Vetlexicon has launched Avis, a resource designed to provide comprehensive, up-to-date clinical information to veterinary professionals to support  diagnostic and treatment decision-making in domestic poultry.

Avis includes over 350 articles, images, client factsheets, and diagnostic trees about avian diseases, diagnostic techniques, medications, legislation and parasitology, with a particular focus on domestic poultry.

The publishers say that content on Avis is authored and reviewed by leading avian veterinary specialists, including the St David’s Poultry Team, which has over 350 years of poultry veterinary experience. 

Vetstream CEO, Dr Mark Johnston MRCVS said: We are really delighted to have worked with such a strong contribution from the St David’s Poultry Team whose experience in commercial flocks is provided to veterinarians being presented with smaller flocks.

"We have also had significant additional contributions for this launch edition of Avis across a broad range of poultry veterinary expertise.

"We want as many people as possible to take Avis for a “test flight” and so will be providing free access to all Vetlexicon subscribers for the month of June.”

www.vetlexicon.com

A new long acting sheep injection has been launched by Fort Dodge Animal Health which the company says will offer significant benefits to sheep farmers for both internal and external parasite control.  

Cydectin 2% LA for sheep is the latest product to join the Cydectin range and follows the long acting injection for cattle.

Based on Moxidectin, the product delivers a long action against worms, up to 111 days and scab, 60 days from a single injection.

Andrew Wylie from Fort Dodge said: "To put this into context, apart from the existing Cydectin range which lasts up to 35 days, no other product is licensed with persistent activity against worms and scab. Cydectin 2% LA for sheep offers three times the worm cover and double the scab cover from a single injection.

"Therefore farmers will benefit from Cydectin 2% LA through the combination of a single injection with extended persistency leading to a reduction in the number of treatments needed for worms and scab and the potential increase in lamb weight gain due to a lower worm and scab challenge."

Fort Dodge recommends the following three key uses for Cydectin 2% LA given the persistent effect and single shot:

• Worm control for ewes in the spring. This will reduce the spring rise of worm eggs from ewes, protecting the lambs and may well lead to a reduction in the number of lamb treatments needed.
• One shot scab prevention or treatment. The persistency will provide a lengthy protection against re-infestation from scab mites and will provide a massive boost in the fight against scab within a single shot.
• Quarantine treatment of incoming sheep against potentially resistant worms and scab mites. Moxidectin has the lowest resistance status of all wormers and with high potency it provides the best option for quarantine treating.

 Administration is by a single sub-cutaneous injection high up the neck at the base of the ear which is designed to limit the withhold period to 104 days. The technique is not difficult and, if used with the multidose applicator supplied, farmers will find it a straightforward procedure.

 Cydectin 2% LA is available in 50ml, 200ml and 500ml bottles and with a dose rate of 1ml per 20kg, a 500ml pack will treat 200 sheep at 50kg. For further, call Fort Dodge on 01489 781711.

Virbac Animal Health is calling on practices to prepare for Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM), being held by the company in November to highlight the prevalence of the disease and to encourage owners and practices to test for it.

Last year, 400 practices sign up to support the event, and the company says that feedback from many taking part confirmed a significant lack of understanding among clients as to the risk of prostate disease in dogs.

Canine Prostate Awareness Month is timed to coincide with 'Movember', when thousands of men grow moustaches to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. During the month, Virbac is providing promotional materials including dog leads; educational and display materials and a press release for local media.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "With more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)¹, we wanted to give practices a reason to highlight the risk and encourage owners to test for it. Timing CPAM to coincide with Movember seemed a good way to interest dog owners at a time when some might be considering the state of their own prostate.

"The support we received last year confirmed that it was a topic which practices were keen to discuss with dog owners so we're already planning to make the initiative even bigger and better this year."

Stephen Bamber, Principal at participating practice Warwickshire-based Avonvale Vets, added: "CPAM was an attractive campaign as it was a bit different. It offered the opportunity to see some of our older patients with other, less obvious pathologies. Non-symptomatic testicular tumours in particular surfaced in the checks we did. Clients generally had little idea about dogs' prostates so it gave us a good platform to discuss prostate disease with them."

Virbac has introduced Odelis^TM CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a tablet treatment for BPH which takes effect within a week and lasts for up to six months.

Chris added:  "BPH is an unpleasant condition occurring in nearly all entire dogs as they get older, but one which is entirely treatable. We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease."

