There are three awards, two ruminant and one companion animal, of up to £4,000 each. Each project needs to be completed within 1-2 years and the veterinary practitioner proposals will be judged by university academics to ensure independent assessment.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health (pictured right), herself a winner of an MSD bursary in 2001, said: "Our existing Research Bursaries are well-known amongst practitioners focusing on ruminants, having run for 6 years. For the first time, however, we are offering a broader level of support which includes both ruminant and companion animal practitioners. Our aim is to engage as many people as possible as we view our investment in research, and the pursuit of new knowledge, as the lifeblood of the veterinary industry."
The deadline for entries is 30th November 2017.
For further information, visit: www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/researchbursary.aspx.
Apparently, there were over 100 times more recorded outbreaks of equine flu across the UK in 2019 than the year before1, and numerous equestrian events were cancelled as a result.
The company says that despite this, as of 2019, only about half of all UK horses are vaccinated2.
Blaise Scott-Morris MRCVS, Equine Marketing and Technical Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Last year’s outbreaks of equine flu rocked the equine world, raising important animal welfare issues and costing the racing industry millions.
"Furthermore, they highlighted the need for good preventative healthcare and, in particular, vaccination. It’s vital that more owners are encouraged to vaccinate and those that already have, to keep up with their annual vaccinations and health checks so we don’t experience the same suffering again."
MSD's campaign invites horse owners to join the movement to #fightequineflu, and there is a range of materials to help practices promote the campaign and encourage clients to talk about vaccination and preventative healthcare, including an educational infographic poster, a social media pack and new resources on the Chameleon appointment reminder system.
MSD will itself be promoting the campaign on social media (Facebook: @Keeping Britains Horses Healthy, Instagram: @KeepingHorsesHealthy), and through partnerships with consumer channels such as Horse and Country TV.
There is also a new information resource online at www.kbhh.co.uk/achoo, which offers horse owners links to a range of other educational preventative health materials and horse care advice.
To request your Fight Equine Flu practice pack, speak to your MSD account manager.
References
Produced in association with Farmers Guardian, information in the guide includes the role of Multimin in increasing farm margins by reducing mastitis, improving fertility, assisting growth and increasing immunity.
The Multimin Focus Guide also includes case studies that demonstrate how livestock performance can be elevated with trace minerals, which is relevant to both the dairy and beef industries.
Sabrina Jordan, Product Manager at Virbac said: "Multimin is a unique injection that is designed to ‘top up’ trace mineral supplies at critical times of the production cycle.
"Strategic use of Multimin supports the transition cow and is increasingly used to increase fertility in maiden heifers, particularly at second lactation.
"Multimin is particularly useful for youngstock where it helps to boost immunity and growth; and supports during times of stress such as transportation and grouping.
"Most significantly, in areas where vets have identified deficiencies in grazing pasture, Multimin can ensure that animals are 'topped up' with the appropriate trace minerals to optimise performance.
"The aim of this online resource is to support vets in demonstrating the importance of trace minerals to improving herd efficiency and health."
www.farmersguardian.com/bringing-herd-health-virbac-multimin-focus
The Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs has marked the 10th anniversary of the Pet Travel Scheme with the release of some interesting facts and figures...
The scheme started on 28 February 2000 when owners were first able to travel to and from the UK without placing their pets in quarantine, as long as they fulfilled certain important disease control criteria.
A pug called Frodo Baggins was the first animal to travel with a pet passport and since then, 660,000 pet journeys have been made using pet passports.
60 per cent of the pets that have travelled under the scheme belong to UK owners. Animals from Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands make up about another 20 per cent.
According to Defra, the scheme was set up in response to growing demand from owners to travel with their pets, and the declining risk of disease allowed these changes to be made. In 2004 the European Union followed the UK's lead and introduced a similar system for all Member States which has also proved very successful.
Defra says the success of the scheme is fully demonstrated by the fact that it has not been associated with a single case of rabies. Animal Welfare Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The Pet Travel Scheme was set up to enable British animal owners to enjoy travelling with their pets when they need to. The success of the scheme shows that responsible pet ownership makes a large contribution to managing disease risks effectively."
