she helped to develop and implement BAER testing as a screening process in animals at risk of congenital deafness. Davies says this is now recognised as the gold standard in deafness testing by organisations such as The Kennel Club and various breed clubs in the UK.
Julia said: “I am so happy to be starting a new chapter at Davies. It is really exciting to be establishing the Hearing Assessment Clinic here and continuing to provide this important service both to previous clients and new ones. I am also looking forward to developing a successful, constructive working relationship with my new colleagues."
Tim Richardson, Managing Director of Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Julia to the team at Davies. As one of the UK’s leaders in this highly specialised field she enables us to offer hearing screening, hearing tests and electrodiagnostics across the relevant disciplines, at the very highest level."
For further information visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk
An online quiz by the RCVS has shown that veterinary surgeons generally have good understanding of the Guide to Professional Conduct, but that misconceptions about the role of the college are rife.
Around 850 people completed the quiz since it was launched in November 2009, with veterinary surgeons accounting for 70% of those that took part. The average score was 20 out of 25
Despite the high average score, there were several questions which a very significant number of people got wrong. The worst related to the role of the RCVS: 76% of people wrongly thought that the College's remit included negligence, whilst 66% believed that the RCVS could not consider criminal convictions (it can).
Nearly half of those taking part were not aware that the standard of proof to which the RCVS Disciplinary Committee must be satisfied is 'so as to be sure' - the same as for a criminal court.
Other questions poorly answered related to 24-hour cover, delegation to paraprofessionals, consent and ownership of records. The RCVS Communications Board will consider how to improve communications in these areas.
In terms of age, the highest scoring age-band was 51-60, achieving an average of 20.5 right answers; the lowest was '30 or under', at 18.7. However, this is not backed up by distribution of complaints to the RCVS, where only 27% of complaints relate to those who have less than ten years' post-qualification experience, although this group makes up 43% of registrations.
The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the genders in terms of Guide knowledge, at 19.54 right answers for men and 19.46 for women. Meanwhile, only 34% of complaints to the RCVS are made about women, while they account for 51% of the Register. However, as women tend to dominate the younger end of the profession, this statistic may be linked to the fact that a greater percentage of complaints relate to older individuals, more likely to be men.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications said: "We hoped the quiz would offer a light-hearted way for vets - and others - to review their knowledge of the Guide, which can be a dry read, and have been pleased with the response.
Following Intervet Schering-Plough's launch of Plerion, a chewable, flavoured wormer for dogs, the company has launched a consumer viral marketing campaign in which they invite pet owners to 'Primp Your Pooch' at the website www.plerion.co.uk.
In the press release, the company says: 'educating clients on worming has never been more fun'. Whilst you might not think that an especially big achievement, it is certainly a polished looking website, and there's a novel competition on the site: owners are invited to upload a photograph of their dog, 'primp' it with a variety of hairstyles and fashion accessories, and then get others to vote for them to win £1000 of luxury spa vouchers.
The launch of Primp Your Pooch follows the award-winning Plerion Showtime web campaign which featured a variety of singing and dancing dogs and achieved an average 1,500 hits a month on the Plerion micro site. Sarah-Jane Minter, marketing Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough said: "We are always trying to create new and interesting ways to engage with pet owners and have found the web to be a useful platform to drive consumer awareness, as owners enjoy the interactive element that this format offers. The site takes an uninteresting topic and gives it interest to owners. The viral aspect is achieved through social media as consumers are able to share the website with friends via Facebook or email."
As well as an extensive online advertising campaign the Primp Your Pooch campaign will be supported by in practice information. Speak to your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Business Manager or phone the company's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685 for further information.
The RCVS has announced that its current Treasurer, Dr Bradley Viner, will be the College's next Vice-President after he was elected to the post at RCVS Council last Thursday.
Dr Viner has been an elected member of Council since 2005 and Treasurer since 2010 and will take up his latest position at RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting - on 11 July. He replaces Professor Stuart Reid, who Council confirmed as President for 2014-15, and will take up his new role in July.
