Ceva Animal Health has launched Vectra 3D, a broad spectrum topical ectoparasiticide for dogs which is effective against fleas, ticks and flies.
Vectra 3D contains a formulation of a brand new active called dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen and permethrin.
According to the company, Vectra 3D provides a rapid flea kill within two hours for dogs on current treatment and complete protection against the major vectors: fleas, ticks, sand flies, mosquitoes and stable flies1. Additionally, because dinotefuran kills on contact, it is claimed to reduce the incidence of flea feeding1.
Vectra 3D is applied in a line from the base of the tail to the neck using a patented applicator with an elongated tip, designed to make it easy to apply the product through the hair directly onto the skin. The applicator is also designed to provide accurate dosing without making any mess, as nothing comes out until the tube is squeezed.
Ceva highlights that the number of people travelling with their pets has increased by 61% since 20122, and that Vectra 3D is the only topical ectoparasiticide that offers repellent action against sand flies for one month, together with protection against mosquitoes and stable flies.
Julia Wood, product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "Vectra 3D is an innovative formulation which uses a unique, easy-to-administer applicator to provide complete protection against fleas, ticks and flies. And with spring nearly upon us, it's time to start talking to clients about flea treatments, such as Vectra 3D."
To support the launch of Vectra 3D, Ceva is hosting a series of CPD meetings at venues across the UK. Accounting for two hours CPD, the afternoon meetings will cover vector-borne diseases, the importance of ticks in the UK and product information on Vectra 3D. They will be presented by Ian Wright BVMS BSc MSc MRCVS and Richard Wall BSc MBA PhD FRES and take place at:
For further information, contact your Ceva Animal Health territory manager or email Ceva Animal Health on customerservicesuk@ceva.com.
With Brexit negotiations set to begin after notice under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is served, the Prime Minister’s speech outlined the Government’s negotiating priorities that included some key BVA issues, such as: rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU; the intention to continue playing a leading role in science and innovation; and maintaining the Common Travel Area with the Republic of Ireland.
The BVA’s President Gudrun Ravetz said: "It’s encouraging to see some of the key priorities that BVA has identified and is lobbying on, on behalf of the profession, make it into the Prime Minister’s list of negotiating priorities although it still leaves a lot of uncertainty.
"We particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to guaranteeing the rights of EU colleagues already living, working and studying in the UK, alongside reciprocal rights for UK colleagues working within the EU, which has been a BVA priority since day one. Each year around 50% of veterinary surgeons registering to practise in the UK are from overseas, with the vast majority coming from the EU. Consequently, Brexit and accompanying changes to the mutual recognition system or immigration restrictions could have a profound impact upon the veterinary workforce.
"As a science and evidence-based profession, we also welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition of the breadth and depth of our academic and scientific communities, our cutting-edge research and innovation, and we will continue to call for a regulatory and legislative framework to ensure the UK remains a globally attractive place for research and development.
"Knowing the express concern of colleagues in Northern Ireland, which shares a border with the EU via the Republic of Ireland, we were reassured by the UK government’s recognition of this as an important priority – backed up by Mrs May’s commitment to work with the devolved nations and secure the Common Travel Area as soon as she can.
"We hope Mrs May’s promise of ‘certainty wherever possible’ will help reassure our EU and UK veterinary colleagues – as well as those outside of the profession – who have had anything but certainty since the result of the UK referendum on the EU last June. We will continue to lobby the Government on this key issue until it is resolved."
BVA’s Brexit Working Group is continuing to work closely with RCVS’s Brexit Presidential Taskforce, consult with stakeholders and gather evidence with the aim of publishing a full report setting out our detailed lobbying position and policy recommendations in April.
Veterinary surgeons who can keep it short and sweet have a chance of receiving an all (reasonable) expenses paid trip to BVA Congress this September.
The RCVS Trust is offering to pay the registration fee, plus travel, food and accommodation costs for two nights for two vets to attend the whole conference.
