White Cross Vets has announced the launch of a new practice designed to offer patients, clients and staff the best possible environment, whilst at the same time being environmentally-friendly.

Dragon's Den star Jenny Campbell has been confirmed as the first of the keynote speakers for BSAVA Virtual Congress taking place from the 25th-27th March 2021.

Before becoming a dragon, Jenny worked in banking for 30 years and will be sharing her experiences as an entrepreneur and business leader. She became CEO of cash machine company Hanco, bought out the business, turned it around and sold it for £50 million.

Jenny is supportive of the move to host BSAVA Congress online. She said: “Veterinary communities, like other professions, have seen the value that online technologies can offer, both for networking and socials, as well as essential CPD. We should all embrace these changes and look at the value that they can bring.”

The Congress programme is currently being finalised and the organisers say the emphasis is on ensuring the experience is an interactive as possible for each delegate. It will deliver more than 100 hours of CPD, delivered by globally recognised speakers. 

BSAVA Congress 2021 Programme Committee Chair Andy Green said: ‘Whether a virtual or a live event our entire programme is proudly created by the profession, for the profession and we are committed to providing unrivalled education, with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content.”

There'll be a virtual commercial exhibition, where delegates will be able to chat with exhibitors from the comfort of their home or consult room. There will also be the ability to network with others in the profession, in face-to-face chat rooms.
 
Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA said: “BSAVA Congress 2021 is going to be one of the most innovative in the history of our events.

"While the pandemic circumstances we continue to find ourselves in are far from ideal, we must continue to evolve and progress as a profession. BSAVA Congress is a unique highlight in our calendar for next year and it is shaping up to be a truly memorable event."

For further information and to register your interest click here: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home

Surrey-based North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR) has installed a £55,000 SonoCure ultrasonic surgical aspirator which it says will allow it to take tumour treatment to another level. 

NDSR’s director of neurology Rodolfo Capello said: "This technology is one of the most advanced in medicine and helps to surgically remove tumours while also reducing the tissue damage to vital structures.

"The accuracy and control of the system offers us greater versatility and precision, and minimises invasive manoeuvres during both soft and hard tissue dissections.

"Surgeons can therefore be extremely confident of accurate tumour excision with reduced blood vessel and tissue damage which will all help increase and improve the outcome of our surgeries.

"We’ll be using the ultrasonic surgical aspirator for the removal of tumours in the brain, liver and to cut through bone where necessary. It will be a great asset."

For more information, visit: www.ndsr.co.uk

Following Intervet Schering-Plough's launch of Plerion, a chewable, flavoured wormer for dogs, the company has launched a consumer viral marketing campaign in which they invite pet owners to 'Primp Your Pooch' at the website www.plerion.co.uk.

In the press release, the company says: 'educating clients on worming has never been more fun'. Whilst you might not think that an especially big achievement, it is certainly a polished looking website, and there's a novel competition on the site: owners are invited to upload a photograph of their dog, 'primp' it with a variety of hairstyles and fashion accessories, and then get others to vote for them to win £1000 of luxury spa vouchers.

The launch of Primp Your Pooch follows the award-winning Plerion Showtime web campaign which featured a variety of singing and dancing dogs and achieved an average 1,500  hits a month on the Plerion micro site. Sarah-Jane Minter, marketing Manager at Intervet/Schering-Plough said: "We are always trying to create new and interesting ways to engage with pet owners and have found the web to be a useful platform to drive consumer awareness, as owners enjoy the interactive element that this format offers. The site takes an uninteresting topic and gives it interest to owners. The viral aspect is achieved through social media as consumers are able to share the website with friends via Facebook or email."

As well as an extensive online advertising campaign the Primp Your Pooch campaign will be supported by in practice information. Speak to your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Veterinary Business Manager or phone the company's Veterinary Support Group on 01908 685685 for further information.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, manufacturer of the equine pergolide Prascend, has joined forces with the British Horse Society, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare to launch the 'Talk About Cushing's (TAC)' campaign.

The initiative, which will take place throughout September and October 2011, is aimed at raising awareness of Cushing's Disease and its clinical signs, perhaps the most familiar of which is hirsutism (abnormal hair growth, or delayed shedding). Horse owners can download a £15 money-off voucher from http://www.talkaboutcushings.co.uk/ throughout the TAC initiative, which can be redeemed through their veterinary practice against blood test costs.

Boehringer says Equine Cushing's Disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), is the most common endocrine disorder in older horses and ponies¹ ,and that some estimates suggest over 15% of horses and ponies over 15 years of age are affected².

