The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary professions’ is a two-part online course run in partnership with VDS Training, designed to equip vets and nurses with the insight needed to work in the UK veterinary profession.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the course has been moved online. It includes a series of free online pre-recorded talks from representatives at a number of different veterinary organisations, including the RCVS, VDS Training, the British Veterinary Association, Vetlife, and VetAbroad.
The talks cover a variety of topics such as the Code of Professional Conduct, how to find the right job for you, how to look after mental health and wellbeing, and recognising and understanding cultural differences.
There will then be a number of live Question and Answer sessions across different dates over the coming months [see below], which are also free to attend, so those who have watched the videos can ask further questions from some of the speakers themselves.
Part 2 of the course is an optional practical and participatory paid-for online live communications skills training session run by VDS Training, looking at how to navigate some of the most common pitfalls encountered during client consultations, helping to equip you with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in practice.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, said: “While we enjoyed running this course in person and meeting veterinary professionals from all over the world, the coronavirus pandemic has also given us the opportunity to look at how we can make this course even more accessible for a greater number of people.
“While there is still a significant live element, albeit online for the time being, the pre-recorded talks enable those veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to do much of the learning in their own time, without having to take time off work or travel to London for the day, meaning that more people can engage with this crucial information on working in the UK.”
Elly Russell MRCVS, a consultant at VDS Training, added: “Communicating with clients can be one of the most rewarding, but also challenging parts of our jobs as veterinary professionals. Communication problems lead to complaints, increase your stress at work and can impact the care our patients receive. Join VDS training for a highly interactive, online 4-hour workshop. Work in small groups with our experienced facilitators and role players using realistic scenarios to practise and develop your communication skills. Let us help you feel more confident managing common communication challenges in UK practice: improved communication will help you, your clients, and your patients.”
The dates for the free live 2021 Q&A sessions are:
The dates and times for the paid-for live online communications skills workshops from VDS Training are:
The cost for attending the communication skills session (Part 2) is £150 +VAT per person. It is not mandatory to complete both parts of the course, but those who are interested may choose the part of the course most suitable for them.
For further information: www.rcvs.org.uk/overseas-cpd
Zoetis has relaunched a broad spectrum intramammary treatment for clinical mastitis, as Lincocin Forte S.
For vets seeking to prescribe an alternative first-choice tube, independent mastitis authority Dr Andrew Bradley suggests it could be a logical, efficacious option, offering the combination of two active ingredients (lincomycin and neomycin) not available in other intramammary tubes.1
Zoetis points to studies which show that In combination, these have been found to have much higher efficacy than the sum of the two parts against Staphylococci aureus.2&3
The company says Lincocin Forte is effective against Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens, in particular staphylococcus, streptococcus and coliform bacteria.
In trials, the treatment produced clinical cure rates 21% higher than an ampicillin-cloxacillin comparison in undifferentiated mastitis cases. As first choice treatment for S uberis clinical mastitis, bacteriological cure rates were similar to a penicillin-streptomycin comparison.4 Against S aureus, aesculin-positive streptococci, and E coli, combined clinical-bacteriological cure rates were 175%, 32% and 21% higher respectively with Lincocin Forte S than ampicillin-cloxacillin treatment.
Zoetis vet Jude Roberts said these findings underpin the treatment's relaunch and its suitability as a first choice therapy for new clinical mastitis cases.
Lincocin Forte S is a water-based formulation, which Jude says helps achieve good distribution in the udder and can be easier to infuse that oil-based tubes, particularly into hardened quarters associated with E coli infections.
Dr Bradley adds that water-based formulation is likely to be less irritant to udder tissues than oil-based tubes, and may improve distribution. He also suggests that "not being a fluoroquinolone or 3rd/4th generation cephalosporin may also help vets fulfil their 'appropriate and justified' prescribing responsibilities."
