Royal Canin has launched 'Calm', described as the UK's first complete nutritional support for cats and dogs during stress.
Royal Canin says Calm contains a combination of two nutrients known to help support stress management. Alpha-casozepine is a patented milk peptide developed after observations of the post-prandial calming properties of milk in newborns, while L-tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin, involved in mood control. According to the company, Calm also helps support the skin and digestion, promote the elimination of hairballs in cats, and help delay the formation of tartar in dogs. Calm also contains Royal Canin's S/O Index to help maintain urinary health.
Because palatability becomes even more important when animals are stressed, Calm has been designed to be highly palatable - preferred by 68 per cent of cats in trials compared to a control food.
Royal Canin veterinary support manager Gudi Stuttard said: "We all know how stressful life can be, especially in a busy vet practice, and we recognise that dogs and cats can also be affected by stress. Calm is a unique way to help support them during stressful periods, as part of your multi-modal approach, in the form of complete, high quality nutrition to help keep pets in the best of health."
Royal Canin recommends that Calm is fed at least 10 days before any anticipated period of stress, and should then be maintained for two to three months. It can also be fed on a long-term basis if required. Calm is available in 2kg and 4kg bags - for more information, please contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager or call 0845 717 800.
The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) has published 'Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term use of NSAIDs in cats' in the July 2010 edition of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
The society says it has developed the guidelines in order to try and address the major welfare issue of cats suffering unremitting and untreated chronic pain. Until recently, NSAIDs had only been licensed for short-term use in cats, but with changing licensing indications and recommendations, they are now also increasingly used for long-term treatment of cats, for example in the management of osteoarthritis.
However, in most cases where long-term use of pain relief in cats is required, there are concomitant problems with other diseases or other drugs that are being given. According to the ISFM, one of the most common concerns is whether NSAIDs can be used to treat arthritis in older cats with kidney disease. The society says that because of concerns like these, and the potential for adverse effects, cats often receive no treatment at all, and their quality of life can be severely compromised.
For this reason, the ISFM set up an international expert panel to develop practical and rational guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats. The aim was to provide guidelines that would empower clinicians, enabling them to make sensible and rational choices, and ensure much-needed therapy is not needlessly withheld from patients.
The panel was made up of Andrew Sparkes, Duncan Lascelles, Richard Malik, Sheilah Robertson, Margie Scherk, Polly Taylor, Llibertat Real Sampietro and Reidun Heiene.
Along with the veterinary information in the guidelines, the panel also developed a brief client-facing leaflet that can be given to owners when NSAIDs are prescribed for their cats - this leaflet provides simple, clear advice on why NSAIDs are used, why they are important, but also what simple precautions avoid adverse effects, with further advice on when to seek veterinary advice to reinforce the safety message.
Both of these publications are available to download from the website www.isfm.net/toolbox
Pfizer Animal Health is offering the chance to win £500 worth of CPD vouchers to UK veterinary surgeons who participate in the company's 5 minute online survey about Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).
Pfizer says the intention of the survey is to find out more about veterinary perceptions and understanding of this endemic disease and its effects on the UK's valuable equine industry. There are five multi-choice questions and the survey is available online from now until 31st May 2012. Vets who show their prowess in the skills-based section of the survey will be entered to win £500 of British Equine Veterinary Association CPD vouchers.
The survey is part of Pfizer's EHV awareness campaign to help vets encourage horse owners, yard managers, trainers and breeders to keep their horses protected from the effects of this common but often under-prioritised disease. The campaign includes the provision of information leaflets and the coordination of talks to help people, who manage horses, understand the severity of EHV and the best ways to prevent it.
According to Pfizer, the prevalence of EHV can be as high as 87.5% in the UK and latent infections in horses are frequently re-activated.1,2 The consequences can be serious, with abortion outbreaks proving to be a significant economic burden to owners, trainers and breeders.3,4 However, subclinical infections, although usually regarded as less serious, can remain unrecognised and can cause suboptimal performance in horses.
Sporadic, mild respiratory disease caused by EHV can lead to interrupted training and movement restrictions.4 Even after clinical recovery from EHV-1 or upper respiratory tract infections caused by EHV-4, some horse may develop 'poor performance syndrome'.5 These can all have serious financial repercussions on the equine industry.
