There have been major changes to the format for Congress this year.
Sarah Fitzpatrick, BSAVA Head of Partnerships and Events, said: “Last year’s online event proved this can all be delivered in a much more interactive and engaging way.
"Returning to a face-to-face format enables us to take that even further and provide delegates with a truly immersive experience."
Many of the sessions at this year’s event will have two speakers delivering different perspectives on a topic, followed by a Q&A.
With 15-20 minutes to get into the detail, lectures will get straight to the point, be fast-paced and rich in content.
Programme committee lead, Paul Higgs (pictured right) said: “Each subject will be delivered in a mix of formats, lectures, debates and interactive sessions, for example.
"It means delegates won’t find themselves sat for hours passively listening, instead they’ve the opportunity to actively engage with the topics, which will promote deeper learning.
“Where topics overlap subject areas, module delegates will come together to explore diagnostics, treatments and ethics.”
For the first time, delegates will also be able to get hands-on in practical sessions at no further cost.
BSAVA’s President, Sheldon Middleton, said: “I can’t wait to get to BSAVA Congress in 2022.
"The new venue, new format and new exhibition layout will enhance everything that BSAVA Congress is known for.
"Now we’ve got a hybrid format, the on-demand feature means that for the first time I can catch up with friends and not miss the CPD!”
Delegates can also attend online, through an interactive virtual platform, which will run alongside the live event.
To buy your tickets before the touts get hold of them visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
Luisa (pictured left) said: “We want to further understand the research topics and questions that UK vets believe are most critical to improving veterinary care and advancing the veterinary profession.
“We are particularly interested in the topics, issues and questions that vets think scientific evidence would help when practicing veterinary medicine, whether specific to their role or the entire profession.
"It’s vitally important to highlight potential research gaps, so we can ensure clinical studies have the greatest possible impact to help improve outcomes for our patients.”
The survey will be conducted in two parts.
The first survey will close in early March, with the second survey circulated in April for three months.
The results will be published in an online, open access peer-reviewed journal.
Survey: https://bit.ly/4ko3utN
A survey carried out by http://www.fitfurlife.com/, a company which makes exercise and rehabilitation treadmills for dogs, has found that 'walkies' is an underused word amongst pet owners.
The poll of 2,000 dog owners revealed that one in ten NEVER walk their dog - and almost a third only walk their dog twice a week at the most.
Those who do exercise their pet might not be doing it enough, as a quarter of people admitted they merely walked their dog around the block. More than a third said they made do with throwing them a ball in the park for a few minutes. Around 60 per cent described walking their dog as 'a chore' while one in 20 said they let their dog run around in the garden rather than taking them for a walk.
68 per cent then feel guilty that they don't walk their pet enough while 70 per cent don't actually know how far they are supposed to go and how fast.
Just as interesting is the product this survey was designed to promote: a dog treadmill to aid in the post operative/injury rehabilitation of dogs, which got backing from Dragon's Den. Worth taking a look: http://www.fitfurlife.com/
CEVA Animal Health has announced the results of a survey which found that nearly half a million UK cat and dog owners never go on holiday for fear of upsetting their pet's routine.
In addition, the research revealed that half³ of pet owners who do take holidays experience guilt as a result of leaving their animal at a kennel or cattery, with nearly two-thirds (62%) considering the experience to be just as stressful or even more stressful for them than for their pet.
Cat behaviour counsellor Vicky Halls said, "We plan holidays in order to relax, yet they are actually a common cause of stress for all concerned - particularly for the pet cat. Even a stay at the best cattery can be unsettling, as their patterns of feeding, play and social interaction will be disrupted. They also have to adapt to a different environment and its new smells, noises and other animals. Of course, cats may experience similar issues if staying with a neighbour."
Indeed, 63% of respondents claim to have noticed a change in their pet when they've returned from holiday, with many animals becoming unsettled and showing signs of confusion or nervousness without their owners around.
According to the survey, going on holiday is one of the most stressful events that a pet can experience, although there are measures that people can take to relieve some of their animal's stress.
Juliet Penaliggon, small animal business unit manager at CEVA Animal Health, said: "Many people become anxious at the thought of leaving their pet in someone else's care while they are away. For some, this means they feel unable to go on holiday at all, even for a weekend, but there are excellent kennels and catteries available.
