The webinar will cover the entire disease process of MMVD in dogs from pathology to current treatment approaches and future advancements in therapy, and will include the following presentations:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QyfUofLgRG-YsaXQbkT7Tw#/registration
The figures came from an analysis of over 100,000 calls made to VidiVet by owners when their normal practice was closed, between 2021 and 2024.
So far in 2024 36% of VidiVet’s calls have been gastrointestinal cases, 25% skin cases, 14% musculoskeletal and 3.7% post-surgical issues.
The advice given to many of these cases was that an emergency visit to an out-of-hours (OOH) clinic wasn’t necessary, but to monitor at home then attend their own vet practice for any workup, diagnostic tests, medication etc.
The company is now encouraging practices to consider using it's triage service over Christmas, when practices and emergency clinics often experience an increase in OOH workload.
This, it says, is a win-win situation as it relieves pressure on OOH clinics, brings revenue back to veterinary practices and also saves clients money, stress and time.
Ben Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon, CEO and Founder of VidiVet said: “When I launched VidiVet, vet practices were understandably concerned that digital vet services could drive work away from their clinics.
"We hope this new data shows the opposite, and how it can directly benefit practices in a way they might never have imagined.
"What VidiVet has actually done, as was our belief from the get-go, is to drive the bond with clients even closer as well as providing a revenue opportunity for the practice whilst prioritising pet health and welfare.
"This is because the added benefit of a service like ours alleviates part of the immense burden on clinical teams from front of house to the surgical teams, without them losing control.
Kate Higgins MRCVS, owner of Village Vets Crosby & Formby, said: “Over the last six months we’ve saved our clients collectively an estimated £75,000 in emergency vet fees by using VidiVet.
"They were able to be reassured out-of-hours whether their pet did or didn’t need emergency treatment.
"Those that did were able to be treated swiftly by an out-of-hours clinic, and those that did need treatment but not urgently, were able to come to us during our usual working hours, not incurring emergency fees.
"What is even better for us (and our clients) is that we have the case notes from their call with VidiVet ready and waiting for us when we’re open, so we’re up to speed with what the issue has been and what advice has already been given – which is a crucial time saver for both parties.”
www.vidivet.com
Photo: Emma Paine
Ceva Animal Health has announced that Vetergesic (buprenorphine), its long-lasting analgesic, is now back in stock and on special offer with the rest of the company's analgesic product range.
The company says it has appointed a new, dedicated Vetergesic manufacturing site and increased stock-holding facilities in order to guarantee a continuous long-term supply of the product, which is available in a 10ml vial for use in dogs, cats and horses and a 1ml single dose preparation for cats and dogs.
At the same time, Ceva has launched a spring offer on its entire analgesic product range, which runs till the end of April. For every two packs of Vetergesic, Carprodyl F or Dolagis purchased, veterinary practices will receive one pack free and for every four packs of Meloxidyl purchased, practices will receive one pack free. In addition, practices will be able to take advantage of ongoing rebates through the new CevaSave Rebate Programme.
For further information, contact your local Ceva territory manager, email analgesics-group@ceva.com or call 01494 781510.
Ms Buttler was charged with having been under the influence of alcohol whilst at work on two separate occasions. On both occasions, she was working as a locum veterinary nurse.
The first occasion was between 25th and 28th April 2016 in Frome, and the second from 3rd July to 4th July 2016 in Salisbury.
It was also alleged that a prior conviction of drunk driving on 19th November 2013 rendered her unfit to practise as a veterinary nurse.
The Committee decided to hear the case in Ms Buttler’s absence as it was satisfied that she had properly been served with the notice of hearing and because she had stated that she was aware of the proceedings but did not wish to engage with the process. The Committee also noted that she had not requested any adjournment.
The Committee heard from five witnesses for the first charge, including three veterinary nurses and one veterinary surgeon. They gave testimony that they had had cause to suspect that Ms Buttler was under the influence of alcohol whilst at work due to her demeanour, and recalled Ms Buttler repeatedly retreating upstairs to her accommodation during the working day. Further, an open wine bottle was found in Ms Buttler’s accommodation and was observed to have been drunk during the course of her shift. The Committee found the first charge proved.
The Committee heard from four witnesses in respect of the second charge. Two of the witnesses stated that they smelt alcohol on Ms Buttler’s breath while she was on duty, with one of them stating that Ms Buttler had slurred speech and a flushed face at the end of a fourteen-hour shift. The other two witnesses also presented evidence to support the assertion that Ms Buttler was under the influence of alcohol whilst at work, while the Committee found that Ms Buttler lacked credibility because she had denied having any alcohol on the premises when originally confronted, but later admitted in an email to the College that she had had an open bottle of wine in her bag. The Committee found the second charge proved.
The Committee then considered the third charge, namely the conviction in 2013. The Committee considered the certificate of conviction obtained from the North East Devon Magistrates Court and was satisfied that Ms Buttler had been convicted of driving with excess alcohol as set out within charge 3.
