The BSAVA is working with the European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology (ESVE) to inform veterinary surgeons about a change in the antibody used to test for cortisol.

The ESVE has become aware through its Endocrine Quality Assurance (EQA) Scheme that there will be a permanent change in the antibody used for the cortisol test for the Siemens Immulite 2000. 

The change affects the antibody pool from kit Lot 550 onwards, meaning that it has already affected some laboratories and others will be affected in the next few weeks to months. At present, the new antibody lots are not being released to the USA market. Other analysers are unaffected.

The ESVE has been working with the laboratories in its EQA scheme to quantify the impact on results and reference limits. The Society says an initial review by the ESVE-EQA based on >400 canine serum and >40 urine results suggests that canine serum cortisol results are lower (average bias -23% in canine serum) than diagnostic laboratories and clinicians have been used to in the past. The effect is more marked in canine urine cortisol (average bias -70%). 

Since being alerted by the ESVE-EQA, the manufacturer has derived mathematical adjustment factors that laboratories can incorporate into their systems to mitigate the impact on results. If the manufacturer adjustment is used, then the results will be around 8% lower on average in serum and around 60% lower in urine. Cut-offs to diagnose hyperadrenocorticism and rule out hypoadrenocorticism may need to be validated again with the new assay. There is not yet sufficient data in the ESVE-EQA collaboration to assess the impact on feline and equine samples.

Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA and one of the founders of ESVE, said: “Individual laboratories may have different ways of dealing with this change and therefore it is important to keep in touch with your laboratory provider concerning their approach. Some may choose to make the mathematical adjustments to results so that common and historic cut-off values can continue to be used. Others may report their results directly but change their guidance on interpretative cut-off values."

Dr Peter Graham, ESVE-EQA Co-ordinator, concluded: “ESVE advises that all cortisol results from Siemens Immulite 2000 assays that are close to a threshold are interpreted cautiously. ESVE also advises that all endocrine results should be interpreted in the light of clinical findings and would like to remind clinicians that spurious results may occur in any assay, though this is rare.”

The BSAVA and ESVE  encourage laboratories to tell clinicians which analyser they are using. Suitable wording regarding the interpretation of any values of cortisol based on Siemens Immulite 2000 results should be provided by laboratories for the foreseeable future.

Photo: A dog with hyperadrenocortism, courtesy Professor Ian Ramsey

Freelance Surgical Ltd has announced that it is now the sole UK distributor for IMEX Veterinary, Inc. external fixation products.

In fact, Freelance Surgical has been a supplier of IMEX products for over a year, but says that most customers had been buying from Animalcare, which has now ceased selling the products. 

The company says external fixation is an effective method of orthopaedic fracture repair which has gained popularity in recent years. An external skeletal fixator (ESF) can be used as a primary fracture fixation device or to enhance stability provided by another primary fixation product. In some cases and when used correctly, the company says they can have a number of advantages over other fracture repair techniques.

The IMEX Veterinary, Inc. product portfolio includes an array of external skeletal fixation components, intramedullary pins, K-wires, orthopaedic wire and other related veterinary products. The modular ESF system is comprised of linear, hybrid and circular fixation with linear components common to all three and instrumentation interchangeable between the hybrid and circular external fixation systems.

James Towler, Veterinary Director at Freelance Surgical Ltd has received professional training with IMEX Veterinary, Inc. to ensure the UK market has access to up-to-date product and ordering information.

For more information contact Freelance Surgical Ltd on 0845 050 4147.

The University of Bristol's Langford Veterinary Services (LVS) has announced the completion of its new clinical facilities.

The first phase of the £13 million development includes a new small animal surgery building, comprising five theatres, an ICU, a dedicated anaesthesia induction and recovery and an imaging suite.

The imaging suite comprises a 16-slice CT scanner, for small animals and horses, conventional digital radiography with a DR system, a high-resolution fluoroscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, echocardiography, scintigraphy and a high resolution 1.5 tesla MRI scanner available seven days a week.

Lynne Hill, Chief Executive of LVS, said: "The new facility provides state-of-the art diagnostic imaging facilities at all times, to help the animals under our care."

