There were two charges against Dr Mulvey. The first was that, between May and October 2018, she failed to provide the clinical history for an English Cocker Spaniel named Henry to the Tremain Veterinary Group, despite numerous requests. Also, that between August 2018 and October 2018, she failed to respond adequately or at all to Henry’s owner's requests for information, particularly his clinical records and details of insurance claims made for Henry by her practice.
The second charge was that in January/February 2019, she failed to respond to reasonable requests from the RCVS, particularly in relation to her treatment of Henry, her continuing professional development (CPD) and the status of her Professional Indemnity Insurance.
At the beginning of the hearing, Dr Mulvey admitted the facts and conduct alleged in the charges and also admitted that when her conduct was considered cumulatively, she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
The Committee, having considered the evidence provided by the College and Dr Mulvey’s admissions found all the facts and conduct to be proved.
The Committee also concluded that Dr Mulvey's failure to respond to Henry's owners and to the College amounted to disgraceful conduct both when considered individually and cumulatively.
In respect of the first charge, the Committee decided that Dr Mulvey had breached the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons by failing to provide clinical records or details of insurance claims.
This was an administrative part of the function of a veterinary surgeon’s role and that failure to provide clients with such information was unacceptable and fell far short of acceptable professional standards. The Committee noted that Dr Mulvey’s failure to provide details of insurance claims had occurred because she had not made those claims, despite offering to do so.
With regard to the second charge, the Committee concluded that Dr Mulvey’s failure to respond to five requests from the College for information about Henry was unacceptable.
The Committee also considered that the omissions took place in the context of Dr Mulvey’s previous Disciplinary Committee hearing in April 2018 during which she agreed to a number of undertakings including supervision on her professional practice by an appointed supervisor. It therefore decided that her failure to provide evidence of her CPD and Professional Indemnity Insurance to the College each individually amounted disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
The Committee then went on to consider the sanction for Dr Mulvey in relation to the both charges that it had found proved and also in respect of the charges it had found proved at its earlier hearing on 26 April 2018 for which sanction had been postponed for a period of 1 year to enable Dr Mulvey to comply with undertakings she gave to the Committee to ensure that her practice met RCVS Core Standards by May 2019.
The Committee heard from Mr Stuart King MRCVS who had been appointed to act as a Workplace Supervisor for Dr Mulvey during the period of her Undertakings. Mr King provided the Committee with a report upon the extent to which Dr Mulvey had complied with the terms of her undertakings including the extent which she had implemented Dr King’s numerous recommendations.
The Committee also heard from Dr Byrne MRCVS an inspector for the RCVS’s voluntary Practice Standards Scheme that Dr Mulvey’s practice, when inspected by him in early April 2019, had not met RCVS PSS Core standards in a number of areas.
The Committee heard from Dr Mulvey and her Counsel that she accepted that she had not met RCVS Core standards as she had undertaken to do.
In reaching its decision as to sanction for all the matters, the Committee took into account that Dr Mulvey’s misconduct overall was serious because it was repeated.
The Committee also considered aggravating and mitigating factors.
Aggravating factors included the fact that the misconduct was sustained or repeated over a period of time (in relation to charge 1 for a period of approximately 4 months and in relation to charge 2 for approximately 6 weeks).
Other aggravating factors include the fact that Dr Mulvey’s conduct contravened advice issued by the Professional Conduct Department in letters sent to her, and that she had wilfully disregarded the role of the RCVS and the systems that regulate the veterinary profession.
Mitigating factors included that: there was no harm to any animal; there was no financial gain for Dr Mulvey or any other party; there was no ulterior motive behind Dr Mulvey’s conduct; and that Dr Mulvey had in fact both completed her minimum CPD requirement and secured Professional Indemnity Insurance, demonstrating that she had not attempted to hide such information from the College.
It also took into account that Dr Mulvey, prior to the first Disciplinary Committee’s hearing in 2018, worked without any previous disciplinary findings against her from 1976 to 2018. The Committee also noted that she had made efforts to comply with some of the undertakings.
