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

1. BIVI P03BIVI011 2005.
2. Hardie et al., (2002) JAVMA 220:628-632)
3. Clarke S & Bennett D. (2006) JSAP 47:439-445.

The RCVS has announced what it calls 'minor updates' to the Practice Standards Scheme’s (PSS) modules for accreditations and awards.

The Practice Standards Scheme was launched in 2005 and then relaunched in 2015 to better recognise and reward how practices use their resources to create a positive outcome for patients and clients.

The modules and awards for all species groups (small animals, farm animal, and equine) have now been updated and a summary of the changes can be found at the end of each set of the respective modules.

Pam Mosedale, Lead Assessor, said: "These updates are part of our continuous efforts to ensure we have a flexible PSS, one that can respond to feedback and constantly reflect the realities of everyday practice.

"We would encourage all PSS-accredited practices to familiarise themselves with the updated modules, especially if they have an accreditation or awards assessment in the near future."

To view the updates, visit: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/practice-standards-scheme/ and download the appropriate 'related document' (v1.2)

Centaur Services has launched a range of health supplement soft chews for cats and dogs which can be ordered in custom, practice-branded packaging.

Centaur says the practice branding is designed to reinforce client relationships by encouraging clients to buy vet-recommended products direct from the practice, thereby reducing the loss of sales to the high street or online stores.

The chews consist of a flavoured base with a crumbly texture, into which various health supplements are blended. Centaur says they are particularly popular with owners who find it difficult to encourage their pets to consume supplements within harder carriers, as the soft chews are more akin to food and easier for the animals to consume.  

Colm McGinn, Sales and Marketing Director of Centaur Services, said: "We're always looking for ways to innovate the offer we provide to our customers and make their businesses more successful. Not only are the chews a high quality product with excellent health benefits for pets, they also offer practices a new way of engaging with their clients by providing own-labelled products that come not only with the recommendation of their vet but also the trusted brand of the practice."

The chews are launching in five varieties. For dogs, there's joint support and a heart-shaped multi-vitamin. For cats, there's joint support, bladder support and hairball relief. Additional varieties are in development.

For more information call Centaur Services on 01963 350005 to arrange a visit, or for existing customers, contact your Territory Manager.

VetCT, the vet-to-specialist consulting service is offering all existing and new subscribers food and drink vouchers so they can have a seasonal staff party together. 

The teleconsulting service, accessed via the VetCT App, offers general practitioners 24hr clinical advice and support from specialists in all disciplines.

Practices who subscribe to the service can apply for £15 per person of food and drink vouchers for up to 20 people, to enjoy together.

VetCT says it will also be hosting a virtual party for locum vet subscribers want to take them up on the offer.

Victoria Johnson, Founder and Co-Director said: “We wanted to encourage people to get together - in person or virtually - to enjoy some festive treats and all-important social time, especially after a challenging year.

"We also appreciate how reducing staffing over the seasonal holiday period can leave teams stretched, and want to reassure our clients that we’re here to support them, 24/7, throughout the festive season.”

A member from the VetCT team will join the start of each practice party, to explain how versatile the teleconsulting service can be in providing reassurance and support, with answers to quick clinical questions, as well as advising on complex, multi-disciplinary case queries.

For more information, contact: info@vet-ct.com using the words ‘Staff Party’ in the subject, or visit www.vet-ct.com for more information.

The RCVS has brought out a new publication to help members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions understand their legal and professional obligations regarding controlled drugs.

Controlled Drugs Guidance is a consolidation of existing advice and guidance on controlled drugs from a number of organisations including the RCVS itself, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Home Office. The guide also gives details of the existing legislation concerning controlled drugs, namely the Misuse of Drugs Act and associated regulations.

The guidance provides advice on a variety of topics to reflect the common queries the RCVS Advice Team receives, such as storage, destruction and disposal; keys and keyholders for controlled drugs cabinets; controlled drugs in vehicles; and veterinary nurses administering controlled drugs.

The publication also deals with specific controlled drugs such as ketamine which, on 30 November 2015, was rescheduled to a Schedule 2 controlled drug, meaning that it is now subject to the same strict storage, prescription, dispending, destruction and record-keeping requirements as other medicines in this Schedule.

Laura McClintock, Standards and Advisory Manager at the RCVS, said: “We hope that this publication will help members of the profession navigate the often complex legislative and professional requirements regarding controlled drugs, as well as imparting best practice advice on how they should be stored and disposed and so on.

"This publication has also been endorsed by our colleagues in the Home Office, VMD and BSAVA and, because this is an area that is subject to regular change, we will make sure to keep it up-to-date as and when the regulations change."

The publication is available to download from the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications

BCF has launched the Easi-Scan remote display, designed for on-farm use.

The company says the Easi-Scan offers unprecedented display performance, is very portable (weighing less than 2Kg) and very rugged. According to the company, Its 8.4" transflective LCD screen provides excellent quality images for fertility and pregnancy scanning meaning it can be used as the sole display for BCF's Easi-Scan and Duo-Scan ultrasound scanners. And with a dedicated channel button, you can switch between all available ultrasound channels, allowing you to view a number of examinations at once.

