BEVA is giving its members the opportunity to participate in a free practice benchmarking survey, to help them ensure their business is being run as efficiently and profitably as possible. The results of the research will be released at BEVA Congress, 7^th-10^th September 2011.

The Association has worked with Hazlewoods, chartered accountants and business advisors to the veterinary profession, to develop a detailed benchmarking questionnaire for equine veterinary practices, which allows businesses to compare their practice, anonymously, with other similar practices. The report should identify areas for profit improvement, including practice structure and pricing and may also highlight other potential methods of income generation.

Mark Beaney, partner at Hazlewoods and specialist advisor to the veterinary profession, said: "This is a super opportunity for equine practices to obtain helpful, free advice on how to fine-tune their business for maximum efficiency, delivery and profit. The questionnaire should take no more than half an hour to complete and in return we will provide you with a confidential individual report, with your practice data benchmarked."

Mark will present an overall report on the equine veterinary market at BEVA Congress on Saturday 10^th September. All participating practices will remain anonymous. The benchmarking survey can be downloaded from the BEVA website at: http://www.beva.org.uk/news/view/59 and must be completed by 30^th June 2011.

BEVA Congress runs from 7^th-10^th September 2011 at the Liverpool Arena Convention Centre, Liverpool. This year BEVA will be celebrating its 50^th anniversary - for further information and to register visit http://www.beva.org.uk/.

Improve International has announced the launch of a new master's degree designed to enable veterinary surgeons in general practice to achieve a higher qualification without taking excessive time out of their practice.

The Master's Degree in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences is the result of a collaboration between Improve International, which delivers the taught clinical modules, the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS), which acts as the assessment partner and Harper Adams University, which offers guidance on the research-based modules and provides validation and academic regulation under the QAA Framework. 

Candidates for the new qualification can select modules from a wide range of species and discipline subjects based around their areas of special interest. They must complete at least two clinical programmes from a range of ten subjects and undertake a research module based on their clinical work.

David Babington, MRCVS and Managing Director of Improve International, said: "The launch of this new Masters is a big step forward for the concept of lifelong learning in our profession. Candidates can spend five or even ten years working towards this higher qualification with achievable 'stepping stones' along the way.  

"Their studies will equip them with new skills, give them the latest veterinary knowledge and help enhance their ability to provide a superb clinical service to their clients. During the journey they have the opportunity to achieve a respected, valuable and recognised PgC (60 academic credits); a PgD (120 academic credits) and, finally, a full Masters Degree (180 academic credits)."

Dr Erica Martin, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Harper Adams, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Improve International and ESVPS on this innovative new qualification. We welcome the opportunity to help the profession increase  'evidence-based'  veterinary practice through clinical development and the advancement of research skills in a way that is both accessible to vets in practice and that leads to a qualification that recognises the commitment and work involved. These postgraduate qualifications join the MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, the MSc in Veterinary Pharmacy and the MSc in Veterinary Nursing which are delivered by Harper Adams University."

David added: "Candidates can spread the cost of the Masters across the training period and recoup the investment easily by implementing new services they learn within the practice.  The initial response to this unique qualification has been very positive with our first candidates embarking on their studies during November 2013."

For further information or to register, email enquiries@improve-international.com; visit www.improvecpd.com or call 01793 759159.

A study carried out by 24 independent XLVets practices has revealed evidence of fluke infection much later in the year than had been expected, suggesting a more targeted flukicide strategy could be effective. 

The collaborative study, which was sponsored by Norbrook, involved each practice blood testing a cohort of six lambs on 25 individual farms from 16 weeks of age, to look for evidence of antibodies to liver fluke. 

Only 11 farms had positive results in the period from June, up to December, with most only showing one or two lambs out of the six sero-converting later in the year. Even farms located reasonably close by showed positive cases months apart. 

Mark Thompson of Craven Farm Vets in Yorkshire said, “I did not expect to see positive results as late in the year. I expected a positive result earlier (September/October) as the farm is a very wet farm with a long-standing issue with fluke. Also, the weather in the area has been ideal for the intermediate host and fluke development on the pasture.”

Emily Baxter of Drove Farm Vets in Wiltshire said she thinks there is scope to use the results to improve the timing of dosing with flukicides and more responsible use: “We will use the results from this year’s testing to re-evaluate the farm’s fluke control protocol which will help reduce the level of use of flukicides earlier in the season for years with similar weather patterns and assist in planning of strategic grazing.