As rabies in Europe steadily reduces, and with EU harmonised rules continuing to successfully control rabies, Defra says it is monitoring developments in vaccination and disease management in the EU and round the world to ensure that the UK has the most effective and proportionate controls possible as circumstances continue to change.
BCF Technology has launched a new bovine reproduction clinical booklet which can now be ordered free from the company.
BCF says the booklet has been specifically designed as a reference guide for the reproductive tract of the cow, providing key clinical commentary and scanning images to show various stages of the fertility and reproductive processes.
The booklet was written by Kimberly Palgrave, BS BVM&S RCVS, BCF's in-house vet, and aims to help the user understand the value in using ultrasound for heard fertility management.
The company says the booklet provides essential information which will be useful to its Easi-Scan and Duo-Scan customers. The correct evaluation of the bovine reproductive tract is an essential aspect of both beef and dairy herd management and this 16 page booklet could help the user either to decide or reaffirm its interpretation.
Kimberly said: "This booklet really demonstrates BCFs commitment to learning and hopefully it will provide a quick reference guide to be used on the farm. It's ideal for students and those new to using ultrasound for cattle reproduction."
To order your free copy, visit the BCF website http://www.bcftechnology.com/, telephone +44 (0)1506 460023 or email info@bcftechnology.com.
Novartis Animal Health has announced the launch of a new campaign called Prepare, Predict, Prevent and designed to raise awareness of blowfly strike management in sheep.
The campaign will include new industry research, an expert-led report, and information tailored to farmers, veterinary surgeons and SQPs. The campaign is aimed at improving awareness of blowfly strike management, with a particular focus on prevention.
In the UK, blowfly strike (myiasis) occurs on over 80 per cent of sheep farms2. If untreated, strike can severely affect the welfare of infested sheep, and may result in death. For farmers, poor management of blowfly strike brings economic costs in terms of the loss of animal, production losses and in terms of treatment and control of the disease, which is easily spread.
Furthermore, previous research from the University of Bristol4, which simulated the pattern of parasite growth in different climate-dependent environments, showed that an increase in average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius would be enough to quadruple the incidence of strike in ewes and double the rate in lambs. This is a growing concern, with climate change models for the UK suggesting that over the next 50 years summer temperatures are set to increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures by 2.5 degrees Celsius5.
Research conducted at the 2013 Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) Annual Conference indicated that, in the past five years, many believe the blowfly strike season is lasting longer and beginning earlier in the year, with the majority of early reported cases occurring unexpectedly in March. The findings have prompted a wider survey from Novartis Animal Health, which is urging SQPs, farmers and key opinion leaders nationwide to contribute answers at: www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/fleecebind-questionnaire.
Katherine Openshaw, Ectoparasiticides Category Manager at Novartis Animal Health, said: "This has always been a serious issue for the sheep industry and elevated temperature is likely to bring about increased levels of blowfly strike and a longer season.
"We recognise the need to evolve attitudes towards parasite control and to provide farmers and prescribers with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate a better management of blowfly strike. The 'Prepare, Predict, Prevent' campaign is all about simple, yet effective, measures to prevent the occurrence of blowfly strike, which can be enough to ensure farmers are protected from the potentially devastating impacts of flock infestation, offering season peace of mind.
"We have developed a range of materials to aid prescribers in promoting preventative solutions to farmers; these include farmer leaflets, posters and counter displays. We will also be offering training support so prescribers are best equipped to help farmers make informed decisions about preventative blowfly solutions."
