The Practice Standards Group, which comprises representatives from all of the key veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations, has updated the standards of the Practice Standards Scheme and a draft of the new Manual is now available for comment.
The Scheme is a voluntary accreditation programme that aims to promote and maintain high standards of facilities and care within UK veterinary practices. When it was launched in 2005, a commitment was made that the standards would not change for five years, unless new legislation (such as the Veterinary Medicines Regulations) required it. Following a detailed review of the standards, to ensure they continue to be relevant to current veterinary practice, proposals have been made by the Group for new standards to be implemented during 2010.
Jill Nute, Chairman of the Practice Standards Group said: "It is unlikely that any already-accredited practices will be required to invest in additional facilities or equipment to meet the new standards.
"Instead, greater emphasis has been placed on clinical outcomes and training. For example, performance review has been introduced for all clinical staff, including the Professional Development Phase for new graduates. We are keen to hear feedback on the proposed new standards."
One recommendation is that the 'tiers' should be dropped. The categories will retain their descriptive names, for example, Small Animal General Practice or Equine Veterinary Hospital. Feedback suggests that clients, and the profession, found the tiers to be misleading.
The layout of the Manual has been revamped, to include guidance that was previously available online. Guidance for each relevant standard can now be seen at a glance. There is also an icon to indicate if documentary evidence will be required by the inspector. In addition, the new format clarifies the derivation of each standard, so that legislative requirements are distinguished from those required under the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct and those indicated by better practice.
Membership of the Scheme continues to grow, with 126 applications to join the Scheme in the first six months of this year, representing 264 premises, compared with 61 applications in the whole of last year. There are currently 2,351 practice premises under the ambit of the Scheme - approximately 50%.
The draft new Manual is online at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations.
Hard copies are available from Eleanor Ferguson, Practice Standards Scheme Manager: e.ferguson@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0720.
The deadline for comments is 31 August 2009. Responses will be considered by the Practice Standards Group at its September meeting and thereafter by Council in November.
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched Cleanor, an ear cleaner for cats and dogs.
Norbrook says Cleanor Ear Cleaner has been developed for regular, routine cleaning to help remove excessive ear wax from the ear canal as well as providing a moisturising effect to the ear canal's delicate epithelium.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook Brand Manager (Small Animals) said: "Ear disease represents one of the most common skin problems seen in veterinary practice. Checking the cat or dog's ears should be part of the normal health routine for pet owners. Cleanor Ear Cleaner has been designed to make the ear cleaning process simple and stress free for both the animal and owner. It comes with a long, soft and flexible nozzle to allow easy access to the ear canal and is gentle enough to treat even the most sensitive ears."
Cleanor Ear Cleaner is available in two sizes: 50ml and 120ml. It is supported by educational brochures to assist veterinary practices in discussing good ear cleaning practice with their clients. The brochures are available through Norbrook's local sales representatives.
Cleanor Ear Cleanor is available in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Probably the two most popular social media platforms for veterinary surgeons in the UK are Facebook (and its various veterinary groups) and VetSurgeon.org.
Facebook has the advantage that so many people use it to share photographs with family and friends, so they are already on the site and it is only a very short hop over to participate in a veterinary discussion group. That makes it an excellent way to get a broad opinion on almost any subject.
But, and it is a very big 'but', Facebook was never designed to be a platform for sharing clinical information or discussing cases. So, for example, you cannot see the professional qualifications of anyone contributing to the discussion unless they happen also to be your 'friend', so it can be hard to tell whether they have any idea what they're talking about, or are, in fact, the leading light.
There are various other aspects of Facebook that are problematic when it comes to clinical discussions, including the difficulty in referring back to useful information shared and the way in which 'me too' replies can drown out good quality information.
The survey aims to find out how much of a problem vets think these things are, whether certain groups within the profession could be better served by social media - for example those that may find it daunting asking for help in an online group, and what features vets would like VetSurgeon.org to invest in.
The survey can be completed anonymously, but if you give your name at the end, you'll be entered into a draw for a case of champagne (or equivalent).
Take part here: https://bit.ly/2lzzpy4
Please share this story amongst your colleagues!
According to this month's Veterinary Practice magazine, Vetstream Ltd., the erstwhile publisher of Veterinary Review, has been granted a Company Voluntary Arrangement under the Insolvency Act 1986.
VP reports that the CVA is an alternative to liquidation which in this case will allow Vetstream to make a partial repayment to it's creditors (who are collectively owed £1.15 million) of 40.08p in the pound over three years.
As I reported earlier, Vetstream Ltd now plans to focus on electronic media, including its CD-Rom products (Canis, Felis, Equis and Lapis) and www.myvetstream.com.
With the latter, they face some stiff competition, not least from this site which uses state-of-the-art software to provide the latest networking and information sharing features for vets, but also vetsonline.com, a more recent entrant to the marketplace from the publishers of Vet Times.
Virbac Animal Health has launched Allerderm, a topical spot on product designed to rebuild the epidermal barrier in dogs and cats with skin problems.