Unfortunately, the initial stages of Cushing's Disease are often difficult to detect, delaying the maximum benefit of early diagnosis and intervention.  Blood testing is increasingly used to detect the disease and confirm diagnosis, however many horses with clinical signs, including recurrent laminitis, still go undiagnosed.

Craig Beck, vet and equine sales and marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica said: "More than 80% of horses suffering from laminitis may have an underlying endocrine disorder, such as Cushing's Disease³.

"The TAC campaign will raise awareness of Cushing's Disease amongst both veterinary professionals and owners. It should make it easier for vets to go ahead with endocrine testing in horses and ponies with recurrent laminitis, diagnosing and treating earlier in the course of the disease."

Lee Hackett, head of welfare at the BHS, added: "Cushing's Disease is relatively common in horses yet in our experience it frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated.  This is why we are fully behind the 'Talk About Cushing's' campaign - anything that raises awareness and understanding of this disease has to be of benefit to equine welfare."

Redwings' head of veterinary services Nicky Jarvis said: "At Redwings we have many horses over the age of 15, all living very happy and healthy lives. 'Old age' is not in itself a disease so when a geriatric horse loses condition or appears unwell there is always an underlying cause.  If a horse continually succumbs to laminitis or loses weight, Cushing's Disease could be one explanation. However, with early diagnosis, good management and the correct treatment a horse with Cushing's can live comfortably for many years."

"Early diagnosis of Cushing's Disease can be of great benefit, other conditions such as laminitis are often associated with it and it is important that clinical signs are recognised and treated appropriately.  World Horse Welfare supports the 'Talk About Cushing's' campaign as it will help people to recognise the signs and take the right action to prevent horses from suffering," concludes Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive, World Horse Welfare.

Backed by an advertising and PR campaign in the equine consumer media, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has produced a marketing pack for veterinary practices to use in the run up to, and during TAC. This includes leaflets, invoice stickers, a veterinary practice toolkit featuring an owner evening presentation, editorial copy for newsletters and websites and images to support the campaign.

For further information on TAC or Prascend, the first licensed product for the treatment of Cushing's Disease, please visit http://www.talkaboutcushings.co.uk/, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or call 01344 746959.

References

1. Donaldson et al.  “Evaluation of suspected pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses with laminitis”.  JAVMA, Vol 224, No. 7, April 1, 2004
2. McGowan. “Diagnostic and Management Protocols for Equine Cushings Syndrome” In Practice, November/December 2003
3. McGowan. “Epidemiology and Clinical Perspectives of Endocrinopathic Laminitis”, BEVA Congress 2009

The RCVS is publishing new Covid recovery guidance for the veterinary professions in the UK.

The new guidance, which can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus, will gradually replace the current emergency guidance and aims to help veterinary practices begin a phased return to near-normal operations:

• Professional judgement and biosecurity
  Subject to each government’s plans remaining in place, the new guidance will enable practices to provide services to clients in accordance with their professional judgement, the ongoing requirement to maintain biosecurity and social distancing, and any other relevant government guidelines and restrictions.
• Flowcharts removed
  The College’s Covid flowcharts, which have aimed to support veterinary decision-making throughout the pandemic restrictions, will be removed, and practices will no longer be expected to provide only essential/urgent services.
• Remote prescribe if no suitable alternative
  The College is retaining its temporary guidance that permits remote prescribing of prescription-only veterinary medicines, but only where there is no suitable alternative and still subject to certain guidelines and requirements.

Alongside the College’s guidance, the BVA is also publishing guidance for practices on working safely as lockdown restrictions are eased. [www.bva.co.uk/coronavirus/]

RCVS President Mandisa Greene said: “None of us could have predicted quite what an extraordinary and extraordinarily challenging 12 months this has been for everyone.

"On behalf of the whole of RCVS Council, I would like to thank sincerely once again all our veterinary and veterinary nursing colleagues, and all those in practice teams around the UK, for their awe-inspiring commitment, adaptability, resilience and sheer hard work in continuing to provide essential veterinary services and look after the health and welfare of the nation’s animals, in what have been the most difficult of times.

“Whilst I sincerely hope that we are at last beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, if there is one thing we have learnt, it is that things can deteriorate rapidly if we don’t all continue to play our part and follow all relevant guidelines.

“I therefore urge my colleagues to continue to use their professional judgement and think very carefully about their gradual return to more normal working patterns over the coming weeks and months, according to their individual circumstances and the best interests of their teams, clients, and the animals they care for.”

