Stelfonta is licensed for the treatment of non-resectable, non-metastatic (WHO staging1) subcutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) located at or distal to the elbow or the hock, and non-resectable, non-metastatic cutaneous MCTs in dogs. Tumours must be less than or equal to 8cm3 in volume and must be accessible to intratumoural injection.
The company says that a single intratumoural treatment has been seen to destroy the tumour completely in 75% of observed cases.
The active ingredient in Stelfonta is tigilanol tiglate, a compound extracted from Fontainea picrosperma, a shrub found in the Australian rain forest. According to the company, it works largely through specific protein kinase c (PKC) activation, in which it locally stimulates the immune system, resulting in destruction of the tumour and the tumour’s blood supply, followed by rapid healing of the site with minimal scarring.
Virbac says that generally, dogs do not require sedation or local or general anaesthesia during treatment.
Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "Stelfonta is an innovative yet simple treatment which provides a high tumour elimination rate, rapid healing and a speedy return to a good quality of life for the pet. In the cases studied, the tumour was destroyed in seven days and full wound healing observed in 96.5% of cases, with no significant adverse effects on the dog.
“The effects of Stelfonta really do need to be seen to be believed."
Reference
Norbrook is expanding its NSAID range with the launch of Loxicom Injection for cattle, pigs and horses.
Norbrook says the new product, which will be available to veterinary surgeons from mid-October, offers treatment for a range of symptoms including pneumonia, acute mastitis and calf scour in cattle, swine locomotor diseases such as lameness and MMA syndrome, acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders and equine colic.
Rebecca Pullon, Norbrook Product Manager said: "Loxicom is our tried and trusted NSAID range which has been available in suspension or injection for cats and dogs and which has proven exceptionally popular with veterinary practices. According to the GFK data, Norbrook is the most successful generic manufacturer of Meloxicam, by some distance.
"I am delighted that we can now extend this range to include a Loxicom Injection for Cattle, Pigs and Horses, which I am confident will prove equally as popular."
"As a bio-equivalent product, Loxicom Injection for cattle, pigs and horses is as effective as the pioneer product. There is a misperception that a bioequivalent product is somehow inferior to the pioneer product, which is untrue. In order to attain a license, a company must prove that a bio-equivalent product is at least as effective as the pioneer. With Loxicom Injection for cattle, pigs and horses, it comes with the added reassurance that it has been produced by Norbrook, a world leader in animal health and veterinary pharmaceuticals manufacture."
Alfaxan 10mg/mL solution for injection for dogs and cats is licensed as an induction agent prior to inhalation anaesthesia and as a sole anaesthetic agent for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia for the performance of examination or surgical procedures. Jurox highlights that it has been safely used in patients from 12 weeks of age, for the induction of anaesthesia prior to delivery of puppies by caesarean section and for maintenance anaesthesia in procedures lasting up to an hour.
Jurox offers the following advice: "Part 1 (2) of Schedule 4 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations states that 'if there is no authorised veterinary medicinal product' then the cascade may be followed. Alfaxan is an available and authorised veterinary medicinal product with very similar indications and therefore there is no clinical need to resort to non-licensed formulations of propofol, under cascade, for veterinary intravenous anaesthesia."
The company says that its UK team of veterinary surgeons will again respond proactively to the propofol shortage by delivering educational support to veterinary professionals and assisting them through the change to another veterinary licensed product for the anaesthesia of cats and dogs should they wish.
If you would like to discuss specific cases or need support using Alfaxan for the first time, contact Jurox on 0800 500 3171 or email alfaxan@jurox.co.uk
Zoetis has announced the launch of Contacera (meloxicam) 15mg/ml oral suspension, a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory preparation for horses.
According to the company, meloxicam has been shown to hold advantages over Phenylbutazone for the alleviation of musculoskeletal inflammation and pain in horses over six weeks of age1,2,3,4.
Contacera can be mixed with food or syringed directly into the mouth to ensure compliance. It is available in 100ml or 250ml bottles, with a measuring dose syringe and a syringe adaptor. Contacera solution for injection is also available.
Penny McCann, Equine Product Manager, Zoetis UK Ltd, said: "Contacera is an exciting addition to our NSAID portfolio. Due to the potential clinical advantages of Meloxicam, Contacera gives vets an important additional option for NSAID management. It is a logical fit with the other products in our range and benefits from a choice of presentations."
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager, visit www.zoetis.co.uk, or ring Zoetis' Customer Support: 0845 3008034
References
Written by members of BSAVA Scientific Committee, together with specialists in internal medicine and neurology, the document explains that there are limited studies showing beneficial effects of CBD, and those that there are need to be interpreted with caution as they involved small sample sizes and used unlicensed products which may have contained other components which could have influenced the results.
