In short, it's a way for equine vets, researchers and students to stay on top of the latest research without accumulating towering stacks of unread journals.
Early reaction to the publication has been very positive. Professor Renate Weller at the Royal Veterinary College said: "HoofSearch is a great tool for anybody interested in staying up to date with what work is going on in relation to horse feet. It is a trustworthy source at an affordable price.
Renate added: "I am not the only one who appreciates HoofSearch; the farriers enrolled in our new degree in research are also using it for their work."
RVC Structure and Motion Laboratory PhD candidate Amy Barstow, BVetMed (Hons), agreed: "HoofSearch gives you a straightforward, time-efficient way to stay on top of the latest research."
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Emerita Hilary M. Clayton also endorses the new publication. She said: "HoofSearch is worth its weight in gold – instead of spending countless hours scouring the literature, I just go through HoofSearch each month and find all the new publications, proceedings and patents neatly classified and enough of the abstract to convey the contents of the article."
Publisher Fran Jurga said: "Everywhere professionals are involved in helping horses with foot problems, the push is on to both be able to access and build on a comprehensive, if still evolving, body of knowledge. These reports will be useful to track how this newly expanding field of research grew and contributed to the improved welfare, longevity and soundness of horses in the future. I can’t wait to add more editions on other equine health subjects."
A subscription to HoofSearch is US$119, worldwide, for 12 editions.
For more information, visit: https://goo.gl/hJTISt
To subscribe (outside the US), visit: https://www.paypal.me/Hoofcare/119
The GPAdvCert is aimed at European veterinary professionals who want to advance their knowledge and practical skills in small animal orthopaedics.
Accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and validated by Harper Adams University, the programme is delivered over 15 modules at three venues including TrecchiLAB, a new international practical education centre in Cremona.
John Douglass from Improve said: "We were delighted to welcome delegates to our highest-level surgery syllabus under the expert tutelage of European Specialists Dr Bruno Peirone, Dr Lisa Piras, Dr Aldo Vezzoni, Dr Ulrike Matis, Dr Hugo Schmoekel and Dr Ditte Skytte and using the fantastic facilities at TrecchiLAB. This is the first programme we have run in partnership with the Italian Companion Animal Veterinary Association (SCIVAC) and is a milestone for us as we celebrate our 20th year in business.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming the delegates back for their second module in June in Madrid, Spain, and at our new practical facility in Sheffield in October."
At a hearing in April Dr Johnston had admitted all the charges against him, which related fraudulent claims for the treatment of animals, two of which were fictitious, where he arranged for the insurance claims to be diverted and paid into a personal bank account.
Dr Johnston had admitted all the charges against him as well as admitting that his conduct was dishonest and amounted to serious professional misconduct.
Committee Chair Paul Morris said: “The Committee has no hesitation in concluding that the respondent’s dishonest conduct will have severely undermined the confidence of the public in the veterinary profession and, further, that his conduct fell far short of the standards and conduct properly to be expected of a member of the veterinary profession.
"The Committee is satisfied that this conduct by the respondent brought the profession into disrepute.”
The proceedings were then adjourned to allow a psychiatric report and other mitigation to be prepared.
At its resumed hearing on earlier this month, the Committee considered what sanction to impose.
The Committee found that aggravating features of his misconduct were that it was premeditated, carefully planned and sophisticated in that it involved the creation of numerous and extensive false clinical records to support his fraudulent claims.
It also considered the fact that he implicated an innocent professional colleague who worked alongside him at the practice, that he abused the trust placed in him by clients, that the dishonest conduct was repeated and that it involved significant financial gain in excess of £13,200 to be further aggravating features of his conduct
In terms of mitigation, the Committee accepted that he had made early admissions regarding his conduct to his employer and the College and accepted responsibility.
The Committee also heard that he had made attempts at remediation involving repayments of some of the sums lost by the practice and insurers.
It also considered positive testimonials from family and professional colleagues and the fact that Dr Johnston had taken significant steps to deal with the gambling addiction that was at the root cause of his misconduct.