When considering whether these all amounted to a finding of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect, the Committee was concerned about Ms Buttler showing no insight into her drinking, and the repeated nature of the offences. The Committee also considered that being under the influence of alcohol when working as a veterinary nurse was conduct which fell far short of the standards to be expected of members of the veterinary nursing profession.
It therefore concluded that Ms Buttler was guilty of disgraceful conduct in respect of charges 1 and 2.
The Committee then considered whether Ms Buttler’s conviction (charge 3) rendered her unfit to practise as a veterinary nurse. The Committee concluded that Ms Buttler had not acknowledged the seriousness of her actions in 2013, or learnt any lessons from it. Accordingly, it felt that she continued to pose a risk to animals and the public in the future. The Committee also felt that the conviction undermined the reputation of the veterinary nursing profession because the offence inevitably involved a risk of injury to herself and other road users.
Having found Ms Buttler guilty of misconduct, the Committee went on to consider sanction.
The Committee took into account aggravating factors, including that there was a risk of injury to an animal, the fact that the first two charges involved an element of premeditation, the fact that Ms Buttler was under the influence on more than one shift in each practice, that there is no evidence of insight from Ms Buttler and there is a future risk to animals if she continued to practice unrestricted.
They also considered mitigating factors, including the fact that this is the first disciplinary hearing she has faced, that she did not cause any harm to any animal and that she did not gain financially from her conduct.
In reaching its decision Jane Downes, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee noted that Ms Buttler said she had worked for twenty years without any problem and that she was previously of good character. However because there was no evidence that Ms Buttler would not repeat the conduct with regards to working whilst under the influence of alcohol she could continue to pose a risk to animals or the public in the future. The Committee therefore was bound to consider her removal from the register.
"Although it noted from the brief email correspondence Ms Buttler had sent to the College that she said she did not intend to practice in the future, the Committee decided that until she had shown insight into her behaviour in 2016, she remained a risk to animals. It therefore decided that the proportionate action was to instruct the Registrar to remove her name from the register of veterinary nurses forthwith."
If Ms Buttler chose to re-engage with the College, she could apply for restoration to the register after ten months.
In addition, less than half of those surveyed knew the correct temperature for vaccine storage, showing there is a lack of knowledge surrounding standard procedures.
Paul Williams, MSD Animal Health UK technical manager for ruminants said: "Failing to maintain the correct fridge storage temperature compromises vaccine effectiveness and consequently animal health.
"In a significant number of farm fridges monitored, the temperature was elevated to 80C for long periods of time, with the maximum fridge temperature recorded being 240C.
"In the worst cases, over 60% of fridges had been at 0 0C or below 0 0C long enough for vital contents to freeze. When the temperature is too high, vaccines become ineffective. If frozen, the vaccine is destroyed.
"This research shows we have work to do in educating customers about how to store vaccines and I encourage all farmers to check their farm fridge temperatures.
"To promote better practice, we’ve launched an awareness campaign called Fridge Check to educate farmers on the importance of storing vaccines correctly.
"The campaign is being promoted by Disease? Not On My Farm!, an initiative helping farmers take a more proactive approach to preventing disease on farm."
To find out more, visit the Disease? Not On My Farm! Facebook and Twitter pages or follow the hashtag #FridgeCheck for more information about how to store vaccines correctly.
Reference
There is a need to raise farmers’ awareness of correct vaccine storage temperatures. Williams P. (MSD Animal Health), Paixao G. (University of Bristol).
The service offers Galen myotherapy, a form of massage, together with diet, exercise, nutraceutical and weight advice, house management advice, and an owner awareness and pain indicator assessment.
Hannah, who spent 14 years in small animal practice, said: "During a very bad week in practice I put two dogs to sleep in quick succession who’d both gone off their back legs. They were mentally there but their bodies had given up. I realised that osteoarthritis needed to be approached much more thoroughly and at a much earlier stage in a dog’s life."
CAM’s home-visiting service assesses arthritic dogs in the calm of their own surroundings. Hannah says that treatment aims to improve a dog’s posture and movement, support their ability to exercise and give owners the tools they need to make life easier for arthritic dogs. She added: "In a consultation, it can be very difficult to get all the information across to an owner whose dog has just been diagnosed with arthritis. CAM is a unique service that fills a gap. It aims to go into a dog’s home and make adjustments that will be good for that individual long-term."
Hannah says that the new service is offered alongside the owner's existing veterinary surgeon, who will need to give consent and prescribe any other treatments, such as NSAIDs, which are needed as part of the larger treatment plan. In other words, it's an additional service that vets can offer to their clients, ensuring they are doing everything they can to help their many arthritic patients.
Hannah said: "Arthritis is a household name, it's massively prevalent in humans and there are huge support services for people dealing with the chronic pain associated with the condition. As a profession we know that dogs with arthritis suffer the same pain – it’s time we had a proper service for them too. CAM is that service – a tailored, multimodal approach to help successfully manage these patients."
Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) is currently available to dog owners throughout Sussex. If you would like to know more, email info@caninearthritis.co.uk
The inquiry in regard to Karen Tracey Hancock took place in her absence in January, after she indicated that she was content not to appear or to be represented.
The charges against Mrs Hancock related to an injury she falsely claimed she sustained to her knee while moving a euthanased dog in August 2015 that was then exacerbated while moving another dog a couple of weeks later.
The charges also stated that she made entries in the practice’s accident book also stating that she had injured her knee at work and then aggravated it later.
The charges also stated that, in County Court civil proceedings against the practice in relation to the alleged injuries, she falsely:
The Committee noted that the County Court claim made by Mrs Hancock was listed for a trial and concluded with a consent order dated 21 June 2019 which stated that the claim was dismissed.
It also considered evidence from eyewitnesses regarding the two alleged events that led to and exacerbated her knee injury in August 2015. In doing so the Committee found that, though Mrs Hancock did have an injury to her right knee, this was due to a horse-riding incident a number of years earlier and that her account of the incidents on 13 and 29 August, and therefore her claims to have been caused injury by them, were false and that her conduct had been dishonest.
The Committee therefore found all charges against Mrs Hancock proven.
The Committee then considered whether the proven charges amounted to serious professional misconduct. In doing so it considered submissions made by Counsel for the RCVS that there were a number of aggravating factors in the case of Mrs Hancock’s conduct including that the misconduct was sustained over a long period of time, was premeditated and involved lying for financial gain.
In commenting on whether the conduct was serious professional misconduct Judith Way, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee found all of the aggravating factors set out… in this case applied to its decision on whether or not the conduct amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
"Such conduct would bring the profession of veterinary nurses into disrepute and would undermine public confidence in the profession because the dishonesty was directly concerned with the respondent’s work as a veterinary nurse in the veterinary practice.
"The Committee concluded that the dishonest behaviour was serious misconduct, particularly so because it took place at the respondent’s workplace. It considered that honesty and trust between veterinary nurses and their employers is essential to the profession and that such conduct as set out in the charges would be considered deplorable by other members of the profession."
The Committee was therefore satisfied that all four charges individually and cumulatively amounted to serious professional misconduct.
Committee members then considered the appropriate sanction for Mrs Hancock, taking into account the aggravating factors, including a lack of insight in that, in correspondence before the hearing, she continued to deny the charges. In mitigation it noted that there had been a significant lapse of time and that she had a long and hitherto unblemished career.
On balance it decided that removal from the Register was the appropriate and proportionate sanction and requested Mrs Hancock be removed from the Register, particularly as dishonesty is considered ‘in the top spectrum of gravity’ for misconduct.
Judith Way added: “The Committee acknowledged that the respondent was physically unwell with her knee between 2015 and 2019. However there was no evidence that her health had caused her to commit the misconduct. It noted the representations that the respondent made regarding the need to support herself financially but the Committee determined that the public interest outweighed the respondent’s own interests in this case because the proven dishonesty in the circumstances in which it took place was fundamentally incompatible with continued professional registration.
“In the Committee’s judgment without any evidence of remorse or insight by the respondent a suspension order could not meet the public interest in this case. It therefore concluded that removal of the Respondent’s name from the register was the proportionate and appropriate sanction in this case.”
According to the forthcoming PDSA Animal Welfare 2016 report, only 35% of pet owners are familiar with their pets' legal welfare needs, a figure which has remained persistently low over the past 6 years (45% in 2011, 31% in 2012, 38% in 2013, 36% in 2014 and 31% in 2015).
The same report revealed in 2015 that 97% of veterinary professionals agreed there is value in encouraging pet owners to better understand and provide for the five welfare needs of their pets.
The 2016 report will also report that pet owners who feel more informed about each of the five welfare needs are significantly more likely to provide preventive healthcare to their pets.
Gudrun Ravetz, President of the BVA said: "It’s concerning that, despite many veterinary practices’ best efforts, public awareness of the five welfare needs remains consistently low. There are so many strong voices for animal welfare, which is why it’s great that so many veterinary organisations – including BSAVA, BVNA and BVZS – are coming together within this coalition to highlight pet owners’ legal duty of care. We hope practices across the country will join us in spreading the message by continuing to deliver the welfare need-focused advice to clients that they already do, day-in, day-out."
The 2006 Animal Welfare Acts of England and Wales, and Scotland consolidated and replaced more than 20 pieces of outmoded legislation. They established a duty of care, enshrining in law five animal welfare needs, outlining housing, diet, behaviour, social interactions and health as the legal responsibilities that every owner should meet to ensure their pet is as happy and healthy as possible.
The veterinary animal welfare coalition says it recognises that veterinary practices across the UK already promote the five welfare needs through a range of methods, from displaying materials in their waiting rooms to providing health check consultations with vets and vet nurses to discuss pets’ needs. The seven organisations, which are all UK based and support or provide veterinary service delivery, are pooling their resources so that veterinary practices can more easily signpost clients to the wealth of resources that are available.
James Yeates, who chairs the veterinary animal welfare coalition as part of the Vet Futures Action Plan, said: "The five welfare needs are a fantastic 'umbrella' guide to taking care of our pets, yet each and every species has such differing welfare needs - from cats who tend to be solitary animals and usually prefer to be the only pet to rabbits that should live in pairs or groups of other rabbits and dogs, who should not be left on their own for more than a few hours a day - it’s vital that pet owners can translate theory into practice. Our understanding of animal welfare science has come such a long way over the past 50 years so we'd really like pet owners to visit their local veterinary practice, where they will be able to get tailored, up-to-date advice for their pets."
The BVA's Spring 2016 Voice of the Profession survey of over 1,600 veterinary surgeons found that the majority (60%) see diet as their main welfare concern, causing obesity, dental issues and a variety of other complex health problems. The coalition of veterinary organisations behind this campaign says it hopes it will encourage the 15% of pet owners not currently registered with a veterinary practice to seek out their local surgery for expert advice about issues such as these.
More information about the coalition and the resources available to practices can be found at www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/newsroom/news-releases/uk-pets-at-risk-as-two-thirds-of-owners-unaware-of-legal-welfare-needs/
Norbrook Laboratories has launched Noroseal, a new teat sealant containing a unique anti-infective ingredient.
The company says that Noroseal, a 2.6g intramammary suspension, is the only teat sealant in the market-place in Europe to contain a PVP-Iodine excipient.
Dr Barry McInerney MVB, MRCVS, PhD, Norbrook GB Veterinary Advisor said: "Noroseal, with its unique formulation, offers vets a proven barrier against intramammary infections during the dry period.
"New bacterial infections occur most often during the first three weeks of drying off because the cow's natural keratin plug is not completely formed. Indeed, approximately 50% of teat canals are still open for up to seven days after drying off. Noroseal Teat Sealant will mimic the cow's keratin teat barrier offering immediate protection against infection. Additionally, the anti-infective ingredient, PVP-Iodine, complements the effectiveness of the teat-sealant components in the teat canal barrier."
Norbrook says that the estimated annual cost of mastitis to the UK dairy industry is in excess of £168M with a single case of clinical mastitis costing farmers approximately £178.00 per cow.
Dr McInerney added: "Clinical mastitis is a costly business but one that can be avoided if timely action is taken. There are various treatments available for dealing with mastitis but studies have shown that the risk of clinical mastitis may be reduced by up to 50% by using a combination of teat sealant and dry cow intramammary therapy. Noroseal is therefore an ideal combination with Norbrook's dry cow therapies such as Noroclox DC, Bovaclox DC Xtra and Bovaclox DC."
Noroseal is available in packs of 24 or buckets of 120 units. A range of promotional material is also available to veterinary practices via the Norbrook Sales Team.
Zoetis has announced the launch of Zulvac SBV, a new Schmallenberg vaccine licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Zulvac SBV is licensed for use in cattle and sheep in two doses at a three week interval, the second at least two weeks before mating.
Duration of immunity is six months in cattle and seven in sheep. At the recommended vaccination timing, this covers the window of susceptibility during pregnancy; in sheep from day 28 to 56, and days 70 to 150 in cattle. Animals infected during these periods are at risk of malformed offspring and subsequent stillbirth.
The company says vaccination combined with insecticidal measures to control the midge vector remains the most effective way of protecting the population1 and ensuring a more unified level of immunity.
Zoetis vet Carolyn Hogan said: "Although SBV is now considered to be an enzootic pathogen in England and Wales, there is plenty of evidence that seroprevalence at farm level – particularly on sheep farms - varies. As immunity wanes, the proportion of herds and flocks naïve to SBV and at risk via introduction of naïve replacements increases. So the risk of reinfection in assumed enzootic areas is potentially underestimated2.
"Culicoides midges, the SBV vector, are widespread in Europe and move easily between farms and regions, allowing rapid spread of infection."
Carolyn says that whilst there have been no confirmed diagnoses of congenital abnormalities in calves or lambs from APHA in 2014 or 2015, unconfirmed anecdotal cases have been reported.
"We do not know whether our ruminant population is immune or susceptible and neither do we know if another SBV challenge will appear. Vaccination remains the most effective way of ensuring valuable livestock are protected."
Supplies are available immediately.
References
Of the remaining 47% of the 386 veterinary surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, practice managers, assistants and students who took part in the online survey, 29% expressed uncertainty about whether the profession is respected, and 18% said they do not feel part of a respected community.
Of those who do not feel part of a respected community, social media bashing and the accusation that you're only in it for the money emerged as repeated explanations.
However, remarks from those who said they DO feel respected included:
"People are always impressed when you say you work in veterinary."
