New research from the USA, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), has shown that a toxin from the box elder tree is the likely cause of Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM), the US equivalent of the European disease known as Atypical Myopathy (AM).
According to the British Equine Veterinary Association, preliminary comparisons of these results with cases of AM in Europe suggest that the European condition may be linked to similar trees which could have an important bearing on the future prevention of the disease in Europe.
Seasonal Pasture Myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease in Midwestern USA and Eastern Canada. A similar disorder called Atypical Myopathy is becoming increasingly frequent in the UK and Northern Europe. Outbreaks of both diseases tend to be seasonal, with most cases occurring in the autumn. Horses that develop SPM and AM are usually kept in sparse pastures with an accumulation of dead leaves dead wood and trees in or around the pasture and are often not fed any supplementary hay or feed.
The research1 identified that seeds from box elder trees were consistently present in the autumn pastures of all 12 horses enrolled in the study. These horses were from 11 different farms and had all presented with the clinical signs of SPM, which include muscular weakness and stiffness, dark urine, periods of recumbency, colic-like signs and muscle trembling. The toxic amino acid hypoglycin A, which is known to cause acquired multiple acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) was shown to be present in the box elder seeds and hypoglycin metabolites were identified in the serum or urine of all the horses. All but one of the cases proved fatal.
Professor Valberg DVM PhD of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, who instigated the study, said: "The fact that another acquired form of MADD in rats and humans is caused by hypoglycin A ingestion strengthens our conclusion that hypoglycin A is the likely toxic cause of SPM in horses. We are intending to conduct further studies to determine the factors that affect the highly variable hypoglycin A concentrations in box elder seeds."
Professor Valberg has established collaborative links with groups in Europe in order to investigate if a similar toxin is involved in European Atypical Myopathy. Working with Professor Vince Gerber and Dr Lucia Unger at the University of Bern, Professor Valberg has obtained seeds from a tree related to the Box Elder found on many pastures where Atypical Myopathy has occurred.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This is a really important step forwards. We don't yet know for sure that the cause of European disease, Atypical Myopathy, is the same as Seasonal Pasture Myopathy in the US. But the clinical signs and MADD aberrations are identical and both conditions have a high fatality rate. It remains to be seen whether this research will help European horses, but there is no doubt that it will allow American horse owners to prevent this devastating condition affecting their horses with immediate effect."
1 Seasonal Pasture Myopathy/Atypical Myopathy in North America associated with Ingestion of Hypoglycin A within Seeds of the Box Elder Tree Stephanie J Valberg DVM PhD1, Beatrice T Sponseller Dr. med. vet2, Adrian D Hegeman PhD3, Jennifer Earing PhD, Jeffery B. Bender DVM MS1, Krishona L Martinson PhD4, Steven E Patterson PhD5, Lawrence Sweetman PhD1
Zoetis (maker of Cerenia, the anti-emetic) is using social media for its latest campaign to remind owners that vets have a solution for dogs that suffer from travel sickness.
The company highlights research which shows the problem is more common than one might think, with 62% of dogs experiencing travel sickness for the first time as puppies. What's more, 1/3rd of owners say they would travel with their dogs more often if they didn't get car sick.
Stephanie Smith, Marketing Manager for Cerenia said: "While less than half of vets in the UK report seeing at least one canine motion sickness case each month, we know that over one third (34%) of dogs that travel experience motion sickness. That's a lot of opportunity for vets to provide pets and owners with some relief."
To spread the word, the company has set up an educational microsite: www.nonstoptravelfun.co.uk which it is now promoting with an online social media campaign, including twitter #nonstoptravelfun and targeted bloggers and pet sites. The company has also been advertising the microsite on Facebook and Google, which I'm told has driven thousands of visitors over the past fortnight.
Stephanie added: "Motion sickness can impact the whole family, making travelling an unpleasant experience. Our new campaign aims to raise awareness for the issue and encourage pet owners to seek veterinary help for the problem, so they can enjoy non-stop travel fun, without the sickness."
The College says this will pave the way for new diagnostic tests for what could be one of the most common causes of pregnancy loss in mares.
The researchers, led by Dr Mandi de Mestre (pictured right), Reader in Reproductive Immunology and Head of the Equine Pregnancy Laboratory at the RVC, collaborated with seven different veterinary practices to gain access to samples from across the UK and Ireland and found that around 20% of the pregnancies lost were aneuploid, which is when a copy of a whole chromosome is either duplicated or lost (similar to Down's).
Charlotte Shilton, RVC PhD, the student who performed the analysis, applied three different genetic approaches to confirm the results.
Work is now underway to identify the underlying cause of these aneuploid pregnancies, with early data from this study suggesting it is most commonly introduced via the egg or sperm. Until now, chromosomal defects such as aneuploidy have only been reported as a rare condition in young horses with developmental disorders.
The researchers say the study explains why the condition is so rare in horses, with most embryos and foetuses possessing this genetic change dying very early in development, as is also observed in human pregnancy. The study highlights the need to reconsider this genetic condition both in pregnancy loss but also for early developmental disorders.
Dr Mandi de Mestre, Reader in Reproductive Immunology at the RVC, said: “Early pregnancy loss remains a very frustrating condition for clinicians to treat as the underlying cause is unknown in around 80% of cases. These findings will allow researchers to develop new diagnostic tests for pregnancy losses, which would offer hope to thousands of owners of breeding mares that suffer this condition.
