Dechra Veterinary Products, manufacturer of the leading feline hyperthyroidism treatment Felimazole®, has launched a new website for cat owners about the disorder: www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk
The website is an online version of Dechra's popular client booklets on feline hyperthyroidism and, since its launch, has averaged 500 unique visitors a month. With pages on diagnosis, treatment and even tips on how to give a pill to a cat, owners now have a place to go for more information and advice on the disease.
Matthew Olsen, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products says: "This website is perfect for helping owners better understand and manage hyperthyroidism in their cat. It's also useful for practices as they now have somewhere to refer owners to for more information about the diagnosis and management of this complex hormonal disease."
Cards with the new website address are available for practices to hand to clients, along with waiting room posters that will serve as a further reminder of the new site. "The website allows clients to browse the site in the comfort of their own home and is also ideal for practices with limited storage space for client information materials," Dr Olsen continues. "The posters, cards and website enhance Dechra Veterinary Products' existing range of marketing materials available to vets and owners on the subject of feline hyperthyroidism."
Dechra also encourages practices that have their own websites to link directly to http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/. Practices can order posters and hand-out cards by contacting Dechra on 01743 441632 or email: info@dechra-uk.com
CEVA Animal Health has announced the results of a survey which found that nearly half a million UK cat and dog owners never go on holiday for fear of upsetting their pet's routine.
In addition, the research revealed that half³ of pet owners who do take holidays experience guilt as a result of leaving their animal at a kennel or cattery, with nearly two-thirds (62%) considering the experience to be just as stressful or even more stressful for them than for their pet.
Cat behaviour counsellor Vicky Halls said, "We plan holidays in order to relax, yet they are actually a common cause of stress for all concerned - particularly for the pet cat. Even a stay at the best cattery can be unsettling, as their patterns of feeding, play and social interaction will be disrupted. They also have to adapt to a different environment and its new smells, noises and other animals. Of course, cats may experience similar issues if staying with a neighbour."
Indeed, 63% of respondents claim to have noticed a change in their pet when they've returned from holiday, with many animals becoming unsettled and showing signs of confusion or nervousness without their owners around.
According to the survey, going on holiday is one of the most stressful events that a pet can experience, although there are measures that people can take to relieve some of their animal's stress.
Juliet Penaliggon, small animal business unit manager at CEVA Animal Health, said: "Many people become anxious at the thought of leaving their pet in someone else's care while they are away. For some, this means they feel unable to go on holiday at all, even for a weekend, but there are excellent kennels and catteries available.
"It's advisable that owners research the facilities in their area and they shouldn't be afraid to ask questions when they visit the kennels or catteries. Once pets are there, some familiar items and the use of pheromone products D.A.P. and Feliway can help the animal to settle in."
For further information, please visit http://www.dapfordogs.com/ or http://www.feliway.com/.
¹ Survey carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of CEVA Animal Health, March 2010. Sample size: 1,100.² 464,000 UK cat or dog owners³ 46% of pet owners
The Animal Health Trust has repeated its call for veterinary surgeons to take part in its survey study on breed differences in clinical features of canine hyperadrenocorticism.
40 veterinary surgeons have so far taken part in the survey, and preliminary results show that some breeds tend to present with fewer clinical signs than others, which fits with the study's initial hypothesis.
In addition, researchers say that the frequency of most of the clinical signs in dogs affected by hyperadrenocorticism, including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, abdominal distention, alopecia, panting, comedones and muscle weakness, seem to be lower than previously reported in earlier studies published decades ago.
The AHT says it hopes the results of this study will help veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism. However, in order to progress the study and draw firm conclusions, more responses from veterinary surgeons are needed.
Michael Bennaim, veterinary surgeon at the AHT, said: "We need members of the veterinary profession to help us increase knowledge of this disease and to promote this study to their colleagues. The online questionnaire takes around 10 minutes to complete and all the information that is collected will be processed anonymously."
