Hysolv Animal Health has announced the launch of Salmovac 440, a new live salmonella vaccine for poultry which the company claims gives earlier, stronger and longer-lasting immunity than other salmonella vaccines.
The vaccine is given orally through the water supply in a three-dose regime that protects against Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). It also protects against other SE strains and the newly-emerging monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium strains.
Hysolv says the advantage for farmers is that the vaccine strain is robust and can survive in more hostile conditions. It therefore remains effective where the water delivery system is less than ideal.
The first dose is administered from Day 1 followed by a second dose at six weeks and a third as early as 11 weeks. Salmovac 440 protects chicks after six days and remains effective for up to 63 weeks after the third vaccination, providing an extra four weeks of protection.
Hysolv says another important benefit to egg producers is that the earlier final vaccination at 11 weeks means that the birds can be moved into the laying house as early as 16 weeks old if required — a significant management advantage on some farms.
During the development of the vaccine it was found that the third live vaccination tended to ‘shut down’ any prolonged shedding of the vaccine strain. This, coupled with the earlier vaccination at 11 weeks, helps solve the issue of the vaccine strain being found at transfer to the layer house. Dr Daniel Windhorst, salmonella vaccine specialist with IDT Biologika, said: "If any should be found, the new PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test shrinks the testing time to just two to three hours."
Daniel added: "Although the UK has one of the lowest percentages of salmonella in its flocks, almost one-third of cases were of S Typhimurium. In most continental countries the percentage is much higher, so the extra cover provided by this vaccine is important."
Salmovac 440 has been approved for use by the British Egg Industry Council, which administers the Lion Code.
For the research, the medical histories of 188 Basset Hounds and 270 Dachshunds presenting to CVS’ Dovecote Veterinary Hospital and Chestergates Veterinary Specialists, and the University of Ghent were retrospectively assessed.
Information included signalment, whether the dog had received a diagnosis of TL-IVDE, the duration of clinical signs, affected discs and anatomical region and the neurological grading at presentation and discharge.
Basset Hounds and Dachshunds are both chondrodystrophic breeds which are predisposed to IVDE.
However, the study found 77.4% of Dachshunds had presented with IVDE, compared to only 36.2% of Basset Hounds.
Dachshunds also presented earlier (66.5 months) compared to Basset Hounds (median 87.5 months).
Dachshunds had a lower proportion of midlumbar IVDE and were more frequently non-ambulatory at discharge than Basset Hounds.
In addition, Dachshunds were more likely to be paraplegic without sensation at presentation than Basset Hounds (16/154 Dachshunds compared to just one Basset).
The Basset Hound is the largest chondrodystrophic breed and the physical characteristics of this larger body conformation may have benefits, with previous studies suggesting the protective effects of being a larger dog2.
One hypothesis is whether breed conformation and anatomy – the relative height/weight ratio - influences the severity and occurrence of IVD and points to a link between the size of the patient and the space in the vertebral canal.
A smaller spinal cord versus vertebral canal ratio in the Basset Hound may indicate a less compressive lesion.
Sergio Gomes, Head of Neurology and specialist in veterinary neurology at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, who led the study, said: “This is the first time that IVDE data for Basset Hounds has been directly compared with that for Dachshunds.
“We now need to look closely at the conformation and anatomy of the Basset Hound to see what learnings we can take.
"This could have positive future implications for Dachshund breeding programmes, so that longer term we can try to minimise this painful and common canine condition.”
References
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has launched an online quiz to test its members' knowledge of the Guide to Professional Conduct.
The Guide outlines what is acceptable professional and ethical behaviour for veterinary surgeons. It is developed and maintained by the Advisory Committee of the RCVS, which, in addition to veterinary members of RCVS Council, also includes lay members, a member of the Veterinary Nurses Council, and independent (ie non-Council) veterinary surgeons. The Guide is the benchmark against which a veterinary surgeon is judged, by both the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees.
The quiz, which was road-tested at the London Vet Show on 6-7 November, is anonymous, but the College will be collating data on results to help focus future communications activities and see where extra guidance may be required.
On completion of the quiz, it is possible to review answers and view the relevant section of the online Guide.
The quiz is aimed at veterinary surgeons: if it's a success, a version for Registered Veterinary Nurses will follow.
To try the quiz, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/guidequiz It will initially be online for three months and reviewed thereafter.