“A diagnostic test would allow them to make informed decisions on treatment strategies and to advise on whether they should invest in further attempts to breed their mare benefiting both horses and their breeders alike in the future. I would like to thank both the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and our collaborators at Texas A&M University and the participating veterinary surgeons for their support on this project.
Reference
To nominate someone for inclusion in the showcase, visit: https://www.beva.org.uk/60-Faces
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are proud of BEVA’s heritage and want to recognise our 60th birthday by celebrating some of those who have made a significant difference to the equine veterinary community. We want you to help us identify the 60 individuals who you believe have truly inspired, influenced and progressed the equine veterinary profession for the better.”
Each of the nominated 60 faces will be highlighted on the website and on BEVA’s social media channels. Profile details will include career paths, workplaces and personal contributions to the equine veterinary profession.
Lucy added: "We have already started the list with Colonel John Hickman, Sue Dyson and Peter Rossdale. But there are hundreds of exceptional, deserving individuals who have made a huge difference to the equine veterinary profession and are worthy of our 60 Faces roll call."
The deadline for nominations is Friday 16th April 2021. All nominations are anonymous.
BCF Technology will be offering a new imaging service at this year's BSAVA Congress.
The company is inviting delegates to have a comical caricature drawn on the first floor concourse area of the BSAVA exhibition hall, and then visit the BCF stands - 514 & 516 to collect a frame and hang it in your practice when you get back.
Kimberly Palgrave, BCF's new in-house vet (pictured right) said: "We wanted to do something new and innovative to support BSAVA this year, we are a veterinary imaging company and the caricatures at BSAVA are an innovative form of imaging. Come and talk to us about learning more about ultrasound and X-ray and see some of our new equipment such as the very affordable Vita CR X-ray system."
For more information about BCF at BSAVA visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/ or follow BCF at www.facebook.com/bcftechnology
Molar Ltd is launching a cross infection control product called VetroxxTM at this years' BSAVA Congress
VetroxxTM is a range of 100% natural disinfectant products approved by the Department of Health (HPA) for use as a hospital disinfectant and has been approved by the British Government's MAFF (now DEFRA) to control against outbreaks of significant agricultural diseases (e.g. Foot and Mouth Disease, Tuberculosis, Newcastle's Disease found in chickens & Swine Fever).
The range includes a convenient disinfectant hand gel, surface wipes and a multi-surface spray. According to Molar, VetroxxTM has been scientifically tested, proven to reduce microorganism numbers by up to 99.9998%, and kills most problem bugs, including: MRSA, Bird 'flu (H5N1), SARS, HIV, C diff and many others.
The range contains Citroxx®, a naturally-derived disinfectant made from orange pith. Molar says the product is both safe and highly biodegradable, and very kind on skin and surgery surfaces (such as examination tables, flooring and bench tops). The company adds that since Citroxx contains several antimicrobial elements, it is unlikely that resistance will develop.
During Congress, Molar will be challenging vets hand-washing skills using a special UVA (long wave UV) light box to highlight failures.
BSAVA Congress was invaded by Orangemen this year to promote the Vet Charity Challenge (VCC) taking place on 15th September 2012.
Veterinary surgeons and industry colleagues are being encouraged to take part in the one day event in which teams of four will complete a series of physical tasks and puzzle-solving challenges. Teams can choose their own routes which include walking / running, cycling and kayaking stages and can make it as easy or hard as they like.
The Vet Charity Challenge is hoping to raise in excess of £20,000 for Hounds for Heroes; SPANA, and Pet Blood Bank. VCC says it will be a great PR opportunity for practices and an opportunity for team-building.
The event will take place at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester and all details may be found on www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or by phoning 01727 859259. The VCC will provide training guidelines and sponsorship forms. Places are limited so early booking is advisable. To be sure of a place, practices and business are urged to book their team of four by the deadline of Friday 29th June 2012.
The Vet Charity Challenge is sponsored by BCF Technology, Kruuse UK Ltd and Vets2.net and is supported by the VPMA, Mojo Consultancy and JCA Media Group.
The NHS doctor, television presenter, author and columnist will be sharing his insights on the mental health challenges of working within a caring profession under the constraints of the pandemic.
Dr Ranj is the second keynote speaker to be confirmed, the first being Jenny Campbell and the third to be revealed next month. They will be joining a line-up of more than 100 UK and International contributors during the three days of the event.
Dr Ranj is familiar with the intense pressure that many veterinary professionals are facing when juggling working in a sometimes emotionally stressful environment with that of home life. When the pandemic started Dr Ranj took a step back from media work to focus on supporting the NHS in his role as a paediatric emergency medicine specialist. He said: "Maintaining wellbeing is all about doing the basics right.
“We are in a pandemic and people are under intense pressure - from work, from home life, from a health perspective and so much more. So, despite everything going on around you, make sure you have a routine every day.
"Get out and about safely. Build some physical activity into your schedule. Nourish your body with everything it needs, and make sure you allow yourself some treats too! Take a moment for yourself every day to do something that makes you feel good.