To take part in the survey, visit http://www.ehvaware.com/. For further information on Pfizer's EHV campaign, to obtain literature for your practice or to book a talk for your clients please contact your Pfizer Account Manager.
1. Eddington et al. Equine Vet. J. 1994; 26 (2): 140-142. 2. Allen GP. 2002. Respiratory Infections by Equine Herpesvirus Types 1 and 4. In: P. Lekeux ed. 2002. Equine Respiratory Diseases. New York: International Veterinary Information Service. 3. Garré B et al. Vet Microbiol. 2007; 122(1-2): 43-51. 4. Lunn DP et al. J Vet Intern Med. 2009; 23(3): 450-61. 5. Slater, J. 2007. Equine Herpesvirus. In: Sellon, D. and Long, M. Equine Infectious Diseases. St Louis: Saunders. 144.
The University of Surrey has appointed Devereux Architects to create a masterplan for its new School of Veterinary Medicine.
As one of the University's largest and most prestigious future development sites, the new school, which sits within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, will comprise three complimentary and inter-related buildings totalling approximately 9000m2 - an Academic Building, a Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre and a Veterinary Pathology Facility.
The new building will be positioned at the corner of the new campus green at Manor Park. It will feature naturally ventilated office and teaching spaces along one side of the atrium and research spaces and lecture halls along the other. The roof of the atrium is shaped to guide rising, warmed air into the plant room where the heat can be extracted and reused.
The new academic building will provide world-class teaching and research laboratories, lecture theatres, and flexible break out spaces organised around a common shared atrium.
Professor Lisa Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, said: "We were very impressed with the design concept for the new School of Veterinary Medicine that Devereux Architects presented at the tendering stage. We are looking forward to working with the professional team at Devereux Architects to deliver this major project for the University of Surrey."
RCVS Knowledge has announced the official launch of Veterinary Evidence – a new resource designed to unite practitioners interested in promoting and using the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) within practice.
Veterinary Evidence – which is supported by the RCVS – represents RCVS Knowledge’s wider mission statement of providing the veterinary community with practice relevant, evidence-based information resources. Papers and publications are now available for use, completely open-access.
Veterinary Evidence aims to become the go-to portal for evidence-based veterinary information, promoting and publishing peer-reviewed papers alongside discussion of EBVM through opinion, clinical and methodological articles.
The site will host a wide range of material – from randomised controlled trials to case studies, Knowledge Summaries and interviews. The content is designed to educate readers in research techniques, responding to the desire amongst many veterinary professionals to become involved in effective practice-based research – including critical appraisal and clinical audit.
Jacqui Molyneux, Chair of the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees said: "As a practising veterinary surgeon I, along with many others, recognise the emerging importance of evidence-based veterinary medicine and I believe it will become more and more important as time goes on. We all wish to do the best for our patients but how do we find out what the current ‘best’ is? That’s where this portal will become so useful; collecting and publishing articles that directly help practising vets and nurses to answer that question."
Bradley Viner, the President of the RCVS and a Trustee of RCVS Knowledge, said: "The College was very happy to support our charity partners at RCVS Knowledge in launching this excellent new resource which will be relevant to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in clinical practice. Furthermore, clinical governance is now firmly established as an important principle in the Code of Professional Conducts for both professions and so, by encouraging practitioners to undergo a continuing process of reflection, analysis and improvement, Veterinary Evidence will also be helping them fulfil their professional responsibilities."
Access the full site at: www.veterinaryevidence.org
The event, put together by BSAVA volunteers and sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is designed to offer students a fun, interactive day of clinical and non-clinical content, counting towards six hours of EMS. The Association says it has been specifically tailored to support students in preparation for their careers in small animal practice.
AVS President, Isobel Arthur and AVS Junior Vice President, Calum McIntyre said: “The BSAVA Student Conference is a great opportunity for students to enhance their learning on a variety of engaging topics. Students will also be provided with the unique opportunity to talk with various expert clinicians, offering valuable insights into their fields in a time when access to seeing practice is more limited."