"It's advisable that owners research the facilities in their area and they shouldn't be afraid to ask questions when they visit the kennels or catteries. Once pets are there, some familiar items and the use of pheromone products D.A.P. and Feliway can help the animal to settle in."
For further information, please visit http://www.dapfordogs.com/ or http://www.feliway.com/.
¹ Survey carried out by Opinion Matters on behalf of CEVA Animal Health, March 2010. Sample size: 1,100.² 464,000 UK cat or dog owners³ 46% of pet owners
London's Savile Row was turned into a sheep field today, to highlight The Campaign For Wool; a coalition of industry groups convened by HRH The Prince of Wales to educate consumers about the benefits of wool.
As the sheep grazed, the Row's famous tailoring houses held events where the public could find out more about the natural, sustainable qualities of wool.
Douglas Cordeaux, Managing Director of West Country woollen mill Fox Brothers, one of the organisations behind the promotion said: "We have a collective responsibility to champion this versatile, sustainable and natural fibre, the production of which involves far lower carbon emissions than man‐made alternatives. We need to support farmers who are the custodians of our rural landscape and truly value the qualities of this wonderful resource, which is used to weave the finest luxury cloth you can buy."
John Thorley of the Campaign for Wool said: 'I'd like to see wool re-established as a fibre of consequence where workers get paid properly and people recognise that this animal is useful to the farming sector in a multitude of ways.'
For more information, see www.campaignforwool.org and www.savilerowfieldday.com
The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) has published the results of research which found that veterinary surgeons believe 45% of all pets are overweight.
In addition, 77% of the 180 vets surveyed at the London Vet Show 2013 believe that the pet obesity problem is on the rise.
Meanwhile, 93% of pet owners said they would be concerned to discover their pet is overweight, revealing a sharp divide between vets' and owners' perceptions.
To help spread the word about ideal pet weight, the PFMA will launch a new campaign called #GetPetsFit on 7th May.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of PFMA said: "We need to engage pet owners emotionally, helping them realise that feeding and exercising their pet to the optimum level can result in an extra two years of active life. The #GetPetsFit campaign will provide the perfect opportunity to do this and we hope that with the help of vets, we can work to resolve this important issue."
The PFMA is urging practices to promote good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Zara Boland BVSc BE MRCVS, Founder of Vet Voice Ltd says: "It is encouraging that success rates are high for the 78% of UK vets already running companion animal obesity clinics. However, we must continue pushing the health message until overweight pets are no longer seen as the 'norm'. We need widespread recognition of pet obesity to pave the way for positive action."
One way that the PFMA is encouraging practices to get involved is by running Weigh in Wednesdays from 7th May. To help, the organisation has prepared a free kit that contains campaign posters, website banners and client hand-out materials, including Pet Size-O-Meters (for cats, dogs, rabbits and birds), a pet food diary and weight and body condition log. You can either download the kit here: www.pfma.org.uk/weighinwednesday or visit PFMA's homepage and ask for a free pack to be sent to your practice.
The RCVS is reminding veterinary surgeons that you need to complete your annual renewal for 2016-7 by the end of April.
About 75% of veterinary surgeons have renewed their registrations so far.
Renewals paid after 30th April will incur an additional charge of £35.
Any veterinary surgeon who fails to pay by 31st May will have their name removed from the Register, making it illegal for them to practise veterinary surgery in the UK.
The annual renewal can be completed via the online ‘My Account’ area of the RCVS website, where it is possible to pay by credit or debit card. Payment is also accepted by cheque, bank transfer or draft.
If you've lost the security details needed to access the RCVS website, you should contact the RCVS Registration Department on 020 7202 0707.
The College also says that anyone who has received an annual renewal reminder letter but has set up a Direct Debit, or believes that they have already paid, should contact the RCVS Finance Department on 020 7202 0723.
322 farmers took part in the survey, 83% of which had a flock of over 100 ewes.
Three quarters of them had experienced abortions in their ewes during both the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 lambing seasons. Of those that experienced abortions during the 2019/2020 lambing season, a quarter reported that the problem occurred in more than 2% of their flock and 44% of them did not ask their vet to investigate.