Vet Futures, the joint initiative by the RCVS and BVA to stimulate debate about the future of the profession, has opened a new discussion about whether VAT on vet fees for pets should be dropped.
The discussion has been opened by this month's Vet Futures guest blogger, Stuart Winter, the Sunday Express small animal columnist and a campaigner to end VAT on pet fees.
Stuart argues that owning a pet is not a luxury to be taxed when they need medical intervention, because owning a companion improves the health and wellbeing of its owner.
He writes that removing VAT on veterinary fees for domestic animals, or at least reducing it to five pence in the pound, would improve the nation's animal welfare. It would allow low-income families to seek medical attention earlier, he argues, while allowing more owners to afford and take out pet insurance.
He says that shifting Government thinking on the subject might be a Herculean task, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't campaign for its removal. "No Chancellor delights in losing revenue. Treating, curing and caring for sick and injured animals is nothing more than a service and services are ripe to be harvested.
"It is time for a counter argument. Pet ownership is not a luxury. It is more than a privilege. Is it not a human right? Welcoming animals into our lives makes our lives more fulfilled and more civilised."
To tie in with the discussion, Vet Futures is inviting vets to take part in a poll which asks: "Would you agree that VAT should no longer be levelled on vet fees?"
The College is encouraging members of the veterinary team and the public to take part in the poll so that it can generate debate on the issue of VAT and better understand the full consequences if it was removed.
January's poll asked members of the profession if they could recognise the signs of mental ill-health in a colleague. Reassuringly, just over half (58%) of the 65 respondents said they would be able to recognise the signs, although that leaves 40% who would not feel comfortable in their ability to do so.
To read Stuart Winter's blog, contribute to the discussion and vote in the poll, visit www.vetfutures.org.uk
The company says it thinks the film is an industry first because it depicts veterinary professionals in a way that they have never seen themselves before: cinematically showing the highs and lows of a typical day in veterinary practice.
Vets4Pets also says it wants the film to generate greater recognition for everyone working within the industry, not just its own staff, by showcasing the passion, dedication and commitment that unites them.
Keith Leonard MRCVS, Practice Owner at Vets4Pets Leeds Birstall where some of the video was filmed, said: “While there are no words that can do justice to the sheer passion and determination demonstrated by the entire veterinary community, taking part in this campaign and seeing the result is really emotional.
“After an unimaginably turbulent few years, this campaign makes me feel incredibly proud of my whole team.
"It genuinely shows what it’s like to work in veterinary practice and I can’t thank each and every one of my team enough for their outstanding dedication to the care of our clients – both the pets we care for and their owners.
"We all live and breathe what we do, and I hope they feel a sense of pride when they see this campaign.”
Gordon Dunn, People Director at Vets4Pets, said: “The veterinary sector has experienced immense pressure following years of unprecedented challenges and as an industry we need to do our utmost to ensure that veterinary professionals are supported in their development and careers. But alongside this, we need to understand that recognition goes a long way too.
‘Is neutering dogs doing more harm than good?’ (BVA Congress Theatre, Thursday 16th November 2023 at 10.30am), will explore the latest research into the science of neutering and its impact on dog health and welfare, particularly on behaviour, and will also consider the role of non-surgical alternatives.
The session will be chaired by BVA President Dr Anna Judson, joined by:
The BVA says statistics from its Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that among clients who chose to neuter their dogs last year, only 6% picked non-surgical options.
Awareness of these options is low, with vets reporting that 9% of their clients had requested information about non-surgical options when considering neutering, such as sustained-release implants to suppress testosterone production in male dogs.
Among those who considered non-surgical options, clients cited the cost and need for repeat treatments as their main concerns (mentioned by 67% and 58% of vets, respectively), followed by individual variation in the effect and duration of non-surgical alternatives (22% of vets).
Anna said: “Canine neutering is a firmly established part of preventive pet healthcare in the UK, but it is also very much a live discussion within the veterinary profession, with a healthy ongoing debate around its merits and risks, based on evolving evidence.
"BVA’s survey shows low awareness among clients about all available neutering options for their pets, with only a tiny percentage choosing to go down the non-surgical route.
“Our BVA Congress discussion will offer vet professionals in small animal practice insight into the latest research on neutering, including potential longer-term impacts on a dog’s health and behaviour, and views on what that might mean for how vets discuss neutering options with clients.
"The panellists will also share useful tips on how to deal with clients’ questions about surgical and non-surgical options for their pets.”
https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/20427670/2023/193/S1
Mr Rushton was convicted of sexual assault after pleading guilty at Wood Green Crown Court in December 2022.