Having considered all the evidence, the Committee decided to postpone its decision on sanction for a period of 2 years on the condition that Dr Johnston agree to undertakings including refraining from any form of gambling, subjecting himself to a close regime of support and supervision, and repaying some of the sums he had defrauded.
Paul added: “In reaching this conclusion the Committee wishes to make it clear that it has taken an exceptional course in this case.
"Ordinarily conduct of the type covered by the charges which this respondent has accepted will merit the imposition of a sanction of removal from the Register or a period of suspension from the Register.
"In this instance the Committee has found it possible to take the course that it has because it is satisfied that the respondent was, at the time, suffering from a recognisable psychiatric compulsive addiction… and that the fraudulent attempts by the respondent to obtain funds with which to gamble would not have occurred but for this psychiatric condition.
“The Committee further considers that the undertakings offered by the respondent will serve to reduce the risk that he will relapse into gambling again, for his conduct will be closely monitored and he will accept continuing support and guidance from the organisations currently assisting him.
“The Committee is also satisfied of the requirements that neither animals nor the public will be put at risk by this proposed course of action; that the respondent has demonstrated insight into the seriousness of his misconduct and that there is currently no significant risk of repeat behaviour; that his practicing standards are not in need of improvement so long as he continues to fulfil his CPD obligations; that the undertakings offered are capable of being met, are appropriate and are measurable; that there is evidence that his underlying medical problem is being appropriately addressed, will be monitored and reported on; and that he has responded positively to the opportunities for support and counselling which have been offered to him.”
If Dr Johnston fails to comply with his undertakings the Committee will reconvene and consider the charges with the full range of sanctions at its disposal.
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
This year’s Protect and Prevent campaign urged rabbit owners to get their rabbits vaccinated, following the continued outbreak of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD2). Veterinary practices were also urged to make sure they were stocking the necessary vaccines to protect rabbits against RVHD2, RVHD and myxomatosis.
The company says that over 5000 campaign packs were downloaded from the Rabbit Awareness Week website and sales of RVHD2 vaccines in the veterinary sector in June 2019 were 55% up on June 2018.
Peter Lancaster, Marketing Manager at Burgess Pet Care said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to the RAW partners, veterinary practices, rescue centres, pet shop retailers and, of course, rabbit owners, for their continued support in helping us to improve the health and wellbeing of rabbits."
Dr Richard Saunders BVSc DZooMed MRCVS, veterinary advisor to RWAF said: "We heard lots of heart-breaking stories from owners and vets alike about rabbits, sometimes whole groups of rabbits, which had not been vaccinated. None of those people realised just how widespread the RVHD2 is, and how easy it is to pick it up. We will continue to campaign and share our message that it is very much better late than never to vaccinate rabbits against all three killer diseases of rabbits: myxomatosis, Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 1 and 2."
PDSA Vet Nurse, Kristiana Shirley, said: "Rabbit Awareness Week provided us with a great opportunity to engage with rabbit owners and raise awareness of the key preventative healthcare our bunnies so vitally need.
"During Rabbit Awareness Week in June, we saw a significant increase in the number of vaccines given when compared to previous months, and an increase in our rabbit MOTs too, which we hope is just the start of a trend which sees more owners protecting their rabbits from preventable, fatal diseases."
For more information on Rabbit Awareness Week, including free access to rabbit CPD, visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk
Chris, who is moving from Willows, will develop both the medical cardiology service and deliver a new interventional cardiology service to complement the existing surgical offering at Paragon, which is investing around £145,000 in ultrasound equipment and operating facilities to support the service.
Chris said: “I’ve had a great time at Willows and couldn’t think of a better place than Paragon to continue my passion for all things cardiology.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining Paragon, which is growing phenomenally to service the region whilst it cements itself as one of the leading referral centres in the north of England.
“The investment and expansion which is taking place at Paragon will allow us to develop another globally-recognised cardiology centre within Linnaeus.”
For more information, visit: www.paragonreferrals.co.uk
Located in the South East of England, the centre is part of the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, and one of the UK's largest veterinary pathology centres, offering high-containment post-mortem examination facilities and histopathology.