Katherine Timms, Ceva Animal Health’s ruminant veterinary advisor said: “Farmers who decide not to investigate why their ewes are aborting may well experience an abortion storm during the following year’s lambing season as Chlamydophila abortus, the bacteria that causes EAE, has the ability to lay latent in ewes until the next pregnancy.
“This means that one infected sheep shedding at lambing has the potential to infect multiple ewes that will almost certainly abort at their next lambing. The consequences can be financially and reproductively devastating for farmers and it’s advisable that vets raise awareness of EAE testing with their clients to help prevent this from happening. Ceva’s Assure Ewe programme offers farmers subsidised farm serology testing for Chlamydia abortus. Aborted ewes can be tested for Chlamydia abortus, ideally from three weeks to three months after lambing.”
Of the 47% of farmers that are not vaccinating against EAE, 57% said they would consider it. Reasons not to vaccinate included farmers believing that they had closed flocks (59%) and EAE not having been diagnosed (57%). Only 20% decided not to vaccinate because of cost and 25% because they did not feel it was worthwhile.
Ceva is continuing its ‘For Flock’s Sake – Vaccinate!’ initiative during 2021 to help raise awareness of EAE and highlight the importance of vaccination. This year, Ceva is also highlighting the importance of testing aborted ewes through its ‘For Flock’s Sake Get Tested’ campaign which encourages the submission of samples to a diagnostic laboratory or blood sampling after lambing has finished.
For more information, visit www.enzooticabortion.co.uk, contact your Ceva Animal Health account manager, call Ceva on 01494 781510 or email cevauk@ceva.com.
Reference
Photo: Ewe ewe looking at?
According to the RCVS, 86% of veterinary surgeons, and 92% of veterinary nurses have so far failed to vote in this year's council elections.
There's still time: voting for the RCVS Council and VN Council doesn't close till 2nd May and 28th April respectively.
Voting can be done online: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=205006, where you can also read each candidate's manifesto.
Seven veterinary surgeons who took their final assessments at the University of Liverpool on 6 September have become the first to receive the postgraduate RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice with equine designations.
Dr Mark Holmes, a member of the RCVS sub-committee for the CertAVP who observed the assessments at Liverpool said: "I was very impressed by the quality of all the candidates and the diligence of the examination process.
"It is clear that candidates putting themselves forward for 'named' certificates have demonstrated particular interest in their chosen fields and place considerable value on passing their synoptic examination."
The modular certificates were introduced in 2007 to be a more flexible replacement for the old-style postgraduate certificates. Vets can now choose from 79 subject modules, with RCVS-accredited assessments offered by a range of universities. These institutions may also offer associated courses which vets can take to support their studies, although candidates are free to choose where and how they wish to study.
To build their credits into the full CertAVP qualification candidates must first enrol with the RCVS, which keeps a record of modules achieved. Candidates need to take two compulsory modules, and several of a range of optional modules, within ten years in order to receive the award. Candidates aiming for a designated award must choose specific modules from amongst the options, and additionally pass an overarching 'synoptic' assessment.
For more information about the individual modules and the qualification as a whole, prospective candidates can visit www.rcvs.org.uk/modcerts.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is giving veterinary practices the chance to offer cat owners a free 3ml pack of Metacam to trial treatment in cats with chronic pain.
Boehringer says each free Metacam pack will provide up to seven days' pain relief to an average-sized arthritic cat, and that it comes in an easy-to-administer cat friendly syringe for accurate dosing. The company also points towards a study which demonstrates that Metacam is highly palatable in 95% of cats1.
To qualify for the offer, veterinary surgeons have to fill in a redemption form logging five new cases. The offer is limited to 25 free bottles per practice. Replacement stock will be sent via your usual veterinary wholesaler. In addition, all completed forms will be entered into a prize draw to win one of six copies of the textbook 'Feline Orthopedics'
According to Boehringer, it is estimated that up to 90% of older cats (over 12 years of age) have radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease2. However, cats may be more restrained than dogs in the way they react to chronic OA pain, and subtle behaviour changes can be a sign that cats are suffering from chronic pain3.
For further information on Metacam and the 3ml trial pack offer, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.
References
Vets4Pets has announced the opening of its 93rd practice in Kidderminster
The joint venture partnership was opened by husband and wife vets, Edd and Olivia Pring.