The recommended treatment is one 10ml syringe per infected quarter at each of three consecutive milkings. Milk from treated cows can be sold for human consumption 84-hours after the last treatment.References:
The review, announced earlier this year, was recommended to RCVS Council by its Standards Committee following its exploration of the implications of new technologies for both animal health and welfare and veterinary regulation.
The main areas under consideration include the provision of 24-hour emergency cover and the interpretation and application of an animal being under the care of a veterinary surgeon.
The initial stages of this review had been drafted for Standards Committee to consider at its meeting on 9 September, where the outline timetable was also discussed.
Standards Committee Chair Melissa Donald, said: "This is set to become one of our most fundamental reviews of RCVS guidance in recent years.
"Considering the complexity of the issues in question, and their importance to animal owners and the professions alike, it is vital that we allow ourselves enough time to ensure this review is as thorough and comprehensive as possible.
"We have a clear responsibility to seek, understand and, where we can, accommodate the opinions and experiences of as many different people from within and around the professions and the public as possible. I would urge my fellow vets and vet nurses to please find some time to consider these issues very carefully over the coming weeks and months, and to send us their views."
The review will comprise several stages and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. The outline timetable, which may be subject to change, is as follows:
October 2019 – January 2020: six-week Call for Evidence, followed by independent qualitative analysis of all evidence received
February – March: Select Committee-style meetings and independent qualitative analysis of additional evidence gathered [NB this stage is subject to Standards Committee requirements, depending on the evidence gathered.]
April – June: Consider all evidence and draft any new policy
July – August: six-week public consultation on draft policy
September – October: independent review of consultation responses, and production of any proposals for change
November 2020: Finalise any proposals for change and publish any new guidance
To support and promote the various stages of the review the College is also planning a programme of stakeholder engagement, and will also provide regular updates on progress to both Council and the wider profession.
Members of the professions and the public will be able to follow the progress of the review via the RCVS website at: www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare
Nurtured Pets has launched the Anti-Lick Strip PreventTM, ProTM and Pro CTM, billed as an alternative to the clumsy and uncomfortable e-collar.
The Anti-Lick Strips deter animals from licking, biting or chewing of hot spots, granulomas and surgical sites. According to the company, they are also an effective deterrent to prevent such behaviours brought on by anxiety, boredom or even insect bites.
Hayley Booth, product manager at Nutured Pets said: "The UK pet market has been crying out for products like these for years. The unique bandages have medical grade adhesive on one side and all-natural active ingredients on the other. The combination of cayenne pepper, lemon powder, clove oil and oregano delivers a natural deterrent to the animal's nose and tongue to prevent it from interfering with the affected area.
"The Pro and Pro C are made exclusively for vets; the Pro can be used for direct application onto the pet's fur, ideal for securing IVs or catheters, the Pro C has a stronger adhesive and is ideal for over-wrapping gauze and cast materials.
"The Prevent then provides a profitable over the counter version for take home use. The preventative nature of these pet plasters may help promote healing and lessons the chance of infection, inflammation or re-opened wounds. In clinical trials, pets avoided the Anti-Lick Strip over 90% of the time proving these unique bandage strips really do work.
"The innovative features and benefits of the products themselves combined with extensive retail marketing support and highly visible point of sale display materials mean they're a must have for every vet practice."
For more information or a product sample, visit www.nurturedpets.co.uk or call 02476 302 222.
Phovia is a two-part FLE system consisting of a chromophore gel that is applied to the affected skin and a blue light LED lamp.
When used together they produce light of varying wavelengths that penetrates the skin to different depths, which Vetoquinol says helps to control bacteria and reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin and stimulates regeneration in the epidermal and dermal layers.
The unit is portable, and applications take four minutes once a week.
After diagnosis and subsequent recommendation by a veterinary surgeon, any trained member of the clinical team can use Phovia.
For the study, which was led by Dr. Andrea Marchegiani, nine female dogs that had undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomy for mammary neoplasia had half their wounds treated with FLE, whilst the other half served as the control and received no FLE.
