Vita Animal Health has published the results of a survey which found that only 41% of dog owners know that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart disease and only 39% felt they would recognise the signs.

The survey of 1,019 dog owners was conducted by petbuzz in December 2022.

Veterinary cardiology specialist, Dr Rachel James, said: “The CKCS has long been a very popular breed of dog in high demand, due to their loving and placid nature making them perfect family pet. 

"We know that sadly at least 50% of CKCS have evidence of MVD disease by the time they are five, with 98% of dogs affected in their lifetimes.

"However, we can help our clients when selecting this breed to choose a puppy that is less likely to develop MVD at an early age, by utilising the heart testing scheme (Doppler heart testing). 

"Prospective owners should be asking to see test results for the parents, grandparents, and even better great grandparents too, on both maternal and paternal sides.

"In addition breeders need more support and education to encourage the use of the heart testing scheme and how this can enable them to choose the best dogs to breed from. 

"Furthermore we should be encouraging breeders to breed from dogs only when they are at least 3 years of age.”

Vita Animal Health commissioned the survey to raise awareness of the condition and to remind owners to use their vet’s expertise.

Vita’s veterinary nurse, Tara Evans, said: “The CKCS is a very popular breed of dog, perhaps set to be more so now King Charles III is reigning monarch.

"This survey has shown that awareness of mitral valve disease – which is very common in this breed – is not as good as it could be.

"We want to support vets in raising awareness and have useful resources such as our heart disease infographic (www.vitaanimalhealth.com/common-signs-of-heart-disease) that we welcome all vets in using.”

Virbac Animal Health has launched a broad spectrum wormer for dogs called Endogard (praziquantel, pyrantel and febantel).

Virbac says Endogard offers treatment against most types of intestinal worms found commonly in dogs. It is presented in two tablet sizes for easy dosage. 

Victoria Hudson, Product Manager for Endo and Ectoparasiticides, said: "While we're known for developing innovative products which help practices generate additional revenue streams, we can also support them by offering cost-effective and proven products for routine use.

Endogard is a perfect example. The efficacy of its active ingredients is well-established; it's simple for owners to administer and it's also affordable which will bring them back to the practice. It's an excellent addition to Virbac's strong range of parasite control treatments."

For further information, contact your Territory Manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.

Cheam-based Maven Veterinary Care is celebrating becoming one of only 12 practices in the country to be rated as 'outstanding' in four categories by the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.

The first opinion Linnaeus Group practice, which also holds RCVS hospital status, is run by a team of nine vets, 14 nurses, nine receptionists and four animal care assistants.

It was given an outstanding rating for client service, inpatient service, patient consultation service and team and professional responsibility.

Maureen Geraghty Sathi, Practice Manager at Maven said: "We’re always asking ourselves how could we do this better? Everyone has to be on board or it would not work."

The practice had a focus team look at awards and the improvements it would need to make to achieve the required standards. Amongst the various things that were highlighted as exceptional were:

• A genuinely separate cat waiting area and cat consult room.

• An extensive pain monitoring system with pain scoring for all patients in hospital and an outpatient system which enables clients to monitor and chart their pets pain levels at home and review them with their vet.

• Daily clinical rounds which involve the entire clinical team as well as management and a member of the customer care team. Aside from discussing clinical cases for the day this platform also enables daily review of any significant events or morbidity and mortality cases to be highlighted and time allocated for review.

• A system whereby vets at the practice email clients in advance of any surgical procedure with information on the procedure itself as well as any potential risks associated with the procedure allowing time for further discussion with the client as needed

• Consistent use of surgical and GA checklists to maximise patient safety.

In the final report, the RCVS practice standards assessor wrote: "The structures and management in place were of the very highest order. I was really impressed by the commitment of this practice to provide the very highest standards of clinical care to its clients."

Maureen said: "I am massively proud of the team, to see the pride in how they work. It is lovely to be told that you are working to an extremely high level and genuinely reflects the standards of the team day by day."

Nutravet has launched Nutraflex, a new joint supplement for cats and dogs.

Nutraflex contains turmeric curcumin complex and boswellia extract, which Nutravet says work synergistically to support the natural systems that control inflammation.

The new product also contains glucosamine, a structural component of cartilage, and chondroitin sulphate to help maintain synovial fluid viscosity.