The day will include panel discussions, expert Q&A, quizzes and polls, plus the chance to talk to others using an online chat platform.
More content will be made available the day after the event, consisting of five webinars providing clinical guidance on; cardiology, exotics, surgery, nutraceuticals and customer care.
Alison Speakman, BSAVA Junior Vice President said: “Practice-based scenarios with student-led topics and clinical case solving of challenging issues, including fever and problematic anaesthesia patients, are aimed at facilitating a confident transition from student to graduate.
"There will also be plenty of fun, including a live BSAVA Bake-Off hosted by Rosie Brandreth-Poynter for you to showcase your cookery skills, as well as a keep fit session to help you burn some calories after you have sampled your efforts!”
This event is for BSAVA Veterinary Student members only, and costs £12. For more information and to book a place, visit: https://www.bsava.com/studentfocus
The new guidance, which can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus, will gradually replace the current emergency guidance and aims to help veterinary practices begin a phased return to near-normal operations:
Alongside the College’s guidance, the BVA is also publishing guidance for practices on working safely as lockdown restrictions are eased. [www.bva.co.uk/coronavirus/]
RCVS President Mandisa Greene said: “None of us could have predicted quite what an extraordinary and extraordinarily challenging 12 months this has been for everyone.
"On behalf of the whole of RCVS Council, I would like to thank sincerely once again all our veterinary and veterinary nursing colleagues, and all those in practice teams around the UK, for their awe-inspiring commitment, adaptability, resilience and sheer hard work in continuing to provide essential veterinary services and look after the health and welfare of the nation’s animals, in what have been the most difficult of times.
“Whilst I sincerely hope that we are at last beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, if there is one thing we have learnt, it is that things can deteriorate rapidly if we don’t all continue to play our part and follow all relevant guidelines.
“I therefore urge my colleagues to continue to use their professional judgement and think very carefully about their gradual return to more normal working patterns over the coming weeks and months, according to their individual circumstances and the best interests of their teams, clients, and the animals they care for.”
RCVS Council has also agreed that the policy and guidance changes made in response to the pandemic over the past 12 months will now be reviewed, and decisions made as to whether to retain, amend or reverse them.
A new programme to help reduce the stress of pets suffering a reaction to sudden loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms, has been launched by the makers of Zylkène.
Intervet / Schering-Plough Animal Health, which manufactures Zylkène, a product to help manage stress in dogs and cats, has developed the programme in association with animal behaviour experts at Bristol University.
The Zylkène Sound Desensitisation Programme, to be used in conjunction with Zylkène, features sound tracks, advice, written and verbal instructions and a practice track designed to help pet owners find a long-term solution to a common and distressing problem. The CD features fireworks, thunder and lightening and gunshots sounds and includes component sound tracks to avoid overwhelming very sensitive pets.
One CD will be given away free of charge with every box of Zylkène purchased between 1 September and 30 November, while stocks last.
The Zylkène Sound Desensitisation Programme complements an educational waiting room display and owner information sheets which provide owners with practical advice and techniques to help pets cope throughout the firework season.
Melanie Dass, product manager at Intervet /Schering-Plough Animal Health, said: "The sad fact is that just under half the UK dog population reacts to sudden loud noises, as do many cats. Stress caused by unexpected sounds manifests in many ways from hiding, house soiling or attempts to escape.
"Unfortunately, if this problem is not correctly managed, firework-related stress reactions can become progressively more severe and can extend to other sounds such as thunder and even everyday noises such as car doors being slammed. Desensitisation is a proven method of changing a pet's response to sudden loud noises. This new Zylkène Sound Desensitisation Programme means we can now offer pet owners short and long term problems to a common and distressing problem."
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched four new care products, enhancing its Professional Care range, available exclusively through veterinary practices.
The new products are:
Brand Manager Rachel Horton said: "At Dechra we're focused on providing a complete care solution for companion animals. Our Professional Care range provides products which owners can use at home to keep their pets in great condition.
With the launch of these new products, we believe the Professional Care range provides a cost-effective care solution for pet owners while providing significant additional revenue opportunities for practices."
The first steps have begun to find Petplan and The Veterinary Business Journal's Practice Manager of the Year for 2012.