"Take time to connect with others safely and check in on the vulnerable too. Celebrate the little victories and achievements that you have. And at the end of the day, make sure you look after your sleep because that's when your brain and body recover from the stresses of everyday. Everything else we do is a bonus on top of those basics. And if you are struggling, make sure you reach out for help and speak to someone."
BSAVA President Ian Ramsey said: "We are delighted to welcome Dr Ranj as one of our three keynote speakers this year. One of the many advantages of Congress evolving into a virtual event for 2021 is that we can be more flexible and creative with our sessions and how we fulfil the needs and expectations of every member of the practice, from clinical, interactive, wellbeing and social perspectives. Our three keynote presentations are eagerly anticipated.”
Prices for BSAVA Virtual Congress start at £99 +VAT for members. To register visit https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home
The report is the culmination of the work of a joint RCVS and VSC BAME Student Support Working Group, set up to explore key issues in supporting BAME veterinary students during their studies.
The Working Group made a total of 14 recommendations, which included:
Stephanie-Rae Flicker is a recent Royal Veterinary College (RVC) graduate who co-chaired the Working Group alongside Professor Rob Pettitt from the University of Liverpool.
She said: “I hope this encourages and supports our veterinary institutions to actively implement change regarding discrimination faced during studies and placements, nurturing role models and helping affected students develop sense of belonging and community during their studies and beyond.
"Many thanks to all that have contributed to the completion of this Report – we hope the recommendations have a lasting impact, and benefit those both already present and yet to enter our profession."
RCVS/VSC BAME Student Support Working Group Report.
The ‘Midgeater' device introduced by Calor in 2003 to combat biting midges causing irritation to humans, has now been successfully tested by leading scientists as a monitoring device in the fight against bluetongue.
Leading midge scientist Dr Alison Blackwell, who is the Managing Director of University of Edinburgh based Advanced Pest Solutions, presented her company's findings in her keynote speech to the Royal Entomological Society in Belfast on November 19th.
The current method of trapping midges when monitoring the deadly bluetongue virus is a light trap, but Alison and her team have established that a modified Midgeater can be more effective in catching the main midge species that carry the virus.
Alison said: "During trials this year, we found that Calor fuelled Midgeater traps modified with a simple ‘black' light source and fitted with an octenol / ammonia bait, proved to be far more effective at catching the main species of midge known to carry the bluetongue virus than the light traps which are currently used to monitor midge populations in relation to the disease".
Farmers throughout the UK recently commenced a vaccination programme to protect their animals from the only strain of the bluetongue virus that has so far been encountered in the UK, serotype 8, but there is still a real need to carefully monitor biting midge populations, as other strains of the virus are approaching our shores.
Alison added: "In the last few weeks serotype 1 and serotype 6 have been found in Northern Europe and there are currently no vaccines available in the UK for these types of the bluetongue virus, so it is important that we remain vigilant and monitor midges throughout the UK".
Advanced Pest Solutions have tested their modified Midgeater traps in England and Wales. The English, project which was carried out at a specialist bull breeding facility, also included the use of the Barrfly air curtain, from fellow Scottish business Innovent.
Alison explained: "Innovent's air curtain is designed to prevent midges passing through it into sensitive areas. The insects simply aren't strong enough to fly through the air currents it produces.
"The air curtain, combined with the Calor supplied traps and APS's consultancy and analysis creates a comprehensive ‘assess, protect and stop', midge management system that businesses can use to reduce the exposure to the risks of midge borne diseases."
The Disciplinary Committee (DC) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons last week issued a reprimand to a veterinary surgeon for reckless certification of an equine passport, having found her to have been "wholly indifferent" as to whether the horse had been vaccinated properly against equine influenza.
Eleri Wyn Jones graduated from the University of Liverpool and qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2006, before joining The Veterinary Practice on Bala Road in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, where she was also an authorised Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). The principal of that practice is Iwan Parry, who himself was the subject of a DC hearing involving false certification earlier this year, for which he received a one-month suspension from the Register.
The Committee heard how, in late 2007, as Ms Jones was leaving the practice to begin her rounds, she was asked by a non-veterinary colleague to certify in a horse passport that two vaccinations for equine influenza had been administered. The horse in question was being liveried by a regular client of the practice, to whom the practice regularly dispensed veterinary vaccines (although Ms Jones was unaware of this), but had been recently purchased by someone who was not a registered client.
In evidence, Ms Jones admitted the certification process took her only 30 seconds and that she did not obtain any further information about the certification, either from clinical or non-clinical colleagues; nor did she check any other documentation before signing the passport, but assumed the vaccinations had been administered by a veterinary colleague. The Committee had to decide whether Ms Jones had acted recklessly, and to do so, Ms Jones' Counsel suggested the Committee would need to be satisfied that she "did not care less" whether or not the vaccinations had been given by a veterinary surgeon before signing the passport.
In reaching its decision, the Committee took into account the fact Ms Jones, on her own evidence, was generally familiar with RCVS guidance on certification and, as an authorised Local Veterinary Inspector, had certification training. It stated: "Whilst we recognise that Ms Jones received little or no mentoring from Mr Parry, we are satisfied that she would have been aware of the importance of veterinary certification. She was also aware that Mr Parry had been suspended as an LVI, due to certification issues, which had affected her own authorisation."
