Pet owners visiting the University of Edinburgh's vet school will be able to relax in peaceful outdoor surroundings, thanks to a project supported by the BBC's Beechgrove Garden.
The primetime gardening show's team, together with volunteers and friends of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, have transformed a two-and-a-half-acre plot in the vet school grounds into a community garden.
The sloping landscaped garden features a network of paths surrounding flower beds, trees and bushes. Sculpted stone seats give visitors a place to relax. Clients of the Dick Vet are being invited to support the school by sponsoring a brick along a path that winds through the garden, or by sponsoring trees, plants or benches.
Lesley Watson, a Beechgrove Garden presenter, said: "We have had a lot of help from the community in creating this garden, in what was a huge site. The first part of the garden, next to the School buildings, is quite formal, but as it extends towards the hills beyond, it becomes a more relaxed space and starts to take on aspects of the wider landscape."
Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "This wonderful garden is a fantastic place for our pet owners to visit and also a beautiful green retreat for our staff and students to enjoy."
Inez Priestly, a dog owner whose pets have been treated at the Dick Vet, laid the first brick in the garden's path of memories, in honour of her late Cavalier King Spaniel, Treacle. Mrs Priestly said: "The treatment my dogs have received at the Dick Vet has been beyond words - the vets always empathise with their clients and go the extra mile to help. I'm delighted to lay this first brick in the new garden and hope this will encourage others to do the same, as a way of thanking the Dick Vet."
(Photos courtesy Norrie Russell, University of Edinburgh)
The BetterwithPets Prize invites entries from entrepreneurs whose work focuses on the power of the pet human bond and whose efforts are helping to transform society. Purina runs the prize in collaboration with Ashoka, a pioneer in the field of social entrepreneurship.
StreetVet was shortlisted from 150 applicants from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its Accredited Hostel Scheme offers free, accessible veterinary care for pets whose owners are experiencing homelessness and support for hostel managers and staff to adopt and implement positive pet policies.
Jade Statt, co-founder of StreetVet said: “Discovering a competition that celebrates the importance of the human animal bond felt like fate, one the StreetVet team felt compelled to enter. We are so delighted that we did! Going through this process has been really enlightening and we are beyond pleased that our project has reached the final, it is a real privilege."
The finalists will take part in an online pitch on 3rd June 2020, following which, Bernard Meunier, CEO, Nestlé Purina PetCare EMENA will announce the winners.
Mary Sharrock, External Relations Director, Purina, said: "The work StreetVet do is simply amazing and I’m delighted they’ve made the shortlist. Throughout the selection process for the BetterwithPets Prize, we found ourselves inspired by so many of the initiatives which harnessed the pet-human bond in such innovative ways and create positive changes in communities."
Bob was a member of RCVS Council from 1992 until 2004 and was President in 1999/2000. During his time on Council he also served as a member of all of the major committees of that time, with the exception of the Disciplinary Committee, and chaired several of the subject boards for the RCVS Diplomas.
Current RCVS President Chris Tufnell said: "Bob was 100% responsible for my involvement with the RCVS, putting me forward for a working party in my first year in practice. Throughout his career he nurtured young professionals who he genuinely saw as the future and he was particularly dedicated to furthering and improving the education and development of veterinary surgeons, as demonstrated by his involvement in the RCVS Diplomas, the College’s continuing professional development (CPD) board and the former RCVS Trust.
"His dedication to our profession was exceptional and his kind and erudite observations, both public and private, were always welcome. We will miss him and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
Photo courtesy Dulwich College.
The first is Design Hub, a self-service marketing portal which allows practices to choose from a variety of designs for posters, social media posts and other collateral and brand them with the practice logo. The portal includes a planner which details noteworthy dates, veterinary campaigns and events that practices might want to include in their marketing plans.
Member practices using the new portal during February also have the chance to enter a competition to win £500 Love2shop vouchers.
The second resource is a pets portal which the company says will make it easier to access live information about pets enrolled on its health plans, make administrative changes, process refunds or cancellations and soon, add new pets.
From July the pets portal will compatible with tablets and other mobile devices, so practice staff can move out from behind the desk and have conversations with pet owners in the waiting or consulting rooms.