He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, made subject to a restraining order and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order as well as being placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
He was also ordered to pay £3,000 costs and a £140 victims’ surcharge.
Mr Rushton did not attend the RCVS hearing, where the facts of the charge were proven by the certificate of conviction and the judge’s sentencing remarks.
In considering whether the conviction rendered Mr Rushton unfit to practise veterinary medicine, the Committee considered that the case involved the sexual assault of a vulnerable woman who was also a professional colleague, and was a serious abuse of trust, reflected in the custodial sentence.
Dr Neil Slater MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “It was evident from the judge’s sentencing remarks that [the victim] had been seriously affected by the knowledge of what had occurred on that evening.
"That knowledge was bound, in itself, to be very distressing and according to the victim’s impact statement had a long- lasting impact on the victim’s self-esteem, resilience and relationship with others.
"The victim’s level of distress can only have been increased by the knowledge that the respondent had filmed and/or photographed his activity while she was unconscious and that the images were included on a memory stick which contained a number of other voyeuristic images.”
"The Committee was satisfied that the respondent’s behaviour had caused [the victim] significant psychological injury and carried with it a risk of causing such injury.
“The Committee was also satisfied that [the victim] was especially vulnerable because of the significant quantity of alcohol that she had consumed.
"In the circumstances that evolved, she was in the respondent’s care.
"The respondent abused the position of trust and responsibility that he occupied.
"He was a senior colleague, at a professional conference.
"Instead of taking appropriate steps to secure the welfare of [the victim], he used the position in which he found himself to engage in predatory sexual misconduct.
"Furthermore, his behaviour was opportunistic and, as the judge said, “clearly driven by [his] sexual desires."
Taking into account these factors, the Committee found that Dr Rushton was unfit to practise and next considered the sanction.
The Committee found no mitigating factors regarding the conviction but did take into account the fact there had been no previous regulatory findings against him.
In deciding the sanction, the Committee also noted that there was little evidence before them that Dr Rushton had shown serious insight into the impact of his offending.
Neil added: “In this context the Committee also noted that the respondent maintained a plea of not guilty until three days before a rearranged trial was due to take place, and subsequently advanced an account of what he said was his relationship with [the victim] which the judge found to be false.
“Taking all of these factors into account, the Committee is satisfied that removal from the register is the only proportionate outcome to this case.
"This sanction is necessary to declare and uphold appropriate standards of conduct for members of the veterinary profession and to maintain public confidence in the profession.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings
Rodney (pictured right) has spent the last 26 years practising in the USA, latterly at the California-based Advanced Veterinary Specialists & Animal Specialty Group.
After growing up in Zimbabwe and graduating from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1985, he moved to London, where he became an MRCVS, and thence to the USA.
He undertook a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Centre in Manhattan, before moving to the Ohio State University for his residency in medical oncology in 1989. He achieved Board Certification in medical oncology in 1994 and in radiation oncology in 2000.
Rodney specialises in the application of multi-modality therapy protocols for the treatment of cancer in animals, and has conducted research on the phenomenon of multi-drug resistance, mast cell tumour and oral melanoma.
He said: "Thirty-something years on, I have come back to the UK as a specialist, where I started as a GP. Living in the UK also brings me much closer to my family, which is very important to me.
"Over the years, veterinary practice in the USA has changed significantly, where it has become more corporate and less personal. I enjoy being part of a new group where typically it is much closer, friendlier and more like a family."
Rodney now plans to oversee the development of a comprehensive oncology department to include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immune-therapy and molecular targeted therapy.
He said his work at Paragon will focus on educating referring vets and clients about what is possible in the oncology field.
He said: "My job will be about increasing the level of knowledge, both of owners and general practitioners, of how we treat cancer in animals.
"It can be a scary disease and the first door an owner needs to step through, is understanding that treating a pet is very different to treating a human.
"The intention in humans is usually to cure but with pets, it is more about providing a good quality of life for as long as possible.
"There can be a fear of cancer therapy but if you stick to the protocols, it is no different to treating any other chronic incurable diseases. We use the safest methods with an abundance of caution and try to make sure that the treatment is not worse than the disease.
"It’s about internal training too, from reception right up to nurses and interns, looking at what we do and how we do it, to optimize the quality of life of the pet and their owners.
