Virbac is running a promotion through which practices can claim a model showing the anatomy of a healthy dog ear canal on one side, and the changes associated with chronic damage on the other.
Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "The models are about 15cm high and provide a useful visual aid to show clients the consequences if chronic ear disease is not kept under control. They can also be used to help show clients how to administer their pet's treatment correctly.
"These models will be a useful tool for practices to help improve client compliance. Also, we know that some dog owners find a course of ear treatments tricky, and either give the wrong dose or give up altogether, which is why we designed EasOtic to dispense the exact dose in one simple 'squirt', with one complete course in each bottle".
For details of how you can obtain a model for your practice contact your local Virbac territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
Defra's new measures include:
Eleven additional licences for badger control covering parts of Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Cheshire. Licences have been granted for supplementary badger control in areas of Gloucestershire and Somerset which have completed their original four-year licences.
The relaunch of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme following suspension due to a global shortage of TB vaccine, with groups invited to submit expressions of interest and feedback on the criteria for the scheme.
A new bTB Advisory Service for farmers to provide advice on-farm and by phone or email to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas on bTB biosecurity and risk-based trading, set to launch this autumn.
Tighter control of Inconclusive Reactors (IRs) in the High Risk and Edge Area, to come into force from 1 November.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Gudrun Ravetz said: "Today’s announcement sees 11 new licences issued and, while BVA supports badger culling as part of a comprehensive strategy for tackling bovine TB, we will continue to call on the Government to use the targeted and humane method of cage trapping and shooting only - rather than the current method of controlled shooting.
"As one of the many tools in the toolbox, we welcome the re-commencement of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme, particularly if used as a ‘firebreak’ to mitigate the spread of the disease into the low risk areas. The introduction of a TB Advisory Service will provide valuable additional support for farmers, who we’d encourage to continue working with local vets on biosecurity and herd health planning.
"Yet we are concerned that Government policy seems to have moved away from the original, evidence-based proposal of a six-week time limit for badger control within the open season, which enables an intensive, coordinated and effective operation in order to secure optimum disease control benefits.
"In terms of numbers, it is clear that badger population estimates have previously demonstrated considerable uncertainty and imprecision. It is critical that as accurate as possible population estimates, using an evidence-based methodology, are obtained and made openly available.
"We would urge clarity over cull timeframes, numbers and mid-cull review methodology to ensure that the progress made, enabling the application for Officially TB Free status, is not undermined."
Today’s Defra update follows a consultation on licensed badger control conducted at the start of 2017, to which the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and the Association of Government Veterinarians (AGV) submitted a formal, joint response.
Photo: Young Eurasian Badger (Meles Meles), by BadgerHero, CC BY-SA 3.0
Davies Veterinary Specialists has announced that it will be launching a new referral service in the heart of London at an event being held at the Institute of Physics at 7:00pm on 15th February.
As part of the preparations, the multi-discipline referral centre has published a very polished video which you can view here.
The launch event includes some free CPD: "Challenges in Urology", together with drinks and nibbles.
The Guardian has published it's University Guide 2014, which ranks Cambridge as the best vet school, and Bristol as the worst.
Universities were ranked by the Guardian according to a number of criteria, including what percentage of students are satisfied with the course, the student:staff ratio and the amount spent per student.
The full league table of universities (with their Guardian scores in brackets) was:
Interestingly, though, only 76% of Cambridge students are in graduate level jobs, or studying further, within six months of graduation, compared to Glasgow's 95%. Meanwhile, Nottingham had the highest percentage of students that were satisfied with the course and the teaching. Liverpool had the highest spend per student, and Cambridge had the lowest student:staff ratio.
Bimeda has announced the launch of Butagran Equi (phenylbutazone), to join its range of analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
Bimeda says that Butagran Equi provides rapid onset of activity with the added convenience for horse owners or professionals of being presented as an easy-to-administer sweetened powder.
Indications include musculo-skeletal conditions that require relief from pain and a reduction in the associated inflammation, including lameness associated with osteoarthritic conditions, bursitis, laminitis and soft tissue inflammation.