Paul Bates, Practice Development Specialist, said: "We had already identified that practices wanted to be able to register plans and change details online. It was important for us to also ensure that the tool we developed had the desired functionality and was robust enough to handle large volumes of data being entered simultaneously across the country.
"We also wanted it to be fit for purpose so that if we want to develop more advanced features going forwards, we don’t have to recreate the wheel and can build on what we have already. The portal will be really useful in its own right and gives us a great launching pad for future development."
To access the new portals, email: pethealthplanscomms@denplan.co.uk, or contact your Simplyhealth Professionals Practice Support Advisor or Business Development Consultant.
For more information about Simplyhealth Professionals visit http://www.pethealthplans.co.uk/vets.
Amongst other things, the plans offer 24/7 telephone counselling from GPs and trained counsellors.
Simplyhealth Professional’s Head Veterinary Officer, Gudrun Ravetz (pictured right), said: "Veterinary practice is a 24/7 job and it can be difficult for the veterinary team to access GP and counselling appointments during the day and of course, a mental or physical health crisis can hit at any time of the day or night. Access to the telephone care line ensures staff can freely access potentially life-saving advice and support at their time of greatest need, no matter when or where."
Optimise health plans also include access to the online myWellbeing portal which offers advice on a range of subjects, including childcare and eldercare responsibilities, finance and legal issues.
The plans also provide employees with free health evaluation tools and cashback on services including sight tests, dental treatment, diagnostics, physiotherapy and even prescription costs.
Lastly, Optimise health plans encourage leisure activities by offering discounts on sports equipment, gym membership and healthy family days out.
Gudrun added: "By providing access to talking therapies and removing some of the barriers to self-care, the Simplyhealth Optimise plans aim to support practices who want to ensure their staff can easily access the tools they need to maintain a healthy mind and body. Knowing that your practice cares enough about your wellbeing to put a care plan in place is very attractive to new recruits and existing staff alike."
Practice owners and managers can find out more by talking to their Simplyhealth Professionals Business Consultant, visit www.simplyhealthprofessionals.co.uk or call 0800 328 3233.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has highlighted recent studies which, the company says, prove that feeding a food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils to dogs with osteoarthritis results in a reduction in NSAID dosage of up to 25%1, owner observed improvements in clinical signs3, and improved weight bearing ability2, 7
The claim that food can effectively support medical treatment follows in the wake of two published and one in press study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (JAVMA). These demonstrate that omega-3 enriched food (in this case Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Canine) has significant effects on weight bearing and helps reduce NSAID dosage by up to 25 per cent, when fed to dogs with osteoarthritis 1, 2,3.
According to Hill's, the research demonstrates that in dogs the high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils can down-regulate the cartilage degrading enzyme aggrecanase1. In vitro studies have also identified that EPA resulted in a reduction in the amount of degraded cartilage residue produced4. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids can also help to reduce inflammation5,6.
The two studies that were recently published confirm that feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids aids in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs2,3. The randomized double-blinded controlled trials were carried out over three and six months respectively and involved a total of 165 dogs identified as suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis. After collating the results from almost 25,000 trial days, researchers were able to confirm a significant 'clinical improvement' from feeding a food fortified with fatty acids.
In the first study described in JAVMA, researchers found evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils resulted in improvements in weight bearing2. Objective measurement using force plate gait analysis demonstrated that dogs fed a test food fortified with fatty acids were seven times as likely to show improved weight bearing compared with dogs fed a control food.
In the second study, through a detailed questionnaire, owners also observed significant improvements in their dog's osteoarthritic condition3. Improvements observed covered the following signs: difficulty in rising from rest, limping, stiffness, soreness when touched, yelping or whimpering in pain, aggression, lagging on walks, reluctance to play and overall activity level.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of Prescription Diet j/d, which is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, hailed the results as a breakthrough in the field of nutrigenomics (the study of the effects of nutrition on gene expression): "This research points the way to a new model for the management of osteoarthritis, using a clinically proven food to interrupt the cycle of damage and cartilage degradation, alongside graded levels of NSAIDs and proactive programmes to manage weight and adjust exercise routines. Clinicians now have the conclusive proof they need to recommend feeding omega-3 enriched food to ameliorate the signs of osteoarthritis in clients' pets and to adjust NSAID doses accordingly."
