The British Veterinary Association has launched a guidance poster to encourage farm animal vets to use anthelmintics responsibly, following ongoing concern about the development of resistance to these medicines.
According to BVA, misuse of anthelmintics in grazing animals, leading to resistance, is an increasing problem, which has now become a serious threat to the health and welfare of animals.
In response to growing concerns the BVA's Medicines Group has produced a poster that will be distributed to BVA members inside the Veterinary Record (23 January 2010 issue) and will be available to download from the BVA website.
The poster, accompanied by additional online guidance, clearly outlines Do's and Don'ts in the use of anthelmintics and carries the strong message "Think Twice Before Prescribing Anthelmintics". The poster is intended for display in veterinary practices as a reminder to vets and their clients of the need for responsible use of these medicinal products.
The poster carries advice on encouraging farm health planning and worming strategies, targeting the drug used to the parasite, the importance of not underdosing, quarantining incoming animals, and investigating and reporting suspected cases of resistance to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It clearly tells vets not to treat unnecessarily and not to blanket treat.
Peter Jones, Chair of the BVA's Medicines Group, said: "Every use of anthelmintics increases the risk of resistance developing. Veterinary surgeons have a duty to ensure anthelmintic use is judicious and limited to circumstances when treatment can be effective, targeted and based on sound veterinary diagnosis.
"The BVA advises all vets to work with their farming clients to develop a farm health plan that encompasses an effective worming strategy and a full grazing management programme to reduce the need for treatment.
"Vets must also promote good worming practice to ensure dosage is based on accurate weight measurements. Underdosing is a major factor in the development of resistance."
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, added: "Action to minimise the development of resistance is urgent and essential and we hope this poster will serve as a constant reminder to vets to think twice before prescribing anthelmintics."
The Veterinary Wound Healing Association (VWHA) has become the third veterinary association to make a new home on VetSurgeon.org.
VWHA President Jacintha Wilmink said: "We're very excited about joining VetSurgeon.org and how it will allow our members to connect with each other and share information quicker and more easily than ever before".
In common with the other associations, the VWHA is making its content available for all VetSurgeon members to access, however only VWHA members can submit cases to its section for discussion, or participate in the VWHA forum. Jacintha added: "We hope that the cases and discussions in our section of the site will be of value to all practitioners, and that many more of you will want to join the association and participate".
Information about the benefits of joining the VWHA is available here.
The Specialist Panel is a new feature at VetsNorth with panellists including Dr David Williams, MA VetMB PhD Cert V Ophthalmology Cert WEL FRCVS and Dr Pip Boydell, BVetMed Cert V Ophthalmology MRCVS.
VetsNorth also offers dedicated lecture streams for vets, nurses and practice managers, together with a series of small group, focused workshops. An exhibition showcasing the latest veterinary products and services, featuring demonstrations and workshops from exhibitors, will run alongside the conference.
VetsNorth delegates will also be given a free six-month subscription to Bitesize CPD, an online educational platform offering convenient 24/7 access to learners, launched in 2016 by veterinary CPD company Improve International. Using the Bitesize free trial, veterinary surgeons get 18 hours of free CPD, whilst veterinary nurses get nine.
Matt Colvan, Event Director said: "At VetsNorth we aim to offer the highest quality CPD for the entire veterinary team in an easily accessible and friendly venue which provides plenty of opportunity for interaction between delegates, speakers and opinion leaders.
"The programme focuses on areas highlighted by previous delegates as priorities for learning and on emerging areas of veterinary practice. With new features like the Specialist Panel and with the opportunity to gain additional CPD through a free subscription to Bitesize, we urge delegates to take advantage of our time-limited Early Bird offers and register without delay."
For more information visit www.vetsnorth.com or call 01793 208065.
The FAQs cover everything within the College’s guidance on veterinary medicines, including questions around controlled drugs, their storage, destruction and prescription, supplying medicines under the cascade, and prescriptions in general including topics such as what written information to provide, broach dates, and repeat prescriptions.