According to the company, Allerderm Spot-On contains a mimic of the normal lamellar lipids found in the stratum corneum: essential fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol.
Virbac Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: The "outside-in" theory of inflammatory skin disease is now widely accepted - that is, the belief that a faulty epidermal barrier is the primary problem, allowing penetration of allergens which then triggers inflammation in the underlying skin.
"A healthy epidermal barrier is designed to keep in water and moisture, and keep out allergens and pathogens. The 'barrier repair' approach has been developed in human medicine and is now proving true in companion animal care.
"It is currently possible to help restore this barrier with oral essential fatty acid supplements like Complederm and with Allermyl shampoo, but this is an exciting new addition to the armoury."
Mr Geddes added: "In a study of allergic dogs1, researchers found that Allerderm spot on caused the level of lipids on the stratum corneum to return to almost the level of normal dogs."
Allerderm Spot-On is applied along the back of the dog or cat initially at weekly intervals, eventually reducing to monthly applications. It is available in packs of 6 pipettes in 2ml (suitable for cats and dogs less than 10kg) and 4ml (suitable for dogs over 10kg).
For further information on Allerderm Spot-On, contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
Reference1. Effects of a Topically Applied Preparation of Epidermal Lipids on the Stratum Corneum Barrier of Atopic Dogs, A. Piekutowska, D. Pin, C.A. Réme, H. Gatto and M. Haftek, Journal of Comparative Pathology 2008, Vol. 138, 197-203
From October 2020 it will be mandatory for all owners to microchip their horses, ponies and donkeys, or face a fine of up to £200. The new Central Equine Database will then allow local authorities and police to track down the owners of dumped horses and make sure they are punished. It will also mean lost or stolen horses will be reunited with their owners more easily.
Lord Gardiner, Animal Welfare Minister, said: "The government shares the British public’s high regard for animal welfare and it is completely unacceptable that hundreds of horses and ponies are left abandoned every year by irresponsible owners.
"That is why we have today laid new regulations in Parliament requiring horses to be microchipped. This will bolster the ability of local authorities and police to identify abandoned animals, ensuring these beautiful creatures receive the care they deserve and that those who mistreat them will face the consequences."
The BVA has welcomed the move as an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said: "We welcome this announcement to extend compulsory microchipping and believe that the measures represent an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain. The one-off cost of microchipping a horse is minimal while the animal welfare benefits in terms of being able to identify lost, stolen, abandoned or fly grazing horses, and identify horses in the face of disease outbreak, as well as the benefits to the integrity of food chain safety, are enormous.
"Universal microchipping of domesticated horses ensures that the legislation has value, the cost of implementing the new Central Equine Database (CED) is not wasted, and that food safety is protected. Together these measures will protect horses, ponies and donkeys from irresponsible owners, help loving owners to be reunited with their animals and keep the food chain free from potentially contaminated horse meat."
The regulations for the database were laid in Parliament today and, subject to parliamentary approval, will come into force on 1 October 2018.
Ines, who graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain in 2001, has spent the last seven years working at universities in America, Australia and Europe. She undertook her PhD in MR spectroscopy of the brain in dogs at the University of Bern-Zurich in Switzerland. She has a Masters in Radiology from University of Glasgow. She has also worked at the University of Illinois and Sydney University.
Willows clinical director Toby Gemmill said: "Ines is highly qualified and highly regarded, so is a very welcome addition to our talented imaging team. Her experience of working around the world will also be a terrific asset to the practice."
Ines said: "I am very happy and honoured to be joining Willows and to now be part of such a great diagnostic imaging team. "This is a well-known centre of excellence and I’m really looking forward to helping deliver the first class care and treatment that Willows always aims to provide."
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net.
Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "It can be a very worrying time for owners if their pet is being investigated for, or diagnosed with, hypothyroidism and the new website aims to help them understand more about the condition, how it manifests itself and what they can expect on the management journey.
"Effective management of the condition can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life and prevents the development of other, potentially life-threatening conditions, for which treatment can be intensive and costly."
The website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section and an interactive log book for owners to fill in which can also be emailed to their veterinary surgeon to assist in tracking the dogs’ progress and ensure that treatment is at its optimal level.
For more information, visit www.hypothyroiddog.com
Ian Arundale (pictured right) was appointed as the new Chair of the DC following an application process from within existing Disciplinary Committee members, with the final interview panel consisting of Amanda Boag (President at the time), Ian Green (current DC Chair) and Miran Uddin (an independent barrister who works in regulatory law). Ian begins his role as chair in late October.
Ian is Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police in the north east of England and was a police officer for 32 years serving in South Wales, West Mercia and Dyfed-Powys Police Forces. He currently provides expert witness services to inquests, courts and public inquiries. Ian has worked internationally and has assisted police forces and organisations in the USA, India, the Far East and New Zealand. In addition to his work with the RCVS, Ian is also the Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the City of Cardiff Council and is a board member of the International Law Enforcement Forum (ILEF).