"As a professional clients have a certain respect towards me and I feel like a valued member of the community. People always want to talk to the vet in social situations because we have such a fascinating profession."
"People recognise the hard work to reach the role as a vet and appreciate helping their four-legged family members greatly."
"Having built up longstanding relationships with clients over the years, I feel we have a great sense of belonging. We support local events and get lots of positive feedback on social media etc."
When asked whether their vocation in veterinary medicine was all that they thought it would be, 51% of respondents said yes. Of the others, the three most common reasons why their career had not met expectations were: "Low work-life balance", "Financial concerns" and "High demands from clients".
The three things respondents most aspired to were: "Healthy work-life balance" (81%), Making a difference to the lives of animals" (81%), and "Continue to develop my skills" (78%).
When asked what three things respondents would like to change about the profession, 48% said "Client expectations", 46% said "Recognition as a valued role in society" and 46% said "Financial package".
Founder of VET Festival, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick said: "Despite being part of a profession that feels the stresses and strains of failure, financial pressure, difficult relationships, self-confidence, and even fear on a day-to-day basis, it is heartening to see that collectively we still absolutely find a deep sense of fulfilment and pride in what we do.
"Despite the many challenges we face in our vocation, if there is one thing we can learn from these findings, it is that we are all in it together. We cannot be the best version of ourselves without recognising a common sense of purpose and a desire to support each other, in whatever guise as veterinary professionals.
"We give so much of ourselves in companion animal practice to looking after our patients and the families who love them, we sometimes need to remind ourselves of the need to look after ourselves too and most importantly to look after each other as colleagues and friends sharing the same journey, passion, challenges and responsibilities.
This message is integral to the ethos and interactive learning streams of VET Festival 2018."
Ane’s research interests lie in the surgical correction of neurological diseases leading to chronic pain and epilepsy. Amongst other things, she has developed an international database and phone application to help dogs and owners affected by epilepsy.
Ane began her veterinary studies in her native Spain before transferring to the Veterinary School of Paris (Ecole National Veterinaire d’Alfort) where she completed a three-year European residency in neurology. She then spent eight years working as a neurology-neurosurgery specialist in the UK.
Ane, who speaks five languages, then moved to the USA, where she joined Tufts University, training students, interns and residents and continuing her passion for research.
Henry L'Eplattenier, clinical director at Southfields, said: “We’re absolutely delighted Dr Uriarte has agreed to join the team.
"She is a very talented neurologist with a passion for neuro-oncology and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will benefit our world-class team."
Ane said: “I’m thrilled for the opportunity of leading the neurology service of such an outstanding hospital.
"Pets are part of our family and having a neurological disorder can be devastation. I’m committed and looking forward to helping referring veterinarians and owners in such circumstances."
For the study, 2,834 seizure incident cases were identified from a population of 455,553 dogs attending VetCompass participating practices in 2013.
The study found that that approximately 1 in 160 dogs under first opinion veterinary care are affected by seizures every year.
Many of those dogs will have underlying epilepsy, defined as dogs with two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Seizures can be secondary to idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause.
Until now, however, there has been little information on the classifications of seizures, diagnostic approaches, or clinical management of dogs with seizures in the veterinary first opinion population.
The main findings from the research were:
Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animals Epidemiology at the RVC, and author of the paper, said: "Watching your dog undergo a seizure can be an incredibly scary moment for any dog owner. It is really important that dogs that seizure are rapidly diagnosed to decide whether they need no further treatment beyond careful monitoring or alternatively require a clinical work-up to define the cause of the seizures.
"There are now some excellent treatments for many seizure-related diseases. This study helps up to understand the current state of play for seizure management in dogs and identifies opportunities for improved care of these affected dogs."
The full paper is freely available from Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and can be accessed here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvim.15911
The survey was sent to all UK veterinary practices on the 25th November with a deadline to respond by the 1st December and received 186 responses, a response rate of 6%.
The survey found that during this period:
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “Thank you once again to all the practice staff who took the time to complete this survey, it really is very useful for us to have a clear picture of how coronavirus and its restrictions are affecting day-to-day activities, as it has an impact both on our decision-making and policies, and what we can tell others about the impact on the professions, such as the UK and national governments.
"The overall picture from this survey is that, while for most it is not business as usual, veterinary practices and members of the professions are, to an extent, getting used to the disruption and have plans and policies in place to help mitigate the impact of the mosaic of different restrictions across the UK.
"While there is hope on the horizon with the start of the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines, we will continue to review and keep up-to-date our advice and guidance to ensure that you can practise to the best of your abilities, while keeping safe and within the rules.
“Of course, we also recognise the toll that the pandemic has taken on many people’s mental health and wellbeing, and this is reflected in some of the more concerning statistics around the impact that staff absences can have on the rest of the team.