During his time on Council Dr Viner has served on all of the major committees with the exception of the Disciplinary Committee. Outside of Council he runs a group of practices in North West London and is Vice-Chairman of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
In his manifesto he set out the nature of his Vice-Presidency, stating: "My personal ethos is very much based upon continual improvement. It is only by having the confidence to discuss openly how things could have been done better that an organisation can learn how to improve.
"I also recognise the vital importance of good communications: with Council; the profession at large; Government; and with other interested organisations. I intend to do my utmost to communicate with them as effectively as possible."
At the same meeting of RCVS Council, Colonel Neil Smith, the current President, was confirmed as Vice-President from July, subject to his re-election in this year's RCVS Council elections.
In addition, Chris Tufnell was re-elected as Chairman of the Education Committee, while David Catlow was elected Chairman of Standards Committee, also subject to his re-election in this year's RCVS Council elections.
The organisers have invited veterinary experts to share their knowledge and expertise in gastroscopy, sinoscopy and upper respiratory tract (URT) endoscopy, using cadaver heads and state of the art models, during daily practical sessions.
Practical sessions will guide delegates through the most commonly used equine endoscopy procedures, including how to perform gastroscopy, how to perform upper respiratory tract endoscopy and exploration of the guttural pouches and how to get the most out of sinoscopy.
Each session will include a review of the anatomy involved and helpful tips from experts Jonathan Anderson, Tim Barnett, Imogen Comyn, Ollie Crowe, Sarah Mack, Patrick Pollock, Alex Rafferty, Richard Reardon, Neil Townsend, Sophie Wilford and Tom Witte.
The gastroscopy practical will make use of a custom synthetic model of a horse’s oesophagus and stomach, uniquely developed by BEVA, Burtons and DeLegge Medical Design in the USA. The URT endoscopy practical will utilise cadaver heads on stands so delegates can look at laryngeal components, sinus drainage angle, ethmoids, guttural pouch ostia and can then scope/ pass foley catheters/chambers catheters in to guttural pouches. Pre-prepared cadaver heads will also be used for the sinoscopy practicals. Frontal sinus trephine holes will allow a scope to be inserted and one side will be broken through the maxillary septal (ventral conchal) bulla so delegates can compare the differences in anatomy.
At the end of each demonstration Burtons, who have sponsored the event and supplied the endoscopic equipment, will be providing advice on how to clean and maintain scopes properly.
Mark Bowen, President of BEVA, said: "BEVA is committed to providing innovative and practical CPD through its entire CPD programme, including congress and these practical sessions showcase the excellent and varied education provided to members. At a time when the RCVS are considering the value of certain types of CPD in improving professional competence, BEVA is committed to leading the field and challenging perceptions of what a modern conference can be."
The practical sessions will run on all three days of Congress on the balcony above the exhibition hall. Each session will comprise a demonstration and then three practical slots, each for a maximum of ten delegates. Places can be secured on a first come first served basis by signing up on the day.
Visit www.beva.org.uk to find out more and to sign up.
HSR, which provides emergency and routine specialist orthopaedic and neurology services, now offers video consultations with a specialist and a pet transportation service. It has also introduced strict strict biosecurity and operational preventative measures.
Clare Hamilton, Managing Director, says, “Our priority is to continue to offer gold-standard service for both routine and emergency orthopaedic and neurological cases whilst doing our utmost to limit the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible. We are to all intents and purposes, ‘business as usual’ with additional hygiene measures to protect clients and staff”.
HSR is asking clients that if there is a chance that they have Covid-19 and/or have come into contact with anyone with the virus they do not attend the hospital in person, but instead contact via email or telephone to discuss their pet’s treatment on an individual basis. Clients visiting the clinic are being asked to wait in their cars until their appointment, whereupon the animal is collected from the car by one of the team for its clinical examination. The vets are then speaking to the clients by telephone to discuss and gain consent for any further investigation or treatment.