In view of these facts, and that Ms Jones made no attempt to obtain verification from any other source despite knowing she had not performed the vaccinations herself, the Committee decided that Ms Jones had been "wholly indifferent" to proper vaccination procedures and was therefore guilty of disgraceful professional conduct for reckless certification.
In reaching its decision on sanction, the Committee wished to remind members that cases involving improper certification would ordinarily result in suspension or removal from the Register. "We strongly disapprove of the circumstances in which Ms Jones certified this horse.
Clients, and external bodies, are entitled to rely upon the integrity of the veterinary surgeon in not certifying that horses have been vaccinated unless they have carried out the vaccinations themselves or have obtained full and proper evidence that vaccination has been carried out by another veterinary surgeon," it said.
In mitigation, however, the Committee took into account Ms Jones' age and inexperience, her previously good record, her good character and the significant number of supporting references from colleagues and clients alike. It was also mindful that any sanction's main purpose was to protect animal welfare and maintain public confidence in the profession, rather than to punish.
Nigel Swayne, chairing the Committee, concluded: "This is not a case where undertakings for training or monitoring are required. This isolated incident was a fateful misjudgement on a single occasion. We consider that the sanction most proportionate to the nature and extent of the charge, the public interest and the interests of Ms Jones is a reprimand."
Supreme Petfoods has announced that Think Rabbit Fortnight, a campaign to help practices engage with rabbit owners, will run from Monday 21st May to Friday 1st June.
Practices can decide how much they wish to participate in the campaign and can opt to receive goodie bags, a 'Think Rabbit' manual detailing how the practice can be more rabbit-friendly, or take the 'Small Furry' Promise.
The event is being backed by RCVS Exotics Specialist, Molly Varga. She said: "I'd encourage all practices to take part in Think Rabbit Fortnight to help improve the health and welfare of the nation's rabbits."
Supreme says that practices which take part in the Think Rabbit Campaign will also have the opportunity to sign up for Level 1 of its 'Better for Bunnies, Better for Business' programme, which it says can double turnover derived from rabbits through an increase in new clients, average visit transaction spend and attendance rates of existing clients.*
Claire Hamblion, Marketing Manager at Supreme says she hopes that it will really encourage practices to focus on how they can develop protocols and routines that will remove barriers to rabbit owners seeking healthcare advice and presenting their pet for treatment.
Binky - voted Britain's Cutest Bunny - will play a starring role in the Think Rabbit campaign to attract the attention of rabbit owners who will also be asked to nominate their rabbit as a VIP (Very Important Pet). Claire said: "Our VIP won't necessarily be the most prettiest, fastest or cleverest bunny but one that has special qualities in the eyes of its owner. I hope vets and nurses will help spread the word and maybe even nominate some very important patients."
To sign up for Think Rabbit Fortnight, visit www.supremepetfoods.com/thinkrabbit, email thinkrabbit@companionconsultancy.com, or telephone 01284 761107.
*Supreme - Better for Bunnies, Better for business programme, Onswitch March 2012
Extensively updated, the new edition reflects the increasing sophistication of reptile medicine and surgery and acknowledges the expanding range of reptile species kept as companion animals.
Part one covers the husbandry aspects of reptile care, including captive maintenance and nutrition, plus a new chapter dedicated to anatomy and physiology.
Part two contains the details necessary to carry out successful clinical examination, anaesthesia, surgery (including endoscopy), treatment (including emergency and critical care), non-invasive imaging, laboratory testing and post-mortem examinations, as well as humane euthanasia.
Part three addresses disease by organ system, covering parasitology and infectious disease.
New to this third edition are also chapters on marine turtle rehabilitation and crocodilians, as well as updates on the handling of venomous reptiles.
Simon Girling said: "This third edition of the BSAVA Manual of Reptiles is another milestone in the commitment of the BSAVA to exotic species medicine. Reptile medicine and surgery is now being accepted as a mainstream discipline within the veterinary world, reflected in the growing number of textbooks and the appearance of postgraduate qualifications."
BSAVA says the new manual will benefit both the general practitioner seeing a small number of reptiles or a more specialist practitioner dealing with these species on a daily basis.
And the winners are:
Laurent Garosi (The Bourgelat Award for outstanding international contributions to the field of small animal practice), Sarah Girling (The Simon Award for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery), Kit Sturgess (The Woodrow Award for contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine), Martin Hawes (The Amoroso Award for outstanding contributions to small animal studies), Daniella Dos Santos (The J.A. Wight Memorial Award for an outstanding contribution to the welfare of companion animals) and Claire Bessant (The Ray Butcher Award for an individual who has made a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community).
Other winners included: Marzia Stabile (The Melton Award for the first named author of the best original research article on small animal surgery published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice), Ross Bond (The PetSavers Veterinary Achievement Award for the first author of the most valuable full research paper published following a BSAVA PetSavers' grant) and Rosanne Jepson (The Blaine Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary medicine or surgery).
BSAVA Honorary Secretary, Krista Arnold said: “Congratulations to all those that are receiving an accolade.
“All the nominations were exceptional, making judging particularly difficult this year.”
Eurovet Animal Health has launched Thyforon Flavoured (levothyroxine sodium, POM-V), which replaces the company's canine hypothyroid treatment Forthyron.