Nominations are now being sought for the most accomplished UK practice managers and recommendations are welcome from any member of the veterinary team.
Three finalists will be chosen and the winner announced at the annual Petplan Veterinary Awards in April 2012.
Robin Fearon, editor of the Veterinary Business Journal, said: "It is a distinct pleasure to launch the awards programme each year knowing that at the end of it we will be able to announce another winning practice manager.
"These awards are so important in promoting the role and highlighting the crucial part that managers play in practice strategy and success - we can't wait to see your nominations."
Judges will assess candidates' applications and choose the three finalists based on their competency in areas such as staff development, financial strategy and marketing initiative.
Last year's winner Denise Coston is practice manager at Castle Veterinary Surgeons in County Durham. She said: "Winning this award has meant a lot to me because it makes you feel valued. I would say to anyone thinking of nominating their practice manager: 'just do it'.
"The role of practice manager varies in each practice and can be hard to quantify with specific measures, but it means a lot to celebrate someone getting it right. It is an excellent way to promote the role of practice manager and it is great to get recognition alongside vets and nurses."
This award is supported by the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Practice Management Association.
As well as a plaque commemorating their achievements, the winner will once more receive one year's free membership to the VPMA.
Nominations for this year's award close on 10 February 2012. Application packs are available from: Jackie Morrison, The Veterinary Business Journal, Olympus House, Werrington Centre, Peterborough PE4 6NA, or e-mail jackiemorrison@vbd.uk.com.
Alternatively visit www.vetsonline.com/ to download yours direct.
The Burgess Excel Vet Awards have three categories: UK Rabbit Vet of the Year; Rabbit Nurse of the Year and Rabbit Veterinary Practice of the Year.
The newly-announced judging panel is made up of:
The judges will be looking for exceptional knowledge of rabbit care and husbandry and evidence of continued commitment to educating the public on how to care for rabbits correctly. Practices will be assessed on their provision of rabbit-specific materials and their efforts throughout the year to engage with rabbit owners.
Suzanne Moyes, said: "Our work with Rabbit Awareness Week has provided a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the positive impact veterinary practices can have on rabbit welfare. Research consistently demonstrates that there are too many rabbit owners out there who are neglecting the welfare needs of their pets and education is key to addressing this.
"Many vets and vet nurses will have first-hand experience encountering rabbits in practice that have been admitted with entirely preventable illnesses or diseases. As a profession, if we can spend more time engaging with and informing pet owners on how to correctly care for their rabbits, we can drive significant change that positively benefits their lives. That’s a unique position for vets and vet nurses to be in."
John Chitty (pictured right), co-director of Anton Vets in Andover said: "Rabbits are one of the UK’s most popular pets but unfortunately they’re also one of the most neglected. Despite the growing threat of fatal diseases such as RVHD2, vaccine numbers are dangerously low and far too many rabbits are being seen with nutritional and husbandry related issues.
"These awards will highlight the importance of providing the right levels of care and attention to learning the particular needs of rabbits. Doing so has numerous benefits, not just for the UK’s pet rabbits, but for the veterinary practices that are taking care of them too, as research shows rabbit owners will seek out practices that specialise in rabbit care as a preference."
Nominations for the Burgess Excel Vet Awards will open in March 2020 and winners will be announced at the London Vet Show 2020.
One winner from each of the three categories will receive a cash prize of £500.
Veterinary surgeons, nurses and other interested parties can register their interest in the Burgess Excel Vet Awards now by visiting www.burgesspetcare.com/excel-vet-awards.
The Linnaeus OAPC initiative was launched in 2021 and originally allocated £30K for 2022.
However, that figure was doubled after the company received a growing number of high quality submissions.
33 papers were accepted for funding in 2022, of which 24 have so far been published and the remainder are undergoing peer review.
The authors comprise clinicians, specialists, residents and interns across nine referral and primary care sites within the group.
The OAPC was introduced by Professor Luisa De Risio, Clinical Research & Excellence Director at Linnaeus (pictured right).
She said: “By making clinical research open access, we can ensure it makes the widest possible impact – while also supporting the author’s profile and career development.