For further information on Hill's Prescription Diet j/d, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
References1. A multicenter study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on the Carpofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Fritsch A, Allen T, Dodd C, JAVMA in press2. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs. Roush J, Cross A, Renberg W, Dodd C, Sixby K, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp67-733. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Roush J, Dodd C, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell D, Schoenherr W, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp 59-664. Eicosapentaenoate supplementation abrogates canine articular cartilage degeneration in in vitro explant culture systems, Caterson B, Cramp J, Little C B et al, Hills European Symposium on osteoarthritis and joint health 2005 14-195. Dietary modification of inflammation with lipids, P C Calder, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2002 345-3586. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production, James M J, Cleland L G, Gibson R A, Am J Clin Nut 2000: 71 suppl 343S- 358S7. Vasseur PB, Johnson AL, Budsberg SC, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995; 206 (6): 807-811.
Two hundred members of the profession took part. The main results were:
The virtual collection provides a source of evidence to determine what is or is not of clinical significance in cardiac arrhythmia and what might represent the best course of action, if action is needed, within the requisite parameters of safety and welfare.
With an editorial written jointly by Peter Physick-Sheard and Joann Slack the virtual collection includes:
... and more.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ said: “In terms of day-to-day veterinary work, rhythm disturbances are a frequent frustration during prepurchase examinations or perceived poor performance assessments. This outstanding collection brings to hand the most recent evidence to help clinicians support their observations, facilitating diagnosis and a treatment plan in this challenging area.”
The Virtual issue can be downloaded here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1111/(ISSN)2042-3306.irregular-hearts-performance.vi
The series looks in detail at some of the most important issues dental specialists are seeing in pets.
The first webinar in the series, which is going live on Tuesday 3rd November at 8:00pm, looks at the impact periodontal disease has on both cats and dogs.
Co-speaker and veterinary dental specialist, Jens Ruhnau DVM, DEVDC (above, left) discusses the importance of understanding and treating the condition: "Research has shown that over 80% of dogs over the age of three, and the majority of cats, are impacted by periodontal disease. Treating the disease early and correctly is key to reducing further spread, secondary infection, and ultimately improving the quality of life of the animal".
The second webinar in the series, which will be live on Tuesday 10th November at 8:00pm, shares advice on treating tooth fractures in pets. Looking at tips on how to perform an effective oral examination, along with reviewing recent studies on the fracture limits of teeth in pet dogs.
Co-speaker and founder of DentalVets, Norman Johnston (above, right) said: "Tooth fractures are very common in both cats and dogs, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Looking in more detail at the diagnostic process, treatments options and being aware of what objects can cause damage will help veterinary professionals, and in-turn owners, understand more about the risk of fractures."
Both webinars are free to attend, to find out more information and to register click here. https://www.thewebinarvet.com/pages/mars-petcare-free-webinars-tooth-fractures-periodontal-disease
Thus far, the hospital has relied on conventional radiographs or referred for MRI for the bulk of its distal limb imaging.
The new Hallmarq standing CT scanner provides information that surpasses the capabilities of radiography, while also reducing radiation exposure to the patients and staff.
The scanning process is also considerably quicker, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.
Tom McParland, Valley Equine Hospital’s surgeon said: "We are confident that this diagnostic modality will significantly enhance our ability to identify not just thoroughbred fetlock pathology earlier but improve our diagnostic abilities of the distal limb for all our equine patients, racing and leisure alike.”
Valley Equine Hospital says it chose the Hallmarq standing CT scanner due to its ability to scan using just standing sedation which ensures a safer and more efficient experience for the horses compared to general anaesthesia.
www.valleyequinehospital.co.ukinfo.hallmarq.net/focus-on-the-foot
A study published in the Veterinary Record has shown that Plerion, the broad-spectrum anthelmintic combination preparation for dogs (5 mg pyrantel + 20 mg oxantel + 5 mg praziquantel per kg body weight) is an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment against all important endoparasites, according to manufacturers Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health.
In addition, because Plerion is formulated as a flavored chewable tablet, the product was readily consumed by the vast majority of dogs.
Although the product has been on the market in the UK since last year, this is the first time that the evidence for its efficacy has been published in the public domain.