Eurovet says that Thyforon Flavoured has the same clinical efficacy of Forthyron and veterinary surgeons won't need to make any dose adjustments when transitioning to the new product.
However, Thyforon Flavoured, with its palatable formulation, now offers the benefit of being voluntarily accepted by over 70 per cent of dogs in taste trials1. In addition there is a new 800 mcg formulation which gives more prescribing options, particularly for the treatment of large and giant breeds.Thyforon Flavoured comes as easy-break tablets to make dose adjustment straightforward, in an easy-to-dispense blister pack.
Thyforon Flavoured is available now - the person responsible for placing the practice drug order should just ask for Thyforon Flavoured when placing the next drug order and where appropriate, the practice management system should be updated to reflect the new name.
Reference1. Eurovet Animal Health Internal Study report, acceptance study, November 2011
The RCVS is advising all practices that it is not currently carrying out a data-gathering exercise and that phone calls prompting the return of a survey, and requesting mobile phone numbers, are not being made on behalf of the College.
The warning comes after several practices have called the College to query 'feedback forms' - supposedly issued in relation to the Practice Standards Scheme or the payment of members' retention fees.
The practices were asked to return forms which they had not received, and also to provide mobile phone numbers, by someone who claimed to work for the 'statutory regulator' or 'the RCVS'. Contact phone numbers left by the caller were either RCVS fax numbers or numbers which looked like RCVS direct dial numbers, but were not.
Lizzie Lockett, Head of Communications, said: "This looks like an exercise to gain mobile phone numbers which is being carried out in the College's name. We are currently investigating who might be making these calls. In the meantime, if a practice receives such a call, it would be helpful if they could take down a name and contact number and let us know."
Ring 020 7202 0725 or email l.lockett@rcvs.org.uk to report any suspicious activity.
The grants, which are for up to £3,500 per annum, are for students embarking on a gateway or main veterinary degree course, possibly as a second degree.
Amber Cordice was an early recipient of a Quadstar Foundation grant which she has had for the last four years.
She'd always wanted to be a vet, but didn't quite get the A level grades, so she took an undergraduate Zoology degree and got a first.
She was then awarded a place at Harper and Keele Veterinary School, but just didn't have the money because there is no finance for second degrees.
So the enterprising student set up a 'Go Fund Me Page' which got reported by VetSurgeon.org News, which is how Nick found out about her challenges and the rest is history.
Except not quite, because then Alicia Guarnieri (pictured) found herself in a similar position.
She'd completed a degree in Bioveterinary Science before starting a vet degree at the University of Bristol.
She said: “I’d managed to save up prior to being offered my place but when Covid hit, most of it went on rent.
"Like Amber, I decided to defer my place. I looked everywhere for grants, spending hours sifting through guides and asking all the vets I knew, but it all came to a dead end."
But then she came across Amber's story on VetSurgeon.org and, through her, found out about the Quadstar Foundation which awarded her with a grant which covers over a third of her tuition costs.
Alicia added: “Finances are a huge barrier to students taking a second degree, particularly after tuition fees increased.
"There are many of us in the same boat, and sadly many who turn down their place solely due to cost.
"Nick and the Quadstar Foundation are truly changing people’s lives by offering this support.
"Having thought I would never get to this point, I can’t wait to qualify next year and finally become a vet, and I am forever grateful for the help The Quadstar Foundation has provided me.”
Quadstar's latest grantee is Raluca Magadan, a veterinary nurse from Ireland, who is now on the accelerated graduate course at Bristol University.
She said: “Doing a second degree was never going to be easy.
"However, through help from family and locum vet nurse work, I managed to afford my first three years of vet school and made it into final year.
"This is where the difficulty came, as I had to more than forty hours per week of unpaid rotations work, plus clinical EMS during the holiday breaks, which made it very hard for me to earn the money I needed to afford my final year.
"At times it meant I had under £100 to survive an entire month on, which became a big physical and mental challenge.
“That’s when the Quadstar Foundation stepped in and took a weight off my shoulders by helping to pay off my outstanding university fees and providing some financial security in my final months.
"This has been a huge relief and allowed me to finally enjoy my last year at Bristol.
"I can’t thank everyone at the charity enough.”
In addition to funding and mentoring, The Quadstar Foundation helps its grantees with everything from job applications to revision techniques, as well as any mental health crises and helping them to find a place to live.
Nick, who also runs a property and acquisitions company and Animus Surgical, a pet and vet supplies company, said: “Having worked as a vet for many years before setting up my businesses, I have great industry connections and knowledge.
"So, I’m in the privileged position of being able to help committed students to seize the career opportunities they deserve.”
“My main commercial motivation now is to be able to maintain the funding streams required for these grants.
"It’s surprisingly hard to fundraise for individuals.
"That’s why Animus Surgical has just committed to donating 15% of its profits to the Quadstar Foundation.”
He added: “It’s an enormous privilege to support these inspiring young vets who have had such a hard slog to get past the ever-increasing barriers they face. Barriers that back in our day didn’t exist.”
What a lovely story. VetSurgeon.org is proud to have played a tiny little part in it and wishes Amber, Alicia and Raluca every success in their future careers. And hats off to Nick.
www.quadstar.org
Virbac is running a special promotion through which UK-based practitioners who order from the company's reproductive product range can claim a free copy of the evidence-based book Clinical Canine and Feline Reproduction by Margaret V. Root Kustritz.