The Easi-Scan is also available with a Gorilla pod allowing it to be attached to railings and a carry strap. 

Gavin Mitchell from BCF said: "At BCF innovation is key; we have invested a lot of time developing a remote display monitor that is well suited to the needs of the market. Through listening to our customers, we feel we have successfully achieved this. It is ideal for training purposes and viewing multiple exams. It is also the only wireless and splashproof remote ultrasound display on the market."

For more information call 01506 460023 or visit http://www.bcftechnology.com/.

Animalcare has released the results of a survey in which 60% of respondents said a lack of time / staffing levels were the main barriers to setting up senior pet clinics. 

The survey was carried out to get an insight into how practices are currently helping clients ensure that their pets continue to enjoy life during their later years.

152 people took part: 60% nurses, 26% vets and 5% practice managers. 

Less than 3 in 10 practices run senior pet clinics, and they mostly run them infrequently (biannually or less).

Three quarters of respondents also said that clients don't see the benefits of attending a senior pet clinic regularly. 

It seems the current situation, then, is that few practices are providing a service that, er, apparently not many owners want. 

Yet few in the profession would argue that a preventative approach is essential in order to give pets the best chance of leading healthier lives for longer. 

To that end, Animalcare has produced some time-saving materials to help more practices run senior pet clinics, such as health check materials, handouts on age-related conditions and generic short articles for use in practice newsletters, which can be downloaded at: www.animalcare.co.uk/seniorpet

However, the problem is that these things alone cannot solve the underlying problem of a shortage of time. 

The only way to solve that one is probably to find more inventive, efficient ways to engage with the owners of older pets in a way that minimise the time pressures on veterinary practice staff. 

US-based Life Technologies has launched a new PCR-based test system which, according to the company, allows large numbers of pigs to be screened more quickly and cost-effectively for a range of common pathogens, such as PRRSV, SIV and PCV2.

The system uses samples of oral fluids which can be obtained by leaving a cotton rope in each pen for pigs to chew on. After 20 minutes or so, the rope can be retrieved and the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid squeezed into a sample bag and represents a pooled sample from the group.

Studies have demonstrated that oral fluid samples collected in this way can form the basis of a quick and cost-effective method for screening a range of common viral pathogens. The samples were tested using a commercially available sample preparation and real-time PCR test system which can isolate and identify viral nucleic acid in a matter of hours.

For PRRS, pooled samples of oral fluids were collected from groups of experimentally infected pigs using the rope technique, along with serum samples from each individual pig on the same days. Both serum samples and oral fluids were processed using the same Applied Biosystems preparation system and real- time PCR test, both of which were supplied by Life Technologies. The results showed that PRRSV nucleic acid was detectable in both serum and oral fluid samples from the day of infection through to 40 days after infection.

For PCV2, 24 pigs that were free of PRRSV and SIV were divided into 4 pens in separate rooms, and challenged with two different virus strains (PCV2a and PVC2b) at different times. One pen acted as a (non-challenged) control. Oral fluids were collected regularly up to 140 days after initial challenge and tested using real-time PCR. High titres of PCV2 were detected from day 12 to day 28 post infection and virus was detectable throughout the entire testing period (days 2 to 98).

For SIV, a total of 180 spiked oral fluid samples were tested using real-time PCR, and subtyping reagents were also used to identify haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes. The results showed that SIV nucleic acid was detectable in oral fluid samples spiked with high, medium and low copy numbers of SIV, and all positive samples could be successfully sub-typed.

Christina Boss, European Professional Service Veterinarian for Life Technologies said: "Collecting samples in this way is far less invasive for the pigs and so avoids unnecessary stress. And because all of the pigs will chew on the rope, it provides a very broad sample from the group, which is the key to assessing overall herd health. In addition, if the pooled sample provides a positive result, then the animals in that pen can be tested individually to identify those that are infected.

"These results show that the simplicity of oral fluid sampling, combined with the speed and sensitivity of a PCR-based system, provides a practical and cost- effective way of monitoring large numbers of pigs for common virus pathogens.

"The use of a semi-automated, PCR-based diagnostic system means that nucleic acid purification can be achieved in just 25 minutes and results from the real-time PCR available in 90 minutes. The molecular test is very specific and reliable, so the veterinarian can initiate individual testing as quickly as possible and make confident recommendations to the producer."

According to Life Technologies, screening for PRRS using samples of oral fluids has been gaining popularity over recent years because large numbers of pigs can be tested without increased cost or labour. The new research is due to be presented as a poster at the ESPHM meeting in Bruges in April.

The RCVS is reminding the profession that the deadline is approaching for nominations from veterinary surgeons who wish to stand as candidates in next year’s RCVS Council elections.

