The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed an application to be restored to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons from former Wirral-based vet Ian Beveridge.

In May 2013 the Committee had asked the Registrar to remove Mr Beveridge from the Register following a four-day hearing in which he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct after finding that he had treated clients badly, kept inadequate clinical records, was dishonest in his dealings with the RCVS and that animals in his care were placed at risk.

In June 2013 Mr Beveridge, who was not present or represented at the original hearing, then appealed the decision. The appeal was withdrawn in May 2014 which was when Mr Beveridge was formally removed from the Register.

Then, in April 2015, Mr Beveridge applied to be restored to the Register. The Disciplinary Committee met to consider his application in June 2015, however, this hearing was adjourned after new evidence was served to the Committee concerning allegations that Mr Beveridge had ordered prescription-only veterinary medicines when he was not authorised to do so. He was subsequently interviewed by police who took no further action.

In deciding whether Mr Beveridge was fit to be restored to the Register, the Committee heard evidence in regards to the circumstances in which the prescription-only drugs were ordered using his account and delivered to his former practice address which had been taken over by Medivet after he sold the premises to the company.

During the course of the hearing, Mr Beveridge admitted that his account had been used to buy the drugs, but that a part-time member of his staff, who was neither a veterinary surgeon nor a veterinary nurse, had done so without his prior knowledge or approval.

In relation to this evidence Ian Green, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee, said: "The Committee takes the view that the unauthorised use of a veterinary surgeon’s drugs account for which he carries the ultimate responsibility is a very serious matter and, of itself, demonstrates that the applicant has at best a cavalier attitude to his work which of itself means that he remains unfit to be on the Register.

"This attitude is further demonstrated by the fact that, even after the first orders were placed in late April and early May 2014, the applicant did not seek clarification from the College of his status following the withdrawal of his appeal against the original Committee’s findings."

In addition to this, the Committee also considered the seriousness of his original failings, the fact that Mr Beveridge’s acceptance of these failings was ‘qualified’, that he had been off the Register for 20 months and the fact that his efforts in terms of continuing professional development had been inadequate and not focused on those areas in need of improvement, among other factors. In mitigation it did consider that Mr Beveridge had demonstrated genuine remorse about previous actions and noted a petition and a large number of letters in support of him from former clients of his practice.

However, the Committee felt that this did not detract from the seriousness of the original failings and, in conjunction with the subsequent unauthorised ordering of veterinary drugs, that the application for restoration must be dismissed.

Veterinary practices are being encouraged to enter the annual Veterinary Marketing Association's (VMA) awards, which now include a practice-only category.

The annual VMA awards are intended to recognise excellence in all aspects of veterinary and animal health marketing. The Practice Marketing Award, sponsored by Pfizer, is awarded to the companion or production animal practice that demonstrates the most initiative and innovation in the marketing of its products and/or services to end users. This can involve the use of any form of activity, including advertising, websites, direct mail and media relations.

Last year's winner of this award was Kessock Equine Vets from Aberdeen, who travelled down to London to receive their award at a presentation lunch. The 2009 awards presentation ceremony takes place on Friday, 19th March at the Old Brewery in Chiswell Street, London. The meeting also presents a very good opportunity for vets to meet representatives from all the major animal health companies.

Tickets for the event cost £115+VAT for VMA/VMPA members (£150+VAT for non-members). The price includes a three-course meal (prepared by a two-star Michelin chef) with wine, a champagne reception and entertainment by a top comedian.

Further information on the awards is available on the Veterinary Marketing Association's website - http://www.vma.org.uk/. Closing date for entries is 5th February 2010.

Animalcare Ltd has launched Marbocare (marbofloxacin) 100mg/ml solution for injection, a third-generation fluoroquinolone for the treatment of E.coli mastitis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, and Metritis Mastitis Agalactia in pigs.

The company highlights the product's unique flexible dosage regimen of once daily injections for 3 days against E.coli mastitis and  BRD, plus a single intramuscular (IM) high dose (8mg/100kg) for BRD.

Animalcare says this regimen, coupled with the flexibility of administration afforded by all three injection routes (intravenous IV, subcutaneous SC and IM), a low volume dose and good syringeability, all combine to offer ease of use; resulting in a reduction in handling and less stress for the cattle.

Developed for veterinary use only, Marbocare has broad spectrum activity against Gram+ve and Gram-ve pathogens. Animalcare says the product is especially effective against E.coli mastitis and the key bacterial pathogens associated with BRD, as well as M.bovis.  