"We’re looking forward to continuing our work this year, no two years are ever the same, that’s why monitoring is so important. It will allow both ourselves and our clients to build up a picture over time of what’s happening not only on their individual farms, but potentially down to field level! This will allow us to provide more conclusive recommendations. For now, it’s clear that testing has great promise as a means to provide tailored advice to farms on how to control fluke and use the flukicides available to us responsibly.”

Emily says it’s important that farmers do not stop using flukicides based on the results of this study nor assume that there is less risk: “We all know how significant the losses from acute and chronic fascioliasis can be. We therefore encourage farmers to talk to their vet before they change their flukicide treatment protocols and discuss the possibility of using serology as an adjunct to determine how and when they treat.”

Veterinary professionals can find out more about the fluke sentinel project at https://xlvets-farm.co.uk/fluke-sentinel or the XLVets community at https://www.xlvets.co.uk/the-boss/. 

A team of researchers at the Royal Veterinary College have discovered that many-legged animals control their movement in a surprisingly different way to bipedal animals, following a study on cockroaches using tiny accelerometers and advanced computer models.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology (JEB) on 14 May 2010, found that four or more legged creatures do not adjust for hard or soft surfaces in the same manner as humans. 

The RVC says the results were surprising because past work had found that running and trotting animals with four-, six-, or eight legs exert forces on the ground that look remarkably similar to two-legged humans.

The study used cockroaches with tiny accelerometer backpacks as the basis of the research before developing advanced computer models to further the findings.

The accelerometers were developed by Andrew Spence while working in the Poly-PEDAL laboratory of Professor Bob Full at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Spence, now following up the research as a Research Council UK (RCUK) research fellow at the RVC, along with his colleague Shai Revzen, attached the device to the cockroaches' back before sending the insects scuttling across a sheet of latex.

The cockroach sank into the soft rubber surface, like humans sink into the mud, but was able to maintain their forward speed, despite the extremely soft going.

Dr. Spence said: "Like humans, four or more legged animals move as if they are bouncing on a virtual pogo stick when running on hard surfaces. However, when humans run over soft surfaces, they effectively "stiffen" their virtual 'pogo stick', so we were keen to discover if this was the same for four or more legged animals."

Following the initial study, a computer-generated model cockroach was developed to help explain how the insect ran on, and sunk into, soft ground, with the 'cyber-roach' confirming earlier findings.

From the 'cyber-roach' the researchers concluded that instead of maintaining the body's centre of mass motion by stiffening the virtual pogo stick leg like human runners, the insect does not change the stiffness of its virtual pogo stick. The reason that the insect is able to run successfully without crashing, despite using the "wrong" leg stiffness, may be due to the change in posture that occurs when a legged animal sinks into a surface, as the legs that are flying through the air hit the ground sooner than they normally would.  

Dr. Spence believes this simplifies the task for the nervous system: "Instead of sending nervous system signals to stiffen muscles, the cockroach may just be able to continue sending the same control signals and take advantage of this change in posture."

The Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Learning Consortium has announced the launch of a new online tutorial (www.ebvmlearning.org) designed to make evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) accessible to the veterinary profession worldwide.

The online tutorial, funded by the RCVS Knowledge Target Grants initiative and led by Dr Kristen Reyher at the University of Bristol along with Drs Rachel Dean and Marnie Brennan from the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham, begins with an introductory module and then focuses on the five key areas of EBVM:

• Ask - how to formulate answerable questions;
• Acquire - how to obtain relevant information;
• Appraise - how to evaluate the available evidence;
• Apply - how to apply the evidence to clinical practice;
• Assess – how to measure the effect of any implemented changes.

The learning resource, which can be used on various platforms and devices, is suitable for students and practitioners for self-study, and can be used as a stand-alone tutorial or as individual teaching modules to support other EBVM teaching or continuing professional development.

The online tutorial uses best educational practice and includes formative multiple choice questions, short tasks and recommendations for further study. It is intended to be a source of knowledge, bringing together the essentials of EBVM into one place, and highlights many other links to resources and organisations that are available to further learners’ knowledge about the subject.

Dr Kristen Reyher, Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Science in the School of Veterinary Sciences, who led the project team, said: "It is hoped that the development of this resource will increase awareness of EBVM in the veterinary profession, and allow practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills needed to utilise EBVM in everyday clinical practice."

Future aims of the project team include designing methods of cataloguing and disseminating evidence synthesis to support clinical decision-making and evidence-based veterinary practice, improving and standardising the teaching of EBVM to undergraduate and postgraduate students at veterinary schools internationally, and building a community of practice in this area.