For vulnerable clients who are self-isolating and in need of their services, HSR is offering a pet ambulance service for collection and drop off of pets. They will then have a video consultation with the specialist. Medications will be posted out and advice given over email or telephone.
Clare added: “We are doing all we can to support colleagues and clients in what are unprecedented circumstances. We recognise the strain on many practices having to reduce the number of appointments in the face of staff shortages. We want to reassure vets that we are happy to offer advice and support with cases, and continue to take referrals during this difficult period. We also have free online CPD for practices via our website as meetings are postponed or cancelled”.
The practice advises clients and referring vets to check for further developments on social media, or sign up to their email list for updates.
The new GPCert programme, led by course director Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine) DipACVIM (Oncology) (pictured right), consists of 12 modules covering key clinical subjects in veterinary oncology delivered over 14 months.
Each module consists of nine lessons, two case studies, course notes and weekly summary videos.
Lessons are supported by notes and videos, quizzes and a forum tutored by leading specialists.
Owen said: “Half of all canine cancers are treatable if caught early enough and new treatments are continuously being researched.
"The programme will guide delegates through the latest knowledge in state-of-the-art, compassionate cancer care for animals, helping them to provide safe and comprehensive diagnostics and treatments.”
For more information, visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/oncology-online-learning/
The impact of the College's research on society was similarly highly-ranked, with 83% being scored 4*, and 7.5 of the 9 impact case studies submitted found to have “outstanding reach and significance”.
Additionally, there has been a 54% increase in the number of full time equivalent academic staff submitted since the last assessment – establishing the RVC as the largest veterinary research institution in the country.
The impact case studies submitted by the RVC covered a range of research areas, including those which advance clinical practice; protect public health by enhancing food safety; inform World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation policy on the control of disease afflicting some of poorest people in the world; and tackle antimicrobial resistance through innovations in drug delivery.
The College says the results also highlight its holistic and transdisciplinary approach to research, with researchers, teachers, clinicians and pathologists working collaboratively to ensure ‘real world’ impact and advances in clinical practice.
Professor Jonathan Elliott, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology at the RVC, said: “REF 2021 has recognised the outstanding reach and significance of the impact of our research which is so pleasing to see.
"I know all my academic colleagues are motivated to innovate in order to make a difference to lives of people and those of the animals they keep.
"Our submission truly reflects the breadth of scholarship at the RVC which generates the new knowledge we teach our students, the high quality of which has been endorsed by this external review.”
They say that they've been aware of minor interruptions to the supply of such vaccines throughout 2022.
However, a significant, pan-European logistical problem being experienced by Boehringer Ingelheim has raised the prospect of a further reduction in supplies in the coming months.
BEVA is liaising with the three vaccine manufacturers to quantify the impact of the shortage and to consider solutions, both to minimise the threat to equine health and to prevent disruption to equestrian competition.
Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines.
"This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue.
"This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market.
"We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.”
Amanda Melvin, equine business manager at MSD Animal Health, said: “Based on prior demand, MSD’s equine vaccines Equilis Prequenza and Equilis Prequenza Te are in full supply.
"MSD have taken steps to protect as many horses as possible at this time.
"We will continue to supply existing customers with the available MSD stock on ‘allocation’ and, where possible, to allocate stock to additional customers. Allocations are being made to our veterinary customers based on their historical demand which we believe is the most efficient way to manage the available supplies.”
Rebecca Cabrejas, equine business unit manager at Zoetis, said: “Demand for our vaccines currently exceeds what we can supply.
"Whilst we have adequate stocks to fulfil current customers’ orders unfortunately, we are not in a position to be able to supply new customers at this time.
"We will continue to work with BEVA to limit the impact of the current shortages.”
The new clinic is led by Marie Kubiak, an RCVS Specialist and diplomate in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and one of only a small number Specialists that are accredited for reptiles, birds, pet mammals, wildlife, zoo species, fish and invertebrates.