Linda Horspool BVMS, PhD, DipECVPT, MRCVS, Global Technical Director Companion Animal Pharmaceuticals at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "Pyrantel, oxantel and praziquantel, the active ingredients of Plerion, are well-established anthelmintics, having been used successfully in humans and animals for decades. The combination of these ingredients in one preparation offers the possibility to eliminate relevant parasites from most dogs in a single treatment. Moreover, the good palatability of the flavored chewable tablets makes Plerion easy to give and helps owners to remember to treat their dogs regularly which contributes to adequate deworming".
The efficacy, safety and palatability of a single-dose treatment with Plerion were assessed after experimental as well as natural infection with common helminths such as whipworms, tapeworms and roundworms. In five controlled studies (48 treated dogs/49 untreated dogs) and three field studies (30 treated dogs), a total of 127 animals were included. In all comparisons, Plerion-treated dogs had statistically significantly lower worm counts than untreated dogs. Moreover, in treated dogs efficacy against whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) was more than 99 percent after experimental infection and 100 percent after natural infection. For roundworms (Toxocara canis), the corresponding figures were 94 and 100 percent, respectively. For tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus), the efficacy was more than 99 percent after experimental infection.
The preparation was well-tolerated, evidenced by the finding that treatment of dogs with doses up to 6 times the recommended dose or twice the recommended dose on 3 consecutive days did not result in adverse changes in blood parameters, clinical findings or behavior.
In client-owned dogs, Plerion was readily consumed as demonstrated by the fact that 88 percent of dogs spontaneously accepted the tablet. The proportion of spontaneous acceptance appeared higher than the 78 percent that was obtained with another commercially available flavored reference preparation containing pyrantel, febantel and praziquantel.
Worm infestations in dogs are important parasites in terms of prevalence, pathogenicity and, occasionally, zoonotic impact. Therefore, the European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) has re-emphasized in its 2010 guideline update titled "Worm Control in Dogs and Cats" that veterinarians and pet owners (1) must take measures to protect pets from parasitic infestations, (2) protect the pet population from risks associated with travel and its consequent potential to change local parasite epidemiological situations through the export or import of non-endemic parasite species, and (3) should work together to reduce the risks associated with zoonotic transmission of parasitic diseases.
*ReferenceSchmid K, Rohdich N, Zschiesche E, Kok DJ, Allan MJ. Efficacy, safety and palatability of a new broad-spectrum anthelmintic formulation in dogs. Veterinary Record 2010;167:647-651
The RCVS has introduced a new online recording system for graduates starting their Professional Development Phase (PDP).
The new PDP database sits as a module within the Professional Development Record (PDR), launched by the RCVS in April to help veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses plan, evaluate and record their CPD.
Freda Andrews, RCVS Head of Education said: "Bringing the PDP into the new Professional Development Record shows clearly how this stage of a vet's development is part of the continuum of professional development that starts at university and continues for as long as they practise. We are also developing a system for students to record their practical and clinical experience whilst at university and, once this is complete next year, the PDR will become a complete record of professional lifelong learning."
Like the rest of the PDR, the new PDP module offers extra space for notes, and allows documents such as case reports and presentations to be uploaded and stored. Responding to feedback from users of the old PDP system, the new interface is designed to be more user friendly than the previous PDP database, and contains interactive help, guidance on PDP and an easier means of recording case numbers against the clinical skills lists. All new graduates from 2012 are able to sign up to use the new PDP site and, once their account is activated, they will also be able to use the CPD area to record any additional CPD they might undertake.
Graduates from previous years who are still undertaking their PDP using the old database may continue on the old system for the time being, although at some stage within the next year or so, the old site will need to be archived. Anyone who would prefer to use the new system instead should contact the PDP administrator at the RCVS to discussed transferring (pdp@rcvs.org.uk 020 7202 0736). As the skills lists have changed slightly, however, an automatic transfer of data from the old to the new isn't possible.
The PDP links the 'Day One' competences that veterinary surgeons have achieved when they graduate to the 'Year One' competences which they are expected to have achieved after about a year in practice. Each vet's progress through the PDP is supervised by a Postgraduate Dean, and its completion also requires sign-off from the veterinary surgeon's employer or mentor.
For more information, or to sign up to the PDP, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/pdp.
The forecast formed part of the Association's response to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EfraCom) inquiry into the impact on the UK’s trade in food after Brexit.
The BVA says that if the UK is treated as a 'third country' post Brexit, exports and imports of animals and animal products to and from the EU will need new veterinary certifications.