Head of Bimeda technical services Padraig Hyland MVB said: "Butagran Equi is particularly suited where continued mobility is considered desirable. It is also of value in limiting post-surgical inflammation, myositis and other soft tissue inflammation and can be used as an anti-pyretic where this is considered advisable, such as in viral respiratory infections. And being a sweetened powder it's quite straightforward for horse owners to administer and dose as prescribed."
He added: "Butagran Equi follows the launch of a number of new products and is proof our desire to provide a comprehensive and relevant equine portfolio backed up with first class technical support."
The International Society of Feline Medicine advises that blood pressure should be checked annually in cats aged seven years or over, but as they get older they should have their blood pressure checked every six months.
This is particularly important if cats have underlying health conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or hyperthyroidism.
To support practices who want to take to their clients about feline hypertension, Ceva has produced a new feline hypertension toolkit.
The toolkit, which is available to download from www.easethepressure.co.uk/feline-hypertension-awareness-month, includes: posters, leaflets and stickers to use in practice, waiting room display materials, social media posts and email content and a communications guide.
The company will be holding a waiting room display competition to reward the most creative use of its materials, with a prize of a doppler machine for the winning practice.
Vet influencer ‘Louise the Vet’ will also be supporting the campaign by spreading the word about feline hypertension and the importance of routine blood pressure checks in cats on her social media channels.
Reference
Michale Garvey (pictured) has the official title of National Property Coordinator and he will work with local surveyors to ensure that landlords have realistic expectations supported by evidence at rent reviews and lease renewals.
VLA Treasurer Nicky Paull said: "This should help speed up what are sometimes protracted and expensive negotiations to the mutual benefit of corporate tenant and landlord alike.”
Michael is a Chartered Surveyor who has worked in the commercial property sector for 35 years.
He is the Managing Director of Chandler Garvey, a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, as well as being an RICS Registered Valuer.
He has specialised in rent reviews and lease renewals all of his career and has been a member of the RICS Arbitrators Panel for more than 10 years.
Michael also has extensive experience of the veterinary sector, having represented owners relating to disputed rent reviews, as well as acquisitions and lettings on different types of premises.
He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by the VLA as the National Property Coordinator, with the intention of allowing the owners of veterinary premises, to have a better understanding of the rent review and lease renewal processes and in doing so even the playing field so that better outcomes are achieved.
Richard Hillman one of the VLA’s founders said: “Negotiating with large corporate groups can sometimes feel like trying to run through treacle for small landlords.
"Having an acknowledged expert on our team should help the VLA to give much needed support to our members.”
Further information about the VLA can be obtained from Richard Stephenson vicechair@vla.org.uk
https://vla.org.uk
In the study, which was supported by MSD and led by Rosie Lyle of Bishopton Veterinary Group, 18 farmers placed temperature loggers in the fridge where they normally store vaccines. Temperatures were then monitored between February and April. Throughout this period, 89% of loggers recorded a temperature outside the 2–8°C range at least once, and 43% recorded temperatures outside this range more than 50% of the time.
The authors say that these findings raise potential concerns about vaccine efficacy.
Rosie found that 55% of the loggers recorded a temperature over 8°C, and 39% recorded a temperature below 2°C.
Across all the fridges monitored, the maximum temperature recorded was 12°C and the minimum was -11.5°C.
Rosie said: "This is a surprisingly wide range. Obviously, these findings are concerning for farmers as we know that both too high and too low temperatures can impair vaccine efficacy.
"Live vaccines tend to be particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures, whereas inactivated vaccines are more affected by freezing, especially when the adjuvant contains aluminium salts".
"It’s important for both farmers and vets to be aware of potential concerns about vaccine efficacy, given the possible impact on herd health and the potential for vaccine failure to reduce trust in vaccines and herd health recommendations".
In light of Rosie’s findings, other XLVets practices are now encouraging farmers to take action to improve medicine storage, including using max/min thermometers or temperature loggers to track fridge temperature, as well as taking steps to maximise the efficiency of each fridge.