The document also explains that legally, CBD products must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeons and not used instead of a medication with proven efficacy.
Caroline Kisielewicz, BSAVA Scientific Committee member and one of the authors of the document said: “Information regarding the effects of cannabinoids on animals is predominantly at the stage of pre-clinical testing of individual substances in mice, rats and guinea pigs. There are limited clinical studies looking at the effects of CBD in dogs, and no reported studies in cats.
"There are many reports describing possible beneficial effects and therapeutic potential in humans, and subsequently pet owners may ask their vet about using cannabinoids to treat veterinary patients. This document aims to provide a broad overview of the available evidence base and legal position in the UK for veterinary team members."
BSAVA President, Ian Ramsey added: "The development of this information is in direct response to an increased interest in the use of CBD to treat cats and dogs. Furthermore, the guidance supports BSAVA’s mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through community, education and science."
The BSAVA position on CBD can be accessed here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443514.chap8#html_fulltext.
The new app, which is being being made available in the run up to Pet Diabetes Month in November, allows owners to track water and food consumption, exercise, glucose levels and insulin injections on their smartphone or tablet. It can also send reminders for veterinary appointments and insulin injections, and creates charts that clients can share with their veterinary surgeon.
MSD says the Pet Diabetes Tracker will help improve client reporting and compliance, resulting in improved pet welfare and a reduction in risk to pets through its alert system.
Caroline Darouj, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "To help ensure the long-term health and well-being of a pet, successfully managing the various facets of the disease and treatments is critical.
"With proper management and monitoring a dog or cat with diabetes can lead a healthy, happy and active life, and the Pet Diabetes Tracker can help make it happen. This is an incredibly useful tool that links the pet owner with the vet and puts all the pertinent diabetic health information at their fingertips. It’s all about setting habits that save lives!"
The Pet Diabetes Tracker can be downloaded from iTunes, here: https://itunes.apple.com/uk/app/pet-diabetes-tracker-uk/id1284472796?ls=1&mt=8.
MSD says an Android version will also be available soon.
For more information, visit www.petdiabetesmonth.co.uk or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
Veterinary students Harry Pink and Meg Coram have won the third Sutton Bonington Science Cake competition for their entry: Rhinos Should Be Horny (pictured right, click to enlarge).
The competition was held on the 12th March in aid of Comic Relief, with entries in six different categories (Veterinary Medicine, Animal & Agriculture, From Farm to Fork, Infection, Cakes for Animals, Comic Relief).
The entries, which ranged from nesting chickens, ringworm in cats and sows with piglets to beautiful vegetables and gardens, were prepared by students and staff at the campus. They were evaluated by 9 judges including members from both schools of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine.
The cake competition also made it onto national TV this year. Apparently, Comic Relief loved the photos from the last two bake off competitions and asked for one of the bakers to design a cake for the special Comic Relief episode 'The Great British Bake Off'. Last year's public vote winners Rachael Lowton and Jennie Stoddart accepted the challenge and produced 'Just Your Everage Cake' in homage to Dame Edna.
You can see photographs of all the 2015 entries here: http://www.sbcakeoff.co.uk/entries
You can support SB Cake Off for Comic Relief here: https://www.justgiving.com/sbcakeoff/
Worth two hours of free CPD, the course has eight bitesize modules of between five and 15 minutes.
Each session is designed to improve confidence in cytology, in particular knowing when it is needed and how to take and interpret skin and ear cytology samples.
The course also includes advice on the use of dermatopicals and how to choose between Douxo S3 Pyo and Douxo S3 Calm.
The modules are presented by Natalie Barnard BVetMed, a European Veterinary Specialist in Dermatology, Amy Elvidge, an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, and Daniel White, a Dermatology Veterinary Nurse.
Emelie Fogelberg BSc DVM MRCVS, veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health said: “Skin problems can be challenging, and recurrent skin irritations are particularly frustrating.
"Cytology is essential in the work up of these cases but is often overlooked.
“Our new skin and ear cytology online course will help both vets and nurses become more confident in sample taking and interpretation to support a diagnosis and management plan from the first consultation.”
To register, visit https://veterinarywebinars.com/community/ceva/.
www.douxo.com
The RCVS has advised that veterinary surgeons should delegate Schedule 3 work to veterinary nurse students only during students' training, following a series of queries from employers about such students locuming.
Veterinary surgeons have dispensations under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act to delegate to student veterinary nurses in the course of their training, so that students can learn how to give medical treatments to animals.
Crucially, these dispensations apply only when the student is working as a student in their approved training practice or on a placement organised by their university, and is under the supervision of qualified staff.