The AHT requests that the online questionnaire is completed for each case diagnosed with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism . The questionnaire can be found at http://bit.ly/aht-cushing
Participants can request to be notified of the results of this study when available. Each questionnaire submitted has a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
If you have any questions about the study, contact michael.bennaim@aht.org.uk.
The dispensation was brought in during the spring 2020 lockdown to safeguard animal health and welfare, the health & safety of the veterinary team, and public health, by allowing prescriptions to be made by veterinary surgeons without having first physically examined the animal.
Since it was brought in, the temporary dispensation has been under constant review and, in September, was extended to midnight on Sunday 31st October 2021.
Last week, the Standards Committee met and decided to end the dispensation, although it has put back the end date for the guidance to midnight on Sunday 21 November to allow sufficient time for veterinary practices to change their protocols and policies accordingly.
Melissa Donald, RCVS Junior Vice-President and Chair of the Standards Committee, said: “Due to a number of factors, including evidence that there has been a decline in the amount of remote prescriptions taking place, the Committee took the decision to end the dispensation, albeit with a three-week extension period to allow those practices that are still prescribing remotely to change their policies, inform their clients and so on.
“While the dispensation is ending, it is worth noting that it will still be kept under review in light of any changes in the circumstances around the pandemic, including government advice and regulations.”
The full details about the temporary dispensation can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus.
Those with any questions about the guidance should contact the RCVS Standards & Advice Team on advice@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0789.
The resources comprise guidance materials, a health and wellbeing assessment, associate case studies, links to external support and information posters.
The company is also piloting a mindfulness app called Headspace, which is now freely available to everyone at Linnaeus, whether they are experiencing the menopause or have other needs.
Saskia Connell, People and Organisation Director at Linnaeus, said: “Menopause is a stage of life that is unique for everyone who experiences it – and can also affect the people around them.
"For those experiencing the menopause, sadly 45% say they feel their symptoms have had a negative impact on their work, according to the British Menopause Society.
"As an employer, we need to make sure they have our full support and a flourishing career.
One of Linnaeus' practices, Park Vet Group, has taken things a step further and introduced other wellbeing initiatives to support its associates with the menopause.
The practice offers confidential support to all associates who want to talk about any health concerns, plus open sessions to establish conversations about menopause.
Its team, led by Practice Manager Harriet Tims (pictured right), also introduced yellow 'Just to Make you Smile' toiletry bags containing sanitary products, tissues, hygiene wipes, deodorant spray and face wipes.
Anyone at Park can help themselves to the bags, or add products should they wish.
Anyone unable to attend the latest in the increasingly popular BVA Animal Welfare Foundation discussion forums, held in May, can now catch up on the presentations on VETS.TV - the new web TV service currently being piloted by BVA - which can be accessed at www.vets.tv.
All the presentations, including ‘Put your money where your mouth is - can people afford animal welfare in food production', ‘Designer animals or breeding for welfare' and ‘Electric aid or shock collar' as well as the Norman Hayward Fund sponsored session - which included presentations on both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and Edinburgh University laminitis studies and the casualty slaughter of sheep - along with the Chair of the BVA:AWF Trustees, Carl Padgett's summary of the day, are now available online to view at your convenience.
Also new on VETS.TV is an interview with Young Vet Network (YVN) senior graduate BVA Council representative, Louisa Rance who talks about the work of the YVN and how it is helping newly qualified vets with the challenges faced after leaving vet school and a series of videos, courtesy of Farmers Weekly, on Bluetongue - what it is, how it is transmitted, the symptoms and vaccination advice.
Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) launched its new mobile blood collection unit, donated by Royal Canin, at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science on Wednesday, simultaneously collecting enough blood to save the lives of up to 32 dogs.
The blood collection session offered third-year university students an opportunity to learn about transfusion medicine and to practice their clinical skills on real life subjects, as they performed the pre-donation checks and tests under the supervision of Pet Blood Bank UK veterinary advisers.
