Scrubs Etc Limited has announced the launch of Steribond, a new skin adhesive notable for the fact that it is sterile and can be stored at ambient temperature for up to 18 months.
The product has so far only been launched to a limited number of people at the London Vet Show last November.
According to the company, Steribond is as strong as a 3.0 suture for external sutures and can therefore be used in place of sutures and staples. It has a 10 second setting time, and will stay in place for between 5 to 10 days, depending on the site of injury and other factors.
The product has a precision applicator with a transparent reservoir, allowing the user to see how much adhesive is available and that the applicator is primed. The company says that it allows for a cosmetically neater wound closure, which can be important to customers. In addition, it is a no-sting product which Scrubs Etc says can remove the need to sedate the animal in come circumstances, thereby reducing costs. Steribond is also showerproof.
Steribond is currently on special offer, priced at £83.64 (usual price £102.00 incl. VAT).
For more information, contact Scrubs Etc Ltd on 0870 080 2332 or see: http://www.scrubsuk.com/steribond-veterinary-skin-adhesive-box-of-10-devices.html
The new.graduatevet programme (or 'Dot' programme) offers hands-on surgical training and seminars from Advanced Practitioners at Pets'n'Vets' Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow, together with a dedicated website for all new and recent graduates: www.new.graduatevet.co.uk.
Pets'n'Vets says the programme has now been further enhanced by the addition of new CPD elements and the provision of additional monthly benchmarking and seminars.
Oliver Jackson, a partner at Pets‘n’Vets, said: "This is the best well-rounded, supported and unique new graduate training programme available in Scotland. Support is delivered through an integrated mentor system, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and regular case reviews, with the programme designed to integrate with, and augment, the PDP requirements, all in a clinically-driven setting free from tie-ins or financial targets."
The Dot programme sees new graduates undertake advanced training and extra practice on surgery, consultations and general practice to accelerate their skills and confidence as well as a digest of bespoke seminars aimed specifically at life in practice and optimising clinical outcomes and confidence.
The programme also includes regular periods of shadowing certificate-holding vets in a diverse range of areas, including ECC, orthopaedics, cardiology and advanced medical work-ups.
Oliver said: "We are proud to develop the programme which we believe will provide a platform for new graduates to apply the skills they’ve learned at university throughout the previous five years, and allow them to excel in their careers.
"This programme will form the first step in an ongoing personal development process and a bright future in our vet practices when they have completed their new graduate training."
Ruby Shorrock is a full-time veterinary surgeon at Pets'n'Vets who is now most of the way through last year’s inaugural Dot programme. She said: "I would heartily recommend the Dot programme to new veterinary graduates.
"The training programme enabled me to become an independent vet with all the support I need and it’s fantastic to be in a locally-owned small veterinary practice where graduates like myself get individual attention in an accredited hospital with the capacity to nurture our skills and personal development and where the gold standard I learned at university is in use every day."
New grads can apply for a place on the Dot programme by logging onto www.new.graduatevet.co.uk and emailing hr@petsnvets.org
HSR, which provides emergency and routine specialist orthopaedic and neurology services, now offers video consultations with a specialist and a pet transportation service. It has also introduced strict strict biosecurity and operational preventative measures.
Clare Hamilton, Managing Director, says, “Our priority is to continue to offer gold-standard service for both routine and emergency orthopaedic and neurological cases whilst doing our utmost to limit the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible. We are to all intents and purposes, ‘business as usual’ with additional hygiene measures to protect clients and staff”.
HSR is asking clients that if there is a chance that they have Covid-19 and/or have come into contact with anyone with the virus they do not attend the hospital in person, but instead contact via email or telephone to discuss their pet’s treatment on an individual basis. Clients visiting the clinic are being asked to wait in their cars until their appointment, whereupon the animal is collected from the car by one of the team for its clinical examination. The vets are then speaking to the clients by telephone to discuss and gain consent for any further investigation or treatment.
For vulnerable clients who are self-isolating and in need of their services, HSR is offering a pet ambulance service for collection and drop off of pets. They will then have a video consultation with the specialist. Medications will be posted out and advice given over email or telephone.
Clare added: “We are doing all we can to support colleagues and clients in what are unprecedented circumstances. We recognise the strain on many practices having to reduce the number of appointments in the face of staff shortages. We want to reassure vets that we are happy to offer advice and support with cases, and continue to take referrals during this difficult period. We also have free online CPD for practices via our website as meetings are postponed or cancelled”.