These dispensations do not apply to any extra-curricula activity so, if working as locums, they are legally classified as unqualified lay staff
The RCVS is concerned that locum agencies do not always appear to know this and are placing locums in their capacity as students, or even "senior students." This has the potential to mislead employers and the students concerned, and result in illegal practice.
Liz Branscombe, Chairman of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council said: "We know that student VNs, especially those on university courses, often undertake locum work to supplement their earnings. However, beyond the training practice which employs them, or in a placement organised by their university, they can only carry out tasks that may be expected of an unqualified staff member, and cannot legally undertake Schedule 3 work."
Practices may check the details of a student VN directly with the RCVS or with the student's college. If you notice an agency promoting student VN locums, please contact the RCVS so that we can provide guidance.
The Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code sets out various criteria for what makes a good workplace, based on a new evidence-based BVA policy position.
The code is accompanied by a workbook which veterinary teams can work through together and consider how they might meet a range of criteria. They can also download, sign and display a Voluntary Code poster signalling their commitment to working towards being a good veterinary workplace.
Teams will be asked to assess what they already do well in areas including health and wellbeing, diversity and equality, workload and flexibility, and providing opportunities for personal and career development, as well as identifying areas for improvement and any HR and management processes that need to be put in place to achieve a positive workplace culture.
At the same time, the BVA has also launched its Good Veterinary Workplaces policy position, a paper which offers 64 recommendations for employers and staff on how to offer a fair and rewarding work environment where everyone feels valued.
The BVA says it decided to develop the Good Veterinary Workplaces policy off the back of an extensive body of work looking at workforce issues in the profession, including recruitment and retention challenges, a lack of diversity across the workforce, and general high levels of stress and burn-out in veterinary teams.
The joint BVA/RCVS-led Vet Futures project identified the need to explore the work-related challenges facing vets and take action to create a sustainable and thriving workforce that can maximise its potential.
Gudrun Ravetz, Chair of the Good Workplace Working Group, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see the launch of our valuable and comprehensive policy, which sets out a vision of the good veterinary workplaces that we should all be striving to create across the profession. This vision has been shaped by valuable contributions from across the veterinary community, and it’s also been really useful to draw on good practice in the wider world of work.
“Each and every one of us deserves to work in a setting where we feel valued, supported and fairly rewarded for the contribution we make, but sadly this isn’t the reality for all veterinary professionals. By setting out the steps that all veterinary workplaces can take to offer a more welcoming and inclusive environment, with measures in place to help them address issues and continue to improve, we hope to see more workplaces where staff can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling career.”
Daniella Dos Santos, BVA Senior Vice President, said: “It’s time for us all to take action to create a culture shift in veterinary workplaces. That means taking positive steps so that diversity and inclusion is championed at all levels, all team members have access to personal and professional development opportunities, and there is recognition that prioritising staff wellbeing is good for businesses.
“In creating the Voluntary Code and workbook, we’ve purposefully made this something that isn’t driven from the top down but is instead something that everyone in the team can feel empowered to feed into and sign up to. This is a golden opportunity for our profession to take ownership of our workplaces, improve conditions, and make sure that we have positive working environments in which we can all take pride.”
The group, which was convened by Boehringer Ingelheim, made its recommendation in a poster published at the National Mastitis Council meeting in Arizona1, prior to the launch of Boehringer's new teat sealant, Ubroseal.
The poster added that those animals that are likely to be infected need to receive antibiotic dry cow therapy (ADCT) in addition to a teat sealant.
Boehringer says various studies have shown that using an ITS reduces the risk of new intramammary infections and reduces the risk of clinical mastitis after calving, pointing to a meta-analysis of published papers which showed a 25% reduced risk of new infections and a 29% reduced risk of clinical mastitis for cows receiving ITS plus ADCT compared with ADCT alone
Boehringer’s veterinary adviser, Kath Aplin said: "Against the backdrop of targets from RUMA to reduce antibiotic use in the dairy sector3, adopting ITS for all cows could significantly reduce the need for antibiotics. An increase in the use of ITS is included in the dairy sector targets.
"We estimate that, currently, around 29% of the national herd is dried off without an ITS, so there is huge room for growth4."
Kath added: "With a 300-cow US study showing that a week after drying off, 47% of teats had still not formed a keratin plug5 and a New Zealand study showing that one in 20 cows had teats that remained open for 60 days6, it is clear to see that delayed teat closure is a very real problem in many herds. Teats remaining open after dry off make the udder highly susceptible to infection and delayed teat closure exacerbates the risk of acquiring an intramammary infection post-dry off4."
The expert group also recommended developing a herd plan, classifying herds as low risk or high risk and having a different approach to each.