LVS highlights the case of Gainsborough, an eight-year-old Irish draught gelding, to illustrate the benefits of its new facilities. The horse, used for jumping and endurance, was initially presented to the Equine Hospital in October 2010, with clinical signs including nasal airflow obstruction and discharge, which was limiting his athletic capabilities.

Using videoendoscopy and radiography, a space-occupying mass was diagnosed in the paranasal sinuses impinging into the nasal cavity. With the horse conscious, but sedated, using regional local anaesthetic nerve blocks, the bulk of the mass was removed and he returned to work. However, the owner reported a recurrence of the clinical signs and he was returned to the clinic for reassessment.

The new imaging suite, only one of a few such units in the UK, has been adapted to enable the imaging of a horse's head while conscious using a frictionless air plinth. The adaptation allows detailed imaging of both bone and soft tissue structures within a horse's head, without requiring a general anaesthetic.

Using the new imaging suite, Gainsborough's CT examination revealed a portion of the mass, which had been inaccessible to the previous keyhole surgery, had expanded into the nasal cavity. The detail of the images enabled careful planning of a second operation that facilitated removal of the large remnant of the mass, which appeared to be benign, with minimal collateral trauma.

In addition to imaging the heads of conscious horses, dogs and cats are able to undergo complete body scans using the same unit while anaesthetised. As well as enabling detection and diagnosis of lesions without invasive or painful tests at an earlier stage, the unit will facilitate operative planning and add to the body of knowledge of disease pathogenesis.

For more information about LVS, visit: http://www.langfordvets.co.uk/

VetSurgeon Jobs has published the results of two surveys designed to give veterinary employers and job applicants some insight into what they want from each other.

The first survey was completed by 139 vets who described themselves as having recently looked for a job, or actively looking for a job, or could imagine looking for a job in the foreseeable future.

Key findings included:

• The great majority (nearly 70%) said they were likely to spend most time browsing jobs online, as opposed to traditional magazines.
• Potential candidates ranked 'work-life balance' as the job attribute that is most important to them.
• 48% of candidates said they are not prepared to do any OOH work

VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "The survey was carried out primarily to help employers create recruitment adverts that better meet the hopes and aspirations of candidates, thereby improving response rates. Whilst some of the conclusions might seem obvious, the report should help you prioritise the things you need to communicate in an advert. 

"Of course, employees' hopes and aspirations don't tend to change the moment they get the job (or they shouldn't). So I hope this report will be of interest to ALL veterinary employers, regardless of whether they are actively recruiting."

The candidate survey can be downloaded from VetSurgeon Jobs here ('Advice for Employers' under 'Recruitment Help' in the right hand margin). Come and discuss the findings here.

The second survey was completed by 121 veterinary employers. 

Key findings included:

• Whilst most employers want first contact by email, a significant number (31%) still want a letter. An argument for sending both.

• By some margin, veterinary employers said that ‘previous experience’ is what makes a CV stand out positively. But there was some solace for the inexperienced. When it comes to the attributes employers are looking for in a candidate, being 'likeable and affable' was reported as being more important than being skilled and experienced.

Respondents were asked to share any tips they have for anyone looking to come and work for them, which are also shared in the full report.

The employer survey can also be downloaded from VetSurgeon Jobs ('Advice for Jobseekers').

BEVA has opened the box office for its 60th Congress, taking place from 8th–10th September 2022 at the ACC in Liverpool.

This year’s programme includes five live streams running in parallel throughout the conference with clinical research presentations also returning after the Covid-enforced hiatus.

The first plenary lecture will be presented by Pat McCue who will review events that have shaped current practice in equine reproduction before looking at what the future holds.

The second plenary lecture, being delivered by Celia Marr, will look at 'evidence in perinatology'.

David Lloyd, Congress Scientific Programme Chair, said: “Whilst we are sure most delegates will be clamouring to attend the lectures and discussions in Liverpool in person, the programme also includes a virtual stream available live online. 

“Also, to help reduce our carbon footprint, we are holding one virtual session concurrently across all lecture theatres.

"Global leaders in the field of infectious disease, imaging, nursing, reproduction and sports medicine and rehabilitation, will present virtually to the lecture hall rather than travelling to the congress.