The nomination period runs up until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2017 and, in order to stand, candidates need to submit a nomination form, a short biography and personal statement, and supply a high resolution digital photo.

Each candidate also needs two nominators: veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s Register but are not current RCVS Council members.

Dr Chris Tufnell, RCVS President, discusses RCVS Council and various committees in a video urging members of the profession to put themselves forward:

The election period starts around mid-March and will run until 5pm on Friday 28 April 2017. Ballot papers will be sent to veterinary surgeons who are eligible to vote in the week commencing Monday 13 March 2017.

Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective RCVS Council candidates can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil17. 

Virbac has announced that it is running Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) in November, or 'Movember' as it's called by those fundraising for male prostate disease and testicular cancer.

With more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)¹, the aim of the initiative is to highlight the prevalence of the disease and to encourage practices and owners to check for and seek treatment for it.

As part of Canine Prostate Awareness Month, Virbac is providing participating practices with promotional materials including owner educational and display materials, postcards, an email/text message service, a template press release for local media and free branded slip leads for owners who get their dog checked during the promotion.

Sarah Walker BVM&S CertAVP MRCVS, Product Manager (Companion Animal), at Virbac, said: "CPAM aims to remind owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders. It's a well-supported initiative and, running it at a time when  the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, means we can spread the message that owners should also be monitoring dogs for signs of prostate disease."

In the run up to the campaign, the company is highlighting Odelis^TM CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, which is available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. Virbac says it is a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation.  In addition, Virbac makes Ypozane, a tablet treatment for BPH, which it claims is effective within one week and last for six months.

Sarah added: "The problem with BPH is that the majority of dogs suffer in silence. It is a painful condition that too often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, where the owner notices blood in the urine or painful urination.

"We're providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign locally and hope those involved will find it effective in terms of bringing clients into the practice for advice on BPH. We've also organised coverage in national dog magazines to drive clients to practices."

For further information on CPAM, email cpam@virbac.co.uk; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or call the company direct on 01359 243243.

Reference

1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331. 

BSAVA President Julian Hoad is going to go wing walking later this month to raise funds for BSAVA PetSavers.

To mark the end of his presidential year at BSAVA, Julian will be strapped to the top of a vintage biplane while dressed in a full feline (Cheshire Cat) costume, to support the research that BSAVA PetSavers funds to improve the health and wellbeing of pets across the UK.

BSAVA PetSavers is one of the UK’s few funding bodies focused solely on clinical research into diseases affecting companion animals.

To date, it has invested more than £2.7 million in vital studies addressing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, neurological and joint disorders, gastrointestinal issues.

Julian said: "Every day, vets face the heart-wrenching task of managing the distress and pain our pets suffer due to disease or poor health.

"With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the latest knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible.

“The need for advanced research is more pressing than ever and our pets deserve every chance at a healthy life.

"If dressing up as a cat and flying on the wing of a plane makes people take notice of the vital need for pet health research, then it will be worth it.”

Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “No one has ever been quite so daring in their fundraising efforts for us, so we are thrilled that Julian has decided to take this on to raise awareness and funds for BSAVA PetSavers.

“For every grant application that we fund, at least two or more are declined due to lack of funds. Fundraising events like this helps to land more funding in the hands of researchers who make a real difference in the veterinary community and directly impact the lives of countless pets and their families.”

Julian’s wing walk is on the 29th May and his target is to fundraise £1,000.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/julian-hoad-2 

A series of exchanges between pilots and control towers, which you might find amusing. Would be nice to have some veterinary equivalents, so do feel free to comment beneath this story with any quick-witted exchanges you've heard between vets and vets / nurses / clients.

San Jose Tower to a DC-10 that had come into land too fast, and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down:
"American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadeloupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport." 
 
***************************************************************

Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 degrees." 
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?" 
Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?" 
 
***************************************************************

Tower: "Eastern 702, cleared for takeoff, contact Departure on frequency 124.7" 
Eastern 702: "Tower, Eastern 702 switching to Departure. By the way,after we lifted off we saw some kind of dead animal on the far end of the runway." 
Tower: " Continental 635, cleared for takeoff behind Eastern 702, contact Departure on frequency 124.7. Did you copy that report from Eastern 702?" 
BR Continental 635: "Continental 635, cleared for takeoff, roger; and yes, we copied Eastern... we've already notified our caterers." 
 
****************************************************************

A BA 747, callsign Speedbird 206 landed at Frankfurt aiport and was just pulling clear of the runway

Speedbird 206: "Frankfurt, Speedbird 206 clear of active runway." 
Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206. Taxi to gate Alpha One-Seven." 
The BA 747 pulled onto the main taxiway and slowed to a stop. 
Frankfurt ground: "Speedbird 206, do you not know where you are going?" 
Speedbird 206: "Stand by, ground, I'm looking up our gate location now." 
Frankfurt ground (with quite arrogant impatience): "Speedbird 206, have you not been to Frankfurt before?" 
Speedbird 206: "Er yes, just the once. It was 1944 ... We didn't land."