The open day offers a chance to see the new clinic, meet the team, find out how it can support your practice and discuss any challenging cases you have.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
RSVP: evolutionexoticsreferrals@gmail.com
https://evolutionexoticsreferrals.co.uk
Evolution Exotics Referrals, Tenbury Road, Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire, DY14 0AD
Jonathan Hill, UK country manager at Dômes Pharma said: "Dômes Pharma is really excited to be extending our pet anxiety range to help vets manage cases in this complex area.
https://domespharma.co.uk/products/fluoxevet/
A new expert panel has been formed to evaluate pain management in canine osteoarthritis following a recent shift to a more integrated approach to pain and disease research.
In the past, pain and joint disease have been considered as separate areas of research, with pain perceived simply as a consequence of disease. Over the last few years, however, it has become increasingly apparent that the relationship is far more complex and that pain may be a driver of disease rather than just a consequence of it. The expert panel hopes to apply the new knowledge to the management of joint pain in veterinary practice.
The panel, which had its inaugural meeting in Paris recently, brings together acknowledged veterinary experts in the fields of pain and joint disease. Its focus will be on the assessment and management of pain in canine osteoarthritis (OA), with the objective of educating veterinary surgeons to better understand and manage pain in canine OA and thereby improve the well-being of pets that suffer from this common disease.
'Central sensitisation' is one of the latest theories that has been suggested to explain the complex interaction between pain and disease progression in canine OA. Duncan Lascelles, Associate Professor of Surgery at North Carolina State University, said that research has shown that the components of the pain pathway can change in response to a pain stimulus. Pain receptors 'up-regulate' in response to painful stimuli and become more sensitive to subsequent pain.
CNS sensitisation is likely a significant contributor to chronic or maladaptive pain; this pain leads to decreased mobility, reduced muscle support and reduced muscle function, thus leading to disease progression. In other words, joint diseases cause pain, which in turn feeds back to create more disease.
Professor Lascelles said: "The link between the clinical signs associated with OA and joint pathology is not a simple one and may be much more complex than we have previously thought.
"There is some evidence that COX inhibition reduces central sensitisation. And some evidence suggests that reducing central sensitisation may have a modulatory effect on disease progression by reducing signals going out to the periphery.
"The relationship between pain and disease progression is a very new area of research, and is at the forefront of our knowledge of how pain and joint disease are linked."
Professor John Innes, Head of Division, Small Animal Studies, University of Liverpool Veterinary School, told the meeting that OA is likely to be one of the major reasons for euthanasia of pet dogs in Europe. He and two co-investigators have performed a systematic review of the published evidence for the use of long-term, continuous NSAID treatment (at least 28 days) in OA. They found that this form of management is associated with better outcomes than short-term NSAID therapy, with no evidence of additional safety issues. This review is to be published shortly.
The expert panel comprises:
Prof Dr Stuart Carmichael, Vets Now Ltd. Formerly at: Veterinary School, University of Glasgow, UKProf Dr John Innes, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, UKDr Bernard Bouvy-Centre, Hospitalier Vétérinaire de Frégis, Arcueil, FranceProf Dr Jean-Pierre Genevois, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, FranceDr Carlos Macías, Centro Veterinario de Referencia Bahia de Malaga, SpainProf Dr Martin Kramer, Klinik für Kleintiere, Chirurgie , Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, GermanyDr Sabine Tacke, Klinik für Kleintiere, Chirurgie, Justus-Liebig-Universität GießenProf Dr Duncan Lascelles, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, USAProf Dr Herman A.W. Hazewinkel, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Departement Gezelschapsdieren, Utrecht, NetherlandsDr Emilio Feltri, Anaesthetist and specialist in Pain Management, Ambulatorio Veterinario Associato, Tortona, ItalyDr Peter Vandekerckhove, Specialist Surgeon Companion Animal, Wondelgem, Belgium
The British Veterinary Association, some of the UK's largest animal charities, law enforcement agencies and unions have today called on the leaders of the main political parties to work together to introduce improved and updated legislation to protect dog welfare and public safety.