"This session will have 25 of the “best of the best” speakers, presenting and discussing topics that challenge us in practice.”

Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available from 28th February 2022.

Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessions available for those in their first three years post graduation or on a lower salary).

Virtual tickets are £199 for vets and £40 for nurses.

BEVA has a 'peace of mind' bookings policy to reassure those who are concerned that the Covid-19 situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.

For more information, or to book, visit http://www.bevacongress.org/ 

CPD Solutions has launched the Webinar Club offering twelve interactive online lectures in key small animal topics each year.

According to the company, the Webinar Club will deliver concise, informative presentations in essential areas for first opinion practice, from specialist tutors in small animal medicine, surgery and imaging. Webinar attendees will have the chance to ask questions in the general discussion at the end of each session.

CPD Certificates will be provided by CPD Solutions for all webinar attendees, and recorded webinars will be available on the Webinar Club website at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ for members to watch at any time.

The first webinar on March 22^nd is 'How to Manage Diaphragmatic Hernias' by leading soft tissue surgeon Jonathan Bray of Massey University. This is followed by 'Headaches and Pains in the Neck' by Neurology Specialist Simon Platt of the University of Georgia, and 'Decision Making in Oncology' by David Argyle of Edinburgh University.

You can watch a free demonstration webinar by joining Webinar Club as a Silver member at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ .

Vetlife is seeking a veterinary surgeon with a passion for mental health to serve as a trustee on its board. 

Vetlife is independent of all other veterinary organisations and is managed by a Board of 11 elected Trustees, all of whom are veterinary surgeons.

The charity employs a small number of staff, so trustees are often asked to undertake operational as well as strategic work and the role demands a substantial time commitment, including attendance at four board meetings in London each year. Trustees also act as ambassadors for Vetlife and to represent the charity within the UK Veterinary community.

Danny Chambers MRCVS is a trustee. He said: "Given the unique challenges facing veterinary professionals it is vital that the mental health support is delivered by people who understand the specific issues facing those working within the veterinary industry.

"This is why Vetlife is so important. We are a mental health charity run by the veterinary community, for the veterinary community. Being a trustee of this charity is a very hands-on role, where you get to influence all aspects of the charity’s work. If you want to help support your friends and colleagues, this is a great and fulfilling way to give back to the profession."

Vetlife President Geoff Little said: "Being a Vetlife trustee allows you to work with other members of a team dedicated to the welfare of others in the veterinary community."

The charity is currently seeking to co-opt a twelfth trustee to sit on the board until the next AGM in September 2020. Their appointment for the following three years would then need to be ratified by the membership. Any veterinary surgeon wishing to stand who is not an existing Vetlife member will be required to become one before applying. If you do not know any current members to propose you, contact the Vetlife office for assistance.  

Submissions must be received by 20th January 2020. Interviews will be held in London on 3rd February 2020.

Further information, including an application form is available on the Vetlife website:  vetlife.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ or via the Vetlife office, 020 7908 6382 or info@vetlife.org.uk. 

The RCVS has announced that it has joined forces with the Doctors’ Support Network (DSN) to launch the ‘&me’ campaign which aims to tackle mental health stigma in the health professions by encouraging prominent members to speak out about their own experiences.

The campaign was officially launched at an event at the Palace of Westminster sponsored by Kevan Jones MP (Labour, North Durham) who has spoken about his own experiences with depression, and featured first-hand testimonials from senior veterinary surgeons and doctors who have experienced mental ill-health.

‘&me’ is a collaboration between the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative, which seeks to address mental health and wellbeing issues within the veterinary profession, and the Doctors’ Support Network, which provides peer support for doctors and medical students with mental health concerns.

Introducing the campaign, Mr Jones said: "The key message I have today in regards to mental health is talking about it and trying to get it out of the dark corners rather than it being something you are ashamed to talk about. That is how we get people to help themselves with their own condition and to seek help. The other key thing is not to write people off if they have a mental illness."

The floor was then opened to personal stories from those who have lived experience of mental ill-health. Dr Louise Freeman is Vice-Chair of the Doctors’ Support Network and was diagnosed with depression in 2009 as a result of the way in which her return to work was handled after having time off work as an emergency medicine consultant following a bereavement.