The book covers 100 separate questions across a range of reproductive issues, and currently retails for £47.99.
Virbac product manager Chris Geddes MRCVS said: "We offered this book as part of a promotion in 2010 and it proved extremely popular. As a result we thought we would give vets another chance to get a free copy."
As the Assistant Dean at the Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Margaret V. Root Kustritz is a leading figure in feline and canine reproduction and one of the world's most renowned experts in reproduction. Mr Geddes said: "The book is based on the questions veterinary surgeons have asked her over the years, and so is a valuable reference tool for any vet."
Numbers are limited, and the book is available on on a 'first come first served' basis. Anyone interested should either contact their territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243243.
The RCVS Charitable Trust has made two 'Blue Sky' grants of £20,000 each for research into feline rotavirus and equine gut bacteria.
One award has been made to Allison German and Kenton Morgan at the University of Liverpool as a Richard Daubney Research Fellowship. This will enable research to be undertaken into the molecular epidemiology and zoonotic potential of feline rotavirus in UK cats.
Allison said: "Feline rotaviruses have been identified in diarrhoeic children in Japan, Italy, Israel and America, but because of limited funding options, there has been no systematic study of rotaviruses in cats, so the prevalence, risk factors and zoonotic potential are unknown. I am pleased that the Trust has recognised the importance of emerging infectious diseases in companion animals and their potential role in animal and human health."
By assessing faecal samples from cats within Cats Protection Adoption Centres in the UK, the study aims to discover the prevalence of rotavirus in this cat population and broadly identify the strains of feline rotavirus that are circulating, including looking for any with identity to human strains. The study will also determine whether the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in the cat population enables understanding of the diversification and evolution of rotaviruses in people.
A second Blue Sky award of £20,000 has been made to Chris Proudman and Alistair Darby, also at the University of Liverpool, to research the role of gut bacteria in horse health and disease. Called Metagenomic Analytical Utilities for Equines (MANURE), the project will sequence DNA from microbes taken from horse intestines, and analyse the diversity, composition and abundance of the microbial populations. This is expected to improve veterinary understanding of the role of equine gut bacteria, and benefit horses and their owners. Tools being developed to characterise and investigate equine gut microbiota, and findings expected, such as the discovery of novel bacteria, should also be useful to other research.
RCVS Trust Director Cherry Bushell said: "As usual, the standard of applications was very good, although we do continue to receive a relatively high number of applications for projects that the assessors judge to be more 'surveys' than genuine blue sky research.
"In deciding which research to fund, a number of factors are taken into account, such as the quality and strength of the research team, the likelihood of success, and whether a genuine gap in knowledge has been identified. For example, the feline rotavirus research could have important findings in the longer term if it is found that there is genuine risk to human health, and also shows clear potential for further study. Similarly, the equine gut bacteria study is likely to increase considerably knowledge over the longer term and to attract funding from elsewhere for further research."
The first phase of research is being conducted this January and February 2023 and will analyse the amount and distribution of UK canine health research funding over the past decade.
Veterinary associations, societies and charities which support canine health research tend to identify funding priorities aligned with their own strategy and scope, taking account of independent peer review from experts in the field of research.
However, the RVC says that as there are many research funders working independently, some important research topics may be overlooked and separately funded projects can inadvertently overlap in their work.
This study endeavours to investigate these issues and consider how resources are prioritised across different areas of canine research.
Participating stakeholders will be asked their opinions on future research funding and this information will contribute to developing a long-term strategy for not-for-profit UK canine health research.
Thereafter, the aim is to create a pilot consultation process for developing a central prioritisation platform for future collaborative canine research.
The RVC’s says it has already got data and support from several major funders but is keen to maximise the scope of this research, so it is now looking for participation from specialist veterinary societies that fund research, and non-university organisations, such as charities, corporates or independent referral practices which conduct their own in-house canine research.
Dr Alison Skipper, Postdoctoral Researcher into Canine Research Funding within VetCompass at the RVC said: “We are really keen to hear from as many non-profit organisations involved with canine health research funding as possible. The breadth and depth of this data is vital to ensure that our findings accurately reflect this sector."
For more information about how to get involved, please visit https://rvc.uk.com/canine-research-funding-analysis.
Janssen Animal Health has made what I am told is a 'very large' donation of Ripercol, a pour-on 20% levamisole w/v broad spectrum anthelminitic for cattle, effective against gastro intestinal nematodes and lungworm, to the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) – a UK registered charity (No.1100485) committed to improving the treatment and welfare of all animal species throughout the world.Nigel Underwood, Livestock Marketing Manager at Janssen said: 'We are very pleased to be able to help improve the health of animals in the developing countries and in turn to help those people who need it most. I’d encourage other pharmaceutical companies and practices to support WVS whenever they can, as they do a fantastic job.'Annie Cook, WVS Director of Veterinary Operations said: 'So far this year we have been able to help over 64 associated charities with nearly £73,000 worth of donated items. This incredibly generous donation of Ripercol from Janssen Animal Health will allow us to provide production animal welfare charities in India, East Africa and South America with a much needed resource'.WVS is currently arranging a Disaster Emergency Response team of veterinary professionals to visit the Internally Displaced People Camps in Kenya created following the election violence. Luke Gamble, WVS Chief Executive Officer, who will be coordinating the team said: 'The high concentration of animals in these camps combined with poor sanitation will promote the spread of disease between animals and is also a public health concern. Simply deworming these animals will improve their productivity and survival, which is vitally important as they are an essential resource to the people in the camps.'