Ian said: "I am pleased to have been selected as DC Chair and am looking forward to chairing the committee. The role of the DC is crucial to ensuring the RCVS protects and upholds the high standards of the UK veterinary professions, and I am humbled to be in a position to support this important function."
Dr Martin Whiting has been appointed as the new Vice Chair for the DC. Dr Whiting qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2006. Following a few years in practice, he returned to academia to complete a Masters in Medical Law and Ethics and a PhD in the public interest in veterinary professional regulation. Martin was appointed as Lecturer in Veterinary Ethics and Law at the RVC in 2013 and became an RCVS and European Specialist in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. In 2017, Martin moved to the Home Office to work with the Animals in Science Committee and is currently the Head of Operations for the Animals in Science Regulation Unit.
Dr Bradley Viner has been appointed as the new Chair of the RCVS PIC and began his role on 1 July 2019.
Bradley was appointed through an independent selection process led by an external HR consultancy, with RCVS Council ratifying the final appointments. Bradley replaces Andrew Ash, who chaired the PIC from July 2015 up until Bradley’s appointment.
Bradley established his own small animal practice in Pinner, Middlesex, which then grew to a group of five practices in north-west London. In 2017 he sold his practices to the Linnaeus Group and now works for them as Group Clinical Quality Lead across all their sites. He was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2017 for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. Bradley was an elected member of RCVS Council between 2005 and 2017, including four years as RCVS Treasurer and one year as RCVS President in 2015-16.
Bradley said: "I was delighted to have been selected as Chair of this Statutory Committee as I feel it is one of the most important interfaces between the College, the profession and the public. It has a vital role to play in protecting animal welfare and the reputation of the profession, but I am well aware that fear of disciplinary proceedings can be very stressful to those involved. I undertake to continually strive to work to find a balance that ensures the Committee maintains a well-regulated profession acting in the public interest but also makes every effort to avoid causing unnecessary stress on members that are subject to its proceedings."
More information about the RCVS concerns investigation and disciplinary processes can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns.
The Disciplinary Committee (DC) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has suspended a veterinary surgeon for a period of six months for issuing two false horse passports, having found him to have been “consciously dishonest”.
At a hearing which concluded on 15 July, Andrew Dominic Illing, Director of the Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership, Norwich, admitted charges of backdating the passports of two different horses on 1 May 2008, to indicate that they had been vaccinated on 24 April 2008 against equine influenza and equine influenza and tetanus, when he knew that the vaccinations had not been carried out on that date.
The Committee heard that, whilst on a routine visit to a local livery yard on 30 April 2008, a junior veterinary surgeon at the practice, Ms Charlotte Alice Mayers, had been pressured to backdate the equine passports of two horses, owned by Mrs Scriven and Mrs Kippen respectively, because their booster vaccinations had been carried out beyond the 12-month window prescribed by the Horse Racing Authority. Ms Mayers had declined to do so and had brought the passports back to the practice to seek the advice of its Director, Mr Illing.
Ms Mayers explained to Mr Illing, both in a note and in discussion with him, that the boosters had been administered outwith the prescribed period and that she had told the owners that she was not willing to backdate the passports, one of which she had already signed. The DC heard that Mr Illing had told Ms Mayers “not to worry about it” and that he would deal with the situation. It did not surface until the livery yard manager later made a complaint, that Mr Illing had in fact signed the second passport and backdated both to 24 April.
In mitigation, Mr Illing said that he had been under considerable stress at the time, as he had been dealing with a protracted and difficult disciplinary meeting concerning a senior veterinary colleague. As a consequence of this, the Committee heard from Mr Illing’s practice partner that Mr Illing was required to take on more work than he was already performing, which was already 10-15% more than the other three vets in the practice. In addition, Mr Illing had been in a degree of pain at the time, following a knee injury. The Committee also heard evidence from a veterinary surgeon who testified to Mr Illing’s good character; and received many written testimonials.
In reaching its decision, the Committee held the view that: “the public must be able to trust certificates which are signed by members of this profession. If the public cannot trust the authenticity of such certificates, the Committee considers that public confidence in the profession would be undermined, and undermined in a very significant way.” It also cited the obligations of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct in terms of the integrity of veterinary certification, and the ‘12 Principles of Certification’, as agreed by the RCVS, the British Veterinary Association and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Committee considered many factors when making its final decision. It did not accept that stress overbore Mr Illing’s normal way of dealing with certification, particularly where he had had a period of overnight reflection before taking the action that he did. However, it felt that the most troubling feature in his decision to backdate the certificates was that, in advising Ms Mayers on a difficult ethical issue, Mr Illing had “set a disgraceful example and wholly failed to provide her with the support to which she was entitled”. Furthermore, in backdating a certificate that Ms Mayers had already signed, he was putting her integrity at risk.