FMD
Most of you will be aware that IP8 was declared yesterday. This is a farm in the POZ that was slaughtered on suspicion after detection during surveillance visits. This has lead to further slight changes in the boundaries of the PZ and SZ. These were early lesions and initial laboratory results confirm this.

The epidemiology of the spread of FMD in the area north of Egham suggests that cattle on 4 premises in the vicinity of IP8 have been exposed to infection either via possible aerosol or fomite spread and are likely to develop disease. These premises will be culled as dangerous contacts.

BLUETONGUE
The various zones for controlling Bluetongue have now been defined. These are difficult to describe because they use roads etc. as boundaries but detailed maps and description of the boundaries are available at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/pdf/declaration-bt-pzcz290907.pdf

When farms straddle a road that is a boundary the whole of the farm is classed as being in the zone. It may be possible to put parts of a holding that is outside the zone as a separate unit with consultation with local Animal Health office.

The movement restrictions between the various FMD and BT zones are available at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/movements/index.htm

Defra are worried that farmers are not reporting cases of BT because they feel there is nothing that can be done so why bother. It is still a notifiable disease and there is a need to monitor spread for various trade implications. There are, of course, likely to be welfare considerations with clinically affected cases. These will need to be addressed with veterinary consultation and may involve symptomatic treatment or euthanasia.

The prevalence of the disease in infected herds/flocks is still low with 1:53 and 1:190 being affected on surveillance.

A new publication into the benefits of spironolactone (Prilactone - CEVA Animal Health) has supported its use as part of first-line therapy for the treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure caused by mitral heart disease, according to CEVA.

The double-blind placebo-controlled study¹ involved 212 dogs on either spironolactone or a placebo, in addition to conventional therapy including an ACE inhibitor and furosemide.  It revealed that over a 15 month period 25.5% of dogs either died, were euthanased or severely worsened in the placebo group compared to 10.8% in the spironolactone group. This represents a 55% reduction in the risk of cardiac morbidity-mortality and a 69% reduction in the risk of cardiac-related death or euthanasia.

Further research² has also revealed that aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone, help to prevent myocardial fibrosis, a pathogenic process involved in the progression of heart failure.

For more information, 'Start Conversation' with Fraser Broadfoot MRCVS at CEVA Animal Health, or ring 01494 781510.

1 Efficacy of spironolactone on survival in dogs with naturally-occurring mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous mitral value disease. Bernay F, Bland JM, Häggstrőm J, Baduel L, Combes B, Lopez A, Kaltsatos, V. (2010). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
2 Aldosterone receptor antagonists - how cardiovascular actions may explain their beneficial effects in heart failure. Ovaert P, Elliot J, Bernay F, Guillot E, Bardon T. (2010). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust has identified a genetic mutation which causes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Golden Retrievers, and developed a DNA test to identify carriers.

PRA is a retinal disease which causes loss of vision and leads to blindness. PRA cannot be treated - the most successful way to combat the inherited condition is to identify dogs that carry the mutation and develop informed breeding strategies.

The new DNA test has been developed following the identification of the mutation which causes the most common form of PRA among Golden Retrievers in Europe - known as GR_PRA1. The mutation which causes a second form of PRA is still to be identified.

Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics at the AHT, said: "Our research shows that this mutation is present in the UK Golden Retriever population, so it's likely that several hundred new carriers are being born each year and that Golden Retrievers are invariably going blind as a result.

"This new DNA test will enable breeders to learn whether their dogs are carriers of the mutation. This, in turn, will enable them to make better informed breeding decisions and therefore produce puppies which will not go blind as a result of this mutation."

Mike Townsend, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: "This is a real breakthrough and one which we hope will help to prevent blindness in many Golden Retrievers in the years to come. Every dog deserves to lead a healthy, happy life and it is important that we do all we can to ensure that future generations are given this opportunity. Our knowledge about inherited diseases in dogs is growing every day and the development of DNA tests such as this one allows breeders to ensure that the healthiest genes are passed down through the generations."

The DNA test for PRA follows the success of the AHT's DNA test launched last year to identify carriers of a mutation that causes primary lens luxation. This test identifies carriers in more than 12 breeds of dog, including Miniature Bull Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. To date more than 6,500 samples from 36 countries have been tested.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has committed £1.2 million to the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the AHT, which will undertake research into approximately 25 inherited diseases over the next five years, facilitating the creation of further diagnostic tests which will improve the health and welfare of generations of dogs.