Edd and Olivia met at the Royal Veterinary College, where they both studied and graduated in 2002. Now married with two young children, Edd and Olivia wanted to be able to provide a secure future for their young family. Olivia said: "Being a vet is a time-consuming career choice; the hours can really eat into your personal time. Having the ability to open our own practice, spread the work load, not work weekends, have no out of hours AND get business support, means we will be able to do what we love and see our lovely boys grow up".
Vets4pets said it worked particularly hard to find the right property for the new branch. Mark Hanson, Partner Relationship Manager, Vets4Pets said: "Edd and Olivia had recently moved to Kidderminster to be close to family, knowing this we wanted to ensure their practice wouldn't be too far away for them to travel every day. We worked closely with them seeking out sites that would both suit their needs and the criteria that all Vets4Pets practices must adhere to, ensuring the practice's success."
Once a site was made available Edd and Olivia were able to get involved with the design elements of their new practice allowing them to have input on how the practice would function.
Edd said: "It's very nice to be in a purpose-built practice that you have been able to have input into the design and layout, but with the backup of people who have done it all before; learning from their mistakes! We really enjoyed meeting all the other local JVPs who seem like great people. It made us think, if they can do it so can we! Meeting the teams in Nottingham and Peter Watson and the teams in Guernsey was really useful; it was great to see Peter is still so passionate about the business and that we have a great, highly experienced team behind our new business".
The PDSA has announced that it is offering free workshops to help veterinary professionals deliver new welfare checks called 'PetWise MOTs'.
The PetWise MOT checks focus on the five welfare needs, and the workshops count for seven hours CPD. The charity says that while the workshops are suitable for all members of the practice team, they should be of particular interest to nursing teams and those with a keen interest in engaging clients with the needs of their pets.
The aim of the MOT Checks is to improve pet wellbeing in the UK, following reports of a reduced level of awareness amongst the public of the five welfare needs defined by the Animal Welfare Acts.
Richard Casey, PDSA Pet Wellbeing Project Manager, said: "We know there is more to a pet’s wellbeing than just providing for their basic health needs. This unique consultation structure was developed in response to falling awareness among owners of their pets’ welfare needs, with millions of pets suffering unnecessarily. The PetWise MOTs use a simple traffic light system and personalised action plans to reverse this trend by helping to inform and engage owners about what their pets need to be healthy and happy."
The consultations were first trialled on the charity’s mobile PetCheck vehicles, then expanded to PDSA’s 51 pet hospitals. According to the charity, over 100,000 PetWise MOTs and follow up checks have now been completed in the last few years, with outcomes including:
Alison Case, a Senior Vet at Bow PDSA Pet Hospital, said: "PetWise MOTs give a really practical approach to running clinics based on the pet’s welfare needs. We’ve seen a positive impact on patient care by looking at husbandry at home as well as the clinical concerns of the patient. The consultations help to strengthen the clinic-client bond through professional support and advice. We’ve had great feedback from our clients, who are now much more aware of the routine needs of their pets and often attend for further check-ups as well as regularly purchasing preventive treatments."
The workshops will focus on dogs, cats and rabbits, although the consultations are transferable to all species.
For more information or to book a place, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petwise or email petwise@pdsa.org.uk.
The most recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed younger vets were more likely to decide on a veterinary career at a young age, with 53% of those under 35 settling on veterinary medicine by the age of 10. However, more than a quarter of vets (28%) said they had decided to become a vet as young as eight years of age.
76% of the vets surveyed said that their choice was driven by an interest in caring for animals.
51% said they were motivated by an interest in science, with a primary focus on clinical practice.
32% mentioned the variety of work that a veterinary career would provide as an influencing factor – with the majority (58%) reflecting that their career choice had met this expectation, rating their job variety/interest as excellent or very good.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: "It’s lovely to hear that so many of my fellow vets made the decision as early as I did. Veterinary medicine is a long-standing ambition and a cherished vocation for many vets as well as a challenging and rewarding career.
"I had definitely decided that I wanted to become a vet by the time I was seven. That’s what I would always say I wanted to be when asked by adults. Like most of the vets surveyed I was influenced by loving and caring for the pets in my home. The only vets I knew were those we visited with the dog but I can’t ever remember wanting to be anything else."