The catch? Would-be delegates must have graduated within the past eight years and be able to explain - in fifty words or less - how this support would benefit them educationally.
Cherry Bushell, RCVS Trust Director said: "It is a bit of a light-hearted approach, however, the idea is to make relatively new vets think in a focused way about what they would get out of going to BVA Congress. They need to tell us how they will benefit educationally from the opportunity we're offering - it's not simply about financial need."
Applicants should send an email to info@rcvstrust.org.uk before 24 August, with their name and contact details and convince the Trust, in fifty words or less, that they would get the most out of attending BVA Congress. Only the first 100 emails received by the Trust will be considered. Registration fees will be paid directly to the BVA and all costs claimed must be reasonable.
The BVA 2009 Annual Congress will be held at the Mecure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, from 24-26 September. For more details visit http://www.bva.co.uk/events/BVA_Congress.aspx.
A survey of more than 4,000 members of the public by the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) has revealed that 90% of people think that separation from a pet is traumatic for older people entering residential care or sheltered accommodation.
The TNS research carried out in March 2010 also found 83% agree pets make their owners happier and 54% think pet owners should be able to make the choice about entering care facilities after seeing the accommodation policy.
According to the PFMA, the benefits of pet ownership for elderly people include a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, improved recovery from heart attacks and strokes, better social interactions in people with dementia, and fewer GP visits. In addition, those who keep pets when entering care homes enjoy a smoother transition into residential care,
The PFMA says this survey has helped shape its goal to ensure all leading UK housing providers implement responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice about their future. This commitment is part of the organisation's 2020 vision to 'make a better world with pets', launched to mark its 40th anniversary.
The PFMA also says it is working closely with SCAS (Society for Companion Animal Studies) and MPs - including Ian Cawsey, Nick Palmer and Nigel Waterson - all striving for fairer treatment of the older pet-owning public.
Ian Cawsey, MP for Brigg and Goole, said: 'Today we have more than 11 million elderly adults living in Britain, of whom approximately 25% are pet-owners. This figure is estimated to rise to 14 million by 2026 and the majority of these people will eventually require some form of residential care. Unfortunately growing older often involves inevitable heartache and loss but being separated from a pet when entering care facilities should not be part of it. This is why I welcome the PFMA's 2020 goal to ensure care facilities implement responsible pet policies over the next decade."
PFMA, Chief Executive, Michael Bellingham, explains: "Having analysed the research and consulted SCAS we are delighted to announce our 2020 ambition to ensure fairer treatment of the older pet-owning public. The importance of pets to people in care facilities cannot be under-estimated. Over the next ten years we want to make a big difference to the lives of older pet owners."
This latest call to action follows the successful passing of shadow minister for older people, Nigel Waterson's bill - Care Homes and Sheltered Accommodation (Domestic Pets) Bill - which aims for a more "enlightened and responsible" policy for allowing pet owners in residences to keep their beloved animals.
CEVA Animal Health has produced Understanding sacroiliac disease, a leaflet to help horse owners understand the cause, diagnosis and management of sacroiliac disease.
CEVA says sacroiliac disease can be a particular challenge because although it can occur in isolation it often occurs in addition to other sources of hindlimb lameness. Acute sacroiliac injury is usually a result of trauma, such as a fall, which may cause pelvic rotation or fracture, resulting in hindlimb lameness and sensitivity to palpation of the tubera sacrale soon after injury. With chronic sacroiliac disease there is usually no history of trauma, rather a prolonged history of poor performance.
Understanding sacroiliac disease explains the anatomy of the sacroiliac joint, the clinical signs of the disease, how it is diagnosed, the treatment options and the general prognosis. The leaflet is available to equine vet practices as a useful information source for clients. You can order free copies from your CEVA sales representative.
Petplan has launched a new service to pay vet claims direct to practice bank accounts via BACS.