High risk herds will have had a bulk SCC of >250,000 cell/ml in at least two of the last six months, they may also have a problem with Strep. agalactiae or could be experiencing an unavoidable risk period (a new building for example).
The priority should be to improve udder health management during both the lactation and dry period and any decision to abandon ADCT should be made with care and a full risk assessment.
The group said that in reality, it may be prudent to continue blanket ADCT until udder health has improved.
The group’s recommendations for low risk herds (<250,000 cells/ml in four out of the last six months) were to actively strive towards selective ADCT, supported by ITS for all cows.
The full recommendations are published in the proceedings of the NMC1 or can be obtained from your local Boehringer Ingelheim representative.
Kath said: "It has long been established that the mammary gland is highly susceptible to infection in the dry period and that the majority of clinical mastitis in early lactation is picked up during the dry period.
"Moving towards selective ADCT may not be appropriate immediately for all producers. However, the use of ITS for all cows on all farms will reduce new infection rates, assisting in the drive towards improved udder health and reduced antibiotic use."
Photo: Curious cattle on farmland in Cornwall UK. Shutterstock/Shzphoto
The book guides the reader through the evolutionary background of dogs and cats and explains how inherited diseases and deformities associated with certain breeds can cause breathing problems, heart disease, skin problems and back problems.
The book concludes with practical advice to help owners buy a healthy puppy or kitten and to avoid the risk of supporting puppy farms.
Emma said: "I’ve been campaigning on this issue for twenty years and, if anything the conformational issues and inherited disease problems in dogs and cats, are getting worse with some breeders striving for ever more extreme body shapes.
"Selecting a pet with inherited defects can cost thousands in vet bills and cause anguish for family members. It also creates a relinquishment problem for animal shelters as they have to take in abandoned pets with health problems.
"While awareness is certainly increasing, too often prospective pet owners are still unaware of the health implications of the pet they are buying and it is difficult for my veterinary colleagues to criticise the choice of a client’s puppy or kitten once it has been bought. All too often though they are left to pick up the pieces."
Emma added: "Education is the key. It is vital that prospective owners understand why different body shapes could be detrimental to health and how far removed from nature some of our breeds now are. If we can encourage them to stop choosing the quirky extremes in some breeds, demand for them will soon fall. My message is simple – we should all prioritise health and temperament way above what animals look like.
"I hope that responsible prospective pet owners will find Picking a Pedigree? an enlightening read and that it will inform their choice of a new family member. I also hope that it will be a useful resource for vets and nurses to be able to recommend to reinforce their pre-purchase advice."
For the studies, the owners of 68 dogs treated with Librela and 44 cats treated with Solensia answered 22 questions in the case of dogs and 20 questions in the case of cats on VetMetrica, a digital HRQL instrument.
With a scale of 0-6, cats were rated on vitality, comfort and emotional wellbeing, and dogs on energetic/enthusiastic, happy/content, active/comfortable and calm/relaxed, over a period of 70 days.
The studies concluded that both Librela and Solensia produced a significant improvement in HRQL within 14 days of initial treatment, which was the first time the QOL impact was measured.
The improvement was maintained for the duration of the study.
Jacky Reid, BVMS PhD DVA, CEO of NewMetrica, now part of Zoetis, said: “Assessing and understanding how OA-related pain impacts emotional and physical well-being in particular circumstances, broadens the perspective in relation to pain management.
“HRQL measurements are not generally implemented in veterinary science at this time, so it’s exciting to see how it’s proving effective at adding value to existing functional measures.
"Particularly, helping us understand how pain management impacts the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals and will ultimately boost pet owner confidence.”
Oya Canbas, Zoetis UK General Manager, explained: “With an ever-growing bond between humans and animals, and pets leading longer lives, pet owners are more motivated than ever to support their pet’s wellbeing.
"However, not all are aware of the negative impacts of chronic disease, with signs of OA pain often mistaken as ‘normal’ signs of aging.
"This is why we need to increase awareness, to tackle under-diagnosis of OA pain.
"Common medications used to treat cases of OA pain that are diagnosed are often Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
"While effective, these can have limitations, such as for middle aged to senior pets which have other diseases, requiring multiple medications.
"Some will not tolerate NSAIDs, and not all pets respond to NSAID therapy.
"So, expanding prescription choices is a privilege.”
James qualified from Glasgow University in 2002 before joining Rosemullion Veterinary Practice, a mixed practice in Falmouth, Cornwall, of which he became a Director in 2008.
In 2014, Rosemullion separated its farm and small animal work, whereupon James became Clinical Director of the new farm practice, Coast2Coast Farm Vets.