Marbocare has milk withdrawal times of 36 hours after the last treatment following the 3 day course and 72 hours after a single shot for BRD. Meat withdrawal is 6 days after multiple injections and 3 days after the single shot.

Marbofloxacin has proven efficacy in a comparative international, multi-centre, controlled, randomised field trial¹ in 62 dairy cows with E.coli mastitis. Marbofloxacin cure rates were significantly higher than the control product. In respiratory disease it showed a more rapid clinical response in comparison to tilmicosin², ceftiofur³ and oxytetracycline⁴. Marbofloxacin was shown to be well tolerated, leading to a fast return to appetite, liveweight gain and associated welfare benefits.

Marbocare is also licensed in the treatment of Metritis Mastitis Agalactia syndrome in pigs, given by IM injection, with a 4 day meat withdrawal.

Tony Liepman, Product Manager from Animalcare said: "Marbocare is competitively priced whether used on its own or alongside a single-dose anti-inflammatory such as Emdocam (meloxicam)."

Marbocare is a POM-V licensed product presented in 50 and 100ml multi-dose vials.

References

1. Grandemange E. et al., Field evaluation of the efficacy of marbofloxacin in the treatment of acute mastitis due to Gram-ve bacteria in the dairy cow, Cattle Practice (2002), Issue 10, Part 1, 57-62.

• Thomas E et al., A field comparison of the efficacy and tolerance of marbofloxacin in the treatment of BRD.JVet Pharmacol.Therapy (2001),24,353-358

• Eyett-Burton C., Marbofloxacin: An advanced fluoroquinolone for use in beef and dairy cattle.Cattle Practice BCVA (1997),5,4

• Thomas E et al Field evaluation of efficacy of a new antimicrobial, marbofloxacin in the treatment of BRD, Proceedings of the XIX World Buiatrics Congress Edinburgh (1996),54-57

Zoetis has launched PetDialog and HorseDialog, the only treatment reminder apps for pet and horse owners which veterinary practices can customise with their own branding.

The app is downloadable from the Apple and Android app stores, but is only accessible by inputting a unique practice identity code.

Once the app is unlocked, owners can then input details of any medications their pet is taking and the date its healthcheck / vaccinations are due, after which they'll receive a practice-branded email reminder.

It's a similar idea to Bayer's reminder app released earlier this year, but with the very clever addition of practice branding.

John Toole, Product Manager at Zoetis said: "This is absolutely the right time to launch this app. Smartphone ownership has rapidly increased from 38% to 60% in the last three years and by 2015 it is predicted that 73% of the UK population will own a Smartphone. The use of Smartphones is no longer just the domain of the young - use and ownership is pretty evenly spread among age groups between 24 and 64, with greatest growth among the 44 -74 age group over the past three years. It comes as no surprise that recent market research confirms 57% of UK pet owners own an Android or iOS device.

"Health businesses are the most trusted by UK mobile users when it comes to receiving mobile messages. More than 11 million consumers have opted in to receive mobile messages from health companies, particularly to take advantage of appointment reminders. This form of communication can really boost loyalty where vet practices are concerned, as 74% of users say that mobile messages that had a use or benefit would maintain or enhance their loyalty to that brand.

"PetDialog has been a significant investment for us and with the help of our customers we plan to re-invest in a robust development stream to ensure the app becomes a valuable tool for pet owners and practices alike. To help practices launch and market the app we've developed an extensive bespoke range of marketing support materials from web pages and email templates to practice posters that come alive in the waiting room with augmented reality."

VetSurgeon gave the app a very quick trial. We found registration simple and easy. Clear navigation. Very good first impression.

Except ...

Honestly, whose idea was it that even the most pathologically insane pet owner would possibly, even once in a million years, want to record (and chart) the amount of time they spend hugging their pet. And not just that, but also to categorise their pet-hugging activities according to whether it was 'Morning Cuddles', 'Afternoon Hugs' or 'Evening Snuggles'. Someone at Zoetis' digital agency must have been smoking something very strong when they came up with that one.

Similarly, the ability to record the amount of time spent playing with the dog, breaking it down into specific activities such as: 'Fetch', Tug of War', 'General Playing', is surely targeted at the 0.0000000001% of the pet owning population that really should be getting some sort of professional help.

That said, the overall idea and execution is top notch. Provided Zoetis removes the madder elements of the app at the next upgrade, it'll get 5 stars out of 5. Meantime, it's still highly recommended.

For more information about the app, contact your Zoetis Account Manager

The British Veterinary Association has announced the results of the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which found that 84% of veterinary surgeons give up time to work with animal charities and shelters. 