The letter, which was coordinated by BVA President Daniella Dos Santos, reads as follows:
"We are a mixture of volunteers and paid professionals, who give our time to lead and support the veterinary professions, and we are extremely honoured to be able to do so.
But we are increasingly concerned about the tone of some of the debates that are taking place in the veterinary world, particularly by the disparaging and demeaning language used against us or our colleagues.
As leaders in the professions, representing various different organisations, we absolutely expect to receive criticism and challenge of the work we do. But the right to criticise and challenge does not extend to the right to personally attack us as individuals.
Some of the most useful and informative discussions we have are those where our views and actions are questioned with dignity and respect. But the use of derogatory and offensive language to describe or refer to us as individuals is simply not acceptable.
Personal attacks and vilification could also make tomorrow’s leaders think twice before putting their name forward for such roles and subjecting themselves to such treatment by their peers. We might never know what a loss this could be for the future direction and advancement of our professions.
This behaviour is particularly prevalent in online forums, where closed groups and computer screens seem to embolden members of our professions to use language that is wholly inappropriate and which falls far short of the expectations of professionals. As we have seen in the national political arena, we also note with concern that it is often our female colleagues, and those from minorities, who face the worst of it.
We welcome challenge and debate. But please remember that it is possible to disagree with a person or organisation without resorting to personal attacks. Before posting online, please consider how this may be interpreted by the recipient.
Our professions are rightly focused on mental health and wellbeing, and the work of the Mind Matters Initiative and Vetlife are excellent examples of what is being done in this area.
#BeKind extends to those in leadership positions too."
List of signatories by organisation: Katie Roberts: AVS President, David Charles: AVS Senior Vice President, Izzie Arthur: AVS Junior Vice President, Susan Paterson: BSAVA President, Phil Lhermette: BSAVA Senior Vice President, Ian Ramsey: BSAVA Vice President, Sheldon Middleton: BSAVA Junior Vice President, David Godfrey: BSAVA Hon Treasurer, Carl Gorman: BSAVA Hon Secretary, Amanda Stranack: BSAVA CEO, Daniella Dos Santos: BVA President, Simon Doherty: BVA Senior Vice President, James Russell: BVA Junior Vice President, Kathleen Robertson: BVA Scottish Branch President, Ifan Lloyd: BVA Welsh Branch President, Susan Cunningham: BVA Northern Ireland Branch President, David Calpin: BVA CEO, Jo Hinde: BVNA President, Wendy Nevis: BVNA Senior Vice President, Jo Oakden: BVNA Junior Vice President, Peter Kettlewell: BVZS President, Liz Mullineaux: BVZS Junior Vice President, Niall Connell: RCVS President, Amanda Boag: RCVS Senior Vice President, Mandisa Greene: RCVS Junior Vice President, Kit Sturgess: RCVS Treasurer, Lizzie Lockett: RCVS CEO, Anna Judson: SPVS President, Cat Curtis: SPVS Senior Vice President, Nick Lloyd: SPVS Junior Vice President, Nichola Watson: SPVS CEO, Richard Casey: VMG President, Gillian A Page: VMG Senior Vice President, Georgina Hills: VMG Junior Vice President, Miles Russell: VMG Finance Director
The BVA was not prepared to name and shame specific instances of derogatory language being used, or the specific social media websites that are implicated. However, Daniella said: "Online veterinary forums can be a fantastic place for us to share ideas or concerns and support one another but they can also have a darker side. I’ve become increasingly aware of people using forums and other social media to attack and criticise individuals who I know are working hard for our profession.
"I’ve personally been on the receiving end of it, being described as foul, lacking in integrity, incompetent, unsuitable to lead, rotten, idiot, shameful, corrupt or a token. But I know colleagues who have faced far worse and enough is enough.
"It’s high time we collectively speak up and I’m incredibly grateful to those who have co-signed this open letter to our colleagues. Every single vet or vet nurse who volunteers or works as an officer or committee member within the veterinary sphere and all of our lay colleagues work hard on behalf of our professions.
"Our key message is that the mantra to #BeKind, that is so prevalent in our veterinary community, extends to those in leadership positions too.”
COMMENTWhat a can of worms. VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk have certainly had their fair share of robust discussions over the years, but I don't believe Daniella has ever been on the receiving end, or that women or minorities have ever been discriminated against, or that the language used has stooped as low or personal as 'foul'.
Indeed, I have always encouraged members to treat each other with respect and to be mindful of the fact that the written word, devoid of the nuances of facial expression, can appear far starker than intended.
However, as a moderator, I can tell you it is very, very hard to draw the line between something that is personal and something which is fair criticism but which will be taken personally.
Therein lies the problem, because almost any criticism written online is likely to be taken personally. If you write that I am doing my job poorly, or making bad decisions, believe me, I will take it very personally.
But is it not entirely right and proper that those in who sit in positions of authority, making decisions which affect the lives or wallets of those who elect them, should expect criticism?