In 2015, following the acquisition of Rosemullion and Coast2Coast by CVS, he was appointed to the group's Farm and Equine Clinical Advisory Committees. These Committees comprise clinical staff from across the Farm and Equine Divisions and make decisions on important issues, including purchasing, advice and information for its clinical teams and investments in the latest equipment and facilities.
James said: "I’ll be spending time each week travelling around the UK, Ireland and Holland to visit our farm practices and meet with colleagues within CVS and from the wider farming and veterinary industries.
"During my first six months, I’ll be focusing on developing frameworks and policies that will enable our practices to guide clients through difficult issues, such as antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance and to help them succeed in the highly competitive marketplace for both prescription and non-prescription medicines.
"I will also be creating a bespoke farm New Graduate Programme for young vets which all our farm practices will be able to access.
"I see an exciting opportunity for CVS Farm to become a major force in the sector and am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to bring this about."
Containing ceftiofur (50mg/ml) and ketoprofen (150mg/ml), Curacef Duo is presented in a ready-to-use suspension for injection at a low volume dosage – 1 ml/50kg – which is identical to short-acting ceftiofur alone.
Virbac says that Curacef Duo’s combined action can help to minimise production losses in calves and offer a quick return to production for dairy cows affected by bacterial BRD. It can also improve welfare by targeting infection, inflammation and pain all at once, while its ease of use and simple dosing help to increase compliance. Curacef Duo offers a zero milk withdrawal period and an eight day withdrawal period in meat.
Brigitte Goasduf MRCVS, Large Animal Product Manager at Virbac, said: "In creating the first 'two-in-one' combination of two tried and trusted actives, the antibiotic ceftiofur and NSAID ketoprofen, we are offering practitioners an alternative to the treatment of bacterial BRD.
"We believe that the benefits Curacef Duo offers in terms of efficacy, ease of use and action on inflammation and pain, will be valued by both practitioners and farmers."
Doxycare is a doxycycline indicated for the treatment of bacterial respiratory tract infections in cats and dogs due to organisms sensitive to doxycycline, and for the treatment of tick-borne Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs. Doxycare is presented in two strengths: 40mg and 200 mg. Both are licensed for use in cats and dogs. The meat-flavoured tablets are scored for quarter splitting to support more accurate dosing.
Metrocare is a metronidazole indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Giardia spp. and Clostridia spp. and the treatment of infections of the urogenital tract, oral cavity, throat and skin caused by obligate anaerobic bacteria. Metrocare is available in two strengths: 250mg and 500 mg. Both are licensed for use in cats and dogs. The meat-flavoured tablets are scored for quarter splitting.
Cephacare, Animalcare’s first-generation cephalosporin, is now also available in a 1000 mg strength meat-flavoured tablet. Cephacare is licensed to treat skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, digestive tract infections and infections of the oral cavity. The existing 50 mg strength tablet is licensed for use in cats and dogs. The new 1000 mg size tablets are scored to be halved and licensed for use in larger dogs.
James Beaumont, Product Manager, said: "We aim to offer our customers flexible and convenient solutions for the products they need to use every day in practice, while supporting more accurate and responsible dosing. The additions of Doxycare and Metrocare to our range, together with the new 1000 mg Cephacare strength tablet, mean that we are now able to offer a broader range of antibiotics for use in both cats and dogs."
Virbac has been granted a Limited Marketing Authorisation in the UK for its Gudair vaccine, indicated for the active immunisation of sheep and goats against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
MAP is the causal organism for Johne's Disease, a chronic infection of the intestinal system for which there is no cure.
According to Virbac, Johne's Disease enters most flocks following the introduction of infected stock, often breeding rams, bought at markets without checks on disease provenance. It is then spread by the faeces of often apparently healthy animals but which can contain huge numbers of MAP. The main clinical sign is a thin ewe resulting in poor productivity followed by inevitable death. It can be passed between sheep and cattle.
Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) in sheep is widespread in Australia where annual death rates of up to 17% have been seen in infected flocks. Virbac says that trials conducted there have demonstrated that vaccination with Gudair can reduce the number of deaths due to OJD by 90% and reduce the numbers of OJD-causing organisms excreted in sheep faeces by 90%.
Ken Sibley MRCVS, Technical Advisor at Virbac says that the number of infected flocks in the UK is unknown and the disease often remains undiagnosed: "Johne's Disease can be a significant cause of loss in infected sheep flocks because of reduced productivity and high culling rates. Vaccination provides the only possible assurance when sourcing sheep from potentially infected flocks and will help to reduce losses from the disease should a farmer inadvertently introduce sheep into an infected flock.
"Lambs identified as replacements should generally be vaccinated between 4 and 16 weeks of age, subcutaneously behind the ear. Sheep over 16 weeks of age can also be vaccinated as this will reduce shedding of organisms in infected animals while bought-in replacements can be vaccinated on arrival at the farm. Sheep require only one vaccination for their lifetime.
"Following its success in Australia, we are delighted to be able to offer Gudair to veterinary surgeons in the UK."
For further information, contact your Virbac territory manager or call: 01359 243243
During the four-day hearing, the Committee heard evidence in respect of three separate heads of charge brought against Mr Shah following a castration operation conducted on Shadow, a six-year old Newfoundland dog, which took place on 20 June 2014.
The three charges were as follows:
There was no complaint made as to the undertaking of the operation itself, and the Committee followed the advice from the Legal Assessor that each charge should be considered separately. When making its decision, the Committee did not take into account the fact that Shadow had died as it is impossible to say whether he would have survived had Mr Shah acted differently.
The Committee found each of the allegations against Mr Shah proved. In respect of the first charge the Committee heard from two expert witnesses, Professor Williams and Mr Plumley, who agreed that the decision to discharge Shadow at about 6pm on 20 June 2014, given his condition, was inappropriate.
The Committee considers that discharging Shadow at that time into the care of the owner given his state on discharge, was grossly negligent and a serious error of judgement. It therefore found Mr Shah to be guilty of the first charge.
The Committee then considered that, after being alerted to Shadow’s continued lack of progress by the telephone call from Gemma Ballantyne between 30 and 45 minutes after discharge, Mr Shah exacerbated the situation by the inadequacy of his response in dealing with the concerns raised which, in the Committee’s view, represented a continuation of his previous poor judgement.
The Committee considered that Mr Shah was under a duty of care to advise Gemma Ballantyne to seek urgent veterinary attention for Shadow and by his own admission he failed to do so, and he was therefore found guilty of the second charge.
During that telephone call Mr Shah also gave no further details about the out-of-hours care available to Gemma Ballantyne other than to inform her that there would be an additional cost.
He did not seek confirmation that any such information been supplied by his colleague, Emma Martin (who at the relevant time was a student nurse), however, and at no time did he see Gemma Ballantyne in possession of the discharge sheet. The Committee therefore found Mr Shah guilty of this final head of charge.
The Committee did accept that there was no element of dishonesty, nor was there an aim of financial gain in the case. The Committee also considered that Mr Shah was acting in good faith at all times. It also accepted that Mr Shah was entitled to assume that normal practice had been followed and that a previously compiled discharge sheet, containing the number of the out-of-hours provider, had been supplied to Miss Ballantyne.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "Balancing all of the factors as the Committee must, it is clear that on this occasion Mr Shah’s conduct fell far short of that which is expected and it therefore finds he conducted himself disgracefully in a professional respect."
Mr Green added: "In imposing the sanction of a reprimand, the Committee urges Mr Shah in the strongest possible terms to ensure that his future conduct by way of training and support systems within his practice are such as to avoid any possibility of a future incident such as this occurring in order to ensure animal welfare and public confidence in the veterinary profession. The Committee notes that in her evidence, Emma Martin said that the working practices at the surgery have been changed and the Committee expects that all animals kept in the care of Mr Shah are fully monitored, examined and assessed in relation to their condition before being discharged."
The first two episodes, which discuss feline cardiomyopathy, are available now at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2189360 and all the leading podcast platforms (including Apple, Spotify, Amazon and Google).
Future topics will include pre-clinical feline cardiomyopathy and a practical approach to puppy murmurs.
There'll also be a number of special guests, including Prof Virginia Luis Fuentes from the Royal Veterinary College, who will discuss the treatment of feline heart disease beyond standard therapy, and Dr Brian Scansen from Colorado State University, who will talk you through the diagnosis and management of pulmonic stenosis.
To keep up with the latest from Kieran and Jose, you can follow them on Twitter or Instagram @heartbeat_pod.
They'd also love you to post to questions for their guests, or any comments you have about the podcasts, on their social media channels.
The practice makes ecobricks by packing all sorts of plastic waste tightly into plastic bottles which can then be joined together using tyres, silicone, cob or cement and used for a wide range of purposes in gardens, play parks and for making all types of structures with.
The ecobrick initiative was launched by the Global Ecobrick Alliance, which describes itself as an Earth Enterprise focused on solving plastic pollution through the dissemination of the low-tech, educational, open source ecobrick technology. It also operates a website which lists a wide range of organisations throughout the world where newly-made ecobricks can be delivered to.
White Cross Vets operates 19 practices, with four in the local area in Gateacre, West Derby, St Helens and Widnes, and is now exploring how it can roll out the scheme across the group. Other green initiatives White Cross Vets is pioneering include rolling out energy efficient LED lighting across its practices and heavily promoting the Cycle to Work scheme.