Mr Ian Green, Chair of the DC and speaking on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee, said: "The Committee considered that a warning or reprimand was not an appropriate sanction that would meet the public interest. Instead, the Committee decided that a suspension order for a period of six months would allow Dr Mulvey sufficient time to focus on ensuring her practice met the Core Standards set out in the Practice Standards Scheme, without the daily demands of practising as a veterinary surgeon, and was a proportionate and sufficient sanction to meet the public interest.
"The Committee was satisfied that a period of six months met the public interest as it was sanctioning Dr Mulvey for two sets of similar misconduct which we had determined overall as serious. The Committee also believed that during these six months Dr Mulvey could reflect and reorganise her practice, and there would be little risk to animals and the public in her returning to practice."
Dr Mulvey has 28 days from being informed of the Committee’s decision to lodge an appeal with the Privy Council.
Last year Petplan received over 31,000 nominations across the five award categories: Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
The awards are judged by an independent panel which narrows the field to three finalists in each category, who are then invited to attend the awards ceremony.
The judges are looking for examples of exceptional levels of animal care, building and sustaining great relationships with colleagues and pet owners, and those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
James Barnes, Head of Sales & Partnerships at Petplan, said: “The Petplan Veterinary Awards provide the perfect opportunity to say thank you for the exceptional work carried out by members of the veterinary profession, whatever their field and wherever they’re based. The Petplan Vet Awards provide a great opportunity for both clients and colleagues to recognise the dedication and talent of veterinary professionals, teams and practices, right across the UK and say a particular thank you to those who have kept up the exceptional level of care even in the midst of a global crisis."
To nominate a colleague or your practice, visit www.petplan.co.uk before nominations close on 10th January 2022.
Following the outcry from the profession over the disciplinary hearing into Mr M Chikosi, the RCVS' new Operational Board has clarified the the College's position on the use of blankets to move animals.
The hearing found Munhuwepasi Chikosi guilty of unreasonably delaying attending a dog that had been run over at a farm, and of unnecessarily causing her to remain in pain and suffering for at least an hour.
As a result, the Disciplinary Committee directed that Mr Chikosi's name be removed from the Register for serious professional misconduct. The College says that since the appeal window has closed without an appeal being made, Mr Chikosi has now been struck off.
However, the Committee also said: "... his [Mr Chikosi's] advice that Mitzi should be moved on a blanket was wrong, as she may have had an injured back."
This was widely criticised as being out of touch with the practicalities of real life and unsupported by any evidence.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, President Neil Smith said: "We fully support the decision taken by the independent Disciplinary Committee with regard to the Chikosi hearing, with one comment requiring clarification: the issue of whether a blanket can be used to move an injured dog. We consider that it is acceptable, in most cases, to transport an injured dog with the aid of a blanket.
"The profession should be reassured that our Standards Committee [the new name for Advisory Committee] will consider the general issues raised by the Chikosi hearing at its next meeting. This will not be a review of the decision, but form part of the routine consideration of DC hearings made by the Committee to see if they raise issues that require additional guidance and advice."
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Osphos, an intramuscular clodronic acid injection for the control of clinical signs associated with the bone resorptive processes of navicular syndrome in horses, the only such licensed product in the UK.
Dechra says it expects Osphos to change the way chronic lameness caused by navicular syndrome is tackled by equine vets.
According to the company, clinical trials of Osphos showed 74.7% of horses experienced improvement by at least one lameness grade at 56 days post treatment.
Dechra brand manager Emma Jennings said: "Osphos intramuscular injection contains the bisphosphonate clodronic acid which inhibits resorption in the navicular bone by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals and by direct cellular effects on osteoclasts.
"We are delighted with the results of the trials, which proved that Osphos is effective at 6 months post-treatment. We're looking forward to being able to support equine vets, vet nurses and practices by providing an intramuscular Clodronic acid injection for horses."
Dechra also says studies showed that mild transient colic was seen following just 1.6 per cent of treatments.
Osphos 60 mg/ml solution for injection for horses is available from September 2014.
The MSD Animal Health Research Bursary for Veterinary Surgeons offers three awards, consisting of two ruminant bursaries and one companion animal bursary, of up to £4,000 each.
Each project should be completed within one to two years and the vet practitioner proposals will be judged by university academics to ensure independent assessment.
The companion animal research bursary will be assessed by the University of Nottingham Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine and the ruminant research bursary applications will be assessed by academic staff from the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science.