Petplan says it pays out nearly £3 million in claims each week, which is the equivalent of paying £35,000 per year to each veterinary practice in the UK. Paying practices by BACS means that the money is received faster and there is no administration required by the practice, freeing up more time for clinical work.
As part of this new service, practices also receive a detailed statement by email providing a breakdown of the client claims the payment relates to.
To register to receive claim payments by BACS, visit petplanvet.co.uk and complete an online form.
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "Petplan has a great relationship with vet surgeries and we know in the last few years some practices have had increasing pressure on cash flow due to reduced footfall and rising costs. We are constantly looking for new, smarter ways of working to help our partners and wanted to get claim payments to vets even faster."
Petplan's Vet of the Year Brian Faulkner said: "Most people become vets because they love to work with animals, and the paperwork is merely a downside of the job. It's great to see that Petplan has reduced the time we have to dedicate to admin, meaning we can concentrate on the important things, like improving the health of Britain's pets."
For more information visit www.petplanvet.co.uk
Lintbells Veterinary has announced the launch of Yurelieve, a feline urinary health supplement containing multiple glycosaminoglycans, L-tryptophan and EFAs.
Andrew Connolly, Product Manager at Lintbells Veterinary said: "Yurelieve supports a condition which is not only frustrating to treat, but can also be distressing for the cat and their owners. The launch of Yurelieve will enable veterinary surgeons to offer their clients the most comprehensive feline urinary health support available."
Yurelieve contains Green Lipped Mussel, which Lintbells says provides a unique combination of Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA and ETA) to aid the cat’s own natural anti-inflammatory process. In addition, the product contains multiple GAGs and N-acetyl D-glucosamine to support the bladder lining, and L-tryptophan which the company says is proven to decrease stress related behaviours in cats.
To mark the launch of the new supplement, Lintbells is running a Facebook competition in which vets and nurses are invited to share photos of their cats, with a statement that captures their unique personality.
Andrew continued: “When cats are affected by a urinary condition, it takes their independence and personality away from them, so we wanted to celebrate the importance of allowing cats to be their natural charismatic selves with a photo competition starring everyone’s feline friends.”
To enter the competition, post a photo of a beloved cat with a caption that captures their unique personality, starting with ‘I believe…’ to the Lintbells Vet Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lintbellsvet). The best will win a Pampurrrr Spa Day for 2.
Yurelieve is available from your veterinary wholesaler now, in packs of 30 capsules.
For more information on Yurelieve speak to your Lintbells Business Development Executive or call 01462 790886.
In the week that VetNurse Jobs released the results of a survey which found that the most important thing to nurses about a job in practice is to feel valued and appreciated as part of a team, White Cross Vets, the 15-practice, family-run group headquartered in Guiseley, has shown that it's leading the way in this area, taking it's entire nursing team for a 3-day training and team-building event in the South of France
The 29 strong team jetted into Nice for a series of training sessions by Kristie Faulkner focussed around nurse consulting skills. Topics covered included dealing with challenging clients, efficient ways to manage consultations and prescribing health care plans.
The team also attended a presentation hosted by senior managers from Virbac, followed by a tour of the company’s vaccine manufacturing facility in Carros. In the evening, the team went for a guided tour of Monaco and dinner at the Café de Paris in Monte Carlo.
Tim Harrison, Managing Director of White Cross Vets, said: "Every year we run a training event in Nice and each years it’s been an amazing few days, which prove to be hugely beneficial and enjoyable for everyone involved. We have committed to give every White Cross team member across every level the opportunity to enjoy the trip to Nice, and we’re already planning future events for our vets and leadership team."
Bekkii Bridges, a student Veterinary Nurse from White Cross Vets in Northampton, said: "To have a training session in such a fabulous place was out of this world! Everyone involved had an incredible weekend and came away with lots of fresh ideas that will enable us to continue building on the high standards of nursing and client care that we are renowned for."
Launched in 2023 to address the growing need for skilled farm vets, the VetPartners Farm Academy was created to provide more opportunities for future vets to gain hands-on experience.
VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure said: “By opening up on-farm and simulated farm experiences to students, the academy aims to bridge the gap between veterinary education and practical farm work – ensuring a strong pipeline of talent into the industry.
“Designed by farm vets, for vets of the future, our three-day academy complements university education by providing veterinary students with a structured on-farm experience that builds confidence and prepares them for a career in farm practice.
“By welcoming students into the Farm Academy, we’re helping them develop the practical skills, confidence and knowledge needed to thrive in farm animal practice from day one.
"The academy also offers those students who haven’t had previous farm exposure the chance to try farm vetting for the first time.
“With the agricultural sector facing increasing pressures, from sustainability targets to animal health challenges, ensuring the next generation of farm vets is well-prepared is more important than ever.”
This year’s academy will take place at a VetPartners practice in Cornwall, from 14th to 16th June.
Students will receive training from experienced farm vets, and gain valuable skills in herd health, disease management, and sustainable livestock production.
The Farm Academy programme in 2025 will offer students:
To apply, send a CV and covering letter to farmsupport@vetpartners.co.uk
Applications close 25th April.
CEVA Animal Health has produced a leaflet to help horse owners understand the diagnosis and treatment of navicular disease.
Navicular disease can be difficult to diagnose and management of the condition can be a challenge for both vets and horse owners. The new leaflet helps owners get to grips with all aspects of the disease from the clinical signs to the procedures used to obtain a formal diagnosis. It then covers the various treatment options available including corrective farriery, analgesia, bisphosphonates and surgery. Diagrams and photographs help to ensure that the information is clear, concise and easy to follow.
The leaflet is available to equine vet practices as a useful information source for clients. Please order your free copies from your CEVA sales representative.
Guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding have now been officially updated, thanks to the pooled expertise of delegates at a recent Sheep Fertility Workshop, sponsored by Ceva Animal Health, the Sheep Veterinary Society and EBLEX-AHDB.The previous Sheep Veterinary Society guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding were drawn up in 2007. However, the society says that to date, there has been considerable variation in the practice of ram fertility testing amongst sheep vets across the country.
The Sheep Fertility Workshop, which was held in Edinburgh in June 1014, brought together veterinary experts and scientists to discuss the provision of a comprehensive, evidence-based, best practice protocol, with clear recommendations for practitioners on the assessment of rams.Dr Fiona Lovatt, senior vice president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and director of Flock Health Ltd, who coordinated the workshop, said: "The outcome of some active debating was the recognition that various elements of the guidelines needed to be updated in line with currently recognised best practice. One thing that is really essential is that the practising vet is clear as to the reason for the ram PBE and carefully considers how to communicate the findings and their limitations to the ram's owner."
The updated guidelines cover three levels of ram pre-breeding examinations (PBE):
Carol Atkinson, Ceva's reprodAction range marketing manager, said: "We are proud to have supported the workshop, the outcome of which has been some valuable modifications to the guidelines. We now have a robust, practical benchmarking system in place to help ensure consistency of ram fertility and flock health and development."
The workshop was funded by the Sheep Veterinary Society, Ceva Animal Health and EBLEX-AHDB, with contributions in kind from Innovis, Zoetis and Novartis Animal Health.
The guidelines are available to all members of the Sheep Veterinary Society and can be downloaded from www.sheepvetsoc.org.uk, together with two further forms that are available following appropriate training: SVS Ram PBE data collection and SVS Ram certificate. The Sheep Veterinary Society will be holding a series of CPD days for practitioners in advance of next year's breeding season. Further details will be posted on the website shortly.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) reports that its annual Congress, held jointly with the Veterinary Practice Managers Association (VPMA) at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport last week, was a sell out.
Over 470 delegates attended, of which 40% were practice owners, 40% were vets, 30% were practice managers and 10% were nurses.