"I would like to see an oncology department that considers the emotional, financial, time and patient concerns of the owners, so they feel their commitment to cancer treatment for their pet is not a commitment to putting their pet or themselves through a difficult time."
For the study, which was funded by the charity Songbird Survival, researchers collected the nests of 103 blue and great tits, and tested them for the presence of 20 insecticides.
Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were the main culprits, detected in 100%, 89.1% and 89.1% of the samples respectively.
Overall, a higher number of either dead offspring or unhatched eggs was found in nests containing a higher number of insecticides, higher total concentration of insecticides or a higher concentration of fipronil, imidacloprid or permethrin, which the authors say suggests contact exposure of eggs to insecticides in nest lining may lead to mortality and lower reproductive success.
The BVA responded by calling for more research and encouraging vets to work with clients to ensure responsible use of parasiticides.
BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Parasiticides play an important role in preventing and treating parasites in animals, which if left unaddressed can lead to bigger health and welfare issues in both animals and people.
"But it’s important they are used responsibly, and this work from the University of Sussex and SongBird Survival highlights the need for more research into how parasiticides affect the environment and wildlife and the associated risks.
“Rather than blanket use, we strongly encourage vets and owners to take a risk-based approach to prescribing or recommending these medicines, reflecting an animal’s exposure to parasites."
Reference
MSD Animal Health has announced a new claim for Bovilis BVD and Bovilis IBR Marker Live vaccines which means they can be mixed and administered in a single syringe.
MSD says the new mixing claim will offer significant advantages in herd health planning when controlling two of the more important infectious diseases in cattle.
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) remain major threats to cattle health and productivity. Vaccinations are commonly given at housing and/or turnout, which are both busy times for veterinary surgeons and on the farm in the herd health planning calendar.
The mixed vaccines are suitable only for booster vaccinations of animals from 15 months of age previously vaccinated separately with Bovilis IBR Marker Live and Bovilis BVD. The mixed vaccine needs to be used within three hours.
MSD says the mixing procedure is clear and easy, but there is an instructional video here: http://www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/Mixing_bovilis_BVD_Bovilis_IBR-Marker_Live.aspx
Amanda Melvin, Senior Product Manager, said: "We’re very excited about this approval as it will allow us to build on the success of our Bravecto chewable tablets for dogs and provide veterinarians and cat owners with another tool in the fight against ticks and fleas. Being able to offer a full 12 week protection means convenience for cat owners and improved compliance rates for veterinarians, so everyone benefits."
Bravecto is applied topically using the new "Twist’n’Use" pipette design which means the cap doesn’t need to be removed.
Full product details are described in the summary of product characteristics (SPC).
For more information, contact your MSD Animal Health representative.
The product is marketed in a 10ml pack and has an expiry date of December 2017. The batch number is 6231-90D.
The 1ml syringe within the pack has 'Lbs' printed as the unit of measure instead of kg, which could lead to an incorrect dose being administered to dogs.
Any queries about returning this product should be addressed to:
Mr Ken Allen Qualified Person and Quality Advisor E-mail: ken.allen@norbrook.co.ukTelephone: + 02830 264435
Merial Animal Health has announced that it has purchased the the anti-inflammatory treatment for lameness in horses, Hyonate® (sodium hyaluronate), from Bayer.
Merial's equine marketing and technical manager, Louise Radford MRCVS said: "Hyonate is an established treatment of lameness in horses due to non-infectious inflammation of joints, using both intra-articular (IA) and intravenous (IV) injection.
"The beneficial effects of HA supplementation are attributable to the anti-inflammatory effects, improvement in viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid, and interaction with the synovial membrane affecting pain transmission and joint metabolism¹."
For more information telephone Customer Support on 0870 6000123 or contact your local Merial Equine Specialist.
Almost half of the vets that watched a webinar about ferret medicine have said they would change their treatment protocols for adrenal disease and reproduction management as a result of what they learned.
The Virbac-sponsored webinar was led by John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed CBiol MSB MRCVS and viewed by more than 600 practices, making it the most popular CPD event hosted by The Webinar Vet this year.
John Chitty said: "I provided an overview of treatment protocols for all of the common diseases but focused on adrenal disease as it's highly prevalent in neutered ferrets but may be reduced by the routine use of deslorelin implants. These implants can also be used to avoid surgical neutering."