The 20 groups have come together to demand action against irresponsible dog owners by the Government and the provision of necessary resources for those tasked with policing dog control laws.
It comes ahead of the summary of responses from Defra's consultation on dog legislation which is expected this autumn. The consultation received more than 4,000 responses by the time it closed in June, indicating the scale of interest in the subject.
The joint statement will be sent to Prime Minister David Cameron MP, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP and acting leader of the opposition Harriet Harman MP.
The statement says: "We believe that irresponsible dog ownership, whether it is allowing dogs to stray, be dangerously out of control or indiscriminately breeding them, causes significant problems for the safety and welfare of both humans and animals. Current legislation is proving inadequate in many cases to ensure sufficient protection.
"We believe that both the provision of sufficient resources at a local level for local authorities and the police, and updated and consolidated legislation that has a genuine preventative effect, are needed to address this problem.
"We call on the coalition Government to act and bring forward legislation that addresses these areas effectively."
BVA President Professor Bill Reilly added: "The Government must not ignore this overwhelming call for action to protect dog welfare and public safety.
"The problems caused by dangerous dogs will never be solved until dog owners appreciate that they are responsible for the actions of their animals. The BVA believes very strongly in the principle of deed not breed - targeting dogs for their actions, not what they look like - and new legislation must tackle the actions of irresponsible pet owners that can cause dogs to become aggressive. Current legislation is not tackling irresponsible owners who increasingly put the public and other animals at risk.
"Compulsory microchipping - and an effective and workable registration system - should be put in place for all dogs, not only to reunite stray dogs with their owners, but also to help prevent puppy farming and to promote responsible ownership.
"I cannot stress too strongly that responsible ownership is the key to resolving the issue of dangerous dogs."
45% of British pet owners believe their four legged friends share their human emotions and can sense when they are upset or unwell, according to a new survey announced by Bayer Animal Health.
The 'Pets are Human Too' study of 3,000 British dog and cat owners was commissioned by the company to celebrate Drontal's www.mypetsuperstar.com competition.
According to the study:
TV vet and My Pet Superstar Judge Emma Milne, said: "The joy and companionship our pets bring to our lives is unquestionable and it is no wonder that many consider them to be 'man's best friend'. Britain is a nation of proud pet owners and now, with the launch of My Pet Superstar, we all have a chance to show them off!"
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that it has received approval for the intramuscular (IM) route of administration of Nuflor Minidose 450 mg/ml, a florfenicol-containing broad-spectrum antibiotic for the management of bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
Nuflor Minidose was approved initially in 2008 for subcutaneous (SC) use only and the now approved IM administration route is a line extension. According to Intervet/Schering Plough, IM administration (20 mg/kg administered twice, 48h apart) offers additional flexibility for the veterinary surgeon when treating cattle for BRD.
The company adds that Nuflor Minidose is the florfenicol injectable formulation which offers the lowest injection volume, which in particular is practical when treating heavier animals (thereby avoiding large injection volumes). The withdrawal period after IM administration of NUFLOR Minidose is only 37 days and is considerably shorter as compared to 64 days after SC use (40 mg/kg body weight injected once).
Francis Adriaens, Global Marketing Director, Global Ruminants Business Unit at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "Our customers requested the IM claim when Nuflor Minidose was first introduced and we are delighted to be able to recommend this route of administration hence forth."
Nuflor Minidose is indicated for preventive and therapeutic treatment of BRD in cattle caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multicoda and Histophilus somni susceptible to florfenicol. The presence of the disease in the herd should be confirmed before administering preventive treatment.
The new.graduatevet programme (or 'Dot' programme) offers hands-on surgical training and seminars from Advanced Practitioners at Pets'n'Vets' Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow, together with a dedicated website for all new and recent graduates: www.new.graduatevet.co.uk.