Alison Bruce, chairing the Committee, commented: “It is only by upholding the importance of each and every certificate issued by a member of the veterinary profession that public confidence in such certificates can be maintained.” She went on to say: “Without significant mitigating circumstances, false certification will result in removal from the Register. In Mr Illing’s case, having regard to all the evidence, both the oral and written testimonials, and taking into account all the aggravating and mitigating circumstances detailed above, the Committee has decided to suspend Mr Illing’s name from the Register for a period of six months.”
The company says a combination of unprecedented demand for the product and logistics issues, together with an issue involving the manufacturer of the active ingredient, has resulted in a delay in receiving stock into the UK.
Animalcare says it has a shipment awaiting dispatch to the UK from its European manufacturing plant as soon as licensing is completed by the VMD, Home Office and European counterparts. There is another batch in production, expected into the UK in early March.
Kai Crawshaw, Product Manager at Animalcare, said: "We are working hard with the VMD and Home Office to expedite the import licensing process and also with our manufacturer to ensure we can get as much stock as quickly as possible back into the marketplace. We sincerely apologise to any clinics that are experiencing a shortage but are glad to say that stock is on the way."
BSAVA Congress was first held in London in 1958, when 245 vets attended.
In 1991, it became the first organisation to host its annual congress at the newly-built ICC Birmingham, where it remained for nearly three decades, growing from an initial 1,800 delegates to welcoming 10,000 delegates and exhibitors in 2012.
Somehow, though, it never lost that sense of community that came with it being the annual event of a membership association.
The editor of this website has many fond memories, including delivering bottles of 'Bugwiser', 'Kronenbug', 'Carlsbug', 'Catfleas' (Caffreys) and 'Bug Iced' to delegates' hotel bedrooms to promote Program flea treatment and organising a spoof protest march against fleas with the charity Dogs for the Disabled, which proved immune to the ICC security team (one of whom was heard radioing: "But we can't move them on, they're in wheelchairs".
However, in 2009, competition arrived in the form of the London Vet Show.
In 2018, the decision was made to move Congress North to Manchester, but then of course COVID hit, forcing the cancellation of the last Birmingham Congress and the first Manchester one in 2021.
Sadly, there was probably never going to be room for two major congresses for the veterinary profession - especially with the rise of online learning - and the one in the capital city was always likely to win that particular battle.
BSAVA says it is now focussing its resources on new initiatives that it believes will better serve its members.
President Julian Hoad said: “The BSAVA needs to adapt as the landscape changes and as the profession continues to innovate and grow.
"We’ve conducted extensive research with our members on their education and development needs and the future requirements of the wider profession.
"It’s clear that we need to adapt to offer more agile solutions which will bring huge benefits to vets and veterinary nurses.
"With that in mind, the BSAVA has decided that it’s time to retire Congress.
"We believe we will deliver better value to our members by pursuing new opportunities and developing more versatile product innovations.
"As an organisation we’re extremely proud of the legacy Congress leaves behind.
"It's been a cherished and valuable event for the profession over the last 68 years, and we want to thank all who’ve been part of that legacy.”
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced the launch of Nuflor Minidose - a 50% more concentrated, but less viscous solution of its proven Nuflor antibiotic.
Nuflor Minidose is licensed for the treatment and prevention of bacterial BRD. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Rosemary Booth MRCVS said: "It delivers all the rapid efficacy entrusted in Nuflor, but at a lower volume. Whereas a 20ml dose of Nuflor will treat a 150kg animal, the same volume of Nuflor Minidose will cover a 225kg beast. Compared with Nuflor, the new Minidose formulation is easier to administer delivering a less viscous florfenicol solution, with a 62% improvement in viscosity at 15°C and 59% at 5°C."
Rosemary added that Nuflor Minidose is effective against the main bacterial causes of pneumonia: P. multocida, M. haemolytica and H. somni. "Florfenicol is the only antibiotic offering 100% sensitivity to these three key BRD causes in recent trials and its kill effect also ensures that within 24 hours bacteria levels are low enough to prevent any re-growth."
She also pointed out that the new, more concentrated florfenicol solution presents vets with an improved batch treatment option for controlling BRD considering Nuflor is recognised as an effective metaphylactic
"Batch treatment prevents BRD from spreading. Trials with Nuflor have demonstrated the benefit of metaphylactic batch treatment of sick calves in a pen once at least 20% of the animals exhibit disease symptoms. Nuflor was significantly more efficacious than a control in preventing the spread of BRD in healthy calves exposed to infected animals," she explains.
"The bacteria responsible for BRD are found in the respiratory tract of healthy cattle and stress or a greater pathogen load - such as exposure to sick calves - can easily trigger disease. BRD bacterial numbers can double every 30 minutes and in 24 hours, one bacterium can multiply to billions. Batch treatment kills the bacteria before they multiply, release toxins and cause permanent lung damage."
New Nuflor Minidose is licensed for injection subcutaneously for the prevention of BRD at a dose rate of 4ml/45kg and has a 64-day meat withdrawal period.
The Royal College has announced the winners of the 2009 RCVS Council and VN Council elections.