"We also asked practices what might help them manage from a staff mental health and wellbeing point of view, and will take these suggestions into account when planning further support via our Mind Matters Initiative mental health project. In the meantime, we would like to remind those who are feeling stressed or are in distress that there are sources of help available during these difficult times – these can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/help-links/help-during-covid-19/.”
The full report of the survey is available to view at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications
Stefano qualified in Parma, Italy and has a Master’s in Clinical Oncology. He has worked in a number of referral practices, managing and treating small animal oncological cases. He also has an interesting history of working with animals across the globe: he has a Master’s in Tropical Veterinary Medicine and worked with the United Nations in Somalia, Malaysia and Guyana in wildlife management.
Founder, CEO and Clinical Director of The Ralph, Shailen Jasani said: "We had always planned to include an oncology service here at The Ralph though not quite this soon after opening. However, over the last eight months, this has been one area of veterinary medicine where we have not been able to serve our patients, their carers or our referral community. This did not sit well with us. Serendipity being what it is, our path crossed with Stefano's and we were able to extend our services."
For more information, visit www.theralph.vet
The company says the initiative, which is targeted at veterinary professionals and farmers, will be supported by an extensive social media, advertising and PR campaign.
The social media campaign will take the form of social media content, newsletter articles and images for veterinary practices to use on their social media channels and will include information on the cost of dairy cow lameness and tips to manage lameness.
Rose Jackson BVSc DBR CertVBM MRCVS is the farm clinical director at Scarsdale Vets which has already trialled the new materials. She said: “The ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ social media content has ensured that we are able to post eye-catching and thought-provoking content to continue to engage with our clients and raise awareness of the ‘triple works’ approach to lameness in cows, which includes using a NSAID such as Ketofen, alongside a trim and block for a more complete recovery from lameness than trimming alone.”
The ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign was launched following a study by Nottingham University which revealed that NSAIDs have a synergistic effect when given alongside effective hoof trimming and blocking to treat lameness1.
The study looked at claw horn disease of the hind foot and found that trimming alone resulted in a 69% rate of return to mobility without lameness in 35 days. Adding a block into an effective trimming protocol raised the success rate to 72%; trimming and administering a NSAID raised it to 76%. Interestingly, using all three techniques together - trimming, applying a block and administering an NSAID - resulted in 85% of cases being successfully resolved (Mobility score or 0 or 1).
Gemma Robinson BVM BVS MRCVS, ruminant veterinary adviser at Ceva Animal Health, said: “The study highlights that effective and prompt pain relief with NSAIDs can quickly help restore animals back to full productivity. Attitudes on the use of pain relief have changed significantly over the last 10 years and dairy farmers can have a positive influence by ensuring they recognise the value of NSAIDs and prioritise their use on-farm. It is important that vets discuss NSAIDs with their clients, both to manage illness and for routine procedures, and our ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign will help encourage farmers to think about their current pain management plan, take action and seek help from their vet.
“Some concerns have been raised that the issues associated with antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic administration are causing farmers to avoid the use of all injectable treatments. We need to be clear that NSAIDs are anti-inflammatories, not antibiotics, and it is important they are used for pain management, fever and the clinical signs associated with many common conditions. With zero milk-withhold NSAIDs available - there really is no reason to hesitate when it comes to administering pain relief in otherwise healthy cattle.”
For more information on the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ campaign visit the website designed for farmers (www.wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk), contact your local Ceva territory manager or call 01494 781510.
To request a copy of the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ social media pack (including pre-developed posts and images which you can send out to your own clients), speak to your Ceva territory manager or email: cevauk@ceva.com with your name, practice name and address details.
Sheldon is managing director of RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd and principal at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital in Bedford. He has been with the practice for 14 years. A graduate of Cambridge University he has a particular interest and a GP Certificate in ophthalmology. He has been a member of the BSAVA Board for the past five years and a volunteer since graduation.
Sheldon says that during his Presidency he will focus on shaping Congress 2022 into the ultimate veterinary get-together as the country begins its release from the challenges and constraints of the pandemic. He said: "With more than 3,300 registrations, the turnout for and particularly the engagement with BSAVA Virtual Congress 2021 was phenomenal, given the challenges the profession is currently facing as a result of the pandemic.
“We intend to build on this for BSAVA Congress 2022, by deploying a cleverly blended format to retain the high degree of accessibility and flexibility that delegates have so enjoyed this year. We will be releasing further details on BSAVA Congress 2022 in the early summer.”
Sheldon says he will also be focusing on BSAVA’s support for the small animal veterinary community as it emerges from the pandemic.
"The profession has shown incredible resilience and dynamism in responding to the changing demands of our patients but we need to be careful that this is not at the expense of our own wellbeing. BSAVA’s community support, practical education and science resources and leadership are all there to support the profession as it pivots to a new way of working.”
BSAVA Virtual Congress 2021 content is accessible for another 6 weeks. Visit https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home.
7,383 veterinary surgeons voted in this year's election, a turnout of 19.7%.