RCVS Council has also agreed that the policy and guidance changes made in response to the pandemic over the past 12 months will now be reviewed, and decisions made as to whether to retain, amend or reverse them.

Dunfermline-based Vets Now Ltd has been announced as the winner of the Scotland regional final of the £35 Million Bank of Scotland Corporate Entrepreneur Challenge. The company, based on Pitreavie Drive, is the UK's leading provider of out of hours emergency care for animals and has secured an incredible funding package of up to £5 million, free of interest and charges for three years, to turn their expansion plans into reality.

Richard Dixon, Managing Director of Vets Now Ltd, said, "I am absolutely thrilled that we have won the Scottish regional final of the Entrepreneur Challenge. A lot of time and effort went into our presentation and we knew that the competition was going to be tough. I'm very proud of our team, without who Vets Now would not be what it is today.

"Winning the Challenge is going to have a fundamental impact on Vets Now, taking our business to a completely new level. The funding will allow us to make substantial growth and move the business into Europe. It will also increase the range of services we can provide to customers and increase the overall profile of our organisation."

Richard will now go through to the national final in December, where he will compete against the winners from six other regions across the UK for the chance to be named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' and the opportunity to benefit from four days mentoring from one of Britain's most successful and high profile entrepreneurs.

Vets Now was chosen as the winner after Richard Dixon presented his business case and plans for the future to a panel of judges, including Willie Haughey from City Refrigeration and John Anderson from The Entrepreneurial Exchange. Willie, John and the rest of the judging panel then questioned Richard in their search for an entrepreneur who displayed flair, vision and creativity, coupled with solid business acumen and impressive plans for the future. The judging was followed by a dinner and award ceremony at Stirling Castle, at which the winner was announced.

For more information visit http://www.theboschallenge.co.uk/

Dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today.

Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.

The maximum sentences for allowing a dog to attack someone in England or Wales have also been increased as follows:

• Up to 14 years, from two years, for a fatal dog attack.
• Up to five years, from two years, for injury.
• Up to three years if an assistance dog is attacked.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said: "Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families and it is only right those responsible should face tough punishments.

"Irresponsible dog owners will not only face longer prison sentences, but will also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place, even in their own home. This will give protection to those who provide vital services in the community - postal workers, nurses, utility workers - as well as people visiting family and friends."

For the first time, the Dangerous Dogs Act also includes a specific offence to protect assistance dogs from attacks.

Guide Dogs Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: "An attack on a guide dog can be devastating. It can rob someone with sight loss of their independence and freedom, leaving them virtually housebound. We're delighted that irresponsible owners can now be given tougher sentences if their dog attacks an assistance dog.

"With an average of 10 guide dogs being attacked every month, we're looking to the police to fully use their new powers to protect vulnerable people from these sometimes life-changing attacks."

The changes will also see new preventative powers for the police and local authorities so they can act early to stop dog attacks before they occur. These measures include steps the dog owner can take to address their own or their dog's behaviour, for example:

Attending dog training classes.
Repairing fencing to their property to prevent the dog escaping.
Requiring their dog to be muzzled in public.

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: "The coalition government is already making real progress in defending the public from out of control dogs and their irresponsible owners. Today's measures will protect individuals and also assistance dogs, which bring security, confidence and independence to their handlers.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "The Kennel Club sees these amendments as being extremely positive overall for the welfare of millions of dogs in this country, as well as helping to protect the public and the UK's responsible dog owners. For too long, irresponsible owners who consistently allow, or even encourage, their dogs to act aggressively or behave dangerously have essentially been protected by regulations which tend to penalise the dogs rather than their irresponsible owners. This updated legislation makes it absolutely clear that this is not acceptable and owners must take responsibility for adequately training their dogs.

"We have been very careful during our work with Government to ensure that there are adequate defences for those otherwise responsible dog owners who find themselves in unforeseen circumstances. This includes scenarios such as dogs protecting their homes from intruders or responding to provocation.

"Disappointingly however, the issue of breed specific legislation still remains unaddressed, with the government failing to use the opportunity whilst amending the Dangerous Dogs Act to repeal this ineffective element of the law.

"The Kennel Club believes in the principle of 'deed not breed' and that genetics plays only a small part in the temperament of a dog, with breeding, socialisation and environment having a far greater effect. The majority of dog bite incidents are a result of the irresponsible actions of owners who have either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or have in fact trained them to behave aggressively. Consequently any legislation based on genetics that ignores the influence of the dog's keeper on its behaviour is highly likely to be ineffective, as has been proven with the Dangerous Dogs Act."