Nutravet claims the new product is fast acting, soothes stiff joints, aids long-term mobility, flexibility and joint structure, and supports the natural systems that control inflammation.

Chris Jones, Director at Nutravet said: “We’re delighted to be adding Nutraflex to our market-leading range of natural health products for pets.

"We’re always looking at ways of improving our products and Nutraflex provides our authorised stockists with a high strength veterinary exclusive joint support, supported by independent trial data, which works quickly to ultimately help pets that are suffering with joint stiffness.”

Nutraflex is available to order exclusively to authorised veterinary practices.

For more information, contact Nutravet on 0845 604 1688, email info@nutravet.co.uk or visit www.nutravet.com.

The RCVS has introduced a new online recording system for graduates starting their Professional Development Phase (PDP).

The new PDP database sits as a module within the Professional Development Record (PDR), launched by the RCVS in April to help veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses plan, evaluate and record their CPD.

 Freda Andrews, RCVS Head of Education said: "Bringing the PDP into the new Professional Development Record shows clearly how this stage of a vet's development is part of the continuum of professional development that starts at university and continues for as long as they practise. We are also developing a system for students to record their practical and clinical experience whilst at university and, once this is complete next year, the PDR will become a complete record of professional lifelong learning."

Like the rest of the PDR, the new PDP module offers extra space for notes, and allows documents such as case reports and presentations to be uploaded and stored. Responding to feedback from users of the old PDP system, the new interface is designed to be more user friendly than the previous PDP database, and contains interactive help, guidance on PDP and an easier means of recording case numbers against the clinical skills lists. All new graduates from 2012 are able to sign up to use the new PDP site and, once their account is activated, they will also be able to use the CPD area to record any additional CPD they might undertake.

Graduates from previous years who are still undertaking their PDP using the old database may continue on the old system for the time being, although at some stage within the next year or so, the old site will need to be archived. Anyone who would prefer to use the new system instead should contact the PDP administrator at the RCVS to discussed transferring (pdp@rcvs.org.uk 020 7202 0736). As the skills lists have changed slightly, however, an automatic transfer of data from the old to the new isn't possible.

The PDP links the 'Day One' competences that veterinary surgeons have achieved when they graduate to the 'Year One' competences which they are expected to have achieved after about a year in practice. Each vet's progress through the PDP is supervised by a Postgraduate Dean, and its completion also requires sign-off from the veterinary surgeon's employer or mentor.

For more information, or to sign up to the PDP, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp.

Elanco Animal Health is reminding vets about the importance of correctly interpreting oocyst counts in the diagnosis of coccidiosis during the post lambing period.

The company says scouring lambs that are failing to thrive should immediately ring the alarm bells for coccidiosis. Typically, oocyst counts of >20,000 per gram are cited as diagnostic for coccidiosis in sheep, but counts of up to 100,000 oocysts per gram have been reported in apparently healthy lambs and disease can also occur in the presence of low or negligible counts where there is gut damage but before oocysts have been shed.¹ These discrepancies can lead to misdiagnosis and as such, oocyst counts should always be interpreted with care.

Oocysts of the fourteen Eimeria species described as specific to sheep are indistinguishable from each other by eye and only two species - E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis, are actually pathogenic.¹ For this reason, diagnosing coccidiosis based on clinical signs of diarrhoea and oocysts in their faeces alone can generate false positives. This could lead to important differentials, such as Nematodirus battus infection (for lambs at pasture) being left untreated.

According to the company, false negatives are also a concern, particularly as prompt treatment of clinical cases with an anti-coccidial, such as diclazuril (Vexocan® 2.5mg/ml oral suspension) has been proven to reduce the convalescence period.² Shedding of oocysts varies with disease progression and faecal counts can fluctuate significantly.³ For example, a delay between the development of clinical signs and oocysts appearing in faeces is common. Another possibility is sub-clinical disease, with affected lambs showing no typical outward signs. The gut damage caused by the parasite can be significant in these animals though, adversely affecting growth rates.

Elanco says that for reliable diagnosis of coccidiosis, faecal oocyst counts should be considered alongside disease and farm history, followed with Eimeria species identification if possible. The disease typically affects groups of lambs aged between 3-8 weeks old and is often triggered by a stressor such as castration, weaning, turnout and/or bad weather. If clinical signs appear around three weeks after such an event, the suspicion of coccidiosis can be heightened. For some farms, predictable stressors cause disease outbreaks year after year and in these cases, a metaphylactic dose of Vecoxan® can be administered to susceptible lambs 14 days after the trigger event.