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, says the volume of products requiring veterinary certifications could increase by as much as 325% as a result.
There are currently 1,063 Official Veterinarians authorised by the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to certify food products for export to third countries from Great Britain, a number which the BVA says would have to be significantly increased.
The BVA is urging the Government to undertake a major review of third country certification to ensure we have the capacity to fulfil new trade agreements. To combat the potential shortage in veterinary capacity, BVA is also calling on the Government to guarantee working rights for non-British EU vets and veterinary nurses currently working and studying in the UK.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, Gudrun Ravetz said: "Vets are absolutely vital to facilitating UK trade by ensuring standards so that consumers at home and abroad have confidence in the food safety and welfare of the products they choose to buy. Veterinary certification is required not only for meat, but a whole range of products such as gelatine in sweets.
"Ironically, it is non-British EU vets who make up around 50% of our new workforce each year. However, since the EU referendum, we are facing serious problems in recruiting and retaining EU vets, which makes the need for more vets to perform this crucial trade-task an even more pressing concern. Vets’ role in the future of UK trade must be recognised and planned for, as an integral part of forthcoming trade negotiations."
The BVA trade submission also outlines that access to veterinary medicines could potentially be restricted post-Brexit. In order to protect animal and public health, BVA is calling for any new trade deal with the EU to maintain the link with EU veterinary medicine approval systems.
The UK currently has high standards of animal health, animal welfare and public health, including food safety, in its food production. These standards help prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases in animal products, ensure farm animals have a humane death, protect food safety and safeguard responsible antimicrobial use. BVA’s submission to the EfraCom trade inquiry emphasises that, as public goods, the UK must prioritise the maintenance of these standards in all trade negotiations moving forwards.
BVA’s full response to the EfraCom inquiry into the impact on the UK’s trade in food after Brexit is available on the BVA website at www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/consultations/consultation-responses/
Equine obesity is a growing problem not just in the UK but around the world. The debate explored how various sectors of the equestrian industry see the challenges faced by people who are struggling to manage their horse’s weight. It included the views of equine vet Lucy Grieve, horse owner Helen Gale, livery yard owner and coach Beth Maloney, nutritionist Liz Bulbrook, competition judge David Ingle and equine welfare officer Penny Baker.
The session was chaired by equine vet and nutrition specialist Professor Pat Harris with the support of Dr Tamzin Furtado, a social scientist with a special interest in human behaviour change for animals.
The panellists shared their views on what they believed to be the blocks for horse owners in recognising obesity and addressing the problem.
They identified the importance of empowering owners and working with them to make step by step changes with the support of a reliable and trusted team including vet, nutritionist, yard owner and farrier.
Lucy said: “Vets are in unique and privileged position to provide an achievable and effective tailor-made strategy for individual horses.
"We must all learn to overcome avoidance and engage recognise, accept and understand, and tailor a solution.”
Helen added: “Owners need to be able to recognise and acknowledge that their horse has a weight problem and be motivated to take action. Communication is key. It’s important for others to understand why you are following the advice form vets and other experts and how they can best help."
There was recognition that a bespoke approach is needed for every horse, owner and situation. Some livery owners may face challenges in changing management practices and peer pressure on a yard may prevent people implementing intake restriction measures such as a grazing muzzle or restricted turnout.
Beth said: “Peer pressure can be daunting and there can be a lack of confidence that you are doing the right thing."
Communication and proactive signposting to reliable advice and scientific information were identified as pivotal, not only in helping to identify weight changes but also to build horse owners’ knowledge and confidence. This would build a clearer understanding of the calorific value of feeds and of grass and forage, what constitutes a balanced diet, the importance of regular exercise and weight monitoring, being able to identify the difference between fat and muscle and being familiar and comfortable with the range of weight control tactics, such as grazing muzzles, restricted grazing and track systems.
The language used was also identified as important; gauging the needs and response of the individual and asking the owner what they think, would be more effective than using potentially inflammatory language - for example choosing the phrase ‘fat pad’ rather than the terms ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’.
Lucy said: “If we are all being really honest with ourselves obesity is neglect. I doubt many vets would walk away from an emaciated horse or an infected wound or a cloudy eye so why are we so willing to walk away from these ticking time bombs which are actually a real welfare issue as the animal is potentially at risk of losing their life?”