The practice advises clients and referring vets to check for further developments on social media, or sign up to their email list for updates.
The event, put together by BSAVA volunteers and sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is designed to offer students a fun, interactive day of clinical and non-clinical content, counting towards six hours of EMS. The Association says it has been specifically tailored to support students in preparation for their careers in small animal practice.
AVS President, Isobel Arthur and AVS Junior Vice President, Calum McIntyre said: “The BSAVA Student Conference is a great opportunity for students to enhance their learning on a variety of engaging topics. Students will also be provided with the unique opportunity to talk with various expert clinicians, offering valuable insights into their fields in a time when access to seeing practice is more limited."
The day will include panel discussions, expert Q&A, quizzes and polls, plus the chance to talk to others using an online chat platform.
More content will be made available the day after the event, consisting of five webinars providing clinical guidance on; cardiology, exotics, surgery, nutraceuticals and customer care.
Alison Speakman, BSAVA Junior Vice President said: “Practice-based scenarios with student-led topics and clinical case solving of challenging issues, including fever and problematic anaesthesia patients, are aimed at facilitating a confident transition from student to graduate.
"There will also be plenty of fun, including a live BSAVA Bake-Off hosted by Rosie Brandreth-Poynter for you to showcase your cookery skills, as well as a keep fit session to help you burn some calories after you have sampled your efforts!”
This event is for BSAVA Veterinary Student members only, and costs £12. For more information and to book a place, visit: https://www.bsava.com/studentfocus
The hands-on course, which is worth 7 CPD hours, has been organised by Dr Nicola M Parry, Recognised Specialist in Pathology at the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine. It will combine lectures, practicals, and a Q&A session to enable delegates to carry out a post-mortem, identify common (and not so common) pathologies, and draw conclusions about the cause of death.
The morning lectures will provide an overview of techniques that focus on how to approach the post-mortem examination of the adult horse and the foetus/foal, as well as how to examine the placenta. Potential findings will be discussed as well as some pitfalls to avoid during the post-mortem examination, and how to optimise sample submission. The lectures will be recorded, enabling sessions to be reviewed later.
Delegates will spend the afternoon in the post-mortem room, examining macroscopic specimens and learning practical approaches to a post-mortem examination in the field, and the collection of key specimens. The day will close with a Q&A session.
Speakers Dr Fabio Del Piero from the Louisiana State University and Dr Marvin J Firth from the University of Surrey will help delegates to:
Sarah Gaspar, the Learning Manager at BEVA said: “If you have ever been called out to a dead horse to find a distraught owner and not been sure how to identify the cause, this course is for you. We can’t remember any course ever having been run on this topic in the UK before; it is likely to be very popular so be quick to book.”
To find out more and to book click here: https://www.beva.org.uk/Education/CPD/Event-Details/eventDateId/1582
The new GPCert programme, led by course director Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine) DipACVIM (Oncology) (pictured right), consists of 12 modules covering key clinical subjects in veterinary oncology delivered over 14 months.
Each module consists of nine lessons, two case studies, course notes and weekly summary videos.
Lessons are supported by notes and videos, quizzes and a forum tutored by leading specialists.
Owen said: “Half of all canine cancers are treatable if caught early enough and new treatments are continuously being researched.
"The programme will guide delegates through the latest knowledge in state-of-the-art, compassionate cancer care for animals, helping them to provide safe and comprehensive diagnostics and treatments.”
For more information, visit: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/oncology-online-learning/
A Pet Obesity Task Force, the first of its kind in the country, has been launched at the European Pet Obesity Conference, hosted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help tackle the growing number of obese and overweight pets and put in place strategies to help overcome the condition.
The Task Force hopes to raise awareness of the growing health implications of obese and overweight pets, such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. The fact that pets are obese or overweight is often overlooked by owners and the group also aims to encourage them to identify weight problems and seek appropriate advice from vets.
Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser at the RSPCA, who will be sitting on the board, comments: “We’ve been trying to treat and prevent pet obesity for 20 years, but the problem hasn’t gone away. In fact it seems to have got worse despite everyone’s efforts. It’s incredibly frustrating. So, is there any point in fighting on in the same old way if we’re not winning the battle?