Vanessa Ashall, Pet Blood Bank UK welfare officer and veterinary surgeon, said: "It is great for students to be able to see these animals. Transfusion medicine is a new science and I certainly wasn't taught about it as a veterinary student. Collaboration with veterinary schools is such a positive step, as we are able to educate the vets of the future on the benefits of transfusion medicine and blood typing, whilst giving them some real hands-on experience."
Veterinary support manager for Royal Canin, Chris Geddes, said: "We are really pleased to be able to assist Pet Blood Bank UK become more mobile and reach more donors. The charity's work is so important to the emergency and critical care of patients, as shown by the tremendous gratitude of the owners of blood recipients."
Golden retriever Beau was one such recipient who had received a transfusion last month after suffering a haemorrhage after surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus. His owners, Janet and David Liggins, attended the event with a fully-recovered Beau and their other golden retriever, Lotti who gave blood.
Mrs Liggins said: "We can't speak highly enough of all the vets and vet nurses that cared for him - they did a tremendous job looking after Beau, and us! The Pet Blood Bank provided the blood that saved Beau's life. We are really pleased that Lotti was able to give blood. She was a star - the perfect donor!"
Veterinary practices wanting to encourage their clients to put dogs forward as donors, or which would like to support the work of Pet Blood Bank UK, should visit http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/ or contact Pet Blood Bank UK on 01509 232 222 or 0844 800 9925 (5p/min). Blood donors are needed for a second blood collection session at the Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington campus, on Saturday, May 23: 10-4pm.
Researchers from the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol have had a study into domestic dogs' fear responses to noise published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
According to the University, the study provides an important insight into dogs' fear of noises, and could improve our understanding of behavioural signs of fear or anxiety.
In the study two approaches were taken to investigate the occurrence of, and risk factors for, behaviours caused by a fear of noise: a postal survey of dog owners to investigate general demographic factors and a structured interview of a sub-set of owners to gather more detailed information.
It seems that while owners are often aware of their pet's behavioural response when exposed to a loud noise, they do not necessarily recognise it as being indicative of fear or anxiety. This has relevance both for awareness of compromised welfare, and the methodology for surveying such behaviour.
According to the researchers, other behavioural signs, such as decreased activity or salivation, may not be as easily recognised by owners as signs of fear, and may be under-reported. Also, signs of urination, salivation and destruction may make owners disappointed or angry, and this may influence their interpretation that such behaviours are associated with fearfulness.
The risk factors for owner-reported fear of noises included:
The researchers suggest a dog's early life experience is an important factor in the development of fear responses to specific loud noises.
Dr Rachel Casey, European Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University, said: "Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environment, and exposure to specific loud noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises. Interestingly, less than a third of owners sought professional advice about treatment for their pet's response to noises."
Disappointingly, less than a third of owners currently seek professional advice about treatment for their pet's fear. The researchers recommend there is a need for veterinary surgeons to increase awareness among the general dog owning public that treatment is both available and effective in dealing with fears of loud noises, and to direct them towards appropriate sources of help.
Information for vets and dog owners on finding an expert to help treat behaviour problems including fear of noises can be found at www.rspca.org.uk/findabehaviourist
Paper: Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour, Emily J. Blackwell, John W.S. Bradshaw, Rachel A. Casey, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, published online 22 January 2013.
Reasonable adjustments can include changing working arrangements and providing equipment, services and support.
The campaign will address common myths and misconceptions surrounding reasonable adjustments and highlight the legal obligations of leaders and managers around implementation.
The campaign, which will run until the end of July, is being launched after an RCVS/British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BCVIS) survey concluded there is a need to increase awareness about reasonable adjustments, promote wider discussion and equip organisations with the information they need to implement them.
The research also indicated that improved knowledge of legislation is needed, with communication also being raised as an important issue, so that individuals feel empowered to ask for the support they need.
