For veterinary surgeons and VNs who missed out on the BVDA 'Improving Periodontal Health' lecture tour last year, a further six have been organised for this autumn.
Speakers include Norman Johnston BVM&S, MRCVS, Ex President of the European Veterinary Dental College, John Robinson BDS (Lond) Dentist to the Veterinary Profession and Lisa Milella BVSc, MRCVS President of the British Veterinary Dental Association (BVDA). This year's events see the content extended to include resorptive lesions, fractured teeth and dental radiography with greater emphasis on feline oral care.
According to Lisa, the 2010 lecture series helped alert vets and VNs to the importance of oral health, benefitting both pet and practice. "It takes five years at vet school to qualify yet only three or four days are devoted to dentistry, so it's no surprise that many vets and VNs enter the profession with only a basic understanding of oral health.
"We know that four out of five dogs over the age of three show signs of periodontal disease but unfortunately many go untreated. This is mainly because the problems that this can lead to are not fully understood."
She added: "These seminars will not only help delegates to recognise early signs of oral disease but also offer practical guidance on how practices can educate pet owners in the importance of oral care."
Lisa believes that both practices and owners benefit from good oral hygiene programmes. "As a profession we need to do more to help educate pet owners in the value of good oral care. Practices should be talking to their clients from day one about preventative programmes, rather than wait until the damage is done."
The six UK events are:
The evening seminars, which are open to both vets and nurses, contribute two hours CPD and cost £35 per person and £25 for each subsequent delegate. A special group rate of £100.00 is available for any practice that wishes to send a group of four. For anyone wanting to reserve a place, please call the BVDA lecture tour reservation line centre on 01664 415 503.
BCF Technology is offering up to 35% off a variety of ultrasound and x-ray equipment until the end of February.
The offers are available on x-ray generators and ultrasound products such as the Medison Sonovet R3, GE C5 and Zonare.
For more information, visit the BCF website: www.bcftechnology.com, or ring 01506 460023.
Offers end 24th February and are subject to availability.
The partnership happened after Lumbry Park’s Clinical Director, veterinary cardiologist, Dr Luca Ferasin and his wife Heidi had a son, Mattia, with multiple and life-threatening congenital heart defects. During their son's subsequent treatment, which involved seven hours of successful open heart surgery, Dr Ferasin and his wife got to know Dr Caner Salih, a consultant paediatric cardiac surgeon and member of the team caring for Mattia. So when Dr Salih acquired French Bulldog puppy called Büdu a few weeks later, and a heart murmur was detected during his first visit to the vet, he turned to Dr Ferasin for advice.
Dr Ferasin diagnosed Büdu with the congenital heart condition Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). A VSD is characterised by a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart which causes an abnormal blood flow between the two chambers. Ironically, a large VSD was one of the multiple heart defects successfully corrected during Mattia’s life-saving cardiac surgery.
Dr Salih said: "I first met Dr Ferasin and Heidi under one of the most stressful circumstances a parent can experience, that of waiting for a child to undergo life-saving cardiac surgery. Sometime later I had first-hand experience of something not comparable but nonetheless very stressful of having to wait for the results of a diagnostic test which Dr Ferasin was able to provide for our newly acquired puppy. I appreciated more than ever the importance of knowing that our newest family member was in the most capable of hands."
Dr Ferasin said: "The related stories of Mattia and Büdu highlight the remarkable similarities between paediatric and small animal medicine, not only in terms of medical conditions, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic procedures, but also in terms of the psychological, emotional and social importance of the human-animal bond – in both directions. After all, just like babies and young children, veterinary patients cannot communicate with us - while their ‘parents’ have the same need for reassurance that their beloved ‘baby’ will recover.
"Our partnership with the Evelina London Children’s Hospital will celebrate these similarities and promote the concept of ‘One Health’ in a bid to advance both human and veterinary medicine. By working closely with the Evelina London, we aim to contribute positively to the development of novel techniques, research and therapies in both our children and in companion animals. We’re planning a range of initiatives, including fundraising and collaborations with the clinical staff at Lumbry Park and the Evelina London, in particular with those in the cardiology and cardiac surgery departments. We’re also planning social events, such as advanced pet-therapy sessions for children undergoing treatment at the Evelina and their families, including direct interaction with our veterinary patients with similar conditions."
He added: "Thanks to the dedicated team at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Mattia is thriving and is a happy, healthy and fun-loving little boy. He will continue to visit the hospital for reassessments as he grows. Büdu visited us again at Lumbry Park during 2016 for a reassessment and an ultrasound of his heart showed the spontaneous closure of his VSD, resulting in the resolution of his condition. This is a rare but fantastic outcome which, to the best of our knowledge, has only been reported in a couple of canine cases in the veterinary literature. What better reason to cement the bond between human and veterinary medicine!"