Helen Morris, from White Cross Vets, said: "In our industry almost everything comes packed in unrecyclable plastics, from small syringe packets through to large delivery bags and the plastic on the backs of patient labels, which we print hundreds of every day.
"As a result, we decided to look at how we might be able to put it to good use, rather than simply putting it in the bin and came across ecobricks. By taking the time to fill the bottles with plastic, we can significantly reduce the waste we send to landfill, and cut the amount of plastic that ends up littering the planet and ultimately finds its way into the sea. We are now making them every week and the whole team gets involved, which is rewarding for everyone involved."
Cosacthen contains 0.25 mg/ml of tetracosactide which had only previously been available as human-registered or compounded veterinary ‘special’ preparations meaning availability and cost could be unpredictable.
Tetracosactide is used in the ACTH stimulation test to assess the adrenocortical function of patients with endocrine diseases, such as Cushing’s and Addison’s.
Dechra Brand Manager Claire Morgan said: “As experts in endocrinology, we recognise that the testing involved in adrenal conditions can be a costly process for pet owners, which can mean that some cases don’t progress to treatment or have their treatment optimised.
"The launch of Cosacthen gives veterinary surgeons the reassurance associated with a veterinary licensed medicine. As these cases can appear on an irregular basis, Cosacthen is ideal to keep in the practice ready for when a case is presented making it a cost-effective solution that can help offset the cost for owners of long-term treatment of adrenal conditions."
Cosacthen is available in 1 ml single-use vials.
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk/cosacthen.
The debate, which was described as 'robust but good-humoured', was moderated by BEVA past-President Madeleine Campbell, sole partner at Hobgoblins Equine Reproduction Centre.
Keith Chandler, former BEVA President and member of the acquisitions team at Independent Vet Care and Karl Holliman, partner and director at Cliffe Veterinary group and past chairman of XL Equine, argued for corporatisation.
Their supporting witnesses were Lesley Barwise Munro of AlNorthumbria vets which was sold to CVS in 2015 and Julian Samuelson a former managing partner of Bell Equine, which was sold to CVS earlier this year.
In the opposing corner were Andrew Harrison, a partner at Three Counties Equine Hospital and Tim Greet, who recently retired as an equine partner at Rossdales.
Their supporting witnesses were Louise Radford MRCVS, who now works in the pharmaceutical industry and Nenad Zillic, partner at the Barn Equine Surgery.
As the moderator called 'seconds out', opinion was relatively evenly divided, with 44% of the audience agreeing with the motion and 56% disagreeing.
The pro corporatisation team advocated that obvious commercial and business advantages, together with the scale and diversity of a corporate, can give vets greater potential for a more flexible career path and advancement within the industry, and a more sustainable working career in equine practice.
Karl Holliman pointed out that corporates enable greater purchasing power, better health and safety resources, improved career structure and the freedom for employed vets to focus on clinical expertise rather than becoming bogged down with practice management.
Keith Chandler went on to argue that selling to a corporate is a solution to the problem of succession planning. In a climate of unwillingness for younger vets to buy in to practice, selling allows partners to realise the value they've built up and release that equity to do something else.
This is all very well, said Tim Greet, on the anti corporatisation panel, but the good reputation the profession currently enjoys is based on service to clients and above all the animals in our care. Clinical rather than commercial elements drive practice and partners are light on their feet and can respond quickly to decisions without referring to "a ponderous corporate hierarchy".
Tim also argued that clients like continuity and the quickest way to lose them would be to send in different vets. A bespoke approach to client care was needed rather than hard targeting.
Andrew Harrison went on to suggest that the only vets who really benefit from selling out are those who have one eye on retirement. Younger partners may be able to pay off the loan they took out to buy into practice in the first place but are then likely to take a considerable drop in salary and be given a middle management job, moving from the "pilot seat into the passenger seat." He argued that young vets cannot afford to buy into practices because the industry is being "fuelled by the corporates who are falling over themselves competing to buy equine practices and squeezing out our fellow professionals."
Pro corporatisation witness Julian Samuelson maintained that since Bell Equine has been sold to CVS there has been no change to client service, no restrictions on clinical performance and that no targets have been imposed to achieve set revenues.
Anti-corporatisation witness Louise Radford made the point that big corporates could exert pressure on pharmaceutical companies to drive down prices, which would reduce their capacity to invest in research and development trials and CPD, to the ultimate detriment of the veterinary industry.
The session closed with 72% of the audience disagreeing with the motion Corporatisation is inevitable and will benefit vets and their clients.