MMI Lead, Rapinder Newton, said: “Our ‘Let’s talk adjustments’ campaign will support people to have these important conversations by sharing information, educational resources and guidance on good practice.
"It will also provide examples of different types of adjustments, including examples that are specific to the veterinary context.
“We know that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected.
"Reasonable adjustments can support both physical and mental health but also helps to safeguard mental health through allowing individuals with disabilities to thrive.
“We will be keeping people updated on the campaign, which has its own dedicated section on the RCVS website, via the RCVS social media channels, as well as providing information in RCVS newsletters, so do keep an eye out for this over the coming months.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/leadership-diversity-and-inclusion/reasonable-adjustments-campaign/
Photo courtesy: https://depositphotos.com
The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) is calling for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to establish an independent register of veterinary physiotherapy practitioners. According to the Association, such a register would eliminate individuals practicing without proper training and qualifications and raise the standard of veterinary physiotherapy by providing a disciplinary role.
NAVP President and leading veterinary anatomist Dr Sue Kempson is heading the NAVP campaign for the establishment of an independent register. In a letter to the President of the RCVS, Dr Kempson said: "Recognition by the veterinary profession of the role of physiotherapy in post-operative rehabilitation and in supporting both companion and performance animals is growing. However, we do believe that referring veterinary surgeons are increasingly faced with a dilemma caused by the wide differential between qualifications offered by the various organisations representing practitioners in areas such as physiotherapy. There is an urgent need for a distinction to be made between these different types of qualification. To this end, there should be a clearly defined independent register of practitioners with appropriately validated qualifications which are clearly understood by the veterinary profession."
In partnership with Harper Adams University College, the NAVP has introduced a fully-validated post-graduate course in veterinary physiotherapy which offers a choice of Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree. Only one other professional body, the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) currently offers a similar qualification at this level.
Dr Kempson said: "The establishment of a register of physiotherapists would greatly assist vets and their clients to make informed decisions on their choice of therapist. It would eliminate those individuals without proper training and qualifications and help raise the standard of veterinary physiotherapy by providing a disciplinary role. At present there are no sanctions on those people practicing without the necessary qualifications or those whose work is sub-standard or who are guilty of professional misconduct.
"We do not believe that such a register should rest with any individual professional body or be affiliated to specific educational courses. To have authority, it requires independence and a register held under the auspices of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons would carry the credibility that the veterinary profession requires."
The Royal Veterinary College is embarking on an educational tour to provide advice to school children on studying and working in the veterinary sector.
The tour will visit secondary schools in the following towns:
The RVC says the event is designed to demonstrate the diversity of the profession, looking at both clinical and non-clinical careers within it. RVC staff, students and recent graduates will be on hand to answer questions for all of those interested in becoming a vet, veterinary nurse or bio-veterinary scientist.
Visitors will have the chance to carry out practical veterinary and scientific skills and discover diagnosis techniques using the RVC's state-of-the-art Haptic laptop, which contains the Core Skills Trainer; a collection of computer games that use touch technology to teach key manual skills needed to become a veterinary professional.
The event will also allow attendees to compete against each other to test their aptitude for core veterinary skills.
The sessions will be open to secondary school students, teachers, parents and careers advisers. It will present information on the wide-ranging courses offered by the RVC and the differing career choices available in the sector.
Booking is essential in order to attend and can be completed at www.rvc.ac.uk/rvcontour. For further information please call 020 7468 1257 or email schools@rvc.ac.uk.
The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary division of International Cat Care, has announced the publication of the new ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in this month's Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery1.
The guidelines represent the consensus of an expert panel of clinicians and academics gathered from the UK, France, Australia and North America. In making their recommendations, the panelists considered various management approaches and graded the quality of the available published evidence with respect to their impact on quality of life and longevity.