Dr Salih added: "Many people do not appreciate the amount of shared learning that has, for decades, occurred between the study of animals and medicine. Many of the advances in areas of human healthcare we embrace today simply could not exist without this relationship – and open heart surgery is one. The Evelina is delighted to be collaborating with Lumbry Park on this exciting venture."
For the survey, 565 respondents ranked their levels of concern about different aspects of veterinary life that may be affected by coronavirus.
The top concerns were:
In addition, 42% were very or quite concerned about contracting Covid-19 in their workplace, rising to 55% amongst those working in mixed practice and 50% in small animal/exotic practice.
Respondents were more concerned about stress and burnout amongst their colleagues (67% very or quite concerned) than the impact on themselves (45%), but more than half (58%) of small animal/exotics vets reported being concerned about their own stress and burnout. Managers and employees reported higher levels of concern around stress and burnout than business owners and those who are self-employed.
When it comes to employment, the profession is a bit more optimistic. 23% of respondents are not at all concerned about job security in the veterinary sector, with 43% a little concerned and 31% very or quite concerned. Equine vets (45%) and charity vets (64%) are very or quite concerned about job security in their own sectors, against an average of 23% across all areas of work.
However, 95% of respondents had some level of concern (a little, quite or very) about the potential impact of a recession on the veterinary sector, with government, equine and charity vets most concerned.
The findings will be used to inform BVA’s work on supporting the veterinary profession as the pandemic continues.
BVA President James Russell said: “Although this is just a snapshot survey, it tells us a lot about how our colleagues are feeling six months on from the national lockdown. It paints a worrying, but not surprising, picture about the health and wellbeing of a profession that has worked incredibly hard and in very difficult circumstances this year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the way the profession has adapted to working safely during Covid-19, but we know that it has taken its toll, for example with consults taking longer, needing to cover staff shortages, and dealing with anxious clients.
“BVA also shares the profession’s concerns about the impact on students and new graduates. EMS is the jewel in the crown of UK veterinary teaching and it’s frustrating that opportunities to gain practical training have been hampered by the Covid restrictions. The issue is at the top of our agenda with the RCVS and Vet Schools Council to make sure we can collectively support the next generation of vets through this difficult time.
“As the UK is braced for the second wave, we know we are much better prepared and far more able to work safely to do our bit to tackle the spread of coronavirus. But it’s vital that we continue to support one another, as well as continuing the spirit of collaboration with neighbouring practices that helped us get through the height of the pandemic.
The snapshot survey on Covid-19 is available to view at: https://www.bva.co.uk/media/3781/voice-covid-survey-2020-results.pdf
Woodley Equipment Company Ltd has announced the launch of InSight rapid diagnostic test kits. The test range includes FeLV, FIV, FeLV-FIV Combi, Giardia, Canine Heartworm, Canine Parvovirus and with more tests in development.
The test kits are available to veterinary practices across the UK and to Woodley's global veterinary diagnostic distributors. Each test is based on a sandwich lateral flow immunochromatographic assay and contains 10 cassettes per box. The company says that the diagnostic kits are simple and easy to use and will provide point of care testing direct to the veterinary practice. The kits are stored at room temperature (2⁰C - 30⁰C).
The range of InSight Rapid Diagnostic Tests includes:
To place an order, email sales@woodleyequipment.com, fax 01204 669034, or telephone 01204 669033.
For more information, visit: http://www.woodleyequipment.com/.
Bayer Animal Health, maker of Advocate and organiser of the Be Lungworm Aware campaign, is warning that last year's damp summer and the mild winter conditions may lead to a continued spread of Angiostongylus vasorum in the UK.
Biodiversity & Conservation Officer for The Natural History Museum, Professor Fred Naggs, said: "An increase in the number of slug and snail populations this year would suggest there will consequently be a continued spread of the parasite. However, this depends on a number of factors: (i) the number of slugs and snails around last year, of which there were many (ii) the level of precipitation throughout the year, as slugs and snails will breed continuously when temperatures are mild to warm and there is adequate relative humidity. According to many reports in the press, last year was one of the wettest on record (iii) the survival of slugs and snails over the winter. As this winter has not been particularly harsh, reasonable numbers of slugs and snails should have survived."
In addition, a study by the RVC as shown that A. vasorum is spreading beyond the traditional geographic distribution with 20 per cent of veterinary practices across the country reporting at least one case of A. vasorum. 1
To help raise awareness of the parasite, veterinary surgeons and nurses are being encouraged to support the 'Be Lungworm Aware' campaign. The scheme will offer support and education to owners and participating vet practices throughout this month, which has been labelled 'Lungworm Awareness Month'.