According to a post-webinar questionnaire, 33% of clinicians said that they saw ferrets more than five times a year. Chris Geddes MRCVS, Product Manager at Virbac said: "This confirms what we thought: ferrets are being presented more and more in practice and so education on this species is vital. An amazing 41% of respondents said that they would change their protocols for reproduction management and 40% their treatment of adrenal disease following the webinar, showing how useful it was to those attending."
Virbac recently announced that it has gained a marketing authorisation for the use of Suprelorin 9.4mg in male ferrets. Suprelorin, a slow-release implant containing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin, offers temporary sterilisation without the need for surgery.
For those who were unable to see it at the time, the webinar can now be viewed by visiting www.virbac.co.uk. A CPD certificate is also available for download as are six other webinars previously sponsored by Virbac.
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel, which polls over 1,000 UK vets, highlighted that many vets support the higher welfare standards of British farming, with 9 out of 10 vets saying they would be more likely to buy food if it was labelled as British or locally sourced. Over three quarters of vets said that they would be more likely to buy free-range (77%) or food that carried a Farm Assurance Scheme label (over 50% for Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured; formerly known as Freedom Food).
BVA President Sean Wensley encouraged consumers to check labels as the warmer weather sees BBQs and picnics take centre stage in gatherings of families and friends. He said: "Animal welfare should be a paramount consideration whether we’re thinking about purchasing pets or the food we eat. For vets it’s a top priority that the animals we rear for food have a good life and a humane death.
"Vets are not alone in caring about where their food comes from. To support high standards of animal welfare, all of us can vote for good animal health and welfare through our thoughtful meat, fish, and dairy purchases and send a strong message to food producers and retailers this summer."
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel also revealed that 9 out of 10 vets would be less likely to buy meat or fish if it was labelled as not stunned prior to slaughter.
BVA is leading a campaign to end slaughter without pre-stunning for animal welfare reasons and calling for better labelling of food to help consumers make pro-animal welfare choices.
To find out more about BVA’s campaign to end non-stun slaughter, visit: http://www.bva.co.uk/News-campaigns-and-policy/Campaigns/An-end-to-non-stun-slaughter
Image: CC BY-SA 2.0 cyclonebill
Your tip could be clinical in nature (perhaps specific to a particular discipline, like cardiology or exotics), or to do with practice management, or dealing with clients, or HR, or, well, anything really.
To enter the competition, login to VetSurgeon.org and submit your tip in the forum, here.
Just before you press the button to post your tip, you might like to tick the box marked: "EMAIL ME REPLIES TO THIS POST" which appears immediately above the post button. That way, you'll get an email when someone else posts a tip.
Above each post in the forum, there is now a 'Thank You' link, which allows members to express their thanks for sharing something. The five tips that generate the largest number of 'thank yous' by the end of November will win the Amazon vouchers.
VetSurgeon.org is all about facilitating the sharing of knowledge, ideas and experience. So any tip entered into the competition will also be disseminated, together with the contributor's name, on other social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and if you include a photo, on Instagram.
VetSurgeon.org Arlo Guthrie said: "The competition is really designed to show off the new 'thank you' feature on VetSurgeon, which allows members to show their appreciation when someone shares something useful with their peers. In due course, we'll be running similar competitions for the most thanked photos and videos uploaded to our galleries. Watch this space."
The company says that the composition and dosage of the new product has been optimised for maximum efficacy 1, 2. It offers three-five days on-label treatment options and does not need to be stored in a fridge.
According to Boehringer, the 600mg dose results in a concentration well above MICs for Strep. uberis and Staph. aureus for 24 hours, even after milking, which means it needs to be administered once a day1. In addition, its formulation enables optimum distribution of penicillin throughout the udder2.
Kath Aplin veterinary adviser at Boehringer Ingelheim said: "Traditionally, in the UK, we have favoured broad spectrum mastitis therapy as our first line approach, however in many other European countries, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark, penicillin is the treatment of choice.
"For farms with a mixed or unknown mastitis pattern, the traditional broad spectrum approach to mastitis therapy makes sense. However, many vets now have a good knowledge of common mastitis pathogens on clients’ farms and, for those where gram +ve pathogens predominate, penicillin as a first line treatment is well worth considering."
In a field trial assessing the prevalence of mastitis-causing pathogens and clinical cure rates after treatment with Ubropen3, mild and moderate cases of mastitis were treated for three to five days, with the causal pathogen being unknown at the time of treatment.
Kath said: “In 80% of cases of grade one or two clinical mastitis, the causative pathogen was found to be gram +ve and, following treatment with Ubropen, the overall clinical cure rate was 81%".