Full information on the Golden Retrievers PRA DNA test, and information on ordering sample kits, will be available from http://www.aht.org.uk/ from 15 November.

Blue Cross is inviting veterinary teams to nominate their ‘Veterinary Nurse of the Year 2021‘ by Monday 20th September 2021.

The award is to recognise the dedication of the country’s veterinary nurses and the support they give to their veterinary teams, the nation’s pets and pet owners. It is given to a vet nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but also encourages responsible pet ownership and improves pet welfare in their community.

The award will be presented at the BVNA Congress on Saturday 2nd October 2021, which will this year be a hybrid event with live speakers at the event in Telford and remote delegates.

David Catlow, Blue Cross Director of Veterinary Clinical Services said: “The veterinary profession faced difficult times for much of the past couple of years but vet nurses strove on to provide their usual professionalism, compassion and special care for pets and their owners.

"Now, more than ever, we need to recognise their invaluable work and the incredible reassurances and support they offer pet owners and how they are dedicated to helping the welfare of the nation’s pets in their communities.”

Last year, the award went to Chloe Mackintosh (pictured right), a veterinary nurse at RSPCA in Harmsworth, North London, who was nominated for her passion and commitment to animal welfare.

If you know a vet nurse who you believe has gone the extra mile for your pet or you believe they have made a significant contribution to animal welfare, complete the nomination form on the Blue Cross website at www.bluecross.org.uk/bvna.

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

Purina is inviting practices to participate in its inaugural UK Feline Dental Health Month, which starts on 1st July 2014.

As part of the initiative, participating practices are being asked to give their cat-owning clients free dental health checks throughout July to help improve the health of feline patients, build client loyalty and boost revenue.

Purina says Feline Dental Health Month has been created to help practices educate cat-owning clients about the importance of dental health. As many cat owners are unable or unwilling to check their cat's mouth and teeth due to the discreet nature of their pet, they rely on their vet to highlight potential problems. Feline dental disease is estimated to affect around three quarters of cats over the age of three, making it the most prevalent health condition seen amongst pet cats. Often painful and with the capability to cause systemic problems, dental problems in cats can represent a serious welfare problem if left untreated.

To help practices promote Feline Dental Health Month to their clients, Purina has prepared a support pack which includes waiting room promotional materials and client care leaflets with money off coupons. Practices will also be given a step-by-step publicity plan so they can promote the month in their local media and via their existing communications channels.

Purina says that signing up to the Feline Dental Health Month will mean that practices benefit from more contact with a client group that is potentially less engaged with their pet's health and also attract new clients via the promotional activity. This will provide an increase in opportunities to discuss other common health concerns with their clients and offer the potential to boost sales of products and services.

Chris Nickson, Senior Brand Manager, Purina Vet Channel said: "Feline Dental Health Month promotes the idea that prevention is better than cure. To avoid more serious procedures that can put stress on the owner and cat, Purina advocates ongoing management of dental hygiene. Our veterinary support packs provide everything a practice will need to have a very successful Feline Health Month."

Purina has also developed Pro Plan Cat Dental Plus, a diet designed to maintain healthy teeth and gums in cats. As part of Feline Dental Health Month, Purina is offering owners £5 off their first bag.*

To sign up for Feline Dental Health Month, speak to your Purina representative or call the Pro Plan Vet helpline on 0800 032 6418.

Virbac has announced the launch of a new support pack to help practices promote National Microchipping Month this June. 

The pack contains a range of promotional and educational items including:

• A poster which can be individually customised to include practice-branding and a promotional offering
• A large BackHome display poster for the wall, the window or wherever it can best promote the practice
• Colour-coordinated bunting and balloons to frame waiting room displays and windows
• Eye-catching 'wobblers' for reception desks and shelves to remind clients to chat to reception and book their microchipping appointment.

Sarah Walker MRCVS, BackHome Product Manager, said: "With microchipping soon to become compulsory for dogs across the UK, this year's National Microchipping Month is the ideal platform to raise awareness of its importance in all species and to remind clients that they will soon be required by law to ensure that their dogs at least are protected with a microchip. The new BackHome Mini Chip has a 34% smaller needle than our standard needles and this can minimise any stress and discomfort to pets during implantation.

"The resources in our Microchipping Support Pack are bold, colourful and eye-catching.  We hope that, with the creative teams that exist within each practice, you can promote National Microchipping Month successfully using imaginative displays and use this opportunity to engage with your clients."

For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.