The authors say dietary management is supported by good evidence. Notably, specific commercial renal diets have been shown to significantly prolong longevity and improve quality of life. A common problem, however, is poor acceptance of these diets, which are generally less palatable than maintenance diets, and the guidelines include a number of recommendations to assist in transitioning cats to a new diet.
Other interventions with good supportive evidence are routine assessment of blood pressure in cats with CKD, and use of antihypertensive medications (when indicated) to help protect organs at particular risk of damage, such as the eyes and heart.
Given the chronic nature of CKD, the guidelines, which are free to access and download, emphasise how vital it is for the veterinary clinic to establish a good relationship with the cat’s owner. This will facilitate treatment plans to be created that take into consideration the wishes and ability of the owner, as well as the needs of the individual cat.
You can read the guidelines here. There is also a podcast recording of the panel chairman Dr Andrew Sparkes discussing the guidelines is available here.
Reference
The webinar will discuss the importance of self-compassion and provide an overview of Katherine and Sarah’s research into the effectiveness of an online compassion focused therapy (CFT) intervention in improving the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
Katherine and Sarah will also go into more detail about how to get the most out of a CFT course they have created, which will be made freely available for veterinary professionals on the Mind Matters website and on the RCVS YouTube channel .
Katherine said: “Our recent randomised control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians.
"Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary professions, so that as many people are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource as possible.
“Even though our research was conducted on veterinary surgeons, we hope that the course will be useful to all those working in the veterinary team as the content can be applied in a number of contexts.
“Our webinar will explain more about our research, as well as some of the science behind the effectiveness of the course in a veterinary context.
"So, if you are interested in learning more about how CFT may be able to help you and your team, both in a personal and professional capacity, please do come along.”
Katherine and Sarah’s compassion focused therapy course will be made available on the Mind Matters website in due course. In order to access the online compassion course, individuals are invited to complete a short questionnaire before and after watching one 10-15 minute video each day for 14 days, with the aim of the video intervention being to develop self-compassion skills and reduce self-criticism.
https://vetmindmatters.org/events/
The BVA has announced that Young Vet Network (YVN) members can now benefit from discounted access to Vetstream, the online peer reviewed service that provides clinical information about the veterinary care of dogs, cats, horses and rabbits.
YVN members, 3-8 years graduated, will now be able to benefit from large discounts (up to 63%) on Vetstream’s services, while graduates up to two years qualified already have free access to Vetstream via Vetstart.
Further information about the new package can be found on the BVA website at http://www.bva.co.uk/youngvetnetwork/vetstream_for_yvn_members.asp
Other YVN news includes the appointment of John Remnant as the new junior graduate BVA Council representative, while senior graduate rep Louisa Rance has given an interview to VETS.TV - the new web TV service currently being piloted by BVA - in which she talks about the work of the YVN and how it is helping newly qualified vets with the challenges faced after leaving vet school.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a campaign supporting veterinary professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of otitis externa at BSAVA World Congress.
The campaign includes a range of guidance, information and case studies from key opinion leaders.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage the identification of the organism causing infection through cytology, support the selection of the correct treatment and assist with educating clients on how to apply and use products correctly. The cytology guidance has been produced in association with veterinary dermatologists Peter Forsythe and Ariane Neuber, who is also a speaker at this year's Congress in Birmingham.
A new website www.dechra.com/timetochange is being launched to coincide with the campaign which provides online CPD focusing on skin and ear cytology.
Dechra Veterinary Products' Managing Director Bob Parmenter said: "We are delighted to launch It's Time to Change at the largest international veterinary event ever held in the UK. BSAVA World Congress has a reputation for promoting best practice, as does Dechra in its support of veterinary professionals.
"Amid a growing concern surrounding the issues of antimicrobial resistance, the new dermatology drive will aim to support vets through a holistic best practice approach to managing ear disease."