Finally, the company says veterinary surgeons should also not forget the importance of good management when advising farmers about coccidiosis control. Lambing pen and high traffic area hygiene and age batching lambs are essential for long term control.

References

1. Merck veterinary manual online edition - 'Coccidiosis of sheep', http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/21203.htm, 10.12.12
2. Platzer B, Prosl H, Cieslicki M, Joachim A, Epidemiology of Eimeria infections in an Austrian milking sheep flock and control with diclazuril, , Veterinary Parasitology 129 (2005) 1-9
3. Gauly. M. et al. Pattern of Eimeria Oocyst Output and Repeatability in Naturally Infected Suckling Rhön Lambs, Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series B, Volume 48, Issue 9, pages 665-673, November 2001

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has reprimanded Gloucestershire veterinary surgeon Adele Lewis for failing to pass on information about a horse’s clinical history to a potential buyer during a pre-purchase examination.

Ms Lewis, the sole principal of the Cotswold Equine Clinic in Lechlade, Gloucestershire, carried out the examination of a pony called Luke on 13 February 2014. Luke was owned by Mrs Booth who was a long-established client of Ms Lewis, both at her previous practice, Bourton Vale, and at her current practice. The examination was carried out on behalf of the prospective purchaser, Mrs Grieve.

Upon examination Ms Lewis certified that, in her opinion, Luke’s veterinary history did not increase the risk of purchase.

Following the purchase of Luke, Mrs Grieve attempted to obtain insurance for Luke and found out from a pet insurance company that a claim had been made by Mrs Booth in September 2013. She subsequently found out that, following concerns expressed by Mrs Booth and her trainer about Luke’s movement and their wanting an expert opinion, Ms Lewis had referred him to Dr Kold, a Specialist in Equine Orthopaedics, in September 2013. Dr Kold had diagnosed Luke with lameness and had given him intra-articular medication. Luke had also had a follow-up appointment with Dr Kold about four weeks later in October 2013.  

The Disciplinary Committee hearing commenced on Tuesday 13 October 2015. At the outset, Ms Lewis admitted several parts of the charges (charge A and charge B) against her. In regards to charge A, she admitted that she had failed to inform Mrs Grieve that, when she examined Luke on 24 September 2013, his then owner Mrs Booth had complained firstly that Luke was “not tracking up and going forward” and, secondly, that he had improved significantly when put on a Phenylbutazone trial. She also admitted that she had referred him to Dr Kold for a poor performance investigation and that she ought to have informed Mrs Grieve of these matters.

In regards to charge B, she admitted that she completed a Certificate of Veterinary Examination in which she had declared that Luke’s veterinary history did not increase the risk of purchase and allowed the vendor’s declaration to include assertions that there had been no previous lameness and no intra-articular medication given in the last 12 months. Ms Lewis admitted that she ought to have known that her declaration that Luke’s veterinary history did not increase the risk of purchase was incorrect.

However, Ms Lewis denied being aware that Dr Kold had diagnosed lameness, administered an intra-articular corticosteroid to Luke and examined and noted a problem with his breathing, including upper airway disease and possible lower airway disease. Furthermore, she denied dishonesty in regards to both the charges against her and in relation to vendor declarations made on the Certificate of Veterinary Examination regarding previous lameness and intra-articular medication.

During the course of the hearing, Ms Lewis told the Committee that she had not received the reports about the two consultations by Dr Kold (despite their having been sent to her by letter and, with respect to the second report, also by email) and that she was therefore unaware of his findings when she carried out the pre-purchase examination. She also stated that she had not been informed of these by Mrs Booth. During her evidence, Ms Lewis also admitted having entered inaccurate information on a veterinary report to assist with an insurance claim.

The Committee did not find Ms Lewis to be an impressive witness citing the fact that her “explanations as to her practice showed a worrying absence of probity in the completion of veterinary reports for the purposes of insurance claims, and an absence of any effective practice management, consistent with acceptable practice.”

However, the Committee felt it did not have the evidence to conclude that Ms Lewis had acted dishonestly during the pre-purchase examination. It cited the fact that her actions, when informed by the purchaser Mrs Grieve of Dr Kold’s examination, did not appear to be those of someone trying to cover their tracks.

In regards to charge A, the Committee also found that the “apparently chaotic manner in which Ms Lewis ran her practice, and her own opinion that the pony was sound, would appear to have led her to wrongly disregard these matters from disclosure.”

In making its decision on her conduct and sanction, the Committee said that Ms Lewis’ failure to fully communicate to Mrs Grieve all the relevant information about Luke’s veterinary history fell far short of the conduct expected from a veterinary surgeon. It also cited the utmost importance of a complete and accurate certification process, as made clear in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and the Twelve Principles of Certification.  

Chitra Karve, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said:  “The Committee continues to emphasise the importance of maintaining the integrity of veterinary certification in any aspect of practice. Mrs Grieve told this Committee that if she had been fully informed about Luke’s veterinary history she would not have purchased the pony. It is clear from the evidence that it affected Mrs Grieve’s ability to insure the pony. Ms Lewis has accepted that the information about Luke’s veterinary history, not having been disclosed, was capable of affecting the risk of purchase. The public are entitled to rely upon veterinary surgeons providing complete and accurate information, when certificates and reports are prepared.”

In mitigation, the Committee paid regard to Ms Lewis’ inexperience at running her own practice and found no issue with her competence or clinical ability as a veterinary surgeon. It concluded that she had acted out of character and that there was no financial motivation for her actions. It also found it “highly relevant that the facts admitted and found proved related to a single pre-purchase examination.”

It also noted that Ms Lewis has now put in place a practice management system and has shown insight into her actions, by taking active steps to better comply with her obligations under the Code of Professional Conduct. She had also made early admissions of guilt and made a full apology to both Mrs Grieve and the RCVS both at the outset of the hearing, and in her evidence.

Chitra Karve added: “Having had the opportunity of observing her demeanour at this hearing, the Committee believes that it is unlikely that she will repeat her conduct.... The Committee has concluded that an appropriate and proportionate response in this case is to reprimand Ms Lewis.”

North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR) in Surrey is pioneering the use of Neuromed Invetra, a new spinal stabilisation system which uses screws rather than bone cement.

Dr Guillaume Leblond, an American specialist in veterinary neurology at NDSR said: “Traditionally, bone cement has been used to provide support and stabilisation when treating veterinary spinal instability cases.

“Polyaxial pedicle screws have proven a very reliable and efficient way of treating such spinal problems in human medicine.

“These special screws can be inserted in the vertebrae and connected to strong metal rods instead of bone cement and we’re now very excited to be offering this new service to our patients.

“The main advantage to this cutting-edge procedure is its flexibility.

"Once cement is set in place it is obviously very hard to move, manipulate or remove should you need to adjust or correct.

“With the metal rod and screw system, it is more adaptable and you can adjust it far more easily and quickly.

“It may also be less prone to infection compared to cement, which has been known to harbour bacteria sometimes causing infections several years after the surgery.

"Another hope we have for this system is that it will be less prone to failure compared to cement, especially on extended stabilisation constructs.

Guillaume added: “The neurology team at NDSR has been training in applying this new system as soon as it became available and we have already used it to treat two dogs, both of them having surgery on the same day.

“One was a golden retriever treated by my colleagues Rodolfo Cappello (head of neurology) and Natalie West (neurology resident), and the other was a whippet under my care.

"They were two very different sizes of dog but both operations went well.

“We are grateful to OrthomedTM, the company manufacturing the stabilization system, provided all necessary details to plan the surgeries as precisely as possible.

“We also collaborated with Vet3DTM to create patient specific 3D printed guides to ensure the precise placement of screws and it proved a great solution in both cases.”

“Admittedly, it is still early days for the introduction of this new spinal stabilisation system but we are optimistic it will prove a significant advancement in treating many spinal problems.”

www.ndsr.co.uk

Improve International has launched a two-year Cardiology Distance Learning (DL) Postgraduate Certificate programme.

The new programme, which starts in May 2021, will address the fundamental principles underlying cardiac disease, discuss common presentations and review current diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. 

Modules are delivered using a range of blended learning techniques, including interactive online lessons, supported by notes and videos.

While studying, delegates will have a module tutor – a recognised veterinary Specialist in their field - and a dedicated programme tutor, who works with individual delegates to support them through the programme.

Delegates can also choose three optional practical attendance sessions covering ECGs, thoracic radiography and echocardiography.

The programme offers a route through to achieving academic qualifications - General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), in partnership with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University. Gaining a PgC enables delegates to apply to RCVS for Advanced Practitioner status in the subject.

Course Director Kieran Borgeat BSc BVSc MVetMed CertVC DipACVIM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS, said: "Improve International’s Cardiology DL programme features a diverse array of speakers from a variety of backgrounds, who will bring the latest information about veterinary cardiology to delegates. Our module leaders are world experts in their field so bring a thorough and uniquely engaging approach to the course material. Being able to discuss the topic with them and other course delegates online during each module of teaching during a two-year, in-depth course is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the topic as never before."

David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: “Our cardiology programme has been designed to equip delegates with all of the skills and knowledge they need to confidently investigate, diagnose and treat cardiac patients.

“As we start to look ahead to a time beyond lockdowns, many veterinarians are taking stock and considering the next step in their career. For some, an additional qualification may be part of their plan. By offering a distance learning solution, we can ensure that, wherever in the world they are in practice, they have the opportunity to develop their clinical skills and achieve a postgraduate qualification.”

 Registration information can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/pgc-gpcert-small-animal-cardiology-distance-learning/

The BVA has forecast that new post-Brexit trade agreements for meat and agricultural products like milk, gelatine and hay could trigger a 325% increase in the number of veterinary certifications needed, requiring many more veterinary surgeons to perform the role.

The forecast formed part of the Association's response to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EfraCom) inquiry into the impact on the UK’s trade in food after Brexit.

The BVA says that if the UK is treated as a 'third country' post Brexit, exports and imports of animals and animal products to and from the EU will need new veterinary certifications.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, says the volume of products requiring veterinary certifications could increase by as much as 325% as a result.

There are currently 1,063 Official Veterinarians authorised by the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to certify food products for export to third countries from Great Britain, a number which the BVA says would have to be significantly increased.

The BVA is urging the Government to undertake a major review of third country certification to ensure we have the capacity to fulfil new trade agreements. To combat the potential shortage in veterinary capacity, BVA is also calling on the Government to guarantee working rights for non-British EU vets and veterinary nurses currently working and studying in the UK. 

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, Gudrun Ravetz said: "Vets are absolutely vital to facilitating UK trade by ensuring standards so that consumers at home and abroad have confidence in the food safety and welfare of the products they choose to buy. Veterinary certification is required not only for meat, but a whole range of products such as gelatine in sweets.

"Ironically, it is non-British EU vets who make up around 50% of our new workforce each year. However, since the EU referendum, we are facing serious problems in recruiting and retaining EU vets, which makes the need for more vets to perform this crucial trade-task an even more pressing concern. Vets’ role in the future of UK trade must be recognised and planned for, as an integral part of forthcoming trade negotiations."

The BVA trade submission also outlines that access to veterinary medicines could potentially be restricted post-Brexit. In order to protect animal and public health, BVA is calling for any new trade deal with the EU to maintain the link with EU veterinary medicine approval systems.

The UK currently has high standards of animal health, animal welfare and public health, including food safety, in its food production. These standards help prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases in animal products, ensure farm animals have a humane death, protect food safety and safeguard responsible antimicrobial use. BVA’s submission to the EfraCom trade inquiry emphasises that, as public goods, the UK must prioritise the maintenance of these standards in all trade negotiations moving forwards.

BVA’s full response to the EfraCom inquiry into the impact on the UK’s trade in food after Brexit is available on the BVA website at www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/consultations/consultation-responses/

A panel of experts at the National Equine Forum’s (NEF) Great Weight Debate (Equine) has concluded that teamwork, communication and trust are key to solving the problem of horse, pony and donkey obesity in the UK.

Equine obesity is a growing problem not just in the UK but around the world. The debate explored how various sectors of the equestrian industry see the challenges faced by people who are struggling to manage their horse’s weight. It included the views of equine vet Lucy Grieve, horse owner Helen Gale, livery yard owner and coach Beth Maloney, nutritionist Liz Bulbrook, competition judge David Ingle and equine welfare officer Penny Baker.

The session was chaired by equine vet and nutrition specialist Professor Pat Harris with the support of Dr Tamzin Furtado, a social scientist with a special interest in human behaviour change for animals.

The panellists shared their views on what they believed to be the blocks for horse owners in recognising obesity and addressing the problem.