The College says it will be promoting its Find a Vet search tool and its new Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) at the event, which runs from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 August. It will also be giving career advice for prospective veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
The College’s Find a Vet search tool was relaunched earlier this year, allowing users to search for a veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or veterinary practice all in one place. The tool also includes new features such as displaying a practice’s visiting information (including opening hours and car parking); enabling users to ‘get directions’ via Google Maps; advertising a practice’s PSS accreditations and awards; and returning individual profile pages for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
To promote the free search tool the College will be encouraging visitors to take part in its Find a Vet dice game, as well as hosting a random draw photo competition which will encourage members of the public to find and photograph one of our veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses who will be lost in the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
Another of the College’s promotional focuses is the new PSS. The new PSS is designed to provide a greater focus on how practices use their resources to create a positive outcome for patients and clients, and allows for practices to distinguish the areas in which they excel through its awards system. The College says it is using BBC Countryfile Live to raise the profile of PSS and make animal owners more aware of the various available accreditation levels.
Ahead of the event, the RCVS is running social media competitions to give away 15 free pairs of tickets: on Facebook (/TheRCVS); Twitter (@RCVS_UK); and its new Instagram account (@thercvs). The competitions ends Friday 29 July, with winners being announced that day at 5pm. Tickets will allow entry on Thursday 4, Friday 5, and Sunday 7 August.
Dechra Veterinary Products has announced a new lower recommended starting dose of Vetoryl (trilostane), its treatment for dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
Dechra says the change to the Summary of Product Characteristics for Vetoryl Hard Capsules for Dogs follows the publication of research and studies into the effects of lowering the initial dose rate.
The new, lower recommended starting dose is 2 mg/kg once daily, and the 10 mg capsules can now be used as a starting dose. Further guidance is also given for switching to twice daily dosing.
Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "Since Vetoryl capsules were first launched more than ten years ago, vets have accumulated a considerable amount of practical experience in using the product to transform the lives of dogs with Cushing's syndrome.
"Several leading veterinary teaching establishments have carried out studies investigating the effects of reducing the initial dose rate and the published literature indicates that lower starting doses are efficacious and may reduce the risk of side effects.
"Our new dosing recommendations are in line with current thinking from veterinary specialists in endocrinology and internal medicine, ensuring that Vetoryl evolves with the times and continues to restore vitality to Cushingoid dogs."
For further information contact the Dechra Veterinary Technical Services Team on 01939 211200 or e-mail technical@dechra.com, or speak to your Dechra Territory Sales Manager.
Dan Forster MRCVS and his wife Kirsty, a veterinary nurse, run The Mobile Vet Ltd, which offers a 24/7 mobile service to clients and their animals on the Isle of Wight. The team work out of custom-designed vehicles, as well as their fully equipped static veterinary clinic in Newport.
In launching The Mobile Vet, their vision was to create a mobile clinic which could provide all of the services normally provided in a traditional clinic rather than just some. The veterinary team uses the latest technology and veterinary software to communicate with clients and works from vehicles specifically designed by Dan and Kirsty.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are awarded to businesses for outstanding achievement in International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Winners of the Innovation Awards are judged to have shown outstanding success as the result of an innovation.
Dan said: "We aim to offer a caring and professional service to Islanders and their pets while also maintaining a good work/life balance. We can do almost everything from our vehicles but, when necessary, we utilise our fully equipped static clinic. We aim to offer a highly professional veterinary service using state-of-the-art equipment, which is also convenient to our clients. We have recently introduced a CT scanning service and laparoscopic surgery to expand our clinical services further.
"We are honoured to receive this prestigious award and had a fantastic day. The Award would never have been achievable without the support of our wonderful team. We look forward to continuing to provide an exemplary level of service to our clients."
The online book invites veterinary surgeons to leave written messages of condolence, and pictures.
The book will be available until Monday 3rd October.
Dr Melissa Donald MRCVS, President of the RCVS who will be attending the Queen’s state funeral on behalf of the College, said: “I, along with my colleagues in the Officer Team and on RCVS and VN Councils, were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen last week.
“As our Patron and benefactor since her accession to the throne 70 years ago, as a keen supporter of the veterinary professions who had many interactions with its members, and as an animal-lover, we were keen to give veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses the opportunity to leave messages of condolence, anecdotes about meeting Her Majesty, and tributes for her many years of duty and service to this country.
“After it closes, we plan to save a digital copy of the online book in the RCVS historical archives for posterity.”
Any nurses who have not received the original email should contact communications@rcvs.org.uk.
There are still locum and permanent vacancies in the veterinary industry, despite the current UK recession, but candidates must be prepared to be more flexible, advises veterinary recruitment company, Rig Vet Recruitment.
"The number of vacancies we are being asked to fill at present has not really varied from the same time last year," Said Justin Carpenter, Managing Director of Rig Vets. "But, in these current uncertain times, I would suggest that candidates try to be more versatile in their job requirement criteria on such as location, on-call work, night and weekend duties, working away from home etc, then it will be much easier for us to find them the right positions."
Boehringer Ingelheim is offering a free stainless steel bolus applicators, worth £42.60/€ 59.39 (plus VAT), with the first 1,000 Bovikalc multipacks sold after 1st March in the UK and Eire.
According to the company, milk fever is recognised as the most common mineral deficiency affecting transition cows; one that has a significant impact on the overall health of affected animals, even those showing no outward symptoms. This offer aims to help combat this costly but preventable disease.
The offer is open to farmers, vets and suppliers of Bovikalc and one free applicator will be provided for each Bovikalc multipack - 6 x 4 boluses.
Farmers are required to apply for the free applicators through their veterinary surgeon or Bovikalc supplier.
For further information, including the terms and conditions of the offer, visit www.bovikalc.co.uk. Alternatively, contact your regional cattle specialist or call Boehringer on 01344 746959.
Over 500 practices took part in the 2016 initiative, and Avacta is hoping even more will get involved this year, helping to raise awareness of allergies in cats and dogs.
Marketing Manager Gary Skipper said: "This year’s PAW campaign will focus on the clinical signs associated with allergies in cats and dogs as well as what is involved in the diagnosis and treatment process."
To help raise the PAW profile, Avacta has created a series of cartoon characters, such as the one pictured right, to help engage pet owners with the initiative and demonstrate the clinical signs associated with allergies in pets. There'll be a competition to name the cartoon characters at Avacta's stand (808) at BSAVA Congress this year, for the chance to win a personal pet portrait.
Gary said: "There are a wealth of reasons to get the practice involved in the initiative. PAW aims to help boost awareness among clients of the common clinical signals associated with allergies in cats and dogs; we will be offering heavily discounted canine and feline allergy tests throughout June to help reduce costs, and the campaign also helps to encourage team work by getting everyone at the practice involved in the competition for the best PAW waiting room display using the pack materials – the winning practice will receive a luxury hamper!"
To register your practice for the 2017 Pet Allergy Week, complete the online registration form at www.avactaanimalhealth.com/PAW. Alternatively speak to your local Territory Manager or contact the Avacta Customer Services Team on 0800 3 047 047 or email customer.services@avacta.com.
The registration deadline to receive a pack is Friday 5th May.
In the video, VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie explains how the site has been developed to overcome various problems with using Facebook for clinical discussion.
One of the biggest problems with Facebook is that it lends itself to large number of short-form quick-fire replies which are often repetitive and can bury any really useful pearls of wisdom. Another issue is that on Facebook, everyone's post is given a misleading equivalence. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're the leading veterinary cardiologist in the country or someone who left vet school last week, your opinion is given the same prominence. That's misleading.
The VetSurgeon.org discussion platform lends itself to longer, more thoughtful replies, and expert opinion is elevated above the rest. Information is curated by subject area and, using the Claim CPD button, easy to bookmark and refer back to later.
In the VetSurgeon Expert Help Forums, any member can post a question but only experts (those with referral practitioner, academia or industry membership categories) can reply. When you thank the experts for their help, their logo and contact details are embedded within their answer. This overcomes another problem with less tightly-controlled discussion formats, which is that they can occasionally get quite nasty. Aside from the fact that the experts are a fantastically nice and helpful bunch of people, who on earth wants their logo attached to anything less than helpful!
None of this is to say that Facebook doesn't have its place. The large volume of short-form replies make it a great place for non clinical discussion, such as veterinary politics and general banter.
However, when it comes to clinical discussion and information-sharing, VetSurgeon.org sets the standard.
If you agree with the points raise in the video, do press the 'Like' button on YouTube and share it with colleagues.
The ideas is to help ease new grads' transition into practice by giving them access to Specialist input for the management of their clinical cases.
The app provides a way for them to send case information (history, results, videos, photos) to a global team of Diploma-holding specialists across the entire range of specialties, from their mobile phone. They can then choose whether they want an instant call-back, a text chat, a written report or a virtual appointment.
To sign up for the free support, new graduates need to enter the code GRADUATE21 when they register on the app.
All new registrants will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of 50 ‘my first day’ survival kits – containing kit and goodies for their first day in practice.
Victoria Johnson, co-Director, said: “We know first-hand the pressures of starting your first vet job. We want to give all new graduates the reassurance that they always have instant access to specialist support, to help them grow and thrive in practice.
"Many practices have excellent in-house mentoring and clinical support, but there are times when it can be difficult to get hold of people when it’s busy. In addition, for challenging cases where referral may not be an option, the app enables vets to have specialist input and oversight within practice. Our mission is to help every vet be the best and feel their best every day, which is so important at the start of their career journey.”
Time on the app is automatically logged as CPD with quarterly certificates being generated for users. Additional services include the ability to book bespoke CPD, significant event reviews and live training sessions e.g. for procedures such as bone-marrow biopsy.
The app is downloadable for both iOS and Android systems.
For more information: https://www.vet-ct.com/gb/news/2021/jun/9/calling-all-new-vet-graduates
Led by the RVC’s VetCompass Programme, the study included 1,000 CCL rupture cases and a random selection of 500,000 other dogs without CCL injury.
The research found that the breeds at most risk of CCL rupture, compared with crossbreeds, were Rottweiler (x 3.66 times risk), Bichon Frise (x 2.09), West Highland White Terrier (x 1.80) and Golden Retriever (x 1.69).
Conversely, the breeds with the lowest risk were Cockapoo (x 0.26), Chihuahua (x 0.31), Shih-tzu (x 0.41) and German Shepherd Dog (x 0.43).
Additional findings included:
The study also showed that insured dogs and dogs weighing over 20 kg were more likely to receive surgical management, while dogs older than 9 years and those with another major clinical problem at the time of diagnosis with CCL rupture were less likely to receive surgical management.
Camilla Pegram, VetCompass PhD student at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: “This study has used the power of “big data” to robustly address the risk factors for cruciate ligament rupture diagnosis and management in dogs.
"The factors affecting the decision to surgically or non-surgically treat dogs with cruciate rupture are now clearer, with future work underway to address the clinical outcomes of this decision.”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the paper, said: “After centuries of reshaping by mankind, dogs now come in over 800 distinct and recognisable breeds that each has its own unique pattern of health and disease.
"This new study helps owners of breeds such as Rottweiler, Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terrier to understand that sudden lameness in a hindleg could indicate a ruptured cruciate ligament that needs urgent veterinary care.”
Christian Mauricio Gómez Álvarez, founder of VetCam Specialists, said: "This partnership represents a significant step forward in continuing professional development as our participants will receive first-class content and well-prepared,interactive case studies where they can additionally work directly.”
In addition, Veheri offers free access to a global community, where veterinary surgeons can share and discuss diagnostic images and imaging studies.
The company also offers a teleradiology reporting service.
The first joint training courses will be available from November 2024.
vetcameducation.com
www.veheri.com
Rob Rayward, an RCVS Orthopaedic Specialist at Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hertfordshire, is preparing to grease up and swim the murky waters of the English Channel this month, to raise funds for the Christian charity Derek Prince Ministries UK.
Rob is undertaking the 35km swim as a part of a Channel Swim Relay Team and has been in training for his chilly trip across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes for the past year. He is hoping to raise £1500 for the charity, which provides Christian teaching materials in over 1000 languages to Church leaders and Christian communities around the world. They also provide food and education to poor widows and orphans in Ethiopia.