Held over two days, the line-up of speakers included TV presenter, expedition leader, leadership trainer and ex-Royal Marine, Monty Halls who opened Congress with a talk on the importance of pushing your own personal boundaries. Psychiatrist, broadcaster and journalist, Dr Max Pemberton presented a guide to mental health problems for vets and managers. Celtic Manor’s head of 5 Star Service Delivery, Michael Pagnotta, explained how they ensure all their staff operate to the same consistently high level of service provision and Ian McKelvie, CEO of US consultancy, Becauz, presented a number of leadership and management sessions.
VetSurgeon.org visited the commercial exhibition and ask a random selection of exhibitors: "What's New?"
This is what they said:
The RCVS has announced that the Registrar, Gordon Hockey, has decided to leave the College after 16 years' service.
Gordon served first as Assistant Registrar / Head of Professional Conduct, and, since 2012, as Registrar / Director of Legal Services.
Dr Bradley Viner, RCVS President, said: "We wish to thank Gordon for all his hard work and wish him every success in the future.
"He has been a key figure at the RCVS for many years, and has brought about much positive change in the organisation, particularly with respect to reform of our disciplinary processes and the introduction of our new Charter, in February 2015."
Graham, 72, who worked at Westover Veterinary Centre in Norfolk for 40 years, set off on his bike from his home in Crostwick last week. He aims to complete the journey in two years, following a route that will take him through Western Europe and into Greece before flying to Ethiopia and cycling through Kenya, where he spent eight years as a government veterinary officer in his early career. He will then follow the Indian Ocean down the African continent's east coast to Cape Town.
Graham said: "I’m no stranger to life on the road – my first job on qualifying was as a field vet in Kenya which I did for eight years. This will be a real adventure though as I am definitely not an accomplished cyclist, however I look forward to the challenge and to raising money for AWF. The route may change slightly as the trip goes along, but that’s down more to government travel advice than my decision - for example, although not currently on my route, I would still like to cycle through Egypt to give a lecture or two, however we’ll need to see what’s possible."
Graham cycled via London to join the annual AWF Discussion Forum in Westminster, attended by other vets, parliamentarians and key stakeholders from the sector, before continuing his cycle to the English south coast with TV vet Emma Milne. Along the way Graham will also be working with equine charitable organisations including the Brooke, SPANA and World Horse Welfare, giving equine welfare and dentistry talks, as well as occasionally returning to the UK to lecture and attend AWF Trustee meetings.
If you would like to sponsor Graham and donate to AWF, or simply find out more about his trip through his regular blog posts, visit vetduncdares.wordpress.com.
Research conducted by the PDSA in 2017 found that 75% of dogs had received a primary vaccination course when young, which dropped to 72% in 2019. According to the BSAVA, it's the first time that vaccination rates have seen a sustained drop over a three year period since vaccinations were first introduced to the UK in the '60s.
The project, titled 'A mixed methods approach to quantifying and characterising vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy in UK companion animals' will combine quantitative analysis of existing data from electronic health records with qualitative approaches. It will include interviews and focus-group discussions with vets and owners to gain an in-depth understanding of patterns of uptake of vaccination in UK.
Experiences, perceptions and behaviours around uptake of vaccination and the rise of vaccine hesitancy in UK pet owners will also be investigated.
Dr Gina Pinchbeck, project leader at the University of Liverpool said: “Vaccination is a vital component of preventive healthcare and it is well acknowledged that sub-optimal vaccination uptake may be associated with re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in populations.
“It is essential that we understand the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the pet population so that we can use the best methods to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake and this will be the primary focus of the study.”
The study will include the development of a knowledge and dissemination strategy, in association with PetSavers and BSAVA. This will include a project website, publication of scientific research and other articles for both practicing veterinary surgeons and for pet-owners, press releases, conference presentations and public-engagement presentations.
BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey added: “This project will be of great value to the veterinary profession and continues the co-operation between BSAVA and the University of Liverpool to build on the successes of the original SAVSNET partnership.”
For information on how to apply for the PhD, contact Dr Gina Pinchbeck (ginap@liverpool.ac.uk).
