Kruuse has launched a new extra large size Bovivet Hoof Bandage for use in the treatment of digital dermatitis (DD) in cattle.

According to the company, an estimated 70 per cent of dairy herds suffer with digital dermatitis and, if not treated, it can persist for months, causing pain and lameness to infected cows. Indeed, a paper¹ presented at the BCVA 2011 Congress by Prof. N.B. Cook, Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison, USA, said that "lameness can systematically undermine the management of the dairy herd. No other disease has such fundamental and extensive effects on production, reproduction and risk of early herd removal."

The most effective way to fight DD has been found to be the management and treatment of individual animals. Traditional treatments have involved thoroughly washing the infected hoof, applying an antibiotic/drying agent, such as salicylic acid powder, and then applying a dressing that must remain in place usually for three days. However, it can be hard to correctly dose the salicyclic acid powder and there can be complications in ensuring that the dressing is correctly applied at the right pressure and that it stays in place. It can also be a risk to the user's health when mixing the powder.

Kruuse says this can be made easier by using the Bovivet complete Hoof Bandage along with Kruuse Hoof Gel 38%. Firstly, by using a gel, dosing is easy and more accurate, making it more economical per treatment; and, secondly, for the user, it reduces potential health risks from inhalation of the powder when mixing.

Stuart Wilson from Kruuse UK said: "Since the launch in the UK early last year, the hoof bandage has been very well received by cattle vets, but we were told by them that a larger version was needed in some cases. So Kruuse has produced the new extra large size 'red Jimmy Choos for moos'!"

Kruuse has produced the following instructional video to demonstrate the products' ease of use and versatility, and says that the estimated cost per hoof, assuming ten treatments from a bottle of the gel, is £2.71.

Reference

1. "Finding solutions to lameness problems in dairy herds", Cook,N.B., Clinical Associate Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI53706, USA

Greater collaboration between disciplines to promote the 'One Health' approach for people and pets could save the NHS 2.5 billion a year, according to Danny Mills, Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln.

Professor Mills, an authority on companion animal behaviour, cognition and welfare, made the claim at Purina’s 'Better with Pets' European Forum in Brussels, where experts in the animal and human relationship gathered recently to discuss the benefits that pets can have to public health.

Professor Mills highlighted how animal assisted activities and therapy (AAT), where animals are used to improve social, emotional and cognitive functioning, supporting recovery and rehabilitation, can play an important role in the cost saving. He also noted how pets have been shown to reduce anxiety in those with autism, while also easing the stress levels of parents and carers.

Attendees at the event heard  an example of AAT in practice at the Sant Joan de Déu-Barcelona hospital in Spain where a functional unit has been in operation for the past six years. Here, sick children receive AAT on the advice of a doctor, both in the emergency room and on an inpatient basis. The hospital reports that the dogs help the children to have a better life and cope more effectively with their illnesses. Purina called on the public health community to recognise the advantages of AAT and to play an active part in supporting this vital element of public health care.

The panel – which also included Andrea Meisser, Vice-President of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on the Human-Animal Relationship, Ruud Tombrock, Director for the Europe Region of World Animal Protection, and Andrea Gavinelli, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Health and food safety Directorate General – noted that while the benefits of the bond between people and pets are widely felt, they are sometimes hard to quantify empirically.

Professor Mills noted that it can be challenging for researchers to have papers accepted by journals or funding bodies, making it difficult for policymakers to promote the benefits of pets for public health. The panel agreed that greater partnership between all disciplines – from researchers to veterinarians and policymakers – was crucial to advancing the understanding of the public health benefits of pets and people.

Discussing how policymakers could play a part in promoting the One Health approach, Mr Gavanelli called on the pet care community to work together to provide scientific examples and data highlighting economic and social benefits. He also noted that policymakers in Europe had an important part to play by taking a holistic approach to the issue.

Professor Mills said: "The benefits of responsible pet ownership are clear. I’ve seen pets have dramatic effects on autistic children. Understanding the subtleties and nuances of how people and pets work together is vitally important for the well-being of both, and has the potential to make a massive difference to public health. But it is crucial that the industry is given an opportunity to analyse this further. Ignoring the evidence is a far greater problem than dismissing the research as being at an early stage."

Pets’n’Vets has announced that it is burying a veterinary time capsule under its new Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital being built on the southside of Glasgow.

Brainchild of Pets’n’Vets partner Ross Allan, the idea is that the capsule will reveal to future generations how the cutting edge veterinary facility in Glasgow looked in 2015 and help show just how far veterinary science has developed when it is opened in 2115.