This year, a special elections section was set up here on VetSurgeon.org and on VetNurse.co.uk for members to engage directly with candidates in a members forum, or directly using the social networking features on both sites. In the interests of promoting democracy, the sites offered a case of champagne to the voter who started the forum discussion which generated the greatest number of responses. Over the course of the voting period, these sections received over 23,000 page views, 53 questions for candidates, and 650 responses.
Arlo Guthrie, Editor of VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk said: "I think it's great that the candidates agreed to try this. They could have said no, and stuck with the traditional methods of communication (which are more of a known quantity). Instead, they really got stuck in to some interesting and at times lively debate. My sincere thanks to all candidates and congratulations to the winners. And I raise my glass to Phil Elkins, who wins the case of champagne for starting the most active discussion thread, even allowing for the number of times he responded to his own post!"
Voting in the RCVS Council election increased from 17% to 18.2% this year, with 4,041 veterinary surgeons out of a possible 22,201 casting a vote. The results are as follows:
NUTE, Patricia Jill. 2,467 votes. Elected JINMAN, Peter. 2,346 votes. Elected GRAY, Christopher John. 2,230 votes. Elected DAVIES, Jeremy Vincent. 2,229 votes. Elected VINER, Bradley. 2,123 votes. Elected TUFNELL, Christopher Wynne. 2,088 votes. Elected SWAYNE, Nigel. 1,673 votes. McDOWELL, David Michael. 1,394 votes.LONSDALE, Thomas. 389 votes.
The new Council members are Christopher Gray and Christopher Tufnell, who will officially join Council at RCVS Day on 3 July 2009.
The VN Council elections saw a larger increase in voters, with 912 out of a possible 8,108 VNs casting a vote. This was an 11.2% turnout, up by nearly 25% up on last year. The results were as follows:
JEFFERY, Andrea Karen. 604 votes. Elected GLYSEN, Louise. 332 votes. Elected WILLIAMS, Caroline Mary. 312 votes.IVES, Cheryl Diana. 236 votes.
Louse Glysen is the new VN Council Member (again, officially joining at RCVS Day) and Andrea Jeffery will begin her eighth year, having been the Council's chairman for the past four years.
Kellie Price, a Kent-based Registered Veterinary Nurse has been suspended from the Register for nine months by the RCVS RVN Disciplinary Committee after she admitted dishonestly creating four prescriptions, one of which was then fraudulently presented to a pharmacy.
The Committee heard that in January 2013, Miss Price, who did not attend the hearing and had no representation, had dishonestly created a prescription for two inhalers while working at a veterinary practice in Kent.
This prescription had been written and signed in the name of a locum veterinary surgeon, Cristiana Tudini MRCVS, without her knowledge or consent. The false prescription was subsequently presented to a pharmacy for dispensing.
In addition, in March 2013, Miss Price dishonestly created a further three prescriptions - one of which was written in the name of her colleague Cormac Higgins MRCVS, and two written in the name of Cristiana Tudini MRCVS without either's knowledge or consent. All four false prescriptions had been made out for Miss Price's Jack Russell terrier.
Upon discovering the false prescriptions, Mr Higgins asked Miss Price for an explanation and subsequently suspended her from her position pending further investigation. However, after being interviewed by Mr Higgins, she resigned before any in-house disciplinary hearing could take place. The allegations were then reported to both the RCVS and the police, the latter giving Miss Price a formal caution in respect of the false prescription made in January 2013.
In considering Miss Price's sanction, the RVN Disciplinary Committee took into account a number of aggravating and mitigating factors. In mitigation, it accepted Miss Price's explanation that, in the early hours of 6 January, she had suffered an asthma attack and that she had created the false prescription at work in a panic after realising her inhaler was empty and fearing a further asthma attack. The Committee also took into account a witness statement from Cormac Higgins MRCVS which described her as a "great nurse" and "good with patients and clients".
However, the Committee also considered aggravating factors including Miss Price's dishonesty and the fact that she then made further false prescriptions in March, although these were not then presented to a pharmacy.
Professor Noreen Burrows, who chaired the RVN Disciplinary Committee and spoke on its behalf, said: "The Committee is... satisfied that the admitted dishonesty amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect [and] is satisfied that the respondent's conduct fell far short of the conduct to be expected of a registered veterinary nurse."
On deciding the sanction she added: "Taking into account all of the circumstances, the Committee has concluded that the suspension of the Respondent's name from the Register for a period of nine months is the proportionate sanction in this case."
The Committee's full findings and decision are available on the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary).
Animalcare has launched Vetaclean, a new range of disinfectants which the company says has a notably high kill activity against canine parvovirus and common feline viruses such as FIV, FeLV and FCV.
The range comprises Vetaclean Parvo Advance, a surface disinfectant-cleaner, Vetaclean enzymatic instrument detergent-cleaner, and an instrument disinfectant.