Mike Gooding, chairman of organiser RAFT Solutions said: “High precision methods are critical to the future of UK livestock farms and their vets.
“The event offers an A-list of international speakers to explain the opportunities presented by precision management techniques that can be applied in practice to any livestock enterprise.”
One example is early detection of sub-optimal animal performance and timely intervention, which is included in the session: ‘Big Tech and what it offers Precision Livestock Farming’.
The session will explore the use of data to empower precision decisions with Prof Jasmeet Kaler from University of Nottingham.
There will also be an open debate about consumer perceptions, legislative governance, and impacts upon or opportunities for farmers and vets.
Mike added: "All conference-goers, whether attending in person or on-line, will be challenged to adapt their thinking and focus on post-conference changes for the better."
A choice of one- or two-day tickets is available at connectmyevent.com/raftsolutionsltd/plfip2021.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced an average price reduction of over 5 per cent across almost 80 per cent of its product range from 1st March 2010.
The company says this is the first time in its history that such a big price reduction has been implemented, and it comes with a promise that superior nutritional quality won't be compromised.
The price cut comes following market research by Hill's which shows that after one of the deepest recessions in 50 years, more pet owners are becoming cost-conscious, and many are now buying their petfood in the grocery channel or mixing premium foods with economy products.
Another factor in decision-making for some pet owners is the cost per pack, particularly on the larger bag sizes. From April 2010, some Hill's Prescription Diet products will be resized to make them a more affordable purchase. Canine Prescription Diets c/d, d/d, i/d, k/d and j/d will be moved from a 14 Kg bag to a 12 Kg bag. Feline Prescription Diets c/d, k/d, r/d, i/d and s/d will be moved from a 2 Kg bag to a 1.5 kg bag. The price reduction will also be applied proportionately alongside the smaller bag size, so many clients should see a significant reduction at point of purchase. The smaller bags are also easier for practices to store and can increase frequency of client visits providing more opportunities to offer advice and support.
Blake Hawley, Hill's General Manager for UK and Ireland said, "We would like to thank vets, nurses and support staff for their continued support and dedication. Every pet needs and deserves a nutritional assessment and this price reduction will make it easier for vet teams to recommend the best Hill's product, confident those pets are getting high quality nutrition at new, lower prices. Having listened to what the profession had to say in 2009, this year we will demonstrate our commitment to the veterinary profession in very clear and visible ways."
For an up to date price list and support material to assist in communicating the change to clients, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438
MSD Animal Health has launched Expertis Udder Health, a farm management tool for veterinary surgeons to better enable them to monitor and improve udder health in dairy cattle.
Expertis was presented to vets at the International Conference on Udder Health and Communication which took place in Utrecht this week.
Expertis Udder Health consists of a software programme together with educational and communication tools to help veterinary surgeons and farmers find the causes of mastitis more easily.
The Expertis Udder Health program consists of four steps: 1. A farm intake questionnaire about setting goals puts the farmer in a central position, and allows for careful listening in order to align with his/her objectives. 2. The data is analyzed, leading to the identification of the right focus points that are needed to identify areas for improvement. 3. These focus points are presented as fact sheets, i.e. a check list of risk factors for mastitis within the focus point. 4. The information is synthesized into an automatic summary of the actual situation, the udder health objectives and an open space to fill in the tailor-made advice to the farmer for improvement of the udder health status on his farm.
Jantijn Swinkels, DVM, Global Technical Director Pharmaceuticals within the Ruminants Business Unit at Merck Animal Health said: "The structured approach offered by Expertis Udder Health takes into account that mastitis is a multifactorial disease and covers all aspects that influence udder health. To save time, the analysis ensures that the focus is on the most important issues, which can differ greatly from farm to farm. The existing services provided within this tool can be used to optimize udder health on the farm".
Rinse Jan Boersma, MSc, Global Director Dairy Cattle at Merck Animal Health added: "We have developed Expertis to support veterinarians and farmers by improving our service level as well as to contribute to good veterinary practices by implementing preventive measures and prudent use of antibiotics."
MSD says that as a consequence of the reduced milk production, discarded milk, veterinary and treatment costs and extra labor costs, mastitis is considered the most important cause of economic loss for dairy operations. Recent data from Sweden indicates an average economic loss of €278 per case of clinical mastitis and of €60 per case of sub-clinical mastitis.*
The Expertis Udder Health program is being rolled out country to country, and will be distributed to veterinary surgeons via local MSD Animal Health representatives.