Ross said: "The aim of the time capsule is to document the memories, hopes and dreams of our staff at this exciting point in our story, and preserve them as best we can for discovery in 100 years."

The capsule, which was curated with help from The Veterinary History Society and the British Library, contains:

• Personal statements from staff, outlining their current roles in practice and their hopes for the future.
• A statement from George Leslie MRCVS, who retired in 2010 having founded the practice in 1979.
• Photographs of the staff and practice.
• The most recent issues of the Vet Record, JSAP and the Veterinary History Society Journal.
• A full copy of the Vet Futures report, so that future generations can look back and see just how right - or wrong - the document is and whether the profession addressed the challenges and met the opportunities in the profession today.
• A titanium TTA forked plate, fork, cage and self-tapping screws, as future "memorabilia of early 21st century cruciate surgery".
• A 6 hole dynamic compression plate (DCP) with self-tapping screws.

Ross said: "As an orthopaedic surgeon, I’m used to dealing with cutting edge metal plates, screws and pins when fixing fractured legs, but helping develop this capsule was an entirely new challenge for me. It is very rewarding to use great science to preserve these memories as best we can.

"The time capsule has been designed with this in mind: maintaining optimal humidity, zero oxygen and steady temperature. It will be welded shut before being flushed with argon gas, all measures to help preserve the photos, letters and other contents for those that are lucky enough to open it."

In order preserve the contents as best as possible, Ross sought the advice of Glasgow Museums, which advised including archive quality paper and ink to prevent fading of writing and images, as well as the use of corrosion bags to contain the metallic surgical implants.

"I thought it would be fun to include the implants we currently use for cruciate surgery," said Ross. "This is one aspect of veterinary surgery that has especially progressed over the last 30 years and will doubtlessly continue to progress in the years ahead."

David Thomson, Preventative Conservation Officer, Glasgow Museums, added: "Sending things safely into the future is very like preserving the collections we have in the Museum. The Veterinary Time Capsule meets the highest standards for slowing down the normal ageing effects of our environment and we wish it well on its journey through time."

The time capsule has been registered with the International Time Capsule Society (ITCS) at Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, USA. 

Ross said: "This will ensure the capsule is followed up and not, like the majority, lost forever," said Ross. "When opened, the contents should offer a snapshot into Scottish 21^st Century veterinary medicine and perhaps it can offer a small legacy to the future of veterinary medicine too.

"Veterinary medicine is going through a huge transition at present – the scope of what is available today is poles apart from what was possible even 10 years ago – and we are delighted to help document its development in Glasgow to this point. Just what might be possible when the capsule is opened in 2115 is mind boggling!"

The British Veterinary Association has reiterated its call for heightened vigilance following confirmation by AHVLA that Schmallenberg virus (SBV) has been detected on four sheep farms in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex.

At this early stage the virus is understood to be vector-borne (although other routes of transmission have not been ruled out) and the clinical signs seen along with meteorological modelling of risk suggests that the four farms were affected during summer/autumn 2011, with congenital defects now becoming visible at lambing time.

Animals imported from the affected areas in northern Europe are also considered to be potentially at risk and their destination in the UK has been identified.

Congenital deformities and nervous defects are seen in newborn lambs, goat kids and calves. Clinical signs in affected cattle include pyrexia (fever), milk drop, and diarrhoea similar to what is often termed 'winter dysentery'. Farmers should be looking out for clusters of these signs within herds and flocks and reporting them to their veterinary surgeon.

Vets who are aware of suspicious clinical signs on their client's farms should report them to AHVLA, SAC or the local DARD divisional veterinary office for further investigation.

AHVLA, SAC and DARD have stated that they are keen to investigate potential cases and there will be no extra charge for the SBV tests that are undertaken, but their approaches are slightly different.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland AHVLA and AFBI are carrying out SBV-only testing (ie to rule the disease in or out) free of charge but are charging the standard subsidised investigation charge for any additional diagnostic work.

In Scotland any carcases submitted for post mortem examinations are examined at the standard fee and all necessary examinations required by the VIO to investigate the case are included in the fee. SAC is not charging an additional fee for SBV testing.

Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said:  "The confirmation of Schmallenberg virus in sheep flocks in England is a reminder to vets and farmers across the UK to step up vigilance amongst ruminants.

"The BVA would encourage vets to speak to their local AHVLA, SAC or DARD team to discuss any suspect cases and consider submitting specimens for further investigation. We understand that in confirmed cases clinical signs occur in clusters and vets should ensure they know what to look for in both adult and perinatal ruminants.

"While the cases in the south east of England suggest the virus is vector-borne other potential routes of transmission are still being considered. Although the risk of zoonosis is believed to be very low it has not been ruled out and a sensible precautionary approach should be taken by those handling infected animals and specimens."

Virbac, makers of the recently-launched Trilotab (trilostane) is hosting a free CPD webinar about Cushing's syndrome in dogs tomorrow, Tuesday 26th November, at 8:00pm. 

Despite being one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs, affecting approximately 1-2 dogs per 1,000¹, Cushing’s syndrome can often be difficult to diagnose due to non-specific clinical signs and the lack of a single, highly accurate test.

The webinar is being presented by Professor Carmel Mooney FRCVS, an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine (Endocrinology), who will  equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to confidently diagnose and treat Cushing’s syndrome and learn the essentials of monitoring trilostane therapy.

Carmel is currently Clinical Director of the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, Director of the ECVIM-CA residency programme and Director of the DVMS Professional Doctorate Programme within the School of Veterinary Medicine. 

She has published widely in the field of small animal endocrinology with over 80 original articles, reviews and case reports published in peer-reviewed journals, four books as joint editor and 30 book chapters.

https://membership.elearning.vet/cushings-webinarcarmel-mooney 

Reference

1. Schofield I, Brodbelt DC, Niessen SJM, Church DB, Geddes RF, O’Neill DG. Frequency and risk factors for naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome in dogs attending UK primary-care practices. J Small Anim Pract. 2022 Apr;63(4):265-274. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13450. Epub 2021 Dec 8. PMID: 34881823; PMCID: PMC9299886.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is calling for comment on a draft Performance Protocol, which aims to manage proportionately any justified concerns about the professional performance of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses.

The RCVS's Preliminary Investigation and Advisory Committees have been working together to develop a new protocol setting out the way in which the College will respond to ongoing performance-related concerns. There is an expectation that veterinary surgeons and RVNs are already regularly reviewing their clinical work in the workplace. This will be reinforced by the new principles-based Code of Professional Conduct, currently being finalised, which is likely to require clinical governance to be part of professional practice for veterinary surgeons and RVNs.

According to the College, the draft protocol is intended to formalise and build on the way it already manages ongoing serious performance-related concerns. It introduces new measures, including supervision and undertakings, to seek to ensure that veterinary surgeons and RVNs take reasonable steps to address any serious performance concerns. This will bring the RCVS into line with other professional regulators and enable a tailored and proportionate response to these cases to protect the welfare of animals and the public interest. The College's current system of offering advice to veterinary surgeons and RVNs will remain for complaints which are closed, because there is no indication of serious professional misconduct.

The College says that according to independent legal advice, such an approach is appropriate and necessary in order for it to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities. The draft performance protocol follows similar legal advice that supported the implementation of the RCVS Health Protocol, and both protocols clarify the College's parallel jurisdiction relating to health and performance-related issues.

RCVS President Jerry Davies said: "When veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses are unable to deal with performance-related concerns, it is important that we are able to provide a supportive framework to oversee remedial steps that are designed to address those concerns and encourage professional development. This is best achieved outside a Disciplinary Committee hearing, if at all possible".

The approved draft protocol is now open for public consultation, and may be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/performance. All comments on the draft should be emailed to Simon Wiklund, Advisory Manager at s.wiklund@rcvs.org.uk by 13 January 2012, with 'Performance Protocol' added to the subject heading.

The feedback received from the consultation will be considered by the Preliminary Investigation and Advisory Committees in January 2012, before being submitted to RCVS Council for approval in March.

The College says it hopes that a performance protocol will form part of the supporting guidance to the new RCVS Codes of Professional Conduct for both veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses.

Nominations are now being sought for candidates to stand in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Council and Veterinary Nurse Council (VN Council) elections. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on 31 January 2013.

Nick Stace, RCVS Chief Executive said: "Last year, a record number of veterinary surgeons showed by seeking a seat on RCVS Council that they were willing to help regulate their profession. The RCVS needs the efforts of willing vets and VNs to ensure that their professions continue to be well regulated. If you've thought about standing 'someday' - why not make someday now?"

There are six seats due to be filled on RCVS Council, and two on VN Council. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms. Council members will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council and Committee meetings, working parties and subcommittees (for which a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).

Each candidate needs to find two proposers; any veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse (who is not presently on either Council) may propose one candidate for RCVS or VN Council respectively.

Nomination forms, full instructions and guidance notes are available from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13.  

For the first time this year the RCVS will organise a webinar-style hustings event for RCVS Council candidates during the election period. This will offer candidates the opportunity to outline his or her manifesto verbally in a live event, with an audio-only recording. It will not be compulsory for candidates to take part, although it is hoped that the event will enable candidates to make their points in a way that will engage a broader range of voters than the paper manifestos alone.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has increased its range of marketing and educational materials about heart disease and the use of Vetmedin.

The materials include canine heart disease awareness posters for either the waiting room or consult room which feature 'static cling' technology, enabling them to stick to any surface without adhesive, as well as information leaflets, owner booklets, health diaries and dog tags.

Materials for dog owners are designed to inform about the signs to look out for with heart disease, and the steps involved in the diagnosis and management of the condition. There's a post-prescription owner booklet which features a health diary for dog owners to fill in, allowing them to track any changes in their dog's condition, as well as details on the telltale signs of heart failure and the benefits of Vetmedin.

Also available in the range are materials to help make prescribing the optimum dose of Vetmedin as easy as possible, including dose optimisation mouse mats, dose dials, treatment algorithms and interactive dose calculators on CD for those veterinary practices without internet access.

For further information, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or call 01344 746959.

The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons that the retention fee payment deadline is 31 March. Fee payments received after 1 April are subject to an extra £35, and veterinary surgeons whose fees remain unpaid after 31 May are removed from the Register.

Veterinary surgeons also need to confirm or update their Register details annually as part of renewing their registration. Although the deadline for this is 30 September, members may find it convenient to do this at the same time as making fee payments. UK- and overseas-practising members need to confirm additionally that they have met the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Renewals can be made either online or via the form included with the annual renewal notice, regardless of how payments are made.

Fees can be paid through the RCVS website, by cheque, direct debit (which will need to have been set up in advance) or bank transfer. Particularly relevant for those making payments on someone else's behalf, is to remember to write the vet's name and Register number on the back of the cheque, or as a bank transfer reference. The RCVS processes over 22,000 registrations every year and needs to know to whom each payment relates.

For those who have set up a direct debit, the RCVS generally aims to take the payment on 31 March. As this will be a Sunday this year, the payment will be taken as soon as possible afterwards. To set up a bank transfer (which can be from a bank account online, telephone banking, or a branch, depending what the bank offers) the RCVS account details are available by telephoning the Finance Department (020 7202 0723). Payments cannot be taken over the phone.

A veterinary surgeon's registration acts as a licence to practise and those removed from the Register may not practise unless and until they have been restored.

The Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest medical research charity, has announced the launch of a new £10.7m initiative to provide support for a range of activities designed to encourage veterinarians to take up research careers.

The scheme will be run in partnership with the UK's veterinary schools at the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Nottingham, and the University of Oxford (Laboratory Animal Medicine Component).

The programme will deliver 20 Clinical Research Training Fellows, each with a PhD and a clinical or pathology specialist qualification, as well as number of postdoctoral fellows and clinical doctoral fellows, each with a DVM and specialist postgraduate training in laboratory animal medicine. In addition, leading to these centrepiece awards will be 175 Vacation Scholarships, 175 Intercalation Awards, support for 5 Summer Schools, and 9 one-year Research Entry Scholarships.

To coincide with the announcement of the new programme, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched The Impact of Veterinary Research, a brochure to promote the key role that veterinary research plays in our lives.

Diagnostic imagers at Davies Veterinary Specialists have been exploring the power and 3D resolution of their new CT scanner, and have come up with a fascinating virtual CT bronchoscopy (VB) that tracks the airways of a dog.

A movie of the bronchoscopy can be seen here: http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk%20/06_Animal_Welfare/Services/Diagnostic_Imaging.html

Using the multiple image slices generated, and considerable computing power, virtual broncoscopy allows the user to navigate through the images as if within the actual airway. In human medicine VB is commonly used in diagnostic procedures such as guided biopsy, pre-surgical planning and teaching. It may be combined with real bronchoscopy to facilitate lesion localisation and sampling.

Jerry Davies, managing director of DVS and RCVS Specialist in veterinary diagnostic imaging explains: “Whilst the usefulness of this technique in veterinary medicine remains to be explored, the exciting potential applications include anatomic assessment of the airway, foreign body localisation and pre-surgical planning.”