Animalcare Product Manager, Tony Liepman, said: "Veterinary nurses tell us that canine parvovirus is the most challenging and resistant pathogen they work with, and so we set this as our benchmark for the Vetaclean disinfectant products. Tested under EN protocols and having 99.99% + kill activity against parvovirus, our new disinfectants demonstrate high efficacy against a broad range of bacteria, including MRSA/MRSP, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria and spores.
"Infection control is in the spotlight at the moment, highlighted by initiatives from within and outside our industry. Firstly, the new Practice Standards Scheme - launched at the same time as our range - places great emphasis on having a rigorous biosecurity policy. This includes requirements for personal hygiene as well as cleanliness of premises and equipment. High-level decontamination of instruments and equipment is ensured through the Vetaclean two-stage process, which works with even soiled instruments or equipment, and in under 20 minutes. The products have also been designed to be suitable for use on the most specialised equipment seen in today’s practices, including flexible or rigid endoscopes, ultrasonic baths, aspirators, arthroscopes and re-processing machines.
"Importantly, the active ingredients in the Vetaclean range meet the criteria of the new EU Biocides Regulations, policed by the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, which came into effect on 1st September 2015. All products with biocidal activity now need to undergo a complex registration process, ensuring the products are not harmful to people, the environment or animals. The rigorous process may see many disinfectant manufacturers pull out of the market, resulting in less choice. Further, the Vetaclean range does not contain Poly (hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB). The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently proposing that PHMB is listed as a category 2 carcinogen."
The Vetaclean Parvo Advance range includes a 1 litre lavender product in a self-dosing bottle, 5 litre apple and lemon-fragranced liquid concentrates and unfragranced large surface wipes. There are two different dilution rates: a general purpose dilution rate for most pathogens at 1:100 (10ml per litre), and a parvocidal dilution rate at 1:50 (20ml per litre). Animalcare says the alkaline-based formula ensures that the products are compatible with a wide range of materials and are non-staining. Both the enzymatic instrument cleaner and instrument disinfectant are available in 2 litre concentrates (incorporating a calibrated dosing reservoir).
The Vetaclean range is available now in wholesalers. The company has also produced a brochure Hygiene in practice, a guide to veterinary infection control from Animalcare, designed to help familiarise veterinary professionals with the principles and uses of the product range. There is also a special launch offer of Buy-4-Get-One-Free available from Animalcare representatives.
For further information, contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, or speak to your regional Animalcare representative: www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us.
Speaking at the MSD Animal Health sponsored National Mastitis Panel, David said that more widespread understanding of the issues is urgently required particularly amongst farmers and cattle vets if real progress is to be made.
David said: "There are some notable examples of veterinary practices that have worked with their clients to eliminate the use of CIAs. These are the exceptions, but they illustrate what is possible. As an industry, we need to speed up the rate of change and make a concerted effort to ensure more responsible use of antibiotics becomes the norm, sooner rather than later."
David quoted the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) position on the responsible use of medicines, which includes the recommendation of minimal use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinalones and colistin, with these CIAs being limited to use where it has been demonstrated by sensitivity testing that they are the only suitable option to avoid unnecessary suffering.
"There has been agreement on this position amongst the veterinary associations, farmer organisations and milk buyers, but there needs to be more widespread awareness at producer level, particularly within the vet and farmer relationship.
"Farms with a robust herd health plan, where challenges are reduced, will be in the best position to minimise use of CIAs. This takes time and is most effective where there is good cooperation between the farm and its veterinary practice.
"Achieving a significant reduction in the use of CIAs voluntarily will not only minimise the likelihood of disruptive and potentially punitive legislation but will put our cattle industry on the front foot and strengthen its position in global markets."
Krka says the new pack, available for cats and for toy, small, medium and large dogs, is designed to offer practices greater dispensing flexibility and to encourage quarterly visits and compliance with healthcare plans.
Selehold is presented in a pipette with a colour-coded cap and transparent tube to enable the owner to check when the full dose has been given. Each pipette is individually wrapped for ease of use and dispensing.
Ms Sabrina Jordan, Country Brand Manager for Krka, said: "We aim to optimise the value we give to our customers by offering them highly effective, tried and trusted, affordable generic medicines with added value.
"Selehold has proved a popular addition to our parasite control range because of its ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
"With many of our customers focusing on encouraging owners to visit the practice quarterly and to sign up to a healthcare plan for their pet, the 3-pack version of Selehold works well as it enables the practice to offer clients a high quality, good value solution that supports this compliance framework."
An impurity was detected during stability monitoring. The impurity was isolated and the best estimate of identity indicated that the impurity is carprofen related.
The problem affects a limited number of batches and is identifiable through quality control testing. The concentration of the process impurity does not increase over time.
This recall is for the following batches only:
Norbrook is contacting wholesale dealers and veterinary surgeons to examine inventory and quarantine products subject to this recall.
For further information regarding the recall, contact Gary Mckee on 0044 2830 264435 or by email: gary.mckee@norbrook.co.uk
Candidates will have the option of receiving a PGDip Veterinary Physiotherapy after two years, and will be able to practice as veterinary physiotherapists with either qualification.