“Let’s take a step back, review our knowledge, re-evaluate our approaches, think outside the box and innovate. What could we learn from social scientists, human psychologists and others engaged in trying to tackle the very same problem in people – especially children?”
Members of the Pet Obesity Task Force include:
Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser, RSPCA BVetMed MRCVS Professor John Innes BVSc PhD CertVR DSAS(Orth) MRCVS Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore BSc BVM&S PhD MACVSc MRCVS Daniel Chan DVM DipACVECC DipACVN MRCVS Nicola Ackerman BSc(Hons) RVN Cert SAN MBVNA Rachel Casey BVMS Dip(AS)CABC MRCVS Dr Ian Campbell GP Mike Jessop BVetMed MRCVS Dr Jacques Debraekeleer DVM, DipECVCN Simon Wheeler Head of marketing at Petplan
The results of a new study1 highlighting the prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection as seen by UK veterinary surgeons, combined with the low awareness amongst dog owners of this parasite2 has led Bayer Animal Health to launch a nationwide 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative.
Backed by a hard-hitting national advertising, PR and radio campaign which kicks off in April, the initiative aims to highlight the prevalence of this potentially, and often fatal infection, and to drive pet owners to their veterinary practices for further information.
The initiative also sees the launch of a new educational website for dog owners - http://www.lungworm.co.uk/. The site offers further information on the infection, including likely signs, how to obtain treatment and a video of the lifecycle of the parasite showing the threat posed by the lungworm's intermediate hosts - slugs and snails.
The study revealed that 16% of vets questioned had one or more confirmed cases of the disease. A further 10% had seen dogs that they suspected had the infection. However, only 6% of dog owners questioned in a UK wide survey had unprompted awareness of the parasite.
Bayer's Chris White said: "These results are no surprise following the reports last year of confirmed cases of Angiostrongylus vasorum as far north as Glasgow. The disease has seen a rapid rise in importance over the past few years highlighted by the number of vets and nurses that attended the Advocate CPD meetings held around the country at the end of last year.
"The 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative aims to educate owners on the risks associated with infection, to encourage them to visit their vet for further information and discuss their dogs' parasite protection plan."
For further details, or to order the supporting practice materials, including a new educational waiting room display and practice PR pack to help raise awareness locally, please contact your Bayer representative or ring 01635 563682.
1Insight Track, 2008 2Insight Track, 2009
An online quiz by the RCVS has shown that veterinary surgeons generally have good understanding of the Guide to Professional Conduct, but that misconceptions about the role of the college are rife.
Around 850 people completed the quiz since it was launched in November 2009, with veterinary surgeons accounting for 70% of those that took part. The average score was 20 out of 25
Despite the high average score, there were several questions which a very significant number of people got wrong. The worst related to the role of the RCVS: 76% of people wrongly thought that the College's remit included negligence, whilst 66% believed that the RCVS could not consider criminal convictions (it can).
Nearly half of those taking part were not aware that the standard of proof to which the RCVS Disciplinary Committee must be satisfied is 'so as to be sure' - the same as for a criminal court.
Other questions poorly answered related to 24-hour cover, delegation to paraprofessionals, consent and ownership of records. The RCVS Communications Board will consider how to improve communications in these areas.
In terms of age, the highest scoring age-band was 51-60, achieving an average of 20.5 right answers; the lowest was '30 or under', at 18.7. However, this is not backed up by distribution of complaints to the RCVS, where only 27% of complaints relate to those who have less than ten years' post-qualification experience, although this group makes up 43% of registrations.
The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the genders in terms of Guide knowledge, at 19.54 right answers for men and 19.46 for women. Meanwhile, only 34% of complaints to the RCVS are made about women, while they account for 51% of the Register. However, as women tend to dominate the younger end of the profession, this statistic may be linked to the fact that a greater percentage of complaints relate to older individuals, more likely to be men.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Head of Communications said: "We hoped the quiz would offer a light-hearted way for vets - and others - to review their knowledge of the Guide, which can be a dry read, and have been pleased with the response.
The RCVS has announced that its current Treasurer, Dr Bradley Viner, will be the College's next Vice-President after he was elected to the post at RCVS Council last Thursday.
Dr Viner has been an elected member of Council since 2005 and Treasurer since 2010 and will take up his latest position at RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting - on 11 July. He replaces Professor Stuart Reid, who Council confirmed as President for 2014-15, and will take up his new role in July.
During his time on Council Dr Viner has served on all of the major committees with the exception of the Disciplinary Committee. Outside of Council he runs a group of practices in North West London and is Vice-Chairman of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
In his manifesto he set out the nature of his Vice-Presidency, stating: "My personal ethos is very much based upon continual improvement. It is only by having the confidence to discuss openly how things could have been done better that an organisation can learn how to improve.
"I also recognise the vital importance of good communications: with Council; the profession at large; Government; and with other interested organisations. I intend to do my utmost to communicate with them as effectively as possible."
At the same meeting of RCVS Council, Colonel Neil Smith, the current President, was confirmed as Vice-President from July, subject to his re-election in this year's RCVS Council elections.
In addition, Chris Tufnell was re-elected as Chairman of the Education Committee, while David Catlow was elected Chairman of Standards Committee, also subject to his re-election in this year's RCVS Council elections.
The organisers have invited veterinary experts to share their knowledge and expertise in gastroscopy, sinoscopy and upper respiratory tract (URT) endoscopy, using cadaver heads and state of the art models, during daily practical sessions.
Practical sessions will guide delegates through the most commonly used equine endoscopy procedures, including how to perform gastroscopy, how to perform upper respiratory tract endoscopy and exploration of the guttural pouches and how to get the most out of sinoscopy.
Each session will include a review of the anatomy involved and helpful tips from experts Jonathan Anderson, Tim Barnett, Imogen Comyn, Ollie Crowe, Sarah Mack, Patrick Pollock, Alex Rafferty, Richard Reardon, Neil Townsend, Sophie Wilford and Tom Witte.
The gastroscopy practical will make use of a custom synthetic model of a horse’s oesophagus and stomach, uniquely developed by BEVA, Burtons and DeLegge Medical Design in the USA. The URT endoscopy practical will utilise cadaver heads on stands so delegates can look at laryngeal components, sinus drainage angle, ethmoids, guttural pouch ostia and can then scope/ pass foley catheters/chambers catheters in to guttural pouches. Pre-prepared cadaver heads will also be used for the sinoscopy practicals. Frontal sinus trephine holes will allow a scope to be inserted and one side will be broken through the maxillary septal (ventral conchal) bulla so delegates can compare the differences in anatomy.
At the end of each demonstration Burtons, who have sponsored the event and supplied the endoscopic equipment, will be providing advice on how to clean and maintain scopes properly.
Mark Bowen, President of BEVA, said: "BEVA is committed to providing innovative and practical CPD through its entire CPD programme, including congress and these practical sessions showcase the excellent and varied education provided to members. At a time when the RCVS are considering the value of certain types of CPD in improving professional competence, BEVA is committed to leading the field and challenging perceptions of what a modern conference can be."
The practical sessions will run on all three days of Congress on the balcony above the exhibition hall. Each session will comprise a demonstration and then three practical slots, each for a maximum of ten delegates. Places can be secured on a first come first served basis by signing up on the day.
Visit www.beva.org.uk to find out more and to sign up.
Set up in 2012, the programme was developed to raise the standards of care and welfare of cats in the veterinary clinic, and to provide veterinary surgeons with practical solutions to problems that they face when dealing with their feline patients. The programme is also designed to boost business by strengthening the bond between the clinic and its feline clients.
Four years later, with 732 practices accredited worldwide (369 in the UK) and a further 1,000 US practices accredited under the American Association of Feline Practitioners scheme licensed from ISFM, the programme has become a well-recognised global standard in feline veterinary care. Last October, it was the winner of the 2016 Veterinary Record Innovation Award.
ISFM says it has now signed six new commercial partners for the scheme: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ceva Animal Health, Elanco, Idexx Laboratories, Merial and Royal Canin, and will be working with these partners to expand the programme further.
Dr Andy Sparkes, Veterinary Director of International Cat Care, ISFM’s parent charity, said: We are delighted to see how many clinics around the world have focused on becoming cat friendly and we can only expect this to grow again in 2017 with our new partners on board. We are looking forward to a very cat friendly 2017!"
Clinics interested in joining the scheme should visit: www.catfriendlyclinic.org for further information, including an extensive library of photographs from already-accredited clinics to provide inspiration and ideas.
