Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a range of support material to help educate owners about pet ear health.
Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, Larry King, said: "This extensive range of new material will help veterinary professionals raise client awareness of ear infections and also help owners understand why ear health is important.
"The information available includes a leaflet for owners on how to treat their pet's ear infection as well as a guide to effective ear cleaning, which is also available as a video for practice and client use."
Videos entitled: 'How to clean your dog's ears' and 'How to clean your cat's ears are available to view at www.dechra.co.uk/How-to-Guides/Dechra-how-to-videos-guides.aspx
The It's Time to Change campaign offers best practice guidelines and information on ear disease in cats and dogs. It provides assistance in helping to diagnose the organisms associated with infection, support in choosing the correct approach to control as well as help in educating owners to apply and use treatments correctly.
More information on the support material can be found at www.dechra.co.uk/timetochange or veterinary professionals can contact their local Dechra representative.
The researchers say that although increased appetite has been reported as a side effect of many AEDs in veterinary literature, the effect had not been quantified or studied in detail.
To assess the phenomenon in greater detail, the research team analysed food motivation through a validated Dog Obesity Risk Assessment questionnaire created by University of Cambridge1.
The study compared 222 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy with a control population of 7,086 healthy dogs.
The survey was designed to determine if epilepsy and AEDs were associated with increased food motivation, weight gain and decreased activity, and to assess if and how caregivers managed weight gain in this population.
The data revealed that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy receiving AEDs had significantly higher food motivation in comparison to healthy dogs – they had increased interest in food, were less selective about food, were more interested in food between meals, and wanted more food than usually offered.
In response, carers of dogs on medication put greater effort into restricting how much their dogs ate, particularly of human food.
Despite this, these dogs had significantly greater fat mass.
More than half of owners of dogs with epilepsy always used treats to administer their dog’s ASD medication (53%) and did not compensate for it by reducing the dog’s main food ration (34%).
Given the epilepsy treatment often involves medication two or three times a day, this has the potential to increase calorie intake substantially, an issue compounded by epileptic dogs also being less active.
The researchers say it's important that vets and nurses advise owners to monitor their dog's weight and help them manage it.
Dr Anna Morros-Nuevo of the University of Cambridge, and primary author of this study, said: "Idiopathic epilepsy, and in particular seizure episodes, have such an overwhelming impact on these dogs' families that side effects such as weight gain often get overlooked, both by vets and the pet's families.
"But unfortunately, obesity has lifelong negative impact on health and quality of life, since it predisposes dogs to suffer from joint problems and respiratory diseases, as well as metabolic disorders and urinary incontinence.
"Obese dogs have also been shown to have a shorter lifespan than dogs with a normal weight.
"While ASD are non-negotiable for many of these dogs, their caregivers and veterinarians should be aware of the lifelong impact of their side effects and manage them carefully.
"We hope these findings will help to increase awareness for both veterinary professionals and dog carers of the side effects of ASD and their impact for the patient."
Reference
Two days left in which to enter Vetoquinol's competition to win up to £300 worth of CPD or a goody bag.
To enter, answer the 7 multi-choice questions here.
Burgess Excel has launched The Excel Food Cube, billed as the first truly 'complete' food for rabbits and guinea pigs, aka 'fibrevores'.
According to the company, it's the first time that rabbit and guinea pig owners will be able to feed a convenient and portion controlled all-in-one food that caters for all of their pets' dental, digestive and emotional needs.
Historically, there has been debate as to whether any one food alone can be classed as 'complete' for these pets. Many foods on the market currently labelled 'complete' only meet the nutritional needs of these pets, because, historically in the world of dog and cat food, that's all a complete food needs to cater for. However, according to Burgess Excel, 72% of vets say that any food labelled as 'complete' for rabbits and guinea pigs should cover dental, digestive and emotional health. To be just 'nutritionally complete' is not enough, because diet accounts for so much more in keeping these pets alive and healthy.
Justin Heaton, Head of Marketing for Burgess Pet Care said "Once again we are incredibly excited and proud to be launching a pioneering new product to the market. Our studies revealed foods labelled 'complete' are generally fed alone, without the hay necessary for fibrevores. As the UK's leading veterinary brand for fibrevores we felt obligated to create a truly healthy, 100% complete food to ensure that pets are being correctly fed. The additional beauty of this product is that it really drives home to fibrevore owners that hay IS food!
The Excel Complete Food Cubes consist of compressed cubes of long fibre Timothy hay for dental and digestive health, together with high fibre tasty nuggets, which contain short fibre, supplements and prebiotics, also necessary for digestive health and to promote foraging. Topped with flowers and beneficial herbs they deliver a visually exciting, innovative solution, inside and out for pet owners."
Justin continued "Excel was the first to expose the myth about 'complete feeds' and identify what the real requirements of these pets are, the first to develop a specific and dedicated feeding plan, the first to identify fibrevores as a subset of small animals and the first to campaign for complete diets to include dental, digestive and emotional health - all of which are why Excel is still the UK's No.1 veterinary recommended food for fibrevores.
However, in today's fast paced and busy world, consumers are always looking for the easiest, least hassle and most convenient ways to feed their pets. To date it has never been easy to find a solution to do this for fibrevores, without compromising their health........ that is until now!"
Burgess says Excel Food Cubes will be available in March but that more information and pre-orders can be taken from your local Burgess representative now. Alternatively, contact Justin Heaton for further information at: Justin.Heaton@burgesspetcare.co.uk
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) has announced the winners of four 'Easy to Give' Awards, given to the makers of veterinary medicines designed to be easy to administer to cats.
Claire Bessant, FAB's Chief Executive, said: 'Medicating cats is notoriously difficult. It is, therefore, always a pleasure to be able to reward companies who have made great efforts to make their products easier to administer to cats'.
The 2012 FAB Easy to Give Award winners were:
ALSTOE: Therios - The antibiotic cephalexin as a palatable tablet that can be split easily for accurate dosing in cats.
VIRBAC: Effipro - A spot-on preparation for the treatment of fleas, ticks and lice. The new transparent pipette prevents spillage and ensures a complete dose is given. An image of a cat appears on each pipette, so that if one is separated from its packaging it is still clear for which animal the product is intended.
NOVARTIS: Atopica - A treatment for allergic dermatitis that comes in solution form and can be given in food or directly into the cat's mouth. The specifically-designed syringe dispenser allows accurate dosing.
CEVA: Fiprospot - A spot-on medication for treating fleas and flea allergic dermatitis.
The winning products join 20 others which have been given an Easy to Give Award by FAB's expert panel of veterinary surgeons since 2005.
For more information about FAB, visit: www.fabcats.org
VetSurgeon.org has launched a completely revamped classified jobs section for the profession which allows members to subscribe for alerts when someone advertises a vacancy in their area.
VetSurgeon Jobs has been designed from the ground up to be as simple as possible for job-seekers to find the right vacancy. By default, jobs are listed in the order they were posted. But enter a location (ideally your postcode) and the list re-orders by distance from that location. Simple as that. No login required.
You can also set other criteria, such as small animal vet jobs only, to further whittle down the selection.
The subscription service works on the same basis. In most cases, you'll probably just want to enter a postcode and a distance from that postcode that you're interested in. But you can also add further filters so you are notified only of, say, locum or small animal positions. And for those locums who work in multiple locations, you can set up multiple subscriptions.
For advertisers, we thought of only one thing, which was how can we offer more bang for your buck than the alternatives (besides being presented on the most popular veterinary website for eight weeks). That question influenced every aspect of the design and functionality of the new, improved VetSurgeon Jobs.
In due course, VetSurgeon.org will introduce a charge for advertising. However, the site is and always has been about supporting the profession, and the pricing will reflect that: no more than £150 +VAT in 2016.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are reminding veterinary surgeons of their legal responsibilities under the Horse Passport Regulations 2009.
The move follows a small number of horses testing positively for the presence of phenylbutazone, which, if consumed, can be harmful to human health.
Defra and the FSA have asked for the assistance of the profession in ensuring that treatment with phenylbutazone is properly recorded in Horse Passports and have said that they are working together to understand the cause of the positive tests, and what longer term measures can be put in place to stop this happening.
In the interim, all horses slaughtered for human consumption will be sampled for the presence of phenylbutazone, with immediate effect.
The letter from Defra and the FSA can be downloaded from the RCVS website.
The full advice can be read in a Veterinary Medicines Directorate/Defra leaflet, which can be found online at http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/leaflet_horses.pdf.
Mark Bowen, Chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association's Health and Medicines Committee, said: "The number of horses entering the human food chain from the UK has doubled since 2009 and is no longer an insignificant minority of horses. All vets should be checking horse passports and only dispensing sensible quantities of this drug, and its prodrug suxibuzone."
Meanwhile, a form is available from the British Equine Veterinary Association website for veterinary surgeons to use if the horse passport is not available, but emergency treatment is required: http://www.beva.org.uk/_uploads/documents/emergency-treatment-form-no-passport-2011.pdf
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on reforming the governance arrangements of the RCVS.
The consultation follows a period of discussions between the RCVS and Defra about how the College might best modernise Council.
The consultation gives the public and profession the opportunity to have their say on what reforms would best prepare the College for the future. It discusses the appropriate size and composition of Council, including the proportion of elected members, how veterinary schools should be represented, increasing lay membership, and ensuring appropriate veterinary nurse representation. It also examines how flexibility can be built into the reforms in case of future changes, such as the possibility of new categories of associate. Responses to the consultation will inform the College’s work with Defra to determine the precise details of any new governance arrangements.
The College says any reform should meet its unique requirements as a Royal College that regulates and the criteria already agreed by the College: Council’s decision-making role would be strengthened, for instance, by increasing the number of Council meetings per year. This would reduce or remove the need for a separate Operational Board in order that the CEO reports directly to Council.
Any reforms also need to ensure that Council has sufficient members to populate the College’s committees and Presidential team, and follow the government’s five principles of better regulation, by being proportionate, consistent, accountable, transparent and targeted.
RCVS President Bradley Viner (pictured top right) said “I am delighted that Defra is consulting on RCVS governance and the minister has the full backing of RCVS Council in so doing. This consultation is an opportunity to hear the voice of the profession and the public about an appropriate structure and oversight of the RCVS, reflecting the uniqueness of being a Royal College that regulates. Consulting on this important issue is in keeping with our desire to become first rate in what we do, building on other measures to modernise and improve the workings of the College.”
The first, hosted by Sam Taylor, head of veterinary specialists at ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) is titled ‘Whetting the appetite: purr-fectly feeding your knowledge of feline inappetence and why early detection shouldn’t be overlooked’.
The session, which starts at 12:30pm on Tuesday 6th, will explore the importance of feline inappetence, how it goes overlooked by owners and practices alike and why it shouldn’t be underestimated.
In the second session, which starts at 12:30pm on Friday 9th, Libby Koytzoumis, veterinary technical advisor at Dechra (pictured), will talk about one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine diseases in dogs, Cushing’s syndrome.
Libby's webinar, ‘Are you seeing these usual suspects in practice?’ will explore the common signs, routes to diagnosis and the effective treatment and monitoring of Cushing’s.
https://thewebinarvet.com/events/virtual-veterinary-congress-2024
CEVA Animal Health has launched the fourth edition of Cardionews, a regular cardiology newsletter written by top experts in the field, featuring upcoming topics of interest in cardiology.
In this edition (click here to download), the renowned cardiologist Adrian Boswood from the Royal Veterinary College discusses cardiac biomarkers, a promising new tool for the diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs and cats.
Topics covered in future issues of Cardionews will include echocardiography and chest radiography. If you would like to receive the Cardionews newsletters free of charge, please contact CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510.
The BVA and the BSAVA have issued a statement in response to the launch of the RSA Preferred Referral Network.
"This is a business decision for RSA, in light of pressures facing the pet insurance industry - however BVA and BSAVA requested a meeting with the pet insurer earlier this year to discuss members’ concerns about RSA's policy conditions concerning cases for referral. We outlined the importance of the vet-client relationship, especially with respect to clinical decision making, and we emphasised that decisions must be made in the best interests of the pet-based on clinical indication and not be driven by cost. RSA refers to these meetings in their recent Q&A document (number 13). However, this so-called “engagement” should not be read as implying the two Associations complicity or acceptance of the changes. We stressed our concerns to RSA and would welcome opportunity for further input.
BVA and BSAVA actively encourage our members to make us aware of their concerns, and to keep us informed about how RSA’s new approach is working in practice. This will help us to continue to champion vets' voices on an issue that impacts our profession."
The research aims to establish:
To take part in the survey, which takes between 10 and 15 minutes, click here.
Photo: I, Flukeman
Pet Protect has launched a new website which includes a tool to compare the benefits of its pet insurance policies with others in the market.
The comparison deliberately excludes the cost of the policies. Pet Protect says that the aim is to "overcome the current preoccupation with price as principal means by which competitive products are evaluated".
It would be interesting to know what your experience is, talking to clients about insurance. Do you think that clients are receptive to buying insurance for the benefits, or do you think that price will always be their main concern?
A mutation responsible for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), a painful and blinding inherited eye condition, has been indentified by geneticists working in the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust. They expect a DNA test to identify carriers of the mutation to be available by late October, 2009.
The team led by Dr Cathryn Mellersh, in collaboration with Dr David Sargan (Cambridge University) and Dr David Gould (Davies Veterinary Specialists), believe the discovery could prevent the development of PLL in several breeds of terriers.
Miniature Bull Terriers, Lancashire Heelers, Tibetan Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Patterdale Terriers, Sealyham Terriers and Chinese Crested dogs will all benefit from the findings.
Dr Cathryn Mellersh, said: "This is an exciting discovery for many breeds of dogs across the world. We have identified the mutation, and soon we'll be able to give advice on breeding strategies. Hopefully in time we'll eradicate this awful condition from many breeds of dogs."
In the near future a simple test kit will be available for breeders and owners to test their dogs. It will be possible to collect DNA from a simple cheek swab.
The DNA test will enable breeders to ascertain the likelihood of each dog's risk of developing PLL. Breeders will then be able to make informed decisions about which dogs to breed. This will minimise the risk of producing dogs that will become affected by the serious and debilitating condition.
In affected dogs PLL causes fibres which support the lens to breakdown or disintegrate, causing the lens to fall into the wrong place in the eye. Depending on where the lens falls, it can cause glaucoma or loss of vision.
Caroline Kisko, Communication Director at the Kennel Club, commented: "This is truly a major breakthrough at the Kennel Club Genetics Centre in our fight to eliminate many of the inherited diseases dogs have, all made possible with funding from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
"PLL is a painful and blinding condition, and we hope once the DNA test is available at the end of next month we will be able to eliminate this condition altogether."
Dr. Mellersh, added: "We would like to sincerely thank all the owners and breeders who have contributed DNA and information from their dogs to this project. The discovery would not have been possible without them."
Royal Canin has introduced Feline Satiety Support diet in 1.5kg and 3.5kg bags to complement the existing packs of 28 sachets.
Royal Canin veterinary support manager Lepha McCartan said: "As every vet and vet nurse knows, obesity is an ever-increasing problem in cats. We have found that once owners are used to the idea of portion control provided by the existing 28 sachet packs, they are happy to continue to help get their cat's weight down. Bigger packs offer more convenience and value for money for the customer, particularly those who have a few cats with weight issues."
Royal Canin says Feline Satiety Support helps cats feel fuller for longer, offering a greater food volume compared to standard diets. A satisfied cat is less inclined to beg for food, which in turn helps prevent owners giving in to demands from a complaining cat. According to the company, vets recommending Feline Satiety Support have found that the sachet packs help owners understand the correct amount of kibbles per meal, and once this has been established the larger packs offer owners greater choice.
Feline Satiety Support is available in packs of 28 x 20g sachets and 1.5 and 3.5kg bags from all veterinary wholesalers. For more information, contact your Veterinary Business Manager or visit http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/.
Ceva Animal Health is joining forces with Dog's Trust to carry out a radio campaign to educate owners on the importance of preparing their pets for the firework season.
The series of interviews - which will go out on both BBC and local radio on Tuesday 26 October - will cover the precautions that owners can take to help, comfort and reassure their pets while fireworks are going off, together with the benefits of using the leading veterinary behaviour products, DAP and Feliway. Chris Lawrence from the Dog's Trust and Lucy Brett, key account manager for charities at Ceva will be interviewed during the campaign, which will advise owners to seek further information from their local veterinary practice.
For further details on the radio campaign, please contact your local Ceva Animal Health representative or call 01494 781510.
Visitors will have the opportunity to test their knowledge in a short quiz with three veterinary surgeons and three nurses winning each day.
Online Bitesize CPD is a training programme for veterinary professionals wanting to gain skills and knowledge in key clinical subjects. The training is interactive with each course accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS). It provides the mandatory CPD hours for veterinary surgeons and nurses in a single subscription.
David Babington, Improve International’s Managing Director, said: "Our Bitesize CPD offers complete flexibility so that vets and vet nurses can access our high quality learning on clinical topics in short 'chunks', at a time and place to suit them. Courses are updated regularly and cover topics including: soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology and feline medicine for vets and fluid therapy, critical care and anaesthesia for nurses.
"We’ve devised a fiendish London Vet Show quiz to put visitors through their paces and will announce the six lucky winners of a year’s free subscription for each day at the end of the show!"
The webinar, which is exclusively for veterinary professionals, will include a Q&A session addressing common concerns around vaccination timing, use in Johne’s-positive herds, the role of extended colostrum feeding, and the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance.
Speakers for the event are:
Kat Baxter-Smith, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health (pictured), said: “Vaccination has an important role to play in cryptosporidiosis control, but we know that for some practices, concerns remain — particularly around colostrum management and use in herds with Johne’s.
“This session is about opening up those discussions, sharing the latest research, and addressing the barriers that may be holding back wider adoption.
"Our aim is to support vets in moving scour management from reaction to prevention.”
https://view6.workcast.net/register?cpak=7702733614498733
Dogs which survived the devastating earthquake in the Zun Dao township of Sichuan, China have a new lease on life after the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and local officials announced an agreement to end the cruel killing of dogs and instead address public health concerns through an IFAW sponsored anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary aid programme in the 20,000+ population.“This agreement is a major breakthrough,” said Jackson Zee, IFAW rescue leader. “Chinese media have been filled with reports of people evacuating with their pets, being comforted by their pets, and even saved by their pets after their homes collapsed, so we are delighted to see this next step as local officials are acknowledging that humane care of dogs, cats and livestock can benefit both animals and people.”After the devastating earthquake that claimed around 80,000 human lives, IFAW rushed close to £100,000 in aid and sourced over six tonnes of animal food for some of the hardest-hit areas within Sichuan province.IFAW met with local government officials in Zun Dao and offered humane alternatives to the dog culls presently in effect in much of the devastated areas. Officials agreed to halt any dog culling operations in the area and are welcoming IFAW’s efforts to address the present public health concerns by conducting an anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary care programme in the area.Accompanied by local veterinarians, IFAW began visiting villages immediately and on the first afternoon provided food, collars, leads and appropriate vaccinations for at least 50 family owned dogs. There are an estimated 4,000 owned dogs and 1,000 strays in Zun Dao and surrounding villages and relief efforts are expected to increase in the coming days.In addition to the efforts in Zun Dao, IFAW has been providing humanitarian aid in the region by meeting some of the most basic and urgent needs. From cooking oil to laundry detergent, mosquito repellents and toys for children, these much-needed supplies are helping families get back on their feet and take care of their pets and backyard farm animals. Desperately needed supplies such as 100 water pumps, fencing, generators and other supplies have also been rushed to Mianyang to help rescue animals in advance of anticipated flooding while additional support has been given to the acclaimed Giant Panda Nature Reserve in Gansu province.IFAW is appealing for public support to increase the amount of aid for animals and people in the earthquake region. To donate or view more information on current rescue efforts, visit www.ifaw.org.
The first coxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs, PREVICOX® (Merial), has now been licensed for the relief of post-operative pain and inflammation following soft tissue surgery.
"PREVICOX is the first coxib specifically designed for dogs, and now vets have another reason to use it," said product manager Claire Parry-Baggott. "In addition to the osteoarthritis claim, it is now also proven for use following soft tissue surgery with no adverse effect on bleeding times, haematology or biochemistry.
She added: "With its rapid onset of action and once daily dosing vets can prescribe PREVICOX with confidence at a dose rate of 5mg/kg, two hours pre-surgery and for up to three days including the day of surgery".
To help practice staff explain the importance of the owner's role in after surgery care, and the benefits of using PREVICOX, Merial has produced a practice guide for dog owners following soft tissue surgery. The guide deals with all areas of surgery aftercare including dietary advice, post surgery exercise and wound care. For copies, please contact your local Merial Territory Manager, or call 0870 6000 123.
'Get Well Friends', a new retail opportunity for veterinary practices, has now officially launched with a new website: www.getwellfriends.com
Described by their inventor, childrens' author Kes Gray, as "the ouch factor mixed with the aah factor", Get Well friends are a new and unique range of soft toy poorly animal characters for veterinary surgeries to sell. Each character is as cute as it is accident prone, and comes complete with a prescription from mouse Nurse Nibbles.
"For all kinds af reasons a young child may have to leave their pet with a vet. Under such circumstances, they can now depart from the surgery with a soft toy animal character that they themselves can nurse back to good health."
The Get Well Friends.com website has been set up to try and lower the blood pressure of long suffering veterinary waiting room staff, with online games for children to play and activity sheets for surgeries to print off.
First shown at the London Vet Show, the current gift range comprises 5 soft toy characters and a 'childrens picture book entitled 'Who's Poorly Too?' The recommended retail price for each 8" soft toy characters is £11.99. (Trade price £5.50 per unit not inclusive of Vat.) The 'Who's Poorly Too' paper back picture book has an RRP of £5.99 and a trade price of £3.60 per unit.
Kes Gray's wife and co-founder of Get Well Friends said: "The spinner is our recommended display method. It has a strong and colourful retail presence. It holds fifteen toys and fifteen picture books, and can be bought for a special intoductory offer price of just £157.50. If a surgery waiting room is pushed for space, we can offer our striking 10 unit counter display boxes, or if preferred we can supply any combination of characters loose."
Click here to download the brochure and trade price list.
If you would like to place an order or make an enquiry contact Kes & Claire direct at info@getwellfriends.com.
Following last weekend's Mail on Sunday revelation that a number of well-known organisations have been routinely serving meat from animals which have not been humanely slaughtered, the BVA has written to the companies involved, both to express concerns about animal welfare and to renew calls for clearer labelling.
The Mail on Sunday found that meat slaughtered under certain religious rules without pre-stunning (including kosher and some halal meat), is entering the mainstream food chain without being labelled as such. The investigation found that the meat is being used in schools, hospitals, pub chains and sporting venues.
The investigation follows news reports that GateGourmet, one of the largest airline caterers, is considering making the majority of its meals halal.
The BVA is concerned that consumers are confused by existing food labels and supports moves by the European Parliament to introduce mandatory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals, including use of the meat in other products. The BVA also supports the concept of one clear EU-wide label that would indicate higher welfare throughout the food chain.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Whilst we understand the need to respect religious freedoms the BVA believes that all animals should be stunned before slaughter to ensure the highest possible welfare for the animals.
"The exemption for religious slaughter should therefore be kept to a minimum. Meat from animals slaughtered according to these religious rules should not used in the mainstream market, particularly if it is not labelled as such.
"Earlier this year the European Parliament voted in favour of the compulsory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals and the British Veterinary Association strongly welcomed this move.
"We believe that consumers do want to make choices based on higher animal welfare and not cause unnecessary suffering. They should have the right information to make those pro-welfare choices."