* Nielsen C, Østergaard S, Emanuelson U, Andersson H, Berglund B, Strandberg. Economic consequences of mastitis and withdrawal of milk with high somatic cell count in Swedish dairy herds. Animal 2010;4:1758-70
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched a new Canikur Pro website - www.canikurpro.co.uk - to provide pet owners with advice on digestive upset and offer a quick reference guide to using Canikur Pro.
The site offers information about the common causes of digestive upset, including dietary indiscretions, stress due to a change in circumstances and underlying gut problems.
The site also contains information about how Canikur Pro works, how to give the product and where to buy it, plus tips for supporting the recovery of a dog's gut health such as providing a constant supply of fresh water, offering a bland diet and providing access to outside areas to reduce accidents.
In addition, the site contains a 'veterinary only' area where veterinary professionals can download client materials.
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) has announced the publication of a book on controlling skin exposure and wet work. The book aims to fill a knowledge gap about dermal exposure risk management in workplaces which are particularly affected, such as veterinary practices.
The consequences of a failure to adequately control dermal exposure to hazardous agents do not always become apparent until years after exposure, and because of this, many employers are either ignorant of the consequences or ignore the potential for ill-health until it is too late. In Great Britain, over 29,000 people are suffering from work-related skin disease and every year over 3,500 new cases are reported. Alongside this, many workers are unaware of the ways in which skin comes into contact with chemicals, or how dermal exposure can contribute to inadvertent inhalation and ingestion exposure.
Healthcare workers are susceptible. Vets and nurses are, for example, at risk from disinfectants, detergents, wet-work, latex gloves, anaesthetics, antibiotics and antiseptics, phenothiazines, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and liquid chloroxylenol.
The book provides an introduction to the structure and functions of the skin, information about the diseases caused by dermal exposure and the occupations and chemicals involved, regulatory requirements related to dermal exposure at work, exposure and risk assessment, and risk management strategies. It is both comprehensive and accessible, and clearly illustrated with photographs, figures and tables throughout, ensuring that it will be of practical use. As a result, BOHS believes that it will make an important contribution to increasing knowledge about control of dermal exposure, and encourage more effective control measures to be introduced in workplaces.
‘Controlling Skin Exposure to Chemicals and Wet-Work' is available for £19.99 and can be purchased on-line via RMS Publishing, www.rmspublishing.co.uk/BOHS.html and Amazon, or by posting/faxing the order form which can be downloaded from the Publications section of the BOHS website.
Veterinary surgeons can consider a wider range of options when it comes to neutering cats and dogs. This was the message from veterinary reproduction specialist Angelika von Heimendahl MSc BVM(Berlin) MRCVS DipECAR, at a recent seminar on reproductive health organised by Virbac.
Mrs von Heimendahl, who runs the Cambridge based referral centre, Veterinary Reproduction Service, said: "Globally the approach to neutering varies hugely. Although neutering is considered as part of responsible pet ownership in the UK and performed routinely in every practice in the country, at the other end of the scale, in Germany and Scandinavia for example, this is considered mutilation and is prohibited by law.
"Despite the very low neutering rates - Norway 7% compared to UK around 80% - in these countries they do not have a problem with stray dogs, indicating that there are other factors such as education and attitudes to dog ownership that play a major role."
She added: "In other continental countries, bitch spaying is usually by ovariectomy rather than ovariohysterectomy.
"Some practices are now successfully offering clients a range of options, including medical castration, especially with new reproduction drugs recently introduced onto the market. The non-surgical contraceptive slow-release implant, deslorelin (Suprelorin), a GnRH superagonist lasts for six months, making medical castration a more practical solution for many owners."
Mrs Von Heimendahl also suggested that deslorelin, although off-licence, can be used in bitches as an alternative to spaying: "Whilst neutering can have advantages in terms of reduced incidence of certain cancers, there are also advantages of retaining both male and female dogs intact. Some cancers are less likely to occur in intact animals, for example there is a reduced risk of transitional cell carcinomas, haemangiosarcomas and osteosarcomas. Obesity and its associated problems are also less of an issue, which is a particular benefit for owners where the necessary reduced calorie intake post neutering is difficult to achieve."