"Without the appropriate treatment combined with correct owner compliance, antimicrobial resistance could be a major issue for the companion animal veterinary profession. That's why we have launched this campaign and we're looking forward to speaking to delegates about why it's time to change."
Referral Dermatologist Sue Paterson MA, VetMB, DVD, DipECVD, MRCVS, RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology is available to speak with delegates at the Dechra Veterinary Products stand on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14.
Greendale Veterinary Diagnostics has announced a partnership with a referral practice in order to provide general practitioners with additional support and advice with their exotic cases.
Through this partnership, Birch Heath Veterinary Clinic will provide interpretation of test results and practical advice for Greendale clients wishing to discuss perplexing cases.
Steve Clarke, Business Development Manager at Greendale said: "Exotic veterinary work relies heavily on diagnostic laboratory investigation, and Greendale's technical excellence, combined with Birch Heath's clinical expertise, provides a unique service for veterinary surgeons treating the increasing number of exotic pets seen in the UK."
In addition, the company has produced a new brochure which gives advice concerning how to obtain blood samples from exotic species. Each brochure contains a voucher for one free sample submission to encourage vets to gain confidence in our new service.
For a copy of the brochure or further information, call: 01483 797707.
A new study from the University of Surrey, published today in the journal PLOS One, has identified the specific effects of a malformation which affects affects toy breeds.
According to researchers, Chiari malformation has become prevalent as a result of selective breeding and affects many toy dog breeds which have been bred to look more doll-like, including Griffon Bruxellois, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas and their crosses.
Researchers took brain, skull and vertebrae measurements of 155 Griffon Bruxellois and compared dogs affected by the condition with normal Griffons. They discovered that Griffons with the disease had taller foreheads and that it had also caused the shape of the brain to change, with severely affected animals having their cerebellum pushed underneath the main part of the brain.
The researchers say that although it can be asymptomatic, in many dogs Chiari malformation can cause headaches, problems with walking or even paralysis.
The condition can also affect humans and the University is working with human geneticists at the University of Montreal, in the hope that better understanding of the condition will lead to improved treatment for both dogs and humans.
Lead author, Dr Clare Rusbridge from the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "Chiari malformation can be described as trying to fit a big foot into a small shoe. It can be very painful, causing headaches and pressure on the brain and can result in fluid filled cavities in the spinal cord. Our latest discoveries will be significant in driving this research forward and hopefully allow us to identify which genes may be associated with the condition.
"Our next steps will be to apply our technique to other breeds with Chiari malformation and investigate more sophisticated ways of screening, so that risk of disease can be detected more easily, at an earlier age and with a single MRI scan.
"We want to engage breeders and give them practical advice about the condition, but it is also important that the public recognises that breeding dogs in a certain way to influence how they look might not be in the animal's best interest. There are responsible breeders out there, who have invested in screening and who are breeding for health as well as producing attractive puppies, and it is vital that people only look to buy from them."
The taskforce was established following the EU referendum result on 24 June, with the central purpose of putting the profession in charge of its future by maximising the opportunities and minimising the risks of Brexit.
Almost half of veterinary surgeons registering in the UK qualified from veterinary schools elsewhere in the EU. While the Government issued a statement in mid-July clarifying that as yet there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK or UK nationals in the EU, it is not clear whether this situation will continue once the UK has left the EU.
The Brexit Presidential Taskforce will consider, and proactively engage with, the many possible changes that could shape the future of the UK veterinary profession due to Brexit.
The members of the Taskforce are: the President of the College, Chris Tufnell; the CEO, Nick Stace; the Treasurer, Amanda Boag; Operations Director, Corrie McCann; Junior Vice-President, Stephen May; Acting Registrar, Eleanor Ferguson; Chair of Education, Susan Dawson; Head of Education, Chris Warman; Council member Stuart Reid; Chair of VN Council, Liz Cox; and Director of Strategic Communications, Lizzie Lockett.