Reference
Used to treat calf diarrhoea, Locatim is an orally administered product, indicated for the reduction of mortality caused by enterotoxicosis associated with E. coli F5 (K99).
The product is made from the colostrum of high health status cows hyperimmunised against Rotavirus, Coronavirus and E.coli.
Locatim is designed to work alongside the dam’s colostrum, enhancing protection against gastro-intestinal infection and helping to sustain calf health in the critical neo-natal period.
For optimal effect, Forte says Locatim should be given within 4 hours of birth, but can be used up to 12 hours post-natally.
Forte says Locatim is not designed to replace anti-scour vaccination programmes, rather to act as an extremely useful adjunct in cases where the response to vaccines has been less than ideal.
The company says Locatim is also extremely useful in managing outbreaks of scour in unvaccinated herds by protecting those calves born before a new vaccination programme can take effect.
Locatim is available from all UK veterinary wholesalers.
For more information, contact your Forte Territory Manager or enquiries@fortehealthcare.com.
Vet’s Now, the UK’s leading Out of Hours emergency vets, reports that its 4th Congress, held in Harrogate at the end of November, attracted a record 450 delegates.
From its beginnings back in 2004, Vets Now’s Emergency and Critical Care Congress this year attracted in excess of 450 delegates to Harrogate with an impressive and exciting line up of speakers from the UK, Europe and the USA.
Similar to previous years, lectures were delivered by an exciting line up of speakers from around Europe and the USA. They were designed to suit the CPD needs of both those working in an emergency field and in general practice, and were aimed at vets, VNs and reception staff.
Lecture topics this year covered a range of life saving procedures and there were also sessions held on improving communications with clients, emergency workshops on tubes, case report discussions, a transfusion workshop and a bereavement session.
The social programme also proved a big attraction for everyone who attended Congress and this year there was an entertaining Television Games Quiz on the Wednesday evening followed by a formal dinner and entertainment on the Thursday night.
With numbers of both delegates and exhibitors increasing year on year, Vets Now is confident that its Congress is becoming a highly important date in the veterinary events calendar.
The latest solution to the perennial problem of cat mess has arrived in the UK; CatGenie is the world's first self-flushing, self-washing cat loo.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is...
According to CatGenie UK, the loo eliminates the need for pet owners to touch, smell or change dirty cat litter again, or carry heavy bags of cat litter home from the supermarket.
Once hooked up to a water connection and plugged into an electrical socket, CatGenie is ready to use. Instead of litter, it uses washable granules that look and feel like litter. Liquid waste drains and solids get scooped. All get liquefied for disposal down the drain, out of the home. The washable granules and cat box interior are then washed with water and SaniSolution. A built in dryer blows hot air through the granules to dry them completely for the cat's comfort. Sensors monitor when a cat visits the box and the CatGenie can be set to clean automatically at intervals throughout the day, or manually whenever required.
CatGenie costs £289.99 including VAT and shipping. The company says that annual running costs are lower than traditional cat litter methods which cost approximately £155/year, with more than 30 hours a year spent on buying and carrying litter, changing and disposing of dirty litter. CatGenie's on-going costs are less than £100.
CatGenie is offering vets the opportunity to take advantage of this product launch in the UK. By displaying CatGenie leaflets in your practice, you can earn £10 for every unit sold. There's no financial outlay and no need to store bulky items. Your leaflets will include a promotional code, unique to your practice. If one of your clients buys a CatGenie online and types in the code from one of your leaflets, you automatically receive £10 and they receive a £10 discount off the purchase price.
For further information on how to sign up to the promotional offer and for leaflets to display in your practice, please email courtney.morgan@catgenie.co.uk
Veterinary surgeons Lewis Grant and Professor Quintin McKellar have joined Dr Lydia Brown in the New Year's Honours List.