To assess the potential benefits of FLE in reducing infection risk, swabs were taken for culture and sensitivity three, five and seven days after surgery.
The swabs from all FLE-managed wound portions showed no bacterial growth, in contrast to the control wounds, in which three dogs had positive culture results.
Andrea said: “For many reasons healing of surgical wounds can become challenging, especially after removal of mammary gland lumps.
"Veterinary clinicians have to face the three-fold challenge of meeting owner expectations of prompt and trouble-free wound healing, recognising those wounds in which healing may be prolonged or impaired and also following the principles of antibiotic stewardship.”
The study concluded that the research underscores the value of Phovia as a significant adjunct to conventional postoperative care in veterinary medicine, offering the dual benefits of reducing potential infection risks and lessening the home care burden for pet owners.
FLE’s application could potentially replace certain topical treatments and improve overall compliance by simplifying the administration of home therapies, thereby relieving pet owners of some responsibilities associated with postoperative care.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/8/1250
Reference
Kit, who has served on Council as an elected member since 2013, is currently the Chair of the RCVS Finances & Resources Committee and has been RCVS Treasurer for the past three years.
He is also a member of a range of committees and project groups across the RCVS including: the Audit and Risk Committee; the PIC/ DC Liaison Committee; the Certification Subcommittee; the Estate Strategy Project Board; the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees; and the Advanced Practitioners Panel.
Since 2003 Kit has been working as an internist (he is an RCVS-recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine) in private referral practice. In 2006 he became a founding partner in a multidisciplinary referral centre that he saw grow from five to 65 members of staff within five years.
His interests include workforce issues, communicating the diverse clinical and non-clinical skills of veterinary surgeons to the general public and government, and facilitating life-long learning through achievable further professional qualifications and effective CPD.
Kit said: "It was a great honour to be elected as the next Junior Vice President by my fellow council members. I feel that I can make a positive contribution to the work that the RCVS is already undertaking in ensuring the veterinary team remains healthy and respected. In particular I am keen to look at how the RCVS can help find solutions to our workforce issues - improving retention as well as encouraging and facilitating vets and nurses back into the profession."
In addition to Kit being elected as JVP, the current holder of that office, Dr Mandisa Greene, was confirmed as President for 2020-21 and current President, Dr Niall Connell, was confirmed as Senior Vice-President for this period.
Professor Susan Dawson was voted in as RCVS Treasurer, and she will be formally invested in this role at Royal College Day on Friday, 10 July.
Professor David Argyle has been elected as Chair of Advancement of the Professions Committee for a second year, Dr Susan Paterson has been elected as Chair of Education Committee for her second year, and Dr Melissa Donald has been elected Chair of Standards Committee for her second year.
Kit and Melissa's positions are subject to their successful re-election in the 2020 RCVS Council Elections
More information on the RCVS Council and its members can be found on the RCVS website: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council.
Fidavet has launched Surosolve, a vet wholesaler exclusive, non-prescription ear cleaner for cats and dogs.
Fidavet says the product has multiple uses for complete cat and dog ear cleaning:
Surosolve maintains healthy ears by acting as an antibacterial flush1, 2 and antibiotic potentiating agent2, 3 while contributing to restoring the normal microbiological balance of the ear canal.
According to the company, the product has already received positive feedback from veterinary practitioners that have used it: 79 per cent liked the appearance of the formulation and over 80 per cent appreciated the fragrance.
Helen Goldberg, marketing manager for Janssen Animal Health, said: "Surosolve has a unique, powerful yet non-irritant formulation, ideal for the ears of cats and dogs. This non-irritating solution with an almost neutral pH of 6.8 allows cleaning while respecting natural ear physiology.