William McEwan BSc MRes PhD, now working at the MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, has been awarded the ABCD and Merial Young Scientist of the Year Award 2010 for his work on the replication and cross-species transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in domestic cats and lions, and the restriction factors in these species in particular. 

Dr McEwan said: "Understanding the means by which host species are able to prevent viral replication gives us insight to the mechanisms of infection and may allow us to engineer therapy based on similar mechanisms or by enhancing immune responses."

The award was presented by Professor Marian C. Horzinek, Chair of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) and of the award jury. He said: "William McEwan presented a very original, high quality paper. His research has indicated the ability of hosts to potently restrict retroviral replication - given sufficient evolutionary time. It has also highlighted felids as a taxon that is potentially highly prone to cross-species transmission of immunodeficiency viruses".

The ABCD and Merial Young Scientist Award, created in 2008 and worth 1000 €, is funded by Merial and is presented to a young scientist in veterinary or biomedical science, who has made an original contribution in the field of feline infectious diseases and/or immunology. Applicants should have published their findings in a journal listed in PubMed or Web of Science or have had them accepted by another recognised assessing body.

Candidates should be based in Europe, have completed a veterinary or biomedical curriculum, and be under 35 years of age at the time of application. Applications for the 2011 award are now being invited (deadline 15 January 2011). For more information, visit: www.abcd-vets.org

The Goddard Growlers are putting the final touches to their training ahead of the Vet Charity Challenge event which takes place at Pershore College in Worcestershire on 28 September. 

The team comprises Stone Lion Head Vet Roger Bralow;  Practice Manager for North West London, Adrian Hayter;  Philippa Davis, Regional Manager for NE London and Lisa Cooper, VN and Hospital Manager for Wanstead Hospital.

Philippa Davis said: "Our training regime is going well despite the injuries we've sustained making us consider that we might be 'too old' for this malarkey. I've certainly had to stop saying 'I don't do' running as I've found that I'm enjoying it and will continue to do it after the challenge.  We make a great team and while the events will be very tough, we'll have some laughs along the way.

We certainly have a will to win and our fellow teams will find us highly competitive and growling at them at every opportunity!  Seriously though, we're all really looking forward to it and watching the long range weather forecast with unusual interest!  We're also delighted to be helping the fantastic causes which the Vet Charity Challenge is fundraising for this year. Our colleagues across the Goddard Group are giving us great support and we have already raised more than £600. Bring it on!"

The Growlers' progress can be followed by 'liking' their facebook page, 'Goddard Growlers', which also provides links for anyone wanting to support them with sponsorship. Alternatively, donations can be made at  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/goddardgrowlers

Petplan has announced the winners of its annual Veterinary Awards. 

The awards recognise and celebrate staff and practices throughout the country who have delivered an exceptional level of care, going above and beyond the call of duty in keeping the nation's pets healthy and owners happy.   

Suzanne Cheadle, Petplan's Acting Head of Marketing said: "As the leader in the pet insurance market for over 36 years, we have a rich history of working with veterinary practices across the UK. The Petplan Veterinary Awards recognise and celebrate the fantastic work that goes on across those practices."

She added: "This year saw over 12,000 nominations which demonstrates the appetite from both staff and clients for celebrating exceptional work. We had a wonderful selection of first class finalists and I'd like to congratulate all the winners who thoroughly deserve their awards."

The winners for each category are:

VET OF THE YEAR: Hector Low, Old Mill Veterinary Practice, Isle-of-Lewis
The judges said: "What really stood out was Hector's dedication to the profession and how he moved his practice to a new premises so it could offer better facilities and a wider range of services for animals and owners alike. He has always got his clients and their pets at the forefront of all his decisions and is truly passionate about his role within the profession".
 
VET NURSE OF THE YEAR: Tina Wright, Warbeck House Veterinary Centre, Merseyside
The judges said: "Tina is particularly responsible for setting up an Ear Care Club for animals at the centre who suffer from recurrent ear problems, which she has put her heart and soul into over the last year, while also tutoring student veterinary nurses and running puppy socialisation classes which have proved hugely popular among clients. Tina is a shining example of how vital the role of the vet nurse is when delivering outstanding service to clients and their pets. She is enthusiastic, passionate and always puts her clients' needs first".
 