Ubropen is now available from the usual veterinary wholesalers in boxes of 20 tubes.
References:
Sarah, who practices at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, was already a European and Royal College Specialist in oncology. Now, after studying for a year and passing the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) exams this autumn, she has now been recognised as a European Specialist in radiation oncology as well.
Sarah said: "I intend to use my experience to grow the radiation and oncology service at Southfields and, with the benefit of our new linear accelerator and state-of-the-art hospital, deliver the most advanced treatment options for our veterinary patients.
"I also intend to use my experience and expertise to contribute to the further development of radiation oncology as a specialist qualification in Europe."
Congratulations Sarah!
Novartis Animal Health has issued the following statement concerning the supply of acepromazine (ACP) injectable in the UK:
"Recent upgrades to Novartis Animal Health’s manufacturing plant in the UK have resulted in the site becoming a worldwide centre of excellence for the production of bulk liquids. This upgrade has had an impact on the manufacture of ACP 2mg/ml and 10mg/ml injectable products, which will no longer be produced in the UK.
From January 2011, Novartis Animal Health will no longer be able to supply ACP Injection 2mg/ml or ACP Injection 10mg/ml to wholesalers. However, it is not Novartis’ intention to discontinue the supply of acepromazine injectable; in order to ensure consistency of supply to the UK market the company will be importing the Vetoquinol French product Calmivet.
Calmivet is a monovalent acepromazine injection licensed for use in dogs, cats and horses, available as a 5mg/ml injection, 50ml vial.
In order to obtain Calmivet from wholesalers, veterinarians will need to apply for a free of charge Special Import Certificate from the VMD. This can be completed on line at www.vmd.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that this situation will continue for at least the first 6 months of 2011, until an alternative manufacturing site is established. As soon as we have more information on the timelines this will be communicated.
A full communication including a prep room reminder poster and Calmivet product leaflet has been mailed to all UK practices.
Vetoquinol UK are not responsible for the distribution or technical support of this product, so any queries should be directed to Novartis Animal Health UK on 01276 694402.
The production and supply of ACP Tablets 10mg remains unaffected."
The dog, called Pepe, needed urgent treatment to repair the cornea before it ruptured, so the team at Davies decided to use a new xenograft derived from a pig cornea, rather than waiting to see if an allograft became available.
The xenograft, which was developed in China, is aseptically prepared, sterilised and freeze-dried so it can be stored for months or years if necessary before use.
According to Davies, the graft had been used in China and the USA, where the early results had been promising. Now, following Pepe's successful treatment, Davies is now using the procedure in more cases over here in the UK.
The full case study, with photos, is here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/sa-ophthalmology/m/photo-video-media/138076.aspx
For more information, visit: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/services/ophthalmology/
Rabbits are the third most commonly anaesthetised pet in the UK, however they have a seven times greater overall risk of perioperative death than dogs1.
Jurox says Alfaxan 10mg/ml solution for injection provides a wide safety margin, an excellent cardio-respiratory profile and is dosed to effect, making it an excellent choice for the anaesthetic induction of rabbits.
The company also says Alfaxan provides smooth and rapid induction and recovery, painless administration and good muscle relaxation with low impact on ventilation and blood pressure.
Richard Beckwith, country manager of Jurox (UK) Ltd said: "Rabbits are a growing pet population and increasingly play a more important part in UK vet practices, which is why Jurox has invested in research in this species.
"We are happy we can now support our vet and nurse clients by providing a new and reliable choice for induction of anaesthesia in pet rabbits that has been extensively trialed and researched.
"Alfaxan is a very versatile product as it is convenient for any type of situation, whether it is surgery on healthy animals or high risk patients such as pet rabbits. With Alfaxan we hope to make a contribution to the future of veterinary anaesthesia in the UK and are confident our clients will be able to deliver the best practice anaesthesia they believe in."
For more information, visit: Alfaxan.co.uk. Alternatively, contact your local Jurox technical sales representative, telephone the customer services team on 0800 500 3171 or e-mail: info@jurox.co.uk.
Zenifel contains synthetic feline facial pheromones which imitate the facial F3 pheromone which has been found to be significantly important when it comes to cats creating areas they feel safe and relaxed in1.