Susan Goodfellow, Marketing Manager at XLVets, said: "We wouldn’t have known that this is an important issue to highlight to farmers without collecting the information, so Rosie’s study was very valuable.
"In the XLVets community, we support clinical leadership with these kind of projects – we actively collect data and make sure that farmers can benefit from the latest findings. As a group of independent practices working together, we can achieve much more than we could in isolation."
For the study, the RVC interviewed 13 small animal general practitioners, exploring their experience of providing pre-purchase consultations for brachycephalic dogs.
The study revealed a number of barriers to delivering effective pre-purchase consultations and advice about these breeds.
They included limited time and resources, competition for appointment availability, a perception that vets are only there to fix things, public distrust of veterinary surgeons (often over money), fear of damaging vet-client relationships, and the conflicting influence of breeders and the Kennel Club on clients.
Many veterinary surgeons that took part in the research felt that they had little or no power to overcome these barriers which are highly intractable at an individual veterinarian level.
A resulting moral conflict in veterinary surgeons between their perceived ethical and moral responsibilities to animal welfare versus the needs and wants of their clients and businesses was expressed by many vets in the study, and was felt to compromise their professional integrity and autonomy.
The study set out a series of recommendations:
Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and lead author of the study, said: “This is the first time that the impact of brachycephaly on the practising veterinary surgeon has been explored.
"Our concerning results highlight the importance of recognising that the brachycephalic crisis is not only negatively impacting animals, but it is affecting human wellbeing too.
“Our study highlights the conflict that vets are experiencing - bound both by their duty of care to their brachycephalic patients, but also to animal welfare at a population level.
"Trying to balance both of these responsibilities in the current working environment is proving very challenging for some, leading to moral distress.
"It is, therefore, essential that we protect the mental wellbeing of vets on this issue as well as from an animal welfare perspective.
“As the brachycephalic crisis continues to prevail, the support of leading veterinary organisations is vital in providing a united voice regarding the known harms of brachycephaly and support in facilitating PPCs to ensure vets are protected, and potential owners are fully informed when it comes to acquiring decisions.”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Assoc Prof of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the study, said:
“Over the past decade, the RVC has generated a vast evidence base revealing the true extent of the serious health issues of dogs with brachycephaly.
"This new study now focuses RVC research towards protecting the wellbeing of practising veterinary surgeons who are also shown as victims of the brachycephalic crisis.
"The clear message here is that we all need to ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”
Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, has teamed up with leading cardiac rehabilitation experts at Harefield Hospital to help patients in their final phase of coronary recovery.
The recovery programme, Hounds Help Hearts, is, according to the charity, a UK first and encourages post coronary patients to walk dogs as part of their recovery.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team at Harefield Hospital aims to improve the physical, social and psychological well being of people after a heart attack or similar cardiac event. Among the recommendations for an ongoing healthy lifestyle, patients are being introduced to Dogs Trust Harefield where they can help staff, canine residents and themselves by walking some of the 150 dogs in their care. The charity hopes that heart hospitals UK wide will follow suit.
Hounds Help Hearts is part of a wider initiative to promote The Dog Prescription - a research document that highlights the ways dogs can improve human health. Dogs Trust is urging GPs all over the UK to prescribe a daily dose of dog with The Dog Prescription after research highlights the health benefits of dog ownership for both children and adults.
Lynda Evans, senior nurse /modern matron at Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for patients recovering from a cardiac event and what better way to do it than alongside a grateful canine companion. We have been running the 'Care For Your Heart' Rehabilitation Programme for more than 20 years and as a leading specialist heart and lung hospital we are always looking for new ways to help patients to enjoy the best possible quality of life when they return home. We are delighted to be working with Dogs Trust on this initiative and partnering patients with dogs to help them reach their full potential through interaction and physical exercise."
The Dog Prescription highlights the mental and physical benefits of dog ownership and interaction and names dog ownership as an aid to the recovery of post coronary patients
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO said: "We undertook this research as we were aware of the health benefits of dog ownership but wanted to fully evaluate its potential. Amongst its ten points (which are not exhaustive), the prescription details health benefits including the fact that dogs can aid the recovery of post coronary patients. We want to spread the word about the health benefits of dogs and we hope that GPs and hospitals will start to encourage patients to engage with dogs for a healthier and happier lifestyle"
You can read the full research here.