Mr Grant, former veterinary manager in the Meat Hygiene Service, Food Standards Agency and animal welfare representative of the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) was awarded an MBE. Professor Quintin McKellar, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College has been awarded a CBE for services to science.
BVA Honorary Member the Earl of Selborne was also recognised with a GBE for services to science.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "On behalf of the BVA I would like to congratulate Dr Brown, Lewis Grant, Professor McKellar and Lord Selborne on their fantastic achievements. These national honours underline the importance of veterinary medicine."
VetSurgeon member Neil Forbes FRCVS, Specialist in Avian Medicine at Vets Now Referrals, has been dealing with a rather interesting case: an owl that swallowed a sock.
John Dowling, the owner of a falconry business and keeper of the 13 week old Indian eagle owl called Lydon noticed he was not eating properly, and then looked dazed and confused when taking part in the Stonehouse Horticultural Show & Summer Jolly. After the show, Lydon looked like he was trying to vomit but couldn't, so John took him to Vets Now Referrals in Swindon for a consultation.
Neil examined Lydon and found there was a hard swelling in his abdomen. Radiographs confirmed a bloated and very full stomach. The decision was taken to operate on Lydon to remove whatever was inside. Fearing a growth or tumour, Neil was rather surprised to find instead a smelly old sock in Lydon's stomach. With the sock successfully removed, Lydon was able to go home a few hours later, none the worse for his experience.
Lydon's owner, John, said: "Lydon is a hand-reared Indian eagle and is often in and around the house. The sock is a toy he has played with since he was a owlet, and never did I think he would, or could, have eaten it!
"I was obviously surprised when Neil found the sock in Lydon's stomach but more relieved than anything. I feared the worst but was delighted to find out it wasn't something more sinister."
Neil said: "Never in my 28 years of avian medicine experience have I treated an owl that swallowed a sock, it's just unheard of. Thankfully John brought Lydon into our clinic for a consultation upon suspicion something wasn't quite right and we were able to remove the sock preventing further health deterioration.
"We would always advise owners of pets to be careful when leaving items around the house, as you can never predict how mischievous pets can be."
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Charitable Trust has announced 'Open Educational Resources to help new practitioners cope', a new initiative that will focus on the needs of veterinary graduates starting out in practice
The project will be jointly funded by the Higher Education Academy and JISC, who have agreed to provide a maximum of £25,000.
The project will identify the key needs of today's new veterinary graduates, and review what available ('open educational') resources already exist or can be adapted to meet those needs. The project will also encourage the sharing of these resources, and other ways of making these more accessible to new veterinary surgeons.
Nick Short, RCVS Trust trustee and Head of eMedia Unit at the Royal Veterinary College said: "New graduates moving from university to veterinary practices can face significant challenges, whether these come from long hours, demanding clients or finding that limited supervision may be offered by their employers. Veterinary practice by its nature can be emotionally fraught as well as intensely rewarding, as it involves, for example, helping clients make decisions about the treatment or euthanasia of pets, or advising farmers about valuable livestock. This means it's important that appropriate support is available to new practitioners."
The Trust will work in partnership with UK veterinary schools and other organisations on this project, and will aim to complement the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Professional Development Phase (PDP) for new graduates, and in particular the set of 'Year One Competences' that new graduates are expected to achieve within approximately their first year in practice. Supervision during the PDP is provided by the vet's employer and progress towards achieving the Year One Competences is monitored by their RCVS-appointed Postgraduate Dean, so the Trust's project will look at what other resources are available or could be adapted to support new graduates as they attain this level of competence.
A project co-ordinator is being recruited to work until September on the project, after which the findings will be disseminated through a report and associated workshop. Further details about the project and the project co-ordinator role can be found at www.rcvstrust.org.uk/graduateoer
Enrolment is now open for the programme, which matches participants with an experienced supervisor and provides BSAVA support and guidance.
The Association says the qualification is intended to give veterinary surgeons the opportunity to investigate in more depth any aspect of clinical research relating to their work – in particular vets working in practice, including those who may be unsure how to take the first step.