This compares to turnouts of 16.7% in 2023, 18.6% in 2022, 24.5% in 2021, and 26.2% in 2020.
Of the 14 candidates, Professor David Barratt, Sinead Bennett and Zara Kennedy were all elected to serve for a four year term, with 1,747 votes, 1,796 and 2,264 votes respectively.
Mark Bowen (1,404), Richard Brown (1,030), Paddy Gordon (1,612), Gerard Henry (1,157), Peter Higgins (496), Penelope Morgan (1,584), Kate Richards (1,264), Richard Sanderson (1,380), Sally Schroeder (1,630), Lara Wilson (1,399) and the inevitable Thomas Lonsdale (257) were all unsuccessful.
The winning candidates will take up their posts at Royal College Day, which is open to all vets to attend on Friday 5th July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote24
The Disciplinary Committee has directed that Kfir Segev be restored to the RCVS Register, having removed him over two years ago for dishonesty and misleading clients.
Mr Segev, formerly practising in Stanmore, Middlesex, was removed from the Register following an 11-day hearing ending on 19 May 2009 at which he had been proven guilty of deliberately concealing from his clients that their dog was terminally ill, whilst at the same time recommending that she undergo expensive and unnecessary procedures.
This was Mr Segev’s first application for restoration to the Register. The Committee found that, during his period of removal, he had undergone “extensive personal and professional rehabilitation”, which included attendance at a clinical psychologist and voluntary work in the local community.
The Committee found that, during his period of removal, he had undergone "extensive personal and professional rehabilitation.
From 2009 to September 2011, Mr Segev logged 420 hours of certificated continuing professional development, with particular emphasis on ethics, client relationships and animal welfare.
The Committee noted he had also seen practice and taken the advice of mentors, including about 80 days at “a number of high quality practices with eminent members of the profession”.
These included Professor Dick White MRCVS, of Dick White Referrals, Professor David Noakes FRCVS, Emeritus Professor of the Royal Veterinary College and Mr David Grant MBE FRCVS, Hospital Director at the RSCPA Sir Harold Harmsworth Memorial Hospital, all of whom gave evidence at the hearing in support of Mr Segev.
Professor White said that, since late 2009 when he was approached by Mr Segev for help in remedial training, continuing education and mentoring, he had subsequently had frequent dealings and conversations with him.
Professor White said: “I formed the opinion that he invariably exercised professional clinical judgement that is, if anything, considerably deeper than many professional colleagues. I felt he demonstrated compassion for patients and empathy for owners in equal measure and believed him to have come to understand fully the seriousness of his behaviour."
Mr Segev’s efforts at rehabilitation were described as “exceptional” by Professor Noakes, who said he was “impressed by Mr Segev’s genuine acceptance of the fact that he had committed a serious offence and deserved to be punished.”
Mr Grant, who had been in contact with Mr Segev since November 2010, told the hearing that, in his opinion, it was most evident that Mr Segev accepted his wrongdoing and, along with Professor Noakes, indicated that he was willing to offer continued support and help.
The College opposed the restoration of Mr Segev on three grounds, namely: the gravity of the matters found proved at the original hearing; that the length of time off the Register was insufficient to mark these and ensure that the reputation of the profession was not undermined in the eyes of the public; and, Mr Segev’s conduct, relying on two matters arising from the footage in a BBC Panorama programme, which was filmed both before and after the 2009 hearing.
The College also questioned whether Mr Segev genuinely accepted the original findings.
The Committee agreed that the findings of the original hearing were serious; it was, however, impressed by Mr Segev’s complete and genuine written and public apologies for what he had done.
It disagreed that the length of time off the Register was too short.
It was mindful that the purpose of the sanction of erasure is not primarily of punishment and considered that no useful purpose would be served by delaying further Mr Segev’s restoration.
Whilst the Committee found Mr Segev was wrong to have continued to display ‘veterinary surgeon’ on the practice nameplate (as shown in the television footage), it was satisfied that he did not intend to hold himself out as a practising veterinary surgeon and no harm to the public or animal welfare resulted from his mistake.
The footage also showed Mr Segev was in breach of RCVS guidance on the administration of anaesthesia by permitting a student veterinary nurse to induce anaesthesia by using incremental doses of intravenous propofol, with an unqualified assistant offering advice on the depth of anaesthesia during its incremental induction. The Committee considered Mr Segev’s actions to be an error, now cured.
In conclusion, the Committee accepted Mr Segev “had made genuine and successful attempts to reform his previous attitude and failings”.
It noted that a large number of testimonials had been provided by colleagues, friends and clients, and that the impact of removal on Mr Segev had been severe.
It concluded that his previous mistakes provided “no reason, relevant to animal welfare, to suggest that his restoration would be unwise.”
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Chairman Beverley Cottrell said: “Restoration to the Register of a veterinary surgeon who has been guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect of such seriousness is not something to be undertaken lightly … But, in all the circumstances of this case, [we have] decided that Mr Segev is a fit person to restore to the Register, and so direct the Registrar.”