The centre is staffed by a team of board-certified veterinary pathologists, veterinary investigation officers and technicians, with expertise in farm-animal, equine, exotic and small-animal pathology.
The new building centres on a large containment level 2 post-mortem examination room with high ceilings, natural lighting, post-mortem examination tables, biological safety cabinets and integrated cold rooms, all served by a powerful winch system which means that post-mortem examinations can be performed on a wide range of species. A viewing gallery overlooks the suite and post-mortem examinations can be recorded and streamed for training purposes.
Professor Roberto La Ragione, Director of the Veterinary Pathology Centre, said: "Veterinary pathology is a growing discipline and its importance has been highlighted in recent disease outbreaks and the important role veterinary pathologists make in drug development. Helping the farming community to be more effective, sustainable and innovative, the Centre will work with partners, businesses and researchers to address some of the unique challenges faced by the veterinary and scientific community.
"It is the close relationships with our external clinical and scientific partners that enables us to be innovative in our approach to education and training here at the Surrey. An example of the latter is the use of digital pathology in teaching, research and diagnostics, which was the subject of discussion at the recent launch of the Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive).
"Together with our partners such as the National Physical Laboratory and the 5G Innovation centre, the Centre is at the forefront of the digitalisation of pathology and innovative big data management.
"The Centre offers the opportunity to inspire the next generation of veterinary pathologists and complements the centres of excellence that already exist in other vet schools and research institutes."
One £20,000 grant will be awarded each year for five years, starting in 2019 (making a £100,000 total by 2023) to fund research that focuses on mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary professions, including areas such as prevention, diagnosis, intervention and treatment.
Applications are welcome from individuals at all stages of their research careers, including those who have not previously been published, with research proposals relating to any aspect of mental health or wellbeing in the veterinary professions. Researchers must be affiliated with a university, and ethical approval must be in place.
RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, said: "Sarah Brown was a talented veterinary surgeon who was passionate about her profession. She was respected and loved by so many people and worked hard to support others. So it is fitting that, with the blessing of Sarah’s family, we are able to launch this grant in her memory. It’s only by improving the veterinary mental health evidence base that we will be able to hone the interventions and support that is available to members of the veterinary team."
Applicants should send their research proposal, along with a CV and short biography for all lead researchers, to Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager, by 5pm on Friday 31 May 2019.
Each proposal should be a maximum of 3,000 words and should include aims, methods, ethical considerations, proposed timelines, and a bibliography. Any academic literature referred to within the proposal should be accurately referenced. The winner of the grant will be decided in June 2019, with the winner then receiving their award at Royal College Day in London on Friday 12 July 2019.
The recipient of the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant for 2019 will be invited to present their research findings at the biennial Mind Matters Initiative Research Symposium in 2021.
Applications are particularly welcomed from those at an early stage in their research career. Guidance on how to prepare a research proposal is available at: https://esrc.ukri.org/funding/guidance-for-applicants/how-to-write-a-good-research-grant-proposal
Petplan has announced that nominations for its 2015 Veterinary Awards will open on 1st September 2014.
The awards, which are designed to recognise members of the veterinary profession who have gone 'above and beyond' in their daily roles, will be presented on 9th April 2015.
Petplan's Acting Head of Marketing, Ingrid Wakefield said: "At Petplan, we hear from our customers every day about the exceptional care veterinary staff have given to their pets. The Veterinary Awards provide an opportunity for Petplan to show their support for members of the veterinary profession who go beyond the call of duty in their role, and for pet owners across the UK to say thank you to the veterinary staff who have helped them and their pets."
Last year Petplan received more than 12,000 nominations, with every nominee receiving a certificate of recognition for their hard work.
Nominations can be made at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards, from the start of September.
Elanco has announced that it has finalised its acquisition of Novartis Animal Health.
The acquisition, announced in April last year, follows Elanco's purchase of Lohmann Animal Health earlier in 2014. It swells Elanco's portfolio to nearly 300 brands encompassing therapeutics, vaccines, parasiticides, antimicrobials, surgical, enzymes, food safety and more.