The course will be delivered at the University’s Sutton Bonington campus at weekends, so that it can fit around people's existing work commitments.
Leading the course at Nottingham will be Dr Richard Payne, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anatomy. He said: "This is an exciting expansion of our postgraduate provision and will allow us to build on our reputation for delivering first class teaching in our excellent facilities.
"The course will be run on a weekend basis over two academic years, which will allow students to continue to work in their current employment. It is very much hands-on and is designed for musculoskeletal practitioners, veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, but also for those who want to expand or change their career opportunities."
The course was developed by Canine and Equine Physiotherapy Training (CEPT) and has been delivered by them since 2008, but is being transferred to Nottingham due to an increasing number of applicants.
The University says much of the practical teaching will be delivered by qualified veterinary physiotherapists, both on campus and at their own practices.
Students will be qualified as veterinary physiotherapists after two years, while the third year for the MSc will revolve around research work for a dissertation based on a topic relevant to veterinary physiotherapy.
Modules will cover a range of topics including the foundations of clinical practice, anatomy and physiology, the foundations of clinical practice, applied clinical skills and clinical reasoning and reporting. Students can expect to come away with a range of practical skills such as physiotherapy, electrotherapy and exercise programming.
The course will be open to applicants with a degree (BSc or above) in a science or animal-related subject and with evidence of at least eight weeks of animal handling experience.
More information about the course, and how to apply, can be found at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/veterinary-medicine-and-science/veterinary-physiotherapy-msc-pgdip.aspx
Photo courtesy University of Nottingham
MDC Exports is launching a cat cage at BSAVA Congress which it claims will revolutionise the way cats are cared for in veterinary surgeries
According to the company, plastic cages currently in use tend to harbour germs where cats have made scratches in their surfaces. This cage, however, is the first of its kind to be made from stainless steel, which cats' claws cannot damage.
MDC claims the hygienic Cat Cage will protect animals from disease and infection during their stay in surgery making for happier, healthier patients. The company says the stainless steel Cat Cage is strong, durable and can be flame sterilized. The handles can also be colour-coded, for example, yellow means neuter, red means post-anaesthetic and green means ready to go home. Each stainless steel Cat Cage also comes with a two-year free replacement guarantee.
For more information, visit MDC Exports at BSAVA Congress 2011 on stand 123. All visitors to the stand will receive a complimentary NipLok - the quick-release tourniquet that can be operated one-handed
The RCVS has announced the steps it will be taking in response to the Standards Committee's review of 24/7 emergency care.
Whilst the College has stopped short of making home visits entirely discretionary, it has confirmed that with regards to 24/7 emergency care overall:
This follows RCVS Council's agreement in principle on recommendations that flowed from the Standards Committee's comprehensive review of 24/7 emergency care. The review was triggered by a number of issues, including the profession's response to the Chikosi Disciplinary Hearing of June 2013.
The College says the recommendations were developed out of a detailed process of evidence gathering, which included 656 pages of views submitted to the College, 2,801 signatures to a petition on home visits, a three-day select-committee-style hearing where representatives from 15 organisations and a further 10 individuals gave their views, a snapshot of responses from 1,062 vets taking part in the RCVS Survey of the Professions, and an online survey of 1,250 animal owners.
Council praised the work, which had been carried out under the guidance of Standards Committee Chair Clare Tapsfield-Wright, and agreed that draft changes to the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct should be refined and agreed by the Standards Committee and published over the next couple of months.
Clare said: "This process was not carried out as a typical consultation, with proposals being issued for consideration: we really wanted to be open to the views of the profession and the public from the start.
"We found that the profession did not wish to remove the 24/7 requirement, but there was a lot of frustration and concern, particularly around safety, home visits, who should be seen, outsourcing and contingency planning.
"The Standards Committee looked in detail at all of these issues and I am delighted to have Council's support for the general direction of our proposals. We will now review some changes to the wording of the new guidance, to improve clarity, and publish it as soon as possible."
President Neil Smith said: "I am delighted with the way this process has been carried out. No doubt the outcome will not please everyone, but these changes are based on robust evidence.
"The approach taken by the Standards Committee forms a useful model that could be adapted to address other such issues that we may face in the future."
The presentation given to Council on 5 June can be downloaded from the RCVS website at https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-events/news/council-agrees-new-emphasis-for-24-7-guidance/ .
The consultation is open to veterinary surgeons, nurses, students, and the public.
One of the main - and most controversial - proposals in the consultation, which was unveiled by RCVS President Sue Patterson at BVA Live last week, is that the elected councils would be replaced by an independent merit-and-skills appointment-based system.
Sue discussed the main benefits of an appointment-based system at BVA Live:
Other proposed changes include:
The good governance proposals are part of the College’s overall legislative reform agenda in which it is seeking to replace the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act with new and more modern, flexible and forward-looking legislation, which would expand the regulatory remit of the College to encompass veterinary practice premises and paraprofessionals, while empowering veterinary nurses and creating a new fitness to practise system.