"Surosolve also contains Tris-EDTA, which gives extra power to concurrent topical antibiotics. EDTA is a chelating agent, active in damaging the cell surfaces of bacteria, while Tris enhances the effect of EDTA by buffering the pH, ensuring the solution is not irritating to the ear and maximising the anti-bacterial effect."
Marion Lannegrace, Janssen Animal Health international product manager for Fidavet said: "The Fidavet range is only available through veterinary wholesalers because we firmly believe these products should be used only with veterinary advice. This gives clients peace of mind that their pet is receiving the best care."
For further information on Fidavet Surosolve, visit www.fidavet.com.
References:
1 Cole LK. Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear. Veterinary Dermatology, 2010, 20 (5-6), 412-4212 Cole LK, Nuttall TJ. Pseudomonas otitis. Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, Proceedings of the Fifth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, 2005, (5), 324-3303 Roberts NA, Gray GW, Wilkinson SC. The bactericidal action of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbios, 1970, (7-8), 189-208
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced that Nick Stace has been appointed its Chief Executive and Secretary, and will take up his post on 3 September 2012.
Mr Stace leaves CHOICE, Australia's equivalent of consumer group Which?, after three and a half years as Chief Executive Officer. At CHOICE, Nick led the modernisation of the organisation, this year taking it to the number one spot as the most trusted media entity in Australia. A long-standing consumer champion, Nick also held the post of Deputy CEO at Which?, he was a director at Consumers' International and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Director of Strategic Communications.
RCVS President Jerry Davies said: "I am delighted that Nick Stace will be joining the College. With his impressive track-record, I believe that we have a Chief Executive who will lead the College into a new phase of modernisation and development. I am grateful to the Interview Panel, led by Council member Dr Barry Johnson, for all their hard work in securing this excellent appointment."
Nick Stace said: "It is an enormous privilege to be leading an organisation that seeks to ensure Britain has the best vets in the world. The College has a special place in the lives of every vet in the country, it also has a responsibility to animals and consumers to set high standards and ensure they are met. I look forward to helping the College continue to improve veterinary standards across the country and to lead the College through its next stage of development."
The role of Chief Executive and Secretary is a new one - previously the Registrar led the executive of the College. One of Nick Stace's first tasks will be to assist in recruitment of the Head of Legal Services/Registrar, a new role.
Bimeda has announced the launch of Butagran Equi (phenylbutazone), to join its range of analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
Bimeda says that Butagran Equi provides rapid onset of activity with the added convenience for horse owners or professionals of being presented as an easy-to-administer sweetened powder.
Indications include musculo-skeletal conditions that require relief from pain and a reduction in the associated inflammation, including lameness associated with osteoarthritic conditions, bursitis, laminitis and soft tissue inflammation.
Head of Bimeda technical services Padraig Hyland MVB said: "Butagran Equi is particularly suited where continued mobility is considered desirable. It is also of value in limiting post-surgical inflammation, myositis and other soft tissue inflammation and can be used as an anti-pyretic where this is considered advisable, such as in viral respiratory infections. And being a sweetened powder it's quite straightforward for horse owners to administer and dose as prescribed."
He added: "Butagran Equi follows the launch of a number of new products and is proof our desire to provide a comprehensive and relevant equine portfolio backed up with first class technical support."
Merial is inviting all equine veterinary surgeons that are going to BEVA Congress this year to the launch of updated ProteqFlu, its equine flu vaccine which now includes protection against the latest Clade 2 strains, including Richmond 07.
Speakers at the event include specialist Dr Richard Newton (pictured right), Head of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), and Dr Romain Paillot Head of Immunology at the AHT. Dr Newton will explain why the inclusion of the Clade 2 strain is so important for horse health, and the equine industry as a whole.
Louise Radford MRCVS from Merial said: "We're all incredibly excited as the event will mark the launch of the UKs first and only fully updated equine flu vaccine that contains both a Clade 1 and Clade 2 antigen. The new ProteqFlu® vaccine fully represents the latest 2014 OIE recommended EIV strains."