Pets'n'Vets says the programme has now been further enhanced by the addition of new CPD elements and the provision of additional monthly benchmarking and seminars.
Oliver Jackson, a partner at Pets‘n’Vets, said: "This is the best well-rounded, supported and unique new graduate training programme available in Scotland. Support is delivered through an integrated mentor system, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and regular case reviews, with the programme designed to integrate with, and augment, the PDP requirements, all in a clinically-driven setting free from tie-ins or financial targets."
The Dot programme sees new graduates undertake advanced training and extra practice on surgery, consultations and general practice to accelerate their skills and confidence as well as a digest of bespoke seminars aimed specifically at life in practice and optimising clinical outcomes and confidence.
The programme also includes regular periods of shadowing certificate-holding vets in a diverse range of areas, including ECC, orthopaedics, cardiology and advanced medical work-ups.
Oliver said: "We are proud to develop the programme which we believe will provide a platform for new graduates to apply the skills they’ve learned at university throughout the previous five years, and allow them to excel in their careers.
"This programme will form the first step in an ongoing personal development process and a bright future in our vet practices when they have completed their new graduate training."
Ruby Shorrock is a full-time veterinary surgeon at Pets'n'Vets who is now most of the way through last year’s inaugural Dot programme. She said: "I would heartily recommend the Dot programme to new veterinary graduates.
"The training programme enabled me to become an independent vet with all the support I need and it’s fantastic to be in a locally-owned small veterinary practice where graduates like myself get individual attention in an accredited hospital with the capacity to nurture our skills and personal development and where the gold standard I learned at university is in use every day."
New grads can apply for a place on the Dot programme by logging onto www.new.graduatevet.co.uk and emailing hr@petsnvets.org
The PAC offers pain scale apps for dogs, cats and rabbits, a library of downloadable resources and multiple webinars released via the Animalcare Learning Alliance.
Animalcare Product Manager Kai Crawshaw said: “The PAC serves as a one-stop-shop for a wide range of resources, available in digital form and printed form if required. Whether you’re looking to offer clients educational materials on a particular clinical topic; refresh your own knowledge or take some online CPD via one of our webinars. The PAC will prove a useful and easily accessible tool for veterinary teams.
“In light of the current changes to the industry, having a fully-functional digital platform like this to provide to our customers is now more important than ever. We hope that The PAC can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere; no matter what your current circumstance is.
He added: “We would also like to extend our support and thanks to the many veterinary teams right across the UK, which are working so hard to deliver much-needed services in the challenging conditions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The PAC can be accessed here www.the-pac.co.uk.
The event, put together by BSAVA volunteers and sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is designed to offer students a fun, interactive day of clinical and non-clinical content, counting towards six hours of EMS. The Association says it has been specifically tailored to support students in preparation for their careers in small animal practice.
AVS President, Isobel Arthur and AVS Junior Vice President, Calum McIntyre said: “The BSAVA Student Conference is a great opportunity for students to enhance their learning on a variety of engaging topics. Students will also be provided with the unique opportunity to talk with various expert clinicians, offering valuable insights into their fields in a time when access to seeing practice is more limited."
The day will include panel discussions, expert Q&A, quizzes and polls, plus the chance to talk to others using an online chat platform.
More content will be made available the day after the event, consisting of five webinars providing clinical guidance on; cardiology, exotics, surgery, nutraceuticals and customer care.
Alison Speakman, BSAVA Junior Vice President said: “Practice-based scenarios with student-led topics and clinical case solving of challenging issues, including fever and problematic anaesthesia patients, are aimed at facilitating a confident transition from student to graduate.
"There will also be plenty of fun, including a live BSAVA Bake-Off hosted by Rosie Brandreth-Poynter for you to showcase your cookery skills, as well as a keep fit session to help you burn some calories after you have sampled your efforts!”
This event is for BSAVA Veterinary Student members only, and costs £12. For more information and to book a place, visit: https://www.bsava.com/studentfocus