You can buy tickets for a replay of the debate for £5, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-weight-debate-equine-playback-tickets-138080533593
The 29th National Equine Forum will be held online on Thursday 4th March 2021. Tickets will be available in February 2021. If you'd like to be notified when they become available, you can subscribe here: https://www.nationalequineforum.com/subscribe/
Acepromazine-based Acecare is used alongside other opioids and reduces the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia by approximately one third.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: "Practices are looking for greater cost-effectiveness in the products they use and are also keen to reduce waste.
"We are delighted to announce that Acecare, a trusted staple of anaesthetic protocols in use at many practices is now offering improved performance in both of these areas.”
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or contact Animalcare’s head office on 01904 487687.
The RCVS has announced that registrations for the new RCVS Register of Veterinary Practice Premises will be accepted from 1 November 2008, allowing all those who wish to supply medicines from veterinary practice premises from 1 April 2009 onwards a full five months to comply with the latest medicines legislation.
In order to fulfil its obligations under European law to maintain and improve traceability of, and accountability for, veterinary medicines, the UK Government decided that any veterinary surgeon may only supply veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) from premises registered with the Secretary of State, with effect from 1 April 2009.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for the inspection and registration of practices under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. Steve Dean, VMD's Chief Executive, says the new veterinary practice premises register will complete the UK information base by bringing veterinary practices in line with other suppliers of veterinary medicines who already have to operate from registered premises.
The Register will enable the supply of veterinary medicines by veterinary surgeons, including controlled drugs, to be subjected to inspection and verification. As a result, DEFRA Ministers and the European Commission can be re-assured that veterinary medicines are being supplied in the UK in accordance with EC legislation.
In discussion with the VMD, it was agreed that the most appropriate body to maintain this register would be the RCVS, not least because the College already manages the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme and publishes the (voluntary) Directory of Veterinary Practices, so has the necessary systems already in place. The register will be published on RCVSonline and updated quarterly.
Whilst there will now be a statutory fee levied for each practice premises registered on the new Register, the College's existing database framework has kept this to a relatively low £40 compared to what other bodies might have had to charge after starting from scratch.
Practices could appear in the Directory for free because the cost of producing it was partially covered by subsequent data sales. However, the new Register will need to be self-funding, as the data it contains will be freely available online.
Not all practices will have to pay the statutory fee. RCVS President Jill Nute said: "For those practice premises already accredited under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), the fee will be taken from their existing PSS annual fee.
"What's more, accredited practices will not face additional four-yearly inspections by VMD inspectors (unless there is an investigation for enforcement purposes) as their PSS inspections already ensure that they keep up to date with current medicines legislation."
Practice premises that have applied to join the Scheme, but have not yet been accredited, will not face additional VMD inspections either, but will still need to pay the statutory fee.
To help practices understand the new requirements and what they need to do before next April, the RCVS has produced a range of guidance, including a series of Frequently Asked Questions (www.rcvs.org.uk).
"In particular, we hope this guidance will help to explain which premises are likely to be considered ‘veterinary practice premises' and the difference between those premises and places where medicines might simply be stored or kept," said Mrs Nute.
"It is important to realise that there is a legal requirement to register veterinary practice premises for the supply of medicines, and a professional obligation, set out in the Guide to Professional Conduct, to keep a record of where all medicines are stored or kept. This record should avoid the need for additional registration of car boots, farms and homes."
Over the coming weeks, application forms will be posted to all practices currently listed in the Directory and accredited under the PSS, containing all the practice information currently held. These forms must be checked, signed and returned, even if no fee is due. Separate application forms will be available for any non-accredited practice premises not published in the Directory, and a letter will be sent to all RCVS members to ensure the whole profession is aware of the new requirements.
The British Veterinary Association has responded to the announcement of a recruitment drive by the newly-formed British Veterinary Union (BVU) and Unite.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "Those working in veterinary practice have always been able to join Unite or any other trade union, and it is unclear whether vets are actually being offered anything new in this recruitment campaign.
"The BVA provides the majority of services traditionally offered by a union and we are constantly working to improve our services to support the veterinary team. In the last two years we have developed mediation and legal representation services to help members through difficult issues in the workplace. The BVA's 24/7 legal helpline remains one of our most valued services with up to 600 calls year on employment and personal issues. We also produce and update a wide range of advice and guidance on all aspects of veterinary employment.