Woodley Equipment has launched ImmunoComb diganostic test kits for FIP, canine Leptospira and Ehrlichia
Woodley says the kits are easy to use and provide results within 20 minutes. No specialist laboratory equipment is required as the kits are self-contained with all the necessary reagents. The diagnostic kits determine the animal's antibody titre levels, in the case of the canine Ehrlichia as early as 7 days after infection, giving veterinary surgeons the opportunity to act more quickly in developing a prevention/treatment program.
Tests can be performed singly or up to 12 simultaneously.
For more information about ImmunoComb Diagnostic kits email sales@woodleyequipment.com or call: +44 (0) 1204 669033 Option 1. Alternatively visit http://www.woodleyequipment.com/
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced that Nick Stace has been appointed its Chief Executive and Secretary, and will take up his post on 3 September 2012.
Mr Stace leaves CHOICE, Australia's equivalent of consumer group Which?, after three and a half years as Chief Executive Officer. At CHOICE, Nick led the modernisation of the organisation, this year taking it to the number one spot as the most trusted media entity in Australia. A long-standing consumer champion, Nick also held the post of Deputy CEO at Which?, he was a director at Consumers' International and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Director of Strategic Communications.
RCVS President Jerry Davies said: "I am delighted that Nick Stace will be joining the College. With his impressive track-record, I believe that we have a Chief Executive who will lead the College into a new phase of modernisation and development. I am grateful to the Interview Panel, led by Council member Dr Barry Johnson, for all their hard work in securing this excellent appointment."
Nick Stace said: "It is an enormous privilege to be leading an organisation that seeks to ensure Britain has the best vets in the world. The College has a special place in the lives of every vet in the country, it also has a responsibility to animals and consumers to set high standards and ensure they are met. I look forward to helping the College continue to improve veterinary standards across the country and to lead the College through its next stage of development."
The role of Chief Executive and Secretary is a new one - previously the Registrar led the executive of the College. One of Nick Stace's first tasks will be to assist in recruitment of the Head of Legal Services/Registrar, a new role.
Royal Canin has announced the winner of its second annual Weigh In Club initiative: a 32kg 12 year old Beagle called Amber that lost 12.5kg, or 39% of her bodyweight.
The dog lost weight with the help of Veterinary Nurse Gabby Taylor from Wilson Vet Group in Bishop Auckland, and won a year's supply of Royal Canin food along with £500 of gift vouchers for her owner. Gabby also won £500 of vouchers for her efforts, as well as £1000 of equipment vouchers for her practice.
Gabby said: "Amber was referred to my weight clinic and we quickly started her on Royal Canin's Satiety Support diet. Over the course of six months, Amber lost weight healthily and reached her target weight of 19.5kg, making her a much happier dog."
117 dogs took part in the initiative, with the 12 finalists invited to appear in a Royal Canin 2013 'Weigh In Club Winners' calendar.
The competition, which is due to be repeated in 2013, was open to all vet practices which run weight clinics and use Royal Canin 'Obesity Management' and 'Satiety Support' diets as part of weight loss programmes run by Veterinary Nurses.
Ian Williams BVSc MRCVS, Royal Canin's Veterinary Support Manager, said: "With canine and feline obesity on the increase, Veterinary Nurses have an important role to play in educating pet owners and supporting the weight loss process. Choosing the right nutrition for the individual pet is a key part of a successful weight management programme, along with a tailored exercise plan, regular monitoring and commitment from the owner."
For more information about Royal Canin's diets, call the company's veterinary helpline on 0800 717800 or visit www.royalcanin.co.uk
Adam, who is one of only 17 ECC Specialists in the UK, will be developing an ECC service at Lumbry Park.
Following graduation and an internship at the Royal Veterinary College, Adam worked in hospital and emergency general practice. He completed his residency in Emergency and Critical Care in 2013 becoming board certified the same year. He also completed a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College.