In the piece, which starts at 1:22:54 here, Gudrun explained that what is seen as “normal” and cute for these dogs, such as snorting and snuffling, is in reality a result of debilitating respiratory problems caused by the squashed faces that have made them so fashionable.
Today also highlighted the fact that flat-faced breeds have experienced a huge boom in popularity recently, driven by celebrity owners, advertising and the media. According to the Kennel Club, the French bulldog is set to knock the labrador off its perch as the UK's most popular breed.
Following the interview Gudrun said: "We shouldn’t be buying and breeding dogs on the way we want them to look - it should always be about prioritising welfare above appearance.
"These are breeds that can suffer just by walking around or eating, which is why we’re calling on the media and advertisers to stop using them in their adverts.
"It is also difficult to turn on the TV, check Instagram or see a celebrity photo without also seeing a brachycephalic breed so it’s not surprising that demand for these dogs is rising."
Gudrun urged anyone thinking about buying a brachycephalic breed to talk to their local vet and think about choosing a healthier breed or crossbreed instead.
Modules for the first GPAdvCert – in Small Animal Orthopaedics – will begin in February 2018. Improve says it's the first of many 'next steps' programmes which it plans to launch under this new postgraduate level qualification.
The GPAdvCert in Small Animal Orthopaedics is aimed at veterinary surgeons who have completed their General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Surgery (GPCert SAS) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Small Animal Surgery.
Accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University, the programme is delivered over 15 modules in three state-of-the-art European training centres - Sheffield, UK, Cremona, Italy and Madrid, Spain. Improve says delegates will learn from world-class clinicians and will be supervised in their practise of new surgical techniques and advanced procedures in a wet-lab environment.
David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve International (pictured right), said: "We felt there was a gap in the current structure for a postgraduate qualification which would allow students to advance their knowledge and practical skills in their chosen area and to add to their academic credentials. The General Practitioner Advanced Certificate is our solution."
Successful achievement of the GPAdvCert will enable delegates to progress from a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery (or equivalent) to the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences in the UK, which is awarded by Harper Adams University. This can, in turn, be used towards the award of a Masters Degree (MSc) in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences.
David added: "Delegates for our first GPAdvCert in Orthopaedics for Small Animals will enhance their skills and confidence in dealing with more advanced orthopaedic procedures in-house and this will help them to reduce the number of patients which are referred, retaining a higher level of income for their practice. They will also develop skills which they can pass onto their team. We look forward to welcoming our first delegates next year."
Further details are available at: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/course/general-practitioner-advanced-certificate-in-small-animal-orthopaedic-surgery/
NDSR’s director of neurology Rodolfo Capello said: "This technology is one of the most advanced in medicine and helps to surgically remove tumours while also reducing the tissue damage to vital structures.
"The accuracy and control of the system offers us greater versatility and precision, and minimises invasive manoeuvres during both soft and hard tissue dissections.
"Surgeons can therefore be extremely confident of accurate tumour excision with reduced blood vessel and tissue damage which will all help increase and improve the outcome of our surgeries.
"We’ll be using the ultrasonic surgical aspirator for the removal of tumours in the brain, liver and to cut through bone where necessary. It will be a great asset."
For more information, visit: www.ndsr.co.uk
The impact of the College's research on society was similarly highly-ranked, with 83% being scored 4*, and 7.5 of the 9 impact case studies submitted found to have “outstanding reach and significance”.
Additionally, there has been a 54% increase in the number of full time equivalent academic staff submitted since the last assessment – establishing the RVC as the largest veterinary research institution in the country.
The impact case studies submitted by the RVC covered a range of research areas, including those which advance clinical practice; protect public health by enhancing food safety; inform World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation policy on the control of disease afflicting some of poorest people in the world; and tackle antimicrobial resistance through innovations in drug delivery.
The College says the results also highlight its holistic and transdisciplinary approach to research, with researchers, teachers, clinicians and pathologists working collaboratively to ensure ‘real world’ impact and advances in clinical practice.
Professor Jonathan Elliott, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology at the RVC, said: “REF 2021 has recognised the outstanding reach and significance of the impact of our research which is so pleasing to see.
"I know all my academic colleagues are motivated to innovate in order to make a difference to lives of people and those of the animals they keep.