"All of our services continue to be developed using the expertise and experiences of our members.
"In addition to these support services the BVA package incorporates much more. The BVA is a key stakeholder of the RCVS, Defra, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland administrations, the VMD and other bodies, representing members on issues as diverse as pet travel, bovine TB and medicines regulations. This is not a role Unite could play for our profession."
The RCVS has published Fitness to Practise - A Guide for UK Veterinary Schools and Veterinary Students, a guide for veterinary students which aims to introduce them to the concept of fitness to practise and help prepare them for professional life.
The guide was developed by an RCVS working party in conjunction with the UK's seven veterinary schools that currently offer an RCVS-approved veterinary degree. It has also received approval from the Veterinary Schools Council, a new body which represents the interests of the country's veterinary schools.
The guide is split into two parts: the first part provides guidance for veterinary schools on how to recognise and address fitness to practise concerns; the second part sets out the broad principles of fitness to practise that students should follow and which veterinary schools should uphold.
Laura McClintock, an Advisory Solicitor from the RCVS Professional Conduct Department, said: "While we don't regulate veterinary students themselves, we hope that this guidance will prepare future vets for the requirements and standards that we expect from members of a regulated profession and for adhering to our Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance.
"The guide also recognises that each university will have its own specific disciplinary guidelines and procedures, but we hope that this will help promote consistency in their fitness to practise regimes.
"Although we expect any adverse findings made in university fitness to practise proceedings to be declared to us upon application to register, we would take into account the fact that a student is not a fully-fledged professional and would therefore make some allowance for any mistakes and poor judgement when considering whether or not they should join the Register."
The guide can be downloaded for free from www.rcvs.org.uk/studentguide
The RCVS is also in the process of forming a working party to produce equivalent guidance for student veterinary nurses.
The company says the new test overcomes a major shortcoming in faecal egg counts: that they can only detect the presence of egg-laying adult worms. The new test, by contrast, can detect all stages of the small redworm life cycle, including the important encysted larval phase.
ADB says the new test will help protect the effectiveness of moxidectin, the only dewormer which is capable of eliminating the encysted stages and against which widespread resistance is not thought to have developed.
Whereas before, routine winter treatment was needed to target the encysted phase, this new test means the drug can be kept for when it is really needed, which will help prevent the development of resistance. ADB says it will also be of great value to equine vets in making differential diagnoses.
The blood test was developed by Prof Jacqui Matthews’ group at the Moredun Research Institute (MRI), with funding from The Horse Trust. She said: "It is great to see the commercialisation of this much-needed test to support sustainable worm control in horses. The test fills an important gap in our diagnostic toolbox and will enable horse owners to work with their veterinarians in targeting anthelmintic treatments against cyathostomin infections and hence help protect these important medicines for the future."
Dr Corrine Austin from ADB said: "ADB is now developing laboratory ELISA kits to enable independent veterinary laboratories to conduct blood testing; these kits are expected to reach market during 2020. Research into the saliva-based test is ongoing and is expected to be commercialised several years from now."
Veterinary practices can contact ADB at info@austindavis.co.uk to register interest in the diagnostic test service.
The video has now been published on Youtube, from where veterinary practices might like to share it with clients on their own websites, by email or on their Facebook page.
In the video, Cat Henstridge MRCVS explains how from November, in the event of no deal, pet owners will need to have visited their vet 4 months before travel and had their pet vaccinated against rabies. They will then need to return for a blood test 30 days later, wait at least 3 months after that test before travel, and get an animal health certificate no more than 10 days before travel. In addition their animal needs to be microchipped.
Defra says owners should also be advised to visit gov.uk and search 'pet travel' for any updates.
Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "This is a reminder for pet owners of our practical and straightforward advice for pet travel if the UK were to leave the EU in a no-deal situation."
To watch and share the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ckhv5YS7Mw.
The courses are:
MMI Manager Lisa Quigley commented: “I am really proud of this new tranche of training.
"Whereas our previous training has focused on the individual experience, for example, mental health awareness and resilience, these new courses recognise that individual instances of poor mental health and wellbeing can often be caused by systemic issues – whether that’s a poor workplace culture where bullying and incivility thrive, or discrimination on account of someone’s protected characteristics.