Adam became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care in 2015. In his most recent role, he was Group Head of Emergency and Intensive Care for four RCVS-Recognised hospitals and branches and oversaw standards of out-of-hours provision to 50+ sites. He also led the development of the first specialist 24-hour veterinary intensive care unit in central London.
Ray Girotti, Hospital Director, said: "Adam will be working with our multi-disciplinary team to offer a dedicated point of contact for emergency referrals, a move which will enhance the provision of critical care for our sickest patients. We are delighted to welcome a Specialist of his calibre to Lumbry Park."
Adam said: "The leadership on all issues relating to patient care shown by CVS’ Clinical Advisory Committee was inspiring and, with its full support, I have been offered an unrivalled opportunity to develop a leading ECC service at Lumbry Park. I’m really looking forward to my new role and to participating on the Clinical Advisory Committee to enhance ECC services right across CVS."
The ISFM says Congress will offer veterinary professionals an extensive scientific programme designed to support a multi-modal and cat friendly approach to caring for feline patients with acute upper urinary tract disease and other emergencies.
Speakers will include Søren Boysen (Emergency & Critical Care), Serge Chalhoub (Internal Medicine), Laura Owen (Soft Tissue Surgery) and special guest Allyson Berent (Non-Invasive Surgery).
Sam Taylor MRCVS, ISFM Veterinary Specialist Lead (pictured right) said: "We seem to be seeing more and more feline urinary cases, urolithiasis and acute kidney injury - and of course the familiar blocked cats!
"In Dublin, I can’t wait to hear how to approach these cases as well as look more in-depth at ECC and discuss cat friendly critical care amongst many other topics from all angles – surgery, medicine, behaviour, imaging and more!’
The 2023 ISFM Feline Congress Dublin is open to veterinary surgeons and nurses of all experience levels.
https://icatcare.org/congress-2023-dublin/
Andy, who was previously the Junior Vice Chair of the association, has been a member of BVOA for over 25 years, during which time he's been instrumental in organising scientific meetings and starting the popular BVOA discussion forum.
He is an RCVS and ECVS Specialist and in 2017 was made a Fellow of the RCVS for meritorious contributions to clinical practice.
He has taught numerous surgical residents and is widely published in many areas of orthopaedic surgery.
In 2023 he opened the Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, a dedicated orthopaedic-only referral clinic near Basingstoke in Hampshire.
Andy said: “It’s a great honour to take on the role of chairman for an organisation that I am so fond of.
“I am passionate about education and have taught, lectured and published widely.
"In my role at the Moores Orthopaedic Clinic I am always happy to discuss cases and assist colleagues as much as possible.
"I truly believe sharing knowledge is essential to successful patient outcomes, and BVOA allows this in numerous ways.
"My thanks go out to the rest of the BVOA committee for continuing to ensure we have a strong and vibrant Association, especially to Mark Bush my predecessor and to Sarah Girling who has left the committee this year after serving as Senior Vice Chair.”
All veterinary professionals with an interest in orthopaedics are welcomed and encouraged to join BVOA.
https://bvoa.co.uk/
Ceva Animal Health has launched PRID Delta, described as an improved intra-vaginal progesterone device for the synchronisation of oestrus in cycling and non-cycling cattle.
The company says it has used its 35 years of expertise in cattle fertility to develop PRID Delta, and that trials have demonstrated that the new device provides optimal progesterone release, preserved efficacy and high retention rates.
Ceva claims the special triangular shape and bi-material fabric of PRID Delta ensures maximum contact with vaginal mucosa to release optimal levels of progesterone at insertion and during treatment. The new PRID Delta continues to give a bigger progesterone peak after insertion as with the original PRID.
According to the company, clinical and field trials observing oestrus occurrence and fertility at fixed time artificial insemination have shown a preserved efficacy for PRID Delta. PRID Delta is licensed for oestrus synchronisation in both cycling and non cycling cows. It is licensed for fixed time AI. Trials have also confirmed that PRID Delta is quick and easy to insert, is well tolerated and has a retention rate of over 97%.