72% have a formal arrangement with charities to provide their time and veterinary expertise at a reduced rate, while more than 43% work completely unpaid for animal charities and shelters; treating thousands of abandoned, mistreated or injured animals each year.

The charitable work undertaken by practitioners varied from practice to practice, but included:

• Work with local animal shelters and national animal charities to provide a range of pro bono or reduced fee services, such as health checking, medicating and treating, neutering and vaccinating.
• Provision of veterinary care at animal shelters and rescue centres, ranging from treating injured wildlife to caring for abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats.
• Giving veterinary advice to homeless people and those in housing crisis, and care for their dogs as part of the Dogs Trust Hope Project. Vets also support other projects, such as the Freedom Project, which temporarily fosters animals belonging to families fleeing domestic violence.
• Teaming up with charities to provide neutering, especially for owners on limited incomes. Vets helped neuter 158,000 cats and kittens with Cats Protection in 2014 alone.
• Over 300 veterinary practices undertake work for the charity PDSA, providing treatment to animals of owners on means-tested benefits. The scheme ensures some of the most disadvantaged people in society can access veterinary treatment to keep their pets healthy.

On top of all that, veterinary surgeons also provide emergency treatment for stray and wild animals brought in by the public. Although they will sometimes receive a charitable donation towards the cost of treatment through schemes like the RSPCA Initial Emergency Treatment (IET) Scheme, that is by no means always the case.

RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer James Yeates said: "Vets’ work in this area can go unrecognised but it is appreciated by the RSPCA that they are part of the team trying to help animals. The RSPCA is dedicated to helping animals most in need and relies on vets’ welfare work to help bring a stop to the suffering of all animals." 

BVA President Sean Wensley, said: "Behind these statistics are countless stories of veterinary teams – who already often work long, demanding hours – giving their time for free to support animal rescue staff and charities to care for abandoned, injured and neglected animals, as well as help owners to keep and care for much loved animals in times of hardship and crisis. The UK’s network of animal charities and rehoming centres do a fantastic job protecting wild and domestic animals each year. Animal welfare legislation is clear that animal keepers and owners are responsible for meeting their animals’ needs, and prospective animal owners must be aware of the cost and time commitment involved in animal ownership, but we appreciate people’s circumstances can change."

Photo: Javier Brosch/Shutterstock

Merial has highlighted two new studies which the company says demonstrates the efficacy and safety of its canine NSAID, Previcox.

In the first study, Lecoindre and Pepin evaluated the beneficial effects of once daily administration of 5mg/kg Previcox to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) for 90 days. According to the company, response to treatment was excellent, with significant improvements observed in lameness scores, pain on manipulation of the affected joint and range of motion. Of particular note was the fact that the degree of improvement increased with duration of treatment, clearly demonstrating the benefits of longer term treatment. These results support the findings of a recent review of the safety and efficacy of long-term NSAID use in dogs with OA. The product's safety profile was also evaluated by means of biochemistry and haematology assessments. In addition, regular gastroscopic examinations were used to directly visualise the effect of treatment on the gastric mucosa. These safety assessments demonstrated that Previcox therapy was well tolerated, with no significant treatment related changes seen on biochemistry or gastroscopy, despite the fact that this was a geriatric population which included a number of dogs with a prior history of gastrointestinal tract disease.

Merials says the findings from a different study by Joubert, published in the South African Veterinary Journal, provide further confirmation of the beneficial effects of 90 days Previcox treatment in a geriatric population of dogs.

Commenting on the results of the two studies, Kevin Whelan, Merial's Veterinary Technical Manager said: "The outcome from these studies provide further evidence for the benefits of long term use of Previcox in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. There is relatively little published information available on the use of NSAIDs in older dogs, and these results confirm that Previcox is well tolerated in this group of patients."

For further information about Previcox, please contact your local Territory Manager or call 0870 6000 123.

References:

1. Lecoindre, O. and Pepin-Richard, C. Tolerance of firocoxib in dogs with osteoarthritis during 90 days. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01227.x
2. Innes, J. F., Clayton, J., Lascelles, B. D. X. Review of the safety and efficacy of long-term NSAID use in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Veterinary Record (2010) 166, 226-230
3. Joubert, K. E.  The effects of firocoxib (Previcox^TM) in geriatric dogs over a period of 90 days. Jl S.Afr.vet.Ass. (2009) 80(3): 179-184

Royal Canin is offering a free dental model to practices that order £300 or more of selected Royal Canin diets.

The 3D dental model, which was produced with the help of veterinary dentist John Robinson, demonstrates the recommended method for sectioning and extracting teeth in cats and dogs.

An accurate representation of the animal’s mouth, the teeth are pre-sectioned, indicating how tooth crowns should be divided and where to cut the crown to achieve single root pieces.

Royal Canin's Veterinary Marketing Manager, Marianne Lomberg, said: "We are delighted to offer this new learning tool. These high quality and accurate models will be a valuable addition to the education resources available to veterinary schools and professionals – ultimately helping contribute to a higher standard of dental care available to cats and dogs."

Orders of £300 will receive one free model, orders of £500 will receive two free models.

For more information, contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager or visit www.vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk.

Improve International has launched an online Emergency and Critical Care programme aimed at veterinary surgeons who want to update their knowledge and increase their confidence in emergency patient management. 

The programme is the first in a new series of ‘Accelerated’ courses from the company, designed to support those starting out on their postgraduate learning journey or experienced vets who want to refresh their knowledge in a specific subject.

The Accelerated Emergency and Critical Care programme comprises 15 modules covering pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and current treatments.

The modules are delivered on a weekly basis and delegates can study at their own pace. Delegates can also access all the modules for a 12-month period so they can revisit the contents as necessary.

In addition to the modules, delegates have access to a discussion forum and four live sessions with Specialists for clinical case discussions.

At the end of the course, delegates can take a Foundation Certificate from the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

The programme was developed by Specialist veterinarians, both Fellows and Members of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care, from Improve International’s Australian Partner, the Animal Emergency Service.

David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: “The growing interest we are seeing from veterinarians around the world in updating their knowledge as we prepare to emerge into the post-COVID world, was the catalyst for the creation of our new Accelerated online course range.

"The Accelerated Emergency and Critical Care Programme is ideal for veterinarians at all stages of their career. It is an example of the ways we are delivering on our strategy of significantly expanding our e-learning portfolio and harnessing technologies, including video teaching and virtual/augmented reality, to offer a more engaging, affordable, accessible and rich learning experience to veterinary professionals around the world."

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its full review of the Shortage Occupation List and recommended that veterinary surgeons are added to it (page 82).

The Committee's decision to recommend the addition of vets to the list is seen as a major win for the RCVS and the BVA which together submitted evidence as part of the review, which began in autumn last year.

Professions on the list are prioritised for visas required to live and work in the UK. Employers wishing to hire professionals on the list are not required to complete the Resident Labour Market Test, meaning they don't have to advertise vacancies locally before offering the role to an employee from overseas.

The RCVS/BVA submission focused on the need for the UK immigration system to recognise that the veterinary workforce is already under capacity and that this problem is likely to be exacerbated after Brexit. This is due to the potential for increased demand for veterinary surgeons in areas such as export certification, and also the likelihood that fewer veterinary surgeons from the European Union will be joining the Register. It also reiterated the importance of veterinary surgeons in areas such as public health, food safety, disease surveillance and control, as well as education, research, clinical practice and animal welfare.

RCVS President Amanda Boag said: "We are very pleased to see that our submission, made with our colleagues at the BVA, has been welcomed by the Committee and that this recommendation will now be going to the key decision-makers at the Home Office for consideration. While we are still unaware of how the process of the UK leaving the EU will pan out, this is a very important step in ensuring the future security of the profession and mitigating against worsening  workforce shortages. 

"We would reiterate to the Government that the UK is currently reliant on overseas registrants to meet the demand for veterinary surgeons, with veterinary surgeons from the rest of the EU making up around 50% of new registrants each year.  By adding veterinary surgeons to the Shortage Occupation List, and therefore reducing the immigration requirements needed to live and work in the UK, the Government will be helping ensure vital veterinary work continues to be done particularly in areas such as food safety and public health."

Simon Doherty, BVA President, said: "MAC’s recommendation is a huge win for animal welfare and a resounding vote of confidence in the veterinary community and the multiple benefits it realises across the UK. We are absolutely delighted that the committee has heeded our calls and recognised the need to reinstate vets on the list to keep workforce supply and resilience high in the unpredictable times ahead."

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has dropped the requirement that veterinary practices display a poster in waiting rooms which tells clients what the top ten medicines they supply are, and their costs.

The requirement was apparently dropped, initially for a six month period, following pressure from the Royal College, which felt says it felt the poster did not entirely serve its purpose.