She said: "This experience made me think that doctors with mental health problems were in a small minority and that it was probably our own fault anyway. Both impressions are completely wrong. The incidence of mental health problems is one in four people in any one year and is actually higher for doctors, who are often slower to seek help than non-medics. The good news is that well supported doctors have excellent treatment outcomes.

"During my own return to work, I was told by my clinical lead that they had 'always thought that I was a mental health problem waiting to happen.' I think this says more about them than it did about me! On reflection, yes that was true, but only inasmuch as this applies to all of us during our lives.

"I hope that the ‘&me’ campaign can start to address this by encouraging senior healthcare professionals, who are currently well, but have experienced mental health problems, to disclose that they have 'been there themselves'. I think that this will help to normalise mental ill health for healthcare professionals and therefore remove some of the barriers to unwell professionals seeking help at an earlier stage. Overall this would be better for healthcare professionals, their colleagues and their patients."

David Bartram, Director of Outcomes Research for the international operations of the largest global animal health company and a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' governing Council, spoke next. He gave his perspective on coming to terms with a mental health condition in a profession that has some stigma attached to it.

A number of years ago David attempted suicide following the breakup of his marriage and explains what happened from there: "I just thought I was stressed – after all, who wouldn’t be in those circumstances? But in fact I was becoming progressively more unwell. What started as worry, early waking and palpitations – which I recognised – led to patterns of thinking which I did not recognise as being disordered. I felt trapped and worthless – suicide was the only escape. From a medical perspective, my biological, social and psychological risk factors had converged and tipped me into major depression.

"That was the first of multiple suicide attempts and several prolonged stays in hospital. Over a three-year period I spent 12 months as a psychiatric inpatient. I was treated with antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, talking therapies and electroconvulsive therapy.

"But now thankfully I am well – and I have been for 14 years…. To what do I attribute my recovery? A mixture of medical treatment, psychological therapies, supportive friends and family, rest and time – they all contributed, probably in similar measure." 

He added that while his episode of mental ill-health does not define him it has changed him in a positive way and that no one is immune from it.

Dr Jonathan Richardson is Group Medical Director for Community Services at the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust who had a mental health condition when he was a medical student and spoke about how it is possible to flourish in your career with a mental health diagnosis.

"I was unwell as a teenager with a physical illness and later as a medical student with a mental illness… these two experiences crystallised my drive to become a doctor and my own approach to healthcare. I wanted to be able to deliver the care that I was fortunate to receive. I wanted to be as patient-centred and compassionate with the patients I would serve, in the same way as the teams who delivered my care. I was lucky to have support when I was unwell from very good friends, some from school and some from university; and a very close family. I have been able to recover.

"It is 24 years since my mental illness. I now work in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest mental and learning disability health trusts in England – and one of only two to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission…. I do not feel that my illnesses have stopped me."

Dr Angelika Luehrs is the chair of the Doctors’ Support Network and a consultant psychiatrist who was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder while she was a trainee psychiatrist. She said: “When I asked for advice about how to access help one of the answer I got was one of ‘whatever you do, make sure that you don't have any mental illness in your medical records otherwise you will never go anywhere in your medical career. However, getting the diagnosis and help from a Consultant Psychiatrist was the best thing that ever happened.”

She added: "The reality is that my diagnosis has not stopped me – I have been a consultant psychiatrist since 2010 with the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, last year I was appointed as medical lead for West Wiltshire including early intervention, intensive services and primary care liaison services.  I have a special interest in supporting doctors with mental illness and I am delighted to be appointed by the newly launched GP Health Service as a special advisor for complex mental health cases."

The last speaker was veterinary surgeon Neil Smith who chairs the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and outlined how to participate in the campaign. He said: "This event is just the start… the real challenge is to start to get this message out to the wider professions. Stigma is a difficult thing to tackle, but the good news is that changing our minds is within the power of every individual to do." 

Following the launch the ‘&me’ campaign is now encouraging other senior health professionals to step forward and talk about their own experiences with mental ill-health, especially as both medical doctors and veterinary surgeons have higher suicide rates than the general population but often have more reluctance to seek help because of the impact it may have on their career.