Ceva has recently introduced a new website www.reprology.com/ for technical advice on the best solutions for the management of cattle reproduction. For further information contact your Ceva sales representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at www.ceva.uk.com/
The case studies were developed by the RCVS Standards Committee and use a variety of examples of where miscommunication between a client and the veterinary practice can lead to an inadequate level of consent being gained for procedures and treatment, including euthanasia.
Examples include damaged teeth being removed during a clean and polish dental procedure without the owner’s express permission and not giving the full range of options available in the case of a dog with an osteosarcoma.
The case studies follow the Standards Committee approving changes to chapter 11 (‘Communication and consent’) of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct in January 2018 to give further advice on how to discuss informed consent with clients, who can be responsible for gaining consent for a procedure and additional guidance on consent forms.
Dr Kate Richards MRCVS, Chair of the RCVS Standards Committee, said: "We hope these case studies will prove useful to practitioners who are having to deal with the complexities around making sure that procedures are fully explained to ensure informed consent is gained.
"We understand the difficulties that are encountered and so these case studies, based on real-life scenarios, highlight where things may go wrong and how these incidents can be avoided by being thorough and ensuring that good communication is at the heart of all we do."
To view the case studies, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/informed-consent.
Chapter 11 of the RCVS supporting guidance on communication and consent is available to view at www.rcvs.org.uk/consent
For the study1, which was conducted from March 2011 to August 2021, the cases of 50 puppies aged 3 to 6 months with unicondylar fractures were reviewed.
The sample included 30 fractures in 29 dogs treated with transcondylar bone screws and K-wires.
All fractures healed successfully.
The study included 24 male and 26 female puppies, with French Bulldogs representing 50% of the cases, ages ranging from 11 to 30 weeks and bodyweight varying from 1.5 to 16.9 kg, with a median of 5.5 kg.
Short-term outcomes were excellent in 77% of cases and good in 23%.
No catastrophic failures occurred, and the four complications encountered were resolved with further minor surgery.
The author says that while recent studies have raised concerns about the stability of using K-wires, rather than bone plates, this one suggests that for puppies at least, the combination of a transcondylar bone screw and K-wire is effective.
The incidence of implant-related complications was lower than in adult dogs, and the short-term outcomes were excellent or good in all cases with follow-up data.
The research underscores the need for further multicentre studies with longer-term follow-up to confirm these findings and compare them with other fixation techniques.
However, this study concludes that while epicondylar plates have become accepted practice for adult dogs with such fractures, they may not be necessary for puppies aged 3 to 7 months.
Study in full: https://cgrp01mstr8u1x2prod.dxcloud.episerver.net/globalassets/stock-images/humeral-condylar-paper---weighbridge-referral-centre---cvs.pdf
www.weighbridgevets.co.uk
Amanda Melvin, Marketing Manager for the Companion Animal Team at MSD Animal Health said: "Research has shown that up to 20% of diabetic pets die, or are euthanised, within a year of diagnosis1 so we want to do everything we can to prevent any further increases in this figure.
"Recent circumstances have put most practices under a great deal of strain and it's become clear from the increase in calls we're receiving that there is a high demand for more information and resources to support the care of diabetic pets.
"We've therefore decided that with Pet Diabetes Month in November, our best way of supporting veterinary practices is to make them aware of, and know how to access the resources we have available to help them."
The diabetes resources include veterinary nurse clinics and training, getting the most out ofVetPen, monitoring support tools and case advice.
Veterinary professionals can subscribe for access to the materials as individuals or as a practice team.
For further information, visit https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/ahp/caninsulin/tools.
References
Does your vet practice or an individual in the team deserve to be recognised for their commitment and dedication to their job? If so, this is your last chance to nominate your practice or colleagues for the Petplan Veterinary Awards held at a glittering award ceremony at BSAVA in April.
You can nominate under four categories:
Alison Andrew, Petplan's Marketing Manager, said: "Nominating your colleagues for an award is a fantastic way of expressing your appreciation for their hard work. The veterinary profession is dedicated to animal welfare and at Petplan we believe that their invaluable care and support deserves special recognition. The 11th annual Petplan Veterinary Awards will bestow great accolades upon the stars of the industry."