The launch is being held at the Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham on Thursday 11 September 2014. Presentations will cover 'A virological and immunological perspective on Clade 2 & EIV', 'How technology makes the difference' and independent vaccine trial results.
The evening starts at 6.30pm and includes dinner and evening entertainment.
To book, contact, Jo Gater-Willats, or Merial Customer Support on 0800 6000123.
The university says it has implemented a range of health and safety measures to meet Government guidelines and allow for the controlled return of 150 first-year undergraduate students to its Sutton Bonington campus.
Since the latest cohort joined the university at the height of the UK lockdown, the school has delivered a programme of technology-assisted Fresher’s Week and teaching activities.
However, the return of the April cohort will enable face-to-face teaching that cannot be delivered remotely, specifically essential animal handling and health and safety skills required before students can embark on the work experience element of their course.
The practical sessions will form part of a blended approach to learning, with other lectures and tutorial support continuing to be delivered remotely to reduce the number of students in teaching buildings at any one time.
Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science Professor Gary England said: “We have missed being on campus with our students tremendously during the coronavirus lockdown and we are excited to be welcoming this cohort to Sutton Bonington in July.
“The health and safety of our students and staff has remained our top priority and has been at the heart of our planning process. Colleagues from across the university have been working intensively on the intricate detail required to ensure that adequate social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to allow this first step in a return to campus.”
Among the measures which have been introduced are:
The university says the return of its vet school cohort and the re-starting of face-to face-education at University of Nottingham Ningbo China at the end of April, where 5,000 students are now back on campus, will form the blueprint for the return of the majority of students to its UK campuses when the new academic term begins on 21 September.
For this study, researchers in Argentina, Italy, Austria and Chile, set out to evaluate the efficacy of and adverse events from the administration of ACEIs to treat preclinical MMVD in dogs, via a systematic review of published evidence conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (https://gradepro.org) approach.
The main finding in relation to dogs with preclinical MMVD and cardiomegaly was backed by a high certainty of evidence. The certainty of evidence in relation to the efficacy of ACEI administration in dogs without cardiomegaly was low.
Dr Pablo Donati, corresponding author for the paper, said: “In recent times, multiple clinical trials have provided fundamental information to veterinary cardiology.
"In the era of evidence-based medicine, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have emerged as a fundamental tool for clinical decision-making by gathering, appraising and summarizing the best available evidence.
"It is the hope of the authors that this systematic review and meta-analysis helps in the decision-making process for the treatment of preclinical myxomatous mitral disease with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in dogs.”
Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP, added: “In line with other leading journals, the JSAP is prioritizing the publication of methodologically sound systematic reviews such as this one.
"However, our readers should be aware that the findings of systematic reviews should always be considered in light of their internal validity, i.e. the quality of the included studies, and their external validity, i.e. the generalizability of the included studied to the individual patient.”
Donati, P., Tarducci, A., Zanatta, R., Verdier, N., Belerenian, G., Cordero, I., Villalta, C., Franco, J. and Tarragona, L. (2022), Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Small Anim Pract. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13461
For those new to the club, the idea is that every two weeks, we pick an article in Veterinary Practice and invite the author to join us on VetSurgeon.org, so that you can ask questions and discuss the subject with one another.
As a bonus, you can claim time spent reading or participating in the discussion towards your annual CPD requirement (press the claim CPD button at the top right of the question thread).
To take part in this session, first read Ed's article here: https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/endoscopic-retrieval-of-foreign-bodies.
Then come and post your questions or discussion points here: https://www.vetsurgeon.org/001/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/f/misc-clinical-discussions/30618/do-you-have-questions-about-endoscopic-retrieval-of-foreign-bodies-clinical-article-club
The association says the qualification will help vets conduct clinical research relating to their work - in particular vets working in practice. It is aimed at people who already have any accredited postgraduate certificate (60 credits at Level 7) relevant to some aspect of veterinary medicine or surgery and are keen to develop a deeper understanding of their research topic.
The Masters starts with online study into the principles of clinical research, which students then apply to their own research project, based on a further 1,200 study hours that could be flexibly achieved in two years of part-time study or up to five years, depending on the project type and an individual’s availability.
Lucie Goodwin, BSAVA Head of Education (pictured right), said: "For those vets who have already completed a postgraduate certificate it is an opportunity to develop their skills further, partake in research and collect valuable data from the field. So much of the published data in veterinary journals is based upon a referral population and this may not necessarily reflect what truly happens in clinical practice."
She added: "The BSAVA Masters is designed to appeal to vets who want to undertake research alongside their job role, without having to commit to a full-time programme of study."
Students will be allocated a ‘matched’ supervisor to provide project advice and guidance, plus the BSAVA team will be on hand to ensure ongoing support and encouragement.
Johanna Forsyth, senior veterinary technical manager with the diagnostic laboratory Avacta Animal Health, joined the Masters programme when it launched in 2016. She said: "The thing that has given me the most satisfaction from taking part in this programme is the way my views have changed. I look at things I wrote a little while back and think: 'Did I really say that?'. You become so absorbed in the project that you don’t notice how your understanding of the topic has grown. It’s so subtle, we haven’t been force-fed anything - it’s just like osmosis."
For more information, please contact masters@bsava.com or visit the website https://www.bsava.com/Education/Masters
The association says that the day of lectures is mainly targeted at those who are starting on their path of ophthalmology, but old hands may also learn a few new tricks.
Topics will include how to get the most from the ophthalmic examination, diagnostics and what options there are for career growth in our specialty.
There will be live panel discussions to give attendees the opportunity to ask any questions they have.
Tickets costs £100+VAT for BrAVO members, £60+VAT for nurses and interns, and £40+VAT for students.
The deadline for registration is Tuesday 16th March at 5:00pm.
To book your ticket, visit: https://www.eventbee.com/v/bravo-spring-meeting-2021/event?eid=164693974#/tickets
Biogal Galed Labs has announced the launch of the PCRun Canine Babesia gibsoni molecular detection test kit.
Existing PCRun molecular detection test kits include one for canine Leptospira, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Parvovirus, Babesia canis, Leishmania, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Mycoplasma haemofelis.
The company says that the major benefit of these tests is in having a PCR result inside 75 minutes, rather than waiting for up to a week for a result from a specialised laboratory.
For more information, see: http://www.biogal.co.il/about-biogal/pcrun
The company says the product improves oral health in three ways: cleaning teeth, freshening breath, and helping to reduce the formation of new plaque and tartar.
The stick is spiral-shaped to maximise contact with the teeth.
As the dog chews, a soft centre is released, which targets the bacteria which causes bad breath and plaque.
Dental Care Sticks are available in three sizes.
Jayne Laycock, Vet in Residence at Yumove said: “Poor dental health affects around 80% of the dog population and is the most commonly reported problem in primary care vet practices.
"We know that less than 50% of dog owners use a dental product as regularly as they should.
"Yumove Dental care sticks can be easily incorporated into a dog’s existing routine and have been developed to clean teeth, tackle bad breath and through our ActivBarrier technology, support the balance of bacteria in a dog’s mouth - helping to maintain healthy gums and teeth.”
YuMOVE Dental Care Sticks start at £10.
www.yumove.co.uk
DG Sanco, the EU Directorate General for Health and Consumers, has launched a worldwide photo competition to mark World Vet Year: 'Vets in your daily life'
Entries need to be photos of a vet (or vets) at work or in any situation which shows the diverse nature of the job. Five winners will win 1000 Euros worth of photographic equipment. The overall winner will win an additional 2000 Euros worth of photographic equipment. All winners will also be given travel and accommodation for the awards ceremonies in Paris and Brussels.
Anyone (except for employees of the European Institutions, and their families) can enter the competition, which closes on 31st March 2011. More details can be found at: www.vetsinyourdailylife.org.
Here's the promotional video for the competition:
Bimeda has announced the launch of Bilovet, a new tylosin-based antibiotic for cattle and pigs.Padraig Hyland, Head of Technical Veterinary Services at Bimeda said: ''It is with great pleasure that I announce the launch of our much anticipated Bilovet 200 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle and pigs as the latest addition to Bimeda's range of essential antibiotics.
Bilovet contains Tylosin 200 mg/ml and is the second Tylosin-based injectable antibiotic to be licensed for cattle - including dairy cattle - in the UK. Bilovet is licensed in cattle for the treatment of respiratory infections, metritis, mastitis, interdigital necrobacillosis and calf diphtheria as well as a range of pig infections, including enzootic pneumonia, haemorrhagic enteritis, erysipelas, arthritis and metritis".
Bimeda's Head of Bimeda R+D, Xavier Molins said: "Bilovet is a completely new development for a product that includes a new species (cattle). Bimeda have made a significant investment in bringing Bilovet to market, including conducting new Environmental Risk Assessment studies according to current guidelines and regulations.''
For more information, ring 01248 725 400 or email: uksales@bimeda.com
Compliance with equine medicines legislation involves the challenges of food production, equine passport and essential medicines legislation as well as the prescribing Cascade, VMD guidance and the RCVS practice standards scheme.
With these in mind, the online guidance now includes:
The BEVA says the new medicines guidance resource has already been invaluable for members working towards the new Practice Standards Scheme, such as Josh Slater from the RVC, who said: "The PSS Awards define what a high-functioning equine practice looks like. The BEVA medicines guidance documents enabled us to fulfil the PSS Awards scheme requirements for demonstrating responsible use of medicines and compliance with requirements such as Cascade prescribing and emergency treatment of horses, helping us to achieve our Outstanding rating in the PSS Awards. The resource will be very useful for all equine practices preparing for PSS inspections and continues to be an invaluable day-to-day reference source for us."
The BEVA will also be holding two equine medicine courses in October 2017, providing evidence-based updates on a range of topical issues in equine medicine. The focus will be on recent research with practical relevance and the courses are aimed at clinicians who have attained or are working towards certificate level qualifications. The first will be held in Oulton, Leeds on 10 October and the second in Oxford on 31 October.
An online presentation by Danielle Gunn-Moore, Professor of Feline Medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, has been launched by Dechra Veterinary Products as part of its Dechra Academy training suite.
During the presentation, Professor Gunn-Moore uses a case study approach to discuss all aspects of the condition from diagnosis through to its treatment, management and on-going monitoring. She reminds viewers that an individual approach must be taken in treating affected cats as the clinical signs can be subtle and starting treatment with the lowest possible dose of anti-thyroid medication is likely to prove physiologically beneficial.
"The study I've recently been involved in showed that the treatment of hyperthyroid cats can result in iatrogenic hypothyroidism*. Hypothyroid cats are significantly more likely to develop azotaemia than euthyroid cats - and hypothyroid cats that developed azotaemia in the study had significantly shorter survival times*.
"The message for practitioners is that there is no 'standard recipe' in treating hyperthyroidism. The clinical signs aren't always obvious and it's important to check for concurrent heart and kidney disease. You then need to tailor treatment, starting with a low dose of medication and, if necessary, increasing it by the smallest increments possible."
To watch Professor Gunn-Moore's presentation, visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism.
Reference:* Williams, T. et al (2010) JVIM 24: 1086-1092
Defra's new measures include:
Eleven additional licences for badger control covering parts of Devon, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Cheshire. Licences have been granted for supplementary badger control in areas of Gloucestershire and Somerset which have completed their original four-year licences.
The relaunch of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme following suspension due to a global shortage of TB vaccine, with groups invited to submit expressions of interest and feedback on the criteria for the scheme.