For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign, email cpam@virbac.co.uk; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.

References

1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.

The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has joined forces with the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) to revolutionise higher veterinary education in the UK.

The two organisations – SPVS through its Masters and Doctors Group (MDG) – have officially announced that they will deliver the new modular Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) and the CertAVP (VetGP) qualifications through the new Vet Learning group.

SPVS recognised that vets were finding it difficult, if not impossible, to combine working in practise with completing the old-style certificates and decided to work with the RCVS to create more flexible and relevant qualifications and the PDF to provide more guidance and support.

Students taking the Vet GP qualification will also work from a syllabus that firmly complements the experience of the practising modern vet. 

Richard Hillman, SPVS President Elect and SPVS CertAVP project leader, explained: “I registered for the RCVS Certificate in Welfare and Ethics three years ago as, as a practice owner, I am very interested in these fields but have found it very difficult to juggle work, home life and study.”

He added: “I’ve been on the CPD and I’ve read the books so I’ve done the personal development parts of the certificate but I just can’t get the cases written up. If I had the structure, support and mentoring that the SPVS and Vet Learning will now supply, I could have gone on and got the qualification I wanted. I am delighted that Vet Learning has now been created.”

Both qualifications will be assessed at MSc level and will be quality controlled by the University of Middlesex and the national Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). SPVS will shortly announce the date of a road show that will supply practitioners with further information on this ground-breaking development in veterinary education, including how to structure their CPD.

The London Vet Show is getting ready to throw open its doors on the 11th and 12th November for what will be the first major vet gathering in two years. 

Rob Chapman, MD of the event organiser, CloserStill Media, said: "The London Vet Show in 2019 was the last major in-person event pre-Covid-19 pandemic

“We are delighted to be gathering once more. We had more tickets booked this September than any other year which has reinforced that there’s a real desire amongst the veterinary community to get back together and that confidence in events is returning.

"Our team is busy putting the final touches in place – including our new Covid-safety features, our speakers are excited to present to live audiences again, the delegates are making plans to see old friends. And, very importantly, our exhibitors are busy organising fantastic giveaways and getting stock ready. There has been so much fantastic R&D in the veterinary sector over the past two years and vet professionals will get to try it out first at the London Vet Show.”

BVA Senior Vice President, James Russell, said: “The London Vet Show is a highlight of the CPD and social calendar. The range of lectures we have on means there’s something for everybody – whether it’s clinical, non-clinical, BVA Congress or our career development stream. But the opportunity to see each other again after two years is something which I am so excited about. 

"I know that there will be some people feeling nervous about the idea of coming together again. But one of the tremendous privileges I’ve had during the past year is being in London and watching it slowly unlock. I have to say that my recent experiences of being out and about in London make me feel very safe here.

"I do recognise that different people are at different points on their journey with that, but I hope that everyone finds a way of getting to the London Vet Show in a way they feel comfortable with. CloserStill have put in measures when we are there that will make us feel as safe and as comfortable as we can do.”

Professor Jill Maddison, who programmes the Royal Veterinary College Clinical’s small animal streams, said: “After almost two years I am beyond excited that we will be back together again at the London Vet Show. As usual we have a great line up of speakers from abroad, the RVC and around the UK who will deliver lectures covering many different aspects of clinical practice.

"I hope that whatever sessions you attend and whatever exhibits you visit at the 12th LVS you will find something to interest, intrigue and inspire you that you can take back to your practice to enhance the welfare of your patients and clients, your team and of course, yourself.”

Rob added: “We also have some fantastic new and returning features in store for delegates. For example, I’m delighted to announce the return of the popular Community Masterminds where online peers can meet in person and discuss topics that matter most to them.

"We are also hosting our very first Very Happy Hour on the exhibition floor from 5.30-6.45 pm on Day 1 where there will be drinks available for everyone to enjoy in a relaxed, spread-out fashion to celebrate being back together again.”

“We do ask that delegates planning on attending pre-register so we can best lay out the event and cater for the audience in a Covid-secure manner.”

One day and two-day tickets are available now. Register before Friday, 22nd October to receive your badge in the post. You can book at: https://london.vetshow.com/, call +44 (0)2476 719 687.  

The British Veterinary Association has launched a survey of its members: "Your BVA, Your Say".