Ben Jones was awarded Vet of the Year in 2009. He said: "It was a great honour to be named the 2009 Petplan Vet of the Year and it has had a really positive impact. The award has greatly increased the practice's exposure in the local and national press and we've also been able to use the award to generate our own publicity."
However Ben says the greatest impact of the award has been on his customers: "They were all delighted and I think it gave them a lot of reassurance in the service we provide. It has also generated more business with new clients saying they have come to us because of the award."
Ian Patterson, a partner at St Clair Veterinary Group in Fife, said being named the 2009 Practice of the Year has also had a tremendous impact on their practice. He said: "The award meant so much to everyone right across the practice and the team here is extremely proud of their efforts. It has also given us the opportunity to generate more business through the exposure that the practice has received since winning the award."
You can nominate online at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards. Remember to also encourage your clients to nominate your team for the contribution you have made to their pets wellbeing.
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of Pestigon, a fipronil spot-on solution for cats and dogs.
Rebekah Dudek, Norbrook Veterinary Advisor said: "Pestigon offers a fast-acting and long-lasting treatment for cats and dogs suffering from flea and tick irritations. The new product will have an immediate effect against flea infestations and will kill ticks within the first 24 - 48 hours of application. Fipronil is a tried and tested ingredient with proven efficacy against fleas and ticks. Pestigon provides a fast-acting treatment whose effectiveness will continue against new infestations of fleas for up to 58 days on dogs and 37 days in cats and against ticks for up to 30 days in dogs and 21 days in cats."
To coincide with the launch of Pestigon, Norbrook has rebranded its Permaguard household spray which is now available with 12 month protection.
Rebekah said: "The total life cycle of a flea can last from a couple of weeks to several months. Only adult fleas live on cats or dogs while the eggs, larvae and pupae can be found around the house in carpet, furniture, bedding etc for up to a year or more. It is therefore crucial that pet owners treat the household to break the life cycle and ensure effective and lasting flea control. Pestigon and Permaguard together will give pet owners a complete treatment."
Pestigon range offers 5 alternatives for cats and dogs depending on size and comes with colour co-ordinated pipettes available in packs of 3, 6 and 24 to allow for single or multiple pipette dispensing.
Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager, Michelle Jones said: "Pestigon is licensed as a POM-V product and will be sold exclusively through veterinary practices. We have produced a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices to help them offer support on flea and tick control in the home to their customers."
Orders for Pestigon and Permaguard can be placed through your Norbrook representative now.
The upgraded site uses 'machine learning', a type of artificial intelligence based on pattern recognition, to offer personalised content. The technology is now commonly used in consumer sites, such as Netflix and Amazon, but until now has not been used in the veterinary world. Content is further personalised for those vets and nurses that complete their profile on the site.
The upgrade was commissioned after Boehringer carried out a user experience survey of its old website, which revealed that whilst vets appreciated the CPD and educational materials, many were trawling through content that was not of interest to them or struggling to find what they wanted.
Jemima Mead, brand manager at Boehringer, said: "We aimed to create an engaging portal – a one-stop shop for vets who want to access high quality CPD and/or relevant information about any of our products. Vets are busy people so need to find relevant information quickly – giving them more time to focus on their clinical responsibilities. Our new slick site, tailored to their individual professional preferences, provides a valuable service that simply has not existed before."
By offering an alternative to face-to-face consultations, VetHelpDirect's online consultation platform provides a means to continue to care for animals while protecting both clients and vet practice staff and still maintaining revenue streams.
The system can be used by clients on most smart phones or tablet devices. Clients can book online or be sent a link by the practice, and payment taken online before the consultation starts.
Transactions on the platform are subject to a 4.8% platform fee and at the end of the 3 month free period, the service costs £20 per month. In addition, to continue using the service, practices need to be registered on the VetHelpDirectory, which costs £38 per month for the first branch and £16 for each additional branch.
For more information, visit: bit.ly/VHD_registration, where you can 'self onboard'. On which note, I will disembark.