"Our submission truly reflects the breadth of scholarship at the RVC which generates the new knowledge we teach our students, the high quality of which has been endorsed by this external review.”
They include the launch of the RCVS Academy, reforms to the RCVS concerns investigation process, the publication of the Workforce Action Plan and guidance for universities on supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic veterinary students, ongoing work on new under care guidance, the development of new sustainability standards for the Practice Standards Scheme, and the purchase of the future headquarters for the RCVS.
The report also contains an update from the College’s charity partner RCVS Knowledge, details of RCVS financial management policies, and an independent auditor’s report on the College.
The Annual Report and Financial Statements will be formally adopted by RCVS Council at its Annual General Meeting on Friday 7th July at One Great George Street.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are able to submit questions about the Annual Report.
The College says that subject to time, submitted questions will be answered by the College on the day, or followed up in writing after the event.
Questions should be emailed to Deborah Rowlanes, RCVS Events Manager, on d.rowlanes@rcvs.org.uk no later than 5pm on Tuesday 4th July.
If you want to attend, register at: www.rcvs.org.uk/events.
The 4% increase was approved by the Privy Council and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Dr Tshidi Gardiner, RCVS Treasurer, said: “As with last year, RCVS Council recognises that we are living in difficult economic times, and have tried to keep the fee increase to a minimum.
"However, it is important that we increase fees in line with inflation, as well as take into account additional related costs, to ensure we are fulfilling our regulatory remit to the best of our abilities and meet our strategic priorities.”
Veterinary surgeons need to pay their annual renewal by 1st April and will be sent their fee notices within the first two weeks of March.
Anyone who has not paid their fee by 1st May will incur a higher fee charge of £36, with non-payment by 1st June risking removal from the Register and ineligibility to practise.
As part of the annual renewal process, all individual vets will also need to log into their online MyAccount to confirm their registration and contact details and declare any convictions.
Anyone who expects to encounter any difficulties in paying their fees should contact the RCVS Finance Team on finance@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0722.
To help veterinary practices engage with pet owners and help them understand the importance of eye health, TVM has produced a range of free educational materials including waiting room displays, informative web pages and social media packs.
The company has also published a page of information at www.tvm-uk.com/eyehealth – where pet owners can find out more about eye problems, how to spot them and learn what can be done about them.
Emma Hancox MRCVS, Veterinary Advisor at TVM said: "It can be easy for owners to miss the signs of problems with their pet’s eyes, but they can be extremely distressing for animals and be a sign of conditions ranging from cataracts and glaucoma through to conjunctivitis - all of which can be painful, and in the worst-case scenario, lead to blindness.
"We hope that National Pet Eye Health Awareness Week will help practices assist owners in understanding the importance of eye health and prevent more serious conditions occurring."
To request your board kit and pet owner leaflets, and download your free social media pack, visit www.tvm-uk.com/eyehealth or contact your Territory Manager.
Fort Dodge Index (FDI) data for the first six months of 2009 confirm the downward trend in key veterinary practice metrics, including turnover growth, transaction volume and client numbers with a national picture emerging of much slower growth than the same time last year. The one mitigating factor continues to be an increase in the prices charged by practices for their services, which is leading to a small increase in average transaction values.
The FDI (www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk) analyses and benchmarks the performance of practices across the UK. Figures for the first half of 2009 confirm the trend, seen for some time, of static or steadily declining performance in key areas for practices. The national picture of turnover growth and its components for the period January-June 2009 shows that:
Patrick Traill, Corporate Account Manager at Fort Dodge, said: "While some practices are continuing to report busy months and high turnover, it's clear that many are experiencing a rough ride as the recession in the wider economy affects the spending power of pet owners.
"The key challenge is that profits are being eroded at a time when turnover is also being seriously hit. The only impetus for growth so far this year has been the increase in consulting, surgical and drug fees and this alone will not help practices plan for a secure future.
"The latest FDI data confirms a trend which we've been reporting for some time and we urge those who haven't yet taken action to do so without delay. While capturing new clients will always be fundamental to growth, in these times reducing client losses is equally critical and resource may well be better spent on plans that support client retention.
"Practices should also be considering initiatives to increase client visit frequency and support client bonding. Examples could include preventative health schemes and loyalty programmes. Finally, practices could also explore avenues to increase annual transaction value through the promotion of new products and services.
"Joining the FDI is an effective way for practices to benchmark their performance both against others in their locality and across the UK. Full details on the FDI, the benefits it offers to practices and how to join are available on our newly re-designed website. Full copies of the FDI report can also now be downloaded on a quarterly basis."
A copy of the latest FDI report is available for free download at http://www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk/. Further information on how to join the scheme is available from Fort Dodge on 01489 781811.
45% of British pet owners believe their four legged friends share their human emotions and can sense when they are upset or unwell, according to a new survey announced by Bayer Animal Health.
The 'Pets are Human Too' study of 3,000 British dog and cat owners was commissioned by the company to celebrate Drontal's www.mypetsuperstar.com competition.
According to the study:
TV vet and My Pet Superstar Judge Emma Milne, said: "The joy and companionship our pets bring to our lives is unquestionable and it is no wonder that many consider them to be 'man's best friend'. Britain is a nation of proud pet owners and now, with the launch of My Pet Superstar, we all have a chance to show them off!"
Happy Snack is described as a light, delicious creamy snack which contains alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein with claimed appeasing properties.
In a study conducted by the company, the new treat was taken by 86% of cats.
Happy Snack is suitable for cats and kittens from 12 weeks of age and can be used directly from the sachet, on food or from a finger.
Feline behaviourist, Lucy Hoile, said: “I am very excited about Happy Snack, as I think there is a real gap in the market!
"Something delicious that a person can give easily to a cat, is a great tool to help with general distraction and bond building.”
Happy Snack by Feliway is available in packs of six sachets.
www.feliway.com/uk.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched PrintRoom, an online printing service to help equine practices deliver high quality communications to their clients, to support the company's Equip range of equine vaccines.
PrintRoom can be used to produce customised vaccination reminder cards, invitations, letterheads, stable name sheets, and more.
You can choose from a palette of designs, images and colours and can also upload your own logos and images to tailor your client communications to your preferred style.
PrintRoom has a MailMerge option to pre-address all your mailings and you can pay for postage and set the date of despatch online, to help ensure boosters are administered on time and passports stay up to date.
Paul Blanc, Equine Brand manager at Pfizer said: "Good communication with your clients plays a vital role in maintaining vaccination compliance and retaining and gaining business. Our print room service makes it easy to produce a broad range of customised practice marketing materials to a very professional standard that stand out from the crowd."
For further information visit http://www.pfizerprintroom.com/, call 0845 6027439 or contact your Pfizer Account Manager.
In June the College held a six-week consultation with the profession, asking for opinions on its proposal for an outcomes-based approach to CPD which would concentrate less on hours logged and more on interactive, reflective learning and measuring the impact that CPD has on the individual’s practice and patient health outcomes.
The proposed model for CPD had four key components: planning, doing, recording and reflecting. While an overall majority of the 3,357 people who responded to the College’s consultation agreed with the proposed changes to the CPD requirement, certain elements received less support than others. The lowest amount of support was received for the ‘reflection’ component with 35% of respondents disagreeing with it.
The RCVS Education Committee therefore decided that a pilot of a new outcomes-based approach should be held during 2017 with a group of volunteers, before making a recommendation to Council.
Professor Stephen May, who chaired the Working Group that developed the CPD proposals, said: "Because of the concern voiced by members of the profession responding to the consultation we decided that, at this stage, it would not be appropriate for the RCVS to move straight into this new way of doing CPD but that it would be more appropriate to hold a pilot. The idea is that we will explore some of the concerns around reflection and around the extra time and paperwork that people felt that a more reflective approach may lead to.
"We have taken all these comments into account and are now seeking to work with individual volunteers on this pilot. It is important to note that we are not only looking for volunteers who agree with what we are doing but also those who are apprehensive about it or even some who see it as something they do not support. We want to explore the full range of views and how we can move forward in changing our approach to CPD."
The pilot is expected to be launched in February next year and the College is now looking for volunteers who both support the proposals and have a ‘healthy scepticism’ about them. Volunteers will receive help and support throughout the trial and will also be invited to attend an introductory CPD meeting at the RCVS offices in February.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Jenny Soreskog-Turp, RCVS CPD Officer, on cpd@rcvs.org.uk.
Further information, including the CPD Policy Working Party’s response to the consultation and the full interview with Stephen May, is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/CPDpilot.