The focus of the research, which will take place throughout June and July, is to measure and evaluate the levels of satisfaction BVA members have with the Association and examining the value members place on BVA's representative role and benefits package.

A selection of members will be contacted by the external research agency Research by Design to take part in in-depth interviews to explore key themes of the research. Members who are currently practising and those in their final year at veterinary school will then be asked to complete an online survey.

Ahead of the research BVA is urging members to check that the Association has their most up-to-date contact details by visiting the member area of the website www.bva.co.uk/member or contacting the membership team on 020 7908 6350.

The results of the research will be used to develop and adapt BVA member services, activity and communication to ensure the Association meets members' requirements throughout their careers.

BVA President Carl Padgett said: "Our members are at the heart of everything we do, so it is essential we hear directly what our members think about, and want from, their Association. 

"I'd like to encourage members to find time to contribute their ideas and opinions which will shape the future direction of the BVA. This is the chance to really make a difference to the Association."

Are small animal vets as immune to recession as undertakers? Probably not, but there is some good news from Petplan, which has found that whilst 60 per cent of people would put off starting a family during the current economic downturn, a quarter would choose a pet instead.

And it’s not a battle of the sexes – the decision to put family life on hold in favour of nurturing a four-legged friend was equally divided between men and women.

According to Petplan, the findings are supported by a recent Mintel report showing that the pet care industry is thriving with animal lovers spending £484million on their cats and dogs this year. Pets at Home also announced its profits have doubled compared to this time last year.

A spokeswoman from Petplan, said: "It seems that pets of all shapes and sizes are now being considered a perfectly sensible alternative to starting a family for cash-strapped couples. We know that many owners develop very strong emotional ties to their pets that are often treated as part of the family. But we do urge all would-be pet owners to understand that pet ownership does come with responsibilities, just like parenthood."

Research shows the cost of raising a child from birth to 21 is £186,0321 – whereas RSPCA figures state that a dog costs approximately  £9,600 during its lifetime a cat £8,000 and a rabbit £3,800.

Top 10 most popular child substitutes:

1. Dog
2. Cat
3. Rabbit
4. Guinea Pig
5. Rat
6. Hamster
7. Mouse
8. Gerbil
9. Reptile
10. Bird

Survey conducted on www.onepoll.com
Total number of respondents – 3,000 pet owners

Janssen Animal Health has launched a new website providing information on the subject of coccidiosis in calves and lambs: www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com.

The website builds on the findings of an expert workshop on bovine coccidiosis held at the First European Buiatrics Conference, which was facilitated by Janssen. In particular, the site looks at all of the areas that the experts focused on as being especially problematic, including immunity, sources of infection, risk factors, prevention and treatment.

According to the company, arriving at a diagnosis of coccidiosis is not always straightforward: it must be supported by history and clinical signs, as well as evidence of pathogenic species of the Eimeria parasite. Interpretation of oocyte counts can be particularly difficult and results have to be viewed in the context of the farm situation. The site contains explanations about the timing of sampling and how that can impact upon the results.

Janssen adds that treatment has traditionally relied on fluid therapy and the use of sulphonamide drugs but recommendations on the use of more recently introduced treatments such as diclazuril (Vecoxan) focus on single dose treatments administered 14 days after a stress factor - such as moving to a higher risk environment, weaning or transportation. The various treatment strategies including prophylactic and metaphylactic approaches are described for those who have experienced problems with coccidiosis in the past and want to avoid recurrence on an individual farm.

Janssen says the site is an ideal on-line resource for veterinary professionals, SQPs and farmers looking to update their knowledge, seeking a tool that explains the disease in greater depth or just searching for specific information that helps in their own individual situation or with interpretation of a difficult case, www.takingcareofcoccidiosis.com/.

Hill's has launched 'Lose 60 Tonnes in 6 months', a campaign to help clients get their pet to a healthy weight. 

Sixty tonnes is equivalent to the weight of twelve elephants, which is a huge target. Hill's says that if every practice makes a small contribution, it can be achieved.

Hill's support includes a public relations pack which the company says contains everything veterinary surgeons and nurses need to help raise awareness and encourage pet owners to bring their pets in for a weight assessment. The pack includes proforma press releases and guidance on how to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with local media. There is also a 'Lose 60 tonnes in 6 months' point of sale kit that includes a poster, stickers and a noticeboard kit for clinics, to drive awareness while clients wait for consults.