The campaign is interested in hearing from not only doctors and veterinary surgeons but also nurses, veterinary nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who want to open up about their experiences of mental ill-health. To participate in the campaign email Dr Louise Freeman on vicechair@dsn.org.uk.

Further information about the ‘&me’ campaign can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/&me

Vetoquinol UK has launched Marbocyl Solo – a one shot treatment for Bovine Respiratory Disease.

Marbocyl Solo is a 100mg/ml solution of marbofloxacin given as one injection IM at 8mg/kg. It treats sick animals fast, killing bacteria in one go, therefore minimising lung damage and consequential morbidity. This fast action reduces the risk of the spread of infection. On top of that, Marbocyl Solo has a meat withdrawal of only 3 days (milk 3 days).

“Marbocyl is a well proven antibacterial that is extensively used in cattle practice,” explains Alvin Cerely, Marbocyl’s product manager. “Marbocyl Solo is exceptionally well placed for applying ‘concentration killing’ or a‘strike action’ strategy as opposed to a ‘long action’ strategy used by other antibiotics. Marbocyl Solo is available as a separate presentation to Marbocyl 10% to avoid confusion, particularly with farmers, on different dosage regimes and withdrawal periods.”

Marbocyl Solo is available now and details have been mailed to all cattle vets in the UK and Ireland. Please contact your Vetoquinol representative or telephone 0800 169 8197 for more details.

Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Vitamin K1 tablets for dogs, which help reverse the effects of exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.

The launch of the NFA-VPS licensed 50mg tablets means that veterinary professionals can have a ready supply of Vitamin K when treating animals which have been exposed or may have been exposed to serious poisoning. Previously, the tablets where only available as a special import certificate product following Dechra's acquisition of Eurovet.

Dechra Veterinary Products Brand Manager, Carol Morgan, said: "Vitamin K1 is an absolutely key therapy in the treatment of potential and accidental exposures to anticoagulant poisoning in animals, mainly in pet dogs. It helps to assist with blood clotting, and the treatment protocol advises continued oral therapy following an initial injectable preparation of Vitamin K.

"The Veterinary Poisons Information Service has received more than 6,000 calls so far this year to its helpline regarding suspected or confirmed poisoning of all types of animals, whether accidental or deliberate exposure.

"We had been able to offer the Vitamin K1 injection and tablets via a SIC, when previously sometimes only preparations for human use were available. Therefore, we are delighted to now launch a licensed tablet which will ensure a ready supply and speed of therapy for animals affected by anticoagulant rodenticides."

Carol added: "Anticoagulant poisoning queries are already the second most common type received by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, and with the launch of these tablets, veterinary professions will be able to have a ready supply of vitamin K to hand. We would recommend that all practices consider stocking this product."

Vitamin K1 50mg tablets, for the treatment of anticoagulant poisoning following parenteral treatment, are available in boxes of 14 tablets, in blister packs of seven tablets.

For more information, please visit www.dechra.co.uk

Nominations are now being invited for this year's RCVS Council elections. 

The elections will again be held completely online this year. 

Veterinary surgeons have until 5pm on Monday 31st January 2022 to put themselves forward as candidates for the elections which will take place in March and April 2022.

The full eligibility criteria can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil22, where prospective candidates will also find further information about the role of the RCVS, RCVS Council and RCVS Council members, guidance notes, and frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate.

Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the elections, said: “We look forward to hearing from prospective candidates and are happy to give further information about what being an RCVS Council member means and what the role entails to those who may be considering standing for office.”

Prospective candidates for RCVS Council can also contact RCVS President Dr Kate Richards for an informal conversation on what it means to be an RCVS Council member on president@rcvs.org.uk

Kate said: “I’m on Council for my second term and can reassure any prospective candidates that it is a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally.

"You will learn new things not only about the College, but also the professions, policy and government; you will have fascinating discussions and debates with colleagues on issues of great importance and consequence; and you will make those important professional 'connections that count' with colleagues across the veterinary world and beyond. It is a career highlight.”

Prospective candidates for RCVS Council are welcome to attend the next Council meeting online, on Thursday 20th January 2022.

Contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, if you would like to attend: d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk.