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:

• When recommending a flea control product, where do you place Comfortis? 
  71% said first choice. 22% said second choice. 
• When diagnosing a pruritic animal, a first step should be to rule out fleas as a cause
  86% strongly agreed. 12% agreed.  
• When treating pruritic animal... would an oral parasiticide be your first choice?
  69% said yes. 10% said no. 14% abstained. 6% said it depends on the case. 
• When treating a pruritic animal... would Comfortis be your first choice?
  86% said yes. 2% said no. 12% said it depends on the case. 
• In your experience, Comfortis has significantly improved the control of fleas
  63% strongly agreed. 35% agreed.  
• In your experience, Comfortis has significantly helped in treating pruritic animals
  45% strongly agreed. 51% agreed, 
• In your experience, Comfortis has significantly helped bring relief to animals
  43% strongly agreed. 51% agreed. 

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.”

Reference

1. Hill P B et al (2006) Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice. Veterinary Record 158:533-539

Dermatologist Anthony Chadwick, aka the webinar vet, is offering VetSurgeon members a 30% discount on the cost of a forthcoming series of webinars. Just enter the word vetsurgeon in the discount box at webinarvet.com.

The series kicks off on the 17th June, when John Innes from Liverpool University will be talking about diagnosing forelimb lameness. On the 24th, Alan Robinson will be talking about pet healthcare schemes and on July 1st, Pip Boydell will discuss vestibular disease. Finally, on July 8th, Anthony will close the second series with a look at atopic disease, focusing on new and novel treatments.

For those of you that haven't yet experienced a webinar, and would like to 'try before you buy', there is a free webinar on 10th June (9pm-10pm), in which Martha Cannon, one of only 3 feline specialists in the UK, will present an update on feline infectious disease. Click here to register and if you enjoy the presentation, you will still be able to register for the series at the discounted price.

Virbac has announced the launch of My Virbac, a new website offering a range of business, marketing and technical services for veterinary professionals.

The main elements of My Virbac are:

• Business support tools to help enhance business processes and overall productivity and profitability. This section includes access to a mystery shopping service and staff training, as well as business auditing service. In its entry-level form, this is provided as an online audit. It can be upgraded to involve a bespoke report from a business consultant on request
• Marketing support including Virbac's 'Comms Manager' which guides practices aiming to build their profile through PR and social media. The marketing support section also offers tools to enable practices to print promotional materials
• Client-facing tools to help vets build stronger, long-term relationships. This section includes a 'Total Compliance' toolkit and online client satisfaction training
• Resource Library containing webinars, technical and business related articles and a stock of educational articles for websites and client newsletters

Virbac Product Manager, Ms Victoria Hudson said: "Virbac was one of the pioneers of the concept of practice support and the services we already offer are highly valued by our customers. In developing My Virbac, we're taking things to a new level. We've worked with business and veterinary experts to develop a practical and helpful range of services which will make a real difference to practices that use them. We plan to add additional services and tools on a regular basis.

"As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, providing an outstanding clinical service is no longer enough. Practices must also be well-run businesses, with a strong focus on marketing and client retention. Taking advantage of the services and tools available on My Virbac will help practices to ensure they are well placed to succeed even in difficult times."

To access Virbac's services platform, practices and individuals can register at www.my-virbac.co.uk.

Two award-winning independent practices, Glasgow-based Pets’n’Vets and Fife-based Inglis Vets, have joined forces to launch what they describe as a pioneering new graduate training programme.

The new.graduatevet programme (or ‘Dot’ programme) provides hands-on surgical training at Inglis Vets' in Cowdenbeath, seminars from Advanced Veterinary Practitioners at the Pets'n'Vets’ Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow and a new website accessible to all new and recent graduates: www.new.graduatevet.co.uk

Inglis Vets senior vet Graeme Eckford (pictured left, above), said: "This innovation has seen Scotland’s two leading independent vets, Inglis and The Pets’n’Vets Family, bring our considerable combined expertise and facilities together to create what we believe to be the best well-rounded, supported and unique new graduate training programme available in Scotland.

"Support is delivered through an integrated mentor system, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and regular case reviews, with the Dot programme designed to integrate with, and augment, the PDP requirements."

Ross Allan, a partner in The Pets‘n’Vets Family (pictured right, above), said: "The Dot programme will see the new graduates undertake advanced training and extra practice on surgery, consultations and general practice to accelerate their surgical skills and confidence at Inglis Vets ‘Care and Save’– Cowdenbeath before attending the Pets'n'Vets Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow’s Southside for a digest of seminars.

"We are proud to work with Inglis Vets to develop the programme which we believe will provide a platform for new graduates to apply the skills they’ve learned at university throughout the previous five years, and allow them to excel in their careers.

"We believe this exciting new venture demonstrates the willingness of progressive independent veterinary practices to work constructively together to allow both our new graduate vets, and in turn our practices, to thrive. There will be considerable opportunities for the new graduate vets when they have completed their training in the 16 practices which comprise our two ground-breaking vet practices."

The new.graduatevet website has been established to run alongside the new.graduatevet programme as an online mentor and with the aim of providing a community and learning space for all new and recent graduate vets; a much-needed resource for the next generation of vet graduates. Its range of blogs, news and advice on a range of relevant topics are available to all.

New veterinary graduates can apply for a place on the Dot programme by logging onto www.new.graduatevet.co.uk

The RCVS has collaborated with the VMD to answer the most frequently asked questions about prescribing, following the 'Under Care' review.

Of particular note is the guidance that prescriptions should no longer be written in mg/kg, as it may lead to errors when the dose is calculated.

The Standards and Advice update also answers questions about:

• What needs to be written in the notes when prescribing POM-Vs and controlled drugs.
• Accounting for weight change when prescribing long term medication
• What to do if there is a manufacturer-level supply problem with a prescribed medication
• What to do if there is a practice level stock issue with a prescribed medication
• What to do in the event of an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication
• The requirements for prescribing controlled drugs for either a chronic or acute condition

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/prescribing-pom-vs-joint-guidance-from-the-rcvs-and-vmd/

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 10^th 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 13^th October and the East of England Autumn Show in Peterborough on Sunday 14^th October.

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) is to hold its planned Hong Kong congress in London this year, because of ongoing travel restrictions caused by the global pandemic. 

Taking place on 26th November, the event will focus on putting the Cat Friendly Principles into action within the veterinary clinic, including how to work with cats in challenging situations, the role of appropriate handling techniques and the use of anxiolytics and sedation.

Speakers include Dr Sarah Heath (Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine), Dr Matt Gurney (Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia), Linda Ryan (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology and Behaviour) and Kelly Eyre (RVN). 

Head of ISFM Dr Nathalie Dowgray said: “This has been a really exciting programme to put together.

"Some cats can be challenging in the veterinary clinic even when the team has made every effort to be cat friendly. We wanted to recognise that and include in our panel discussion real-life scenarios to equip vets and nurses with the tools they need for when things don’t go according to plan.”

The Feline Fine London congress is open to all veterinary professionals, including nurses and receptionists.

https://icatcare.org/isfmcongress-2022-london 

The RCVS has extended the nomination period for its three honours in order to encourage more people to make a nomination for those they believe deserve to be recognised for their achievements.

The original deadline for nominations for the three honours (the Queen’s Medal, Golden Jubilee Award and Honorary Associateship) was Friday 16 September – this has now been moved to Friday 21 October 2016.

Chris Tufnell, President of the RCVS, said: "Do you know someone who goes above-and-beyond the call of duty? Whose achievements have had a tangible impact on their profession or the veterinary and animal health and welfare sector at large? Then we would strongly encourage you to nominate them for an RCVS Honour. Those who are successful will receive their award at our Annual General Meeting and Awards Day where their achievements will be described and recognised in front of their peers."

The Queen’s Medal was introduced in 2013 and is the highest honour that the College can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon in recognition of those who have achieved a highly distinguished career and outstanding achievements. Nominations can be made by any Member of the RCVS in respect of another veterinary surgeon.

The Golden Jubilee Award was introduced in 2011 to mark the 50^th anniversary of the first RCVS training course for veterinary nurses and now recognises those nurses who are taking a leadership role within the profession. Nominations can be made by either veterinary nurses or veterinary surgeons in respect of a veterinary nurse.

Finally, nominations can also be made for Honorary Associateship which is eligible for those who, while not veterinary surgeons or nurses, have had a significant impact in the veterinary field. Previous winners have included scientists, farmers, farriers, educationalists and journalists.

Further information about making nominations for each of these awards, including nominations forms, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/honours. All awards will be bestowed at RCVS Day 2017 in July next year.

Those with questions about making a nomination can contact Peris Dean, Executive Secretary, on p.dean@rcvs.org.uk

The RCVS is to host a free, one-hour webinar for vet students and new MsRCVS which will explain how to handle some of the difficult situations you might encounter in the first few months in practice.

The webinar, ‘Dealing with Difficult Situations’ will take place on Tuesday 7th December at 7.15pm and will feature veterinary surgeons who themselves recently joined the Register giving examples of challenging situations they faced, how they dealt with them, what they learned and how it changed the way they practise.

Gemma Kingswell, RCVS Head of Legal Services (Standards), said: "We recognise that starting in your first job as a veterinary surgeon is very exciting, but that the first few months in practice can be daunting too as you encounter challenging situations for the first time.

“This webinar aims not only to provide some practical guidance on how to deal with difficult situations in a pragmatic way should they arise, but also provide some reassurance that you are not alone in facing them.

"The webinar will also explore how the speakers have reflected on the difficult circumstances they have encountered in order to build up the knowledge, confidence and resilience to deal with similar situations in the future.”

Among those sharing the situations they’ve encountered are: Izzy Hocking, Hannah Prestwood and Bolu Eso.

They will be covering topics including the provision of pragmatic care, how to have difficult conversations with clients and how to handle client confidentiality.

Gemma will then explore the scenarios further in relation to the Code of Professional Conduct and what it says about how best to handle such difficult situations.

To sign up to the webinar visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/difficult-situations.

Those who are interested in attending can also submit questions about the Code and supporting guidance in advance via the Eventbrite registration page.

There will also be opportunities to ask questions throughout the event.

For those who aren’t able to make it on the day, a recording of the webinar will be made available shortly afterwards via the RCVS website.

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.

Researchers at the Animal Health Trust are appealing for information from veterinary surgeons who have seen recent Eosinophilic Keratitis (EK) conditions, an emerging issue in UK equine ophthalmology.

The AHT says that despite the increased awareness of EK worldwide, the aetiopathogenesis of the disease remains poorly understood and probably underdiagnosed. The charity is looking to define the pathogenesis and determine why some horses are particularly susceptible to this condition, in particular looking for epidemiological links, environmental factors and parasitic infestation.

Many of the clinical signs of EK are non-specific and similar to other corneal conditions such as blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperaemia, epiphora or perilesional oedema. More specific signs include caseous mucoid discharge and white/yellow plaques often localised in the peripheral cornea. The degree of pain varies and concurrent ulceration is almost always present. Conjunctivitis may also occur in association with the keratitis or as a unique disease entity.

EK can have variable clinical presentations, from a thick caseous accumulation to a more superficial plaque of “ground-glass” appearance. They may present as chronic non-healing ulcers that respond quickly to the use of topical steroids and/or ciclosporin, or present with marked ocular discomfort and require superficial keratectomy to resolve the condition.

Two different corneal locations are classically (though not exclusively) involved in EK, the medial perilimbal cornea, often under the third eyelid, or the lateral perilimbal cornea, which may progress axially towards the central cornea.

The charity is also providing free cytology tests for corneal scrapes to help vets diagnose EK earlier, thereby avoiding secondary complications that can lead to permanent visionary impairment.

If you have seen cases that have either been diagnosed as or that you suspect to be Eosinophilic Keratitis this year, contact Sonia Gonzalez-Medina on 01638 751000 Ext: 1203 or sonia.gonzalez-medina@aht.org.uk.

For more information and to download a copy of the submission form to accompany samples, visit www.aht.org.uk/EKstudy.

Veterinary surgeons who conduct consultations on senior dog preventative healthcare treatment are being asked to take part in a BSAVA PetSavers Old Age Pets survey to shape the development of a guidance tool to support the care of senior dogs.

BSAVA PetSavers is funding a research project at the University of Liverpool designed to help vets and owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.

In the first part of the study, veterinary professionals were interviewed about the services currently provided to senior dogs and their owners regarding preventative healthcare, treatment, and advice.

Owners were interviewed about their experiences of living with and accessing veterinary care for senior dogs.

The results of these interviews were then used to develop the online survey which researchers now need vets to take part in, to validate the interview findings in a quantitative way.

Dr Carri Westgarth said: “The veterinary survey focuses on the perceived barriers to care for senior dogs, end-of-life care including quality-of-life, and the potential design of the BSAVA PetSavers guidance tool.

"We would be grateful if any veterinary professional could take a few minutes from their day to help us with this project.” 

The survey should take around 20–25 minutes to complete. 

Survey participants will also have the opportunity to win an Amazon voucher. 

The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/PetsaversOAPVetSurvey.

The British Veterinary Association and VDS Training are hosting 'Building Great Workplaces: Practical Tips for Veterinary Teams', a free series of webinars for veterinary professionals, starting on 29th January at 1pm.

Great Workplaces by BVA is an accreditation scheme designed to recognise and reward positive workplace culture in both clinical and non-clinical veterinary workplaces.

The first webinar: 'How to have more good days at work' will be hosted by BVA Junior Vice President, Rob Williams (pictured), and VDS Training’s Carolyne Crowe.

The speakers will discuss strategies to support physical and psychological wellbeing at work and explore how to create a safe and inclusive team environment that supports everyone's needs.

Rob said: “This webinar series is designed to help your team identify practical steps to improve your veterinary workplace and create a working environment that allows the whole team to thrive.

"We’ll be diving into the first session with lots of practical tips and strategies and I hope to see many of you there.”

https://www.bva.co.uk/great-workplaces 

https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/building-great-workplaces-how-to-have-more-good-days-at-work.html