As part of the campaign, Hill's is also hosting a series of nurse webinars on weight management and offering additional support material such as consult room posters, weight clinic packs and pet tape measures, an item often requested by nurses. There are also promotional offers available through Hill's Territory Managers, subject to stock availability.

Hill's Customer Marketing Manager, Sara Locke MRCVS said: "We feel it is important to support practices at the grass-roots level and to develop a campaign that will have real meaning within the local community. I hope practices will get behind it, engage with pet owners and as a result, gain new clients. They are also helping thousands of pets live longer and happier lives."

Further information is available from local Hill's Territory Managers or by calling Hill's on 0800 242438 or in ROI 1 800 626002.

Ceva Animal Health has launched a new marketing pack to support its range of Douxo shampoos, waterless mousses and localised dermatology solutions.

Featuring imagery of the Great Barrier Reef to demonstrate that the skin barrier is a fragile ecosystem needing care and protection, the new marketing material includes:

• New client leaflets that explain how to use the shampoo and mousse with a detachable application reminder to help with owner compliance
• A choice of two waiting room posters to generate interest from clients

The pack is supported by a new vet detailer focusing on the skin as a complex and fragile ecosystem, with a detachable poster covering the range.

For further information on the Douxo range of products, visit www.douxo.eu or contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager.

VRCC the Essex-based veterinary referral specialists and centre for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats has become the first in the UK to offer a canine melanoma vaccine.

The vaccine, previously only available in the U.S. where it has been granted a conditional license by the USDA, has been made available to VRCC's Head of Oncology Dr Susan North who fulfils the US Academic Credentials required. 

According to VRCC, most oral tumours are not noticed early by owners, so many go undiagnosed and untreated until they are advanced and the dog has a poor chance of recovery.

Canine melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy, which readily metastasises to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys but is chemo-resistant. There is little evidence that chemotherapy improves survival time.

The canine melanoma vaccine develops effective immunotherapy in dogs that recognises and targets specific antigens on melanoma cells and may account for long-term tumour control and survival.

The vaccine is indicated for dogs with stage II or stage III oral melanoma for which local disease control has been achieved: negative local lymph nodes or positive lymph nodes that were surgically removed or irradiated.

The conditional license was granted based on the reasonable expectation that when used along with surgery and/or radiation therapy to treat the initial tumour the vaccine may help extend survival time and improve quality of life in dogs with canine oral melanoma.

US research concluded that canine patients with advanced disease have a median survival time of less than 5 months with standard therapies. In initial trials, dogs receiving the vaccination sequence had a median survival time of 389 days.

A canine transdermal device is especially matched to the vaccine for needle-free delivery and optimal distribution. Veterinary surgeons with a patient with oral melanoma should contact Dr Susan North at VRCC, www.vrcc.co.uk to discuss the case at an early stage, as initial treatment is important to ensure suitability for the vaccine.

Bayer Animal Health and Tracer Advance have launched a new blog about microchips, designed to promote responsible pet ownership.

The blog will be introduced by a new "virtual" pet expert called "Tracey from Tracer", with the character providing information about the importance of microchipping.  Weekly updates from Tracey will seek to highlight differences between microchips, the associated databases, and details the whole process of microchipping; including information such as who the pet owner should call if they lose their pet, how a lost pet is reunited with their owner, and what do pet owners need to do to ensure the best possible chance of being reunited.  

With over 300,000 pets going missing each year, the blog also aims to encourage owners who have already microchipped their pet to locate their registration documents and ensure they have useful contact details to hand in order to take the necessary action should it be lost or stolen.

Bayer says that according to a survey it conducted recently there is confusion about microchipping, with just under half of those owners who have had their pets microchipped having no idea which brand of microchip their animal is implanted with, and nearly three quarters of those surveyed being unaware which database their details are registered to.

Markus Edingloh from Bayer Animal Health said: "We are delighted to introduce "Tracey" and the new blog which is a method of focusing pet owner's attention on the topic of microchipping their animals. Microchipping pets is an established method to help reunify pets with their owners, but it is also important that owners are fully aware of the range of technology available and the differences in services provided with the microchip, such as the associated database which provides the reunification service.  Our new blog aims to provide information about all aspects of microchipping in a bid to increase microchipping awareness and the number of lost pets being reunited with their owners each year".

 The blog can be seen at: www.tracermicrochippingblog.co.uk