A new bTB Advisory Service for farmers to provide advice on-farm and by phone or email to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas on bTB biosecurity and risk-based trading, set to launch this autumn.
Tighter control of Inconclusive Reactors (IRs) in the High Risk and Edge Area, to come into force from 1 November.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) President Gudrun Ravetz said: "Today’s announcement sees 11 new licences issued and, while BVA supports badger culling as part of a comprehensive strategy for tackling bovine TB, we will continue to call on the Government to use the targeted and humane method of cage trapping and shooting only - rather than the current method of controlled shooting.
"As one of the many tools in the toolbox, we welcome the re-commencement of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme, particularly if used as a ‘firebreak’ to mitigate the spread of the disease into the low risk areas. The introduction of a TB Advisory Service will provide valuable additional support for farmers, who we’d encourage to continue working with local vets on biosecurity and herd health planning.
"Yet we are concerned that Government policy seems to have moved away from the original, evidence-based proposal of a six-week time limit for badger control within the open season, which enables an intensive, coordinated and effective operation in order to secure optimum disease control benefits.
"In terms of numbers, it is clear that badger population estimates have previously demonstrated considerable uncertainty and imprecision. It is critical that as accurate as possible population estimates, using an evidence-based methodology, are obtained and made openly available.
"We would urge clarity over cull timeframes, numbers and mid-cull review methodology to ensure that the progress made, enabling the application for Officially TB Free status, is not undermined."
Today’s Defra update follows a consultation on licensed badger control conducted at the start of 2017, to which the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and the Association of Government Veterinarians (AGV) submitted a formal, joint response.
Photo: Young Eurasian Badger (Meles Meles), by BadgerHero, CC BY-SA 3.0
The company's charity of the year is chosen by employees at its annual conference in October. Fundraising then begins the following January.
This year, fundraising activities included cake sales, 'wearing blue days' and dog shows. Others took a more energetic approach: a team from Tone Veterinary Centre in Taunton cycled the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats on exercise bikes over a fortnight, raising £525, while groomer Ceri James from Petherton Vets in Cardiff climbed Ben Nevis.
Simon Innes, CVS Chief Executive said: "Each year, thousands of cats, dogs, small animals and horses rely on the hospitals, clinics and rehoming services run by Blue Cross so it was a very natural charity for us to support and the overwhelming winner of last year’s vote.
"Yet again, our teams have surpassed themselves by really getting behind our fundraising efforts and showing great creativity and dedication to the task. Judging by some of the photos, they also seem to have had a great deal of fun. We held a group-wide charity day during July in which all parts of the business participated. It was a fantastic event and really showed the power of collective fundraising."
Matt Cull, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Blue Cross, said: "The dedication from CVS to fundraise for our pets through many different activities is so inspiring. We are very grateful to all the teams for helping Blue Cross as the money raised will assist us in helping thousands of pets in need and support our other charitable activities, such as our education programmes and bereavement support service. Pets change lives and with this generous help, we can change theirs."
Photo: Simon Innes CVS Group Chief Executive; Diane James, Blue Cross; Piers Gibbon, CVS Conference compere
Newmarket-based Test and Treat was one of three finalists, for its U-Treat test which enables vets to diagnose a UTI and get antibiotic sensitivity results in an hour.
Rachel Kirkby MRCVS, Business Development Director at Test and Treat, said: "It’s a great accolade to be recognised by such a prestigious award. The Vet Record Innovation Award celebrates new innovations that can bring about improvement and make a real difference to vets in practice – and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do with U-Treat.”
The second finalist was the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid, developed by Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine. Initially developed in zoos, rescue and research centres, there are plans now to develop it for use in small animal practice and in the farm sector.
The overall winner was PBD Biotech for Actiphage, its test for bTB and Johne's disease which gives very early detection, thereby allowing vets and farmers to prevent the spread of infection.
For more information, visit: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.267