Caroline Braidwood, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "While dog owners are becoming more aware of A. vasorum, there is still a real lack of understanding as to the warning signs associated with the condition and how to prevent or treat it. Some owners still believe that Lungworm can be prevented by using normal intestinal wormers which is not the case - Advocate is the only product that can prevent A. vasorum, and from the first application. Our aim with the 'Be Lungworm Aware' campaign is to drive pet owners to their vet practice, where they can then be informed of the danger of the parasite and educated about correct preventative treatment."
Practices can request a range of materials including a practice press pack by calling their Bayer Territory Manager. The pack is designed to promote the awareness campaign to local dog owning clients and includes a regional press release, images and other collateral including leaflets, posters and a campaign DVD for display in waiting rooms.
For more information on lungworm, visit www.lungworm.co.uk
Reference
1. Royal Veterinary College survey 2012, 1,419 veterinary practices
Jon Bowen, animal behaviour consultant at the Royal Veterinary College and Sureflap have declared 8th May 'Vet Cat Watch Day', and are asking the profession to record the reason why each cat seen that day is brought into the practice.
Jon explained: "There are more than 10 million pet cats in the UK, however there is little information about the prevalence of injuries, disease, cat fights and road traffic accidents on a national scale".
The absence of data became apparent when findings from research on over 1,000 cats - conducted as part of the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign, supported by SureFlap and Your Cat magazine - revealed cats that had suffered minor injuries from fights were more likely to develop other health issues, such as hair loss and eye infections.
Judith Bank from SureFlap said: "People often purchase a microchip-operated cat flap to help their pet to feel secure. Owners tell us that their pet is spraying in the house or has been losing fur and this motivated us to support research to look deeper into the problems that pet owners might be having. We soon realised that objective data from vets was not available to qualify the findings and this is where the idea of 'Vet Cat Watch Day' emerged."
Jon said: "The aim of Vet Cat Watch Day is to take a snap-shot of cats' health from veterinary practices across the nation, on one day. The results will be compiled alongside information from cat owners gained in 'Cat Watch Day' a few days earlier.
A report detailing preliminary findings from the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign is available from the SureFlap website. When complete the results will be used to help provide vets with an insight into the lives of domestic cats so they are better equipped to understand behavioural issues.
For more information on Vet Cat Watch Day please visit the SureFlap website The site hosts a PDF to print out and help record the feline cases that come through practice doors on the 8th May, which can be downloaded from www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch_info. At the end of the day, visit www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch to upload your data to the online survey.
Following a nationwide search to find the UK’s top veterinary professionals for 2008 and judged by an independent panel of experts, Petplan has announced the winners of the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards, which were presented at a black-tie gala dinner on 3rd April in Birmingham.
The winners of the awards, which acknowledge achievement in the veterinary world, are: VET OF THE YEAR Brian Faulkner of the Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge Brian’s understanding and compassion for his clients’ pets impressed judges. He receives literally hundreds of cards and letters expressing appreciation for his efforts, care and dedication and can deliver devastating news with the gentlest touch. Brian, often known as ‘Uncle Brian’ by his clients, continuously goes over and above the call of duty and fully deserves the title ‘Vet of the Year 2008’.
VET NURSE OF THE YEAR Louisa Baker of the Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, Chichester The judges believe that Louisa is an excellent role model for those interested in veterinary nursing. She spends quality time supporting and training those around her and has the unusual ability to win people over instantaneously with her kind and gentle manner. Louisa shows a deep-rooted compassion for owners and their animals and truly deserves the title of ‘Veterinary Nurse of the Year’. According to her clients, friends and colleagues she is “one in a million”.
VET RECEPTIONIST OF THE YEAR Margaret Gait of Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates, Lydd Margaret has worked at Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates for 15 years, and is now a popular, much loved member of the local community. She is a hard working, conscientious team player, who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty – and often stays late to help with emergencies or to clean up after surgery. She constantly goes the extra mile and Petplan is delighted to name her ‘Vet Receptionist of the Year’.
VET PRACTICE OF THE YEAR Orwell Veterinary Group, Ipswich Orwell Veterinary Group was described as having a number of ‘remarkable’ qualities by the panel of judges. The high level of customer care, staff’s dedication to continued professional development and the emphasis on developing strong client relationships were all described as exceptional.
Charles Bagnall, the practice owner and practicing vet, explains: “I am very proud of what my brother, I and our dedicated team have achieved over the past 14 years – we have built a well recognised and respected multi-centred practice and accredited veterinary hospital, while still providing friendly, professional and personal care.”
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD In addition to these awards, a Special Recognition Award, voted for by the general public, was also presented to Matt Brash who has become a popular TV vet. More recently, Matt’s ITV series, ‘Zoo Vet’ and ‘Zoo Vet at Large’ have received widespread appeal the world over.
Matt explains: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award for my work in the
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched a competition to find 12 dogs that have responded well to treatment with Vetmedin, to feature in the company's forthcoming 2012 Better Dogs calendar.
Boehringer is particularly interested in hearing about dogs with funny or quirky stories, or ones that have made a dramatic heart-warming recovery. If the submission makes it to the short list of 12 they will be featured in Vetmedin's 2012 Better Dogs Calendar which will be available to veterinary practices later in the year. In addition, the vet with the best story will win a £250 Red Letter Days' voucher with the 11 runners up winning the new BSAVA Manual of Thoracic Imaging.
In return for pet owners agreeing to their dog's story being submitted, Boehringer will send each veterinary practice a complimentary pack of either Vetmedin 1.25mg x 50 tablets or Vetmedin 5.0mg x 50 tablets, depending on the normal prescription, to give to their client.
Entries can be made either on the 2012 Better Dogs Calendar form which can be found in a recent Vetmedin mailing or via email to vetmedin.bra@boehringer-ingelheim.com. All entries should be accompanied by a photograph. Terms and conditions apply and the closing date for submissions is 30 September 2011.
For further information, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Territory Manager or call 01344 746959.
The company points to an increasing trend across Europe towards feeding raw diets to pets, with 4% of UK cats and 10% of UK dogs now being fed raw meat and animal by-products.
The webinar, which will also look at the role of testing, offers an opportunity to learn more about the pathogens and parasites associated with raw feeding and the role of the right test at the right time.
Horiba says it's not just pets that need testing, but the raw materials used in their food.
Ian, who is Head of ESCCAP (the European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasites) UK & Ireland, said: “The recent trend of increasing raw feeding opens up new opportunities for pathogen transmission.
"Where raw feeding is taking place, adequate tapeworm and protozoal parasite prevention is essential to reduce zoonotic risk and economic losses.
“Testing forms an essential part of their control, and understanding this role and the diagnostic test options available will prove valuable to all veterinary professionals.”
Following Ian's presentation, there will be an open Q&A session.
Horiba’s team of veterinary specialists will also be available at the end of the webinar to discuss and advise on any testing needs, including its veterinary PCR system, the POCKIT Central.
To register, visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4306408134214190348
Thought to be the first agreement of its kind between a buying group and a veterinary practice, Norfolk Farm Vets and agricultural purchasing group Anglia Farmers Limited have come together to offer mutual members and clients a beneficial discount on their monthly vet account when invoiced through Anglia Farmers. Anglia Farmers livestock manager Simon Leach said: "With more than 650 livestock members, Anglia Farmers is keen to give a financial edge wherever possible. Veterinary costs are as much a part of the overall costs we already help with such as feed, equipment and fencing. In terms of dairy, they account for around 0.8p a litre of milk, accumulating to an average of around £1,200 a month for a typical East Anglian dairy of 150 head. Our discount agreement with Norfolk Farm Vets is a very positive step in aiding our members to save even more money through Anglia Farmers."Both parties agree that the time and administration cost saving benefit is equally important.Molly McKay of Norfolk Farm Vets, which has clients throughout the Eastern Counties as well as Lincolnshire, said: "Anyone involved with livestock knows how time-consuming all the paperwork can be. Each month Anglia Farmers collates all the supplier invoices, sends them on to members as part of their monthly statement with a single covering invoice which is so much easier than receiving them piecemeal. And it streamlines administration and cashflow for us as well."
The RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council has decided that the College should cease being an awarding body next year, which means it will no longer offer the vocational Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
The College says it will ensure that the Diploma continues to be available by transferring the intellectual property associated with the qualification, such as the question banks and systems, to another larger awarding body, in a move which is likely to take effect for the beginning of the 2012 academic year.
According to the College, this decision reflects recent changes in the regulatory Conditions of Approval for awarding bodies, which it would have been hard for the College to meet while continuing to offer the Diploma cost-effectively. The changes mainly relate to potential conflicts of interest between the College's primary role, as professional regulator that safeguards standards within the veterinary professions, and its role as an awarding body. The standards-setting role includes the regulation of education and training leading to the veterinary and VN registers, and it was felt that the College could no longer exercise this role effectively if it was also an awarding organisation, as it might be suspected of treating its internal qualifications more favourably, or of obstructing competitors.
Although the College says this has not been a problem in the past, the rules are now more stringent, and the costs of setting up a fully independent awarding body would be prohibitive.
The market for the Diploma is also likely to fragment in the future, with three other awarding bodies expressing an interest in offering a Level 3 Diploma. Any reduction in the number of students taking the RCVS Level 3 Diploma would further push up the costs, potentially making the RCVS Awarding Body unviable. A larger awarding body can take advantage of economies of scale across a range of awards in a way that the RCVS cannot.
Colonel Neil Smith, Chairman of the RCVS Awarding Body Board said: "The RCVS has been offering vocational qualifications since 1998 and the decision to cease being an awarding body has not been taken lightly.
"We have taken this decision in order to focus on our core responsibilities of professional regulation and standard setting. However, we remain committed to maintaining the Diploma, which has been carefully developed by the RCVS and the profession. This move ensures that it will stay in safe hands."
The name of the awarding body to which the qualification will be transferred has not yet been announced because the process is not complete. However, the College says it felt it was important to give those involved with the delivery of training as much notice as possible of the change. More information, and the change-over plan, will be released in due course.
Libby Earle, RCVS Head of Veterinary Nursing said: "Our priority will be effecting a smooth transfer for students, Colleges and training practices, and we are confident that the impact of the change will be minimal. Furthermore, it will be a condition of the transfer that the veterinary profession continues to have a say in the future development of the qualification."
Those students still in the process of completing the old NVQ qualifications, the accreditation of which is due to run out in 2013, will continue to be serviced by the RCVS.
As the professional regulator, the College will continue to issue RCVS certificates and badges to those who have successfully completed a registerable qualification - such as an approved vocational qualification run by another awarding body, or an RCVS-recognised veterinary nursing degree.
The Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will be unaffected by the change as the qualification is awarded by the College under its Royal Charter powers.
The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that it has no grounds to take action against IDEXX Laboratories Limited following an investigation into alleged abuses of a dominant position in the veterinary diagnostic testing sector.
The OFT opened its investigation in November 2010 after it received a complaint alleging that IDEXX was abusing a dominant position in the market for the supply of in-clinic pet testing equipment in order to foreclose competition.
The conduct assessed by the OFT included alleged practices of:
The full reasoning for the OFT's conclusion, including details of the methodologies used by the OFT to assess potential theories of harm relating to alleged mixed bundling (also known as multi-product rebates) and alleged predatory pricing in systems markets, is available from the OFT's website, here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to raise awareness of summer skin conditions, such as sweet itch, following research carried out by Elanco Companion Animal Health, distributor of Cavalesse, which revealed that vets only tend to be consulted after horse owners have tried to manage the condition themselves (73%), or if the clinical signs have become severe (67%), potentially leading to major welfare implications.
According to the research, this is despite the fact that over half (55%) of owners of a horse with sweet itch showed concern that their horse will suffer, and nearly half being stressed about the way the condition will affect it (47%). While many horse owners are fairly knowledgeable about the causes of sweet itch and its clinical signs, over a quarter of respondents (26%) did not start managing the condition before the midge season in the spring, which may make managing the condition more frustrating. Nearly a third (31%) stated that they had to curtail their activities with their horse due to welfare, aesthetic and behavioural issues, such as head shaking, rubbing, unpredictability and aggression.
Ed Whittle, technical consultant at Elanco Companion Animal Health said: "86% of those questioned considered sweet itch to be a very serious welfare issue if left untreated, with the worst aspects of the condition being the suffering and distress caused by the constant irritation which affects the quality of life of the horse. Over half (55%) felt that sweet itch had adversely affected the behaviour of their horse, making them difficult to handle or ride. Veterinary practices should be proactively talking to their clients about summer skin conditions such as sweet itch to help alleviate the suffering and distress caused by this frustrating disease."
Elanco says it will be joining forces with the British Horse Society (BHS), The Blue Cross, The Horse Trust, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare (WHW) to raise awareness of summer skin conditions, such as sweet itch, during Sweet Itch Awareness Month (SIAM) in March. The campaign will highlight the preventative measures that should be carried out to help alleviate sweet itch and the importance of management of the condition before the start of the midge season in the spring.
Lee Hackett, head of welfare at the BHS, said: "The results of this survey show just how important raising awareness of sweet itch is. All of us, whether we are welfare organisations or vets, need to play our part in educating owners about sweet itch in the hope that they will seek expert advice at an earlier stage and reduce the number of horses that suffer as a result of this condition."
Kerry Taylor, education officer at The Blue Cross, said: "The Blue Cross is pleased to be supporting the sweet itch campaign to raise awareness of the physical and mental impact this condition has on horses. During our May 2011 National Equine Health Survey, skin problems came out the top syndrome affecting horses, and we continue to see many horses coming into our care suffering from sweet itch. Prevention and early treatment is key to managing the potentially debilitating condition."
For further information on sweet itch, Sweet Itch Awareness Month or Cavalesse, please visit http://www.fidavet.com/, or contact Elanco Companion Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, RG24 9NL, 01256 353131.
Sweet itch - effect on horse and owner. Mo Gannon & Associates. Web survey in November 2011. 351 responses - owners who have owned horses with sweet itch in the last two years.
National Veterinary Services has launched NVS Webshop, an online veterinary shop that practices can bolt on to their own website, or setup as a standalone online shop.
NVS says the shop, which is branded with your practice livery, includes the following features:
For more information visit: http://www.vet2pet.co.uk, email: salesandmarketing@nvs-ltd.co.uk or call 01782 770326.
The RCVS has launched a survey asking recent graduates from UK veterinary schools to share their experiences of the role played by extra-mural studies (EMS) while studying for their degree.
The aim of the online survey, which has been emailed to all of the 2012 and 2013 UK veterinary graduates for whom the College holds email addresses, is to take a snapshot of how EMS placements - whether pre-clinical or clinical - are working in practice and their value in educational terms.
Christine Warman, RCVS Head of Education, said: "In 2009 we carried out a review into EMS arrangements and, in light of this, we want to gather evidence on current practice in order to build up a picture of how EMS is now working and the role that it plays in the learning process for veterinary students. This evidence will inform any future discussions about EMS.
"So, for example, we would like to find out what students gained from EMS that they could not have learnt from their core studies alone and gather further information on the process of identifying and arranging EMS placements."
Recent graduates taking part in the survey, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, can supply their name and email address or, alternatively, there is the option of responding anonymously. The survey should be completed by Friday 14 February. Those 2012 and 2013 graduates who have not received an email with the link to the survey, and who wish to take part, should email: education@rcvs.org.uk
For more information on EMS, or the survey, contact the RCVS Education Department on 020 7202 0791 or education@rcvs.org.uk. Further guidance about EMS for both students and placement providers can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/ems which includes a link to the RCVS Find a Vet service where students can search for practices providing EMS.
Dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today.
Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
The maximum sentences for allowing a dog to attack someone in England or Wales have also been increased as follows:
Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said: "Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families and it is only right those responsible should face tough punishments.
"Irresponsible dog owners will not only face longer prison sentences, but will also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place, even in their own home. This will give protection to those who provide vital services in the community - postal workers, nurses, utility workers - as well as people visiting family and friends."
For the first time, the Dangerous Dogs Act also includes a specific offence to protect assistance dogs from attacks.
Guide Dogs Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: "An attack on a guide dog can be devastating. It can rob someone with sight loss of their independence and freedom, leaving them virtually housebound. We're delighted that irresponsible owners can now be given tougher sentences if their dog attacks an assistance dog.
"With an average of 10 guide dogs being attacked every month, we're looking to the police to fully use their new powers to protect vulnerable people from these sometimes life-changing attacks."
The changes will also see new preventative powers for the police and local authorities so they can act early to stop dog attacks before they occur. These measures include steps the dog owner can take to address their own or their dog's behaviour, for example:
Attending dog training classes.Repairing fencing to their property to prevent the dog escaping.Requiring their dog to be muzzled in public.
Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: "The coalition government is already making real progress in defending the public from out of control dogs and their irresponsible owners. Today's measures will protect individuals and also assistance dogs, which bring security, confidence and independence to their handlers.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "The Kennel Club sees these amendments as being extremely positive overall for the welfare of millions of dogs in this country, as well as helping to protect the public and the UK's responsible dog owners. For too long, irresponsible owners who consistently allow, or even encourage, their dogs to act aggressively or behave dangerously have essentially been protected by regulations which tend to penalise the dogs rather than their irresponsible owners. This updated legislation makes it absolutely clear that this is not acceptable and owners must take responsibility for adequately training their dogs.
"We have been very careful during our work with Government to ensure that there are adequate defences for those otherwise responsible dog owners who find themselves in unforeseen circumstances. This includes scenarios such as dogs protecting their homes from intruders or responding to provocation.
"Disappointingly however, the issue of breed specific legislation still remains unaddressed, with the government failing to use the opportunity whilst amending the Dangerous Dogs Act to repeal this ineffective element of the law.
"The Kennel Club believes in the principle of 'deed not breed' and that genetics plays only a small part in the temperament of a dog, with breeding, socialisation and environment having a far greater effect. The majority of dog bite incidents are a result of the irresponsible actions of owners who have either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or have in fact trained them to behave aggressively. Consequently any legislation based on genetics that ignores the influence of the dog's keeper on its behaviour is highly likely to be ineffective, as has been proven with the Dangerous Dogs Act."
Located in Wolverhampton, the new practice uses different lighting in different parts of the building: 'cool' for public areas such as the waiting room, 'comfortable warm' for the dog, cat and exotic wards and daylight for clinical areas. The LED system uses 60% less energy than conventional lighting and requires half the number of fittings. In addition, following research in the USA at Banfield, consulting rooms are fitted with dimmable lights to ease stress for patients and clients during euthanasia.
Other highlights include a specialist cat ward that White Cross says exceeds the iCatCare Cat Friendly Clinic requirements. The ward includes raised cat kennels that are carefully positioned so that cats can’t see each other, to further minimise stress-levels. There are also separate, sound-proofed wards for dogs and exotic pets.
To reduce anxiety in dogs and cats pre- and post-surgery, the practice uses pheromone diffusers and specially composed music played in the wards.
Managing Director, Tim Harrison said: "We’re delighted to launch our latest practice in Wolverhampton, which is our most environmentally-friendly yet. We’ve incorporated the most successful attributes from all of our 15 other UK practices into its design, and it’s immediately proving popular with clients and most importantly their pets."
Clinic Director James Millington says: "The facilities and attention to detail in this practice are the best I’ve ever seen. There’s no doubt this will translate into the quality of care that our clients receive and their pets deserve."
The Veterinary Hospital and Surgery acquired the Magdalen Arms in late 2014 and started work on the conversion of the listed building in March 2015, with particular care needed to preserve original features including its Dutch gables and the falcon logo of local brewery Lacon’s, which is incorporated into the brick work.
The new hospital was officially opened at the end of February, with the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Malcolm Bird, and local 2012 Paralympic gold medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate unveiling the plaque. More than 1,000 local people came to have a look round, many bringing their canine friends.
Clinical Director Elissa Norman said: "In recent years we had outgrown our original surgery and it started to become difficult to offer the level of service we wanted to within the space we had.
"We knew that the Magdalen Arms, in addition to being a well-known local landmark, offered all the space we needed, a central location and plenty of parking. The structure of the building made the conversion quite complex but the final result is beyond our expectations and we can’t wait to see the reaction of our clients when they bring their pets to us for the first time."
"We now have staff on site with patients 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, plenty of parking and we can offer full access for disabled clients all of which were a priority for us. The reception area is spacious and inviting, the consult rooms are well equipped and the new cat ward will create a less stressful environment for our feline patients.
"Watching this much-loved building take shape as a brand-new hospital with all the facilities we need for our patients, their owners and our staff has been special and I’m looking forward to helping it take on a different role within the community. While the building work is now finished, we have lots of plans to develop the service we offer further over the next few months."
"We are grateful to the Mayor Malcolm Bird and to Jessica-Jane for helping us celebrate the opening of the hospital and it was great to welcome so many local people and show them around as they have been so supportive during the conversion. It is clear that the building holds a strong place in many of their memories but that they are as excited as we are to see the amazing transformation that has taken place. We look forward to serving them and caring for their pets in the years ahead."
The HT Vista device measures heat transfer rate differences between masses and adjacent normal tissues and then processes that data using machine learning algorithms to classify the masses.
The study evaluated a diverse canine population of 299 dogs with 525 cutaneous and subcutaneous masses.
In the study, the device correctly classified 45 out of 53 malignant masses and 253 out of 378 benign masses (sensitivity = 85% and specificity = 67%).
The negative predictive value of the system (i.e., percent of benign masses identified as benign) was 97%.
This study concluded that the data supports the use of the HT Vista device "as a screening tool and decision support tool for the everyday diagnosis of dermal and subcutaneous masses in general practice, enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring additional diagnostics".
Liron Levy-Hirsch, Managing Director of HT Vista’s UK subsidiary said: “We are thrilled to have scientific research validating the success of the HT Vista device.
"The veterinary teams who have already adopted the device into their practice are having great success with it, and with the backing of this newly published paper we hope to reach more practices and ultimately save more dog’s lives.”
www.ht-vet.com / www.ht-vista.uk
The company has introduced a new online range of pack inserts for several of its key products including Vetoryl, Felimazole, Metrobactin and Thyforon so veterinary practices can download and print the latest pack inserts for the treatments.
The move will ensure that practices always have access to the most up-to-date information about the prescribed medication. Dechra says it will also save time as staff will not have to copy original documents from the pack.
The pack inserts will be available via www.dechra.co.uk and www.dechra.ie. In addition, Dechra has developed dispensing envelopes which are available at no charge from wholesalers in packs of 25.
Larry King, Marketing Manager, said: "Veterinary practices often dispense pharmaceuticals from bulk which involves having to copy original pack inserts for owners.
"By printing the online pack inserts, practices will no longer have piles of inserts to store and will be safe in the knowledge they are supplying the most up to date pack insert to their clients.
"When used together, the pack inserts and dispensing envelopes provide practices with an effective solution when dispensing from bulk."
The traditional method for detecting equine lameness is subjective, using expert visual evaluation of gait to identify the presence or absence and degree of asymmetries. The lame horse is described as having a disorder, defect or loss of function and this clinical diagnosis has associated welfare implications if the horse is still asked to perform.
The article explains how advanced computer technology is starting to change all this. Optic motion capture or the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) is now enabling the detailed study and quantification of the horse’s gait; objective assessment against preset thresholds. The paper points out that while these digital systems can overcome the temporal and spatial limitations of the human eye they simply rely on one or a number of set gait parameters to decide about lameness and this can present obstacles.
Thresholds are forcibly based on a limited reference population, which doesn’t adequately reflect the millions of horses in the world. The individual environmental and mental conditions for each horse and its day-to-day gait variations are also not accounted for. On this basis to use the term ‘lame’ because a horse demonstrates a subtle gait alteration, causing it to fall below the threshold, could be inappropriate, particularly as it may not affect the horse’s welfare in any way.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal said: "An important first step is for researchers and clinicians to start to discriminate clearly between 'asymmetry' and 'lameness' and not to use these as interchangeable terms when interpreting gait analysis data. Asymmetry is often, but not always, a hallmark of lameness, but is not a clinical term, whereas lameness is."
The 2023 PAW Report will assess how lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis have affected the nation’s pets.
The survey, which is open to vets, veterinary nurses and students, closes on 10th February 2023.
Entrants will be in with a chance of winning a £100 One4all voucher, accepted in over 130 high street stores.
Rebecca Ashman, PDSA’s Veterinary Engagement and Communication Manager said: “The PAW Report provides invaluable insight into key areas of pet wellbeing in the UK.
"Lifestyles had to adapt and change through the pandemic, and now as we navigate a cost of living crisis, this research is more vital than ever before.”
Rebecca added: “It takes less than 15 minutes to complete the survey, and by taking part you’ll be helping us maintain an accurate picture of the biggest welfare issues facing pets in the UK today.”
Survey: https://start.yougov.com/refer/vz7hC0lZ0d10nG
There'll be tours of the hospital, including the new consulting suite, together with the opportunity to meet NWVS specialists, clinicians, nurses and client care personnel.
Food and refreshments will be served throughout the day, and the practice is also laying on some physiotherapy demonstrations.
Clinical director Prue Neath said: “Our open day for veterinary practice teams is a great opportunity to showcase to the veterinary profession the modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment we have on offer, further enhanced by our major expansion.
“The upgrades ensure we can continue to deliver the very best of care and treatments to our pet patients, while offering a first-class working environment for our valued colleagues.”
To book a place: www.nwspecialists.com/vet-professionals/open-day/registration
The 'Lifelong Ear Partnership' resources, which were developed in conjunction with a panel of vets, are designed to help vets in practice improve their owner communication and achieve owner buy-in about otitis.
To that end, Dechra has developed various owner communication tools for use in practice or to refer owners to after the consultation.
They include an owner website: www.ear-inflammation.co.uk and a postcard with QR code links to educational videos which cover clinical recommendations, treatment options and the importance of revisits.
There is also a brochure for owners and an online 4D ear model: www.4d-earmodel.com, which demonstrates a healthy ear and an ear with mild, moderate or severe otitis.
Finally, Dechra has also launched an ear cytology webinar series on Dechra Academy: www.dechra.co.uk/academy.
The course consists of tips for everything from greeting the patient to performing and interpreting cytology slides.
Claire Westoby, companion animal brand manager at Dechra, said: “Otitis externa in dogs is not a quick fix and to successfully treat a case several factors need to be considered.
"Most cases call for a thorough investigation of the primary causes, a correct diagnosis and treatment of potential secondary dysbiosis, handling of perpetuating factors and constructing a long-term plan that ensures owner compliance and reduces the risk of recurrent problems.
“Our extensive new range of Lifelong Ear Partnership resources will ensure that vets can refresh their knowledge on otitis externa and educate clients on all aspects of the condition within a limited consult time.”
www.dechra.co.uk/otitis-externa.