BEVA President Jon Pycock said: "Whether we like it or not corporatisation of equine practices is on the rise. But it shouldn’t mean that the future isn’t going to be viable for independents too as there is a role for both to co-exist. Importantly, this should mean that vets and their clients will both continue to have choices."
The Kennel Club has launched Puppy Awareness Week to bring the horrors of puppy farming to the public consciousness and highlight the important steps that are needed when buying a puppy, such as choosing the right breed and finding a responsible breeder.
According to the organisation, 1 in 4 dog owners may have bought a puppy farmed dog. According to a survey it carried out this month, 44% of people don't even know what a puppy farm is, and 29% have bought a puppy from the Internet, a pet shop or a newspaper advert, all outlets which are often used for selling puppy farmed puppies. 60% admitted they did not see their puppy with its mother and more than half didn't see its breeding environment before they brought it home. 66% of owners were also never given the parents health certificates, and 8% were sold a puppy before it was 8 weeks old, which recent research has shown may lead to behavioural problems later in life.
The Kennel Club is concerned that the problem will get worse in the current economic climate, as 66% of people said they would buy a puppy at lower than the average price.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Puppy farming is a cruel trade that treats dogs as commodities rather than living creatures. You wouldn't buy a commodity, such as a car, from a dodgy dealer offering no MOT or service documents, but people don't ask for the same assurances from a breeder when buying a dog.
"Our worry is that in the future even more people will be fooled by puppy farmers, who hide behind the internet, being drawn in by the knock down prices without being aware of the high cost that they will pay later. This will simply grow the abandoned dog population and result in even more suffering.
"It is absolutely vital that people go to a Kennel Club Assured Breeder or a rescue home and that they know what assurances and information they are entitled to when buying a puppy, or it will lead to hefty veterinary bills and heartache further down the line."
The Kennel Club is urging puppy buyers to go to a rescue home, or a Kennel Club Assured Breeder - the only scheme in the UK which sets standards for and monitors dog breeders. It has also called on the government to put in place standards, similar to those used by the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, for all breeders.
The Kennel Club has issued the following advice to puppy buyers:
The Kennel Club has also created a petition to help end puppy farming and hopes to reach 100,000 signatures so that it may be addressed in the House of Commons. Dog lovers are invited to add their support by visiting http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/8557.
Puppy Awareness Week will culminate in Pup Aid, the boutique music festival, celebrity-judged fun dog show and family day out at Stanmer House in Brighton on 18th September, organised by TV vet Marc Abraham.
For further information, visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/paw.
Direct Line made Freedom of Information requests to 44 police forces in the UK, of which 38 were able to provide usable data.
The number of dogs reported stolen in 2017 was 7% up on 2016, which in turn was 14% higher than in 2015.
In second place after Staffies (210 thefts) came crossbreeds (82 thefts), followed by French Bulldogs (61 thefts).
Geographically, the canine crime capital of the UK is, wait for it ... Yorkshire. Eeh by gum.
There were 346 reported dog thefts in Yorkshire and the Humberside, compared to 312 in the North West and 216 in the South East.
If you want to reduce your chances of being the victim of crime by owning the least stolen dog in the safest area, the data suggests you should buy a Springer and go and live in Wales.
Photo: English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Nieuwland Photography / Shutterstock.
MSD's push is being driven by the rising number of cases of Leishmaniasis cases in the UK, including the first report earlier this year of dog-to-dog transmission of the disease.
Caroline Darouj, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Whilst accurate statistics on the number of cases seen in UK practices are not available, the VMD has reported an annual increase in the number of leishmaniasis treatments imported since records started in 2006.
"Based on applications for Special Import Certificates for Milteforan and Glucantime, there were 27 times as many cases treated in 2018 (439) compared to 2006 (16)*.
"Leishmaniasis is proving to be a significant threat to travelling dogs, a situation that has been widely reported in the vet press, so LetiFend will offer veterinary practices and dog owners throughout the UK reassurance. A single dose primary course given four weeks before travel makes it ideal for non-regular travelers."
Letifend is indicated to reduce the risk of developing active infection and/or clinical disease after exposure to L. infantum from 28 days post vaccination1,2. It offers protection for 365 days after a single annual dose. The company says it has excellent tolerability shown in a wide range of breeds and ages, and in field trials in areas at high risk of infection had an efficacy rate of 72%4.
LetiFend is a non-adjuvanted vaccine which MSD says ensures a targeted immune response with a high level of safety.
MSD says a dog vaccinated with LetiFend is at 9.8 times less risk of presenting clinical signs, at 3.5 times less risk of presenting parasites, and thus at 5 times less risk of developing clinical leishmaniasis1. It can be applied from six months of age via subcutaneous administration.
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
*Information from VMD following a Freedom of Information Act request.