They identified the importance of empowering owners and working with them to make step by step changes with the support of a reliable and trusted team including vet, nutritionist, yard owner and farrier.

Lucy said: “Vets are in unique and privileged position to provide an achievable and effective tailor-made strategy for individual horses.

"We must all learn to overcome avoidance and engage recognise, accept and understand, and tailor a solution.”

Helen added: “Owners need to be able to recognise and acknowledge that their horse has a weight problem and be motivated to take action. Communication is key. It’s important for others to understand why you are following the advice form vets and other experts and how they can best help."

There was recognition that a bespoke approach is needed for every horse, owner and situation. Some livery owners may face challenges in changing management practices and peer pressure on a yard may prevent people implementing intake restriction measures such as a grazing muzzle or restricted turnout.

Beth said: “Peer pressure can be daunting and there can be a lack of confidence that you are doing the right thing."

Communication and proactive signposting to reliable advice and scientific information were identified as pivotal, not only in helping to identify weight changes but also to build horse owners’ knowledge and confidence. This would build a clearer understanding of the calorific value of feeds and of grass and forage, what constitutes a balanced diet, the importance of regular exercise and weight monitoring, being able to identify the difference between fat and muscle and being familiar and comfortable with the range of weight control tactics, such as grazing muzzles, restricted grazing and track systems.

The language used was also identified as important; gauging the needs and response of the individual and asking the owner what they think, would be more effective than using potentially inflammatory language - for example choosing the phrase ‘fat pad’ rather than the terms ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’.

Lucy said: “If we are all being really honest with ourselves obesity is neglect. I doubt many vets would walk away from an emaciated horse or an infected wound or a cloudy eye so why are we so willing to walk away from these ticking time bombs which are actually a real welfare issue as the animal is potentially at risk of losing their life?”

You can buy tickets for a replay of the debate for £5, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-weight-debate-equine-playback-tickets-138080533593 

The 29th National Equine Forum will be held online on Thursday 4th March 2021. Tickets will be available in February 2021. If you'd like to be notified when they become available, you can subscribe here: https://www.nationalequineforum.com/subscribe/ 

Bayer Animal Health has launched a new version of Drontal which is presented as a bone-shaped tablet.

The company says that this is the UK's first worming tablet shaped like a bone, and that the product is designed to help improve client compliance.

Dan White, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "Almost half of dog owners - surveyed prior to launch - indicated that new Drontal bone would encourage them to worm their dogs more routinely. This is clearly great news for practices especially during these difficult economic times.

The launch of Drontal bone will be supported by a marketing drive that includes a new advertising creative concept which will be featured as part of a national TV advertising campaign, and an online consumer-facing competition called Give Your Dog A Bone designed to engage further with dog owners and communicate the benefits of having a worm-free dog.

Dan added: "The online and supporting consumer PR campaign will bring to life the special bond between pet and owner, and celebrate the happiness that dogs bring to our lives when they are happy, healthy and worm-free."

Practices can request a practice support pack to promote the availability of Drontal bone which will include a notice board picture-pack aimed at dog owning clients by calling their Bayer Territory Manager or 01635 563380.

The Give Your Dog a Bone competition and PR campaign has been devised by leading healthcare communications agency Pegasus. The new 'bone-shaped' TV and print creative has been developed by the recently-appointed advertising agency Dinosaur and will launch in early 2012.

Drontal's Give Your Dog a Bone competition will be launched on 1st March 2012 at www.giveyourdogabone.co.uk.

Braemar Finance has published the results of research it commissioned in July to canvass the thoughts of senior members in veterinary practice about the impact of coronavirus.

Two hundred members of the profession took part. The main results were:

• 68% said it will be up to six months before they are fully operational again
• 65% said they expected their business to stay the same overall, over the next 12 months. Of the remainder, 22% thought their business will contract.
• 85% expect revenue over the next 12 months to decrease (29.5% by 21-40%, 26% by 41-60% and 24.5% by 1-20%).
• 80% made use of the furlough scheme
• 63% believe that once things return to normal staffing levels will return to normal too. 
• 58.5% had made use of the government Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
• When asked how supported you feel by your professional body, 18.5% said 'very' and 78.5% 'Somewhat'.
• 27% felt the worst is behind us, but the economy could decline again, 24% said the worst is behind but it will be a slow recovery, 22% said there is worse to come and 21.5% said the worst is behind and there will now be a quick recovery.