Rob said: "Despite being a small animal vet I'm definitely not planning on doing the doggy paddle. All members of the team have different strengths and weaknesses but for me the cold water is proving to be a real challenge. It is likely to be about 16C on the day but as well as the cold we may have to swim part of it in the dark. Many people are aware that the Channel has debris floating in it but few are aware that we may also face jelly fish, basking sharks and if really lucky, sewage! We anticipate it taking us approximately 14 hours to complete the crossing but weather and tidal conditions can have a major impact on our time."
Rob will be completing his challenge when the conditions are favourable at some point between 19th and 28th July.
To sponsor him visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/rob-rayward.
All donations are gratefully received.
Defra has rejected the RCVS petition to protect the VN title, saying that criminalising the use of the term 'veterinary nurse' by other animal carers in a veterinary setting would be unduly harsh.
In rejecting the petition, which had gained nearly 22,000 signatures, Defra made the point that the term is often used colloquially, without intention to deceive or mislead, without undertaking unqualified practice, and without risk of harm to animals.
Noting the existing legal framework which exists to make sure that animals in veterinary care are only treated by trained and qualified individuals, Defra said it would not be in the public interest to prosecute individuals for colloquial use of the term.
BVNA President Sam Morgan said: "The BVNA are very disappointed to read the Government’s response. We feel that they have overlooked the emotions of the British public towards animal welfare and maintenance of trust within the veterinary profession. With no restriction on the use of the title it is confusing for the general public and for the veterinary profession. We hope that this response increases public awareness of the issues faced. As the representative body for Veterinary Nurses, BVNA will continue to work alongside the RCVS and BVA to raise awareness of this campaign and to encourage anyone who is interested to sign the petition."
The RCVS said that whilst the response was disappointing, it was heartened to be asked to work with the Defra to find new ways of bolstering the veterinary nursing profession.
A significant part of this work will be a review of Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which allows certain minor acts of veterinary surgery to be delegated to veterinary nurses. The RCVS says it hopes that Schedule 3 can be simplified to give VNs more clarity and confidence over what tasks they can undertake, and augmented to strengthen the role of VNs in areas such as anaesthesia.
BVA President Sean Wensley said: “Veterinary Nurses are an essential part of the veterinary team and deserve full recognition for their roles. The VN Title campaign has received strong support from across the sector and with MPs, so it is disappointing that Defra has decided not to recommend that Parliament give legal protection to the hard-earned title.
"Given the current Government’s deregulatory agenda, this response does not come as a surprise yet nor does it signal the end of the campaign. Defra have stated that if this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee will consider it for a debate. We therefore ask anyone who supports the campaign but has not yet signed the online petition to do so now.
"In the meantime BVA and BVNA will continue to work with RCVS on the VN Futures project, taking a long-term view on the role of veterinary nurses and seeking to prepare for their future within the profession."
The original TATE elbow replacement was first in clinical use in the 2010s and the revised 3rd generation version is apparently a much-improved implant, something which the clinical evaluation trial should demonstrate.
Andy Moores, head of the joint replacement programme at The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, said: “Canine elbow replacement can be a game-changer for dogs living with chronic elbow pain but up until this point the elbow replacement systems have not been as reliable as we would like.
"The third-generation TATE implant has been in use with a small number of US surgeons for several years now and the results so far have been very promising.
"We are delighted that Biomedtrix have invited us to join the evaluation trial for this implant and that the RCVS Ethics Review Panel have approved this.
"We look forward to offering this surgery as an option for some of our most painful canine patients.”
www.mooresortho.com
606 veterinary professionals took part in the research, mostly Practice Managers (34%), Head Nurses (23%) Head Vets (22%) and Administrators (9%)
Of all the respondents, which included those newly-promoted, early career, middle management, senior management and principal leaders, 33% of respondents described their competence as ‘intermediate’, 47% as intermediate, 18% as 'advanced' and only 2% as ‘expert’.
The VMG says its report raises fresh concerns about the preparedness of those tasked with steering veterinary teams through an increasingly complex and demanding landscape.