Michelle Townley, veterinary advisor at MSD Animal Health (pictured right) said: "Our Vet Surgeon Research Bursaries have an important role to play in encouraging vet surgeons to continue to develop their research skills. New knowledge and good research skills form the life-blood of the industry so we’re keen to see proposals from both ruminant and companion animal practitioners. Being awarded a bursary has proved to be a career-changing experience for some participants so we’re keen to get as many applications as possible as part of our investment in the veterinary industry."
The deadline for entries is 30th November 2018. For more information, visit www.msdahresearchbursary.co.uk.
A bogus vet who pleaded guilty to a number animal cruelty and fraud offences is being sought by Humberside Police after he failed to appear at court for sentencing.
Jayson Paul Wells (pictured right), 30, of Driffield in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is wanted by detectives in Grimsby after he failed to appear at Grimsby Crown Court.
The RCVS assisted Humberside Police with its original investigation and is publicising its appeal to help locate Mr Wells. Police believe that he may be trading as a herdsman in Nottingham or Cornwall and are keen to establish whether he is currently in either location.
Mr Wells was arrested on 2 October 2013 and charged with the following offences:
Mr Wells pleaded guilty to all offences.
Anyone who is aware of his whereabouts is asked to call Humberside Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
At this year’s event, sessions include ‘Backyard pigs – Notifiable Diseases and Zoonosis’, and a discussion on the role of paraprofessionals in the sector led by Simon Hall, APHA’s Director for EU Exit and Trade.
Drop-in Q&A sessions, workshops offering practical advice and guidance on the revalidation process and a strong focus on the Cymorth TB programme in Wales also feature.
The conference programme includes dedicated lecture streams aimed at large animal, small animal and equine practitioners and, with more than 8,000 OVs due to revalidate their qualifications in March 2019, Improve says lecture content has been tailored to cover areas of key relevance for them.
An exhibition of products and services for OV’s runs alongside the conference.
APHA’s recently appointed Veterinary Director, Dr Andrew Soldan (pictured right), said: "Having recently taken on the role of Veterinary Director for APHA, I am very much looking forward to meeting up with our OV’s and exploring some of the key challenges facing us all, as we seek to control animal disease threats at home and from abroad."
David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: "This conference has established itself as an annual fixture in the OV diary and it remains the only event dedicated to their needs. This year’s packed programme will again highlight the growing importance of OV’s, particularly as we look ahead to the post-Brexit era."
For more information on the Official Veterinarian Conference and Exhibition or to register visit: www.officialvet.com
The company's new van has a range of 146 miles before it needs recharging, and it can be recharged to 80% within 40 minutes.
That puts 60% of MWI's customers within range of its distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent, including those in Manchester and Birmingham.
As part of its drive to establish more sustainable operations, MWI has also launched a pilot with one of its corporate customers in which they reduce the number of deliveries made per week – adopting a two or three-day a week delivery system.
The company says that since January, that has resulted in 700,000 fewer vehicle miles.
The BSAVA has launched a series of client information sheets for drugs commonly used off-label.
The information sheets were the brainchild of Professor Ian Ramsey, Editor-in-Chief of the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. He said: "As a referral vet I write a lot of letters to owners and vets that include instructions about the drugs that I am prescribing or dispensing for a patient. Often these drugs are unusual or cytotoxic, and are very commonly only authorized for human patients. As Editor of the Formulary I am acutely aware of the responsibility that I have for making sure owners understand what these drugs are for and what the side effects might be."
The BSAVA says it hopes the leaflets will overcome the challenge veterinary surgeons have in remembering all the drug information that needs to be related to clients, and the problem of clients forgetting what they have been told verbally by the clinician during a consultation.
In addition to a basic introduction to the Prescribing Cascade, each of the client leaflets provides the following information:
The first batch of client information leaflets, which relate to the following medications prescribed for dogs and cats, is now available for members to download from the BSAVA website (http://www.bsava.com/):
Each of the leaflets has a space for veterinary practices to add their details before distributing them to their clients, and the BSAVA says more may be added during 2011.
Membra is a transparent, water-resistant, non-toxic, biodegradable bandage replacement consisting of a hydrogel polymer which can be applied to open wounds.
It is initially applied as a liquid and quickly gels into a thin, flexible layer over the site.
The initial liquid phase of Membra allows it to cover open and irregular spaces as well as suture lines and it dries in minutes to form a barrier that covers and protects the incision site or wound.
Being transparent, Membra allows the wound to be seen by the veterinary team and pet owners.
Membra lasts for up to 14 days and naturally biodegrades over time.
Animus says that Membra lowers the risk of infection or dehiscence.
The company also says that hydrogel polymer has been shown to replace the need for adhesive bandaging on suture lines following major TPLO surgery.
A study concluded that the polymer did not appear to raise the prevalence of incisional complications after TPLO surgery and lasts for 14 days, rather than 24-48 hours with traditional bandaging1.
Nick Butcher MRCVS, owner of Animus Surgical in the UK, said: “Regular bandaging of open wounds can be costly, time-consuming and stressful for owners and their pets, requiring frequent visits to the practice.
"The bandaging of some open wounds can be impossible because of the location of the lesion or the affected species (e.g. exotic or aquatic animals) and more aggressive or nervous patients may require sedation.
"Used bandages also add to the volume of clinical waste generated by the practice which requires incineration
“We are therefore delighted to launch Membra to veterinary teams in the UK.
"It has been very successful in the U.S. and we already have a number of UK vets using the product as Membra can positively affect the outcome of open wound management across a range of species, without the need for regular bandage changes.”
To find out how to apply Membra, a range of YouTube videos are available showing a selection of case examples: https://youtube.com/@sutureseal5917.
www.animussurgical.com.
Reference
Virbac Animal Health is launching an initiative to highlight the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition suffered by more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five1.
The campaign will take place during November - or 'Movember' as it's called by the thousands of men who grow moustaches during the month to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. Virbac says it hopes the campaign will remind dog owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders.
As part of the campaign, the company will be providing participating practices with promotional materials including free dog leads, owner educational and display materials, a press release for local media and practice educational materials.
Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "It's estimated that 20% of the country's eight million dogs remain uncastrated throughout their lives. As dogs age, their prostates enlarge, eventually causing symptoms including constipation, lameness and difficulties in urination. However, most of the time clinical signs are absent or vague so diagnosing BPH can be a challenge."
According to Virbac, the traditional rectal examination technique can be an ordeal for both dog and clinician. It's also sometimes inaccurate even in experienced hands and is impossible in very small or large breeds. As a solution, the company has recently introduced Odelis 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 simple tablet treatment for BPH, which takes effect within a week and lasts for six months.
Chris added: "BPH is a serious threat to the health of entire dogs as they get older but owners are often unaware of the potentially serious health problems it can cause if left untreated.
"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 also be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease.
"We're providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign in their locality and hope that those getting involved will find it effective in terms of bringing dog-owning clients into the practice for advice on BPH."
For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign and to get your free pack please contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.
Reference1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.
Invicta Animal Health has announced the launch of Ocuvance, a nutritional supplement to support ocular health in dogs and cats.
The company says Ocuvance is formulated to provide an antioxidant complex supporting and maintaining the health of eyes. The tablets contain lutein, a xanthophyll pigment found within the eye. They also contain anthocyanosides derived from bilberry extract to support rhodopsin production. The formulation also contains vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium.
Ocuvance is presented in packs of 30 scored tablets; sufficient for a one month supply for the average sized dog.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to make Ocuvance available to veterinary surgeons in the UK. A recent veterinary study1 has shown there can be significant ophthalmic benefits of antioxidant supplementation.
We carefully formulated Ocuvance to provide a range of high quality ingredients to maintain normal visual function whilst still being affordable for owners”.
Ocuvance is now available from all veterinary wholesalers.
Interestingly, the survey of 2000 people found that men were 11% more likely than women to change their veterinary surgery if they didn't like the look of the masks. There were also geographical variations in the levels of concern about masks, with Londoners (48%) and people from the South West (46%), the North East (41%) and the West Midlands (41%) being most concerned.
Still, there is some consolation for any practice that is using sub standard masks: 78% of UK adults wouldn’t know how to tell if a face mask was fake.
However, 26% of respondents said they would ask their vet to prove their medical grade face mask meets the certified standard and 22% of pet owners said they would expect their vet to wear a medical grade face mask during routine checkups for the foreseeable future.
James Kinsella, Director at Bluetree Group, said: “During such an unprecedented time, it’s no surprise that people are worried about the use of face masks. It is clear that the public has strong feelings about the quality of face masks in practices, with a third of pet owners saying they are worried about the standard of their vet’s face mask. It’s encouraging to see that where expectations are not met, people will seek an alternative.
"The majority of people admit they would not be able to identify a fake face mask, however it is encouraging that a third of those we spoke to would have the confidence to take action and change their vet if they didn’t think their face mask was up to standard."
For more information on Bluetree Group’s face masks, visit: https://bluetreemaskbox.co.uk.
The company says its new design is modular, allowing veterinary practices to customise kennels to their requirements now, and then upgrade them and add components as their needs change over time.
Options include dimmable daylight lighting or Casco Pet’s DRC Lighting System with three modes: Daylight (white), Recovery (red), and Cleaning (blue UVA), built-in thermostatically controlled heat mats, an illuminated glass whiteboard for easy recording and viewing of patient notes, integrated IV stand and pump holders, an internal ceiling vent and ventilation kit and an integrated plug socket and USB port .
Matthew Bubear, CEO, Casco Pet, said: “Our new generation of WellKennels, which have been designed to meet the dynamic demands of modern veterinary practices, allow practitioners to elevate the care they provide today while ensuring sustained adaptability for the needs of tomorrow."
WellKennels are certified by the International Society of Feline Medicine and are part of FearFree’s Preferred Product Program, the global initiative dedicated to preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety and stress in pets.
The new WellKennels will be unveiled at the London Vet Show, ExCel London, 16-17 November, on Stand H35.
https://cascopet.com/uk/products-and-services/veterinary
Avacta has announced the launch of Natural VetCare Prescribed, a new range of veterinary exclusive nutraceutical skin and joint supplements.
The range is manufactured in the UK by Natural VetCare and includes four products in total.
Avacta’s commercial manager, Hayley Booth, said: "Cani Flex is designed to support the body’s anti-inflammatory response with a powerful antioxidant formula, which rebalances the system by addressing excess free-radical build up around the joint following injury or wear and tear. Cani Flex Senior also targets joint, heart and brain health and encourages increased activity.
"With allergies becoming more and more prolific, Cani Skin and Feli Skin target one of the most complex issues facing vets and pet owners in today’s environment. The formulations are designed to resolve the body's hypersensitivity by balancing the immune response.
Hayley added: "To ensure veterinary exclusivity, the unique dispensing method has been thoroughly researched and trialed. The easy-to-feed sprinkle capsules sold in individual gold foil pouches are not for sale individually, and boxes of pouches are available direct from veterinary wholesalers only."
For more information, visit avactaanimalhealth.com/NVCPrescribed, contact your Avacta territory manager or call customer services on 0800 8494 550.
Forte developed the new solution alongside Professor Gayle Hallowell, Professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Critical Care at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham.
The company says Hydrafast delivers ideal levels of sodium and glucose. It also contains glycine, an amino acid, acetate, propionate and citrate.
Professor Hallowell said: “This new ORS formula for calves is both practical and research-based, and should address what we know calves need when they have diarrhoea. It provides nutrition as well as an optimal electrolyte balance.”
Hydrafast comes in sachets of 133g. Each box of Hydrafast contains 24 sachets.
Hydrafast is available now from all major veterinary wholesalers, or direct from Forte Healthcare Ltd.
For more information contact your Forte Territory Manager, email enquiries@fortehealthcare.com or visit: www.fortehealthcare.com/product/hydrafast/
The new facility will have 9 consultation rooms and 4 theatres, and is expected to open in early 2022.
It will be Animal Trust’s 10th veterinary hospital – with existing locations in Wrexham, Yorkshire and North England.
Animal Trust now employs more than 300 vets and veterinary care staff.
A further 15 jobs will be created in Rhyl when the new hospital opens.
Owen said: “Our ethos has always been that every animal deserves access to experienced and professional veterinary care as soon as they become ill.
"That’s why we offer free consultations for sick and injured animals brought to our surgeries.
"Our clients are from all walks of life and they come to us because of what we stand for and in some cases, for the prices we offer.
“As a CIC, we try and make sure that a comprehensive veterinary service is within reach of as many pet owners as possible.
"We build large veterinary hospitals that will serve the needs of the local pet-owning community and make a positive impact on their lives.
"Our new surgery will allow us to extend our services to the residents of the North Wales coastline, many of whom currently have to travel to one of our other existing surgeries.”
Funding for Animal Trust was provided by the £500 million Wales Flexible Investment Fund.
The new suite offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment facilities under one roof, including a linear accelerator (LINAC) which enables treatment of tumours previously considered untreatable.
Southfields has two full-time client-facing specialists in radiation oncology and two on-site, full-time double-boarded medical and radiation oncologists, along with dedicated radiotherapy technicians and therapeutic radiographers.
RCVS and European Specialist Sarah Mason, Southfield's lead in general oncology, said: “Southfields is already renowned as being the leader in cancer treatment for small animals in the UK and the opening of our dedicated oncology and radiotherapy suite takes patient care to an even higher level.”
www.southfields.co.uk
Elanco Animal Health has highlighted the results of a new study1 which concludes that Duvaxyn IE-T Plus stimulates a highter protective antibody response than four other equine influenza vaccines commercially available in Ireland.
The trial compared the antibody responses of unvaccinated Thoroughbred weanlings following primary vaccination with Duvaxyn IE-T Plus, Equilis Resequin, Equip FT, Equilis Prequenza Te and ProteqFlu Te.
In addition, following the first vaccination, 43% of the weanlings failed to seroconvert. However, amongst those vaccinated with Duvaxyn IE-T Plus a 100% response rate was observed. The failure rate amongst vaccines other than Duvaxyn IE-T Plus ranged between 7.7% and 78.6%. By the time of the third vaccination (31 weeks after the first) all horses had responded to vaccination.
The study, conducted by the Irish Equine Centre in Johnstone, the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Limerick and the Department of Statistics at Trinity College in Dublin, involved 66 unvaccinated Thoroughbred weanlings on four different stud farms. Following primary vaccination (V1, V2 and V3) with the five vaccines antibody responses were monitored for six months post V3 by single radial haemolysis. Elanco says that the correlation between SRH antibody levels and protection has been well-established and accepted2.
Elanco also highlights a recent study3 which it says demonstrated the ability of Duvaxyn IE-T Plus equine influenza vaccine to cross protect against A/equi-2/Richmond/1/07 (H3N8) two weeks after a two dose primary course. The company says that this is believed to be the first demonstration of cross protection by a current UK equine influenza vaccine against a Florida sub-lineage clade 2 reference strain.
Anna Jackson, national veterinary manager for Elanco Companion Animal Health said: "Most studies carried out by vaccine companies take place under controlled conditions that are optimal for effective vaccination. This latest study shows how well Duvaxyn IET plus stimulates immunity under field conditions against both vaccinal and non-vaccinal strains. Importantly, all the weanlings vaccinated with Duvaxyn seroconverted after the first vaccination, conferring earliest and most reliable protection for these vulnerable animals."
For further information please contact your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or phone 01256 779881.
References:
In particular, the two companies are focussing on the production of more video content, with Improve filming and sharing high quality clinical demonstrations, and VetSurgeon.org sharing peer-reviewed community-driven content and knowledge.
VetSurgeon.org Publishing Editor Arlo Guthrie said: “This partnership, which brings together the clinical knowledge and infrastructure of the UK’s leading veterinary training provider with the country’s longest-established online veterinary communities, will substantially increase the amount of valuable content we can bring our members.
“Together, we're going to make VetSurgeon.org THE community for authoritative information and opinions."
To ask questions or discuss the new partnership, click here.
Vets Now launched the service at the start of the pandemic to provide remote veterinary advice, and it has now expanded from eight to nearly 30 emergency vets.
In 2022, Video Vets Now had over 13,000 consultations, with 80% of these occurring out-of-hours. Sundays are the busiest day, with almost a third of all consultations taking place.
Of these total consultations, 17% of pets were discharged normally, 7% were immediately referred in-clinic, and 48% were discharged as non-emergency cases, but with a recommendation to get a daytime vet appointment within 48 hours.
Dave Leicester, Vets Now’s head of telehealth says the fact that so few of Video Vets Now calls are referred on to a face-to-face consultation is a real benefit for pet owners and the veterinary profession: “Over two thirds of cases don’t need to be seen urgently by a vet.
"A lot of the cases are pet owners needing some clinical reassurance.
"As cases are triaged remotely, the service therefore frees up clinical staff for genuine emergencies.
“Additionally, without the service, many clients would have no other option than to attend for a full consultation at an out-of-hours clinic; so, clients save money too, allowing them to save their budget to spend at their daytime practices.
“Following the triage consultation, if the pet does need a non-urgent face-to-face consultation, we always direct clients to their registered vet. The £24 Video Vets Now consultation fee is then refunded.
"We call this our ‘Never Pay Twice’ promise, and it applies regardless of where that follow on consultation takes place.
"We see this as a win-win situation for clients and practices.”
Dave continued: “Over the past three years, Video Vets Now has seen unparalleled growth, providing essential care and reassurance for pet owners during a time of many challenges to traditional veterinary practice.
“As the pandemic has drawn to a close, we have consolidated our position as one of the UK's foremost providers of teletriage.
"Looking to the future, the changes in veterinary regulation will allow us to grow further and expand the range of services we can provide, bringing telehealth to an even greater number of pet owners.”
MSD Animal Health has obtained regulatory approval in 21 European countries, including the UK, for Cobactan LA 7.5% (cefquinome) - a new-generation, injectable antimicrobial for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD).
Raul Berro DVM, global marketing director swine at MSD Animal Health said: "Cobactan LA 7.5% is a long-acting version of our highly effective Cobactan 2.5%. Its longer duration of action means greater compliance for swine producers with fewer injections and less stress to the animals, without sacrificing performance."
According to the company, the long-acting antibiotic formulation is effective against three major SRD pathogens in growing and finishing pigs - Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida. Considered the most important threat to the swine industry worldwide, SRD causes increased mortality, decreased weight gain and increased feed consumption.
Cobactan LA 7.5% requires two intramuscular injections 48 hours apart, compared to Cobactan 2.5%, which requires three daily injections. The recommended dose rate is 1 mL (3 mg cefquinome) per 25 kg bodyweight. The product isavailable in 50-ml, 100-ml and 250-ml glass vials.
Raul aded: "COBACTAN LA 7.5% also has a short withdrawal period of seven days. This makes the injectable product also safe to use throughout the finishing period for the treatment of SRD."
MSD adds that the use of COBACTAN LA 7.5% should be according to established responsible use guidelines and strictly according to the label instructions where specific restrictions apply to this class of antibiotics.
For more information, contact your local MSD Animal Health representative or go to www.msd-animal-health.com.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched an online CPD programme to help the veterinary profession diagnose, manage and treat dogs suffering from Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome).
The new Canine Hyperadrenocorticism CPD module has been designed to help vets by providing them with a comprehensive overview of the condition, which they can study in their own time and at their own pace. According to Dechra, it aims to take the guesswork out of managing this complex condition and to support vets in improving the quality of life of Cushing's syndrome patients.
It is the latest online CPD course to be offered through The Dechra Academy, a resource which offers a range of learning and support content and client materials. Accounting for six hours' CPD, the Cushing's syndrome online module complements a CPD road show on the disease recently completed by Dechra around the UK. Over 350 vets attended the sessions and further meetings are scheduled for later in 2011.
Greg Williams, Veterinary Technical Services Manager, said: "Cushing's syndrome remains a challenge to the profession because the clinical signs can easily be confused with those of other disorders and tests results are not always clear cut. We know from the strong attendance at our road show earlier this year that there is a real hunger in the profession to build stronger understanding of the disease.
"Through The Dechra Academy, we bring together the latest thinking on a range of clinical conditions and provide practical, up to the minute training, tips, tools and case studies to help vets spread best practice across their clinical and nursing staff. We also offer CPD in a range of formats - face to face, online and video - to ensure we can accommodate the needs of even the busiest practice.
"We're delighted to launch this new module on Cushing's syndrome and know that it will prove to be a useful tool for vets in practice."
For further information on The Dechra Academy or Cushing's syndrome CPD, please contact your Territory Manager, ring Dechra on 01939 211200 or visit www.dechra.co.uk/academy.
Dechra Veterinary Products Ltd is part of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC ('Dechra') and offers a range of pharmaceutical products and instruments to veterinary practices in the UK. The company specialises in the development and marketing of licensed branded pharmaceuticals and specialist premium pet foods for companion animals in the global veterinary market. Dechra is committed to developing new products and services that support the work of veterinary professionals and enhance the lives of their patients and also to investing in products and added-value services that deliver its promise to support veterinary professionals and pet owners.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has launched its new website, which also marks the first public outing for its new livery.
The College highlights the following key changes:
The RCVS says the new corporate look is designed to be fresh, uncluttered and professional, and the new RCVS logo and strapline - "setting veterinary standards" - should leave visitors in no doubt as to the key purpose of the RCVS as a regulatory body. And whilst the new identity is modern in feel, the use of a shield device aims to maintain the link with the College's long history.
According to the College, the new brand was described by the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who helped to develop it as "simple, clear and clean, with a strong message" and "modern and approachable".
President Peter Jinman said: "The College has been accused of being 'confused and confusing' in the past. With the new identity we have endeavoured to clarify that the College is a forward-thinking regulator - despite being established when Queen Victoria was only recently on the throne, and working to 45-year-old legislation.
"Changing the logo, font and colours we use is only a small part of the process though. Our branding review included several layers of research and we now have a better understanding of how we have been perceived, how we would like to be perceived, and what we need to do to get there. This includes changing how we behave and communicate as an organisation, as well as how we position ourselves to the outside world."
The new look, which includes new logos for RCVS Awards, the RCVS Charitable Trust and the Practice Standards Scheme, will be rolled out across other communications elements as the year unfolds, to avoid the unnecessary wastage of materials branded with the old identity.
Meanwhile, the website is a living medium, and the College says it is keen to hear feedback from users about what they like, and what could be improved, to help inform further developments.
The proposed framework has grown out of the VN Futures research project, run jointly with the BVNA, which identified developing a structured and rewarding career path for veterinary nurses as one of the key demands of the profession.
It has been developed by the VN Futures Post-Registration Development Group in conjunction with the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Education Committee and Veterinary Nurses Council.
The College says the proposed framework is designed to provide accessible, flexible and professionally relevant post-registration awards for veterinary nurses in order to provide an enhanced level of veterinary nursing practice, while also providing specific modules that veterinary nurses at all career levels can study independently for their continuing professional development (CPD).
Julie Dugmore, Director of Veterinary Nursing at the RCVS, said: "One of the strongest messages that came out of the research we conducted with the British Veterinary Nursing Association prior to the publication of the VN Futures Report was that there was a need for a more structured and rewarding career path for veterinary nurses.
"Throughout the VN Futures roadshow events nurses felt they were often entering a career cul-de-sac after a certain amount of time in practice and so the need for further post-registration qualifications which promote excellence and recognise advanced knowledge, skills, competency and experience in designated areas were strongly expressed.
"We have taken this feedback and developed it into a comprehensive framework for two defined post-registration qualifications and are very interested in hearing what both veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have to say about all aspects of what we are proposing.
"Once we have collated the responses, we will incorporate the feedback into the framework for further consideration by the relevant committees and VN Council. The eventual aim is that these qualifications will, once sufficiently bedded in, lead to the development of an Advanced Veterinary Nurse status so that members of the VN profession with the sufficient skills and experience will get the recognition they truly deserve."
The two new qualifications included in the framework are a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing. Details of the courses’ structure, candidate assessment criteria, accreditation standards, student support, candidate eligibility rules, the RCVS enrolment process and the procedures for certification will be set out in a framework document as part of the consultation process.
The document also includes a prospective list of designations for the two courses covering areas of advanced veterinary nursing knowledge such as wellness and preventative health; rehabilitation and physiotherapy; anaesthesia and analgesia; triage, critical care and emergency nursing; pharmacology; animal welfare; education and teaching; management and leadership; research; and, dentistry.
The consultation will be launched in early July with an email sent to all veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons containing a link to the survey and asking for their views on the proposals. Details of the consultation, once launched, may also be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations
The VN Futures Report is available to download from www.vetfutures.org.uk/vnfutures