In fact, is there not something a bit worrying about Daniella saying she is aware of people using social media to criticise individuals? Is she arguing that social media should NOT be used to criticise those in authority?
To my mind, there's also something slightly pleading about those in authority asking everyone to "be kind". Why on earth should people be kind when they disagree, sometimes profoundly, with decisions that affect their lives? Wouldn't it be better to entreat everyone to #bepolite?
Either way, it is hard not to feel enormous sympathy for those who enter into public life these days, subject as they are to some pretty vile stuff online.
I think Sir Tim Berners-Lee hit the nail on the head in the Dimbleby lecture last year when he said that greater accountability is needed online. VetSurgeon.org has already started moving in that direction in order to improve the provenance of clinical information and opinions shared online, requiring now that experts share full details of their experience and qualifications alongside their posts.
Maybe the time has come to demand the same standards of accountability when it comes to criticising those in positions of authority. In other words, if you're going to do it, you must show your real name and display a photograph of yourself alongside your post.
What do you think? Have your say here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/28912/be-kind-to-veterinary-leaders
Companion Consultancy Director Susan Mackay, herself a veterinary surgeon, started Companion Consultancy in 2002.
She said: “We added a design team to the agency two years ago and it’s been fantastic to have this resource available in-house.
"In the digital space people increasingly consume their content as images and sound as much as the written word and it has become key to delivering communication projects that really work.”
VetSurgeon.org editor Arlo Guthrie said: "I couldn't agree with Susan more.
"As a news editor, I get a barrage of press releases every day.
"Those with powerful photos or video that will stand out on all the different social media platforms get prioritised.
"Those that have poor images, or none at all tend to get ignored."
Susan added: “For complex projects we can have one or more of our vets working alongside the designer to get all the technical nuances exactly right.
"Infographics for instance are a great way to overcome language barriers but explaining the complexities of how vaccines work in pictures needs veterinary input and our designers then come up with visual ways to represent those concepts so we can work through those together.
"On simpler projects, clients don’t have to waste time explaining why they don’t want to show a dog wearing a choke chain or carrying a stick, because our designers already bring an additional level of understanding to their work.
"We want to make it clear that you don’t have to be a Companion Consultancy client to benefit from this great resource.”
Companion Design Studio is offering a free, no obligation 30 minute design consultation to the first 10 applicants from the veterinary community who want expert input on their existing branding and how it has been applied, or to gather ideas for new design projects.
www.companiondesignstudio.co.uk or call Tom on 07925 133302.
Merial has announced that a recent change of licence means you can now administer the new generation NSAID, Previcox® for the relief of post operative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery in dogs.
Mark Riggs MRCVS, Veterinary Technical Advisor for Merial said: "Previcox (firocoxib) is now licensed for the relief of post operative pain. Oral PREVICOX can be administered starting 2 hours prior to surgery and has a rapid onset of action reaching peak plasma levels within 90 minutes. The palatable tablet can be given without food and is a realistic option which should be seriously considered when choosing pain relief for surgical patients.
"Containing the active ingredient firocoxib, Previcox is also highly COX-2 selective, being 380 times more selective for COX-2 than COX-1. As a result, it offers a highly desirable efficacy and safety profile which is particularly beneficial in cases which have gone through the additional stress of surgery.
"The recently published study by John P. Punke et al strengthens the evidence reinforcing the benefits offered by firocoxib. The research evaluated the in-vivo effects of firocoxib, meloxicam and tepoxalin in target tissues of dogs suffering with chronic osteoarthritis.
"Eight dogs were used in the cross-over study and each dog received each of the treatments (and a placebo) for seven days, with an appropriate wash out period in between. Firocoxib significantly reduced inflammatory mediators within blood and synovial fluid at all time points, whereas meloxicam only showed a significant reduction compared to baseline values at day four.
"With evidence demonstrating the speed of the anti-inflammatory effect of firocoxib, it may be time for vets to reconsider their post operative pain management. Previcox can be administered orally prior to surgery and can be given once daily for up to three days post operatively. For orthopaedic surgery this treatment schedule can be extended after the first 3 days upon judgement of the attending vet."
For further information please contact your local territory manager or call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 601 4236.
Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Bulldogs are the breeds most feared by postmen, according to a survey just announced by esure home insurance. More surprisingly, Jack Russells and Yorkshire Terriers also appeared in the top ten list of breeds likely to prevent the mail getting through.
According to the survey, three quarters (74%) of postmen have admitted to finding some dogs on their post round intimidating. In fact over half (54%) of those polled have considered asking for a change to their round due to intimidating dogs and more than a third (37%) have even thought about leaving their jobs completely.
Nearly half (47%) of all postman questioned are frequently growled at, 39% have been the subject of teeth baring and 54% regularly have to endure aggressive barking. Shockingly, a quarter (26%) of postmen have been bitten by a dog on their post round, whilst 23% of those polled have had their clothes damaged when trying to get away from a dog.
In a bid to try and calm down man's best friend and ensure their safety, more than a third (36%) of postmen have offered a dog bones, biscuits and chews. But just under half (44%) admit bribes often don't work as they've had to run away from a dog on their patch.
POSTMAN'S MOST FEARED DOGS: (per cent of postmen)