Rebecca Robinson MRCVS (pictured), incoming VMG President, said: “This year’s report again highlights the urgent need to equip both current and future leaders with the skills and support they need to thrive.
"While there are encouraging signs of progress, we must act with greater urgency as a profession to embed leadership development at every level - especially for those stepping into leadership roles for the first time."
“We encourage all members of the veterinary team to invest in developing their communication and influencing skills well before they take on leadership roles.
"Gaining experience in these areas early on will better prepare them for the demands of leadership and empower them to take charge of their career journeys.
“We also call on employers to make leadership development a priority."
The VMG offers a range of Institute of Leadership and Management-accredited qualifications – the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.
https://vetmg.com/qualifications/cvlm/
A new Support Services Guide has been launched by Fort Dodge Animal Health, designed as an aid to the company’s Practice Support Programme. The guide has been designed to provide a comprehensive reference on all the services Fort Dodge offers its practice customers. These include a comprehensive range of client materials, such as pet healthcare records, reminder stationery and pet health information leaflets, as well as various business support initiatives such as the well-respected Fort Dodge (FDI) bench-marking facility, a vaccine amnesty package and Practice PR. This press relations service provided via a professional PR agency has assisted a number of practices with local publicity, helping them increase their visibility in the local community.
Practices wishing to obtain a copy of the new guide should contact Fort Dodge on 01489 774249.
New research released by National Pet Month (5th April -5th May) has found that the UK’s most popular dog breed is the Labrador. There are 209 recognised dog breeds in the UK; 7.3 million dogs in total in the UK, one in ten of which is a Labrador.
The Pet Population study was conducted by leading industry body, the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) for National Pet Month and reflects past research by BBC Magazines which revealed that the Andrex puppy is the nation’s favourite TV animal.
The annual Pet Population report shows that over since 2003, the Labrador population has increased by 28%.
National Pet Month culminates in Wet Nose Day on 23rd April to tie in with St George’s Day, this national event will celebrate animals great and small, and also see the launch of a photographic exhibition at Selfridges London in their pet department. The ‘Hall of Fame’ photography exhibition is part of a National Pet Month competition which ran in Your Cat and Your Dog magazines during March.
Visit http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/ for more information.
VetSurgeon.org has launched a survey to discover what veterinary professionals think of the food available for small furries, and how it is labelled.
The survey closes on 22nd September, when one completed survey entry will be drawn from the hat to win £50 worth of John Lewis shopping vouchers.
The survey consists of nine quick questions, which should only take a few moments to complete.
Click here to take part in the survey.
It is hoped that the treatment centre, which will use radio-iodine therapy to treat the condition, will be completed within three months at its base near Winchester.
The new centre will be one of only 11 in the UK and the aim is to reduce the waiting time for cats with hyperthyroidism to receive treatment.
Davina Anderson, European and RCVS Recognised Vet Specialist at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, said: "We’re delighted to be able to get the go-ahead to build this facility and will start construction work imminently.
"Radio-iodine therapy is the gold standard of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats, far exceeding the results seen with surgery or oral medication.
"We intend to offer a service tailor-made to each individual cat and their family, with their clinical history and circumstances screened before they travel to us. This is to ensure that treatment with radio-iodine therapy is the correct therapeutic decision.
"The ten other centres in the UK providing this treatment are spread few and far between, and we hope that opening this facility will help to reduce waiting lists for cats awaiting treatment, particularly across southern England."
The centre at Anderson Moores will be run and managed by Boarded Specialists in Internal Medicine, supported by Boarded Cardiologists and qualified nurses.
It will also have the capacity to address other clinical concerns, if necessary. Davina said: "Cats that are presented with hyperthyroidism are older, more fragile and potentially have other concurrent conditions. It’s very rare for a cat under seven years of age to develop hyperthyroidism.
"The treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism involves a single injection of radioactive iodine, followed by isolation in a radiation-proof facility for two weeks.
"Cats usually respond extremely well to treatment, and if the condition is recognised early and treated appropriately, then the outlook for the affected cat is generally very good."