Gaynor Hillier, Elanco's General Manager UK and Ireland said: "Elanco's acquisition of Novartis Animal Health brings together two strong companies with a passion for serving the customer. We will continue to offer the products our customers trust, while significantly investing in the development of new solutions to meet our customers' greatest unmet needs."
The company says it will now increase investment in research and development significantly, with a combined portfolio of more than 100 product development projects focused on:
Gaynor added: "We'll continually seek innovative ways we can support our customers' business. With increased technical services, that combine our analytic and benchmarking tools with on-the-ground support, we'll be able to spend more time with individual customers seeking innovative solutions that can make a difference in their business."
Elanco says that the complete integration of the businesses will take some time, but it is trying to make the transition seamless. For the foreseeable future, business will continue in much the same way, including product ordering and customer support. Availability and access to products will continue uninterrupted.
For more information about the acquisition, visit www.elanco.com.
A new injectable antibiotic with nil-milk-withhold licensed to treat foul-in-the-foot in a single shot has been launched by Pfizer Animal Health.
Naxcel Cattle's active ingredient is ceftiofur in a patented sustained-release formulation. According to the company, one injection provides a full course of antibiotic therapy, giving seven days of therapeutic blood levels against the majority of inter-digital necrobacillosis ('foul-in-the-foot') pathogens.
Pfizer vet Dave Gilbert says the expectation is that Naxcel Cattle will make on-farm therapy easier and help improve treatment compliance and thereby first treatment success rates, compared to treatments which require repeat injections. "Having the full course in a single injection simplifies treatment protocols and eliminates a number of reasons for non-completion of treatment, such as forgetting a second or third dose, or not giving them because of apparent symptomatic recovery from the condition."
The site of injection for Naxcel Cattle is the subcutaneous area at the base of the ear (see Figures 1 & 2). Injection instructions are supplied in the product pack. Dave Gilbert suggests that provided cattle are adequately restrained during administration the injection technique is simple and straightforward. The dose rate is 1ml/30kg body weight and up to 30ml can safely be given into each site.
Figure 1. Subcutaneous administration of Naxcel Cattle at the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of ear).Figure 2. Injection location for the subcutaneous administration of Naxcel Cattle at the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of ear).
In an AI position statement released on their website, the company highlights the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI to interpret diagnostic images.
In the joint statement, company owners Victoria Johnson and Julien Labruyère (pictured right), said: “We strongly welcome the introduction of appropriately developed, tested and implemented AI tools into our profession, to provide solutions to improve resourcing and benefit animal welfare.
“There is a limited pool of veterinary radiologists and an ever-increasing need for expert interpretation of radiographs and more advanced diagnostic imaging modalities.
"This presents a huge opportunity for the development of AI and related technologies to better address demand, save time and potentially improve clinical knowledge and outcomes.
"However, it is important to note that, unlike human radiology, there is no official framework for the regulation, governance and quality control of AI tools in veterinary radiology.
"This means that there should be a very strong onus on companies and individuals to adhere to the highest standards of medical tool development when creating AI solutions.”
“If AI is released into veterinary practice without appropriate oversight or governance there is a significant risk of misleading results, misdiagnosis, and negative impacts on patient welfare.
"This, in turn, may undermine trust in AI and create a culture of hesitancy to adopt new technologies at a time when innovation is much needed to improve access to advanced care.”
The company is advocating for a series of self-regulatory measures to be applied by companies developing AI in order to safeguard both animal welfare and the liability of the veterinary surgeons using these tools in clinical practice.
The full position statement and a list of recommendations can be here: https://www.vet-ct.com/gb/our-services/ai-veterinary-radiology/
MDC Exports had launched a new biodegradable poo bag dispenser, aimed at veterinary practices and pet owners.
The idea is that pet owners can fix the dispenser to a wall, somewhere they'll be able to grab a bag on their way out of the door. The dispenser also has two strong hooks for other essentials such as dog leads or keys.
MDC Exports says their poo bags are generously-sized and feature long handles for simple tying and carrying. For more information, contact MDC Exports Limited on 01582 655600, or e-mail: mdcexports@btconnect.com
Oh I wish I was a travel journalist sometimes.