Sue said: “The current governance structure of the RCVS is set by the VSA and updating our governance systems is a vital prerequisite to getting new primary legislation, as the outdated and out-of-step nature of our current arrangements will be clear to see.
“Governance may not be the most exciting topic, but it is the foundation on which all other aspects of the College’s work rests.
"As a professional regulator with animal health and welfare at our heart, the RCVS has a duty to ensure that our arrangements best serve the public on whose behalf we are entrusted to regulate and uphold veterinary standards, while still maintaining veterinary input in all our decision-making processes.
“We believe these good governance proposals help us meet this mission, ensuring that we are bringing our governance in line with regulatory norms, while still recognising our unique role as a dual regulator and royal college.
"The proposals would also help us get the best talent with the right skillsets and experience to serve on RCVS Council, VN Council and our committees, drawing on both laypeople and the broad sweep of the veterinary professions.
“We acknowledge that there has been some disquiet over the fact that, under these proposals, we would no longer be holding the annual elections to either RCVS Council or VN Council.
"However, we believe that an independent, fair and skills-based appointment process would be a superior way of selecting the membership of RCVS Council and VN Council than the elections which, unfortunately, the vast majority of the veterinary professions do not currently engage in, and which risk creating the impression that the RCVS is some sort of representative organisation.
“We look forward to hearing the considered views of the professions and public regarding our good governance proposals and will carefully review the feedback we receive.”
Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN, current Chair of VN Council, added: “In many ways VN Council is ahead of the curve in terms of governance reform with a smaller number of members and two independently-appointed veterinary nurse members – of which I am one – as well as appointed lay members.
“I can personally vouch for the robust nature of the application and independent appointment process for VN Council and how it took into account what I had to offer to the role in terms of my skills, my knowledge and my experience.
“I would like to thank my fellow members of VN Council, including my elected peers, for their positive engagement with the good governance proposals and their recognition that these reforms aren’t about reducing scrutiny of the College or the amount of challenge to its decisions, but about improving outcomes for the public, their animals and the professions at large.”
The good governance recommendations have been drawn up on the basis of the Law Commission’s 2014 Report ‘Regulation of Health and Social Care Professionals’, the recommendations from which were adopted by the UK government as being the ‘regulatory norm’.
The College says any future appointment processes for RCVS Council and VN Council would also be based on the Professional Standards Authority’s appointment principles of merit, fairness, transparency and openness and having a process that inspires confidence.
The deadline for completing the consultation is Monday 22 July 2024.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/our-consultations/ensuring-good-governance/
The College will also be presenting the proposals at a Zoom webinar called being chaired by Sue between 7pm and 8pm tomorrow evening, Tuesday 11 June 2024: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ensuring-good-governance-tickets-920243973497
Norbrook Laboratories has announced the addition of new indications to its Loxicom (meloxicam) products, two regarding its use in cats, and the other in calves.
Loxicom 5mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats is now indicated for the management of post-operative pain in cats. An injection given around the time of surgery can be followed up with a course of Loxicom 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats. Alternatively, for cats where no follow-up oral treatment is possible, for example with feral cats, a larger dose of the injectable formulation can be given at the time of surgery.
Norbrook's EU Veterinary Advisor, Rebekah Dudek MRCVS, said: "Norbrook is pleased to be able to now offer vets two on-licence choices in relation to how they want to use their 5mg/ml meloxicam injection in cats. This gives vets the flexibility they need to be able to deal effectively with the wide variety of cases they see every day."
Loxicom 20mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses has now been licenced for the relief of post-operative pain following dehorning in calves.
Norbrook says that the use of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) alongside local anaesthetic has clear benefits for animal welfare, and that use at this time is also shown to offer economic benefits to the farmer, with increased food-conversion efficiency compared to untreated calves1.
Rebekah said: "Dehorning in calves has long been known as a painful procedure, with a negative impact on feed intake in the post-operative period. With our latest licence, Loxicom 20mg/ml can now be used for relief of this potentially economically important post-operative pain in calves."
Reference
From now on, accredited General Practices will need to employ at least one Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), whilst at Veterinary Hospitals all patients should now have a nursing plan in place, and an RVN will need to be on duty at all times.
Other changes to the PSS requirements include:
The full list of changes to the Practice Standards Scheme, together with the new module and award documents, can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/PSSreview.
David Ashcroft leads the team of PSS Assessors responsible for undertaking practice visits and assessing if they meet the required standards. He said: “The changes will come into force later in the year, at the same time as we are planning to return to in-person assessments, and so timings will be subject to government guidance on coronavirus and the easing of lockdown restrictions.
“As the PSS returns to in-person assessments, practices will have the usual three-month period between booking the assessment and the assessment taking place with which to familiarise themselves with the changes and the modules documents relevant to their accreditation.
“If anyone has any questions about the changes then please make sure to contact the Practice Standards Team on pss@rcvs.org.uk and we will be happy to help in any way we can.”