PRACTICE SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR: Henrietta Fidler, Beech House Veterinary Centre, Surrey
The judges said: "Henrietta is somebody who loves her role within the veterinary profession, thriving on the interaction she has between both the clients and animals. She has nurtured and developed strong and solid client relationships as well as good working relationships with her colleagues. If there is anything that the Veterinary Awards highlights, it is that team work is a vital part of the job, and Henrietta is proof of that".
 
PRACTICE OF THE YEAR: The Vets' Place, Cheshire
The judges saiod: "Wendy and Michael Hough set up their practice, The Vets' Place, from scratch in 2009. Since then, the practice has grown from strength to strength. As a small practice they have plenty of opportunity to really get to know their individual clients and their pets and have built strong relationships that their customers value. The Vet's Place is a shining example of the exceptional service a practice can deliver".
 
PRACTICE MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Sharon Lane-Kieltyka, Shepton Veterinary Group Ltd, Somerset
The judges said: "Sharon is a people person through and through which feeds the passion she has for a role that extends beyond the care of clients and their pets. Sharon has overseen a large scale building project that saw the practice double in size and been a key driver in the recent rebranding of the practice, highlighting not only her steadfast can-do attitude, but her ability to drive change in the interest of her clients. Her enthusiasm for the industry is something to be admired".

CVS reports that a project it has been running since 2019 to increase the use of ear cytology and support the appropriate use of antibiotics in treating otitis externa (OE) in first opinion practice has resulted in an increase in intervention rates from 11% to 54.2%.

CVS says the use of ear cytology in OE is beneficial, both as a diagnostic and to evaluate the response to therapy. 

However, in 2019 the company looked at 26,269 of its patients and found that ear cytology was only being used in 19.2% of cases, in line with the rest of the profession. 

Only 11% of cases were being provided with in-house point-of-care cytology, whilst 8.2% had it performed externally.

80.8% of patients with OE were being prescribed antibiotics without cytological support, with 5% of these the highest priority critically important antibiotics (HPCIAs).

This low level of cytology use in primary care was suspected to be a major contributory factor to the significant use of unnecessary antibiotics.

To support its practices, CVS first looked at the barriers to performing ear cytology interventions, which were identified as a lack of confidence in using the microscope (particularly focusing on x100 and identification of pathological events), a perceived lack of time, insufficient or poorly working equipment, a lack of access to equipment, and the perception that cytology does not change the treatment choice or outcome.

As a second step, a minimal list of cytology equipment was developed to ensure that all sites had the right kit.

New equipment was then supplied to a practice if it did not meet minimum standards.

The company then produced education and resource materials, including new guidelines, imagery and video guides, to upskill both its vets and nurses.

The training focused on: equipment maintenance, cleaning and troubleshooting, how to use the microscope – including x100 magnification and the slide oil immersion technique, how to identify pathological changes, and time management to get a consultation done – including swabbing, microscope analysis, diagnosis and client consultation.

Each site was then provided with its own data, so that it could monitor progress.

Elizabeth McLennan Green, CVS Clinical Director for the North, said: “One of our goals with this project was to minimise the number of antibiotics prescribed without associated diagnostics, and to use ear cytology to guide therapy and response to treatment for the benefit of our patients and clients.”

“We know that low ear cytology interventions are an issue across the profession. We wanted to do better. So ear cytology has been our first and longest running clinical improvement project.

"We’re thrilled with the brilliant results our colleagues are now achieving.”

There's a video presentation about the project here: https://vimeo.com/875515008/bdc3ee5920 

Photo: Emily Spencer, Head Vet at Castle Vets

Identics, an animal identification company run by veterinary surgeon Egbert de Vries, has launched Labtags, a system with which you can tag animals and takes tissue samples simultaneously.

Egbert said:  One of the diseases for which this tag has proven to be useful is Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). BVD Antigen testing is an important method of identifying the persistently infected (PI) animals in a herd.

"Use of labtags can be integrated in an accreditation scheme to achieve BVD Free status. It removes the need for taking blood samples and therefore simplifies the implementation of the accreditation scheme.

"BVD Antigen testing is not solely used for achieving an accreditation status. Persistently infected (PI) animals in your herd allow for the circulation of the BVD virus and have a negative impact on herd fertility and calf health. Identifying these animals is necessary for good herd management."

Two different labtags are available from IDENTICS. The first is the green button tag with a sequential number, which can be used as a complimentary tag to your double tagged animal. The second is a DEFRA approved tag with your UK herd number and individual animal number, allowing you to tag and sample your newborn calves with the correct tag without any extra work.

For more information, visit www.identics.co.uk, start a conversation with Egbert, email: info@identics.co.uk, or telephone: 01994 342100 / 07787 420646