Lisa Price, RCVS Head of Standards, said: “Queries about veterinary medicines are some of the most frequent questions that our Standards & Advice Team deal with and we recognise that this is quite a complex and potentially confusing area of practice, with information being contained in a variety of places including the RCVS Codes of Professional Conduct, the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and the Practice Standards Guidance.
“We felt it would be helpful to try and draw much of this information into one place and provide answers to questions applicable to common scenarios that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses encounter within everyday practice.
“The 17 questions and answers have all been approved by the RCVS Standards Committee and we hope members of the professions find them useful.
"We are also open to feedback and suggestions for further questions to be added to the FAQs and you can contact us on advice@rcvs.org.uk if you have any.”
The full FAQs can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines-faqs
The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct’s chapter of supporting guidance on veterinary medicines can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/medicines
Sureflap, the microchip pet door company has teamed up with animal behaviourist Jon Bowen MRCVS to provide a free CPD-qualifying presentation about improving cats' quality of life with simple modifications to their environment.
In the 45-minute webinar Jon explains how the domestic environment impacts on the cat's territory and the stress this creates. He also offers practical advice on how owners can make the space feel safer for the pet.
To view the webinar go to www.sureflap.co.uk/vet/cpd/territory-stress. Complete the quiz at the end, and you'll be sent a CPD certificate.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) have joined forces to set recognised standards for equine dental treatment.
The two organisations are working in association with the RCVS, BVA, BVDA, WWAED and LANTRA to develop National Occupational Standards that will pave the way to allowing equine dental technicians the freedom to work within the Law under an Exemption Order. This should make it safer and easier for owners to source the most suitable dental treatment for their horses.
Currently all equine dental care falls within the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) and should only be carried out by veterinary surgeons. Equine vets from BEVA and equine dental technicians from the BAEDT have been trying to address this anomaly with government for many years. In 2004 the organisations drew up a list (revised in 2009) of procedures that could be safely carried out by suitably qualified equine dental technicians and a list of those which should only be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons because they involve sensitive tissues.
The envisaged Exemption Order will also provide better protection for horses and their owners by reinforcing the fact that only suitably qualified individuals are allowed to carry out equine dental care and treatments. While unqualified individuals should become easier to identify under the proposed new scheme, those qualified will also be held to account if their performance is not up to scratch.
The first step towards the Exemption Order is the drawing up of National Occupational Standards for Equine Dental Technicians. It is hoped that these will be formalised by LANTRA in early 2013.
Keith Chandler, BEVA President said: "After many years of working closely with the BAEDT on the continuing education and qualification of its members, we are thrilled that progress is finally being made towards an Exemption Order."
BAEDT Chair, Gemma Lilly, said: "BAEDT and its membership is very happy to be a key part of the team that hopes to put the Exemption Order in place - it will be good news for equine dental technicians, horse owners, and their animals."
Equine Dental Technician and member of the Worldwide Association of Equine Dentists, Martin Brookes, also supports the initiative. He said: "This will be a really important step forward for responsible Equine Dental Technicians. It will further improve the working relationships between EDTs and vets and help to protect the welfare of the horse."
The RCVS has announced that this year, for the first time, it will accept debit card payments from veterinary surgeons who are renewing their registration.
The annual renewal fee should be paid by 31 March. Those who have not paid by 30 April will be charged an extra £35 to renew their registration while those who have not paid by 31 May will be removed from the Register.
Corrie McCann, RCVS Director of Operations, said: "Following feedback from the profession, this year, thanks to a change in our registration regulations, we are able to accept debit card payments which we hope will make the renewal process much easier and more convenient for our members. Furthermore, members will also no longer be charged if they choose to pay their fee by credit card."
Veterinary surgeons will also need to confirm their registration details (including their correspondence and registration addresses), confirm that they have met the RCVS requirement for continuing professional development of 105 hours over a three-year period and disclose any new or previously undisclosed convictions, cautions or adverse findings.
Another change is that vets will now have the choice of either home or work as their registered address (in the past, only work addresses were allowed).
The annual renewal can be completed by returning the form that has been sent by post or by logging into the 'My Account' area of the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/login) using the security details that have been sent to all MsRCVS.