The full range of courses, including the dates and times and details on how to register, can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/training
Feedback about any of the courses can be sent to info@vetmindmatters.org
The Soil Association is calling on the Government to issue guidelines that will limit the veterinary use of the most modern penicillin-type antibiotics, to prevent the spread of a serious new superbug.Recently released minutes of a Government committee reveal that Ministers have been briefed about the emergence on a British dairy farm of a mutant strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli which causes life-threatening cases of food poisoning, including hemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
The bug, known as E. coli O26 is a vera-toxin producing E. coli (VTEC), similar to the infamous E. coli O157. According to the Soil Association, what makes the discovery of this variant so significant is that this is the first time in the UK, and only the third time in the world, that VTEC E. coli has been found with an enhanced type of antibiotic resistance known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), which makes it resistant to almost all antibiotics. ESBL resistance has previously been found on 57 UK farms, but until now only in strains of E. coli that cause urinary tract infections and blood poisoning.Although antibiotics are not recommended for the treatment of VTEC E. coli, scientists warn that the emergence of resistance is undesirable because these resistant bacteria are encouraged every time certain antibiotics are used, resulting in increased spread and greater risk of contaminated food products. On non-organic dairy farms, cows are routinely given antibiotics at the end of their lactation to prevent mastitis. In addition, milk from cows given antibiotics for treatment, or prevention, is often fed to calves when it contains residues and cannot be sold. However, because ESBL E. coliO26 is resistant to all the antibiotics used in ‘dry cow therapy' and many of those used for treatment, the high use of antibiotics on dairy farms will promote the rapid spread of these dangerous bacteria.Soil Association Policy Adviser, Richard Young said: "This is one of the most worrying developments in the continuing rise of ESBL E. coli. Today is the first European Antibiotics Awareness Day, but there is a distinct lack of awareness that the continuing high use of antibiotics in farming is contributing to the increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in humans."The Government often calls on doctors to prescribe antibiotics less often. But similar advice needs to be given to veterinary surgeons and farmers. Half of all antibiotics are given to animals, and there is mounting evidence that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in farm animals pass to humans. If we want antibiotics to save lives in the future as they have done in the past then the Government must provide specific recommendations based on scientific advice, and vets need to pull together with doctors to limit the use of problematic drugs."
Woodley Equipment Company has announced that Veterinary Parasep Faecal Filters are now available exclusively from the company.
According to the Woodley, the filters have been developed in conjunction with an independent leading veterinary Institution and offer an improved method of determining Worm Egg Counts (WEC) on cattle, sheep and horses. Flotation methods for WEC can require several Specific Gravity solutions to cover different parasites. The two common flotation methods, ‘Modified McMaster' and ‘Improved Modified McMaster', both use Saturated NaCL and are both catered for with Veterinary Parasep.
Woodley says the key advantages of the new filters are:
For a more information about The Veterinary Parasep please email sales@woodleyequipment.com or call the customer service team on +44 (0) 1204 669033 ~ Option 1.
Alternatively, visit http://www.woodleyequipment.com/.
60 vets took part in the survey. 80% believed they had seen an increase in behavioural problems since lockdown. Over 60% reported an increase in the incidence of obesity and diarrhoea. Nearly 50% had seen an increase in urinary tract disorders and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
When asked which conditions had been harder to manage clinically since the start of the pandemic, the top seven conditions were:
Medicine specialist, Dr Stefanie Mitze (pictured right) said: “We conducted the survey to help us understand changes in disease incidence and the clinical challenges faced by our colleagues in first opinion practice over the last year.
"The fact that the incidence of disorders which can have a stress-related component, including behavioural problems, diarrhoea and urinary tract disease, were reported to have increased by a high proportion of respondents indicates that many pets may be experiencing heightened stress during the pandemic.”
Stefanie is now creating a series of free bitesize CPD videos to help manage these more challenging cases. She said: “We recognise the past year has been challenging, especially with complex staffing issues, reduced vet visits and restricted face-to-face communication with clients. For complex, chronic medical conditions, especially those which require frequent follow up, we wanted to support colleagues in providing the best care possible in the current circumstances. We hope these CPD sessions will provide practical tips to help deliver just that.
The CPD sessions are available at: https://www.hamiltonspecialists.vet