"We are continuing to offer OAPC funding to our associates in 2023 and look forward to seeing the fantastic research published as a result.”
Fort Dodge Index (FDI) data for the first six months of 2009 confirm the downward trend in key veterinary practice metrics, including turnover growth, transaction volume and client numbers with a national picture emerging of much slower growth than the same time last year. The one mitigating factor continues to be an increase in the prices charged by practices for their services, which is leading to a small increase in average transaction values.
The FDI (www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk) analyses and benchmarks the performance of practices across the UK. Figures for the first half of 2009 confirm the trend, seen for some time, of static or steadily declining performance in key areas for practices. The national picture of turnover growth and its components for the period January-June 2009 shows that:
Patrick Traill, Corporate Account Manager at Fort Dodge, said: "While some practices are continuing to report busy months and high turnover, it's clear that many are experiencing a rough ride as the recession in the wider economy affects the spending power of pet owners.
"The key challenge is that profits are being eroded at a time when turnover is also being seriously hit. The only impetus for growth so far this year has been the increase in consulting, surgical and drug fees and this alone will not help practices plan for a secure future.
"The latest FDI data confirms a trend which we've been reporting for some time and we urge those who haven't yet taken action to do so without delay. While capturing new clients will always be fundamental to growth, in these times reducing client losses is equally critical and resource may well be better spent on plans that support client retention.
"Practices should also be considering initiatives to increase client visit frequency and support client bonding. Examples could include preventative health schemes and loyalty programmes. Finally, practices could also explore avenues to increase annual transaction value through the promotion of new products and services.
"Joining the FDI is an effective way for practices to benchmark their performance both against others in their locality and across the UK. Full details on the FDI, the benefits it offers to practices and how to join are available on our newly re-designed website. Full copies of the FDI report can also now be downloaded on a quarterly basis."
A copy of the latest FDI report is available for free download at http://www.fortdodgeindex.co.uk/. Further information on how to join the scheme is available from Fort Dodge on 01489 781811.
Online registration for the BSAVA Congress 2011 is now open at www.bsava.com.
According to the BSAVA, web registration has been enhanced this year to provide a smoother process for individual, group and practice badge bookings. Plus, there is a 5% discount on registration fees.
BSAVA has brought forward the Early Bird deadline this year to 3 January 2011 to coincide with the impending VAT increase, so you'll need to register before this date to get the best price.
There is also a new 'Weekend Rate', which offers delegates access to the Saturday lectures, Party Night ticket, a Sunday exhibition pass, a delegate bag with proceedings, plus delegate lunch and refreshments on both days.
See www.bsava.com for further details and registration fees.
BCF has announced a number of special deals available on a variety of ultrasound and X-ray products.
With the launch of the new Mindray DP-50 ultrasound scanner, available exclusively from BCF, the company is offering a free trolley and a year's supply of gel.
If you buy a Carestream Vita CR X-ray system and generator from BCF, the company will update your X-ray protection with 3 gowns and 2 thyroid protectors (worth £600, €750) free.
Purchase an Easi-Scan with one battery, and you'll get a second battery and carry bag for free.
Buy an equine DR X-ray system and you'll receive £1,000 (€1,250) to spend on Podoblocks accessories.
Call +44 (0)1506 460 023 or visit www.bcftechnology.com for further information. Offers valid until 31st June.
Direct Line pet insurance had released the results of a survey in which 70% of dog owners claimed that not only did they get far more enjoyment buying gifts for their pets than their friends and family, but they also feel their pet understands when they're given a gift on a special occasion.
However, 17% of the 1,132 dog owners questioned revealed that their dogs always enjoy playing with the wrapping more than the gift, and 31% admitted that their pet sometimes chooses to play with the wrapping first.
Almost half (47%) are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dogs. 63% are planning extra special treats over the festive period and 54% plan special family walks with their dog over Christmas.
According to the survey, 72% of Britain's dogs can expect a delivery from Santa left under the tree for them to spend the holidays enjoying.
Half of Britain's dogs will have an average of £15 (pounds sterling) spent on them this year with a lucky 3% having gifts worth more than £100 awaiting them.
If you're thinking it's worth doing a special display of Christmas gifts in the practice waiting room, you should know that the survey found toys were the most popular present, but pampering with warm winter coats and snuggly new beds were also high on the list of most desired presents.
K9 Magazine editor Ryan O'Meara said: "One of the great joys of giving a pet a Christmas gift is the absolute certainty that they will adore it. If the essence of gift giving is found in watching the reaction as the receiver's eyes light up and observing the sheer joy on their face, this is never more apparent than watching a dog open a £3.99 (pounds sterling) festive stocking filled with treats and toys. Dogs are the ultimate Christmas party animal. Happy to be the centre of attention, delighted to receive any gift - regardless of cost - and it is little wonder owners enjoy seeing their reactions on Christmas morning."
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."
A new device call the Animalarm, which sends dog owners an SMS text message if the temperature in their car exceeds a preset threshold, has been launched this week.
Apparently, you can also ring the device to check what the temperature is inside your car.
The Animalarm sells for £108 inc. VAT from www.animalarm.co.uk.
Now all we need is a bit of sun.
1004 veterinary professionals attended VET Festival to hear talks from a line up of 21 speakers from around the world. On the Friday night, VETFest Live provided an opportunity for delegates to network and relax in front of a number of acts, including Hunter and the Bear, Lucy Spraggan and Morrissey & Marshall.
Noel said: "I think that change is inevitable within veterinary education. My experience with the students of today is that they wish to embrace new learning formats and are especially enthusiastic about learning environments where didactic lectures become an immersive experience. My goal therefore was to achieve the perfect mix of education and a chilled-out festival atmosphere.
"We are learning all the time, and we invite suggestions. I take very seriously the commitment I voiced in the welcome address, which is to reinvest every penny for the greater good for animals and the profession. I sincerely believe that vets and vet nurses will over time question where their money is spent and will take a good hard look not only at what value they get for their investment, but also where their money actually goes."
Picture: Richard Dunwoody.
Julia, who is a leading exponent of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) screening test, will also support the small animal referral hospital’s neurology, ophthalmology and dermatology teams with enhanced diagnostics.
Julia was a neurology technician at the Animal Health Trust for 31 years, until it closed in July 2020. With colleagues there she helped to develop and implement BAER testing as a screening process in animals at risk of congenital deafness. Davies says this is now recognised as the gold standard in deafness testing by organisations such as The Kennel Club and various breed clubs in the UK.
Julia said: “I am so happy to be starting a new chapter at Davies. It is really exciting to be establishing the Hearing Assessment Clinic here and continuing to provide this important service both to previous clients and new ones. I am also looking forward to developing a successful, constructive working relationship with my new colleagues."
Tim Richardson, Managing Director of Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Julia to the team at Davies. As one of the UK’s leaders in this highly specialised field she enables us to offer hearing screening, hearing tests and electrodiagnostics across the relevant disciplines, at the very highest level."
For further information visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk
The audit1 was led by Paragon Veterinary Referrals’ head of cardiology, Chris Linney (pictured), to review treatment for patent ductus arteriosus.
He set up the study whilst working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, and the other centres collaborating on the study were Anicura Oslo Animal Hospital, Heart Vets; Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, University Hospital of Companion Animals, Copenhagen and Veterinary Cardiology Consultancy.
Other clinicians taking part included Brigite Pedro, Mike Martin and João Neves, formerly of Willows, along with Jo Harris and Dave Dickson, of HeartVets.
Chris, an RCVS and EBVS specialist in cardiology, said: “This published multicentre prospective clinical audit was a first of its kind in the cardiology world.
“This type of audit acts as a quality control to improve patient outcomes through systematic review of care, comparing to predefined criteria and then implementing change, and so the process repeats.
“Improving patient outcomes and benchmarking against existing standards is essential for elevating patient outcomes.
In the centres in this study, we are already delivering excellent patient outcomes but with room for improvements, however small, this audit will help future patients but also colleagues across the cardiology world.”
Reference
The publication of the guide follows a study of vet professionals published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery which revealed that the main barriers to blood pressure measurement are a lack of time (72.8%) and situational hypertension (92%)1.
Vet professionals also thought the main barrier for owners was cost (80%) whilst the least problematic aspect is the longer consultation needed to accommodate a blood pressure measurement (48.8%).
The guide has been written to address these concerns and empower vet nurses to run nurse-led clinics for older pets.
Written by RVN, Beth Kirwan, the guide provides information on the benefits of vet nurse-led senior pet clinics, which can either be free or paid, together with hints and tips on how to get started and promotion.
The guide also covers the importance of a senior health-check questionnaire, tips on preparing and setting up a clinic, a 10-point health check providing guidance on what should be covered and information on additional senior pet tests that can be carried out, such as blood pressure checks for senior cats aged seven years or older to help identify feline hypertension.
Beth said: "I was really excited to be asked by Ceva to create this resource for veterinary nurses and grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge.
"I have been a nurse for over 22 years, and I am passionate about making our nurses feel valued in practice.
"Nurse clinics are a really good way to do this, but I feel that setting up a senior nurse clinic service in a practice creates so much value in many ways and for every member of the practice, from the receptionists to the vets.
"Our RVNs are the stars of the show with senior nurse clinics; they bring so much experience, care and compassion and are a great reflection of our practice values.
"They often have the time that the vets don't have and will go home knowing they made a difference to a pet and an owner, or a family.
"Veterinary nurses can help identify disease early, support the owners with home adaptations or new medicine regimes.
"They can also educate the clients in senior and super senior care as our pets are living longer and provide quality of life and end of life support.
"The benefits are huge; as well as a financial benefit support like this will bond clients to a practice for life.
"We are all businesses, but we need to be caring businesses.
"I hope the guide provides inspiration to many nurses and empowers them to set up a new service or helps them to improve their current one."
Dr Sarah Caney, RCVS recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine who led the study said: “Our recent survey had more VN participants than vets, showing just how enthusiastic and engaged nurses are when it comes to assessing blood pressure in cats.
"Owners very much appreciate nurse clinics and I’m delighted to hear that there is a new senior pet clinics guide to support nurses in setting up and running successful clinics.”
https://easethepressure.co.uk/feline-senior-health-clinics
The company points to data from the Animal Poison Control Center in the US which showed that in 2022, recreational drugs, including marijuana-based drugs, hallucinogenic mushrooms and cocaine made the list of top ten reasons for animals needing its help, knocking gardening products into 11th place.
In addition, the APCC reports a nearly 300% increase in calls about potential marijuana ingestion over the past five years
With this in mind, TVM has developed guidelines to support vets with these cases, both in terms of treatment options and tips on how to discuss the issue with clients and glean the information needed to help with the diagnosis and treat the animal.
TVM has also launched its new ‘Seasonal Suspects’ board kits to help vets educate pet owners on the common Christmas hazards commonly found around the house at this time of year.
The eye-catching waiting room display, which shows veterinary staff as seasonal superheroes, covers the dangers posed by items such as alcohol, batteries, plants and nuts, and advises pet owners on the necessary action needed should their pet digest any toxic substance.
TVM will also be sharing ‘Seasonal Suspects’ posts on its Facebook page for veterinary staff to share with their followers over Christmas.
For more information, email help@tvm-uk.com, call 0800 0385868 or contact your local Territory Manager.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched PrintRoom, an online printing service to help equine practices deliver high quality communications to their clients, to support the company's Equip range of equine vaccines.
PrintRoom can be used to produce customised vaccination reminder cards, invitations, letterheads, stable name sheets, and more.
You can choose from a palette of designs, images and colours and can also upload your own logos and images to tailor your client communications to your preferred style.
PrintRoom has a MailMerge option to pre-address all your mailings and you can pay for postage and set the date of despatch online, to help ensure boosters are administered on time and passports stay up to date.
Paul Blanc, Equine Brand manager at Pfizer said: "Good communication with your clients plays a vital role in maintaining vaccination compliance and retaining and gaining business. Our print room service makes it easy to produce a broad range of customised practice marketing materials to a very professional standard that stand out from the crowd."
For further information visit http://www.pfizerprintroom.com/, call 0845 6027439 or contact your Pfizer Account Manager.