Any members who have not received their annual renewal form or security details for the 'My Account' area should contact the RCVS Registration Department on 020 7202 0707 or registration@rcvs.org.uk as soon as possible.
Those with queries about paying the annual renewal fee should contact the RCVS Finance Team on 020 7202 0733 or finance@rcvs.org.uk
VetYogi’s new ‘VetYogi Collective’ offers an on-demand online hub of yoga, mental health and wellbeing sessions designed to meet the individual needs of vets, RVNs, practice managers, receptionists, students and paraprofessionals.
Subscription includes a monthly live yoga session and access to a library of content which includes yoga sessions lasting from minutes to over an hour.
There are also videos, and advice on guided meditation to help support wellbeing and manage stress.
Chloe says: “It’s important that everyone who has a need, has access to the type of wellbeing tools that they respond best to, so we have developed self-care sessions for all roles in the profession.
"If you have had a hard day or a stiff neck from working in theatre for hours, or are just feeling tense and unable to switch off, you need help there and then.
"The VetYogi Collective provides that support around the clock which we simply couldn’t deliver any other way.”
Individual subscriptions cost £12 per month.
Practices signing up their team are offered preferential rates and can use the VetYogi Collective badge on their materials to signal their commitment to supporting wellbeing.
collective.vetyogi.com
The judging panel, comprising BVA President Anna Judson, RCVS President Sue Paterson, National Veterinary Lead Ruminant and Equine at Zoetis UK Ally Ward, and last year’s award winner Hannah Hunt, selected the finalists based on their inspirational work which includes supporting clients and colleagues, providing outstanding and consistent care for patients, inspiring others and giving back to their community, championing causes in the profession and going above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Rebecca, who graduated from Bristol in 2015, was nominated for her work co-founding Veterinary Education Malawi, an animal welfare charity which provides free veterinary services to low-income communities and educational support both to the para vets in the country and to the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), its only vet school.
Henry, a commercial poultry and gamebird vet, was nominated for his work tackling outbreaks of avian influenza and encouraging other young vets to take up roles in the poultry industry.
Henry is also a European College of Poultry Veterinary Science resident, mental health first aider and trustee of regional rural mental health charity You Are Not Alone (YANA), co-lead of his practice green group, and deputy rotation lead for the new RVC poultry rotation, which takes its first students in 2024.
Camilla is an equine vet who was nominated for her dedication to promoting the veterinary profession, equine welfare, and for her work setting up the ambulatory equine practice, Perth Equine Vets.
A Glasgow 2015 graduate, Camilla set up Perth Equine Vets in 2020 growing it into the three vet practice it is today.
She organises frequent events, most recently a “get into vet school” day for upcoming vet students, which saw more than 40 potential senior school pupils attend, alongside educational demos for owners to increase their own knowledge. She also regularly creates blogs and videos on the practice social media accounts which helps horse owners learn essential skills.
BVA President Anna Judson said: “BVA’s Young Vet of the Year showcases exceptional vets from across the UK making an invaluable contribution to the profession.
"This year we have been blown away by all the incredible nominations, but these three young vets really stood out for their contribution to their fields and their commitment to their unique causes and passions.
"Congratulations to all of the finalists, you are a credit to the veterinary profession and we know you have bright futures ahead of you.”
The winner of BVA Young Vet of the Year will be announced at BVA's Gala Dinner taking place at the London Vet Show on 16th November.
Photo: R-L, Camilla Church, Henry Lamb and Rebecca Hampson
The event is merging with the new northern VETcpd Congress to give attendees a broader range of CPD subjects.
In the wound management streams, which are for both nurses and vets, Shelly Jefferies (pictured right) will run a series of workshops on: ‘Wound preparation for optimum healing’, ‘Wound dressing selection’ and ‘Building a better bandage’.
On the first day of the lecture programme, Samantha Bell will be looking at various different aspects and considerations for wound management through all stages, from initial presentation and assessment of the traumatic wound patient, including lavage and debridement techniques, to selection of dressings for open wound management, to surgical closure.
Other speakers in the wound management stream will cover topics such as acute wound management in rabbits and other exotic species, coping with eye problems and what to do and what not to do after oral surgery to allow healing.
Alongside the wound management programme will be two streams for veterinary surgeons – open to nurses as well – with Dr David Williams (ophthalmology), Dr Bob Partridge (dentistry), Dr Molly Varga (rabbits and exotics), Dr Fergus Allerton (antibiotics and immune-mediated diseases), Professor John Innes (orthopaedics), Professor Jon Hall (small animal surgery), Dr Joanne Harris (cardiology), Dr Alison Hayes (oncology), Dr Samantha Lane small animal surgery), Dr Anita Patel (dermatology) and Angie Lloyd-Jones (ultrasound).
On day two, David Williams will conduct an interactive session on ethics in which he will present a series of cases and ask the audience to discuss what they would do in each.
There will also be a series of workshops on ultrasound, covering basic system controls and image optimisation, abdominal ultrasound assessment techniques, and other aspects.
Lastly, there will be a stream specifically for equine practitioners featuring Professor Michael Schramme of the University of Lyon, Dr Alison Talbot of the University of Liverpool, Dr Lesley Young from Newmarket, Dr Gemma Pearson from Edinburgh, David Green from the VDS and Philip Cramo of Hambleton Equine Clinic.
Accommodation is available in the Hilton Garden Inn on-site at £105 per night or £125 per night for double occupancy. This rate is available by emailing HGIreservations@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk, quoting VETcpd.
Early bird two day passes cost £285+VAT for veterinary surgeons and £195+VAT for veterinary nurses, with one day tickets also available.
www.vetcpdcongress.co.uk.
Emeritus Professor Leslie Vaughan DSc DVR FRCVS, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1987-8, has died.
Qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 1949, Professor Vaughan held various posts within the RVC, including House Surgeon, Lecturer and Reader. He was awarded a personal chair in 1972 as Professor of Veterinary Orthopaedics, becoming the Professor of Veterinary Surgery and Head of Department two years later. He was Vice-Principal from 1982 to 1991.
Having formally retired in 1991, Professor Vaughan continued to see small animal orthopaedic cases referred to the Queen Mother Hospital (QMH) at the Royal Veterinary College until he finally ‘put down his scalpel' at the end of 2007. During these 16 years, not only was he involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching on rotations, but claimed no payment personally for his work: he donated any fees to the RVC's Animal Care Trust to support further development of the QMH. It is fitting that the third and final phase of the QMH was opened this week by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. This was the culmination of a major project that Professor Vaughan helped initiate in the mid-1980s.
Professor Vaughan, who was 81, became a Fellow of the RCVS in 1957 for a thesis entitled: A study of the clinical and pathological aspects of the intervertebral disc protrusion in the dog.
Dr Jerry Davies, RCVS Treasurer and former colleague of Professor Vaughan said: "Leslie Vaughan had an international reputation in veterinary orthopaedics, both as a clinician and a researcher, that included small animal, equine and even farm animal species.
"Those remarkable achievements were equalled by his skills as a teacher. He had an ability to instil in his students the fundamental principles of diagnosis where meticulous clinical observation and examination must precede the careful selection of adjunct investigations such as radiography and laboratory testing. The extraordinary number of veterinary surgeons, both past and present, that will have benefited from his teaching over no less than 58 years will never be surpassed".
The funeral will be held at St John's Church, Harpenden, Herts (http://www.stjohnsharpenden.org.uk/), at 11.30 am on Monday December 1, 2008.
Janssen Animal Health has announced that it has acquired the distribution rights for a range of sedatives and anaesthetics for small and large animals, including Dexdomitor, Domitor and Antisedan.
Janssen aquired the marketing and distribution rights, which were previously held by Pfizer Inc, from Orion Corporation.
Dr. Enno Gottschalk , Janssen's European Director Marketing and Sales said: "This acquisition of distribution rights results in the perfect combination of proven and effective products with the outstanding service and technical selling capabilities of Janssen Animal Health. The products include the sedative Dexdomitor and Domitor, as well as the antagonist Antisedan. Among large animals, predominantly horses, the sedative injection Domosedan is now on offer as part of the Janssen Animal Health portfolio."
In the series of 9 short videos, BCF's in-house vet, Kimberly Palgrave, demonstrates how to perform a basic abdominal ultrasound examination in small animal patients.
The videos, which were produced in collaboration with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, also cover how to alter the controls on your ultrasound machine to get the most of your equipment.
Kimberly said: "I am really passionate about encouraging as many vets using ultrasound in their daily routine as a diagnostic tool. My aim for these videos is to give vets in practice a resource to develop their ultrasound skills. We hope you enjoy the videos and we are already busy developing further videos."
To see the videos visit the ultrasound gallery.
www.bcftechnology.com / www.facebook.com/bcftechnology.
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund has launched a survey for veterinary surgeons in order to learn more about how the charity is viewed by the profession, and understand how it might improve the support it offers.
Please take part! The survey is anonymous, contains 21 questions and should take no more than 5-10 minutes of your time.
The survey is here: http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=b90tg0mv3vtzpa1965478
The results will be shared in due course.
The first, 'Factors that determine the success of a mastitis treatment' is tomorrow, Thursday 30th April, at 7:30pm. It will be presented by veterinary surgeon and researcher, Sofie Piepers.
The second webinar is titled 'Communication skills for effecting behaviour change with a focus on mastitis treatments'. Presented by Owen Atkinson, a vet with experience of the dairy industry around the world, the webinar will start at 7:30pm on Tuesday 5th May.
There will be opportunities to ask questions of both speakers at the end of each session.
For more information, visit: https://www.boehringer-academy.co.uk
The recall was initiated because a visual inspection confirmed the possibility of particulate contamination which is not acceptable for an intravenous use preparation.
The recall is for the following batches only:
108AB Expiry 12/01/2023113H Expiry 16/03/2023
Ceva Animal Health Ltd is contacting veterinary surgeons, retailers and wholesale dealers to examine inventory and quarantine products subject to the recall.
For further information, contact Peter Kyte Business Unit Manager on +44 1494 781510.
The project, which has been supported by Zoetis, came about after 45 vets from 35 CVS practices identified osteoarthritis (OA) as the main clinical area their practice team wanted to develop over the next 18 months.
As a result, the VOA and CVS came together and signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the VOA will support CVS with training, resources and research.
The goal is to improve the care of OA patients by engaging the whole practice team and clients in their pets’ care.
Professor Stuart Carmichael, VOA Director said: “VOA’s aim is to provide access to the latest research, evidence and technologies and facilitate a multi-professional collaboration supporting practices wishing to improve their management of osteoarthritis.
CVS practices participating in this project will become eligible for accreditation by the VOA in recognition of the training they've undergone.
As the project develops, CVS says it will assess the results of the initiative, learning more about strategies that can improve and enhance management of OA.
This should translate into the development of better long-term approaches for the management of OA that can be used across the profession.
Meantime, the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA) has a practice accreditation scheme which is available to any practice which is looking to improve its management of OA.
Further information is available at: vet-oa.com
BCF has announced the launch of the Medison Sonovet R3 portable ultrasound scanner.
BCF says the R3 is the next evolution of the Pico from Medison which is ideal for both equine and small animal vets. It is now more compact with a robust design with enhanced image quality and improved frame rate, and even at a lower price.
Graham Howe, Partner at Stow Veterinary Surgeons in Gloucestershire has one of the new machines. He said: "We chose the Medison R3 for several reasons. The R3 is an excellent quality machine at the right price and provides excellent value for money. We wanted Doppler and the R3 provides this without breaking the bank.
"The scanner has increased our diagnostic capabilities and enabled us to diagnose increasingly subtle lesions in small animal anatomy.
"We also knew from previous experience with previous with an ultrasound scanner and digital X-ray machine that we could rely on BCF for support."
For more information visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/, or call +44 (0)1506 460023 to arrange a demonstration.
BSAVA President Sue Paterson said: "By signposting clients to extra downloadable advice or handing them a printed guide when they leave consultation room, we will hopefully reduce their temptation to run potentially misleading ‘Dr Google’ searches to find out more about the diagnosis."
The series includes:
My dog does not like other dogs
My dog has dental disease
My dog has diabetes
My dog has itchy skin
My dog has kidney disease
They join the PetSavers existing library of general online guides on Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Caring for your elderly pet and Losing your pet.
Printed versions of the new guides can be ordered by veterinary practices to use in their reception areas, in exchange for a donation to PetSavers.
The new guides can be downloaded at http://www.petsavers.org.uk/Pet-guides
The charity says that many of the calls and emails were linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vetlife Helpline Manager Dr. Rosie Allister said: "It has been a very difficult time for many people in the veterinary community, and we are glad so many people have been in touch.
"As well as calls relating to the effects of the pandemic, other stresses haven’t gone away and we are still offering support for people experiencing stress, concerns about mental health, work demands, support at work, and many other concerns.
"It is a privilege to support the veterinary community and I would like to reassure anyone thinking about contacting Vetlife Helpline that we are here to listen confidentially. Anyone who thinks they might need to talk can contact by phone or email.”
The Vetlife Health Support service also saw a record number of referrals.
Katie Moore, Chair of Helpline and Health Support said: "Given the extraordinary challenges faced by our profession both in 2020 and now in 2021, it is not surprising that not only Vetlife Helpline but also Vetlife Health Support have experienced their busiest 12 month period, with a large increase in referrals to our Health Support service over recent months. I would strongly encourage anyone who is concerned about any aspect of their mental health to get in contact as soon as possible.”
The charity is also appealing for help with donations and fundraising to meet the extra demand. Donations can be made at https://www.vetlife.org.uk/donate/, and anyone who is planning a fundraiser is urged to contact the charity. If you are interested in volunteering, there are a number of ways to get involved. For more information, visit: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/volunteer/.
Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: 0303 040 2551 or via anonymous email at: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/
"Advances in Imaging of the Equine Distal Limb 2017–2022" comprises a total of 20 papers which have been selected by Mathieu Spriet, Ann Carstens and Tim Mair.
It also includes an editorial from the EVJ summarising the major historical technological developments in imaging of the foot and fetlock.
The publication looks at the evolution of computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), which has opened a whole new field of possibilities for bone and soft tissue imaging in racehorses and sport horses, MRI and how it has been improved by optimising scanning techniques, ultrasound radiography and scintigraphy.
Mathieu Spriet said: “The content of this virtual issue represents an amazing amount of new knowledge that with no doubt will contribute to improve equine welfare and safety.
“With the increase availability and versatility of all the imaging modalities, the knowledge base appears to increase exponentially.
"We are very excited to see what the next five years will bring. We hope the readers will enjoy consulting this collection as much as we enjoyed putting it together.”
The virtual issue is free for 12 weeks and can be found at https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.equine-distal-limb
Photo: 18F-NaF PET, CT and MRI images from a horse with navicular and middle phalanx lesions. Adapted from EVJ 2018;50: 125-132
A new study, led by academics at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences and published online in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, has investigated the occurrence of dog aggression towards people with a survey of UK dog owners.
Nearly 15,000 questionnaires were distributed to dog owners of which 4,000 were returned and used in the analysis.
The researchers found that:
The study highlighted that the majority of dogs showing aggression do so in just one of these situations. Researchers say this indicates that the common tendency to categorise dogs as either generally 'safe' or 'vicious' is a misconception, and that most dogs show aggression as a learnt response to particular situations.
Dr Rachel Casey, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare, said: "Dog owners and members of the public need to be aware that any dog could potentially show aggression if it is anxious or feels threatened, even when it has never done so before.
"On the other hand, dogs which have shown aggressive signs in one situation are not necessarily 'dangerous' when in other contexts - an important consideration in the assessment of animals, such as in rehoming centres."
The study also compared the characteristics of those dogs reported to show aggression with those which had never done so. It was revealed that factors such as training classes attended, type of training method used, the sex and neuter status of dogs, the age category of owners, and the breed of dogs were all associated with the occurrence of aggression.
Different risk factors were found to be significant in statistical models examining aggression to family members and unfamiliar people. This suggests that different factors are important in the development of aggressive signs depending on the situation.
The research also highlighted that although general characteristics, such as breed type, are significant risk factors across large populations they explain only a small amount of the overall difference between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs. This suggests that it is not appropriate to evaluate the risk of aggressive behaviour in an individual dog using characteristics such as breed type.
Reference
Human directed aggression in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): occurrence in different contexts and risk factors, Rachel A. Casey, Bethany Loftus, Christine Bolster, Gemma J. Richards, Emily J. Blackwell, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, published online 11 December 2013.
The Petplan/Panasonic Monitoring Kit, which was launched last year, allows pet owners and veterinary staff to check on their animals via an app on their smartphone or tablet.
Petplan says is it being used by some veterinary practices to help provide additional security and monitoring capability within the practice.
The kit includes an indoor camera, which comes with an in-built temperature sensor and night vision, a door sensor and Smart Plug which can be remotely activated to turn on a radio, lamp, portable heater or fan to help keep animals content.
The kit also contains an SD card which allows clients to save and share video footage of their pet in its home environment with their veterinary surgeon, and practices to record and share footage with their staff or clients.
Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing at Petplan, said "For Petplan, keeping pets healthy always has been and always will be our priority. We worry about our pets when we are not with them and the pet Monitoring Kit addresses this problem by providing welcome reassurance that they are safe and well. We are delighted to be able to share this exclusive, time limited offer with our customers and veterinary partners to allow them to check in on their pets, from wherever they are."
To find out more and access a discount code, veterinary staff should login to petplanvet.co.uk.
The new guide, developed in association with Vets Digital, is the latest addition to BVA’s ‘Respect your vet team – end abuse’ campaign, which aims to support vets and veterinary workplaces who experience abuse from animal owners either in person or online.
It will be added to the Respect Your Vet Team toolkit, which offers a range of resources designed to help protect staff and limit the frequency and impact of abuse from clients.
The resources include practical tips on how to protect staff from online abuse, downloadable posters encouraging respectful behaviour from clients and a series of blogs exploring the issues.
BVA President Malcolm Morley said: “The vast majority of clients are hugely appreciative of the care they receive from their vet teams, resulting in thousands of positive reviews every year.
"While we recognise not every client will have a positive experience and may wish to provide critical feedback, a small number are posting deliberately abusive or unfair reviews.
"This is unacceptable and can have a hugely negative impact on individual veterinary professionals and the wider team.
"Protecting the wellbeing of veterinary teams remains a top priority for BVA and this new resource will help vet teams to take practical steps to limit the impact of this type of abuse.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/misc-resources/how-to-manage-unfair-and-abusive-reviews-online
The RCVS has published the conclusions of The McKelvey Report, a review into the circumstances leading to a substantial overspend on the College's new database and development works at Belgravia House.
The review was carried out by Professor Bill McKelvey - a member of the College's Governance Review Group - and two of the College's Privy Council-appointed Council members to consider all aspects relating to the College's budgeting and expenditure process, and propose lessons that could be learned.
Whilst the full report has not yet been published, its conclusions highlight:
Overall, the report concluded that:
Weaknesses exist in the governance of the RCVS which pose significant risks to the proper conduct of its business. Executive staff have not been provided with a robust governance framework by the Council, and this has led to a number of unnecessary misunderstandings between Executive staff and Non Executive members of Council. These matters should be urgently addressed by Council in order to ensure that the confidence of ordinary members of the profession in their College can be restored.
Dr Jerry Davies, RCVS President said: "That such a review was required is regretted, but I would like to thank Professor McKelvey, Richard Davis and Judith Webb for their diligence in this work. Their recommendations will be a very helpful addition to the work that is currently underway to ensure corporate governance is fit for purpose and, in particular, that the management of capital projects within the College is optimised."
The full report is available here.