The terms of reference include: considering how EU regulations currently impact the regulation of veterinary professionals in the UK, and making recommendations as to which should be maintained; looking at the issue of mutual recognition of veterinary graduates in Europe; considering workforce requirements and the implications of a new system of immigration; understanding the implications for the current RCVS agenda; considering whether a proactive RCVS agenda can influence any new UK legislation; reconsidering the College’s existing international strategy; and studying the financial impact on the College.
It was also agreed that the College should maintain communications with the British Veterinary Association and coordinate approaches where appropriate.
Dr Chris Tufnell, President of the RCVS, said: "Brexit has profound implications for our professions. The Presidential Taskforce is exploring all implications and will develop proposals that will seek to mitigate the risks and maximise the benefits that can flow to the veterinary professions and to animal welfare.
"We are working closely with representative bodies and others so that the veterinary professions have a coordinated and well executed plan in place. We are in discussions with all relevant Government departments, working collaboratively and constructively, ensuring that our voice is heard and our influence is felt."
The next meeting will be held on 15 September, with the third one scheduled for 9 November.
The guidelines, which have produced by a panel of clinicians and analgesia researchers, summarise the current evidence and offer expert opinion and best practice recommendations for the use of analgesics for common scenarios.
Recommendations include:
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ said: "The BEVA primary care clinical guidelines provide up-to-date clarity on the fundamental aspects of equine pain management for the clinician and are essential reading for all those in first opinion ambulatory roles."
The guidelines are the first in a series being produced for primary care vets by BEVA. They can be downloaded here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.13198
A new award aims to ‘reward innovative and outstanding work' by a veterinarian, in the field of pain management in companion animals or horses.
The Merial Animal Health sponsored initiative was announced at a recent Pain Management Symposium held in Croatia.
Applications are now being invited for the first Merial European Pain Management Award. Case histories may relate to pain in connection with osteoarthritis, surgery, oncology or pain due to other causes.
Dr Frédéric Beugnet, technical director at Merial, Lyon explained: "The objective is to share knowledge for a better understanding, recognition, scoring and control of pain in companion animals."
Worth €3000 to the winner, the 2008 award will be presented at the 2009 Merial Pain Management Symposium to be held next spring. Applications should be made in English in an electronic format and include a short abstract (max. 500 words) of the work the applicant wishes to submit, a CV and a completed application form.
The deadline for submission is 1st November 2008. Application forms are available from Merial, please email: ukcompanionanimal@merial.com with "Merial Pain Management Award 2008" as the subject header.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched its complimentary blood testing service that allows practitioners to investigate one of the main infectious causes of early embryo loss in sheep flocks.
The annual subsidised Barren EweCheck diagnostic scheme is available from 1st December 2009 until 31st March 2010 for breeding ewe flocks. The service establishes whether Toxoplasma gondii is potentially implicated in any empty or aborting ewes.
ISPAH says that data from the 2009 scheme showed that 69% of flocks had been exposed to the toxoplasma parasite at some point before blood sampling. As a result, practitioners were able to give clients receiving a positive diagnosis timely advice on disease control and the benefits of a Toxovax vaccination regime.
Further information and the 2010 Barren EweCheck pads are available directly from the company's Veterinary Support Group by calling 01908 685685.
Hill's has made the Dietary Key, it's detailed guide to the ingredients, nutritional analysis and feeding recommendations for every Hill's product, available online at www.hillsproducts.com.
Hill's says the UK is the first country to be able to access the Dietary Key on-line. The new site is free with open access to all, giving vets and nurses up to the minute information about Science Plan, Nature's Best and Prescription Diet ranges.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager said: "It's taken a long time to develop the site to contain the depth of information we feel vets and nurses need to make judgements on how to feed individual patients. There are no hidden passwords and no registration is required. We wanted to be completely open about our ingredients and the nutritional analysis of our product ranges. It should make life much easier for practices to have this level of detail, transparency and open access."