According to the company, Zenifel contains a 48ml vial of the same synthetic F3 feline facial pheromone as the market leader, but, thanks to its own diffusion system and a higher concentration of F3, lasts up to 6 weeks; i.e. 50% longer. This, says Virbac, means that Zenifel is both more economical and more environmentally friendly.
Alongside the launch of the new product, Virbac is offering a practice support pack which includes things you need to create a calm area for feline visitors and promote the benefits of pheromones to pet owners. The company is also running a promotion in which practices could be eligible for a year’s free supply of Zenifel.
For more information, contact your local Virbac Territory Manager.
Protexin has announced that preliminary data from a clinical trial supports the use of Denamarin® to protect against lomustine (CCNU)-induced hepatotoxicity in dogs.
The study is being performed at the University of California-Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and the initial results were recently presented at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Annual Forum. Marketed in the UK by Protexin, Denamarin is the combination of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silybin.
According to the company, most dogs treated with the chemotherapeutic agent CCNU experience liver enzyme elevation. Elevation of certain liver enzymes such as alanine transferase (ALT) is a key indicator of liver trauma; significant enzyme elevation may lead to a discontinuation, delay, or reduction in chemotherapy. The ongoing clinical trial was designed to evaluate Denamarin as a hepatoprotectant in dogs diagnosed with neoplasia that are undergoing CCNU therapy.
The trial consists of two groups of randomly assigned dogs. Dogs in Group 1 receive Denamarin beginning at the start of CCNU therapy. Group 2 dogs do not receive Denamarin unless they develop a Grade IV hepatotoxicity.
Results of a planned interim analysis completed on the first 30 dogs enrolled revealed that starting Denamarin when CCNU therapy was instituted (Group 1 dogs) appeared to provide hepatoprotection. While the mean post-therapy ALT elevation for Group 1 was 119 IU/L (p=0.1), for Group 2 dogs, the post-therapy ALT level was 815 IU/L (p=0.046). Chemotherapy was altered due to elevated liver enzymes in three Group 2 dogs but only one dog in Group 1.
Janine Barlow, Technical Manager at Protexin said: "We are extremely pleased by the initial findings of this research. The use of Denamarin with chemotherapy looks to help protect liver function allowing for successful completion of therapy and hopefully a longer, happier life for the pet. We look forward to the results of the full study."
Protexin says the SAMe and silybin in Denamarin support and maintain hepatic function by mechanisms including increasing levels of glutathione, the liver's main detoxifying agent; promoting protein synthesis; and stimulating bile flow. Denamarin is useful as part of a polymodal approach to the management of liver health.
Denamarin is available for both dogs and cats in an enteric-coated tablet.
The Care About Cushing’s website is designed to give horse owners the information they need to spot the signs of Cushing's, thereby prompting diagnosis by their veterinary surgeon.
The online resource includes monitoring tools, personalised alerts, owner guides and webinars. It also offers downloadable self-assessment checklists on Cushing’s disease and laminitis to take owners through the signs to look out for.
Owners whose horses have been diagnosed with Cushing’s are encouraged to sign up as a Care About Cushing’s member to keep up-to-date with the latest information about the disease and create a personal profile for their horse in order to monitor progress. One of the membership benefits is an 'ask the expert' section where members can ask questions about Cushing’s disease and laminitis.
The Care About Cushing’s resource supports Boehringer’s ‘Talk About Laminitis’ initiative to raise awareness of the signs of laminitis and its link with Cushing’s disease.
Talk About Laminitis now runs throughout the year and as part of the campaign the laboratory fees for the blood test which detects Cushing’s (the basal ACTH test) are free.
Liz Barrett, equine business head at Boehringer, said: "Our Talk About Laminitis disease awareness initiative has been hugely successful in highlighting the link between laminitis and Cushing’s disease and helping to diagnose Cushing’s. So much so that Cushing’s is now in the top five equine diseases recorded in the UK1."
For further information on Talk About Laminitis or Care About Cushing’s, visit www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk, www.careaboutcushings.co.uk or contact your local Boehringer territory manager.
The clinic is led by Sebastien Behr MRCVS, an RCVS Specialist in Neurology. Patients will benefit from access to the referral centre's MRI scanner and its specialist imaging, anaesthesia and neurology teams.
Dr Behr said: "We are very excited to have launched this specialist clinic. Following detailed consultations with pet owners, the animals will be treated to the very highest level and bespoke care designed for each patient."
The practice is offering a fixed price package for routine diagnostic procedures.
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net or contact the neurology team on 0121 721 7070.