It could be a special interest, such as evaluating risk factors for a particular disease or common case they see in practice, with experienced peers available in diverse areas – from exotics to ophthalmology and nutrition to internal medicine.
The Masters is a significant addition to the most successful CPD programme in the 60-year history of the BSAVA, spearheaded by Academic Director Frances Barr (pictured above right).
Frances said: "This qualification offers exciting possibilities for vets to unlock their inner researcher, finding answers to clinical questions faced in practice and guided every step of the way by highly experienced supervisors and the BSAVA team.
"It furthers the BSAVA’s mission to help vets realise their ambitions and develop through lifelong learning at every stage of their careers, which we hope will have a very positive impact on the profession."
The Masters programme, validated by Nottingham Trent University, is aimed at people who already have any accredited postgraduate certificate (60 credits at Level 7) relevant to some aspect of veterinary medicine or surgery.
It is based on a further 1,200 study hours and could be flexibly achieved in two years of part-time study or up to five years, depending on the project type and an individual’s availability. It starts with online study into the principles of clinical research, which students will then apply to their own research project.
The programme starts in January 2017 and applications are now open.
Students can enroll online and find out more information at www.bsava.com or by emailing masters@bsava.com.
Peter Harlech Jones has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association for 2012/2013. The ceremony took place during the Annual General Meeting of the BVA at the close of its Annual Congress, held in the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool.
Mr Jones, an international consultant on veterinary medicines, was born and raised in North Wales where he attended the Sir Huw Owen School in Caernarfon. He qualified from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School in 1971. After several years in practice in Wales and London - plus a spell in Ontario, Canada - Peter joined the pharmaceutical industry and spent 20 years in the animal health business both in the UK and overseas working in the fields of research and development and also regulatory affairs.
In 1995 he was appointed the first head of the Veterinary Division at the newly created European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) in London, playing a leading role in the creation of the new European regulatory system and working at the centre of European institutions. His last post before semi-retirement in 2008 was as head of the global animal health industry association, the International Federation of Animal Health (IFAH).
Within the BVA Peter has served on the Veterinary Policy Group and as chair of the Medicines Group and is a former secretary and chairman of the Association of Veterinarians in Industry (AVI). He participates in the work of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and acts as a consultant to GALVmed whose aim is to make livestock vaccines, diagnostics and medicines accessible to those in developing countries for whom livestock is a lifeline.
Mr Jones said: "My background is in pharma research and international regulatory affairs and I am confident that my experience will be useful as we anticipate the new EU Animal Health Law and medicines legislation. But I am driven to do much more for the veterinary profession than just in those fields.
"The word 'value' really began to resonate for me when I started thinking of my theme for the year ahead as President of BVA.
"In whatever role we play vets are adding value in so many areas of our professional lives to society at large in a huge and significant contribution to the public good. I firmly believe that we, as an association and as a profession, must use every opportunity to reinforce the message about the value we give in all aspects of our work, and to believe in ourselves.
"I want to see a greater appreciation for what we do and what we contribute, and BVA will lead from the front.
"Looking ahead it will be a busy year for all of us. But I am confident that we have the teams in place - through our committees and council, our regional representatives, our divisions and beyond - to do our wonderful profession proud.
"I am certainly very proud to be standing here today and I am committed to working hard for all our members as their President."
The BVA Officer Team for 2012/13 is Peter Harlech Jones (President), Carl Padgett (Past President), and Robin Hargreaves (President Elect)
According to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the company has identified that there is a small possibility that some syringes from the batches listed below have not been correctly sterilised. These batches are therefore being recalled from the market with immediate effect to the veterinary practice level.
This issue impacts on the following batches that have been placed on the UK market:
Zoetis is contacting wholesale dealers and veterinary surgeons to arrange return of affected batches.
If you have any queries in relation to the recall, or wish to report a suspected adverse reaction, contact Zoetis Technical Services on 0845 300 8034, option 1.