The College of Animal Welfare has opened a business school at its training and education centre in Chord Business Park in Godmanchester.
CAW Business School provides accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and leadership and management courses accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Leslie Heaton Smith, Director at The College of Animal Welfare, said: "The opening of our Business School is a new development in a long line of achievements and marks an exciting new venture. Whilst our focus has always been towards developing technical animal and veterinary related knowledge and skills to make significant improvements in animal welfare and veterinary care, we also recognise that quality of care is also highly dependent on the management and leadership of those controlling and investing the organisation's often scarce resources. Thus in order to provide high quality welfare to animals entrusted into their care, organisations need to be able to employ people with such skills".
The leadership and management courses are already underway and can be studied entirely online, or online with study weekends.
The College says the majority of AAT courses will start in September 2013, however an 8 week Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping course starts at the beginning of June. The College is also an AAT approved exam centre, meaning that students can sit their exams whilst at college.
For further information, call the College on 01480 422060 and speak to one of the Business School tutors. Alternatively, visit www.caw.ac.uk or book a place on the next open day on Wednesday 22 May from 9am-12pm or 6-9pm.
Virbac, maker of Pronefra for the management of CKD in cats and dogs, has launched a free app to help interpret patients' urine test results in line with the latest International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Guidelines.
The app, which is also called Pronefra, is available for download on both the Play store and Apple store.
Simon Boulton MRCVS, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals, said: "Reference ranges supplied by machines and labs are not always appropriate for the renal patient so we wanted to help practices to interpret kidney-specific results quickly and easily in line with the latest recommendations. The Pronefra app was the result. We have received very positive feedback on the app so far and hope it will help practices improve the quality and length of life of their renal patients."
Virbac is also providing further Pronefra practice support materials, include a pet health recording book for clients to aid in compliance and other educational tools for vets, nurses and clients.
Consultations are delivered online using video conferencing software, with the aim being to provide an immediate diagnosis and treatment plan. However, if a diagnosis cannot be made remotely, or the situation requires intensive medical or surgical intervention, Optivet offers non-contact clinical facilities in Hampshire, London and the Isle of Wight, or will recommend other, closer ophthalmology facilities if necessary.
Optivet says it has the medical and surgical expertise to deal with any ongoing issues and follow-up is provided remotely wherever possible.
Rob Lowe, RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology and founder of Optivet, said: “We have come up with an innovative, non-contact ophthalmology solution for both the present and the future. Optivet’s response time and immediate availability of an ophthalmology specialist is unmatched in the UK.
"Once you become a client, you become part of the Optivet family. Our amazing team will work with you throughout the patient journey to provide the highest level of care.”
For more information, visit: remote.optivet.com
Petsox Ltd has launched a new waterproof and breathable bandage cover.
According to the company, most products available to practices are either waterproof or breathable, but not both, and so cause the wound to overheat and the underlying skin to become "sweaty". Petsox, however, has a membrane system which allows the wound to breathe while providing protection from the elements.
Designed to go over the already cleaned and dressed wound, PetSox can be secured in place by attaching a length of cohesive bandage to the top. Petsox can also be trimmed to fit each animal perfectly.
Petsox have a non-slip base, so the animal can feel secure on slippery surfaces, such as wooden or tiled floors.
The company will be exhibiting at the London Vet Show this year on the Barber of Sheffield stand, where there will also be a competition with the chance to win lunch for 2 on the Orient Express.
For more information about Petsox, visit: www.petsox.co.uk
Gil Riley of the Pool House Veterinary Hospital in Lichfield, Staffordshire has won the annual Petplan Equine Vet of the Year Award.
The Award was announced at the 21st annual Animal Health Trust (AHT) Equestrian Awards gala dinner held at the Lancaster Hotel in London last Thursday.
Horse owners from all over the UK nominated vets who had gone above and beyond the call of duty. A short list of three finalists was then drawn up and the winner selected by an independent panel consisting of: Peter Webbon AHT Chief Executive and Equine Vet, Alison Bridge Editor-in-Chief of Horse & Rider Magazine, Chris House President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and Jo Whitaker Marketing Development Manager for Petplan.
Peter Webbon of the AHT said "We received a record number of nominations this year and the standards were incredibly high. However, Gil was nominated by over 100 clients and we felt he was truly deserving of this award."
Alison Andrew, Marketing Manager for Petplan said: "This award recognises the amazing hard work and commitment of people within the equine veterinary profession and those who provide outstanding service to horse owners."
Gil joined the Pool House Veterinary Group and Equine clinic practice to expand his equine skills after working in a mainly agricultural practice in Wales and is jointly responsible for the Equine part of the Practice. He has subsequently been awarded the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Equine Practice and he is particularly interested in lameness and laminitis. He also recently acted as British Team Vet at the International Driving Trials in Germany.
Gil said: "Everyday I feel like I'm pulling the greatest trick in that I get paid for doing what I love. To receive further recognition with this award almost feels greedy. I'm tremendously flattered and indebted to all my clients who nominated me."
In his acceptance speech Gil praised his team for their dedication and support without whom, he said this would not have been possible. Special thanks went to his proud wife Emma on the evening of their fifth wedding anniversary.
The Animal Health Trust Equestrian awards are designed to recognise the outstanding achievements made by horses, riders, owners and trainers throughout the equestrian world. Since the Petplan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 it has raised over £5million, almost £500,000 of which has been donated to the AHT to fund research and development.
This compares with 38% in 2016 and just 25% in 2012.
The survey found that on average, students are having to make up an annual shortfall of £2000 per annum, and those in the mid and later years of study are more likely to have a part-time job than those in the earlier years.
Significant numbers of students are now also reporting mental health problems: 68% report feeling overwhelmed, 52% experiencing anxiety and 35% reporting depression, with 78% citing their studies as the cause, 57% the lack of free time and 44% financial worries.
As part of the survey, students were asked which area they saw themselves working in after graduation.
Overall, 85% said they intend to go into clinical practice (increasing from 79% in the 1st year to 90% in the final year).
When they think about their first job, 43% said the graduate support offering and 28% the type of practice are the most important considerations.
When it comes to extra-mural studies (EMS), the survey found hands-on experience is the top priority for vet students when choosing their placements and cost is the biggest barrier (37%).
Katie Roberts, AVS President, said: "I’m really pleased that we’ve got an up-to-date overview of the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of our membership population. Our new comprehensive data set on the mental health and welfare concerns of our students is concerning, as are the number of students facing financial concerns during their degree. However, such shocking findings will provide us with really strong, quantitative support when we work to tackle these issues over the coming months."
BVA President, Daniella Dos Santos said: “This survey is a really important snapshot of veterinary student life today. High levels of mental health concerns and funding gaps continue to be a significant worry and it’s essential that both the vet schools and the wider veterinary community provide as much support as possible. We’ll be sharing the results with the vet schools to help them help their students.
"The increasing pressure to work part-time to makes ends meet is a stark reminder that a vet degree can be really expensive. This isn’t only a concern for current vet students who are facing financial hardship but it’s also a significant barrier to widening participation to students from non-traditional backgrounds. It’s an issue that BVA is working on with AVS, RCVS and the Vet Schools Council."
Companion Care Vets has launched a Graduate Development Programme to develop veterinary graduates into future partners in the business.
According to the company, seven graduates have so far joined the scheme. Five are from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, one is from The Royal Veterinary College in London and one studied at the Univesitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Each has gone through a rigorous recruitment process devised by the Companion Care Vets HR team, and will be placed in one of the groups established surgeries, where the company will give them an understanding of the entire business from clinical to personal, commercial to management.
Jane Balmain, Managing Director of Companion Care Vets said: "One of my ambitions for Companion Care Vets is to ensure we play a significant role in developing standards in the veterinary profession and I believe that supporting talented veterinary graduates is key to this.
"Our rapidly expanding business is passionate about providing the highest level of pet healthcare and client service and we are proud to be able to help veterinary professionals realise their ambitions and full potential."
Placements last three years, during which Companion Care says each of the graduates will be closely mentored and their clinical learning will follow the framework developed by the RCVS as part of their Professional Development phase. Business support will be given via secondment to Companion Care's support services departments and theory based learning. All graduates are placed in practice from day one, building on their clinical experience.
One of the graduates, Katie Denholm said: "This graduate programme is a brilliant opportunity for me to put what I have learnt at University into practice. What really excited me was the modern surgeries, opportunity to be really hands-on and the added business-advice that will help me to realise my dream of one day, and I hope in the not too distant future, becoming a partner in my own practice."
Katie has been placed at Companion Care Vet's Chelmsford surgery, where veterinary surgeon and Joint Venture Partner Simone Dent said: "This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for graduates to gain all important clinical experience alongside the commercial aspects of a veterinary career. Being a vet these days affords enormous opportunities to build a successful business that provides satisfaction, financial reward and work-life balance. Katie will be given every opportunity to blossom as an integral part of our team learning, and having fun, every step of the way."
To find out more about the Graduate Development Programme please visit www.ccvets.co.uk or email graduates@companioncare.co.uk
Focusing on the approach, diagnosis and treatment of regurgitation in dogs and cats, the webinar looks at how to differentiate regurgitation from vomiting and the way some diseases can cause inflammation, obstruction or dysmotility of the oesophagus, which can often result in regurgitation.
Aarti Kathrani graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and is now a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine, where she is involved with the clinical internal medicine service. She also helps provide nutritional input to clinical cases seen at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, where her research centres on canine and feline gastroenterology and nutrition.
Aarti said: “The webinar is designed to help general practitioners differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting, as well as provide a comprehensive review of the different causes of regurgitation and the diagnostic approach to this. Treatment is also discussed for this condition. We hope the webinar provides a useful guide to help diagnose and manage these cases in general practice.”
The regurgitation lecture is freely available and can be accessed via the Webinar Library here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/webinar-library.
The lecture complements the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology, which was published in 2019 to give readers a greater insight into the GI conditions they are treating. The Manual is divided into four main sections, focusing on; Diagnostic procedures and techniques; Diagnostic approaches to problems; Patient Management; Diseases of specific systems/organs.
The Manual costs £60.00 for BSAVA members; £90.00 for non-members and can be purchased from the BSAVA website here: https://www.bsava.com/Shop/Veterinary-books#!prod/f1a8220f-3ff7-e911-80e7-005056be4acd/curr/GBP
Ledston Equine Clinic in West Yorkshire has announced the launch of the Ledston Education Centre, which will provide training for veterinary surgeons, fire and rescue personnel, and horse owners.
The Ledston Education Centre will continue the clinic's "Tuesday evening lecture" series, and training for fire and rescue personnel will be carried out under the Safer Horse Rescues Initiative.
WebLeC is a new development through which the Centre says it will deliver online training for equine veterinary surgeons and students, and high quality equine healthcare information to horse owners across the UK. WebLeC uses web conferencing software to deliver live, interactive lectures and discussion forums to people in the comfort of their own homes.
Forthcoming WebLeC CPD meetings:
Wed 9th March 2011 at 7.30pm: "Strangles and the practical management of infectious disease outbreaks in horses"Prof. Josh Slater, BVM&S PhD DipECEIM MRCVS Professor of Clinical Equine Studies, Royal Veterinary College.Kindly sponsored by Intervet Schering-PloughFee: This meeting is FREE of charge for first 100 applicants
Thu 17th March 2011 at 7.30pm: "Insulin Resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, & Equine Cushings (PPID) - a practical approach to diagnosis and management"Dr. Cathy McGowan, BVSc DipVetClinStud MACVSc PhD DEIM DipECEIM FHEA MRCVS Director of Equine Professional Studies, University of LiverpoolKindly sponsored by Boehringer IngelheimFee: This meeting is FREE of charge for first 100 applicants
Further information can be found at: http://www.ledstonequine.co.uk/weblec_lectures.html. The Ledston Education Centre says details of how to register will be available on the website shortly.
The new machine is a modular system using low-flow anaesthesia for animals from 2-80kg.
The company says that compared to anaesthetic techniques which use high fresh gas flow rates, it functions without posing a risk to team members from the huge amounts of oxygen and inhalational anaesthetic agents that would otherwise be released.
In turn, this results in cost savings from unwasted agents, and a typical 5 to 10 times reduction in environmental damage.
Darvall founder, Dr Colin Dunlop, said: “For optimal outcome from anaesthesia, veterinary anaesthesiologists and veterinarians routinely make decisions about the physiological well-being of the patient, the environmental impact of their actions, the operational efficiency of their practice and cost-effectiveness.
"Having suitable equipment that uses low-flow anaesthesia will reduce the risk of hypothermia, improve team safety, reduce environmental emissions and reduce costs.”
“Low-flow anaesthesia not only reduces oxygen flows and inhalant agent consumption to less than 10% of high-flow, non-rebreathing systems, it can help reduce anaesthetic hypothermia because it uses warm gas when using the Darvall heated breathing circuits.
"Using our specifically designed modern system for veterinary patients addresses the traditional challenges associated with low-flow anaesthesia and hypothermia.
Darvall says the use of just one system will also simplify staff training and ensure familiarity.
https://darvallvet.com
Mark Bordo, CEO and CoFounder, Vetster.com, said: “Our new mobile app is one more way we can provide veterinary professionals with a flexible platform to connect with pet parents in between appointments, traveling between clients, or from the comfort of home. With just a few taps on their mobile phone, veterinarians connect with pet parents with great video quality, and easy-to-use scheduling and follow-up features.”
So now, at long last, vets can diagnose disease in animals on an even smaller screen than ever before.
What a breakthrough.
The mobile app also means you can diagnose whilst on the move.
So, no need to waste any more time reading a book on the 14:25 from Paddington to Bath Spa, instead you could be consulting pet owners (or 'pet parents' ... ugh) and examining their animal on your two inch mobile phone screen from the comfort of your train seat.
Client confidentiality could be a problem on the 14:25, but if you wear headphones and whisper into the phone, you should be alright.
Tunnels might also cause a bit of a problem, but hey, the pet owner can always call you back when you're out the other side.
To register to practice on Vetster, visit vetster.com.
Once registered and approved, you can then download and use the app.
The CPD event takes place this Thursday 9th April, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, using the Zoom video conferencing platform. The organisers say that the agenda is still being finalised, but will be split into three streams: Farm Animal, Equine and Small Animal.
Confirmed speakers include:
Although the event is free, participants are asked make a voluntary contribution at justgiving.com/fundrasing/vets-for-nhs.
To register for the event, visit www.vetsfornhs.co.uk
Vets for NHS is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim, MSD Animal Health, Nimrod and the Scottish Vet Fair.
Vetigel is a plant based gel which was first introduced to the UK for orthodontic surgeries last year.
It is supplied in a pre-filled syringe and applied directly to the site of bleeding where it creates an initial mechanical seal and then supports the formation of the platelet plug below.
VetPlus says it can be used in many situations where bleeding is an issue and the gel can be applied directly to the site of bleeding, including liver biopsies, mass removals, amputations and enucleations.
Jackie Marshall, VetPlus Technical Advisor, said: “This innovative product is already transforming the way vets perform both dental and surgical procedures, and we have had really positive feedback from those practices where it is being used already.
"Vetigel isn’t intended to replace a surgeon’s technique, but it is designed to stop bleeding where pressure or other methods are ineffective or impractical.
"Because it is a gel, it can conform to a wide range of wound shapes, making it a rapid, effective way of controlling bleeding.
“We believe this product will make a lasting impact on veterinary care, transforming the way surgeries are carried out and assisting haemostasis in animal patients.”
Zak Leavold, a vet based at Calster Vets in Great Yarmouth used Vetigel in an emergency situation, out of hours, on a dog with a bleed due to a kidney laceration.
He said: ‘I genuinely believe the product saved the dog’s life that night.
"I will certainly be keeping Vetigel on hand for any future soft surgeries – just in case!’
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