Entries to the international awards came from 52 countries around the world. Each was assessed by three judges from a panel of industry leaders who are told the website's mission statement and target audience. They then visit the site, assume the role of a target user and judge according to seven criteria: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease-of-use.
VetSurgeon.org scored the highest marks for content, interactivity and copywriting.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "VetSurgeon.org was entered by our team of developers at 4Roads Ltd without me knowing about it, so this came as a very nice surprise. Particularly when you consider that other winners of a Standard of Excellence Award included the BBC, Leica, Mitsubishi Electric, Cisco, Dell, Deloitte and Philip Morris. That's very illustrious company to be in!"
The ten-minute online survey aims to gather a snapshot of horse health over the period of a week.
The results help to identify trends in endemic equine diseases and help the Blue Cross steer equine awareness, education and research.
This year the survey includes some welfare questions to help guide knowledge in response to what the charity calls 'the UK’s horse welfare crisis'.
The National Equine Health Survey is run by the Blue Cross in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. Dodson and Horrell is helping to cover the costs of running the scheme.
Supporters of the survey include the British Horse Society, Horse Trust, Redwings and the Pony Club.
Medal-winning riders Mary and Emily King, and Yazmin Pinchen (pictured right) also support the survey.
Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register and take part, which carries the chance of winning prizes including Star Lister Clippers, a Lister Adagio Trimmer and some Burford Ariat boots.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Myorelax, a guaifenesin 100 mg/ml solution for infusion for horses which, the company says, relaxes skeletal muscles within minutes.
Dechra's Equine Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: "Myorelax is indicated for the induction of muscle relaxation and immobilisation, as an adjunct to balanced anaesthesia.
"We're delighted to launch this product, which can be combined with a number of sedatives and anaesthetics including detomidine, ketamine and propofol plus local and volatile anaesthetics.
"Myorelax is a centrally acting muscle relaxant which is effective within a few minutes and does not affect the animal's respiratory muscles at therapeutic doses. It can be used in combination with a sedative and local anaesthetics for short procedures and together with appropriate general anaesthetics for induction and maintenance of muscle relaxation during anaesthesia."
Dechra says that horses are able to stand within 45 minutes after single administration, and the product can be used in a 'triple drip' protocol for total intravenous anaesthesia.
Myorelax is available in 500 ml bottles from veterinary wholesalers.
For further information, visit www.dechra.co.uk
VetSurgeon.org has joined forces with referral practitioner Alex Gough to conduct a survey into the profession's attitude to the use of homeopathy in animals.
Whilst the debate continues to rage over its use in human medicine, this is believed to be the first time that there has been a survey of opinion within the veterinary profession.
Alex Gough said: "This should give us an interesting insight into how practitioners feel about one of the more well-known systems of alternative medicine. That in turn may add something to the broader debate outside the veterinary profession."
Arlo said: "We really need as many veterinary surgeons as possible to take part, in order to get the most accurate picture. There are only 8 questions, and it should take less than a minute."
Click here (veterinary surgeons only), to take part in the survey.
Kruuse UK has expanded the well-known Buster range of “elizabethan” collars with the introduction of a Buster Comfort Collar. This new design is softer and more flexible and features a soft rubber outer edge for better comfort for the animal and is kinder to its surroundings.
Kruuse says prolonged use can make the edges of strong, rigid plastic collars brittle and ragged, especially with active animals, which is why the Comfort Collar was developed to alleviate this problem in such situations. Manufactured out of environmentally-friendly 100 per cent polypropylene, these collars still feature the quick-fastening system found on the Buster Clic Collar and are fully transparent to allow the animal all-round vision. The Buster Comfort Collars are available in seven sizes ranging from 7.5 to 30cm. For further information, please contact: Andrew Groom, Country Manager, Kruuse UK Ltd. Telephone: +44 (0) 1977 681523. E-mail: andrew.groom@kruuse.com.
Vetsonic UK has announced the addition to its range of Vetericyn Super 7+, a brand new umbilical cord dry-out solution for use in calves, lambs, piglets, foals, kids and puppies which is designed as an alternative to iodine.
Vetsonic says that because Super 7+ contains no iodine, it won't encourage licking by iodine-deficient mothers, which can cause serious damage to the navel. It is also an ideal alternative for handlers who are prone to iodine allergies.
The company points to a US study conducted by Auburn University in which Super 7 + demonstrated more than double the desiccation efficacy in the first 24 hours when compared to 7% tincture of iodine.
Super 7+ contains a dye for easy identification of treated animals and the company says it is environmental friendly, safe, non-flammable and non-corrosive with no toxic fumes.
Super 7 + is now available through veterinary wholesalers and direct from Vetsonic (UK) Ltd, either in a 500 ml spray bottle (box of 6) or a 3.78 litre bottle for dipping.
For more information, visit www.vetsonic.com