Chris Taylor MRCVS, technical director of seminar organiser, Virbac, added that medical castration can offer dog owners the opportunity to 'test run' neutering of their animal, and pointed out that this is particularly useful for behavioural issues in young male dogs: "Twice yearly implants offer a practical alternative for clients, whether as a short or longer-term solution. As a solution focussed business, we are constantly striving to put forward a choice of options which can only have benefits for client and practice alike."
The Kennel Club has announced that crossbreed dogs are to have their own event at Crufts for the first time next year.
For the first time in its twelve year history, the grand final of Scruffts, the crossbreed dog competition run by the Kennel Club, will culminate at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham. The winners of the four Scruffts categories - Child's Best Friend, Golden Oldie, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch and Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog - will battle it out for the ultimate title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year.
Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, has held heats across the UK over the course of the year and the winners of each category in every heat have been invited to Discover Dogs in London to compete in the class finals on Saturday 10th November. Winners of the four classes at Discover Dogs will now go on to Crufts 2013, where they will compete for the overall Scruffts title.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "Scruffts is a fantastic competition and we're very much looking forward to seeing the four class winners come to Crufts for the final next year. We have had some fantastic Scruffts champions in the past and I am sure we can expect to see a really special dog take the title once again."
There is still time to qualify for the Scruffts class finals, with heats taking place at CSJ Canine Max 2012 in Cirencester Park on Saturday 13th October and the East of England Autumn Show in Peterborough on Sunday 14th October.
Elanco has announced the results of a survey it conducted amongst European dermatology diplomates which found that nearly 90% of them consider Comfortis (spinosad) is the first choice of flea control for cats and dogs.
The research was conducted at the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD) and European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) Congress 2013. 49 Dip ESVD holders from around Europe were asked:
Research has shown that dermatological cases account for approximately 20% of small animal consultations conducted by general practitioners1. According to Elanco, further industry investigations have found that skin diseases are two to three times more common than the next disease category, and dermatological problems are a common secondary reason for an examination.
Anna Jackson, national veterinary manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: “Skin diseases are a huge part of a practicing vet’s workload and one which can prove challenging to effectively address. By creating a fast acting oral flea control product that can work alongside other topical dermatological treatments, we’re helping to alleviate the discomfort and consequences of flea allergy dermatitis, which is one of the most common causes of skin disease. It’s fantastic to receive such strong endorsements from some of the leading dermatologists in Europe and this underlines the benefits of using Comfortis for flea control.”
A new study from the University of Surrey, published today in the journal PLOS One, has identified the specific effects of a malformation which affects affects toy breeds.
According to researchers, Chiari malformation has become prevalent as a result of selective breeding and affects many toy dog breeds which have been bred to look more doll-like, including Griffon Bruxellois, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas and their crosses.
Researchers took brain, skull and vertebrae measurements of 155 Griffon Bruxellois and compared dogs affected by the condition with normal Griffons. They discovered that Griffons with the disease had taller foreheads and that it had also caused the shape of the brain to change, with severely affected animals having their cerebellum pushed underneath the main part of the brain.
The researchers say that although it can be asymptomatic, in many dogs Chiari malformation can cause headaches, problems with walking or even paralysis.
The condition can also affect humans and the University is working with human geneticists at the University of Montreal, in the hope that better understanding of the condition will lead to improved treatment for both dogs and humans.
Lead author, Dr Clare Rusbridge from the new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "Chiari malformation can be described as trying to fit a big foot into a small shoe. It can be very painful, causing headaches and pressure on the brain and can result in fluid filled cavities in the spinal cord. Our latest discoveries will be significant in driving this research forward and hopefully allow us to identify which genes may be associated with the condition.
"Our next steps will be to apply our technique to other breeds with Chiari malformation and investigate more sophisticated ways of screening, so that risk of disease can be detected more easily, at an earlier age and with a single MRI scan.
"We want to engage breeders and give them practical advice about the condition, but it is also important that the public recognises that breeding dogs in a certain way to influence how they look might not be in the animal's best interest. There are responsible breeders out there, who have invested in screening and who are breeding for health as well as producing attractive puppies, and it is vital that people only look to buy from them."