The requirement for the poster was brought in following the Competition Commission investigation into veterinary medicine sales in 2005, as part of a range of measures. Some of the responsibilities were enforced via the RCVS as an alternative to legislation under the Fair Trading Act, to ensure that clients have access to sufficient information to be able to decide where to obtain veterinary prescriptions and medicines.

The poster, which was outlined in the Guide to Professional Conduct, and subsequently the Code of Professional Conduct, had to include information about prescriptions and repeat prescriptions, together with the 'ten relevant veterinary medicinal products most commonly prescribed during a recent and typical three-month period'.

How 'most commonly prescribed' has been calculated has often varied - for example, by price, volume, number of prescriptions, etc - and, in addition, different formulations, brands or pack sizes of the same active ingredient could cause confusion.

RCVS President, Jacqui Molyneux said: "Having seen how this has worked in practice, we have been keen to push for change because it was felt that the list could be confusing to clients.

"We have also been mindful of the fact that the ways in which consumers access information has changed radically over the last seven years or so, with internet searches becoming more prevalent.

"These factors conspired to make the list less meaningful as a tool that allowed consumers to shop around. It is thus hoped that the removal of the list will reduce potential misunderstanding among the public."

During the first six months following the change, the College and the OFT will monitor the situation. If there is no appreciable level of complaint from the public, the change will become permanent.

The other requirements of supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct Chapter 10 (Fair Trading Requirements) remain unchanged (www.rcvs.org.uk/fairtrading), and the OFT recommends that the notice advising clients that they can obtain a prescription from the practice be made even more prominent.

In addition, it remains important that veterinary surgeons communicate medicines prices clearly to their clients and other callers, and that invoices itemise individual products supplied (www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines).

The Veterinary Edge has joined forces with wound management guru Georgie Hollis, to host a two-day CPD on wound management for veterinary surgeons in Derby on 18th and 19th May.

The Veterinary Wound Management Conference will be taking place at the Derby County Football Club, where there'll be workshops, demonstrations and discussions on a range of topics, from burns to post-operative care, covering dressing selection and suture techniques, complications and innovations.

There will be practical sessions on bandaging and casting and delegates will be able to choose from up to seven workshops/demonstrations at a time, on subjects ranging from eye care to maggot therapy and laser treatment.

There will also be an exhibition by companies and organisations specialising in this field. 

Organisers say the venue, Pride Park Stadium, is easily accessible by road (there’s masses of free parking) and rail (it’s little more than a 10-minute well-signposted walk from the station); and there’s plenty of accommodation very close by in a Travelodge, Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express or Penta Hotel.

For veterinary surgeons, tickets cost £165 (plus VAT) for the two days or £90 (plus VAT) for one day; for veterinary nurses or other practice staff it’s £125 (plus VAT) for the whole event, £70 (plus VAT) for one day.

The price includes a hot buffet lunch each day, morning and afternoon tea, delegate handbook and wi-fi.

Each day will provide seven hours of CPD.

To register, go to www.theveterinaryedge.com/wmc.

Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of Pestigon, a fipronil spot-on solution for cats and dogs.

Rebekah Dudek, Norbrook Veterinary Advisor said: "Pestigon offers a fast-acting and long-lasting treatment for cats and dogs suffering from flea and tick irritations. The new product will have an immediate effect against flea infestations and will kill ticks within the first 24 - 48 hours of application. Fipronil is a tried and tested ingredient with proven efficacy against fleas and ticks. Pestigon provides a fast-acting treatment whose effectiveness will continue against new infestations of fleas for up to 58 days on dogs and 37 days in cats and against ticks for up to 30 days in dogs and 21 days in cats."

To coincide with the launch of Pestigon, Norbrook has rebranded its Permaguard household spray which is now available with 12 month protection. 

Rebekah said: "The total life cycle of a flea can last from a couple of weeks to several months. Only adult fleas live on cats or dogs while the eggs, larvae and pupae can be found around the house in carpet, furniture, bedding etc for up to a year or more. It is therefore crucial that pet owners treat the household to break the life cycle and ensure effective and lasting flea control. Pestigon and Permaguard together will give pet owners a complete treatment."

Pestigon range offers 5 alternatives for cats and dogs depending on size and comes with colour co-ordinated pipettes available in packs of 3, 6 and 24 to allow for single or multiple pipette dispensing.

Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager, Michelle Jones said: "Pestigon is licensed as a POM-V product and will be sold exclusively through veterinary practices. We have produced a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices to help them offer support on flea and tick control in the home to their customers." 

Orders for Pestigon and Permaguard can be placed through your Norbrook representative now.